§ The Earl of Riponsaid: In rising to move the Thanks of the House to Major-general Sir Charles Napier, and the Officers and Men under his command employed in the operations in Scinde, I will take especial care to abstain from saying anything which may lead to any difference of opinion. It is your Lordships' practice on occasions of this kind to pursue that course, and it seems to me to be recommended by prudence and justice. I may, however, be permitted, before I make the motion, to state to 'our Lordships, as briefly as I can, and in a general way, the grounds upon which I think the conduct of that gallant officer, and the army under his command, are most deserving of your Lordships' gratitude; and I would take the liberty very shortly of detailing to your Lordships the course of those operations which have shed so much lustre on the character of that distinguished man. It appears that in the early part of last year, 491 Major-general Sir C. Napier, who was in command of Her Majesty's forces in Scinde, was called upon by the Governor-general to engage in certain negotiations with the Ameers of Scinde, and in the course of those proceedings he received information upon which he thought he was justified in relying (I pass no opinion whatever upon that), but he received information which led him to believe that those princes with whom he was negotiating, were not acting in good faith, but were collecting troops and resorting to means of resistance, from which he inferred that it might become impossible to bring those negotiations to a satisfactory issue without at least having at hand a military force to support his proceedings. Accordingly he felt it to be his duty, under the circumstances I have stated, to move from the immediate position he had taken up on the Indus, at Sukkur, and to march to the town of Khyrpore, in order to cause the dispersion of those forces which the representations on his part to the Ameers had failed in producing. When he arrived there the Ameers and their forces had retired from the town; but he was led to believe, from the information which reached him, that the dispersion of their forces had not taken place, and he therefore felt that a necessity might arise for some further demonstration of force. The Ameers who had retired from Khyrpore appeared to have taken the direction of the Desert, and Sir Charles Napier, feeling the necessity of securing his line of operations, whether he should have to advance towards Hyderabad, or to retire upon Sukkur, if that should be the step to which he should be obliged to have recourse, felt it indispensable to show to the Ameers that in the Desert they were not secure from his operations, and that they could not from thence embarrass his future movements. He accordingly determined to move on to the fort of Emaum Ghur. The probability of a want of supplies in this retreat through the Desert was obvious, and there was great reason to apprehend that there might also be a deficiency of water. Nevertheless, being of a spirit not to be daunted by difficulties, determined to effect that march; but being at the same time a man of great sagacity, prudence, and foresight in his profession, and seeing something mysterious in the proceedings of the Ameers with respect to their forces, and feeling that it was necessary to guard against any consequences that might follow, he placed the main portion of the force under his com- 492 mand in an advanced position on the road towards Hyderabad, the capital of Scinde, from whence he might advance in that direction or retire upon Sukkur, or support his detached operation upon Emaum Ghur. These measures he undertook with all that spirit and energy that seemed characteristic of his family. He succeeded in capturing the fort of Emaum Ghur, and effected every object that he had in view by this decisive movement; thus proving to the Ameers that the Desert might be traversed by our troops; whilst at the same time he secured by his movement his left flank, and gave protection to his front and rear; and I believe I am not saying too much when I state that that operation was one of the most brilliant of the kind ever performed. He felt, however, that the state of things rendered it imperative on him to advance still further towards the capital, Hyderabad, which was a difficult operation, and not easy to be effected by the small force under his command, particularly as he had information which satisfied him that the Ameers had collected in considerable force, which might possibly place his advance in sonic jeopardy. However, he advanced to a place called Sukhurunda, at some distance from Hyderabad, where he halted a few days, and in the meantime learnt at length, after the negotiations had been conducted to a point which gave reason to hope for an amicable termination, that on the 15th of February an attack had been made by a large body of Beloochees upon the residence of Major Outram, which was within a short distance of Hyderabad, between that city and the left bank of the Indus. I cannot proceed to enter upon that without calling your Lordships' attention to the circumstances of that attack—not the circumstances that produced it—that is quite another question—as to the conduct of Major Outram, and those gallant men who were posted within that residence, and had to defend it against a most vigorous well-conducted attack by a large body of troops. The force under Major Outram consisted of a single company. The residence was a building surrounded by a wall, but accessible on all sides. The attack was made by 8,000 Beloochees, who were deficient certainly in discipline and military tactics, but not in spirit or courage, and they made a most vigorous attack, supported by cannon. Major Outram had a very small force with which to resist that attack, and unfortunately it happened that he had not 493 received a supply of ammunition which he expected; nevertheless, he was not a man to yield; he was well known as a bold and resolute soldier, and Sir C. Napier speaks of his conduct in defence of that position in terms of well merited eulogy, which justly applied not only to him, but to all those who served under him in resisting that attack. Notwithstanding the difficulty under which Major Outram and his little garrison laboured from the want of ammunition, nothing could exceed the cool courage with which they managed the little that was at their disposal; the consequence of which was, that their loss was comparatively trifling, although the enemy came close to them under cover of houses, gardens, and plantations, so as to be able to make an attack on three sides of the building; but they defended it successfully till their ammunition was exhausted, and although they were compelled to abandon the building from their incapacity of maintaining it, they succeeded in effecting their retreat to the river, and their loss was not above ten or a dozen men. The defence of that building was a remarkable proof of what skill and resolution can do in defending a post against very superior numbers, and I believe that history nowhere shows a more remarkable instance of how that work may effectually be done. When Sir C. Napier heard what had taken place, and that Major Outram had been compelled to retire from the residency, he felt a necessity imposed upon him of taking further military steps—he felt that it was incumbent upon him to move forward and attack the enemy in the position which they had occupied. He accordingly advanced with his comparatively trifling force of 2,800 men, but whose discipline and courage he well knew and understood, and knew and understood also how much he could rely upon it. He moved forward to attack them. He found them in a position of great strength, evidently showing that they knew very well how to use the means of defence at their disposal, and that they were not ignorant of the first principles of military strategy and skill in the position they took up, for it was defended in front by a deep ditch or water course, and both flanks were protected by jungle, and on their right flank they had the additional protection given by a village. This most formidable position was defended by twenty-two or twenty-three thousand men, and a force of not less than 10,000 men was collecting in his rear. Sir C. 494 Napier had to attack it in front; he could not commence the attack in any other way; the jungle rendered that mode of attack necessary. The moment he saw their position, he also saw, with that acuteness of military eye-sight—if I may use the expression—which was characteristic of him, how the attack was to be conducted. He placed his troops en echellon, and advanced from his right to storm the ditch and breast-works. The enemy received him with stout resistance; they evidently knew how to use the arms they had; but he tells you that their very resistance proved the inferiority of the sword and shield and matchlock to the musket and bayonet; and, after a severe struggle, the enemy was completely routed with considerable loss, and their ammunition, guns, and baggage of every description fell into the conqueror's hands. I will not trouble your Lordships by going any further into the details of this battle, but it was distinguished, on the part of all who were engaged in it, by that coolness, discipline, courage, and energy which have been so frequently displayed, not only by Her Majesty's European troops, but by the native troops of the East India Company, on the well-fought fields of Asia; the success of that glorious action proved what unbounded confidence might be placed in every emergency, on the boldness and devoted valour of those troops. This battle, decisive as it was in its immediate effect, was, however, not so decisive as to cause the dispersion of the whole of the enemy's forces; and that is rather a remarkable circumstance, for it rarely happens in Indian warfare that an army once defeated is able again to bring itself together—a native army I mean, not the native troops in our service; but, generally speaking, a native army, if once defeated, is seldom able to bring itself together to fight a second battle. But in this instance, it happened that one of the Ameers had a body of troops untouched under his command, and he was joined by a number of fugitives who had escaped from the battle of Meeanee; and the Ameer showed by his movements a determination to continue hostilities. Sir Charles Napier, therefore, found it necessary to proceed to the attack of the Ameer of Meerpore; and for that purpose he advanced, two or three weeks after the battle of Meeanee, towards the Ameer's position, near Hyderabad. The Ameer had under his command 20,000 men; the force of Sir C. Napier had been 495 increased to 5,000. Had the Ameer's force joined the army that assembled at Meeanee, Sir C. Napier would have bad a force of between 40,000 and 50,000 men opposed to him; but this junction he prevented by the promptitude and decision of his movements. The Ameer's troops were admirably placed. In front there were two nullahs, or wide ditches; of which the rear was defended by ramparts or breastworks. Sir C. Napier, in his despatches, stated that he found it difficult to arrange his plan of attack on this position, because the left flank was not accurately defined. He therefore determined to make his attack on their right, and to make it in the first instance by a portion of his cavalry and artillery, supported by Her Majesty's 22nd Infantry, and coming up in the face of their position, the left of his line appears to have outflanked the right of the Ameer's army; finding which, they proceeded to draw troops from their left, in order to meet the attack which had turned their right. Sir Charles therefore concluded, with his usual acuteness, that their right flank was their weakest point, and that they were defended more thoroughly by artificial means on their left than on their right; and, consequently, he determined to make his great attack on their right flank. He advanced with most perfect order, the troops behaving with the greatest steadiness, not returning the fire till they came within a distance when it was likely to tell most effectually on the enemy. He ordered his cavalry to get round the right flank, which they did by a brilliant and successful manœuvre; and then the enemy being thrown into confusion, he pushed his right flank forward and forced the nullah, and the consequence was the defeat of the enemy with great loss. That is a summary, I fear very imperfectly given—and as I cannot pretend to any knowledge on such subjects, I hope I shall be excused if it is so—of the two actions in which Sir Charles Napier gave such decisive proofs of his bravery and skill. It cannot be said, however, that they were not attended with considerable loss; for although there were but 2,800 of our troops engaged in one, and about 5,000 in another, our total loss was not less than 500 killed and wounded, which shows the desperate resistance of the enemy; and many of those who fell were officers of the greatest distinction, whose loss every one must lament, though they would be ready, if living, to render to them 496 the meed of approbation which we shall, I trust, readily give to those who survive them. It is not necessary for me to trouble your Lordships with details of the individual gallantry of the officers. Their services are inscribed by Sir C. Napier in his despatches, and his notice of their services is worth all the eloquence, if I had any, that it would be possible for me to bestow upon them. They require not the fugitive words of praise that could fall from me, for their merits are best set forth in the despatches of Major-general Sir C. Napier, which will form part of the military history of this country. I may, however, say a word or two with respect to the other portions of the army, which will be last mentioned in the vote I am about to propose, and that is the non-commissioned officers and privates. It is needless for me indeed to say anything with reference to that portion of the army which is composed of Her Majesty's European troops. There are some of your Lordships, perhaps, present, who know what they are as soldiers, and can readily believe and understand the spirit with which they fight, and the discipline which they maintain in action. But other portions, namely the native troops belonging to the East India Company, must, I think, upon occasions of this kind, be looked upon in a peculiar light. They are not mercenaries, but voluntary soldiers; they are not Englishmen, though they are British subjects, but they have, in many respects, the hearts of Englishmen. They are as brave as any troops in the world, and are capable of admirable discipline; they are patient of fatigue, they are willing to sacrifice, and do sacrifice, over and over again, their natural habits and their prejudices, to move from their own country to places of which they know nothing, beyond the seas; and show as much courage and spirit, and discipline, when fighting in another climate, as if they were fighting in their own homes, on the continent of India. I say, they have the same qualities that constitute a great army in any part of the world; and they have manifested upon occasions without number, that which is one of the finest qualifications which can distinguish a soldier—namely, unvaried fidelity. But for the fidelity of that noble army we might not unfrequently have been placed in difficulties from which the exertions of our own troops would hardly have relieved us; and your Lordships, if you agree with me, as I am sure you will, in tendering the Thanks of this House to that body of 497 men, will be doing but justice to those who have a claim on your gratitude. These men may not know accurately what passes in Europe—they may not accurately know what position your Lordships occupy in the eyes of Europe and the world, or what your functions are in the Government of England; still they will respect and appreciate your thanks; and you may depend upon it when they look at their standards, on which may be inscribed the names of the victories they have achieved, and when they feel on their breasts the medals which Her Majesty and the East India Company have bestowed, they will appreciate with equal gratitude and thanks the honour which your Lordships will confer on them by agreeing to the motion which I am about to propose to your Lordships—
That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-general Sir Charles Napier, G.C.B., for the remarkable skill, energy, and gallantry displayed by him in the recent military operations in Scinde, particularly in the two decisive battles of Meanee and Hyderabad.My next Resolution is—That the Thanks of this House be given to the several Officers of the Army, both European and Native, serving under Major-general Sir Charles Napier, for their unwearied zeal and conspicuous gallantry.The next Resolution is—That this House doth highly approve and acknowledge the brave and meritorious conduct displayed by the Non-commissioned Officers and Private soldiers, both European and Native, engaged in the operations in Scinde; and that this Resolution be signified to them by the commanders of the several corps.And lastly—That the said Resolutions be transmitted by the Lord Chancellor to the Governor-general of India; and that his Lordship be requested to communicate the same to the several Officers referred to therein.
Lord Aucklandsaid: He trusted he should stand excused before their Lordships if he rose for the purpose of seconding the Resolutions of his noble Friend. He could add but little to what had fallen from him, but it would be a gratification to him to be allowed to say that he cordially, and without qualification, concurred in the Vote of Thanks which he had proposed. No man could be more alive than he was to the excellence of which our Indian army under the direction of its British officers had attained. Thus organised, there was no army that possessed more of the 498 best qualities of soldiers than that army. He would not dilate upon the encomiums which his noble Friend had passed on the British soldiers and the native troops. He should but idly detain their Lordships if he were to follow his noble Friend in the details which he had given. He would but say, that manifold as had been the instances in the history of India, in which by discipline, and under good direction, a small British force had vanquished numbers infinitely greater than itself, he firmly believed that, not even excepting the battles of Plassy or Assaye, or any of the great contests of India, had the difficulties been greater, nor had they been met, in any one instance, by more conspicuous decision and judgment and energy than by Sir Charles Napier and the troops under his command. [Cheers.] He felt that the gratitude of his country was due to that distinguished officer. He felt that England might well be proud of possessing such an officer. [The Duke of Wellington: "Hear, hear!"] He thought India might well be proud of having brought forward in the service of the country (in succession to many others first distinguished in Indian warfare) such a general. He would not further detain their Lordships. He could only say he entirely concurred with his noble Friend in the view he had taken of this question, and he was glad he had confined his motion entirely to the military part of these operations, and that in a vote which it was most desirable should be unanimous in grace and gratitude, nothing should arise to give cause to any difference of opinion.
§ The Duke of WellingtonI can assure your Lordships, that it is not my intention, in addressing your Lordships for a few moments, to say anything which may occasion any difference of opinion. And I hope I may congratulate my noble Friend upon having proposed a motion to your Lordships which will be unanimously agreed to. But, my Lords, I cannot listen to such a motion as this, impressed as I am with a strong sense of the importance and the merits of the services which have been brought under your Lordships' attention, without expressing my cordial assent in the expressions of approbation stated by my noble Friends, and in the motion submitted by the noble Earl to your Lordships. My Lords, I must say, that after giving the fullest consideration to these operations, I have never known any instance of an officer who has shown in a higher degree, that he 499 possessess all the qualities and qualifications to enable him to conduct great operations. He has maintained the utmost discretion and prudence in the formation of his plans, the utmost activity in all the preparations to ensure his success, and finally the utmost zeal and gallantry and science in carrying them into execution. My Lords, my noble Friend has alluded to Emaun Ghur, which was one of the most glorious feats of which I have ever perused the despatches, and it was completely successful. The march was commenced at the very beginning of the hot season, through the desert, with heavy guns—with heavy artillery, which were transported in a most extraordinary manner, and which enabled him to take possession of the place, and deprive his enemy of that retreat, in case they should ever again attempt to get possession of it. After his return from the operations which he had effected, he collected all the troops which he had immediately at his command, and made all the preparations which he could make for the future events which might occur which might render it necessary for him to engage his enemy. My Lords, it proved that he had collected but few troops; but, however, he had confidence in them and in himself, and they felt confidence in him, and he made a most extraordinary attack, which completely succeeded, and gained a complete victory, having obtained possession of all the enemy's guns, their ammunition, and their baggage. Having gained one victory, he again found himself in a position likely to be attacked by a greatly superior force. He secured for himself not only the fortress of Hyderabad, but also a fortress on the Indus behind him. He then brought up the reinforcements from Sukkur, and he had a stronger army than that with which he fought and won the battle of Meeanee. My Lords, I must do him the justice to say, that the movements to effect a junction with his reinforcements manifested all the discretion and all the abilities of an officer to be entrusted with the highest description of operations. When he was joined by his reinforcements, he immediately advanced on the enemy, and, as had been stated by his noble Friend, he attacked them, and the result was another most brilliant victory. After an action in which he displayed all the qualities of an excellent general officer, and 500 showed to the troops under his command all the qualities of the bravest soldier—my Lords, after this victory, he pursued the enemy to his capital of Meerpoore, on the borders of the desert, of which he took possession; and he afterwards entered the desert, with the view of taking possession of another post there, which might have been likely to have afforded an asylum to some enemy thereafter—a post called Omercote. I mention the fact, because in the course of these operations, a circumstance occurred which manifested the confidence which the officers and men hail in their commander, and which showed the reason of his successes. Having determined to make an attack upon Omercote, he found that the river Indus was rising in his rear, and that he might experience a difficulty to keep up a communication with Hyderabad; yet he determined, and actually sent an order, that the operations should be stopped; he countermanded the operations, and directed the troops to fall back upon Meerpoor. At this juncture it was thought necessary to apply to him for further orders; and an officer there, one of his aides-de-camp, rode through the desert, in that hot season of the year, a distance of not less than forty miles, to let him know in what state the operations of the siege were, and to take his fresh orders upon the subject. Having received those orders, which enabled the operations of the siege to be continued, this officer rode back the forty miles, making eighty miles in one day in that climate. The operations of the siege were renewed, and the place was taken. I mention this circumstance, because it shows the remarkable fact of the confidence reposed in Sir C. Napier by those who served under his command, and the zealous desire of those with whom he was connected to carry out his views. My Lords, I cannot state a more simple fact to show the spirit which animated all under his command. I hope that I have said nothing to interrupt the unanimity of your Lordships. [Cheers.] There is only one other fact I will mention, to induce your Lordships to pronounce your approbation of this service. It happens to me to know that Sir Chas. Napier, on the morning of the second battle, received from the Governor-general his approbation of the conduct of the troops at the battle of Meeanee, and the announcement that the rewards for their 501 services would follow; and this was, I believe, a great inducement to the exertions of the troops, which were afterwards crowned with such success. With these few remarks, my Lords, I cordially support the resolutions of my noble Friend.
§ Resolutions agreed to nem con.