THE SECOND SIKH WAR. 89 



five minutes, however, the insurgents "moved off 

 sulkily like a herd of frightened deer, half alarmed, 

 half in doubt. I saw at once that there was but 

 one chance left, and determined to go at them as 

 I was, though 15 to 150 is an imprudent attempt." 

 Crossing the nullah-bed at a trot, Hodson's horse- 

 men fired one volley. Then throwing their match- 

 locks aside, they dashed at the retiring enemy. 

 " The greater part instantly fled precipitately, but 

 a number of Ahalies [or fanatics], seeing that they 

 had no chance of escape on foot, turned and fought 

 with desperation. One man in particular succeeded 

 in keeping four sowars at bay for some minutes, and 

 was only mastered after a severe struggle." ^ 



Such is the story told by Hodson in his official 

 letter to his political chief, Sir F. Currie. " The 

 affair at Baddi-Pind," wrote Sir F. Currie to the 

 Governor - General, " w^as a most gallant one, far 

 more so than Lieutenant Hodson's modest state- 

 ment in his letter would lead one to suppose. I 

 have had accounts of it from parties who were 

 eyewitnesses to the personal gallantry and energy 

 of Lieutenant Hodson, by whose hand, in single 

 conflict, the Ahali fell, after he had beaten off four 

 of the sowars of the 15th Irregulars ; and to whose 

 bold activity, indefatigable exertions, and the admir- 

 able arrangements made by him, with the small 

 means at his disposal, the successful issue of this 

 excursion is to be attributed." ^ 



' Punjab Blue-Book. 



- Ibid. With regard to this aflfair Sir H. Lawrence had written 

 to Sir F. Currie : " Mr Hodson's affair seems to be a most gallant 

 one, very modestly told. Pray make an official I'eport of it, that 

 he may get the kudos which is due to him ; his name has been often 

 before me, and always honourably." 



