Page:The Sikhs (Gordon).djvu/179

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THE FIRST SIKH WAR.
145

from the brunt of the fighting falling on them.

After Ferozeshah the British force took up positions near the Sutlej, and there awaited the reinforcements of all arms which were now moving up from India, preparatory to advancing on Lahore. The Sikhs rallied on the right bank of the river and commenced energetically to prepare to renew the contest. Though twice sorely defeated they were not subdued; they were yet destined to suffer on other "stricken fields" before they were left without excuse for defeat—without hope of recovery. With large bodies of well-trained old soldiers who joined them, and a fresh supply of guns from their arsenals, they became almost as strong as before. Under the direction of a Spanish officer they threw up batteries and extensive earthworks on both banks in a skilfully chosen position at a loop of the river, connected by a bridge of boats and a ford. Having lost all their great store of food-supplies their army delegates

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