Hodson of Hodson’s Horse

or

Twelve Years of a Soldier’s Life in India

Being extracts from the letters of the late Major W. S. R. Hodson, B.A., Trinity College, Cambridge, First Bengal European Fusiliers, Commandant of Hodson’s Horse

With a vindication from the attack of Mr. Bosworth Smith

Edited by his brother George H. Hodson, M.A., F.S.A., Vicar of Enfield, Prebendary of St. Paul’s, Late Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge

1883

Page iv

If a soldier,

Chase brave employments with a naked sword

Throughout the world.

Fool not; for all may have,

If they dare try, a glorious life or grave.

GEORGE HERBERT.

Page v

Franz Hill, Camberley.

Dear Mr. Hodson,

I am much obliged for the perusal of your Preface to the new Edition of your Memoir of your Brother.

I am now, as I have always been, fully convinced of his honour and integrity.

Believe me,

Dear Mr. Hodson,

Yours very truly,

NAPIER OF MAGDALA.

Nov. 4th, 1883.

Page vi

To the Memory of Sir Henry Lawrence, K.C.B., The true Christian, the brave soldier, the faithful friend, these extracts from the letters of one whom he trained to follow in his footsteps, and who now rests near him at Lucknow, are dedicated by the editor.

They were lovely and pleasant in their lives,

And in their deaths they were not divided.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Preface to the First Edition

Part 1

Chapter 1

Early life – Rugby – Trinity College, Cambridge – Guernsey Militia

Chapter 2

Arrival in India – Campaign on the Sutlej, battles of Moodki, Ferozeshah, Sobraon – Occupation of Lahore – 1845–6

Chapter 3

First Bengal European Fusiliers – Cashmere with Sikh Army – Lawrence Asylum – Appointment to Guide Corps – June 1846–October 1847

Chapter 4

Employment in the Punjab as second in command of the Corps of Guides, and also as Assistant to the Resident at Lahore – Road-making and surveying – Campaign of 1848–9 – Capture of forts – Battle of Gujerat – Annexation of Punjab – October 1847–March 1849

Chapter 5

Annexation of Punjab – Increase of Corps of Guides at Peshawur – Transfer to Civil Department as Assistant Commissioner – April 1849–April 1850

Chapter 6

Tour in Cashmere and Thibet with Sir Henry Lawrence – Transfer to cis-Sutlej Provinces – June 1851–October 1851

Chapter 7

Marriage – Command of the Guides – Peshawur – Euzofzai – Frontier warfare – Murdan – January 1852–November 1854

Chapter 8

Reverses – Unjust treatment – Official enmity – Loss of command – Suppression of report – Return to regimental duties – Better prospects – Major Taylor’s report – Testimony of Sir R. Napier – Mr. Montgomery – November 1854–May 1857

Part 2 – Narrative of the Delhi campaign, 1857, 1858

Chapter 1

Outbreak of rebellion – March down to Delhi from Dugshai with First European Bengal Fusiliers – Appointment to intelligence department – Ride from Kurnal to Meerut to open communication – Order to raise regiment – Death of General Anson – May 10th–June 8th

Chapter 2

Siege of Delhi – June–August

Chapter 3

Siege of Delhi, continued – Rohtuck expedition – Assault – Delhi taken – Capture of King – Capture and execution of Shahzadahs – August 17th–September 25th

Chapter 4

Operations in the neighbourhood of Delhi – Showers’ column – Seaton’s column – Actions at Gungeree, Puttialee, Mynpooree – Ride to commander-in-chief’s camp – Junction of forces – Shumshabad – October–January

Chapter 5

Alumbagh, Lucknow – The Begum’s Palace – Banks’ House – The Soldier’s Death – Notices – Concluding remarks – February 24th–March 12th

This collection transcribed by Chris Gage
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