The Life and Opinions of General Sir Charles James Napier G.C.B; In Four Volumes Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1857 edition. Excerpt: ... thirteenth epoch. sixth period. If the greatness of mind shewn in resolving on battle, the disproportion of force and the terrible fighting be considered, the victory of Meeanee was an exploit scarcely to be matched in history. With young soldiers of different races, some of whom had been before beaten by the same enemy, Charles Napier, at the age of sixty, and for the first time commanding in chief, attacked in open day and defeated twenty times his own numbers strongly entrenched Not men unused to action and seeking an excuse to fly, but stern robust warriors, religious fanatics, fixed to conquer or perish--yet confident to win, being of great aptitude for war. A general historical description of the contest and of the previous combinations have been recorded in the "History of the Conquest of Scinde;" but the victor shall now speak himself: and be it remembered, that while thus speaking of the terrible fighting he did not forget what he owed to the fighters: --for the first time in modern English military history, his dispatch recognized the valour of non-commissioned officers and private soldiers by name. This innovation on aristocratic habits has since been partially adopted, and claimed by a minister in the House of Lords as a merit of government. A merit it is, but with Charles Napier it originated, and he thereby gave offence which was never pardoned. Sequel to the private letter interrupted at Nowshara.--" I know not what has been already said in tbis letter, and have not time to look, but we have closed affairs with a most bloody battle Riding over the plain of Meeanee afterwards, I said to myself, am I guilty of these horrid scenes . My conscience reproached me not I am weary. expected another day of blood, but Hydrabad has...