1849.]

CONCLUSION

413

charges of the Seikh cavalry bravely repulsed. Among their horse was a body of Afghan auxiliaries, under Ahram Khan, the son of Dost Mohammed, but they were soon routed, and their flight proved a prelude to that of the whole Seikh army. They rushed from the field on all sides, leaving guns, ammunition, and tents, to the victors, whose stern dragoons followed up the fugitives, and inflicted a fearful slaughter among them.

The Seikh chieftains, finding their cause desperate, surrendered themselves to the British commander. The Afghans effected their retreat to Afghanistan, and the fortress of Attock, which had been taken by the Seikhs, now fell once more into the hands of the English. The independence of the Khâlsa has been completely destroyed by the annexation of the Punjaub, but the hopes of its votaries are said to have survived the sanguinary defeats they have sustained in its behalf. They compare their system to an infant, feeble and weak at present, but destined hereafter to reach maturity, and exercise a powerful influence over the destinies of Hindoostan.

In concluding this brief sketch of the history of a country, so deservedly interesting to every English reader, I cannot refrain from commenting upon the singular rise and wonderful development of the British power in the east. The humble and feeble exotic, transplanted from the cold regions of the north, seemed likely to wither at first beneath the scorching rays of an Oriental sun; but it has since become a mighty tree, sheltering beneath its ample branches and protecting shade, those who despised its lowliness and prophesied its destruction. A new kingdom, owing its origin to a company of English merchants, has outlasted the ancient dynasties of Ghengis and Timour; while the influence of English literature and science is modifying, if not gradually changing, the habits and customs that have hitherto seemed almost immutable. Events yet

concealed in the womb of time may, perhaps, one day erect the spiritual temple of Christianity, upon the ruined shrines of Hindoo idolatry and Mohammedan scepticism. One thing, however, seems clear, that God has not made over to our keeping this fine country to gratify the avarice, the luxury, or the ambition, of its governors. It is strictly a trust for which we are responsible, and which will be taken from us when we cease to administer it aright. What the future of India may be, none can tell; whether it is destined to remain ours, only One doth know; but we shall certainly be performing our duty both to Him and to our fellow-men, if we labour assiduously for the moral and spiritual welfare of those committed to our charge; and leave for the admiration of posterity a nobler and more lasting memorial, than the Grecian temple or the Roman triumphal arch.

THE END.

R. CLAY, PRINTER, BREAD STREET HILL.