During the first week in January, the reserve force, under Sir John Grey, joined the main column of the army, and took post near the river, along which pickets2 were thrown out by the divisions nearest the enemy's position, to watch their proceedings5 on the opposite bank.
Nearly every soldier in the north-western provinces was at, or approaching, the head-quarter camp, which extended over no incon[Pg 134]siderable portion of ground. Large supplies had been laid in for the army at Ferozepore and from the country bordering on Bussean. The British generals now became masters of their own time for the planning and prosecution6 of further operations.
On the opposite bank of the Sutlej, the Sikh camp, with its hives of parti-coloured canvas, speckled the country as far as the eye could reach, and appeared to shelter a mighty7 host, notwithstanding their recent losses. Nearly opposite the village of Sobraon the tents appeared more closely packed together, about a mile distant from the river, and thence the banks sloped gradually towards the water; but, about three miles higher up, and immediately above the fords of Hureeka, the banks rise precipitously, on the right shore, to a height of about forty or fifty feet, and overlook the British side of the river where the slope is very gradual and nearly uniform.
The country on the left bank is mostly bare, except near the river and close above Hureeka, where some thick reeds and underwood served[Pg 135] as a cover for the enemy's spies and stragglers to watch or fire upon our videttes, but this jungle was shortly afterwards burnt.
Opposite Sobraon the Sikhs appeared to be remarkably10 busy, and it was shortly discovered that they were employed in constructing a bridge of boats across the Sutlej. This, at the time, was considered a mere12 piece of bravado13. Few conjectured15 that the enemy would have the hardihood to attempt a passage in the face of the British army, and they were left, unmolested, to complete their purpose. In a few days the bridge was complete save four boats, and we began to suspect that the deficiency, which was of some days' continuance, was intentional16, when one morning the gap was filled up, and their workmen were seen busily constructing a tête-de-pont on the British shore.
A battery of Sikh guns was posted on the right bank which would sweep the bridge, and it was conjectured that the enemy had mined some of the boats, so that in case of the British attempting to use them they might[Pg 136] at any time be blown up; but no inclination17 was manifested on our part to accept this invitation.
The hum in the enemy's camp towards nightfall, and the glare of their camp fires, caused the scene to resemble the vicinity of a large city, whilst the occasional arrival of a chief from Lahore was greeted with acclamations and the roar of cannon18. From the ramparts of a small fortified19 village on the right flank of our position, we could observe the Sikh battalions20 turning out every evening for parade and exercise, and their artillery22 practice was almost unremitting. The fire of cannon and musketry, which was constantly heard even after nightfall, made us frequently conjecture14 that some point of our position had been attacked, but it proved that the enemy were only amusing themselves.
Our spies brought word that an attack on the British army was meditated24 on the part of the enemy, who only awaited a report, from their astrologers, of the stars being favourable25 to the success of the undertaking26.
[Pg 137]
On the 13th of January, a battery of guns was brought up by Sir Hugh Gough's orders, and placed in position; and, as soon as the daylight enabled him to ascertain27 the distance, a cannonade was opened on their advanced lines, which was promptly28 replied to by the enemy. Little or no damage ensued except the bursting of our largest gun (an iron eighteen pounder), which wounded an artilleryman severely29, and put an end to the game. That evening the Sikhs struck their tents, which had been impudently30 pitched so near our position, not wishing to risk the effects of a chance shot on a repetition of that day's proceeding4; but they might have spared themselves the trouble, for the first experiment was sufficient.
Occasional skirmishes took place at the outposts along the river, which served to interrupt in a measure the tedium31 of camp routine. The Sikhs, who now crossed in great numbers during the day to work at their entrenchments, and usually retired32 towards nightfall, amused themselves with ball practice at any moving object they could discern within musket23 range.
[Pg 138]
A small look-out tower, which we had thrown up to watch their proceedings, served the Sikhs for constant practice, and the compliment was returned upon such of their marksmen as ventured to offer themselves for targets.
As our officers were strictly33 interdicted34 from the pursuit of small game in the jungles which bordered on the river, some were obliged to content themselves with this inferior sport, but the practice, being at a long range, was nearly innocent.
One night a party of Sikhs made a successful foray upon a picket3 of irregular cavalry35, and killed three or four of them. As the enemy occupied the high ridge11 above Hureeka ford9, which precluded36 any view into the interior, it was impossible to ascertain the post or strength of their pickets, although the videttes on the bank were always visible. The Sikhs had therefore the advantage of commanding the fords whenever they pleased to make use of them for predatory excursions.
Our inaction at this time, when in face of[Pg 139] the whole Sikh army, may appear strange to many, but the British generals had wisely resolved that offensive operations should not be resumed, if avoidable, until the means were at hand for striking an effective blow and pursuing the advantage when gained. The siege train had only quitted Delhi early in January, and the pontoon train at Ferozepore was, in the meantime, being secretly but effectively prepared for service. Any operations which might be undertaken before the whole machinery37 could be brought into action would therefore have been of little avail.
The time dragged slowly and monotonously38 on with us. The outpost duties of outlying and inlying pickets and camp guards were severe and tiresome39; but even when free from such restraints, few quitted the lines of their regiments41, as we knew not the hour we might be called on for action.
This state was not destined42 to be of long duration. Reports had already been forwarded to head-quarters that Loodiana was threatened[Pg 140] by the enemy, and about the middle of January the communication with that place was interrupted.
The Sikh army, swollen43 daily by the influx44 from Lahore, began to experience a scarcity45 of provisions, which induced them to send foraging46 parties across, on the line of the upper Sutlej, to procure47 supplies. As our line of frontier was too considerable to be properly watched without an extension of front, which was deemed imprudent, the fords of the Sutlej being very numerous, the enemy were enabled hitherto to communicate freely with the opposite shore.
It now became necessary, however, to sweep the country of the obstacles to a free communication with Loodiana. To effect this object, Sir Harry Smith was detached, on the 17th of January, with the first brigade[34] of his division, two corps48 of Native cavalry, and a light field battery, to clear the country of the enemy.
[Pg 141]
The day after the major-general had quitted camp, intelligence arrived which proved that the enemy were in much greater force than had been at first supposed, and had committed some ravages49 at Loodiana, which place was now threatened by a considerable body from the right bank.
On the 19th, Brigadier Cureton was despatched, with the 16th Lancers and two troops of Horse Artillery, to reinforce Sir Harry Smith.
Brigadier Cureton, after two forced marches, overtook the major-general at the town and fort of Jugraon, where H.M.'s 53rd Regiment40, on its route from the lower provinces, also joined Sir Harry's column.
Accounts were received at Jugraon, of the enemy being in great force on the British side of the river; and it was stated that a portion of the cantonments of Loodiana had been destroyed by the Sikhs, who had afterwards encamped on the plain below the town, and between it and the river.
Brigadier Godby now held the cantonments with one corps of native cavalry and[Pg 142] three of native infantry50, (including a Goorkha[35] battalion21, recently arrived from their mountain quarters,) and a light field battery. The fort, which stands in the town of Loodiana, on the side looking towards the river, but beyond cannon-range from the Sutlej, was garrisoned52 by a few convalescents, and the dep?t of the 50th.
The enemy were reported to have thrown an advanced party into the fort of Buddewal, which lay on the road between Jugraon and Loodiana, and belonged to the Ladwa Rajah, a Sikh chief, who had instigated53 this expedition, and had conveyed his family and valuables from the protected Sikh states into the Punjaub.
A small party belonging to the Puttealah Rajah had for some time before the arrival of Colonel Godby's force occupied the town of Loodiana, but had not stirred a hand in defence of the cantonment.
[Pg 143]
Sir Harry Smith had met with none of the enemies' parties on his march to Jugraon, except in the fort of Durrumkhote, where a few shrapnel induced the garrison51 to abandon the place, and a small party of sepoys were placed to occupy it.
At two o'clock on the morning of the 21st of January, the British forces moved from Jugraon towards Loodiana, instructions having been forwarded to Brigadier Godby to march out of cantonment, and effect a junction54 with the advancing column, on its line of march, about daybreak. The heavy baggage and wheel-carriages were ordered to be left in the citadel55 of Jugraon, which was occupied by two companies of sepoys. The cavalry and horse artillery took the head of the column; and after a slow and weary march in the dark,[36] Sir Harry's forces arrived about sunrise within[Pg 144] two miles of Buddewal, all baggage being kept in rear of the column, to prevent any obstruction56 in the operations which might be requisite57.
During the halt, a native spy arrived with information of the enemy having advanced, and occupied the fort of Buddewal in strength; but the general discredited58 the report, and the advance was sounded without any alteration59 of route being determined60 on. Brigadier Godby's forces did not make their appearance, although the time for meeting as appointed had passed; it was therefore evident that they must have taken another route, and have probably missed us in the dark.
On issuing from the close country upon the plain, a cloud of dust was discerned rising over some trees on our left flank, and soon afterwards, some Goorchera horsemen, galloping61 through the grove62, announced the enemy to be on the alert. In a few minutes, the grove was swarming63 with the Sikh irregular cavalry, who continued to move parallel with our brigade, which advanced steadily64 into the[Pg 145] plain, having wheeled into open column of troops. Several of the Sikh chiefs rode boldly up within a hundred yards of us, and watched the cavalry brigade passing in review, and approaching the fort of Buddewal. On our front, and to the right, nearly as far as the eye could reach, stretched a sandy plain, with scarcely a bush on its surface, beyond which lay Loodiana, about six miles distant. Our left was flanked by groves65 of trees, and on the left front was the town and fort of Buddewal, frowning over the low range of mud houses in its neighbourhood, the whole of which swarmed66 with the enemy's infantry.
The fort was a brick building of some solidity, in which were placed the heaviest guns; but entrenchments and abattis were thrown up round the town, which were defended by lighter67 guns and musketeers.
The cavalry and horse artillery continued to advance into the plain, and deployed68 under cover of some sand hills, whilst Sir Harry Smith rode along the position, to reconnoitre the enemy. Several Sikh chiefs continued[Pg 146] busily employed in the same manner; but as yet, no hostilities69 had taken place, though each sought eagerly an opening to give the first advantageous70 blow. At length, the head of our infantry column came in sight, and the Sikhs, who had been intently watching their movements, now ranged themselves in continuous line amongst the trees up to the walls of the town. A quick flash from the Sikh position, succeeded by a cannon-ball, which plunged71 heavily into the sand, announced the enemy's hostile intentions; but the cavalry brigade were cleverly posted among the sand hills, which defiladed them from fire in a great measure, although they were too low to be quite effectual for that useful purpose.
The infantry, as they advanced into the plain, toiling73 through the deep sand, fared much worse; for the Sikh light guns, being pushed forward, soon got the range, and the shot tore through the ranks with deadly precision.
The enemy's shells were comparatively harmless, being made of pewter or lead, and simply loaded with powder; but the round[Pg 147] and chain-shot came hurtling through the air, or playfully ricochetting from the sand ere they plunged through or over our line, seldom missing their object by an interval74 which the next discharge was not likely to correct.
One direct shot from a battery, which must, I think, have been a chain-shot, I saw strike a subdivision of infantry on the flank, and turn over every man. At length, the toilsome and blood-stained advance was accomplished75, and the infantry, nearly exhausted76, formed a second line to the cavalry, and halted to recover breath.
The Sikhs, emboldened77 at the paucity78 of our numbers, advanced from under cover into the open plain, whilst a body of cavalry, issuing from the grove of trees before-mentioned, pounced79 upon our baggage, which had not yet reached the open ground. Two Ressalahs of irregular horse, and details of a few men from each regiment, were marching with the baggage. The enemy, taking two light field-pieces with them, fired upon the confused heap of cattle, and soon caused such a scene of[Pg 148] commotion80, that they were enabled to plunder81 as much as they could carry away; and a great portion of the sick men, carried in doolies,[37] fell into the enemy's hands. Some were taken prisoners, but the greater part were massacred.
The rear portion of the baggage, by taking to flight, escaped to Jugraon; and a few stray camels, with drivers possessed83 of some presence of mind, by making a circuit, arrived safely at Loodiana. A small guard of H.M.'s 53rd Regiment, under the command of the quarter-master, kept together, and saved a portion of the regimental stores of that corps, with which they retired on Jugraon.
In the meantime, the enemy, having drawn84 up his forces on the open plain, seemed disposed to follow up his advantage, and the Sikh chiefs, galloping along the front of their line, were seen directing the advance, and animating85 the soldiers. Our artillery being advantageously posted behind some low sand-hills, now opened a well-directed fire of shrapnel[Pg 149] upon the enemy's left, which soon appeared to check their ardour, and seriously disturb the meditated operations.
Brigadier Cureton pushed forward with the 16th Lancers, in echelon87 of squadrons, to follow up the confusion which had ensued from the fire of our artillery, and threatened a charge on the left flank of the Sikhs, when the movement was countermanded88 by Sir Harry Smith's orders.
The British General having found himself much outflanked by the enemy's line, (and the infantry being greatly exhausted by the toil72 they had undergone,) resolved not to hazard an action under such disadvantages, and before a junction with Brigadier Godby, who had not yet been discovered. Orders were therefore sent to the cavalry to retire, but to keep the enemy in check.
The cavalry-brigade having deployed, retired by alternate squadrons, covering the line of infantry, which had, in the meantime, made a partial change of front, to repel89 a demonstration90 which the Sikhs had made against the[Pg 150] British left. The enemy, advancing boldly, when he discovered that Sir Harry was unwilling91 to come to close quarters, opened a galling92 fire of artillery along his whole line; but the front shown by the British cavalry-brigade deterred93 him from coming up to attack.
Under the able direction of the gallant94 Cureton, the cavalry were man?uvred as steadily as at an ordinary field-day. Presenting a moveable target, which called forth95 all the skill of the Sikh artillerymen, the 16th Lancers, 3rd Cavalry, and Captain Hill's Irregulars, continued to menace the enemy, and to despise the deadly missiles which showered around them; whilst, among that overwhelming host of Sikh Goorcheras, not one effort was made to measure lance or sabre with their opponents. They were content to leave us to be dealt with by the artillery.
The prudence96 of such a measure on the enemy's part was perhaps unquestionable.
Thus, gradually retiring across the plain, and placing on the ammunition97 carts, or on horseback, the unfortunate men who were[Pg 151] wounded by the incessant98 cannonade to which the Sikhs subjected the force, we reached a distance of about two miles from Buddewal, when the enemy ceased to advance.
When our retreat was first commenced, nearly all the officers conjectured it was Sir Harry's object to draw the Sikh forces well out of their position, and attack them in the open plain; but as we continued to retire, it soon became evident that no action was to take place, and we were compelled to receive the numerous kicks which were bestowed99 upon us with all the philosophy that could be mustered100. "Now we are going at 'em—now for it, lads!" burst from the ranks on many occasions, when the squadrons faced about and confronted the foe101; but the fatal "threes about," gradually diminished these hopes, and at last the homely102 observation of "By G—, if we are not bolting from a parcel of niggers!" called something between a blush and a smile to many a cheek.
About sunset, the troops arrived before the half-burned cantonments of Loodiana, and[Pg 152] bivouacked on the plain. Hardly a tent or a native follower103 made their appearance in our gloomy lines, and many a bitter lamentation104 was vented105 over departed comforts and luxuries seized by the ruthless Sikhs. Nearly all the hospital stores had fallen into the hands of the Philistines106, which was a heavy misfortune; but we dwelt with some satisfaction on the probability of their being mistaken for wines and liqueurs, in which event we anticipated, with much glee, the effects likely to ensue, and only regretted we had no chance of witnessing the commotions107 which would prevail in the Sikh camp on the auspicious108 occasion.
Late in the evening, a few camp-followers109, and a very few baggage-animals, came straggling into the lines, having made a detour110, and avoided the plunderers. With the usual native propensity111 for exaggeration, they expatiated112 on their own hairbreadth escapes, and gave mournful details of the tragic113 sufferings and deaths of most of those who were missing. One man was describing in glowing terms the[Pg 153] resolute114 defence of a fellow-servant, who fell, covered with innumerable wounds, when the innocent hero of the tale actually walked up, and had the honesty to confess that he owed his safety to his fleetness of foot.
Very few of our camp-followers were maltreated by the enemy, beyond taking away any property found on their persons, and keeping some of them prisoners a few days, whilst they extracted any intelligence they were able to afford. Most of the prisoners were then turned loose, and furnished with the information that the Sikhs entertained no animosity towards the natives of Hindostan, but had resolved to conquer and rule the country, and would not fail to massacre82 every Feringhee who was foolhardy enough to give them an opportunity. At the same time, with the candour becoming true chivalry115, they strongly recommended the British to abandon all useless resistance, to submit to the modest Khalsas, or take to flight—in fact, to do anything rather than fight, as that might be inconvenient116.
[Pg 154]
The actual loss at Buddewal has never been published, as a great portion of those reported missing had escaped to Jugraon, and six or seven were carried prisoners to Lahore.[38] The total amount of killed, wounded, and missing, were between three and four hundred, but more than half this number subsequently made their appearance. The report which prevailed in India, that the losses were amalgamated117 in one return with those killed at Aliwal, is a stupid fabrication.
Early in the day, Captain A.W. Campbell, of H.M. 14th Regiment, was killed by a cannon-shot, whilst acting118 as aide-de-camp to Sir Harry Smith. He had only succeeded in reaching the army the preceding night, after a hasty journey from Calcutta, and was struck down on his first field of action: but whoever accompanies Sir Harry Smith in battle, must be prepared to encounter the thickest of the fire.
In our destitute119 condition, we were most[Pg 155] hospitably120 treated by Col. Godby's Brigade, who had marched out in the morning to meet us, according to the instructions received, but we had missed each other, owing to the brigadier supposing that we should not march directly under the guns of the enemy's position.
On the day succeeding our arrival, some of the scared merchants of Loodiana disclosed their hidden stores in cellars and outhouses, and we were enabled to replace many deficiencies.
The fort of Loodiana was garrisoned by a few convalescents from the 50th Regiment, and a small detail of native troops; but being on the outskirts121 of the town, the Sikhs had not ventured within sweep of its guns to pillage122, and had satisfied themselves with burning the furthest and most exposed part of the cantonments.
The Puttealah Rajah's troops, who were stationed as a protection for the buildings, viewed the proceedings with indifference123, nor was it to be expected they would be very[Pg 156] energetic in our cause, against their own countrymen. The small party of Sepoys then at Loodiana were quite insufficient124 for hostile measures, but the damages have been much exaggerated. The brunt of the losses fell on the officers and men of H.M. 50th, and if ever a regiment deserved to be indemnified, the gallant half hundred have earned the claim.
Our spies, returning from the enemy's post at Buddewal, reported that the Sikhs had come to the determination of attacking us immediately, most probably that night, as the stars were propitious125. Being now reduced to the lightest possible marching order, it was impossible to find us better prepared for an active campaign; and we looked forward with much satisfaction to the visit, which was promised on the fine open plain on which we were bivouacked. To ascertain the time of arrival, our pickets were posted far in advance, and patrols and reconnoitring parties were constantly on the move.
At sunrise, on the 23rd of January, news arrived of the enemy being in motion, and the[Pg 157] forces immediately turned out with much alacrity126. The cavalry and Horse Artillery moved under a ridge nearly parallel with the Sutlej, and marking the limits of its extreme course, whilst the infantry shortly afterwards took the upper route on the same line. About 9 A.M. we were informed that the whole Sikh forces had quitted Buddewal, and were marching towards the heights of Valore, which flank the direct road between Loodiana and Ferozepore, and extend to the waters of the Sutlej.
Brigadier Cureton, who was in advance with a small party of cavalry, sent an urgent request for the cavalry brigade to push forward, as he had come up with the enemy's rear guard, and could cut them off with a large quantity of baggage and ammunition under their care; but Sir Harry Smith was unwilling to make the experiment. After halting for about two hours, information was sent from the reconnoitring party that the Sikhs had taken up a position near Valore. On receipt of this intelligence Sir Harry Smith ordered his forces to advance and occupy the enemy's vacated position at[Pg 158] Buddewal. On arriving at that place in the afternoon, we found the fort and town completely deserted127, the Sikhs having marched out during the night and left quantities of grain and stores behind them, for which they had no carriage, as we had encumbered128 them with a superfluity of valuables, which were, no doubt, ere then safely lodged129 in the Punjaub.
Buddewal was speedily and thoroughly130 ransacked131, but very little was found worth carrying off. Tents, empty trunks, and crazy furniture abounded132 in and around the palace (as it was called) of our friend the Ladwa Rajah, the author of the Sikh expedition into this neighbourhood, and a quantity of grain and cattle were found in the town.
Our camp followers soon made the place a wreck133; nor did their vengeance134 stay here, but, wandering in parties about the country, they set fire to several villages in the vicinity, and nightfall exhibited a long series of conflagrations135 marking their track. This was condemned136 in the severest terms by Sir Harry Smith, and all officers of the army were called[Pg 159] upon to exert themselves in suppressing a system which tended to engender137 a spirit of animosity towards us among the inhabitants of this country, who were not guilty of the origin of these hostilities.
Our camp followers, in palliation of their conduct, declared that the inhabitants of all these villages had taken an active part in plundering138 them and our camels on the 21st, which was not at all improbable.
The bodies of several soldiers who had fallen in the recent skirmish were found on the plain near Buddewal, and interred139. Amongst the slain140, Captain Campbell's body was found, and buried by two officers, who went for the purpose of discovering the body of their fallen comrade.
Many of our servants, who had escaped to Jugraon with part of the baggage, now rejoined us, and also a great portion of the sick under protection of the Shekawattee brigade, which added one thousand native troops to our force.
Some of our servants, having escaped from the Sikhs, came to the outposts with their mouths full of the extensive armament which[Pg 160] the Sikhs were preparing for our destruction; but all united in asserting that reinforcements were pouring into their camp from the opposite side of the river. Our best spies were furnished by Captain Hill's corps of Irregular Horse, many of whom, disguised as faqueers, entered the Sikh camp and brought accounts of the enemy being about forty thousand strong, with seventy or eighty guns, and of their being employed in throwing up entrenchments similar to those of Ferozeshuhur. This burrowing141 system was universally practised by the enemy, even when they were meditating142 offensive measures, and therefore it formed no clue to their present intentions.
Our cavalry reconnoitring parties were daily in the enemy's vicinity, and officers were employed to form plans of their position; but our adversaries143 had great objections to this inquisitive144 practice, and threw forward their outposts to check the intruders. But, amongst the whole army, for constant activity and careful observation of the enemy's proceedings, none, even in the prime of life, displayed more[Pg 161] alacrity than the two generals, Sir Harry Smith and Brigadier Cureton.
Daily, at the first peep of dawn, our indefatigable145 commanders were hovering146 around the enemy's post, whilst the whole of the troops stood ready accoutred for immediate8 action in case of the enemy being equally vigilant147; but our opponents testified less appetite for the keen morning air.
The Sikhs talked boldly in their own lines of their daily intention of coming out to attack us, and the spies failed not to report the resolution; but as it had now been deferred148 so many days, there appeared some probability of their being anticipated.
The main object of the Sikh's change of position seemed to be to secure a post on the river where they could receive reinforcements which had been sent from their head-quarter camp, and at the same time occupy our direct[39] road of communication with the main column.[Pg 162] The siege train, which was approaching from Delhi with a very small escort of native troops, was also, beyond doubt, the ultimate object of their man?uvres, although it had not yet approached within reach of a safe "dour86."
By advancing from Loodiana to Buddewal, Sir Harry Smith was better enabled to watch the enemy until the time for action; and the post being (as we recently experienced) on the line of communication with our head-quarters, by Jugraon and Dhurrumkote, the main object of the Sikhs was, in a great measure, neutralized149, and we had much reason to be thankful to them for having given us so eligible150 a lodgment without a struggle. In the meantime, reinforcements were in full march, to join Sir Harry Smith, from head-quarters by the Jugraon route; and two eight inch howitzers were being equipped for field service, having been hastily mounted and brought to Buddewal from the fort of Loodiana.
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harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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pickets
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| 罢工纠察员( picket的名词复数 ) | |
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picket
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| n.纠察队；警戒哨；v.设置纠察线；布置警卫 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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prosecution
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| n.起诉，告发，检举，执行，经营 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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Ford
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| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
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remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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ridge
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| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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bravado
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| n.虚张声势，故作勇敢，逞能 | |
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conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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conjectured
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| 推测，猜测，猜想( conjecture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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intentional
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| adj.故意的，有意（识）的 | |
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inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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battalions
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| n.（陆军的）一营（大约有一千兵士）( battalion的名词复数 )；协同作战的部队；军队；（组织在一起工作的）队伍 | |
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battalion
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| n.营；部队；大队(的人) | |
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artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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23
musket
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| n.滑膛枪 | |
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24
meditated
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| 深思，沉思，冥想( meditate的过去式和过去分词 )； 内心策划，考虑 | |
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25
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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27
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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28
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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29
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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30
impudently
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31
tedium
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| n.单调；烦闷 | |
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32
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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33
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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34
interdicted
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| v.禁止（行动）( interdict的过去式和过去分词 )；禁用；限制 | |
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35
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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36
precluded
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| v.阻止( preclude的过去式和过去分词 )；排除；妨碍；使…行不通 | |
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37
machinery
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| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
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38
monotonously
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| adv.单调地，无变化地 | |
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39
tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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40
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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41
regiments
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| （军队的）团( regiment的名词复数 )； 大量的人或物 | |
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42
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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43
swollen
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| adj.肿大的，水涨的；v.使变大，肿胀 | |
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44
influx
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| n.流入，注入 | |
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45
scarcity
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| n.缺乏，不足，萧条 | |
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46
foraging
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| v.搜寻（食物），尤指动物觅（食）( forage的现在分词 )；（尤指用手）搜寻（东西） | |
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47
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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48
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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49
ravages
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| 劫掠后的残迹，破坏的结果，毁坏后的残迹 | |
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50
infantry
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| n.[总称]步兵(部队) | |
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51
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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52
garrisoned
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| 卫戍部队守备( garrison的过去式和过去分词 )； 派部队驻防 | |
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53
instigated
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| v.使（某事物）开始或发生，鼓动( instigate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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54
junction
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| n.连接，接合；交叉点，接合处，枢纽站 | |
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55
citadel
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| n.城堡；堡垒；避难所 | |
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56
obstruction
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| n.阻塞，堵塞；障碍物 | |
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57
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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58
discredited
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| 不足信的，不名誉的 | |
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59
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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60
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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61
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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62
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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63
swarming
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| 密集( swarm的现在分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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64
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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65
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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66
swarmed
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| 密集( swarm的过去式和过去分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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67
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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68
deployed
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| （尤指军事行动）使展开( deploy的过去式和过去分词 )； 施展； 部署； 有效地利用 | |
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69
hostilities
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| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
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70
advantageous
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| adj.有利的；有帮助的 | |
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71
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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72
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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73
toiling
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的现在分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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74
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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75
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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76
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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77
emboldened
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| v.鼓励，使有胆量( embolden的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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78
paucity
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|
| n.小量，缺乏 | |
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79
pounced
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|
| v.突然袭击( pounce的过去式和过去分词 )；猛扑；一眼看出；抓住机会（进行抨击） | |
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80
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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81
plunder
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|
| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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82
massacre
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|
| n.残杀，大屠杀；v.残杀，集体屠杀 | |
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83
possessed
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|
| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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84
drawn
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|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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85
animating
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| v.使有生气( animate的现在分词 )；驱动；使栩栩如生地动作；赋予…以生命 | |
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86
dour
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|
| adj.冷酷的，严厉的；（岩石）嶙峋的；顽强不屈 | |
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87
echelon
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| n.梯队；组织系统中的等级；v.排成梯队 | |
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88
countermanded
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|
| v.取消（命令），撤回( countermand的过去分词 ) | |
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89
repel
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| v.击退，抵制，拒绝，排斥 | |
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90
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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91
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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92
galling
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| adj.难堪的,使烦恼的,使焦躁的 | |
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93
deterred
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| v.阻止，制止( deter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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94
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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95
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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96
prudence
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|
| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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97
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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98
incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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99
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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100
mustered
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|
| v.集合，召集，集结（尤指部队）( muster的过去式和过去分词 )；（自他人处）搜集某事物；聚集；激发 | |
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101
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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102
homely
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|
| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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103
follower
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| n.跟随者；随员；门徒；信徒 | |
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104
lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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105
vented
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| 表达，发泄（感情，尤指愤怒）( vent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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106
philistines
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| n.市侩，庸人( philistine的名词复数 )；庸夫俗子 | |
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107
commotions
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| n.混乱，喧闹，骚动( commotion的名词复数 ) | |
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108
auspicious
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|
| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
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109
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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110
detour
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| n.绕行的路，迂回路；v.迂回，绕道 | |
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111
propensity
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| n.倾向；习性 | |
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112
expatiated
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| v.详述，细说( expatiate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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113
tragic
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| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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114
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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115
chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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116
inconvenient
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| adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的 | |
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117
amalgamated
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| v.（使）（金属）汞齐化( amalgamate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）合并；联合；结合 | |
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118
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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119
destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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120
hospitably
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| 亲切地，招待周到地，善于款待地 | |
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121
outskirts
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| n.郊外，郊区 | |
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122
pillage
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| v.抢劫；掠夺；n.抢劫，掠夺；掠夺物 | |
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123
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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124
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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125
propitious
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| adj.吉利的；顺利的 | |
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126
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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127
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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128
encumbered
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| v.妨碍，阻碍，拖累( encumber的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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129
lodged
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| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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130
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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131
ransacked
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| v.彻底搜查( ransack的过去式和过去分词 )；抢劫，掠夺 | |
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132
abounded
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| v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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133
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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134
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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135
conflagrations
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| n.大火（灾）( conflagration的名词复数 ) | |
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136
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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137
engender
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| v.产生，引起 | |
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138
plundering
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的现在分词 ) | |
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139
interred
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| v.埋，葬( inter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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140
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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141
burrowing
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| v.挖掘（洞穴），挖洞( burrow的现在分词 )；翻寻 | |
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142
meditating
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| a.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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143
adversaries
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| n.对手，敌手( adversary的名词复数 ) | |
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144
inquisitive
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| adj.求知欲强的，好奇的，好寻根究底的 | |
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145
indefatigable
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| adj.不知疲倦的，不屈不挠的 | |
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146
hovering
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| 鸟( hover的现在分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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147
vigilant
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| adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的 | |
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148
deferred
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| adj.延期的，缓召的v.拖延，延缓，推迟( defer的过去式和过去分词 )；服从某人的意愿，遵从 | |
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149
neutralized
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| v.使失效( neutralize的过去式和过去分词 )；抵消；中和；使（一个国家）中立化 | |
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| adj.有条件被选中的；(尤指婚姻等)合适(意)的 | |
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