“Never will your country’s banner suffer a stain, so long as its soldiers shall equal those who stormed the Sikh camp of _Ferozeshah_: greater fortitude and gallantry than those of which you had given proof in these actions could not possibly be displayed. But every species of high soldiership was to be called for during the course of this brief campaign, and it was your fortune to be present in the different actions, all fought under different circumstances. “At _Aliwal_ you had to execute on an open and level plain, and under a heavy fire of artillery, the skilful movements which ensured the success of that brilliant day; and at _Sobraon_ you were again called upon to force entrenchments, constructed with European science, and defended with all the fierce resolution of Asiatic despair. But neither savage valour, nor European art, could withstand your efforts,--could compete with high and matchless gallantry, regulated by discipline, and fired to noble exertion by the consciousness of what was due to your country’s name and fame!--The _Battle of Sobraon_, which crushed the power of unprincipled adversaries, terminated your exploits in the East, saved the British provinces from devastation, and secured to our youthful and beloved Sovereign the peaceful and happy possession of India! Never indeed were nobler objects attained by nobler conduct! “It is needless for me to tell you how greatly all ranks of your countrymen sympathised with your fortunes during these trying times; how much they felt for your sufferings; how deeply they mourned for the heavy losses you sustained; and how highly they exulted in the gallantry you displayed. The admiration your behaviour excited, must have reached you even on the distant shores of India; and I feel confident that every step you take on British ground will show how justly your conduct is appreciated by all those whose good opinion can be of value. It only remains for me, therefore, again to offer you my most sincere congratulations on your return to your native land, to wish you every success and happiness in your future progress, and to assure you, that as far as my sphere of action extends, no effort shall be wanting to give effect to the sentiments I feel such high satisfaction in now expressing. “Believe me, “My dear Colonel, ever yours sincerely, “COLIN HALKETT, “General, and Colonel Thirty-first Regt. “Lieut.-Colonel Spence, C.B., “Commanding Thirty-first Regiment.” As an additional testimony of the consideration of the services of the officers and men of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment who had returned from India, His Grace the Commander-in-Chief was pleased to authorize the following letter to be addressed to the officer commanding, dated Horse Guards, 21st of December, 1846:-- “Sir,