"Soldiers! the Battle of _Meeanee_ is among those of which history will speak as proving the superiority of _discipline_ over numbers; and it is well, Soldiers! that we should dwell upon these things; that we may understand how Medals are won, and why they are bestowed. "Had we been without discipline, valour alone would not have won the victories of _Meeanee_ and _Hyderabad_! Valour is like the _Strength_ of a man, Discipline is like his _Mind_, that directs his strength to effective exertion. If two pugilists have a boxing-match, and one strikes at random, while the other boxes with science, planting every blow home, we know how the fight must be soon decided. So it is with two armies,--the one disciplined, the other without discipline. The General of the disciplined Army directs his columns upon that part of the enemy's position which he deems to be the weakest; as the mind of the boxer directs his blow against the opening offered by his unskilful enemy. But this is not all,--obedience to orders (which is discipline) enables us to bring up all the necessary provisions of war to the day and to the hour; thus food and ammunition are at hand to support the blow of battle, just as the shoulder and the body are thrown forward to support and give vigour to the blow of the pugilist. But not only is valour useless without discipline, but it is even dangerous; for without discipline the rashly brave would run heedlessly against the enemy, the cautious would seek 'vantage ground, and the timid would retreat. Thus the Army would be scattered: but when an Army is disciplined, the ponderous charges of Cavalry, the steady tramp of the advancing Infantry, preparing to charge with a mighty shout, and the rolling thunder of Artillery pouring forth its iron shower, all combine simultaneously to strike and overthrow the enemy. Thus, Soldiers, are Medals won, more by discipline than by any extraordinary efforts of individual courage. To reward this obedience medals are bestowed, so that every man who wears this honoured badge is known to the world as one who, in the midst of the noise, the danger, and confusion of battle, had obeyed orders, and performed the three great duties of a Soldier--first, not to fire without orders; next, when he does fire, to level low, so as to make sure of striking down an enemy; thirdly, to keep his rank and dress upon his colours. The Medal tells the world that he has bravely done these things, and no man can walk with one of these Medals on his breast without feeling the conscious pride of an intrepid Soldier! His caste may be high caste, or it may be low caste, but the Soldier, who bears on his breast a medal won in battle, is above all the castes in the world. The pleasure of giving you these Medals, Soldiers of the 12th Regiment (Native Infantry), is indeed great to me. I saw your valiant conduct, and I rejoice in distributing the reward which you honorably earned, and my satisfaction is increased