194 the latter, when, from various circumstances, their services have been required. In the experience that I have had during my services in camp, I have, on two occasions, been placed in this position, both of which occurred in India, in 1817, at the commencement of the Pindaree war, when I was then attached to a native regiment, on service in the field. The first that happened, arose from information brought into camp, that a body of the enemy, at a distance from us, were committing extensive

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... ravages upon the villages and inhabitants of that part of the country of which they had possession, when two companies of the regiment to which I belonged, with two troops of native regular cavalry, were ordered to proceed in search of them. We began our march at five o'clock in the afternoon, and proceeded the whole of the night, with but one or two short halts, in the direction we had a trace of them, until early in the morning the direct position of the enemy was ascertained to be at a distance of about fifty miles from us. By this time the infantry were a good deal fatigued by a march of twenty miles, and as they were unable to keep up with the cavalry, the commanding officer resolved to leave them behind, and to lead on the cavalry alone; with which, of course, I was directed to proceed. It was close upon sunset when we came upon the enemy, who were then engaged in cooking, not being aware that we were in quest of them, and it was unfortunate for us, when we approached them, drawn up to charge, that our progress was intercepted by a broad and deep rivulet, within a few hundred yards of the position which they held. Mnch difficulty was experienced in getting across, for every trooper was obliged to pass singly, whereby the enemy had time to mount, and were making all exertions in endeavouring to escape. However, as the cavalry crossed and formed themselves up in small bodies, each party was led off in pursuit, and it fell to my lot that I was requested by one of those parties to lead them on. Our pursuit continued for seven or eight miles, when, after killing about four hundred of them, we returned and partook of those provisions which they had been preparing for themselves. Our infantry cempanies made their appearance the following day. A few months after this, I was again with the same native regiment, and some irregular cavalry, investing a small fort, where some harassing and trying duties fell upon the troops. Often by night, as well as by day, we were called upon for duty, by parties from the fort burning and destroying villages in the neighbourhood, and on such occasions I was invariably directed to accompany the troops. On one of these, in the dusk of the evening, whilst another officer and myself were passing through a narrow part of a wood, we were at once surprised by a discharge of a matchlock aimed at us from under a tree, when I immediately dismounted and proceeded to the spot. Here I found a tall and stout native soldier, upon whom I commenced to use my sword, but from his jacket being well stuffed with cotton I could make no impression upon him, and fortunately for mr, a trooper appeared in time, and presenting his pistol, shot him dead on the spot. The whole occurrence happened in a few minutes, during which time my brother officer was quietly looking on. I could mention one or two more occurrences of a similar description that happened to me, also at this place, but which I conceive it is unnecessary to do, as the two I have noticed are sufficient to show that medical officers are liable to the performance of duties, which particularly belong to the military man. ZD I have the honniir to he. Sir. vour obedient servant-A RETIRED SURGEON.