The enemy, though elated by the
capture of twenty-two rifles from the bodies of the killed, were
impressed by the bravery of the troops. "If," they are reported to have
said, "they fight like this when they are divided, we can do nothing."
Our losses were undoubtedly heavy and out of all proportion to the
advantages gained. They were due to an ignorance, shared by all in the
force, of the numbers and fighting power of the Mamunds. No one knew,
though there were many who were wise after the event, that these
tribesmen were as well armed as the troops, or that they were the brave
and formidable adversaries they proved themselves. "Never despise your
enemy" is an old lesson, but it has to be learnt afresh, year after
year, by every nation that is warlike and brave. Our losses were also
due to the isolation of Captain Ryder's company, to extricate which the
whole force had to wait till overtaken by darkness. It has been said
that war cannot be made without running risks, nor can operations be
carried out in the face of an enemy armed with breech-loaders without
loss.
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