1857 Archdale Wilson assumes command--Enemy baffled in the Sabzi Mandi -- Efforts to exterminate the Feringhis -- A letter from General Havelock--News of Henry Lawrence's death -- Arrival of the Movable Column--The 61st Foot at Najafgarh General Reed was succeeded by Brigadier Archdale Wilson, the officer who commanded the Meerut column at the beginning of the campaign, and who was so successful in the fights on the Hindun.

Though a soldier of moderate capacity, Wilson was quite the best of the senior officers present, three of whom were superseded by his selection.

Two of these, Congreve, Acting-Adjutant-General of Queen's troops, and Graves, who had been Brigadier at Delhi when the Mutiny broke out, left the camp on being passed over; the third, Longfield, took Wilson's place as Brigadier.
Wilson's succession to the command gave great relief to the troops on account of the systematic manner in which he arranged for the various duties, and the order and method he introduced.

The comparative rest to the troops, as well as the sanitary improvements he effected, did a good deal for the health of the force.

Wilson also took advantage of the reinforcements we had received to strengthen our position.