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JOURNAL 
 
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 AN ENGLISH OFFICER 
 
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 INDIA. 
 
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 MAJOR NORTH, 
 
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 60th RIFLES, 
 DEPUTY JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL, 
 AND AIDE-DE-CAMP TO GENERAL HAVELOCK, 
 
 ETC. 
 
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 IN ONE VOLUME. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS, 
 SUCCESSORS TO HENRY COLBURN, 
 
 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 
 
 1858. 
 
 The right of Translation is reserved. 
 
DS473 
 
 ■3 
 
 LONDON 
 R. BORN, PRINTER, GLOUCESTER STREET, PARK STREET, 
 
 regent's PARK. 
 
 HONKY MORSE STEP*** 
 
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 * 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 No record whatever having been given 
 of the progress of Havelock's little band, 
 from its original formation as the "Alla- 
 habad Moveable Column," in June, 1857, 
 till its subsequent arrival at Lucknow — 
 although the interval is fraught with the 
 liveliest interest, embracing as it does the 
 successful advance of the force on Cawn- 
 pore, its passage of the Ganges into Oude, 
 and its subsequent operations there — the 
 
 
 815 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 writer has ventured to supply the defi- 
 ciency by offering the following Narrative. 
 He has been actuated chiefly by a desire 
 to testify his admiration of the hardy en- 
 durance and indomitable courage of that 
 band, especially the 78th Highlanders, or 
 Ross-shire Buffs, with whom he served as 
 a volunteer, from the commencement of 
 Havelock's campaign till its termination. 
 
 The Narrative was not intended originally 
 to be published, but to serve only as a 
 memorial of some of those stirring events 
 and scenes which passed before the Author's 
 eye. As it was written in the field during 
 the hot and rainy seasons, between June 
 and November, and at a time when the 
 force was exposed to many hardships, and 
 latterly to the want of tents, the Author 
 
PREFACE. Vll 
 
 ventures to claim the indulgence of the 
 reader, more especially as his own constant 
 occupation and broken health allowed him 
 little opportunity for bestowing care upon 
 the composition. 
 
 London, August, 1858. 
 
JOURNAL 
 
 OF AN 
 
 ENGLISH OFFICER. 
 
 Jfint Chapter, 
 
 Calcutta, May 14th, 1857. 
 
 Coming events cast their shadows be- 
 fore. Just forty-one days since I bade 
 adieu to the shores of merry England, 
 and, though but a few hours have passed 
 since I landed in the City of Palaces, it 
 is, nevertheless, apparent to me that the 
 native portion of the community is in an 
 unwholesome state of ferment. Without 
 
 B 
 
2 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 laying claim to prescience, I was prepared 
 in some measure for this ; private letters 
 having informed me, before I left England, 
 that disaffection had manifested itself amongst 
 the native troops of the Honorable Company. 
 Where will it end ? 
 
 Mat 16th. 
 
 I removed to the Eoyal Barracks, met 
 my old friend Walters, and was admitted 
 an honorary member of the mess of Her 
 Majesty's 53rd Regiment. The storm begins ! 
 
 News has arrived to-day from Meerut 
 of the mutiny of the 3rd cavalry. Joined 
 by the 11th, 20th, and 94th Native In- 
 fantry, they have broken into the gaol 
 and liberated one thousand two hundred 
 prisoners, including eighty-five convicted 
 troopers of the 3rd, sentenced to penal 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 3 
 
 servitude for refusing to use cartridges 
 issued to them, and for which act of dis- 
 obedience they were placed in irons in the 
 presence of the entire troops, and com- 
 mitted to gaol. 
 
 On the policy of this step I abstain 
 from comment. It is marked in fire and 
 blood by the mutineers. The absence of 
 the European troops at Divine Service has 
 favoured their designs. They have burnt 
 their lines or huts, attacked and disman- 
 tled the Bungalows of English officers, 
 and murdered all they could lay hands 
 on. A cantonment so extensive as Meerut 
 afforded strange facility for the commission 
 of such atrocities, as time must of necessity 
 have elapsed before our troops could be 
 collected to disperse the mutineers ; the 
 lines of the European Cavalry being at 
 
 B 2 
 
4 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 some distance, and the staff occupying 
 widely-scattered bungalows. The approach 
 of night favoured the flight of the insur- 
 gents, who have taken the road to Delhi. 
 Should the conflagration become general, as 
 I apprehend, how are we prepared to resist 
 it ? Only two available regiments are in 
 the Presidency ; Her Majesty's 53rd, here 
 at Fort William, and Her Majesty's 84th, 
 brought from Burmagh, to overawe the 
 mutinous 19 th Native Infantry when dis- 
 banded at Barrackpore, probably to sow the 
 seeds of disaffection as they dispersed. We 
 have neither cavalry nor artillery ; nor have 
 we even a General Officer. Such is the state 
 of military preparation in Bengal. 
 
 According to the favourite system, Euro- 
 pean troops have been generally dispensed 
 with, Cawnpore being garrisoned by a mise- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 5 
 
 rable detachment of Her Majesty 's 32nd, 
 and all the stations on the Grand Trunk 
 Koad held by Sepoys. 
 
 May 27th. 
 
 Matters progress as usual here, despite 
 the cloud of rebellion looming in the 
 distance, and ready to burst upon the 
 Presidency. The too -apparent disloyalty 
 of the Native Troops has not prevented 
 the annual celebration of Her Majesty's 
 birthday, in honor of which a ball has 
 been given by the Governor- General, and 
 however much distrust is felt, none is 
 expressed, and appearances are kept 
 up. 
 
 Indeed the general opinion seems to 
 favour the idea of partial rebellion rather 
 than general disaffection, palpable as it 
 
6 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 is, notwithstanding the fact of the Sepoys 
 at Allyghur and Ferozepore having followed 
 the example of their brethren without 
 offering violence to their officers or other 
 Europeans. All classes seem pervaded by 
 a feeling of panic, while the inertness 
 on the part of those Military Authorities 
 who ought to make arrangements to meet 
 every exigency is remarkable. 
 
 June 5 th. 
 
 At length my representations have been 
 attended to. I have gained permission 
 to make the attempt to join my regiment 
 (60th, Eoyal Rifles) at Meerut, distant from 
 hence about nine hundred miles. 
 
 The roads having been for some time 
 impassable for private travellers, an escort 
 is necessary ; and to-morrow I am to accom- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 7 
 
 pany the head quarters of Her Majesty's 
 84th, under the immediate command of 
 Captain Pakenham. 
 
 June 6th. 
 
 I crossed with Her Majesty's 84th Regi- 
 ment from Barrackpore at six p.m., and 
 awaited the 8*30 train to Ranee Gunge, 
 one hundred and twenty-one miles from 
 Calcutta. This I unfortunately missed, in 
 consequence of the mismanagement of a rail- 
 way official, but I followed in the goods train, 
 and reached my destination four hours after 
 the express. The heat during the forenoon 
 was almost insufferable, especially to one 
 newly arrived like myself. 
 
 At half- past four we exchanged the 
 speed of steam for the tortoise-like progress 
 of bullock waggons, heavy lumbering con- 
 
8 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 veyances used for purposes of traffic, and 
 drawn by bullocks, which, in too many 
 instances, are both too small and weak 
 for the great unwieldy carts they are 
 condemned to draw; but such is the only 
 means of transit, no military train being in 
 existence. 
 
 The completion of a line of railway here 
 would indeed be of incalculable importance; 
 particularly at this season of the year, 
 when troops are seldom either permitted or 
 required to march, and when even the 
 ordinary exercises and drills are dispensed 
 with. I wish that those persons, whose 
 duty it is to forward such improve- 
 ments, were only exposed to the scorch- 
 ing, jolting, dust and glare, to which 
 their supineness has unnecessarily doomed 
 us. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 
 
 June 8th. 
 
 We halted at Taldunga, having absolutely 
 accomplished the remarkable feat of twenty- 
 five miles in fifteen hours ; the ordinary 
 Dak Bungalow, never intended to accommo- 
 date more than from five to ten persons, 
 being our only resting-place, and shared 
 alike by officers and men. 
 
 During the day we were joined by the 
 Lieutenant-Colonel and staff of Her Majesty's 
 84th, who, more fortunate than we, travel 
 in horse carriages in front of the troops. 
 The duties of the Commissariat department, 
 in the absence of any of its officers, now 
 devolve upon the officer commanding the 
 troops, in the purchase and issue of the 
 daily rations, leaving him but little time 
 for needful repose. 
 
10 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 June 14. 
 
 With thirst unslaked, and black lips 
 "baked," we reached Sherghotty, where 
 we halted at the Dak Bungalow. 
 
 Never was a hotter day! The blood 
 seemed to circulate like liquid fire through 
 our veins, our eyes were dazzled by the 
 glare, our limbs ached, and heads reeled 
 from exposure ; a canvas covering being 
 the only kind used as curtains for those 
 detestable waggons. Here I parted from 
 my kind fellow travellers, Domenichetti of 
 the 8th, or King's Regiment, Pakenham 
 and Ayton, 84th, as, overcome by extreme 
 fatigue, consequent upon night work, I 
 was compelled to snatch a brief repose. 
 My exertion to accelerate the progress of 
 our waggons during the entire of our 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 11 
 
 tedious march had been most strenuous 
 and unremitting. I could not brook delay, 
 when the necessity for speed was so im- 
 perious, and was unable philosophically to 
 resign myself to the system of "Laisser 
 aller." 
 
 I therefore undertook to facilitate our 
 advance, in which my acquaintance with 
 the native languages proved useful; though 
 I have been often moved to ire by the 
 apathy of the men, who give no assistance 
 whatsoever, but stoically reconcile themselves 
 to circumstances, and sleep night and day, 
 if possible. 
 
 Good people, sitting "at home at ease," 
 you have no conception of the great diffi- 
 culties to be encountered on the line of 
 march in India, or you would raise your 
 voices in exclamation against those who 
 
12 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 permitted their existence, instead of over- 
 coming them. By employing a number 
 of conductors of proper rank and energy 
 to enforce promptitude, much time would 
 be economised, and the troops prevented 
 from encountering unnecessary exposure. 
 The officer in charge would be spared a 
 harassing duty, which, as a matter of 
 course, would be both more correctly and 
 efficiently performed by persons conversant 
 with it, who should be posted at intervals 
 along the road, for the superintendence 
 of drivers and coolies, when employed. 
 
 June 15th. 
 
 After a night's rest, I resumed my 
 journey, which, owing to the kindness of 
 a stranger in the Civil Service, I performed 
 with ease and speed, as he brought me on 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 13 
 
 in his carriage from Sherghotty to Benares. 
 We travelled express, and found the line 
 of road almost deserted by the villagers, 
 who, terrified lest they might be punished 
 for outrages perpetrated by the Sepoys, 
 had dismantled their dwellings. 
 
 June 16th. 
 
 At half past seven a.m., I reached the 
 Dak Bungalow at Benares, shortly after the 
 dispersion of the mutinous 37th Native In- 
 fantry and a small number of Sikhs under the 
 guns of Major Olpherks, Her Majesty's 10th 
 Foot and Madras Fusiliers. The Sikhs, it is 
 alleged, were compelled to join in the mu- 
 tiny of the 37th Native Infantry, in conse- 
 quence of the irregular manner in which 
 steps were taken to disarm that regiment 
 on the parade ground by a commanding 
 
14 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 officer, incapacitated both by age and 
 want of firmness from acting with that 
 vigorous determination which the occasion re- 
 quired, and to which laxity of discipline had 
 led. Strange to say, the officers of the 37th 
 Native Infantry have asserted that the spirit 
 of disaffection was excited in their corps 
 by two companies of Her Majesty's 10th, 
 belonging to the Brigade. Should there 
 be any truth in this report, nothing 
 short of the grossest mismanagement 
 could have led to such a result. All 
 here is confusion and dismay ; a large 
 number of panic-stricken families have 
 sought shelter in the mint-house, where 
 they live in a most unenviable state of 
 alarm, in which some of the troops 
 doing duty participate. The exigency of 
 the present crisis alone prevents me from 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 15 
 
 exploring this wonderful city, which, from 
 the little even that I have seen, appears 
 to be one of remarkable interest. 
 
 All attempts at description would be 
 utterly vain, farther than to observe that 
 it is a strange jumble of meanness and 
 magnificence; with narrow, tortuous streets, 
 so narrow that no wheeled carriage larger 
 than a Bath chair or perambulator might 
 traverse them. The houses rise from two 
 to six stories, many of which are built 
 to project one above the other and meet 
 that of the opposite side, so that the 
 general characteristic of the streets is 
 silence, dirt, and gloom. The windows are 
 all very small. 
 
 Noble ghats, of the finest freestone, many 
 of them elaborate in ornament, lead to the 
 Ganges, which forms a magnificent bay in 
 
16 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 front of the city. These are interspersed 
 with Sivalas, or Temples sacred to the 
 various deities of Hindoo theology, super- 
 abounding in hands, heads, and hideousness. 
 In the midst of the city rises a superb 
 mosque, built by the Emperor Aurungzebe; 
 to make room for which a fine Hindoo 
 temple was sacrificed to Mahommedan into- 
 lerance. 
 
 There is also a beautiful temple by 
 Chet'hee Sing, who in 1781 was driven from 
 Benares for seeking to create disaffection 
 to British rule ; he was stripped of his 
 authority a couple of years subsequently, 
 and deprived of the dignity of Eajah. 
 
 Should his spirit now hover near that 
 place, in any of the various stages of 
 metempsychosis incident to its final 
 purgation, and retain the memory of 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 17 
 
 former days, it must doubtless rejoice in 
 the prevailing anarchy. One of the 
 strangest features in ' the place is a 
 hospital for the aged and infirm " of the 
 male creation," as the somewhat euphistic 
 eloquence of Burke has designated 
 animals ; nor is this feeling of tenderness, 
 resulting from belief in the transmigration 
 of souls, confined to them alone, but is 
 extended to the most loathsome insect 
 life, reaching even to the foulest parasitic 
 vermin, for the nourishment of which a 
 certain number of beggars are retained. 
 
 Benares has been considered the chief 
 seat of learning ; it is of immense 
 sanctity ; consequently, extremely filthy. 
 
 June 17. 
 I left Benares by the steamer Mirza- 
 
18 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 pore. The effect of the city from the 
 deck was most picturesque ; its ghats 
 being crowded, as' usual, with Mahomme- 
 dans, Hindoos, and various other natives, 
 bathing, dressing, praying, gesticulating, 
 not to mention many wretched Fakirs, 
 woefully distorted, and redolent of cow- 
 dung! while slender minarets, domed 
 mosques, and pinnacled temples heighten 
 the novelty of the impression. 
 
 On board the Mirzapore was the head 
 quarters of the Madras Fusiliers proceed- 
 ing to Allahabad. The vessel, being 
 heavily laden, took the ground repeatedly, 
 which seemed a matter of utter indifference 
 to its master, who, though under an 
 advantageous contract with government, 
 showed the utmost impassibility, and did 
 not make the least effort to speed our 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 19 
 
 advance. He evinced a total ignorance of 
 
 his position with regard to the officer in 
 
 command of the troops, and under whose 
 
 orders he was directed to hold himself, 
 
 and showed no energy except in giving 
 expression to his wish " to return to 
 Calcutta." 
 
 June 20th. 
 
 About ten miles below Allahabad, the 
 " mud-constant Mirzapore " again ran 
 aground, and was passed by the steamer 
 "Calcutta," with the Head Quarters of 
 Her Majesty's 84th. I got into a boat, 
 followed and boarded this vessel, and landed 
 at Allahabad next morning, having cast 
 anchor during the night. 
 
 June 21st. 
 
 The Mirzapore has just arrived, having 
 
 c 2 
 
20 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 been aground thirty hours. These are start- 
 ling times. I have just heard of the dreary- 
 tragedy of the sixth of June, when the 
 6th Native Infantry, alone occupying this 
 cantonment, burst into open mutiny, and 
 murdered every officer who appeared on the 
 Parade Ground. 
 
 The more effectually to secure their 
 victims, they fixed upon the hour after 
 tattoo for carrying their sanguinary 
 designs into execution, sounded the alarm, 
 and fired upon their officers as they 
 appeared upon the ground ; the mess- 
 guard firing into the mess-room lest any 
 should escape. A few, who were slightly 
 wounded, attempted to save themselves by 
 flying to the fort, but were pursued and 
 murdered on the spot. 
 
 One officer, Captain Gordon, was saved 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 21 
 
 by some Sepoys of this very regiment, 
 who were friendly to him, and insisted on 
 his preservation, placing him on a horse, 
 and bidding him to fly. 
 
 Colonel Simpson, in command, also es- 
 caped to the fort. So persuaded was this 
 latter officer of the fidelity of his regi- 
 ment, that he lent no heed to the warn- 
 ing he received of its disaffection on the 
 morning of that day, when the fact was 
 communicated to him by the orderly-room 
 clerk, a half-caste native. Fatal incre- 
 dulity ! All the private bungalows and 
 military lines have been burnt down by 
 the Sepoys in the cantonments. Nor is 
 this all; they have seized two guns, which, 
 by order of Colonel Simpson, were to 
 have been conducted into the fort at nine 
 p.m. on the evening of this tragedy. 
 
22 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 These guns were guarded by one hundred 
 and fifty of the 6 th Native Infantry, and 
 were in charge of Lieutenant Harwood, 
 Bengal Artillery, who, with other officers, 
 represented the imprudence of this mea- 
 sure, and ventured to remonstrate, but in 
 vain. 
 
 Under the peculiar circumstances, he 
 might have used his own discretion, but 
 shrunk from the responsibility of acting in 
 contravention to a command issued for so 
 late an hour. The immediate cause of 
 this outbreak is attributed to an exagge- 
 rated account of the state of affairs at 
 Benares. 
 
 How we retained the fort, garrisoned 
 gnly by a single European detachment of 
 invalid artillery and the Sikh regiment of 
 Ferozepore, is really astonishing. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 23 
 
 Lieutenant Brazier, in command of the 
 Sikhs, has held them in check by the 
 most consummate tact, and proved him- 
 self both an efficient and courageous 
 soldier. 
 
 The fort, which is built of red stone, 
 rises proudly from the confluence of the 
 rivers Ganges and Jumna, on the south 
 and east; the land side is considerably 
 elevated, quite regular, and consists of two 
 bastions. It is about 2,500 yards in cir- 
 cuit, and on the sides near the rivers al- 
 most impregnable. 
 
 The arsenal is within the fort, and one 
 of the largest in India. It contains a 
 vast quantity of arms. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Neil, Madras Fusiliers, 
 is commandant. His zeal and activity are 
 unremitting. 
 
24 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 It was by his timely arrival at Benares, 
 a few days since, that the mutiny was 
 checked there, and the Europeans saved 
 from the fury of the mutineers. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 25 
 
 ■tflrafo C|rapto. 
 
 June 30th. 
 
 We left Allahabad, en route to C awn- 
 pore, for the relief of General Sir 
 Hugh Wheeler, who, with his small force, 
 is hemmed in by the rebel army, and 
 yet achieving wonders. Nana Sahib, the 
 rajah of Bithoor, a Monathie, and our 
 some time friend, has assumed the chief 
 command, and to the standard of this arch- 
 rebel numbers are flocking. 
 
 Between him and the garrison of Cawn- 
 
26 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 pore, a feeling of amity has hitherto ex- 
 isted, and he has been constant in the 
 exercise of hospitality towards them. His 
 present adverse conduct he justifies by 
 some fictitious grievance. Our advanced 
 column is commanded by Major Kenaud, 
 Madras Fusiliers, a man brave even to 
 rashness. It consists of one hundred Irre- 
 gular Cavalry, under Captain Palliser, two 
 guns under Lieutenant Harwood, the Sikh 
 Regiment of Ferozepore, and part of a mov- 
 able column under formation by Brigadier- 
 General Havelock, C.B., all fall of spirit 
 and eager to relieve our beleaguered coun- 
 trymen from overwhelming odds, against 
 which they bear up and struggle, too, so 
 manfully. Courage, brave hearts, aid is 
 at hand ! 
 
 News has just arrived of the fall of 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 27 
 
 Delhi. It was taken, on the 14th June, 
 by the royal troops under General Sir 
 Harry Barnard. The insurgents fought 
 like fiends, and lost seven thousand in the 
 desperate conflict. They maintained them- 
 selves to the last in the Eoyal Palace. 
 This news will act as a salutary check 
 upon the mutineers before Cawnpore. 
 
 Towards the close of the day, we halted 
 at Moopteckeepore. The heat during our 
 march was extremely trying — the more so, 
 as we had to encounter a hot wind, 
 which parched us like the breath of a 
 furnace. 
 
 July 1st. 
 
 We reached Koila, an unimportant vil- 
 lage. During this line of march, some 
 villages were fired; and any native found 
 
28 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 in arms, who could not prove his asserted 
 innocence, was summarily hanged, such 
 being the instructions under which we 
 acted. 
 
 July 3rd. 
 
 We received information from that most 
 energetic and superior statesman, Sir Henry- 
 Lawrence, which caused us to halt here 
 at Lohanda, four miles in advance. His 
 present position is extremely critical — 
 Chief Commissioner of Oude, and main- 
 taining himself at Lucknow with very in- 
 ferior numbers against the disbanded sol- 
 diery of the Oude irregular force, who 
 have taken advantage of the present crisis 
 to declare their independence of British 
 rule, and proclaim their fidelity to the 
 King of Oude, now a prisoner of the 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 29 
 
 honourable Company, and under strict sur- 
 veillance at Calcutta. 
 
 July 4th. 
 
 We marched to Kuttohan, seven miles, 
 where we opened communication with a 
 steamer on the Ganges, conveying a com- 
 pany of the Madras Fusiliers, with some 
 artillery commanded by Captain Frazer 
 from Allahabad, who is to co-operate 
 abreast of this column. So great is the 
 difficulty in obtaining carriage, that the 
 force under Brigadier General Havelock 
 has not yet marched from Allahabad. 
 
 July 7th. 
 
 A discharge of heavy guns from the 
 direction of the river has put us all on the 
 qui vive. This we ascertained was occa- 
 
 / 
 
30 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 sioned by an unfortunate mistake on the 
 part of the artillery on board, in opening 
 fire from the steamer upon the village of 
 a loyal Zemindar, who had both pro- 
 tected and sheltered officers and their fa- 
 milies of the mutinous Sepoy regiments. 
 
 A letter of explanation and apology has 
 been sent to him en route to Allahabad, 
 and he has been invited to open commu- 
 nication with our commander. The Ze- 
 mindar's people have armed and followed 
 the steamer, firing upon it from the 
 banks, and compelling us to return the 
 fire. 
 
 Intelligence has just been received that 
 the city of Futtehpore (place of victory) 
 two marches in advance, has been com- 
 pletely deserted, both by its inhabitants 
 and the insurgents. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 31 
 
 In this village (Kuttohan) a quantity 
 of British railway property has been found ; 
 the houses in which it was discovered 
 have been blown up, and a number of 
 buried arms come to light. These we 
 have secured. 
 
 July 8th. 
 
 We marched from Kuttohan, four and 
 a half miles. For the past few days we 
 have had constant rain, not a spot of 
 dry ground for encamping upon. The 
 flatness of the country renders it at a 
 season like the present a complete 
 swamp. 
 
 There being no choice, we pitched our 
 tents near the line of railway, and found 
 the premises a heap of ruins, the work 
 of the mutineers. It was fortunate that no 
 
32 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 rain fell while we awaited the arrival of 
 our baggage, which came up but slowly. 
 Had the orders not been so hurriedly 
 issued, much time would have been saved 
 in its transit. The tents were of double 
 weight, in consequence of their being sa- 
 turated with rain, and were oppressively 
 burdensome to the emaciated bullocks, 
 scarcely able to crawl beneath their load. 
 Two of the poor animals died from 
 the ill-treatment which they received 
 at the hands of some European sol- 
 diers. 
 
 Here I must pause to make a few 
 remarks on what more particularly affects 
 a column composed, like this, of various 
 corps. I would suggest that every pre- 
 caution necessary to enforce strict regularity 
 should be taken; that the orders should be 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 33 
 
 written, not verbally issued, and nothing be 
 left doubtful or uncertain. 
 
 Prompt attention on the line of march is 
 indispensable for the preservation of disci- 
 pline, without which soldiers degenerate into 
 an armed mob. A commanding officer should 
 consider nothing either trivial or unimportant 
 which in the least affects the well-being of his 
 men, whom he should save from fatigue as 
 much as possible, so as to be able to act 
 promptly and effectively when occasion 
 requires. Judicious leading always inspires 
 confidence, while vacillation or unsteadiness 
 is fatal to it. 
 
 July 9th. 
 
 We marched on Khanga, four and a-half 
 miles, and halted again near the line of 
 railway, beneath a tope of Mangoes, on 
 
 D 
 
34 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 ground better than that of the last two 
 days, which was almost completely under 
 water. 
 
 Fresh inconvenience, however, arose from 
 the hurried orders of the preceding evening. 
 It was quite dark when the baggage 
 could be got upon the ground ; there was 
 no shelter for our men, and no mercy for 
 the miserable bullocks, laden with wet tents ; 
 had we but started at dawn, all this might 
 have been avoided, man and beast spared, 
 and our advance to relieve the brave band 
 at Cawnpore accelerated. According to an 
 old law, " Delays are dangerous." May 
 they not prove so in the present instance." 
 
 July 10th. 
 
 Well may I exclaim, grant me patience, 
 for I feel sorely in need of the virtue. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 35 
 
 How tedious has our progress been to 
 
 this place, Arrahpore, only four miles and 
 
 a-half. When shall men learn foresight to 
 
 provide for contingencies. 
 
 It is the old story. Experience must 
 
 be the teacher, and dearly must her 
 
 lessons, like all other good things, be 
 paid for. By neglecting the military 
 
 work of levelling a small piece of 
 
 ground, which four men could easily 
 
 have done in two hours, the advance of 
 
 our carts has been greatly retarded 
 
 through the obstruction in their route, 
 and the wretched, ill-fed, over-worked 
 bullocks have been doubly tasked. 
 
 Joyfully have I just heard of the 
 advance of Brigadier-General Havelock to 
 within four miles of this place, which he 
 has accomplished with great celerity. 
 
 d 2 
 
36 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 July 11th. 
 We halted at Arrahpore. In the even- 
 ing, I visited General Havelock's camp, 
 and fortunately gained his permission to 
 join the 78th Highlanders, or Eossshire 
 Buffs. Both officers and men look much 
 fatigued and worn, having recently arrived 
 from service in Persia. I am glad to 
 say, there are but few in hospital — fine 
 fellows. They are all in good spirits. 
 
 Sunday, July 12th. 
 
 I joined General Havelock's column, and 
 felt exceedingly gratified to receive his 
 thanks for having recommended the halt 
 at Lohanda, which he was pleased to 
 call " a good service." Yet I cannot 
 flatter myself that my opinion would 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 37 
 
 have had the least weight, but for the 
 timely arrival of instructions from that great 
 man, Sir Henry Lawrence, thus pithily 
 expressed — u Halt where you now stand, or, 
 if necessary, fall back." His last intelli- 
 gence, forwarded to us on what he 
 believes to be reliable authority, is dreary 
 
 in the extreme — viz., " on the 28th of 
 June, Cawnpore fell into the hands of the 
 rebels, and that fine old man, Sir Hugh 
 Wheeler, and his force, were all destroyed 
 by an act of foul treachery on the part of 
 the Nana." 
 
 When called upon to give my opinion, 
 prior to the receipt of Sir Henry Lawrence's 
 dispatch, I found myself considerably in 
 the minority, but I did not speak unad- 
 visedly. I had anxiously weighed the 
 matter in my mind, and spoke not impul- 
 
38 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 sively, but deliberately; I knew the insuf- 
 ficiency of our numbers, but now feel not 
 a little pleased that such high authority 
 as that of Sir Henry Lawrence supports 
 my opinions. He forbade us to advance 
 with less than two full English Regiments 
 and six guns — we had little more than 
 four hundred Europeans and only two guns. 
 Mine was a most trying position. I hope 
 I may never again be similarly situated. 
 Our daring Commander was eager to push 
 on, notwithstanding Sir Henry Lawrence's 
 instructions from Lucknow, and orders dia- 
 metrically opposite forwarded from Calcutta 
 by Sir Patrick Grant, who assumes "that 
 the report about the fall of Cawnpore is 
 a fabrication, and therefore to push on 
 thither." But as the senior officer present 
 of Her Majesty's Service, I strenuously 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 39 
 
 remonstrated against the vague instructions 
 from Calcutta being complied with ; the 
 more particularly as I knew we should be 
 reinforced on the morrow by General Have- 
 lock's column ; and then, what evil looks, 
 had I from old and young — but the cour- 
 teous acknowledgment of my present Com- 
 mander amply compensates for foregone 
 vexation. 
 
40 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 fi^trb Cjfspttr. 
 
 July 13th. 
 
 Yesterday, at one a.m., we formed 
 a junction with General Havelock's 
 column, and advanced towards Futtehpore, 
 passing through Bellinda at seven A.M., 
 and about five miles distant from 
 thence. 
 
 There we halted to encamp ; arms were 
 piled in line, ground was taken up for 
 each corps, and the weary, wayworn men, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 41 
 
 overcome by the oppressive heat and 
 brilliant sunshine, lay down in groups, a 
 little in the rear, anxiously expecting the 
 arrival of the tents and baggage, which 
 were close behind. 
 
 At this time our Quarter-master General, 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Tytler, was in front, 
 making a reconnaissance towards the town 
 of Futtehpore with the volunteer cavalry. 
 It is probable that the enemy deceived 
 himself as to the strength of our force, 
 and imagined that he had merely the 
 small band under Major Renaud to con- 
 tend with; for no sooner did he see the 
 reconnoitering party retire, than his first 
 gun opened fire, and sent a round shot 
 bowling along the road, upon the heels 
 of our cavalry, riding stoutly to the 
 line. In a moment the scene was 
 
42 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 changed, the assembly sounded, and the 
 toil-worn men resumed their energy, 
 sprung to their feet, unpiled arms, 
 formed a line of columns, and advanced 
 skirmishers. 
 
 The enemy, with his numerous cavalry, 
 formed an imposing line as he bore down 
 insolently upon us, confident of an easy 
 victory, pushing forward two guns, and 
 cannonading our front. Immediately our 
 guns, Maude's Battery, posted in the 
 middle of the road which formed our 
 centre, roared defiance as they opened fire 
 upon the advancing foe, while the 
 Enfield rifles of the 64th poured in a 
 shower of bullets from a copse at the 
 left of the road ; at either side of which 
 lay swampy ground, increasing our diffi- 
 culty, from being partly under water, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 43 
 
 rising from three to four feet, to retard our 
 progress. 
 
 Scarce had our advance commenced, 
 before three guns were descried by the 
 light company of the 78th Highlanders. 
 These had been deserted upon the road ; 
 on observing which they rushed impe- 
 tuously onwards, while Maude's battery 
 advanced at a rapid pace, firing with the 
 most admirable precision, and closely fol- 
 lowed by the light company of the 78th 
 in an advance over three or four 
 miles. The Enfield rifles of the 78th 
 began taking long shots at the enemy 
 as they retreated hurriedly through the 
 town, which now became visible, its en- 
 trance barricaded by native carts, and 
 apparently all the baggage of the muti- 
 neers. 
 
44 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Here, while running on with the skir- 
 mishers in eager pursuit, I met with a 
 severe accident, little heeded at the 
 time, owing to the intense excitement of 
 the fray. 
 
 A bullock lashed to fury by the pain 
 of its wounds (it had been struck with a 
 round shot) rushed from the town, and 
 as it dashed violently against me, lifted 
 me from the ground, and, striking at me, 
 fortunately between its horns, flung me to 
 some distance. A kind-hearted Highlander 
 who, " with more chivalry than wisdom," 
 interposed to save me, was also bowled 
 over in every acceptation of the term. 
 The blow was " stunning," yet, sustained 
 by an impetuous impulse of volition, I 
 was quickly on my feet, and dashed off 
 at a double in pursuit of the enemy, as 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 45 
 
 he bolted through the village, sending an oc- 
 casional random shot at his relentless pursuers. 
 
 The light company of the 78th, and a 
 company of the 64th, boldly forced an 
 entrance through the network of carts, 
 ingeniously placed to interrupt our pro- 
 gress, and carried the town — ignominiously 
 deserted by the mutineers. 
 
 Thus the battle of Futtehpore was de- 
 cided by the intrepid advance of our 
 guns and skirmishers; the reserve columns 
 being far in the rear, owing to the impe- 
 diments of the ground. Up to this 
 time the troops had marched for twenty- 
 four miles without a meal to sustain their 
 overtasked energies ; yet, at eleven o'clock 
 a.m., Futtehpore was ours. No casualties 
 had occurred during the fight: but several 
 died from sun-stroke. 
 
46 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 And now that the necessity for exertion 
 no longer existed, a sudden faintness 
 seized upon me while marching through the 
 town. In vain I strove to resist it. Over- 
 powered by severe pain resulting from the 
 contusion which I had received in my en- 
 counter with the bullock, I sank down in- 
 sensible. Nor did I recover consciousness 
 for some time, when, to my surprise, I 
 found myself lying on a bed in the gaol, 
 whither I had been borne by a corporal 
 and private of the 84th, who were bathing 
 my head and side with the utmost kind- 
 ness, while some medical officers hung 
 anxiously over me. But the most effectual 
 remedy was a bottle of champagne, for 
 which I was indebted to the kind feel- 
 ing of Lieutenant-Colonel Tytler, who had 
 been presented with it a little before by 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 47 
 
 one of the men, but who forgot his own 
 thirst and need of refreshment for my 
 benefit. Never was drink more reviving or 
 stimulant more required, and I truly appre- 
 ciate the self-denial of the gift. 
 
 I was the only person hurt at Futteh- 
 pore, with the exception of Butterworth, 
 the Highlander who had attempted to save 
 me. We both suffered from the same 
 cause. My escape on this occasion I hope 
 I may remember with thankfulness. 
 
 In Futtehpore a vast deal of various 
 sorts of plunder, with some treasure, has 
 been found. 
 
 Not till eight o'clock p.m. did our brave 
 
 troop get a meal, and then after a fast of 
 
 fourteen hours, during which time they 
 
 marched and fought exposed to the fierce 
 heat of an Indian summer, when in all 
 
48 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 cantonments troops are kept in their 
 barracks, and forbidden to expose them- 
 selves. Towards the termination of the 
 battle of Futtehpore an incident occurred, 
 which I omitted to mention, and shall 
 record here. 
 
 When General Havelock saw the muti- 
 neers in retreat towards the town, which 
 they approached in confusion, he addressed 
 himself to one of. his staff, the brave 
 Moorsom, of the 52nd, and said : — 
 
 " I should like to see the irregulars 
 draw blood." 
 
 They (the 13th) were ordered imme- 
 diately to charge, but all hung back, 
 with the exception of a dozen, led on 
 by Captain Palliser in gallant style. 
 Ten were killed, and the rage and dis- 
 appointment of this officer was not less 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 49 
 
 than the occasion merited. Our infantry 
 received orders to fire upon the recusants 
 on the spot, which would only have 
 been a just punishment for such baseness; 
 this order, hastily given, was as hastily 
 rescinded — mistaken leniency. 
 
 July 14th. 
 
 At daybreak we advanced towards the 
 village of Calleanpore, and met small 
 parties of rebel cavalry on our left flank, 
 with whom we had engaged the preceding 
 day. They showed a great inclination to 
 fall upon our baggage. To prevent the 
 execution of this design, our line was 
 formed in echelon of wings, the lefc in 
 rear. Some heavy firing took place, 
 during which the Madras Fusiliers on the 
 right gave the rebels a severe lesson on 
 
 E 
 
50 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 the efficiency of the rifled musket ; for 
 though unaccustomed to use it at so long 
 a range, their practice was excellent. 
 Major Kenaud, while directing the advance 
 of the skirmishers of his corps, and ex- 
 posing himself unnecessarily, was most 
 severely wounded, together with some of 
 his men. 
 
 But the telling effect of our guns 
 under Captain Maude, the Invalid Ar- 
 tillery, and two guns under Lieutenant 
 Haward, on the left centre, together with 
 the withering fire of our sharpshooters, 
 forced the enemy to abandon his position 
 before noon, when the troops halted for 
 rest and such refreshment as was attain- 
 able, viz., grog and biscuit. 
 
 Of these we partook beneath the welcome 
 shelter of some friendly topes of mangoes. 
 
ENGLISH OEFICER. 51 
 
 Most grateful was their shade, inviting 
 to repose after recent exposure to the 
 fiery sunbeams, which seemed literally to 
 pierce and seeth the brain. The relief 
 was unimaginable. 
 
 Here I must pause to express my 
 commendation and appreciation of the 
 kind brotherly feeling of my brave com- 
 panions in arms, the 78th Highlanders. 
 Never upon any occasion did they omit 
 to draw my grog ration for me. This 
 consideration for the wants of their 
 officers is conspicuous through the ranks 
 of this distinguished regiment, with which 
 I regard it as a privilege to serve as a 
 volunteer. Generally speaking, men placed 
 in similar circumstances are more inclined 
 to attend to themselves than to care for 
 others, and such good feeling on the part of 
 
 E 2 
 
52 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 subordinates bears ample testimony of the 
 interest which, when it really exists and is 
 carried out practically, must ever conduce 
 to the preservation of discipline. To 
 quote from Highest authority, " a house 
 divided against itself cannot stand," so it 
 is with a regiment; kindness begets kind- 
 ness, and harmony is the result of mutual 
 interdependence. 
 
 Our rest was of brief duration, for the 
 assembly again sounded ; the entire force 
 resumed their arms and moved forward, soon 
 to join in a line of columns, guns in the 
 centre. This move was hailed by our 
 dauntless little band with a stirring British 
 cheer, which made the welkin ring, as it 
 marked their enthusiastic approval of our 
 General's readiness again to engage the 
 mutineers, discovered once more in posi- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 53 
 
 tion in the distance at Pandoo Nuddie ; 
 a Wallah, or river, then almost dry, and 
 spanned by a narrow bridge of masonry, 
 defended by entrenchments, and having 
 two huge guns in position. It had been 
 contemplated to force the passage of the 
 stream, but the bridge offered a more 
 favourable point of attack, though the 
 entire position of the enemy seemed capable 
 of affording most obstinate resistance to 
 any attempt we should make to carry it, 
 and it was understood that he would defend 
 it to the last. But nothing could resist 
 the impetuosity of our troops, or damp 
 the ardour of their leaders, predetermined 
 to succeed, and burning to relieve our 
 unfortunate countrywomen and helpless 
 children from their durance at Cawnpore. 
 As our columns of attack took up their 
 
54 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 ground in continuous line, a well-directed 
 fire opened upon them from the enemy, 
 who had marked this range upon the 
 telegraph posts, and calculated with some 
 accuracy our point of formation for attack. 
 Several of our men were wounded, and 
 a fine fellow, a Highlander, was shot dead 
 in my front, half of his head having been 
 taken off by a round shot. 
 
 The men were ordered to lie down for 
 a few minutes, until they advanced in 
 line, supporting our guns and skirmishers, 
 who moved hastily to the front, while the 
 enemy's position was at times hidden from 
 our view, because of the irregularities of 
 the ground. 
 
 As our column advanced towards the 
 bridge, the enemy opened an effective fire, 
 which caused it to deploy, while, animated 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 55 
 
 by his accustomed daring, Maude's battery- 
 dashed resolutely up to within three hundred 
 yards of the bridge, when his bullets pro- 
 duced their wonted effect. Meantime, the 
 Madras Fusiliers suddenly closed, rushed 
 boldly to the onslaught, carried the bridge 
 in gallant style, and captured the two guns 
 by which it was defended. 
 
 This was enough for the enemy, who 
 completely lost heart, and despite his ad- 
 vantageous position and superior numerical 
 force, only thought of getting off; a ma- 
 noeuvre rapidly effected by him, and to 
 which our want of Cavalry mainly con- 
 tributed. 
 
 In subsequently crossing the bridge, we 
 discovered traces of a vain attempt on 
 his part to blow it up. The battle of 
 Pandoo Nuddie was the second affair in 
 
56 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 which everything was won by our Artillery 
 and skirmishers, who, by their effective 
 use of the Enfield rifle musket, struck 
 terror into the hearts of the mutineers; 
 no steady resistance having been offered by 
 them to its unerring fire. Indeed its 
 length of range seemed utterly to dis- 
 compose and fill them with terror. 
 
 Thus closed the 15th July. 
 
 During twelve hours our troops had 
 been under arms and twice engaged, and 
 their endurance tested to the uttermost. 
 The scorching sun glared down its un- 
 pitying rays upon their arms, which 
 glittered with intolerable radiance, till the 
 brain reeled and eye-balls ached with the 
 intensity of that dazzling sheen. 
 
 Yet their indomitable energy rose su- 
 perior to every trial — instinct with the 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 57 
 
 dignity of manhood, they uttered no com- 
 plaint, but bore on nobly. Night had again 
 closed, when their long fast was terminated 
 by a meal. 
 
 Our casualties amounted to twenty -five 
 killed and wounded ; the enemy could 
 have suffered but little, as he engaged 
 us from a distance, and rapidly retired 
 before us. 
 
 Our first battle, Futtehpore, it would 
 seem, has checked his arrogance and damped 
 his courage. We have captured four of 
 his guns, including the two taken by the 
 Madras Fusiliers, in this affair of Pandoo 
 Nuddee ; making in all sixteen since the 
 12th of July. We are now twenty -four 
 miles distant from Cawnpore. 
 
58 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Jfirarijr Cjrapter. 
 
 July 16th. 
 
 Soon after daylight we marched towards 
 Kullianpore, where information reached us 
 that the mutineers were in position at 
 the distance of a few miles. 
 
 A halt having been ordered to enable 
 the baggage to come up and the troops to 
 breakfast, we eagerly sought the shade of 
 some umbrageous trees, which spread a 
 kindly shelter between us and the intense 
 sunshine. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 59 
 
 Here we gladly rested, while our 
 volunteer horse, with some infantry, 
 took a post in advance to watch the 
 movements of the enemy. 
 
 On the arrival of the baggage, all set 
 
 busily to work; cooking was commenced, 
 and breakfast was prepared. Wearied as 
 
 we were from yesterday's operations and 
 
 to-day's march, we duly appreciated this 
 
 refreshment, which was indeed acceptable. 
 
 We had, according to our usual custom 
 
 since the fighting began, snatched what 
 
 sleep we could while waiting for the 
 
 baggage. 
 
 At two o'clock p.m. we re-commenced our 
 
 march, leaving our baggage on the ground 
 
 — for the defence of which due measures 
 
 had been taken by the directions of 
 
 General Havelock. Immediately before we 
 
60 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 started, a supply of porter had been issued, 
 and the pernicious effects of this heavy- 
 drink were too speedily manifest; for, 
 as the men advanced under a broiling sun, 
 numbers fell out of the ranks and lay 
 motionless upon the roadside, utterly in- 
 sensible. 
 
 No sooner had we arrived at a village, 
 situate at the junction of two roads, one 
 of which leads to the cantonments of 
 Cawnpore, than the enemy appeared posted; 
 his batteries commanding our line of route. 
 On perceiving this, our force made a flank 
 march, under cover of a tope or grove 
 of mangoes, which was filled by the Madras 
 Fusiliers skirmishing. We debouched for 
 some distance in an open column of 
 companies, and encircled the left flank of 
 the enemy. This movement was for some 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 61 
 
 time unsuspected by the enemy, as the 
 intervening groups of trees screened it 
 from his observation; but no sooner did 
 he become aware of it, than the utmost 
 excitement prevailed in his lines. As we 
 made our advance, he poured in a heavy 
 fire of shot and shell upon us from all 
 his guns. Most fortunately for us the 
 range was too high, though our column of 
 infantry was greatly exposed to this fire, 
 from having been unsupported by our 
 batteries; the progress of which was 
 wofully tedious, because of the freshly- 
 ploughed ground, through which our over- 
 worked gun-bullocks toiled laboriously. 
 Our brave General led this movement in 
 person, and it was one that took the 
 enemy completely by surprise, as it left 
 him powerless to counteract the advance. 
 
62 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 The guns followed slowly as the line 
 was again re-formed at right-angles with 
 its previous advance ; and the moment 
 seemed to have arrived for testing the 
 mettle of the gallant Highlanders, who, 
 as they advanced in an unwavering line, 
 were ordered to charge a battery of four 
 guns, which had occasioned us great 
 annoyance, and which our artillery were not 
 ready to silence. It was in Tain that 
 
 showers of grape fell thick and fast among 
 them. A volley of defiance and a spirit- 
 stirring cheer, a cheer that brought dismay 
 into the hearts of the mutineers, were 
 returned, and the guns were ours. 
 
 The enemy retired in confusion. Our 
 left wing, 64th, 84th, and Sikh Eegiment, 
 were in hot pursuit towards a village in 
 front of our left flank, where more guns 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 63 
 
 were captured. The right wing made a 
 sweep to the right, where two guns were 
 found deserted. These they seized ; and the 
 plain being again apparently abandoned, and 
 the artillery still in the rear, we halted 
 for their arrival. 
 
 About this time, the Quarter-master 
 Sergeant of • the Highlanders, a fine, 
 stalwart man, and several others, in- 
 capable of resisting the fiery rays of the 
 sun, dropped down suddenly dead. 
 
 As the troops rejoined from the pursuit, 
 we discovered that the enemy had re-occu- 
 pied a village sheltered by groves of 
 mangoes. On our rounding it, a cannonade 
 was opened from this line, distant from the 
 cantonment of Cawnpore about one mile, 
 and from whence he had been reinforced. 
 We therefore shifted our ground a little, 
 
64 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 as our artillery came up but slowly, in 
 consequence of having been obliged to 
 diverge from the direct road, and cross 
 through heavy broken ground ; a work 
 of difficulty to our overworked, ill-fed 
 cattle. Meantime, the cannonade became 
 more concentrated, killing and wounding 
 many men in our left centre during the 
 advance. 
 
 Our noble General seemed gifted with 
 ubiquity, as, scornful of danger, confront- 
 ing death, and burning with the lust of 
 victory, he was present wherever most 
 needed, urged onward by the soldier's 
 stern sense of duty. Again, the clear tone 
 of his peculiar voice raised to highest pitch 
 the courage of his men, as he hurried 
 towards the Highlanders and said: — 
 
 "Come, who'll take this village — the 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 65 
 
 Highlanders or 64th," looking to the latter, 
 as he addressed them, with the utmost 
 coolness. There was no pause to answer. 
 The spirit of emulation was a flame in 
 every breast, kindled by his calm words. 
 We (the Highlanders), eager for approval, 
 went off quickly in the direction indicated; 
 moving steadily onwards in a direct, com- 
 pact line, its front covered by the light 
 company, and pushing the enemy's skir- 
 mishers through the village, from whence 
 they were compelled by us to fly. The 
 Madras Fusiliers, by whom our line to the 
 right was prolonged, drove them from the 
 plantation. Scarcely had these advantages 
 been gained, when we suddenly observed a 
 strong body of mutineers, with numerous 
 cavalry and guns in position, bugles and 
 drums going, as if to advance in the form 
 
66 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 of a semicircle, which menaced our right. 
 They were only some yards distant, and a 
 fresh engagement was inevitable. It was 
 now past sunset, and our proximity to the 
 enemy's new position exposed us so much 
 to the fire of his heavy guns, that the 
 troops who first appeared in his front were 
 compelled to lie down; whilst in the centre 
 of our left wing, 64th and 84th, several 
 were killed in advancing across the enemy's 
 line, so grievously were they exposed to 
 the raking fire of a twenty-four pounder. 
 
 The augmented numbers of our adver- 
 sary rendered our position most critical. 
 Our artillery was still in the rear, our 
 strength diminished by numerous cases of 
 sunstroke which had occurred during the 
 day, nor had the Sikh Regiment yet come 
 up to our relief. We could not have 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 67 
 
 mustered more than nine hundred men, and 
 were totally destitute of cavalry ; while 
 the enemy, strong in this arm, enveloped 
 our flanks in the form of a crescent. 
 
 When lying on the ground, I observed 
 the Madras Fusiliers, commanded by their 
 gallant leader, Major Stephenson, advancing 
 in close column, unaware of impending des- 
 truction, which I comprehended at a glance. 
 I sprung to my feet from the narrow ridge 
 of earth on which I had been lying with 
 the Highlanders, and rushing across the 
 plain, warned him of the danger which the 
 waning light concealed from him, as his 
 noble regiment advanced in this formation, 
 to which either a round shot or discharge 
 of grape would have proved of deadly 
 effect. 
 
 On receiving my warning, he quickly 
 
 F 2 
 
68 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 deployed into line, and lay down with us 
 upon the ground. 
 
 With increasing darkness, shadows length- 
 ened, which added to the imposing effect 
 of the rebel line, seeming yt > dense 
 
 and numerous ; drums and t. ampets in- 
 solently sounding the advance in quick 
 repetition. 
 
 General Havelock, who had just had his 
 horse shot under him, now appeared, boldly 
 riding a hack, the only man who dared 
 raise his head — so close and thick was the 
 fire that rained upon us. He instantly, 
 with clear and firm tone, gave the order, 
 " The line will advance." Hardly were 
 the words spoken, when a feeling of con- 
 fidence inspired every breast, and displaced 
 the overwhelming weight of uncertainty 
 and doubt engendered by inaction. Up 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 69 
 
 sprung our thinned line, not amounting to 
 nine hundred strong ; their quick pace ac- 
 celerated by the double, they bounded 
 onward. 
 
 At the word " Forward," the space be- 
 tween the hostile lines was so incon- 
 siderable, that a general melee seemed 
 inevitable, the odds being fearfully against 
 us. But to this act of intrepidity in our 
 General his troops worthily responded. 
 Their ardour and enthusiastic daring had 
 mounted to that height almost resembling, 
 frenzy ; acknowledging no obstacle, and 
 overleaping every barrier, their impetuosity 
 was irresistible. Hurrah! Well done, brave 
 64th, the very gun from which we suffered 
 so severely is captured ! Away ! away ! across 
 the plain, like the shifting figures in a 
 panorama, the cowardly rebels disappeared ; 
 
70 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 our troops following in hot pursuit till we 
 reached the verge of the cantonment. Here 
 we halted in view of the artillery barracks, 
 which lay in our front. We had neither 
 tents, rations, nor grog. But we had the 
 commendation of our General, and the 
 glowing terms in which he addressed us 
 proved how truly he appreciated our 
 ardour. 
 
 Like all lofty natures superior to egot- 
 ism, he seemed to forget the greatness of 
 his own example while recognizing our 
 prowess. Well is such a leader calculated 
 to inspire confidence, secure esteem, and 
 lead us on to victory; or, if need be, to 
 death ! He it was who had led this 
 most determined onslaught, in which dark- 
 ness shrouded our reduced numbers, the 
 Highlanders in the centre (their usual 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 71 
 
 position) cautioning each other not to 
 fire, as the General was in front ; but 
 for this, they would have poured a wi- 
 thering volley on their retreating foe. Our 
 casualties now amounted to a hundred and 
 five, including four days' fighting, during 
 which we had captured twenty-three 
 pieces of artillery. 
 
72 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 jfiftjj <%jjter. 
 
 July 17th. 
 
 We arrived at Cawnpore. Nothing 
 can be more cheerless or desolate than 
 the view presented by the company's 
 ground; the most conspicuous and thrilling 
 objects being the two barrack buildings 
 so unhappily chosen by Sir Hugh Wheeler 
 after the mutiny of all the native troops 
 at this station on the 6th June. 
 
 There could scarcelv have been a more 
 fatally exposed position. The roofless, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 73 
 
 shattered walls are thickly pierced with 
 round shot, and they are not only exposed 
 on all sides, but absolutely commanded by 
 the new barracks, built in echelon along 
 their front, and affording complete cover to 
 their assailants. Outside the entrenchments, 
 a mere furrow, are a few rifle-pits. In 
 another place, the ground is excavated as a 
 means of protecting the poor women from 
 the fire of the enemy, who, against this ex- 
 posed position, had actually commenced to 
 open parallels. So long as hope remained 
 to the defenders, they did not hesitate to 
 make the most desperate sorties to capture 
 the guns of the mutineers. Never can 
 their courage be impugned. So few were 
 the Europeans, and so destitute were they 
 of men to work the guns, that they were 
 served alternately by those who tried, with 
 
74 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 fruitless perseverance, to put down the fire 
 of their treacherous and savage foe, to 
 whose batteries these devoted buildings 
 were easy targets. 
 
 Two only of that doomed British garrison 
 survive — Lieutenants Delafosse and Thomp- 
 son, who contrived to escape. 
 
 They joined the force under General 
 Havelock on the march. Their sufferings 
 have been severe, and their preservation 
 may be ascribed to the kindness of a native 
 landowner, who, on hearing of their extra- 
 ordinary trials, after escaping from the 
 fire poured into the boats in which they 
 were permitted to embark, sheltered them. 
 Truly, indeed, may I exclaim in the words 
 of the immortal bard : 
 
 " There is a providence that shapes our ends, 
 Rough hew them as we will." 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 75 
 
 For despite my strenuous exertion and 
 my urgent request for permission to ac- 
 company a detachment of Bengal Fusiliers, 
 en route to Cawnpore from Calcutta, under 
 the command of Lieutenant Glonville of 
 that corps, I was peremptorily refused ; 
 which, at the time, occasioned me much 
 irritation and impatience. Vain, blind 
 mortal ! I did not then see the hand 
 of the Almighty outstretched to hold me 
 back from the foul impending massacre, 
 while now I humbly acknowledge the 
 merciful interposition. 
 
 What conflicting passions tore our hearts 
 and roused us to vengeance, as we learnt 
 the cruel tale of the martyrdom of our 
 hapless country-women and their tender 
 babes. On the 15th July the sacrifice 
 was consummated. 
 
76 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Tortured by the fierce thirst for revenge, 
 and penetrated by the sense of their suffer- 
 ings, strange wild feelings awoke within 
 us. Panting, eager, maddened, we sped 
 onwards to the dreary house of martyrdom, 
 where their blood was out-poured like 
 water; the clotted gore lay ancle deep on 
 the polluted floor, and also long tresses of 
 silken hair, fragments of female wearing- 
 apparel, hats, boots; children's tiny boots 
 and toys were scattered about in terrible 
 confusion. In a little book of daily prayers, 
 which was picked up, was the following 
 affecting inscription : 
 
 27th JUNE, LEFT THE BOATS, 
 
 also, 
 
 7th JULY, WENT AS PRISONERS TO SALVADOR HOUSE, 
 
 FATAL DAT! 
 
 The dates and days of the week were 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 77 
 
 entered up to the first week of this month 
 (July), a cross being marked up to the 
 6th, corresponding with a similar cross at 
 every daily prayer, which ends at the fly- 
 leaf with the words, "For darling mamma, 
 from her affectionate daughter, Isabella Blair." 
 
 Nor was this the only sight of horror 
 that awaited us. More appalling still, 
 there was the deep and narrow well within 
 the same enclosure, choked with the man- 
 gled remains of those fair and helpless 
 beings. 
 
 But this is no subject to dwell upon, 
 and for the fiends who perpetrated the 
 savage deed, a fiery retribution is at hand. 
 We learn from the reports of the shop- 
 keepers in the Bazaar, as well as from 
 the statement of others, that twelve 
 thousand Sepoys held Cawnpore, who not 
 
78 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 only failed in resisting the advance of 
 our determined little band, scarce amount- 
 ing to nine hundred, but utterly abandoned 
 this extensive station, which presents innu- 
 merable points of defence. Such is the 
 terror inspired by our successful advance, 
 nor would this be so surprising if our 
 adversary was unskilled in the art of war. 
 Trained, however, like ourselves to British 
 discipline, greatly superior to us in number, 
 and inured to the climate as children of 
 the soil, it would almost seem as if a 
 coward conscience whispered to him of 
 vengeance, and drove him to flight. 
 
 We had been for several hours without 
 food, but stimulated no less than horrified 
 by the scene of the fearful catastrophe 
 which I have recorded, we were quite uncon- 
 scious of the want. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 79 
 
 We now hurried onward towards some 
 buildings which remained standing, and 
 which had been used as sheds for cavalry. 
 Here we gladly sheltered ourselves, as this 
 was the first time of our having a roof 
 over our heads since the 30th June, when 
 we left Allahabad, a period of seventeen 
 days. Yet during this time we had been 
 exposed day and night to varied alterna- 
 tions, incident both to the climate and the 
 season of the year. 
 
 At one time, we felt almost burnt or 
 parched by the rays of a tropical sun. At 
 another, we were drenched by the pouring 
 rain, which chilled us to the bone, and 
 flooding the earth beneath our feet, ren- 
 dered our footing insecure. All this added 
 to the difficulties of our march, and tested 
 our powers of endurance. 
 
80 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 July 18th. 
 
 Another deadly foe has entered the lists 
 against us — one which makes the bravest 
 among us shudder ; for even those who in 
 the battle-field were insensible to fear, 
 even when the fatal ball whizzed past, 
 winged with death, now shudder at the 
 name of cholera. 
 
 Our indefatigable Adjutant-General, Cap- 
 tain Steuard Beatson, has succumbed to its 
 deadly influence. Poor fellow, he struggled 
 against the insidiousness of dysentery, up- 
 borne by the sense of duty till he was 
 
 overcome by this fatal malady, which the 
 damp reeking atmosphere, combined with 
 
 over-exertion, speedily developed. 
 
 Another also departed — poor Currie, ot 
 
 the 84th, from the effects of a ghastly 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 81 
 
 wound received in yesterday's conflict, and 
 yet another still, the zealous, daring Re- 
 naud, Madras Fusiliers, whose courage and 
 fortitude were proverbial ! 
 
 He sank rapidly after the amputation of 
 his left leg above the. knee. I had gone 
 to see him, found him in cheerful spirits, 
 hoped for his ultimate recovery, and now he 
 is not. Sad realities of ruthless war ! 
 
 G 
 
82 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 \%\\ Cjpjjfer. 
 
 Camp, Cawnpore, July 18th. 
 
 The rapidity with which events of the 
 most stirring interest crowd upon each 
 other, in every exciting variety, renders me 
 forgetful of noting circumstances of minor 
 import, however worthy of record they 
 may be, as illustrative of the scenes amid 
 which I move, and the persons amongst 
 whom I live. 
 
 One conversant with human nature has 
 said, " Sweet are the uses of adversity ;" and 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 83 
 
 truly the adverse influences, against which 
 our little band struggles so manfully, seem 
 to have developed extraordinary greatness 
 of mind and wonderful powers of endurance. 
 
 With what cheerfulness, hunger, thirst, 
 fatigue, and exposure are encountered and 
 overcome in the face of danger. Not 
 a word of repining is heard, although 
 discomfort and privation are no longer 
 comparative, but positive and absolute, I 
 question, indeed, whether equal fortitude was 
 to have been found in the Spartan of 
 old. Could our friends at home but 
 imagine what we endure, they would 
 shrink from the contemplation, so painful 
 
 « 
 
 would be the mere idea of those realities 
 we contend against. 
 
 Strange how the ludicrous trenches 
 upon the sublime ! Never shall I forget 
 
 G 2 
 
84 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 the alarm that was spread on the night 
 of the 16th, when, worn out by excite- 
 ment of mind and overpowered by 
 fatigue of body, we lay down to sleep in 
 the arms of victory ; but scarce had 
 refreshing sleep descended on our fevered 
 eyelids, when a hasty shout ran through 
 our lines that the enemy was upon us. 
 They who heard the alarm sprung imme- 
 diately to arms and awoke their comrades, 
 myself among the number. We prepared 
 to encounter the enemy, but we had 
 already given him too severe a lesson of 
 British prowess for him so soon to 
 re-appear, and we speedily discovered that 
 the disturbers of our slumber were no 
 more formidable assailants than loose 
 horses, several of which were galloping 
 about the camp. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 85 
 
 Early yesterday, the execrable monster, 
 
 Nana Sahib, retreated towards Bithoor, 
 his stronghold, where it was understood 
 he would make a determined resistance, 
 it being a place of considerable strength 
 and easily defended. His exit from 
 Cawnpore was marked by a salute, such 
 as those who heard it cannot easily 
 forget. It did not consist of the mere 
 formality of a given number of guns, 
 
 but of the explosion of the entire maga- 
 zine. This was of course a tremendous 
 affair; the ground beneath us heaved and 
 shook as if rent by the throes of an 
 earthquake, and the air was darkened by 
 the debris. It is said by the Bazaar 
 people that this has been the work of a 
 holy man, a relation of the Nana's. 
 
 And now Bithoor, the very stronghold 
 of the miscreant, is in our possession. 
 
86 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 It is some ten or twelve miles distant 
 from hence. Not a single shot has it 
 cost ns. Major Stephenson and his fine 
 regiment of Madras Fusiliers, on entering 
 the place, found it abandoned by the 
 Nana, who, with no fewer than five 
 thousand armed followers, and forty-five 
 guns in position, to dispute our advance, 
 has remembered that the better part of 
 valour is discretion, and acting on this 
 principle, has suffered Bithoor to fall into 
 our hands without the expenditure of any 
 more gunpowder than what had exploded 
 when the magazine blew up. 
 
 Fifteen guns have been captured, and 
 some carriages and other valuable property 
 found, which this wretch had abandoned in 
 his ignominious flight. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 87 
 
 July 19th. 
 
 The heavy and frequent rain incident 
 during this monsoon weather makes writing 
 a matter of difficulty. The ploughed 
 ground beneath one's feet is a regular 
 swamp. Water, water everywhere! 
 
 A dry jacket has been a luxury un- 
 known to us for many days. We cannot 
 find a dry corner wherein to sleep, while 
 the number of frogs which luxuriate in 
 this humid atmosphere is astonishing. 
 They are great, unsightly, bloated-looking 
 creatures; I have not made up my mind 
 whether the large black frogs, streaked 
 and fretted with dun colour, or the dingy 
 yellow, variegated with black, are the 
 most disagreeable. My presence does not 
 seem to discompose them in the least. 
 
88 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 They either flounder about in the little 
 pools on my floor to their heart's 
 content, or rest panting on the saturated 
 earth; their round, shining eyes fixed on 
 me at times, as if fascinated. Dysentery 
 and cholera continue to increase. It is la- 
 mentable to see our fine fellows smitten 
 by those dire scourges, to which the 
 peculiar state of the atmosphere, super- 
 added to fatigue and privation, predisposes 
 them. The long fasts, too, which we have 
 been obliged to endure, must encroach on 
 bodily strength. Our last was of twenty 
 one hours' duration, viz., from noon on 
 the 16th July, till 9 a.m. the following 
 day. During this interval, not a man in 
 our force had any refreshment, and at 
 the end of these twenty-one hours, the 
 meal served to them was of the most 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 89 
 
 meagre description. Still there was not a 
 murmur in their ranks. Supplies here are 
 at present very scanty; and though 
 brought into camp by the affrighted shop- 
 keepers who have been hitherto accus- 
 tomed to gain a livelihood by their 
 dealings with Europeans, and who still 
 continue to part with their goods on 
 most advantageous terms, it is not very 
 easy for the purchasers to secure them ; 
 indeed, if the owners do not escort the pur- 
 chasers to their own tents, some greedy 
 stragglers will endeavour to seize on the 
 supplies purchased as a lawful prize ; the 
 laws of meum and tuum being at pre- 
 sent in abeyance — chacun pour soi, the do- 
 minating influence. 
 
 July 22nd. 
 
 I have been appointed to act as De- 
 
90 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 puty Judge Advocate. I have no objec- 
 tion to the staff, if serving upon it does 
 not prevent me from being useful in 
 other matters more agreeable to my incli- 
 nations. Nothing can be more distasteful 
 to me than a life of inactivity; during 
 the present crisis it would be unendurable. 
 As military lawyer, I believe I am justified 
 in assuming that I shall have little em- 
 ployment : for there is almost an absence 
 of crime in this brave little band. 
 
 Had one regiment only, like any of 
 those which compose this band of Have- 
 lock's, been present here with Sir Hugh 
 Wheeler, he might have made a stand 
 till the arrival of relief. Poor victim of 
 hope deferred, as much as of infernal 
 treachery, he had been led to believe 
 that reinforcements would have been sent 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 91 
 
 to his aid by the 15th June. Kelying 
 on this fatal belief, he selected the 
 buildings nearest to the direct road 
 from Allahabad, from whence the relieving 
 troops were expected to advance. Hence 
 his exposed position. What eager, agonised 
 looks must have been turned to that 
 road, as day after day swept past, and 
 reinforcements came not, and the hopes 
 of the slender, overtasked garrison became 
 fainter and fainter, while bodily strength 
 wasted away, and, in addition to the 
 savage foe, hunger also glared upon 
 them. 
 
 What wonder that reason tottered, 
 and credulity awoke and whispered of 
 the Nana's foregone hospitality, the inti- 
 mate relations which had originally sub- 
 sisted between him and the beleaguered 
 
92 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 few, and his incapacity to betray trust 
 reposed in his honour. 
 
 And so they fell into the snare, and 
 tender-hearted women learned their own 
 tenacity of life in looking on the extinction 
 of life in the partners of their existence, 
 and bore the dreadful memory, seared 
 into their hearts, till their own martyrdom 
 was consummated. The blood of those 
 innocents cries out from the earth in 
 reprobation of a system, which, from its 
 slothfulness, led to this catastrophe, and 
 which is totally at variance with the 
 progress of modern civilization. 
 
 July 23rd. 
 
 Now a work of severe trial opens to 
 us. We are about to cross the Ganges, 
 a mile wide here, much swollen by the 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 93 
 
 incessant rain, and against an extremely 
 strong current; our small steamer and a 
 few native boats being the only means of 
 transit. But Lucknow is to be succoured 
 immediately by our shadow of an army, 
 insufficient in itself to cover even Cawnpore, 
 destitute of cavalry, horse artillery, or 
 horse battery, and without a reserve 
 between Cawnpore and Calcutta. Such 
 are the instructions of the government, 
 and such the means provided by the 
 same authority, both for carrying out the 
 instructions, viz., the immediate relief of 
 Lucknow, and also for holding the vast 
 tract of territory between this and Cal- 
 cutta ! 
 
 The enterprise is a desperate one, and 
 it will be seen whether a force so weak 
 as ours can do more than make the attempt. 
 
94 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 The entire population of Oude is against 
 us. Therefore we may anticipate the 
 most stringent opposition ; particularly 
 as its people are remarkably warlike, 
 much attached to their former rulers, 
 and always opposed to our encroachment 
 on their territory. They have not been 
 brought into subjection to us by the sword 
 of the warrior; their territory has merely 
 been annexed by a stroke of the pen. 
 This annexation was considered at the 
 time an able piece of statesmanship, but 
 it has since borne the bitter fruit of dis- 
 affection. 
 
 As the causes of the present mutiny 
 are analysed, it becomes evident that the 
 cause alleged, viz., the issue of Enfield 
 rifle-cartridges, is utterly without founda- 
 tion. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 95 
 
 timttjj Cjjapto- 
 
 July 28th. 
 
 Amidst torrents of rain, the 84th, 
 78th Highlanders, and 64th crossed the 
 Ganges to cover the transport of our Com- 
 missariat stores, which will occupy several 
 days. Meantime our troops must live as 
 best they can in a swamp, without means 
 of shelter. Our desperate enterprise must 
 not be hampered with the carriage either of 
 tents or bedding, which we have left behind 
 us at Cawnpore. 
 
96 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Nothing can exceed the zeal and 
 efficiency of Lieutenant-Colonel Tytler, 
 our Quartermaster General. His energy- 
 is untiring, as he personally superintends at 
 the Ghat, a ferry, the transport of men, 
 horses, and stores — a work of some hours 
 daily, in which he is assisted by other 
 officers of his department, equally on the 
 alert, and working night and day. 
 
 July 26th. 
 
 The troops suffer severely on this swampy 
 ground, which we have been obliged to 
 occupy; unfortunately, there is no choice 
 for us. 
 
 Wet and cold bring an increase of 
 dysentery. 
 
 My side and shoulder ache severely, and 
 at times I find respiration painful. This is 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 97 
 
 said to have resulted from the contusion 
 which I received in my adventure with the 
 
 bullock at the battle of Futtehpore. To- 
 day, we advanced to Mungurwar, occupied 
 by some villagers, a good position, com- 
 manding the plain through which our route 
 lies. We are now quartered in native huts, 
 where we shall remain till our Commissa- 
 riat enables us to advance. 
 
 Melancholy to relate, dysentery and 
 cholera, occasioned by exposure and hard 
 fare, have increased to such an extent 
 amongst us that we are, of necessity, com- 
 pelled to send the sick back to Cawnpore, 
 where Brigadier Neil, with a detachment 
 of less than two hundred and fifty men, 
 commands. Such is the force he possesses to 
 hold Cawnpore ! while ours amounts to 
 1777 of all ranks, with ten guns. 
 
98 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 July 29th. 
 
 At half-past five a.m., we advanced 
 towards Oonao, a distance of six miles; 
 the villages en route being most obsti- 
 nately defended from loop-holes and guns 
 in position, which contested our progress. 
 The fire upon the General and his Staff 
 has been severe, and Lieutenant Seton, his 
 
 Aide-de-camp has been badly wounded. 
 
 Between the village and town of Oonao 
 is a space by which our column diverged, 
 again to find the enemy advantageously 
 posted in the plain beyond. From the 
 manner in which he had chosen his 
 position, we had no other alternative 
 than to attack him in front ; he being 
 defended on his right by a wide swamp, 
 which interposed a natural barrier between 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 99 
 
 us. His advance was drawn up in a 
 garden or enclosure, much resembling a 
 bastion, while his remaining troops found 
 a comparatively secure shelter in the 
 loop-hooled houses of a village, communi- 
 cating by a narrow passage with the 
 town, which lay on our right, something 
 less than a mile distant; a position quite 
 impossible for us to turn, in consequence 
 of the inundated state of the country, 
 owing to the heavy rains. 
 
 The 78th Highlanders and Madras 
 Fusiliers, with two guns, commenced the 
 attack, animated by their wonted spirit, 
 and poured an effective fire upon the 
 enemy, which drove him from the inclo- 
 sure; but we suffered severely from a 
 withering fire, poured upon us from the 
 loop-hooled houses in our approach to the 
 
 h2 
 
100 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 village, till Colonel Wilson brought up 
 the brave 64th to our relief; which turned 
 the scale in our favour. Here some acts 
 of bravery were performed, impossible to 
 describe, as they border so much on the 
 marvellous. Foremost in heroic daring 
 was an Irishman named Patrick Cavanagh, 
 a private of the 64th Regiment, whose 
 conspicuous gallantry on this occasion was 
 worthy of the Paladins of old and the 
 admiration of all. He fell, literally hewn 
 to pieces by the enemy; had he survived, 
 he would have been recommended for the 
 Victoria Cross. 
 
 In this our first encounter with the 
 warlike people of Oude, we met with much 
 more sustained opposition than upon any 
 former occasion, and notwithstanding our 
 having set fire to their village, they still 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 101 
 
 resolutely defended themselves ; but we 
 were not to be foiled; we succeeded in 
 capturing two of their guns, and debouched 
 by the narrow passage which connects 
 the village with the town of Oonao, where 
 we formed line and discovered the enemy, 
 who had rallied and assembled in great force, 
 with infantry, guns, and cavalry, prepared to 
 resist us. Having formed into echelons of 
 detachments and batteries, we attacked them, 
 captured their guns, and finally routed 
 both their infantry and cavalry. Through- 
 out this engagement, a large body of the 
 Nana's troops threatened our left flank, 
 but did not dare to come to an engage- 
 ment. 
 
 In this action, Lieutenant Boyle, 78th 
 Highlanders, while seeking to dislodge 
 some religious fanatics from one of the 
 
102 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 houses in the village defended by match- 
 lockmen, received a severe wound. 
 
 During this time I had been in command 
 of the rear-guard ; I had been left in 
 total ignorance of the column having 
 diverged; indeed no intelligence whatso- 
 ever had reached me ; but no sooner had 
 our baggage reached the entrance of the 
 village than I became aware of its arrival. 
 
 Now although our baggage was limited 
 as to quantity, yet it formed a line of con- 
 siderable length, and the number of heavy 
 waggons required for the transport of 
 Commissariat stores, together with a string 
 of palanquins and dhoolies for sick and 
 wounded, chiefly casualties of the day, 
 seriously impeded our progress, and rendered 
 our position the more critical. For a 
 single moment, the entire body seemed 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 103 
 
 panic-stricken; they wavered, and began 
 to retire. Perceiving this, I instantly 
 extended a short distance to either flank 
 the few infantry under my command, with 
 peremptory orders to shoot the first camp- 
 follower who attempted to go to the rear, 
 got the palanquins and dhoolies with sick 
 and wounded on the flank of my large 
 waggons, and turning to the foremost 
 elephant-driver, who seemed intent on 
 effecting a safe retreat, threatened to shoot 
 him on the spot if he did not immediately 
 advance. This produced the desired effect; 
 he seemed to think it safer to risk the possi- 
 bility of the enemy's fire, than certain death 
 from the muzzle of my heavy pistol, 
 aimed at him ; its silent appeal was eloquent 
 to persuade, and once more the entire 
 train was in motion. 
 
104 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Fortunately, we fell in with the Sikh 
 regiment of Ferozepore, halted in the 
 village. I took advantage of this circum- 
 stance, and aided them with guns to clear 
 it. So brisk was the fire poured upon 
 us, that it is not surprising our camp- 
 followers manifested feelings of alarm ; but 
 the guns of my escort opened upon the 
 enclosure from whence we were annoyed, and 
 with good effect, for I succeeded in passing 
 the entire convoy without the loss of a 
 single driver or any of the cattle. Un- 
 fortunately, one of my gunners was killed 
 by a shot from a loop-hole, and this was 
 my only casualty. 
 
 The column, meantime, was two miles 
 in advance ; it halted upon a swampy plain, 
 partially drying up beneath the influence 
 of intense sunshine, and wreathed in exha- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 105 
 
 lations more or less noxious. There we 
 
 joined it. 
 
 The difficulties which I had to encounter 
 
 in forwarding this baggage were extreme, 
 
 requiring the most constant and strenuous 
 
 exertion, as well as the exercise of absolute 
 authority on my part; but my efforts were 
 
 crowned with the most complete success, 
 and not a single case of desertion had 
 occurred en route. 
 
 How I came to have been detached for that 
 particular duty, command of the rear-guard, 
 on that day, I know not ; but so it was ; 
 though contrary to the express commands 
 of the General, whom I ought to have 
 attended. However, on his receiving a 
 verbal report from me of the occasion of 
 my absence, which I subsequently made 
 in writing, I had the extreme gratification 
 
106 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 of being again thanked by him for the 
 protection of the sick and wounded, and 
 baggage under my care. There is 
 pleasure in serving such a General, 
 ever ready courteously to acknowledge 
 a service. 
 
 After a short rest, I was once more 
 in the saddle, and galloped back to the 
 scene of our recent fight, to ascertain 
 what had become of two guns that we had 
 spiked. On my return, I found the 
 entire force in motion towards Busserat 
 Gunge, following the direct road. I put 
 spurs to my horse, which had unfortu- 
 nately lost a shoe and and got lame, so 
 that its speed little accorded with my 
 impatience. At this town we met with 
 much more determined opposition than at 
 the former. It is walled, and is sur- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 107 
 
 rounded with wet ditches ; a round 
 tower defends the gates, five guns being 
 on and near it, while a loop-holed 
 building in close proximity adds to its 
 strength. A water-cut of some depth, 
 and of no inconsiderable breadth, lies to the 
 rear of the town ; this is approached by 
 a narrow causeway, from which a bridge 
 is thrown across. 
 
 The enemy opened a brisk cannonade 
 upon us as the guns pushed on in their 
 usual fine order, supported by Madras 
 Fusiliers, skirmishing, and 78th High- 
 landers and 64th, in line. Notwith- 
 standing the severity of their fire, we 
 continued to gain ground. The 64th 
 were ordered to turn the town, get be- 
 tween it and the bridge, and cut off the 
 enemy from the causeway and bridge; 
 
108 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 panting for victory, the Fusiliers and 
 Highlanders flung themselves upon the 
 earthworks, broke into the entrenchments, 
 and captured the town. 
 
 Cavalry was utterly useless, it being 
 quite impossible for them to act, from 
 the flooded state of the roads. Still, we 
 took a quantity of ammunition, and a 
 large number of guns. By sunset we 
 were in possession of the town. Lieu- 
 tenant Havelock, Her Majesty's 10th, 
 brave as his sire, had a horse shot 
 under him; and Lieutenant Macpherson, 
 Adjutant of the 78 th, was conspicuous 
 for daring. 
 
 Our ranks, since crossing the river, the 
 day's casualties included, are now reduced 
 to eleven hundred Europeans ; our ambu- 
 lance is exhausted ; every palanquin and 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 109 
 
 dhoolie for carrying sick and wounded 
 occupied. Lucknow, to reach which is our 
 anxious desire, is thirty miles distant. 
 
 After the battle of Busserat Gunge, our 
 General passed down the narrow street, 
 thronged with wearied soldiers. They, on 
 observing him, cried out: — 
 
 " Clear the way for the General ! " 
 To this he instantly made answer: — 
 "You have done that well already." 
 Never was compliment more happily 
 timed, or more warmly appreciated ; they 
 were literally transported with delight, 
 praise being the soldier's coveted reward 
 and best stimulant. 
 
 Despite his reserved manner, no man is 
 more capable of conciliating, I had almost 
 said compelling, regard than General 
 Havelock. 
 
110 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 July 30th. 
 
 We are within thirty miles of Lucknow, 
 where our compatriots are beset by our 
 implacable enemy, and yet are unable to 
 succour them. Our little band is deci- 
 mated by disease, the cruel foes, dysentery 
 and cholera, thinning our reduced ranks, 
 while the reeking pestilential atmosphere, 
 incident to swampy ground, engenders those 
 disorders. 
 
 To-day we are to fall back upon Mun- 
 gurwar, an order which, though emanating 
 from such wise foresight as merits applause, 
 is yet most unwelcome to those bold, eager 
 spirits, burning for fresh enterprise and 
 panting to relieve our countrymen. The 
 very idea of a retrograde movement filled 
 them with consternation ; its present reality 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. Ill 
 
 calls forth the first murmurs I have yet 
 heard. 
 
 A man of less genuine mettle than our 
 General might be swayed by such demon- 
 strations, but the superiority of his moral 
 courage renders him unassailable, and ele- 
 vates him far beyond the fear of man, 
 which bringeth a snare. 
 
 Prudence, as well as courage, is one of 
 the first virtues of a soldier, a duty to be 
 sedulously cultivated ; so much depending 
 on its exercise, and so many human lives. 
 Nor is any act or decision of our leaders 
 more to be lauded than this. To risk a 
 further reduction of our numbers now 
 would be culpable rashness, the more 
 especially as we expect reinforcements 
 shortly. 
 
 And yet such is man, when he fixes his 
 
112 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 desires upon one object, that the predomi- 
 nant and almost universal feeling in our 
 little band is one of indignation at not being 
 led forward. 
 
 In compliance with General Havelock's 
 request, I am henceforth to act as his 
 Aid-de-camp, vice Seton, a most promising 
 young officer. Poor fellow ! the suffering, 
 consequent upon the wound he received 
 through the face, is excessively acute. 
 
 This day is marked by the execution of 
 
 some fugitive Sepoys ; two of them were 
 blown from a gun. The fortitude with 
 
 which they met this punishment was re- 
 markable, and worthy of a better cause. 
 They were both extremely fine men, in 
 the flower of their age — tall, athletic, 
 graceful, with finely-moulded limbs, almost 
 resembling antique statues in bronze. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 113 
 
 The first approached the engine of 
 destruction with an unwavering, firm tread, 
 his head erect and eye fearless ; undauntedly, 
 almost contemptuously, he gazed around 
 while he was being secured to the muzzle 
 of the gun. 
 
 No sooner was the word, "Fire," given, 
 than the discharge ensued, with a peculiar 
 muffled report, which rent his body to 
 atoms, while a sickening effluvium tainted the 
 atmosphere as his head was flung aloft far 
 into the blue aether. 
 
 From the spreading branches of an ad- 
 jacent tree, two wretches who had suffered 
 death by hanging were dangling. 
 
 July 31st. 
 
 Yesterday afternoon we fell back to 
 Oonao, where we halted, and were glad 
 
 I 
 
114 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 of the shelter of native huts and trees, but I 
 was in no very agreeable mood. Though 
 my evening meal was a scanty one, yet it 
 sufficed, and the prospect of repose was 
 most welcome to me. 
 
 The small tent that constitutes my office 
 is a little impromptu hospital, at present 
 being occupied by Lieutenant Boyle, 78th, 
 wounded severely in the action of the 
 29th, and Captain Maycock, 53rd, Deputy 
 Assistant Quartermaster General, sick from 
 the effects of immersion whilst ascertaining 
 the depth of a sheet of water in front of 
 the enemy's right flank, for the information 
 of the General. 
 
 We are now again upon our former 
 camping-ground at Mungurwar, having con- 
 tinued our march from Oonao towards the 
 left bank of the Ganges. My shoulder, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 115 
 
 chest, and side have been again very 
 troublesome — the pain, at times, excruciat- 
 ing; but, fortunately, they do not prevent 
 the fulfilment of my duties. 
 
 I 2 
 
116 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 digjjiji Cjrajjter. 
 
 Cawnpore, August 7th. 
 
 An attack of dysentery at Mungurwar 
 weakened me so much that, despite every 
 effort of my will, I became prostrated to 
 such a degree as to be utterly incapable 
 of further exertion, and was reluctantly 
 compelled to re-cross to this place, with 
 the sick and wounded, on the first oppor- 
 tunity that presented itself. To this 
 measure I was in some degree reconciled 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 117 
 
 by the hope of being able to get on 
 from hence to Delhi, my regiment being 
 in front of it ; for to share with my old 
 comrades in the dangers of the siege is 
 my anxious desire. The news we received 
 of the fall of that place was premature, 
 and it now appears that the mutineers are 
 making a stout resistance and giving us 
 more trouble than was anticipated. 
 However, the self-reliance of British soldiers 
 on their own martial prowess is truly 
 wonderful, and one of the surest elements 
 of success. 
 
 August 15th. 
 
 Our intrepid General, on hearing about 
 two days ago (Thursday last) of the 
 enemy having again occupied Busserat 
 Gunge (fourteen miles in advance), from 
 
118 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 whence we had only a few days previously 
 compelled him to fly, determined once more 
 to force him to abandon his position, 
 despite the formidable array of his re- 
 plenished ranks, amounting now to four 
 thousand men, together with six field- 
 guns. They had intrenched themselves 
 in the village of Boorbie Ackeckowkie, in 
 advance of Busserat Gunge, their front 
 being protected by wide and deep morasses, 
 across which it seemed impossible for us 
 to move the batteries necessary for the 
 attack. Our troops suffered heavily in 
 crossing the swamp, being exposed to the 
 fire of the enemy's artillery posted in 
 front; but the indomitable courage which 
 
 had borne them through so many con- 
 tests throbbed with still fuller life in each 
 warrior-heart, and bore them on to victory. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 119 
 
 Uttering a loud cheer of mingled assurance 
 and defiance, the brave Highlanders, without 
 the expenditure of a single shot, flung 
 themselves impetuously on the principal 
 redoubt, defended by three horse-battery 
 guns, two of which they captured. The 
 Madras Fusiliers, meantime, put the 
 enemy's extreme left completely to the 
 rout, and soon his entire line was driven 
 to retreat. 
 
 This was the eighth engagement since 
 the 12th of July! In all of these, our 
 arms had triumphed, notwithstanding every 
 advantage being on the side of our 
 adversaries ! 
 
 This well-timed movement of our 
 General's, carried out, as it was, in so 
 masterlv a manner, has been of the 
 utmost importance, as he has been enabled 
 
120 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 thereby to recross the Ganges. Our troops, 
 however, were severely tried; the advance 
 into Cawnpore seemed as much as it was 
 possible for men to endure, and the exces- 
 sive heat proved fatal to many during the 
 march. But what we then endured was 
 comparatively light, in comparison with 
 what we encountered while advancing into 
 Oude, and again in returning hither. Such 
 has been the effect that many in our ranks, 
 who, on leaving Allahabad were robust and 
 healthy, are now worn and emaciated. We 
 now buoy ourselves up with the hope of 
 fresh troops from England, but even if 
 
 despatched overland, as we are led to 
 expect, two full months must elapse before 
 
 it is possible for them to arrive here. 
 
 Threatened as we are on every side, 
 
 will our little handful of men, which is 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 121 
 
 too likely to be reduced in number still 
 further by sunstroke and disease, — shall we 
 be able to struggle on during that time? 
 This place seems hardly tenable, yet the fee- 
 bleness of the defensive works of Cawnpore 
 is perhaps compensated by the noble spirit 
 of our troops; for every soldier seems to 
 vie with another in the zealous performance 
 of duty. No cases of malingering exist; 
 even those who are really ill are unwilling 
 to admit their illness. 
 
 Though I was obliged to return here 
 on the sixth of this month, weakened by 
 dysentery, yet, on the ninth, I was again 
 under orders to accompany a force at a 
 moment's notice, to meet and engage a 
 body of mutineers who have been hovering 
 about us for some days. 
 
 To enable us to meet such contingencies, 
 
122 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 our numbers can ill-afford reduction, yet 
 cholera and dysentery are at present 
 fearfully on the increase. Great anxiety 
 is expressed by our highly-efficient medical 
 officers, in consequence of the rapid progress 
 of these diseases. The extraordinary ex- 
 posure, however, to which our troops have 
 been subject at a season of the year, 
 which, on account of its many vicissitudes, 
 is very trying to Europeans, would natu- 
 rally predispose the soldiers to cholera 
 and dysentery, even if they had received 
 either the poor shelter of a tent, or the 
 comfort of a bed, whereon to rest after a 
 weary march. From these comparative 
 luxuries they parted when they crossed 
 the Ganges into Oude. Onward they 
 marched — unshrinking, whether tortured by 
 the scorching sun, or chilled by the heavy 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 123 
 
 rain, or almost suffocated by the atmosphere, 
 pregnant with electricity, and reeking with 
 foetid exhalations from the swampy ground. 
 All this time, the scanty supply of indiffe- 
 rent food afforded but poor nutriment, and 
 was ill-adapted to repair that waste of 
 bodily strength, which might have enabled 
 them to resist disease. Even the air which 
 we now breathe is instinct with animal 
 life. 
 
 Here the entomologist would now find 
 every variety of fly and winged creature, 
 both sightly and unsightly. Here reptiles 
 superabound, vermin frisk about unmolested, 
 and multitudes of Jackals disturb our 
 broken rest at night, as they prowl over 
 the station, uttering doleful cries like the 
 voice of human wailing. 
 
 Brigadier-General Neil is now in command 
 
124 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 » 
 
 of the cantonment; and, as at Benares 
 and Allahabad, his presence has already- 
 exercised a beneficial influence. Under 
 his wise supervision, order is gradually 
 emerging out of chaos. Every morning 
 at daybreak, he makes a circuit of the 
 town, to re-assure the shop-keepers, who 
 are oft affrighted by rumours of the rebels 
 approaching in overwhelming numbers to 
 attack the station, which from its extent 
 is scarcely tenable. 
 
 Meanwhile, the troops destined to re- 
 inforce us are detained, en route from 
 Calcutta, at other stations, where the spirit 
 of disaffection is paramount. 
 
 We are now quartered in such houses 
 as have escaped the fury of the mutineers. 
 They are situate upon the river side, and 
 though they have more or less suffered, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 125 
 
 are a welcome change from the native 
 huts. 
 
 Here also our hospital-tents are pitched, 
 and they are full to overflowing. These 
 are covered by a field-work. Fortunately 
 for our men, the cavalry stable-sheds still 
 remain standing. These serve them for 
 quarters, no barrack room being in exis- 
 tence, and the inundated state of the plain 
 rendering it quite unfit for an encamp- 
 ment. 
 
 In the native town, many rebels and 
 mutineers have been discovered in different 
 lurking-places. They have been sentenced 
 to death by hanging, but before suffering 
 this extreme penalty, have been compelled 
 by the Brigadier to wipe up the blood of 
 our martyred country-women from the floor 
 of the house where they were sacrificed. 
 
126 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Close to this house, the gallows is erected. 
 The original mind of the Brigadier suggested 
 this novel mode of punishment, which is 
 utterly antagonistic to the prejudices of 
 the people, and is attended with the 
 forfeiture of caste. Strange inconsistency ! 
 these very people, who believe, or affect 
 to believe, that the penalty of everlasting 
 perdition is entailed by forfeiting the pri- 
 vilege of caste, can resistlessly submit to 
 it while unable by it to escape, death. 
 
 Bivouac, Bithoor, August 17th. 
 
 Yesterday (Sunday) I accompanied the 
 force under General Havelock to this place, 
 nine miles distant from Cawnpore. Muti- 
 neers from Saugor, Fyzabad, and other 
 stations, have joined a number of Nana 
 Sahib's troops, in all about four thousand, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 127 
 
 and occupied Bithoor, one of the strongest 
 positions in India. The plain, being over- 
 grown with thick sugar-cane and stunted 
 trees, affords ample cover to the enemy. 
 
 It has villages on either flank, and is 
 intersected by two rapid streams, impossible 
 to ford, and only to be crossed by insig- 
 nificant bridges, the most distant of which 
 is defended by an entrenchment protected 
 by artillery. 
 
 When this latter bridge is traversed, 
 the road curves in such a manner as to 
 shelter the defenders from direct fire, and 
 beyond, in the rear, are the narrow streets 
 and brick houses of Bithoor. But notwith- 
 standing the many advantages of his posi- 
 tion, the enemy as usual succumbed, being 
 unable to resist even the small force we 
 brought into the field. The original 
 
128 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 strength of the 78th, which I accompanied 
 on foot, had been 284 rank and file; it 
 was now miserably reduced. Still it was 
 animated by the same fine spirit as had 
 always characterised it. 
 
 A strong body of the mutineer's cavalry, 
 having appeared in our front to recon- 
 noitre, was saluted by a few rounds from 
 our artillery. At the sound of the dis- 
 charge, all our men seemed inspired with 
 renewed energy, which became keener still 
 as we discovered the position taken up by 
 the enemy, its centre resting on a bridge 
 flanked by an entrenched battery, which 
 commanded the centre of our line of ad- 
 vance. Both his flanks were well covered 
 by plantation. Behind lay the town of 
 Bithoor, thickly studded with brick houses, 
 rising one above another, surrounded by 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 129 
 
 walls, and buried in trees. No pause 
 ensued. The Madras Fusiliers, followed 
 by the Artillery, under Captain Crump, 
 took up position on the plain, and the 78th 
 Highlanders completed the right centre, on 
 one side of the road. Our left wing, 64th, 
 84th, and Sikh regiment of Ferozepore, 
 with Olpherts' battery, prolonged the 
 line to the left, on the other side of the 
 road. 
 
 Soon, our right was found to be enfiladed 
 by match-lock -men, posted in a village partly 
 masked by trees ; but this was speedily 
 met by throwing back the right companies 
 of the Madras Fusiliers, who had the honor 
 of carrying the village. 
 
 On our leaving the road, the enemy's 
 guns opened fire upon us with much preci- 
 sion, directing their fire upon our right 
 
 K 
 
130 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 centre, consisting of the 78th Highlanders. 
 We evaded it by lying down at intervals, 
 as our guns halted to answer his fire. All 
 this continued till we were within four 
 hundred yards of his position. We were 
 then assailed by a well-directed rifle-fire, 
 which was briskly answered from our right 
 by the Madras Fusiliers, who poured a 
 withering volley upon the enemy from a 
 long range, and followed up their volley 
 by an admirable advance in line. 
 
 To keep pace longer with the tardy 
 advance of our bullock-battery, was a work 
 too tedious for the impatience of our troops. 
 The 78th accordingly sprung forward and 
 seized the battery in front, while the 
 enemy sullenly abandoned his position. 
 Our toil-worn soldiers were too much 
 exhausted to pursue, but many of the 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 131 
 
 mutineers, greatly fatigued, fell down 
 beneath our bayonets. 
 
 I had never before seen so close 
 and well-directed a fire of small arms. 
 
 A considerable number of the mutineers 
 had posted themselves in a square redoubt 
 earthwork, from which their riflemen fired 
 upon our right wing, and with much 
 effect. Their position was concealed, till 
 the Highlanders, led on by Lieutenant 
 Cassidy of the light company, advanced 
 within a hundred yards and pushed them 
 out of it. Our right battalion, the Madras 
 Fusiliers, led the charge, giving simul- 
 taneously a long and thrilling cheer. In 
 this advance our right wing was chiefly 
 engaged, while Captain Olpherts, always 
 conspicuous for daring, conducted his bat- 
 tery far in advance of our left centre. His 
 
 K 2 
 
132 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 intention, I believe, was to take the enemy's 
 line, had not orders to prevent him mean- 
 time been issued. We here advanced, upon 
 the heels of the mutineers, to the bridge 
 adjacent to the road before described. 
 
 The leading Officer, Lieutenant Cassidy, 
 was in eager pursuit of a mounted Sowar, 
 whom he might have made prisoner, had 
 not the halt been sounded to enable the 
 left wing to join us, which was soon 
 effected. He also took the lead in pursuing 
 the enemy through a long street, flanked 
 on our right with garden enclosures. Under 
 the cover of these enclosures, the foe kept 
 up a biting fire. Several of our men, com- 
 pletely wayworn, sank down exhausted on 
 the road side, where they lay powerless; 
 others again, endued either with greater 
 physical strength or more determined 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 133 
 
 volition, displayed increased resolution to 
 silence the fire of our adversaries. We 
 could stand this no longer, but charged 
 at three hundred yards, when the enemy 
 left the position, retiring slowly, and seem- 
 ingly quite as much fatigued as ourselves. 
 A large enclosure surrounding the Residency, 
 originally occupied by the British Agent 
 near the Nana, afforded a welcome halting- 
 place to the overtasked troops, who lay 
 down to rest beneath the shade of umbra- 
 geous trees. Short, however, was the 
 respite, for they were quickly warned to 
 "go on," as it was necessary to clear the 
 town. 
 
 It being exceedingly intricate, there was 
 much trouble in dislodging the enemy from 
 it, nor was it effected without severe fight- 
 ing in the barricaded houses. 
 
134 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 A Highlander, and one of the Madras 
 Fusiliers, possessed of but one rifle 
 between them, in the heat of excitement, 
 rushed into one of these houses, where 
 they discovered seven Sepoys. Not one 
 of the seven escaped ; they all were 
 victims to the avenging spirit of those 
 two Europeans, who proudly related the 
 adventure. 
 
 At one time, our General had deter- 
 mined to follow the enemy to Soorajpore, 
 but, being destitute of cavalry, aban- 
 doned the intention. This afternoon, a 
 great many of our men sickened. 
 
 We had brought no tents with us, and 
 therefore lay down to sleep beneath the 
 trees, happy in possessing such a shelter. 
 At Bithoor, as well as at Cawnpore, the 
 mutineers exhibited the strongest symp- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 135 
 
 toms of vexation after suffering themselves 
 to be beaten by numbers so inferior. 
 They smashed their muskets in their 
 rage, upbraiding themselves upon their 
 defeat, and, like true Asiatics, "weeping 
 like women for what they could not 
 hold like men." 
 
 August 18th. 
 
 Having blown up the buildings, the 
 property of the Nana at Bithoor, we 
 returned to Cawnpore, and in passing 
 the position from whence we had driven 
 the mutineers, we became aware of the 
 superior advantages of defence which it 
 afforded, being screened from observation 
 by a thick plantation of maples, closely 
 occupied by their infantry, and imme- 
 diately in rear of a gun-battery, which 
 
136 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 for nearly a mile commanded our 
 approach. Our troops were much exposed 
 to the fire of this battery, as they 
 quitted the main road and moved across 
 the position in order to make a direct 
 attack. 
 
 Never can I forget the daring man 
 ner in which Olpherts, with his battery 
 of horse artillery, menaced one point of 
 their position, or the gallantry of 
 McPherson of the 78th, ever cheering on 
 his men in front of the line. Our 
 number of sick is lamentably augmented 
 by this one day's work at Bithoor, where 
 many have been also disabled by wounds, 
 some killed, and others have died of 
 sunstroke or cholera. 
 
 It was really piteous to see our fine 
 fellows lying disabled in the large enclosed 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 137 
 
 garden of the Residency. Our doctors 
 are quite overworked, for the cases of acute 
 dysentery are painfully numerous, and 
 generally terminate in cholera. There is 
 no greater predisposing cause to illness 
 of this kind than long fasting, especially 
 in a country like this, where the bodily 
 waste is so rapid. As it is desirable to 
 repair this waste, the greatest care should 
 be taken, when possible, to prevent men 
 from having to undergo the pangs of 
 hunger as well as the languor of fatigue, 
 and therefore the department which 
 supplies their food should be well 
 superintended. By certain precautions on 
 this head, there is little doubt that much 
 sickness might be avoided. 
 
 The lesson given by General Havelock 
 to the rebels, on the 16th, will, I think, 
 
138 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 effectually prevent them from shewing 
 themselves in his vicinity for some time to 
 come. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 139 
 
 ftintj <£|ayttr. 
 
 August 22nd. 
 
 In the absence of positive intelligence 
 from our beleaguered countrymen at Luck- 
 now, our anxiety about them is supreme. 
 We scarcely dare to indulge the hope 
 that the garrison are continuing to hold 
 out, and we live on from day to day 
 in expectation of learning some fatal 
 news. Sir Hugh Wheeler was the last 
 to afford them relief, by sending detach- 
 ments of Her Majesty's 32nd and 84th 
 
140 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 to Lucknow, heedless of his own critical 
 position, and with strange infatuation 
 relying on the fidelity of the native 
 troops under his command. These troops, 
 as is now credibly reported, made their 
 intended mutiny the subject of their daily 
 discussion, without any attempt at con- 
 cealment. Hints were given both to the 
 civil and military authorities here, but it 
 does not appear that they took any 
 notice of the warning. 
 
 It may have been that the hapless 
 Sir Hugh Wheeler, a well-worn veteran, 
 with his characteristic frank-heartedness, 
 relied too implicitly on the hope of pro- 
 mised assistance reaching him by the 15th 
 of June, which appears to be attested, 
 if what I have heard be true, by 
 official documents since discovered. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 141 
 
 The part played by the Nana in this 
 foul tragedy was worthy the genius of an 
 Asiatic, marked by craft, dissimulation, and 
 treachery. He proffered his services as a 
 friend to take over the magazine. Such 
 was the reliance placed on his fidelity, that 
 not only the magazine was given into 
 his protection, but the treasury was also 
 placed under his charge. Having thus 
 pared the lion's claws, our countrymen no 
 longer made it his policy to dissimulate. 
 He became their open foe, till it again 
 suited the purposes of the arch-traitor to 
 resume the mask, and to hasten on the 
 appalling crisis, by pledging himself, by all 
 that he held most sacred, to observe the 
 proposed treaty inviolate ; which expressly 
 stipulated the unmolested departure of the 
 British in boats down the Ganges. 
 
142 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Yet, simultaneously, with fiendish per- 
 fidiousness, he notified to the native 
 officer in command on the banks of the 
 river, that they were about to embark, 
 and laid a strict injunction upon this 
 subordinate not to suffer them to pro- 
 ceed to any distance, remarking in his 
 official letter, found in his order book : — 
 
 " The Ferringhees say (or think) 
 they are going down to Calcutta, but 
 you will do your duty as becomes a 
 faithful servant." 
 
 Poor young Glanville, 2nd Bengal 
 Fusiliers, with whom I had been a 
 fellow-passenger from England but a 
 month previously, and whom I sedulously 
 endeavoured to accompany to Cawnpore, 
 when proceeding thence from Calcutta, 
 was killed in one of the ill-fated boats. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 143 
 
 But to return to our force. Cholera 
 
 is now more than ever busy amongst us, 
 
 and four of our Volunteer Horse have 
 
 been buried to-day. Poor Brown has 
 
 also fallen a victim to this deadly 
 
 malady, which, from foregone exposure and 
 
 privation, he had not stamina sufficient 
 
 to resist. He was one of those who had 
 
 escaped the massacre ordered by the 
 execrable Nana in the boats, but his 
 
 sufferings were extraordinary. 
 
 Utterly destitute of clothing, he arrived 
 in our camp, worn to a shadow, and much 
 embrowned by exposure. His entire bear- 
 ing was wild and haggard. For six weeks, 
 he had been swimming along the Ganges, 
 tortured by the flaming sunshine, gnawed 
 by hunger, wearied by sustained exertion, 
 bereft almost of hope, destitute, afflicted, 
 
144 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 tormented. In peril often, he now and 
 then obtained from compassionate natives, 
 who were not afraid to assist him, a little 
 food, till, at length, he reached our camp ; 
 but, after escaping death in so many other 
 forms, succumbed to cholera. 
 
 The atrocities we hear of are mani- 
 fold. An unfortunate lady, resident here, 
 was, with her five children, confided by 
 her husband (who belonged to the garri- 
 son) to the care of a native servant, on 
 whose fidelity they both placed the most 
 implicit reliance. He swore, indeed, to de- 
 fend them to the death. During his ab- 
 sence on some errand, the house they 
 occupied was attacked by the mutineers. 
 They, however, made their escape, and 
 succeeded in concealing themselves amongst 
 some bushes. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 145 
 
 The servant returned, learnt what had 
 occurred, went in search of the unhappy- 
 fugitives, whom he had solemnly sworn to 
 protect, and killed them all himself. 
 
 This has been the happiest day I have 
 known for many weeks, as the post has 
 brought me letters from my wife and 
 child, which have been as cold waters to 
 the thirsty soul. 
 
 30th August. 
 
 We are still at Cawnpore, while our 
 enemies on the opposite bank are busily 
 engaged throwing obstacles in the way of 
 our second advance to relieve Lucknow. 
 It is painful to know that when last we 
 heard, which is about three or four days 
 since, the besieged had no prospect of 
 being able to hold out longer than ten 
 days. What will their fate be ? A repe- 
 
 L 
 
146 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 tition of the fearful Cawnpore tragedy ? 
 Dreary idea ! There are fifty ladies, with 
 their families, in that doomed city. Oh ! 
 that England could know the peril of her 
 children ! 
 
 No available force is there to rescue 
 those hapless creatures, save our miserable 
 band, strong only in its bravery. Nume- 
 rous and fierce hordes have we to strive 
 against unaided ; nor does it seem to us 
 probable that reinforcements can reach us 
 before the 1st of December, now that we 
 
 have learnt they are to be sent round 
 the Cape. 
 
 Were next month past, matters would 
 assume a more hopeful prospect; but all 
 events are controlled by an Almighty 
 power, in whose good providence it be- 
 hoves us to trust. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 147 
 
 31st August. 
 
 The advance of the Gwalior rebels, a 
 numerous and well - organised body, to 
 attack Cawnpore, is now confidently ru- 
 moured; and to repel them we must make 
 preparation. 
 
 Cholera still rages amongst us. A brave 
 officer of Her Majesty's 81st Kegiment 
 has been carried off in a few hours by 
 this malady. Though only eight years in 
 the army, he had served with distinction 
 as a volunteer in the Crimean war down 
 to the fall of Sevastopol. He had volun- 
 teered to come up here from Persia with 
 our force, being every inch a soldier. 
 Irish by birth, he had a ready wit and 
 a most engaging frankness of manner. 
 He was also an excellent companion. He 
 
 l 2 
 
148 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 was beloved by all his brother volunteers, 
 who anxiously watched the progress of his 
 disease, and ministered to his wants with 
 tender solicitude. Their attentions, how- 
 ever, were ineffectual — his slight frame 
 bowed to the destroyer, incapable of re- 
 sistance. He has left a name above all 
 blight of earthly breath — a memory of 
 which his friends may be proud — that of 
 an upright, honourable man. 
 
 With the hope of diverting the minds 
 of our troops from dwelling too much upon 
 the fatal influences by which they are sur- 
 rounded, games have been set on foot for 
 their amusement, with music in the after- 
 noon ; but what has interested them more 
 than anything else, is the arrival of a 
 family which has been saved by the inter- 
 vention of a friendly native. The appear- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 149 
 
 ance of the solitary lady by whom the 
 fugitives have been accompanied, is a sti- 
 mulant to the curiosity of the men, who 
 had been now for months without seeing 
 a European woman, and are ever anxi- 
 ously on the watch for a glimpse of the 
 new arrival. They may be seen in knots 
 of from four to five, discussing the pro- 
 bable adventures and escapes which she 
 has met with in her wanderings, and praising 
 the good feeling of her native preserver. 
 
 Fine fellows they are! and most truly 
 are their hearts open to the influence of 
 melting charity! Lips that have breathed 
 the firmest imprecations of vengeance against 
 the destroyers, whose ruthless hearts quenched 
 their lust for slaughter in the blood of gentle 
 women and innocent babes, now fashion the 
 softest expressions of sympathy. 
 
150 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 The close band of union which exists be- 
 tween our men is the secret of our strength. 
 They err, who look down upon the British 
 soldier and consider him one of a degraded 
 class. Could they but see those noble-hearted 
 men amongst whom I live, they would re- 
 cognise them as fearless, enduring, and con- 
 tented. The very hardships and privations, 
 which they have had to encounter, seem to 
 have developed latent qualities of excellence, 
 that exalt humanity, and elevate the man 
 above the beasts that perish. 
 
 And what has England done for her sol- 
 dier sons? — for those men whose profes- 
 sion exposes them to every imaginable peril, 
 and on whom she relies for protection ? 
 Has she treated them as sons ? — has she 
 extended the robe of civilisation to them, as 
 to her other children, with maternal love, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 151 
 
 considering for their health of body, of 
 mind, and of morals? Or has hers been 
 the part of a cruel step-mother, to whom 
 their well-being is a matter of perfect indif- 
 ference? Does she look upon them as 
 mere hirelings, of whom the most is to 
 be made? and does she consider that, in 
 paying them their wages, she has fulfilled 
 her contract? Has she treated them as 
 sons? 
 
 Let the barrack accommodation which 
 she has provided for them, and let the 
 annual bills of mortality among them, an- 
 swer that question. 
 
 Has she extended the robe of civilisa- 
 tion to them? Let the abomination of the 
 barrack-room, common to both sexes, deter- 
 mine. 
 
 For her other children, she has liberally 
 
152 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 provided baths and wash-houses, built model- 
 lodging-houses, and sought to keep decency 
 intact. Can she regard her soldier sons as 
 men of the like passions with other crea- 
 tures of sense and appetite ? or does she 
 suppose, because their reason is not culti- 
 vated, invention stimulated, or intellectual 
 power developed, they are the better able 
 to control powerful inclination? To the 
 rudest savages, the honour of their women 
 is dear, not less so (even all exposed as 
 it is) to the British soldier. 
 
 I could adduce more than one tragic 
 incident in support of this, when the in- 
 furiated husband has poured out the life- 
 blood of his wife to wash away her pol- 
 lution. 
 
 Fathers and husbands in high places, by 
 whom female purity is esteemed and che- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 153 
 
 rished, how long will ye abstain from 
 raising your voices in reprobation of a 
 system so subversive of morality as that 
 which at present exists ? 
 
 It is a blot on the fair fame of your 
 beloved England — a reproach to any nation. 
 
 The welfare of the soldier has always 
 been most dear to me, and from the 
 noble examples I have lately witnessed in 
 the ranks of those fine regiments with 
 which I serve in this force, it has become 
 more than ever a matter of interest. 
 Their cheerfulness amid unparalleled suffer- 
 ing, their dauntless courage in the hour 
 of danger, their ready submission to the 
 iron rule of adverse circumstances, all 
 prove the stuff of which they are made, 
 and their capabilities of further improve- 
 ment. 
 
154 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 To make good soldiers, good officers are 
 necessary ; officers who consider the service, 
 not a pastime to idle away a few years 
 of their life, but as a profession to be 
 practically acquired, and to be studied as 
 assiduously as any of those yclept learned. 
 To a person who considers the duties 
 which it involves, the responsibility is great, 
 and the requirements many ; amongst which 
 latter may be ranked, knowledge of human 
 nature, self-respect, temperance in all things, 
 forbearance, and firmness. Endued with 
 such qualities, none of which are beyond 
 the reach of those who desire to attain 
 them, a man soon gains the esteem of 
 his subordinates, and secures their confi- 
 dence. In a regiment, generally, the con- 
 duct of its several companies illustrates the 
 character of its officers, and very probably, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 155 
 
 if that were made the test of promotion, 
 there would be a marked improvement in 
 our army. 
 
156 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 %mt\ €\n$tx. 
 
 September 1st. 
 
 This is the birthday of my son, and 
 such is a soldier's life, while he is far 
 away in peaceful England, here I am, 
 surrounded by the rude havoc of war, 
 fallen houses, perforated with shot, and by 
 many other indications of strife, past, present, 
 and to come. 
 
 Meanwhile, preparations are being made, 
 under the supervision of the indefatigable 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 157 
 
 Captain Crommelin, for crossing the Ganges, 
 by a bridge of boats, into Oude, while ; on 
 the opposite bank, the enemy are busily 
 engaged in making obstructions to our 
 progress. 
 
 Detachments of the 78th, 64th, and 
 84th have arrived. Moreover, Her Majesty's 
 5th and 70th, recalled from the China 
 expedition, with Sir James Outram, a tried 
 and valued servant of the Honourable Com- 
 pany, are already at Allahabad, en route 
 hither, where their arrival is eagerly ex- 
 pected. As soon as we are reinforced, and 
 arrangements are completed for crossing the 
 Ganges, we proceed once more to the 
 relief of the heroic Lucknow garrison, of 
 which we have again received intelligence ; 
 but it is so conflicting, that there is diffi- 
 culty in unravelling the truth. 
 
158 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Illness still lingers among us, and cholera 
 is frequent. There cannot be a sorer 
 scourge to humanity than this ruthless 
 malady, which seems to baffle all efforts 
 of medical science. 
 
 From what I have observed, it appears 
 that persons of desponding temperament are 
 more exposed to its influence than those 
 of a buoyant mind. It is, however, no 
 easy matter to resist depression amid general 
 gloom, but a strong, determined will effects 
 wonders. 
 
 My servant, for I have at last acquired 
 the comfort of having a servant, manifests 
 great concern about my health, and, 
 although he is a Mahommedan, shows 
 marks of personal attachment. The pre- 
 judice against all this caste is at pre- 
 sent naturally strong, but justice com- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 159 
 
 pels me to notice his seeming good quali- 
 ties. 
 
 September 3rd. 
 
 There is no abatement in the heavy 
 rain, or in the insect swarm. 
 
 In the evening, when our lamps are lit, 
 they are a perfect torment. I have seen 
 one very curious kind, which, I have been 
 told, persons of Epicurean tastes consider 
 a great delicacy, but though they were 
 presented to me on a fresh green leaf, 
 with a spoon to eat them, by my servant, 
 yet, I confess, I had not sufficient enthusiasm 
 in gastronomic research to yield to the 
 temptation. I was, however, in the act of 
 raising some three or four to my lips to 
 taste them, when I observed them in motion. 
 Till then, I believed them to be some sort 
 
160 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 of fruit or berry. They are of a rich 
 carnation colour, and of soft velvet-like 
 appearance, with that peculiar bloom no- 
 ticeable on raspberries freshly ripened. 
 They are about the size of a ladybird, but 
 sounder and plumper, and are altogether 
 a very pretty specimen of insect life. I 
 am too ignorant of entomology to be able 
 to determine their species, farther than to 
 maintain that they are not the cochineal. 
 My servant was greatly disappointed at 
 the repulsion I manifested. He assured 
 me that they were deemed an especial 
 dainty, were greatly esteemed by the 
 wealthy natives, and were an object of 
 much competition that day in the bazaar; 
 but he was determined that his Sahib, and 
 no other, should have them. 
 
 Notwithstanding all these arguments in 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 161 
 
 favour of eating them, my prejudice was 
 not to be overcome. 
 
 The heat of the atmosphere is very- 
 trying and oppressive, close and sultry, 
 and charged with electricity. 
 
 There are times when an irresistible 
 feeling of enervation possesses me, so that 
 I can neither read, write, nor think, but 
 lapse into a vague dreamy mood. This is 
 generally disturbed by a shrill, peculiar 
 cry, emitted by a lizard, when lo ! a whole 
 troop of those reptiles disport themselves 
 on walls and ceiling, some of them pretty 
 creatures of vivid green, burnished with 
 orange, and others of a pale, loathsome, 
 tawny colour. We are all weary of this 
 inactivity, and desire once more to resume 
 our march. "We hope within a few days 
 to have our reinforcement, and then again 
 
 M 
 
162 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 to proceed to the relief of the heroic Gar- 
 rison at Lucknow. 
 
 September 18th. 
 
 The welcome order to resume our march 
 is issued, and immediately after day-break 
 to-morrow, our present life of inaction will 
 be exchanged for one of excitement. 
 
 Difficulties, hardships, and dangers we 
 must encounter, but this gloomy prospect 
 is more than counterbalanced by the hope 
 of being able to effect the deliverance of 
 our gallant countrymen from their durance 
 at Lucknow. Indeed, I firmly believe 
 that there is not a single individual of 
 the entire force, now greatly augmented, 
 who does not rejoice in the prospect, if 
 not of liberating them, at least of making 
 the attempt. The noble endurance and 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 163 
 
 the unshaken fortitude of that brave 
 garrison will be handed down to pos- 
 terity in historic record, as an example 
 worthy alike of wonder and admira- 
 tion. 
 
 The rebels are still to be seen on the 
 opposite side, busily engaged in making 
 preparations to resist our advance into 
 Oude; but the spirit which animates our 
 force makes light of difficulties. To do, 
 to dare, to die, if it may be so, but 
 still to overcome, is its determination. 
 To-day the enemy had the insolence to 
 open fire upon our picquets, sent to hold 
 the landing-place. It was but slight, 
 and of short duration, as if they feared 
 to rouse the sleeping lion. The pecu- 
 liarly long and tangled grass, which 
 grows in profusion upon the banks, affords 
 
 m 2 
 
164 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 them ample cover for numbers, and faci- 
 litates their power of annoying us. 
 
 I intend to bring my palanquin 
 carriage with me, as it may be useful to 
 convey some helpless sufferer from Lucknow. 
 Meantime it will be of use to me upon 
 the march, for I intend it to do duty 
 as my bed, and also as my office to 
 read or write in when we halt ; so that 
 I shall feal quite as independent as the 
 philosophic cobbler — 
 
 " Who lived in a stall, 
 That served him as a parlour, kitchen, and hall." 
 
 The predominant feeling now is one of 
 enthusiastic admiration of the magnanimity 
 displayed by Sir James Outram, in re- 
 linquishing his own just claim to command 
 the force, in favour of General Havelock. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 165 
 
 Such self-abnegation is as admirable as it 
 is rare, and could emanate only from a 
 mind superior to envy and all petty 
 feeling of rivalry. No action of his life 
 betokens more greatness, than this chi- 
 valrous act of self-forgetfulness, which 
 practically illustrates the Christian principle 
 of doing unto others as we would be 
 ourselves done by. There will be no 
 brighter page in the " History of the 
 Great Indian Rebellion of 1857," than 
 that which will record this noble 
 recognition of General Havelock's ex- 
 ertions, this just appreciation of his 
 merits. There is something absolutely 
 grand in the very simplicity, which 
 marks the following order of Sir James 
 Outram. 
 
 "It would be unfair of me to assume 
 
166 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 the command, after all the efforts made 
 by General Havelock to reach Lucknow, 
 for whom the honour of relieving its be- 
 leaguered garrison is reserved." 
 
 With two such leaders, and troops like 
 ours, it is hard if we do not achieve 
 our aim. 
 
 September 21st. 
 
 A little after dawn, on the 19th, we 
 recommenced our march into the enemy's 
 country, which we succeeded in reaching; 
 part of the troops having crossed the 
 bridge of boats, thrown across the Ganges 
 by Captain Crommelin, whose energy and 
 indefatigable perseverance are an incite- 
 ment to his staff and subordinates, and 
 beyond all praise. This bridge was co- 
 vered by our twenty-four pounders, and 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 167 
 
 a tete-de-pont, planned by young Moorsom 
 of Her Majesty's 5 2nd, an officer of 
 extraordinary promise. His capabilities on 
 a campaign seem inexhaustible, and emanate 
 from a military genius of no common 
 order. 
 
 When our Generals, Sir James Outram 
 and the dauntless Havelock, proceeded to 
 cross the river, some trifling opposition 
 was offered by the enemy from the 
 shelter of a ridge of sand-hills. 
 
 This was met by our skirmishers with 
 their usual spirit, especially Her Majesty's 
 5th Fusiliers, lately arrived from Mauritius, 
 who displayed the most perfect training. 
 
 The accuracy of their fire was such as 
 to produce evident symptoms of discomfiture 
 amongst the enemy, who speedily aban- 
 doned his post, ceased to defend himself, 
 
168 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 and retreated with the guns which he had 
 brought up, falling back upon the village 
 of Mungurwar, about two miles distant in 
 front. 
 
 On nearing Mungurwar, we saw the 
 enemy again posted on the plain com- 
 manding our line of route, his left resting 
 on a village which afforded great cover, 
 from the luxuriant growth of standing 
 corn that rose before it as a screen, 
 while a drizzling rain enveloped it in 
 haze. 
 
 We moved forward from the road in 
 oblique line for the purpose of turning 
 the right flank of the insurgents, whose 
 batteries had meantime opened, and were 
 directed chiefly upon our heavy guns 
 drawn by elephants, killing some of the 
 detachment escorting them. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 169 
 
 The sagacious animals displayed their 
 usual caution, at once turning back, and 
 could not be induced to drag on the 
 guns, to which bullocks were then 
 attached, to obviate this difficulty. Beyond 
 this our line experienced but little 
 resistance, and sweeping onward, with the 
 90th Light Infantry on its left, in dashing 
 style, soon cleared the plantation and 
 village ; the hasty retreat of the rebels 
 being simultaneous with our advance. 
 Now, for the first time, a fair opportunity 
 was opened to the gallant Barrow, who, 
 during our halt at Cawnpore, had been 
 indefatigable in training and disciplining his 
 Volunteer Horse, which he led in the 
 pursuit, accompanied by Sir James 
 Outram. 
 
 In this pursuit a heavy gun was taken, 
 
170 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 and numbers of the fugitives were cut up ; 
 but Sir James Outram, disdaining to use a 
 sword with such recreants, charged them 
 with a heavy cudgel, which he used with 
 considerable effect upon the bodies of the 
 runaways. The loss on our side in this 
 affair was very trifling, a fortunate circum- 
 stance, as we can ill spare even one — the 
 total strength of our force, augmented as 
 it now is, not amounting to quite three 
 thousand. 
 
 While this action continued, the rain, 
 which had only been a slight mist in the 
 commencement of it, fell in torrents, 
 darkening the atmosphere, obscuring our 
 view, and rendering our footing doubly 
 insecure on the swampy ground. 
 
 Our Commissariat and stores had been 
 safely brought across. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 171 
 
 Baggage we had none, all that being 
 left behind at Cawnpore, from whence we 
 set out to undertake this expedition in 
 light marching order. I wonder when we 
 shall know the luxury of a dry jacket. 
 Under existing circumstances, a faith in 
 the cold-water system would be, doubtless, 
 very consolatory. 
 
 Our column of route re-formed, and 
 marched to Busserrat Gunge, fourteen miles 
 from Cawnpore, which we occupied for the 
 night. 
 
 Yesterday, for the first time since I 
 joined this force, I saw General Havelock 
 without his military frock. This was occa- 
 sioned by his hurry to discover the cause 
 of a most absurd panic which prevailed 
 amongst our camp followers, who came 
 pouring into camp from our right rear, 
 
172 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 driving in elephants, camels, &c, with the 
 utmost confusion and dismay. In a mo- 
 ment, however, the General had resumed 
 his accustomed dress, which he put on 
 outside his tent, was quickly in his saddle, 
 and was seen riding to the rear, where 
 he discovered that the alarm was a false 
 one. 
 
 September 22nd. 
 
 We marched upon Bunee, through inces- 
 sant rain. The route, however, was quite 
 clear. At three o'clock, p.m., we crossed 
 the bridge, on either side of which were 
 deserted stockaded batteries. 
 
 Our progress was now expeditious, as 
 the falling rain had cooled the air, and 
 enabled us to march more easily. Our 
 force halted along the road, a mile in 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 173 
 
 front of the bridge, where, during the 
 afternoon, we fired a royal salute, in the 
 hope that its report would reach the be- 
 leaguered garrison at Lucknow, and be 
 received by them as an intimation of our 
 approach. 
 
 Although we doubted the probability 
 that it would reach so far, yet it was 
 not impossible, and our anxious wish 
 was to make them aware of coming 
 aid. 
 
 During the night, many armed natives 
 succeeded in concealing themselves in the 
 village, from whence they contrived to 
 escape, and afterwards to waylay our Dak, 
 which they robbed. 
 
 I found some railway-wire bullets and 
 powder in the village. These I gave over 
 to General Havelock. 
 
174 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Next day we continued to march towards 
 Lucknow, having set out at eight, a.m. 
 It was quite a contrast to the preceding 
 day, for the atmosphere was so close and 
 oppressive as to be almost stifling. At 
 half-past two, p.m., we made a reconnoissance, 
 when the cavalry discovered the enemy 
 three miles in front, occupying three 
 mounds ; their left resting on the main 
 road. So well had the enemy chosen his 
 position, that it is a matter of astonish- 
 ment he did not maintain it, the more 
 especially as our movement was not planned 
 judiciously. An expanse of water, which lay 
 on the enemy's left, obstructed the advance 
 of our column. 
 
 We had, therefore, to sweep past as 
 best we could, in order to front the enemy, 
 close upon his batteries, to which we 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 175 
 
 were unnecessarily exposed, but from which 
 he might, almost to a certainty, have been 
 dislodged by some companies of the Enfield 
 riflemen. 
 
 The distance of range was within 
 eight hundred yards, and easy to be 
 attained by that invaluable weapon, the 
 Enfield rifle, the capabilities of which 
 have been too often overlooked or 
 neglected, and never sufficiently tested. 
 Had our 5th Fusiliers been permitted the 
 opportunity of using them on this occasion 
 across the sheet of water, not a few saddles 
 of the rebel cavalry would have been 
 emptied, while the batteries opposed 
 to us would have been made untenable 
 from our bullets. Thus, much bloodshed 
 and loss of life would have been 
 spared in our ranks, for there was 
 
176 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 neither cover nor support from our 
 guns, while we deployed into line ; an 
 imprudent move, by which the paucity 
 of our troops was too plainly re- 
 vealed. 
 
 A desire to ascertain our numbers 
 might probably have caused the enemy 
 to take up this position, along the 
 whole front of which we had to pass, 
 regiment by regiment. 
 
 Her Majesty's 5th Fusiliers, which 
 passed first, suffered severely. The 
 adjutant, Lieutenant Haig, and several 
 men, were killed by round shot from 
 the enemy; while, strange to observe, 
 his numerous cavalry, though within a 
 few hundred yards, and facing our 
 line of march along the road, suffered 
 us to pass unmolested. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 177 
 
 Our right front was much annoyed 
 from the Alum Bagh, where the enemy 
 poured a smart fire upon us ; but he 
 was speedily driven from thence, and 
 retired upon the city. He was pursued 
 some distance by the Volunteer Horse, 
 led by Sir James Outram, towards the 
 city bridge, Char Bagh. This advance 
 was supported by a battery of two 
 regiments; but it was resolved to defer 
 the final one till the next day. As yet 
 we have had no communication from 
 the beleaguered garrison at Lucknow, 
 ardently as we have hoped for it; but 
 we had many misgivings about their 
 fate before we left Cawnpore. However, 
 during the night of the 23rd, much 
 firing was heard from the direction of 
 the city. 
 
 N 
 
178 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 September 24th. 
 
 From an early hour this morning, 
 cavalry might be observed from the 
 position occupied by our baggage, stealing 
 along singly and cautiously to a village 
 not far from where our carts are 
 stationed. 
 
 This was duly reported ; a request 
 also was preferred that a gun might be 
 ordered to strengthen our rear-guard. 
 Unfortunately this was not attended to, 
 and the men on duty, unsuspicious of 
 danger, straggled away from the post 
 of alarm, with the exception of a few 
 who remained on the alert. At length 
 the cavalry, which had been so long 
 hovering in the distance, like a bird 
 of prey watching its victim, dashed 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 179 
 
 suddenly on the road, accompanied by 
 a body of Sepoys, making much noise 
 and shouting vociferously. This so 
 terrified the drivers and other camp- 
 followers, that they hastily fled, aban- 
 doning the baggage. So simultaneous 
 was their flight, and so rapid, that it 
 resembled the sound of a rushing storm 
 sweeping over the plain, which was 
 scattered with numerous unclad, dusky 
 forms, like figures of animated bronze. 
 Fortunately for me, as the event proved, 
 I had, on the previous evening, moved my 
 palanquin carriage nearer to our lines than 
 the position which it had occupied amongst 
 the baggage. 
 
 Only a few minutes before this onslaught, 
 I had been indulging in such a bath as 
 was attainable, and which greatly partook 
 
 N2 
 
180 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 of the character of a mud one, the water 
 being taken from the roadside, where it had 
 lodged after the rain. 
 
 My servant poured it over me as I sat 
 luxuriating in this attempt at ablution, the 
 first I had had for some days, in front of 
 the space occupied by my palanquin 
 carriage. Luckily I was dressed in time 
 to have returned, when this attack was 
 made; otherwise I could never have 
 escaped. For some minutes the confusion 
 was extreme, and Sowars rode up amongst 
 the carts, cutting down unarmed men, till 
 they were met by the guard, which suc- 
 ceeded in repelling them, but not without 
 the loss of an officer and several men. 
 
 A section of the 78th poured in a death- 
 dealing volley, which strewed the road 
 with men and horses ; our horse battery 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 181 
 
 and volunteer troop also swept the plain ; 
 but the enemy had made good his 
 retreat. 
 
 Night fell, and was as usual accompanied 
 by a rolling musketry-fire along our line of 
 piquets, while our bivouac, which had been 
 already thrown back beyond the range of 
 the hostile guns, was occasionally visited by a 
 round shot, that rolled amongst the small 
 tents, of which a limited supply had been 
 furnished to the troops. Not without 
 many an anxious feeling for the morrow, 
 we betook ourselves to rest, thankful for 
 having partaken once again of a hearty 
 meal. 
 
 Our baggage-stores, after the attack 
 which I have attempted to describe, were 
 moved into the Alum Bagh, where they 
 were secure from molestation. 
 
182 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 The Commissariat also lodged there, and 
 
 » 
 
 the troops not on duty made it their 
 resting-place during the night. The hos- 
 pital also was opened in the Alum 
 Bagh. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 183 
 
 flHtfttitfjf Chapter. 
 
 September 25 th 
 
 The Alum Bagh, an enclosure of consi- 
 derable extent, comprises a large mansion 
 built of brick, with a mosque and 
 Immaum barrack, contiguous, together with 
 some insignificant out-houses. A well, of 
 limpid purity and refreshing coolness, re- 
 poses beneath the broad shade of a mag- 
 nificent building, rich in the numerous 
 quaint devices of oriental taste. A 
 
184 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 garden, luxuriant in flower and shrub, 
 and also a fine demesne, extending to 
 the main road, encircle the entire, 
 which one regretted should become 
 the scene of strife. Having dislodged 
 the enemy from hence on the previous 
 day, we now occupied it ourselves. Our 
 possession, however, was not long undis- 
 turbed, for no sooner had the morning 
 dawned, than the Alum Bagh was made 
 the object of fire from a battery visible 
 to us from the roof only, but completely 
 concealed on the plain by an overgrowth 
 of corn, which afforded it the cover ot 
 its rank luxuriance. The enemy, notwith- 
 standing, failed in doing us any serious 
 injury. 
 
 To hold the Alum Bagh, it was deter- 
 mined that two hundred and fifty men 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 185 
 
 should be placed under the command of 
 Lieutenant Colonel Mclntyre, of the 78th. 
 This, together with our losses on the 
 23rd, amounting to upwards of sixty 
 officers and six men killed and wounded, 
 greatly reduced our column of attack, 
 which was formed at eight, a.m., ready to 
 advance on Lucknow. Never can I forget 
 the appearance of that little band on this 
 eventful occasion. Toil, privation, and ex- 
 posure had left traces on the forms of our 
 men, and yet daring, hope and energy 
 seemed depicted on their countenances. As 
 I surveyed their ranks, I felt convinced 
 that we should be able, ere night, to reach 
 
 the Residency of Lucknow. I imparted 
 this conviction to a brother officer, with 
 whom I was talking during the conference 
 of the Generals, which seemed of unusual 
 
186 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 length, so impatient were we for action. 
 At length was spoken that word, so 
 welcome to every heart in our united 
 and determined band, " Forward ! " 
 
 The first brigade, General Neil's, with 
 heavy guns, took the lead. It was com- 
 posed of Her Majesty's 5th Fusiliers, Ma- 
 dras Fusiliers, 84th, a detachment of the 
 64th, and Olphert's Horse Battery. It 
 followed the road leading to the city by 
 the Char Bagh Bridge. 
 
 We had only advanced a short distance, 
 when guns, commanding the road, opened 
 from front and flanks, which, together with 
 a musket fire from a large enclosed build- 
 ing filled by the enemy, made each ad- 
 vancing step one of great peril. While 
 the head of our column checked this op- 
 position, the succeeding regiments were or- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 187 
 
 dered to lie down, the road above the 
 level of the plain being greatly exposed. 
 
 It was fringed on either side by a row 
 of young trees. I found cover behind one 
 of these, about nine inches in girth, oc- 
 casionally taking a shot as the mutineers 
 appeared at doors or windows to give 
 their fire. 
 
 In this situation our men were so much 
 exposed, and our casualties were so nume- 
 rous, that it was a relief afterwards to 
 advance. Onwards they rushed, like an 
 impetuous torrent, bearing down every ob- 
 stacle, and braving every danger; nor did 
 they slacken their speed till they reached 
 the enemy's guns, which they captured at 
 the point of the bayonet, killing his gun- 
 ners or putting them to flight. The enemy 
 was also obliged, by the valiant 5th Fusi- 
 
188 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 liers, to abandon the house from whence, 
 behind doors and windows, he had lately 
 kept up a destructive fire, and thus the 
 bridge was won. 
 
 Our adversaries seemed paralysed — there 
 was a pause in the firing — it ceased alto- 
 gether. Still, though flushed by success, 
 we were not insensible to danger, for we 
 had to advance through a street of some 
 length, on each side of which stood rows 
 of houses. There was something suspicious 
 — nay, sinister — in their aspect. We had, 
 however, no time for dwelling upon such 
 fancies. Our object was not yet attained, 
 but must be won from death, which seemed 
 to lower on the ^devoted garrison, and also 
 on ourselves. What of that? We are not 
 to be baffled — it shall be relieved ! My 
 pulse throbbed with wild excitement. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 189 
 
 On into the street we rushed. A per- 
 fect storm of musketry, thick as hail, burst 
 forth from doors, windows, and from flat 
 roofs above our heads. Every aperture 
 belched out fire ; still onward rushed our 
 hardy men, undaunted. No hesitation or 
 confusion was there amongst them. Cool 
 and composed, they preserved their sec- 
 tions of forces, mindful only of what was 
 to be effected, and resolute on its per- 
 formance. 
 
 The rear brigade, with Generals Outram 
 and Havelock, having joined us, a pause 
 ensued, of which the enemy took advan- 
 tage to collect, and hang upon our rear. 
 
 On observing this, two regiments were 
 immediately detached for the purpose of 
 resisting any demonstration on his part, as 
 well as for the protection of our heavy 
 
190 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 guns, now an immense incumbrance, ham- 
 pering our progress, when to push on with 
 the utmost celerity consistent with the 
 preservation of good order and safety was 
 imperative. 
 
 This delay, after the successful manner 
 in which we had forced the main street, 
 seemed to act on the enemy as a stimu- 
 lant to renew the attack, for he opened 
 a withering fire upon the head of our 
 column from his various lurking-places ; nor 
 did it encourage our confidence. At last, 
 making a counter-march, we quitted the 
 street, led by Sir James Outram, and 
 pursued a rough, uneven way, which 
 skirted the deep ravine, already crossed by 
 us, over the Char Bagh Bridge, and which 
 opened into an avenue near the king's 
 stables and bazaar. The ground on our 
 
ENGLISH OFFICES. 191 
 
 left flank was steep and abrupt, thickly 
 studded with sugar-cane, but fortunately 
 unoccupied by the enemy. 
 
 For some time the only obstacle we 
 encountered was the ruggedness of the 
 way, and the consequent difficulty of 
 bringing along our heavy guns, their pro- 
 gress being frequently interrupted by 
 ruts, from which they required to be ex- 
 tricated, a work performed with much 
 activity and goodwill by the Sikh Eegi- 
 ment of Ferozepore. 
 
 On this particular day, a fine spirit 
 was manifested by that regiment, caused, 
 perhaps, by the prospect of plunder, to 
 which the Sikhs are extremely addicted. 
 The sturdy 78th Highlanders, meantime, 
 were busily engaged with the enemy, who 
 closed upon the route we had taken. A 
 
192 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 part of our adversaries now made their 
 appearance on the opposite side of the 
 ravine, but were so overawed by the 
 Sikh Kegiment, that they remained con- 
 cealed in the thick sugar-cane, while we 
 steadily pushed onwards through narrow 
 and intricate lanes and byeways, which 
 we found deserted and quite undefended. 
 These led to the bazaar, where we 
 came upon another portion of them; 
 but we speedily forced them out of it. 
 Here we again halted, to close up the 
 column. 
 
 Having found some hay under the 
 verandah of a Serai, we gladly appro- 
 priated it to our use, and reposed upon 
 it with a keener sense of enjoyment than 
 that of the Sybarite luxuriating on couch 
 of down. How grateful that rest was, it 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 193 
 
 would be impossible to imagine, except 
 under similar circumstances. 
 
 In this advance Sir James Outram, 
 ever conspicuous where fighting was hot- 
 test, was slightly wounded. So little did 
 he make of the injury which he had re- 
 ceived, that there was some difficulty in 
 prevailing upon him to have it attended 
 to. The colours of one regiment after 
 another of the Oude Irregulars were 
 brought in and presented to him. These 
 had been taken in front, by the 5th 
 Fusiliers and their brave brother soldiers 
 of the Madras Eegiment. 
 
 Many loose horses were also secured and 
 brought into camp. I was presented with one 
 of them by a piper of the 78th, a humorous 
 fellow, who, in giving it to me, observed, 
 that he thought I wanted a charger. 
 
194 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Captain Johnson, 5th Fusiliers, who 
 had greatly distinguished himself during 
 our progress, unfortunately was severely 
 wounded while leading his company, as 
 his men said, wherever the firing was 
 hottest. 
 
 A large massive gate near the king's 
 stables delayed our further advance by the 
 barrier it offered, and such was its strength, 
 that for a time it resisted the efforts of 
 Captain Olpherts, who was foremost with 
 the men of his battery to blow it open. 
 At length it yielded to his endeavours, 
 and the insurgents, who had been con- 
 cealed within it, were dispatched. This 
 act being notified to Sir James Outram, 
 the column pushed on, regaining what ap- 
 peared the principal road to the palaces; 
 but we were again exposed to a deadly 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 195 
 
 fire, which checked our advance, whilst 
 our heavy guns sternly replied. 
 
 Here the cannonade was in the highest 
 degree animating, and the excitement ab- 
 sorbing and supreme, while every building, 
 loop-holed, swarmed with armed men, and 
 literally bristled with muskets and match- 
 locks. On all sides we were exposed to 
 their incessant fire ; the missiles of death 
 rained thick and fast among us. Shelter 
 was unattainable, destruction imminent. 
 Still we bore onward, but without the 
 certainty of that brave garrison, for whose 
 existence we had dared so much, being 
 yet alive; for amidst all our dangers, 
 hope grew strong and cheered us. 
 
 Nerving our hearts against the tide of 
 opposition, we advanced steadily till we 
 reached a large courtyard. 
 
 02 
 
196 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 And now it was proved that notwith- 
 standing the surprise of the insurgents at 
 the unexpected route we had pursued, they 
 were nevertheless prepared for us. Their 
 Artillery bore upon us along the line of 
 road by the river Goomtee, till we at 
 length diverged through a plantation, and 
 resumed the road to the Residency, by 
 crossing a low bridge. We descended to 
 it, and came out again at the centre; 
 the nullagh, which it spanned, being dry, 
 and the parapet so low as to enable us 
 to step over. 
 
 This, indeed, was not the least danger- 
 ous part of the advance, as it was com- 
 manded by the mess-house, from which 
 a withering fire of musketry was poured 
 upon us. To escape this we dispersed, 
 and, "chacun pour soi," rushed singly over 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 197 
 
 the bridge to get within the cover of a 
 high wall of one of the palaces. 
 
 Those who had first crossed had taken 
 possession of a house, from an angle of 
 which they kept up a brisk fire, to cover 
 the remainder. As my turn came to 
 cross the bridge, it seemed quite a chance 
 to me that I should ever reach the other 
 side; for we had all to scramble up from 
 the nullagh, and I had almost doubted the 
 capabilities of my horse, as he rose to 
 jump over the parapet. One false step, 
 and both were lost. Besides this, the 
 dark colour of my uniform offered so 
 strong a contrast to the light tints of the 
 prevailing colouring, that it afforded a fair 
 target to the marksmen, one scarce pos- 
 sible to miss in such a heavy fire. Still 
 an Almighty Providence led me on unscathed. 
 
198 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 The rear was now brought up by our 
 heavy battery, though I feared at one 
 time that our line of communication had 
 been lost by our wounded and rear-guard, 
 as we saw neither during the time we 
 halted near some deserted buildings. When 
 they reached us, there was much confu- 
 sion, so that horse, foot, guns, camels, 
 bullocks, palanquins, and dhoolies, for the 
 sick and wounded, were all united in an 
 inextricable mass of disorder. 
 
 The opportunity to rest, though at first 
 acceptable to the wearied soldiers, soon 
 became irksome, so great was their eager- 
 ness to reach our desired goal, the Bail- 
 lie Guard. 
 
 This was evident from the numerous 
 murmurs amongst the mass of men now 
 exposed to the enemy's fire in several 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 199 
 
 directions. We seemed to be at fault 
 
 for want of a guide, when the brave 
 
 young Havelock, nephew to our General, 
 
 valiant as his sire, who poured out his 
 life on the sanguinary field of Chillian- 
 
 wallah, unable to resist the excitement 
 of the moment, suddenly exclaimed: — 
 "For God's sake, let us go on, sir." 
 The troops were re-formed, and, venting 
 their feelings in one unanimous and hearty 
 cheer, dashed impetuously through the 
 archway which leads into the Khas Ba- 
 zaar, though assailed by a storm of 
 musketry, kept up without intermission, 
 as each regiment pushed on. In this 
 advance my horse was wounded, his 
 hind leg being pierced by a bullet, while 
 another rattled down upon one of my 
 holsters. I grieve to record that Lieu- 
 
200 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 tenant Joley, 32nd Regiment, was mor- 
 tally wounded in this advance. I was 
 fortunate in being able to expedite the 
 progress of my friend Captain Johnson's 
 (5th Fusiliers) dhoolie bearers, being 
 otherwise unoccupied; and, while thus en- 
 gaged, I conversed with the brave and 
 determined General Neil for the last time, 
 who observed to me as he sat his horse, 
 near the archway : — 
 
 "I shall see the rear of my brigade 
 forward, it is getting dark." I never saw 
 him alive again. 
 
 Further delay took place in finding out 
 the entrance to the Residency, and then 
 in removing a portion of the barricades 
 which impeded our advance. 
 
 While this was being effected, we again 
 rested, the moon rising calm and bright 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 201 
 
 above us, and looking down coldly on our 
 entry, when, at length, all obstacles were 
 removed. 
 
 The time we had been engaged in this 
 undertaking was eleven hours, during which 
 our troops had been without refreshment, 
 and were exposed to manifold dangers, 
 seen and unseen. All this they bore with- 
 out a murmur, for they were bent on the 
 attainment of an object which they nobly 
 accomplished; and then they looked upon 
 it as an all-sufficient reward to have re- 
 lieved those brave men who had hitherto 
 struggled against such fearful odds, and 
 had maintained a position rendered tenable 
 only by their individual valour and sur- 
 passing energy. 
 
 The mess-room of the dauntless 32nd 
 was hospitably opened to us, and their 
 
202 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 last drop of wine given to us. The hard- 
 ships of the siege were but too plainly 
 written on the wan, attenuated features of 
 the garrison, both men and women — the 
 latter a noble example of the fortitude 
 and endurance of which, in times of trial, 
 the sex is capable, and a proof of their 
 being well worthy of the defence made for 
 them by husbands and friends. 
 
 Nor was this memorable struggle con- 
 fined alone to the military. Every civilian 
 did duty under arms ; and, very probably, 
 the spirit which animated the whole of 
 the besieged may have gone far to make 
 up for the paucity of their numbers. 
 
 Quick in succession were the reports of 
 round-shot fired on the building where we 
 sat with our new friends, the enemy's 
 attack on the entrenchments being una- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER, 203 
 
 bated. But our advance had been most 
 timely — it saved the garrison. The Ee- 
 sidency had been completely undermined, 
 and the delay of even a day would have 
 proved fatal. 
 
 September 26th. 
 
 With morning came the recollection that 
 our wounded, together with the heavy 
 guns, were in the rear, upon which the 
 insurgent Sowars had closed. 
 
 Many instances of bravery were shown 
 by the escort in defence of these poor, 
 helpless men. Well did staunch soldiers, 
 on this occasion, merit the Yictoria Cross 
 for which they were recommended, so va- 
 liantly did they strive to resist hundreds 
 by whom they were beset. 
 
 Most unhappily, about some twenty of 
 
204 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 the wounded, in rear of the others, were 
 basely deserted by the cowardly dhoolie- 
 bearers (natives), who fled, leaving their 
 helpless charge to the tender mercies of 
 the demoniacal Sepoys, whose atrocities 
 they were utterly unable to resist, and by 
 whom — horrible to relate ! — they were burnt 
 to death. 
 
 An appalling lesson this on the urgent 
 necessity for careful avoidance of all strag- 
 gling on the line of march ! This strag- 
 gling should be strictly prohibited, espe- 
 cially during hostilities ; and a strict com- 
 munication should be preserved with the 
 front. To the neglect of this precaution, 
 too many valuable lives were sacrificed. 
 
 The bringing-in of the wounded, as well 
 as the heavy guns, which ought to have 
 followed the night before, cost much blood- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 205 
 
 shed. Colonel Campbell, C.B., in command 
 of the 90th — a most distinguished officer — 
 was, upon this occasion, severely wounded, 
 and, I lament to add, died, after suffering 
 amputation of the leg. For promptitude 
 and vigour of action, cool judgment, and 
 impetuous bravery, he was pre-eminent. 
 
 Such a man could ill be spared from the 
 service at any time, particularly now, when 
 qualities such as those by which he was 
 characterised are so much needed. Major 
 Cooper also fell. We lost Captain 
 Pakenham, 84th, on the preceding day. 
 He was a most able officer and devoted 
 soldier ; he was killed in entering the city, 
 after storming the bridge. Of him it might, 
 with truth, be said, that he " foremost fighting 
 fell." 
 
 On the 29th September, and following 
 
206 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 days, some spirited sorties took place, by 
 which we gained a more advantageous posi- 
 tion along the river, including the Taree 
 Kothe, Furradh Bucsh, and Chuttur Munzil 
 Palaces. These were immediately occupied 
 by the gallant 78th, 84th, 64th, and Sikh 
 Regiment, under two brigadiers, the entire 
 being under the command of General 
 Havelock. 
 
 The original garrison of Lucknow, under 
 Brigadier Inglis, was strengthened by a 
 portion of the bold Madras Fusiliers. Not 
 a man was to be spared, each separate 
 post being held by the smallest number 
 possible; and how they succeeded in main- 
 taining them is a matter of astonishment, 
 considering the fearful odds to which they 
 were opposed. 
 
 Our wounded amounted to five hundred 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 207 
 
 and fifty in number, exclusive of sixty- 
 officers, since our little force left Cawnpore. 
 It was a most painful reflection that for 
 these brave men, who deserved so much 
 in return for the unsparing manner in 
 which they had exposed their lives, no 
 secure resting-place could be obtained, the 
 whole of the Residency being in a tottering 
 condition. Every place was perforated with 
 shot and shell, and perpetually exposed 
 to the influence of the enemy's batteries, 
 so that, after admission into the several 
 large buildings used as hospitals, many of 
 the occupants were either killed or wounded. 
 Every adjacent space of ground, swarming 
 with camp-followers and cattle, was sub- 
 ject to the effects of the numerous 
 mortar-batteries, by which man and beast 
 were frequently destroyed. Many of the 
 
208 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 wounded suffered piteously, despite the per- 
 severing and anxious efforts of Dr. Scott, 
 32nd, superintending, to better their con- 
 dition. Still there was no remedy, the 
 number of beds was insufficient, and days 
 elapsed before those required could be sup- 
 plied. The fortitude of the wounded was 
 almost sublime, while our hearts ached 
 for the sufferings, which it was beyond 
 our power to mitigate. 
 
 We were now placed upon reduced rations, 
 limited to two scanty meals a day, barely 
 sufficient to support existence, without 
 allaying hunger ; nor had we any stimulant 
 whatsoever, with the exception of tea, 
 which was attainable only to a few. The 
 lowering effect of this diet was speedily 
 apparent, as it was inadequate to supply 
 the waste occasioned by overwrought phy- 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 209 
 
 sical exertion. It developed illness of a 
 painful and debilitating character, against 
 which it was almost impossible to struggle, 
 and from which, in common with many- 
 others, I suffered myself. 
 
 Meantime, the adverse batteries con- 
 tinued to play upon us with little inter- 
 mission. Throughout the night we were 
 disturbed by the fire of small arms, to- 
 gether with shouting and the shrill dis- 
 cordant sound of native music at intervals, 
 all close to our entrenchments. Such 
 disturbance effectually banished sleep, and 
 kept us quite on the qui vive, lest the 
 apparently impending attack should be 
 made and find us unprepared. Nor was 
 this the only mode of torment devised 
 for us by the fiendish temper of our foe, 
 ingenious in petty malice. 
 
 P 
 
210 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Knowing how straitened we were for food 
 on several occasions, they hoisted cakes 
 on the ends of long poles, high above 
 the wall which separated us from them — 
 taunting us with our destitution, and 
 predicting how many days we had yet to 
 live. We have also been annoyed with 
 swarms of flies. 
 
 The place is literally alive with all 
 sorts and sizes of flies, some of them 
 sleek and others bloated, apparently 
 gorged with putridity, and thriving in 
 this pestilential atmosphere, which swelters 
 with mortality. 
 
 They taint and pollute everything. Even 
 our scant allowance of sorry food is ren- 
 dered yet more abhorrent to us from 
 their vile contact, till even the appetite which 
 craves food rejects such food with disgust. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 211 
 
 Nor does the evil stop here, for they 
 increase the sufferings of the sick and 
 the torture of the wounded. 
 
 My poor friend, the brave Captain 
 Johnson, 5th Fusiliers, is no more. He 
 possessed all the elements that constitute 
 a true soldier. Sincerely did I mourn as 
 I followed him to his early grave ; though 
 it is a melancholy consolation to me to 
 reflect that I spared him a night's 
 exposure to the cruel foe, and had the 
 privilege of seeking to mitigate his suf- 
 ferings. I knew him from his boyhood. 
 He held his first commission in the 60th, 
 where he was the object of much regard. 
 On many occasions he performed far 
 more than what mere duty required, till 
 at length, in the prime and flower of 
 manhood, he died as became a soldier. 
 
 p2 
 
212 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 He was, however, not only esteemed for 
 his soldier-like qualities, but he was also 
 beloved by all who knew his genial 
 nature. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 213 
 
 October 1st. 
 
 We are still exposed to the enemy's 
 batteries. In a sortie made towards the 
 Cawnpore battery we suffered loss. Our 
 outposts are held by three regiments and 
 two brigadiers, the palace being in pos- 
 session of the rebels. 
 
 The foresight and prudence of Sir 
 Henry Lawrence shewed themselves in 
 laying up a large store of provisions here, 
 
214 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 which have been most useful to us, cut 
 off as we are at present from the possibility 
 of obtaining supplies. No communication 
 between this and the Alum Bagh is prac- 
 ticable, nor are we free from appre- 
 hension of an attack on that post 
 being made by the enemy. 
 
 It is now decided that five thou- 
 sand fresh troops must arrive to 
 Complete what only half that number 
 undertook, destitute alike of cavalry and 
 horse artillery. 
 
 Our ammunition is scarce, which acts 
 as a great restraint upon the use of our 
 artillery. We can make no impression 
 without shelling the town, which is enor- 
 mous in extent, and massively built. 
 We can hold no line of communication 
 with our rear and baggage, while spies 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 215 
 
 make great difficulty in undertaking our 
 messages, even when heavily paid for 
 bringing us tidings from without. 
 
 October 2nd. 
 
 The adverse batteries still continue to 
 play upon us, and seldom can we reply 
 from our entrenchments. 
 
 At midnight, a fire of musketry, match- 
 locks, and gingals, kept us for some 
 time under arms, but, contrary to our 
 expectation, no assault was made. Yes- 
 terday I found myself elected prize agent, 
 much to my surprise, and without even 
 knowing that my name had been pro- 
 posed to the prize committee, which it 
 was found necessary to form for the 
 proper disposal of the vast amount of 
 
216 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 treasure discovered in the royal palaces. 
 This treasure consists of moneys, precious 
 stones, and a variety of the most hetero- 
 genous description of property, comprising 
 ivory, silver, copper, and other metals, linen 
 and cooking utensils. 
 
 But before the necessary measures were 
 taken for securing these effects, the most 
 valuable had been abstracted. Sergeant 
 Staunton, Her Majesty's 84th Regiment, 
 has shown great assiduity and vigilance 
 in assisting to collect and store the 
 property. 
 
 The quantity of linen discovered is 
 ample, and will materially add to the 
 comforts of the sick and wounded. 
 The number of requisitions that we 
 have already attended to, is surpris- 
 ing. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 217 
 
 October 3rd. 
 
 Three guns and a battery have been 
 destroyed by us, which, with the effect 
 of a mine, caused the enemy some 
 loss. The garrison continues to supply 
 our entire force with provisions, there 
 being no possibility of obtaining what 
 we require otherwise, and any attempt 
 at forage deemed impracticable. 
 
 Sunday, October 4th. 
 
 Divine service was performed at noon, 
 and again at three, p.m. The attack 
 from the hostile batteries continues un- 
 abated. 
 
 October 5th. 
 At midnight our cavalry were ordered 
 
218 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 to make an attempt to reach Alum 
 Bagh, under Captain Barrow. 
 
 This, however, was frustrated by the 
 enemy, who had assembled a strong force 
 on the bank of the river, from whence 
 he immediately opened fire on observing 
 our party, which fortunately retired 
 without loss. 
 
 On the succeeding day the enemy 
 obliged our advanced picquet, to which 
 he had pushed up, to withdraw; he also 
 threw up batteries on the opposite bank 
 of the river, and he now maintains 
 the strictest surveillance. We have, 
 however, been cheered by the report 
 that a brigade from Allahabad is ad- 
 vancing into Oude. 
 
 Hemmed in as the garrison has been, 
 it is little wonder that this news should 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 219 
 
 be most welcome. An escape from the 
 tainted, foetid atmosphere we now 
 breathe would indeed be a relief, for 
 nothing can be more loathsome. Its 
 horrible impurities are sickening, and 
 it is a wonder that some dire pes- 
 tilence is not engendered by the quan- 
 tity of decomposing animal matter which 
 infects the air. To enforce anything 
 like proper sanitary measures seems 
 utterly hopeless. 
 
 The Dewaler festival is approaching, and 
 has been announced by the rebels as the 
 most propitious time for attacking us suc- 
 cessfully. The existence of this inten- 
 tion was also announced to us by our 
 chiefs. 
 
 On the night of the 18th, and the 
 preceding one, there was a great deal of 
 
220 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 firing ; but the enemy made no ad- 
 vance. 
 
 October 19th. 
 
 Maun Sing, the insurgent commander, 
 has made proposals with the view of secur- 
 ing his life and property, while he maintains 
 his followers in the city, and prepares 
 batteries on the opposite bank, bearing di- 
 rectly upon the entrenchments. One stands 
 in a small court, stockaded in the centre, 
 and covered by the strong wall of the 
 enclosure. 
 
 Grain can no longer be supplied by the 
 Commissariat for our horses or cattle, and 
 it is piteous to see how lean the poor things 
 have become. 
 
 The advance of more troops from C awn- 
 pore is deferred by the Commander-in-Chief 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 221 
 
 till the arrival of regiments from Calcutta, 
 and a month of blockade and privation 
 seems inevitable. 
 
 It is melancholy that the women and 
 children should be exposed to this, though 
 nothing can be more admirable than the 
 fortitude displayed by the former. Each 
 individual seems a heroine. 
 
 The worst suffering must be that en- 
 dured by parents seeing their children 
 pining, wasting, dying, without the power 
 of procuring the necessary remedy, fresh 
 sweet air, or wholesome nutritious food. 
 
 Poor wee things ! they seem quite to 
 have reconciled themselves to their doleful 
 situation, and even form mimic batteries 
 for their amusement, and talk, during their 
 play, of shot and shell. 
 
 We had hoped for relief earlier, a 
 
222 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 column in pursuit of fugitives from Delhi 
 having been ordered to join us here ; but 
 this has been detained at Cawnpore, in 
 search of insurgents in that district. 
 
 Soon after ten p.m., a sudden and in- 
 tense discharge of musketry, shot, and 
 shell commenced, but soon ceased ; nor 
 was it of consequence, like that of Sunday- 
 night, which lasted for three quarters of 
 an hour. 
 
 Bugle calls (inverted) are generally 
 sounded for withdrawal, a signal which 
 our practised ear has now taught us to 
 recognise. 
 
 Intelligence has reached us of the ap- 
 proach of troops from Allahabad, so that 
 in a week our blockade may be removed 
 by their dispatch. 
 
 The enemy entrench themselves within 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 223 
 
 i 
 
 three hundred yards of our outposts, and in 
 a parallel direction. 
 
 We learn from the report of spies that 
 they are dejected and bereft of confi- 
 dence ; yet, while we cannot make any 
 attempt to dislodge them on our side, they 
 have contrived, by mining, to destroy two 
 of our sentries posted in a house. It is 
 alleged that their intention had been disco- 
 vered and reported by the party who were 
 holding the post, but, most unfortunately, not 
 thereupon withdrawn. 
 
 Since storming the city, the strength 
 of the corps is again greatly reduced 
 by losses in killed and wounded by 
 attacks on subsequent days. Our force 
 is now too weak to act otherwise than 
 on the defensive, as additional casualties 
 would overwork those left for duty. 
 
224 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 So many officers have either fallen or 
 been wounded, that a proportion equal 
 to duty is not available; and an assault 
 upon the Kesidency, in force, could only 
 be met by a few men of different 
 regiments mixed up together. 
 
 The variation of temperature here 
 is particularly trying to the health of 
 our troops. At night they are exposed 
 to great and oppressive heat, which 
 at dawn changes to extreme cold. 
 They have neither bedding nor great- 
 coats, spirits nor tobacco. Yet they 
 endure these privations with a degree 
 of sturdy cheerfulness the most admi- 
 rable. The intensity of the sun at 
 mid-day is absolutely torturing. 
 
 So far, we have lived through a 
 life of great excitement. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 225 
 
 One of our English humourists has 
 said, "suspense is a miserable thing, it 
 is the life of a spider ;" and spider-like, 
 in truth, has our existence been since 
 we entered this place. 
 
 Our life has been dependent upon 
 as frail a tenure as the commiserated 
 spider's, shot and shell flying about 
 us, without any lengthened intermission, 
 for the past two days ; during the fore- 
 noon killing an apothecary and mor- 
 tally wounding one of the patients in 
 the hospital. Mines too have been sprung 
 by the enemy, and a man has been 
 blown up. Our defences have not been 
 improved, and a scarcity ot ammunition 
 causes us to refrain from mounting 
 more guns. 
 
 Our security seems to lie in the 
 
 Q 
 
226 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 timidity of the insurgents, whose numer- 
 ical superiority does not inspire them with 
 courage to attack the position; an assault 
 upon which in such force would be 
 the destruction of our weak garrison. 
 The resources of the enemy in artillery, 
 and especially in shells, place us in a very 
 helpless position, without the prospect of 
 succour. 
 
 October 23rd. 
 
 A post near the iron bridge leading 
 to the rebel camp, and only two hun- 
 dred and fifty yards from it, has been 
 taken. 
 
 The enemy has at length menaced our 
 rear-guard and baggage, and carried off 
 some of our elephants ; nor is this our 
 sole misfortune. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 227 
 
 Intelligence has been received from 
 Cawnpore that the line of our expected 
 reinforcements has been either interrupted, 
 or their approach rendered difficult by 
 an insurgent force being in possession of 
 the road from thence to Lucknow. The 
 enemy has removed his batteries to 
 a greater distance, and has thereby 
 obtained a more correct range, which 
 makes his fire of greater effect ; 
 while so sparing are we compelled by 
 necessity to be of our ammunition, 
 that we are forced to use it in reduced 
 charges. 
 
 October 26th. 
 
 It is just one month since the troops 
 under Generals Outram and Havelock forced 
 their way into Lucknow. The former has 
 
 Q2 
 
228 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 the military command of two divisions — 
 Dinapore and Cawnpore, as well as Raj- 
 pootana — and is also Chief Commissioner 
 of Oude. 
 
 No other general officer is at hand, 
 and all movements await the instruction of 
 the Commander-in-Chief. Meanwhile, a 
 number of mutineers, advancing upon C awn- 
 pore from Gwalior, is stated, by messen- 
 gers, to have sustained a complete defeat 
 before our troops from that station. 
 
 Yesterday, our scale of daily rations was 
 reduced, in order to make them suffice for 
 a month. 
 
 Several countermines are being made by 
 our laborious Engineers to counteract those 
 of the enemy. 
 
 I have been struck on the left foot by 
 a musket ball, while sitting on the bed of 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 229 
 
 a friend, with whom I was conversing. 
 This has somewhat crippled me for the 
 present ; but among so many who are 
 badly wounded, I have great reason for 
 thankfulness not to have suffered more. 
 
 Yesterday evening, the last of my can- 
 dles burnt out! My entire store consisted 
 of three, which I husbanded most care- 
 
 fully. 
 
 I never properly estimated the value of 
 artificial light before, and can now most 
 feelingly enter into the preference expressed 
 for it by that quaint humourist, the gentle 
 Elia. How often have I smiled at his 
 strange conceits! 
 
 " Hail ! candle-light — mild viceroy of the moon ! " 
 
 To-night, I shall utter this in vain, for 
 there will be no " mild viceroy of the 
 
230 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 moon " to cheer me with its light. I 
 should not mind this so much, if able to 
 move about. However, considering that I 
 rarely kept my candles lighted longer than 
 from five to ten minutes, I have not very 
 much reason for grumbling. 
 
 The insurgents continue to salute us 
 every morning, soon after dawn, with a 
 few rounds from their batteries. They use 
 wooden shells, which seem harmless. 
 
 Ever since the 7th, I have been emu- 
 lating "the little busy bee," whose indus- 
 trious habits have been immortalised by 
 Watts for the benefit of small urchins in 
 the nursery ; but, instead of " gathering 
 honey all the day," which, in the innocence 
 of my childhood, I considered rather a 
 sensual enjoyment on the part of this same 
 lauded little insect, I have been improving 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 231 
 
 and shining here in giving instructions in 
 the manufacture of Enfield rifle -cartridges, 
 and superintending the same. It seemed 
 such a pity to have so valuable and effi- 
 cient a weapon as the Enfield rifle in 
 abeyance for lack of ammunition — the more 
 especially as our men had used it with 
 so much success during our advance, that 
 they were reluctant to dally with the 
 somewhat antiquated Brown Bess, after 
 having been so faithfully served by her 
 Enfield rival — that I volunteered to under- 
 take the service of superintending the ma- 
 nufacture of Enfield rifle-cartridges. 
 
 I established a factory at the Baillie 
 Guard, near my prize store, flung pink 
 tape to the winds, and have been 
 busily engaged for eight hours every 
 day, assisted by Lieutenant Sewell, who 
 
232 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 fortunately possessed a bullet-mould, 
 which he lent me, and whom I found a 
 most apt pupil. He receives an al- 
 lowance of twenty-five pounds per month 
 in compensation, which is as little as 
 can be offered, considering the utility 
 of the service and the risk which it 
 involves. So exposed is this place, 
 and so highly inflammable are the in- 
 gredients in use, that we are liable at 
 any moment to be blown up ; but the 
 knowledge of our danger teaches our 
 men caution. 
 
 One poor fellow, I grieve to say, was 
 shot dead to-day at this work in the ve- 
 randah, and a Highlander also wounded by 
 the same shot. My foot aches a great 
 deal ; the muscle has been hit. I am 
 crippled by it, but am not, I am 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 233 
 
 thankful to add, incapacitated from per- 
 forming my twofold duty of prize agent 
 and cartridge maker. I resigned my 
 appointment as Deputy Judge Advocate to 
 the force, lest it might interfere to 
 prevent me from bestowing the necessary 
 attention upon the manufacture of this 
 ammunition, even though told that I 
 might still retain the office. 
 
 However, I do not like monopoly in 
 any form, or under any circumstances, 
 and could not therefore consistently 
 practice it, which proof of my sincerity 
 costs me forty pounds per month. A 
 convoy with further supply of provisions 
 has reached Alum Bagh! The troops 
 there must absolutely revel in abun- 
 dance, while we are acquiring something 
 very like correct practical knowledge of 
 
234 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 starvation, as certain gastronomic remi- 
 niscences, fraught with the savoury odours 
 of the "flesh pots of Egypt/' rise in 
 mockery of our scanty portion of tough 
 gun-bullock, sacrificed to appease the 
 cravings of our hunger, and escape the 
 gnawing of its own. 
 
 Most truly can each individually exclaim 
 with the psalmist, " My bones look out 
 and stare upon me." 
 
 We have become as gaunt and lean as 
 possible; but the wretched horses and 
 cattle are even in worse plight. I never 
 see the poor creatures without commise- 
 ration. Thanks to a kindly Rajah, I have 
 become the possessor of two siers of sugar 
 — a splendid acquisition in these times. 
 It now sells for sixteen rupees per sier; 
 I have bought as good for sixpence. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 235 
 
 October 27th. 
 
 Poor Groydon, of the Bengal Army, 
 has been mortally wounded at his post. 
 Most nobly had he, at all times and on 
 all occasions, performed his duty ; he was 
 an officer whose loss can be ill supplied. 
 How many valuable lives this dire mutiny 
 has cost us ! The insurgent chief, the 
 Kajah Maun Singh, is again trying to 
 make terms with us ; but we pay no 
 attention to his overtures. Intelligence 
 from Cawnpore reports the approach of 
 the Delhi column under Colonel Greathed, 
 and the defeat of a rebel force at Sooraj- 
 
 pore by the troops holding Cawnpore, but 
 without being able to prevent the in- 
 surgents carrying off their guns. It is 
 stated that six English, including two 
 
236 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 ladies and as many children, have been 
 brought as prisoners into the city this 
 day. Our rations here are now reduced 
 to eight ounces of meat daily, with two 
 ounces of ghee every alternate day. Our 
 casualties are numerous. Dr. Darby has 
 been badly wounded by a piece of 
 shell. 
 
 October 28th. 
 
 The fire from the batteries and mortars 
 is still kept up, the shells being made of 
 stone or wood, the former well formed. 
 
 The insurgents announce their inten- 
 tion of making a final assault upon our 
 position, which they predict will be fatal 
 to us. It is also reported that the followers 
 of the Rajah Maun Singh are, at his 
 instance, withdrawing from the attack. We 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 237 
 
 have received the Government despatch 
 relative to the taking of Delhi suburbs. 
 It returns the loss on our side as amount- 
 ing to eleven hundred, which is light in 
 comparison with that of the force under 
 General Havelock in advancing upon Luck- 
 now with numbers much inferior. 
 
 Our rear-guard has been again supplied 
 with a fresh store of provisions from 
 Cawnpore, at which place troops are 
 assembling, both from Delhi and Calcutta, 
 for the second relief of Lucknow; while 
 an insurgent force is reported to be ad- 
 vancing upon Cawnpore to divert the 
 relieving army from approaching this 
 place. 
 
 The fire from outside has become more 
 regular and sustained ; there are shells 
 and round shot, for about two hours, 
 
238 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 morning and evening, with a protracted 
 fire of musketry at night. 
 
 October 30th. 
 
 I received intimation from the Alum 
 Bagh, that an English letter to my address 
 was there. Observing my solicitude to 
 obtain it, my servant, Mahomet Ali, (I 
 record the kindness with pleasure) imme- 
 diately volunteered to go out for it, though 
 the service is one of danger. If he 
 succeeds in his object, he will have 
 shown no small address. Few have been 
 able to go out from hence, so closely are 
 we invested, and so extraordinary is the 
 vigilance of our foes, especially at night. 
 Nothing can exceed the virulence of the 
 old Sepoys against us, and, compared 
 with them, the armed people of Oude 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 239 
 
 are mild "as sucking doves." The lax 
 state of discipline observed in the native 
 army, coupled with the annexation of 
 Oude, has mainly led to rebellion. A 
 native army should be allowed to number 
 only one-third of our forces; and the 
 strictest discipline should be maintained 
 by officers, whose sole interest should 
 be in their several regiments. 
 
 Indifference and apathy in this particular 
 have mainly contributed to the extensive 
 disaffection which prevails. 
 
 In re-organising the native army, the 
 existence of which will be ever necessary 
 for the maintenance of our Indian Empire, 
 the first step should be to provide both 
 judicious and active commanding officers, 
 who would look into the interior economy 
 of their several regiments, impress their 
 
240 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 subordinates with a just sense of the 
 responsibility attached to their relative 
 positions, and inculcate the conscientious 
 discharge of their several duties. The 
 performance of these duties with exactitude 
 and punctuality would ensure the growth 
 and preservation of discipline, and effectually 
 prevent a recurrence of the disasters to 
 which self-interest and a fatal system ot 
 laissez aller have conduced. A certain 
 class of men repudiate the idea of pro- 
 fessional earnestness ; men such as these 
 should never enter the service. 
 
 November 3rd. 
 
 I am miserably anxious about my poor 
 servant, Mahomet Ali. Should he have 
 fallen a victim to his kind wish to relieve 
 my anxiety by bringing me my English 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 241 
 
 letter, I should deplore having consented 
 to his making the attempt, which was 
 very selfish of me, I must confess. The 
 debility against which I struggle is 
 extreme; I do not recollect to have 
 experienced anything so prostrating before, 
 and yet I exert my will to the very 
 utmost. 
 
 The rebel batteries have been in play 
 more than usual; their range has much 
 improved. Two of our brave Highlanders 
 were hit to-day from sheer exposure ; 
 one was killed by a musket-bullet on 
 the spot, while the man standing next 
 to him was mortally wounded by an 
 open breach in the wall. The many 
 deaths resulting from incautiousness prove 
 how familiarity with danger deadens the 
 perception of its existence. In vain 
 
 R 
 
242 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 have our men been warned of the 
 necessity of caution, to insure their own 
 safety. 
 
 November 4th. 
 
 Such a relief it was to me, when I 
 woke this morning, a little before dawn, 
 to see coiled up on the floor, near the 
 foot of my bed, my faithful Mahomet 
 Ali, apparently exhausted by fatigue. On 
 awaking, he told me he had found it 
 impossible to proceed, despite repeated 
 attempts to escape the vigilance of the 
 enemy, and had most reluctantly returned, 
 his mission unperformed. 
 
 To-day, Lieutenant Dashwood, who had 
 already been wounded, was struck by 
 a round shot in both legs, as he 
 was sketching outside the intrenchments, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 243 
 
 under the guns of the enemy, by whom 
 he must have been observed from the 
 opposite bank. There seems but feeble 
 prospect of his recovery. On the second 
 of this month we succeeded in destroying 
 a stockade by one of our batteries ; such 
 an advantage rarely occurs, as our guns 
 are generally silent. Intelligence of Sir 
 Colin Campbell's arrival at Cawnpore 
 has reached us, as well as the advance 
 of the force in relief. Plans also have 
 been communicated of the mode to be 
 adopted in their advance, so as to frustrate 
 the designs of the Insurgents, and nullify 
 the obstacles caused by them to render 
 the direct road impracticable. The diffi- 
 culties of this route we know but too 
 well, having already penetrated it, and 
 learnt thereby that an advancing column, 
 
 R 2 
 
244 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 without flanking parties, makes small im- 
 pression on troops fighting behind stone 
 walls, and is also quite unable to make 
 them abandon the upper stories of the 
 houses, from whence they can deliver 
 their fire effectively, while our men are 
 firing at them through windows with 
 difficulty. The space occupied by this 
 city is about fifteen miles in circum- 
 ference. 
 
 According to my opinion, the bazaars 
 held by the insurgents should be invested, 
 till the town was rendered untenable by 
 shelling, while our troops should, by a 
 flank march, carry the cantonment batteries 
 by attack from rear, and the approaches 
 to both bridges towards the North and 
 East, and should then enter and maintain 
 possession of the city in such bodies as 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 245 
 
 the extent and amount of opposition shewn 
 might demand. 
 
 Cavalry and artillery, ready for swift 
 pursuit, should hold the different lines of 
 retreat, with a force at South and West, 
 to co-operate and intercept fugitives, to 
 whom, if Sepoys and armed men, no 
 quarter should be given. This severity 
 would be a lesson on the cruelties gene- 
 rally executed on their own officers and 
 helpless families, in sparing neither age nor 
 sex, and in being deaf to all entreaty. 
 
 The city thus invested, the enemy would 
 be compelled to make a sortie, perhaps in 
 more directions than one, and meet our 
 troops on the plain. Once in collision 
 with them, the issue would not long be 
 doubtful. 
 
246 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 November 7th. 
 
 This is the forty-third day of our invest- 
 ment by the rebels. 
 
 For three days, their batteries have played 
 at intervals upon our position. 
 
 Last night we received positive informa- 
 tion of the advance of Sir Colin Campbell, 
 with the force from Delhi, and also fresh 
 troops from England, said altogether to 
 amount to six thousand infantry, six hun- 
 dred cavalry, and thirty-six guns, to join 
 our rear-guard and baggage at the Alum 
 Bagh. It was expected that they would 
 reach that place on the 10th instant. 
 
 Be it observed that seven months had 
 elapsed since the outbreak of the Indian 
 mutiny, before the first portion of troops 
 from England could take the field. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 247 
 
 How shall the services of those brave 
 few, who bore the burden and heat of the 
 day, be recognised in England ? 
 
 The staff now here consists of a garrison 
 and brigade staff (the original Lucknow 
 staff), the staff of the Oude field force, 
 and the staff of the several divisions. So 
 loosely were matters conducted, that the 
 first- mentioned did not even keep a gar- 
 rison-roster till lately. Nor were charges 
 for courts-martial framed by the Adjutant- 
 General's department, in the absence of any 
 Judge Advocate. 
 
 Any number of authorities, including a 
 medical officer, were permitted to supervise 
 proceedings, and remit or hasten the punish- 
 ment awarded by drum -head courts-martial, 
 so called. 
 
 Upon one occasion, in the framing of a 
 
248 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 charge, as I am credibly informed, jam, 
 with other edibles, was called articles of 
 bedding. 
 
 The amount of plunder taken here, 
 before the arrival of our relieving force, 
 must have been enormous. An immense 
 quantity of property belonging to the 
 King, together with costly pearls, was 
 deposited in the entrenchment occupied 
 when the bold step of holding out with 
 insufficient guns was determined upon 
 by Sir Henry Lawrence. 
 
 Subsequently to the abandonment of 
 the fortified camp at Muchee Bawan, 
 these treasures were shamefully pillaged. 
 
 A portion, however, of the Crown 
 Jewels escaped from this general plunder, 
 and have been secured. Much of this 
 loss has been attributed to the number 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 249 
 
 of Europeans and uncovenanted people, 
 who at the time sought protection 
 within the entrenchments, and who, 
 with their natural avidity, profited by 
 the occasion, which was perhaps too 
 tempting to be resisted. 
 
 They quickly possessed themselves of 
 many coveted valuables, and have con- 
 tinued to hold large quantities of pro- 
 perty with the greatest impunity. 
 
 Her Majesty's regiments, also, which 
 furnished the guard and sentries for 
 the protection of the jewels and treasure, 
 and for the conveyance of them into 
 the entrenchments, possessed themselves 
 of a considerable portion. They were 
 even known individually to have offered 
 them for sale, and had not yet been 
 compelled to deliver them over, though 
 
250 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 admonished to do so by a special general 
 order. 
 
 On the arrival of the relieving force 
 conducted by Generals Sir James Outram 
 and Havelock, the public quarters given 
 over or occupied by regiments were 
 stripped of stores of valuable pro- 
 perty. 
 
 In many instances, this property was 
 wantonly destroyed. Even the places 
 where, by aid of masonry, gold, silver, 
 and jewels had been deposited, were 
 broken into and plundered by the sol- 
 diers. 
 
 When a prize committee was hastily 
 selected, it was discovered that a large 
 amount of treasure had been lost. 
 
 The defence urged is, that no order 
 in prohibition of such licence was issued 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 251 
 
 — but it would be difficult to excuse 
 the conduct of men, who, when the 
 enemy was near at hand, quitted their 
 ranks or posts in search of plun- 
 der. 
 
 On Sunday we had divine service at 
 twelve o'clock, and again at three, p.m., 
 during which the rebel batteries were 
 silent, but opened again in the eve- 
 ning. 
 
 Throughout the succeeding night, the 
 fire of small arms was incessant. In the 
 morning, the rebels commenced firing 
 briskly from their batteries, killing and 
 wounding some of our men in the 
 entrenchment. A poor Sepoy, one of the 
 faithful few, was mortally wounded whilst 
 on sentry. Next day, the forty-seventh of 
 our investment, Mr. Cavanagh, a volunteer, 
 
252 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 boldly ventured to assume a native 
 disguise, and, eluding the vigilance of the 
 foe, reached the Alum Bagh, where a 
 flag was hoisted to notify to us his safe 
 arrival. He brought useful information to 
 the Commander-in-Chief, and also offered 
 his services as guide. We were now all 
 elated at the prospect of our speedy 
 deliverance. During the forenoon of the 
 ensuing day, there was a good deal of 
 heavy firing, which we thought might be 
 occasioned by the van, under the 
 Commander-in-Chief, engaging the insur- 
 gents. We found our conjecture right, 
 for at two o'clock p.m., we learnt by 
 telegraph, that two guns had been cap- 
 tured from the enemy, whose batteries 
 had opened upon the Residency soon 
 after five o'clock a.m. During the day, 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 253 
 
 bodies of mutineers left the town by the 
 stone bridge, with colours flying. These 
 were, however, replaced by the entrance 
 of about fifteen hundred infantry and 
 some hundred cavalry. It will be quite 
 a matter of rejoicing for our native 
 followers to leave this place. Poor 
 creatures! they have been dreadfully 
 hard pressed for lack of food, the 
 quantity lately issued being exceedingly 
 limited, even considering their natural 
 abstemiousness. 
 
 Their endurance is greatly to be com- 
 mended ; they have performed all 
 work required of them, without grumb- 
 ling. 
 
 As to my own attendant, Mahomed 
 Ali, he is beyond praise, doing every- 
 thing for me with the hearty readiness of 
 
254 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 good-will, and acting as water-carrier, 
 Hamal, and baker, for he has volunteered 
 to make bread for me. He has not 
 only done all that I required, but more; 
 he has taken it upon himself to manufac- 
 ture the quaintest cap imaginable for my 
 personal adornment, which is quite a 
 specimen of his ingenuity, and by wearing 
 which I have gratified him excessively. 
 
 On the fifty- second day of our invest- 
 ment, Monday the 16th, after some 
 cannonading between the advancing force 
 and the insurgents, during the afternoon, 
 the signal was made of the intention of 
 his Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, to 
 advance next day. 
 
 Early in the forenoon, the sound ot 
 heavy and prolonged fighting had tantalized 
 us greatly, as it was a matter ot difficulty 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 255 
 
 to espy the cause of it from our entrench- 
 ment. At eleven p.m. and three a.m., the 
 enemy mustered and kept up a discharge 
 of small arms on the entrenchment, 
 without, however, making any attempt at 
 an attack ; our mortars returned a few 
 rounds in reply. On the 9th, our sick and 
 wounded had amounted to forty-two 
 officers and four hundred and fifty men, 
 exclusive of one hundred non-combatants. 
 One hundred is the total number of officers 
 killed and wounded since the 12th of July ; 
 the date of our first action with the 
 enemy. 
 
 Wednesday, November 17th. 
 
 Yesterday, our force advanced its po- 
 sition during the afternoon, acting in 
 concert with the attack made by His 
 
256 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Excellency, Sir Colin Campbell, and, under 
 the cover of two batteries, obtained con- 
 siderable advantage. Our loss in killed 
 and wounded numbered twenty. Lieu- 
 tenant Ay ton, Adjutant of the 84th, a 
 most gallant soldier, was severely wounded, 
 and obliged to submit to amputation of 
 the arm. At noon, operations on our side 
 were suspended, to facilitate the advance of 
 the relieving force, with which a junction 
 will be effected. This will enable us to 
 get our bedding and clothes, of which we 
 all stand greatly in need. The batteries 
 against the entrenchments keep up occa- 
 sional mortar practice ; but there will 
 soon be an end of this; our release from 
 this dreary imprisonment is at hand; and 
 the blessing of sweet pure air will, after 
 all we have endured while exposed to the 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 257 
 
 present noxious atmosphere, be duly ap- 
 preciated. Never was speedy change of 
 quarters more needed. The old garrison 
 and occupants of the entrenchments bear 
 manifest tokens of what they have lived 
 through, nor do the first relieving force 
 appear less toilworn ; all wear the peculiar 
 appearance of exposure to foul air and 
 noisome exhalations. The Baillie Guard, 
 a small building, accommodates the garrison 
 and fifty Sepoys, besides containing the 
 treasury, prize store, and Enfield cartridge 
 manufactory, while the few buildings in 
 the position are occupied like a rabbit-warren. 
 Every nook is full, and the open space, ex- 
 posed as it is, day and night, to the enemy's 
 fire, is thronged with cattle and native fol- 
 lowers, though many of both have been 
 killed since the investment commenced. 
 
 s 
 
258 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 The greatest number of casualties took 
 place just before the arrival of General 
 Havelock's reinforcement, when the in- 
 surgents were within about sixty yards 
 of the imperfect field-work, upon which 
 their musketry almost daily played with 
 deadly effect. 
 
 On the 21st November, the fifty-seventh 
 day of our investment, at five o'clock 
 p.m., I finally left the Baillie Guard. I 
 was scarce able to crawl, so great were my 
 debility and exhaustion, which bad and in- 
 sufficient food, confinement, and foul air 
 had produced. Still the delight which I 
 experienced at the prospect of release 
 from " durance vile," lent me strength 
 for the effort. I therefore quitted the 
 Baillie Guard, under orders to proceed with 
 prize property towards Cawnpore, and halt 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 259 
 
 at Dilkoosha Park till the entire force should 
 have assembled. 
 
 My route from the Eesidency lay through 
 the different palaces and enclosures held by 
 Havelock's troops since we arrived to save 
 the garrison. This position had been 
 further extended on one side to effect a 
 junction with the Commander-in-Chief, and 
 this part of the road was unavoidably ex- 
 posed to the enemy's batteries from the op- 
 posite side of the Goomtee. 
 
 The advanced post of the Mathee Matial 
 was occupied by the Commander-in-Chief's 
 force. Here I found my old and esteemed 
 brother officer, the Hon. Adrian Hope, who 
 received me with a hospitable welcome, 
 genial as his own fine nature. 
 
 He made me partake of some bread and 
 butter, a most welcome treat, as a long 
 
 s 2 
 
260 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 time had elapsed since I had had anything 
 so dainty ; also of some meat, cooked in 
 a civilized fashion. 
 
 After this refreshment I went on, still 
 crossing the enemy's fire, till I found myself 
 in the midst of a large bivouac, on either 
 side of the road, with the river to one 
 side. 
 
 Near the river were the head-quarters of 
 Sir Colin Campbell, the Secunder Bagh, 
 memorable for the slaughter of seventeen 
 hundred Sepoys the preceding day. They 
 had been, much to their surprise, hemmed 
 in by the 93rd Highlanders, part of the 
 53rd, and the Sikh regiment ; by this 
 force a terrible vengeance was executed in 
 their destruction. 
 
 Immediately before I arrived, the enemy, 
 in an attack made by him on one of our 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 261 
 
 flanks, had been repulsed by a troop of 
 our horse artillery and part of the 53rd, 
 who set fire to his position. It was still 
 in flames, in the midst of which one poor 
 wretch, who, it was supposed, had been 
 concealed by the thick bushes with which 
 it was covered, was seen to spring up 
 madly, as if to escape the devouring 
 element, and was at once shot down. 
 
 I met several friends in the 53rd, who 
 received me most kindly ; we had last met 
 in Calcutta. Since then a momentous time 
 had elapsed. They all seemed flushed and 
 elated by the opportunity now opened to 
 them, and so ardently desired, of partaking 
 in the campaign. Much did I envy them 
 their position of being with their regiments. 
 
 At night the force was obliged to remain 
 on the alert, for the place which it occu- 
 
262 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 pied was so exposed as to demand vigilance 
 to guard against surprise. 
 
 Stretching myself upon my iron chair, 
 I lay beside my charge in the little 
 bivouac, under the shadow of a spreading 
 tree near the Secunder Bagh. The spot 
 which I had chosen for repose was alike 
 unhealthy and insecure, for the air was 
 tainted with the festering corpses of the 
 slaughtered Sepoys, and our Artillery had 
 withdrawn from the range of the insur- 
 gents' batteries. Yet I was so overpowered 
 by fatigue, weakness, and sickening effluvia, 
 that I was unable to exert myself to alter 
 my position. 
 
 Morning light revealed to me the immi- 
 nence of the danger which I had escaped, 
 for the bole of the tree under which I lay 
 was torn by shot. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 263 
 
 During that night, 21st November, the 
 wounded were withdrawn from the Resi- 
 dency, and escorted to the camp of the 
 reserve, Dilkoosha Park. Though every 
 precaution which kind consideration for their 
 precarious state could suggest had been ob- 
 served, this move proved fatal to many of 
 their number. 
 
 Amongst the losses thus incurred were 
 the brave Major Stevenson, Madras Fu- 
 siliers, and the no less gallant Captain # 
 Boyle, 78th Highlanders. 
 
 The whole of the next day was employed 
 in withdrawing the families. Many of the 
 ladies received a kind welcome from the 
 Commander-in-Chief, who gave them a rest- 
 ing-place at his head-quarters, where they 
 remained till, under cover of darkness, they 
 were removed to Dilkoosha Park, whither 
 
264 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 I accompanied them, taking advantage of 
 the escort. The distance which we tra- 
 versed was about four miles. 
 
 The route, which lay off the main road, 
 was rough and uneven, very involved and 
 intricate, and consequently rather difficult 
 for the advance of a long train such as 
 ours. 
 
 The escort consisted of the Irregular 
 Horse and some Lancers, and seen in the 
 • dim night light, the entire cavalcade was 
 wonderfully striking, novel, and picturesque ; 
 nor could there have been anything more 
 full of excitement. 
 
 We were obliged to halt frequently, 
 because of the nature of the ground; and 
 each time we stopped, those in the rear, 
 unconscious of what was passing in front, 
 suffered all the terrors of uncertainty. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 265 
 
 Yet we pursued our journey without the 
 slightest molestation, and arrived safely at 
 the camp of the 9 th Lancers at the 
 Dilkoosha Park, where we were heartily 
 welcomed. The families were regaled 
 with a most profuse liberality. Food, 
 such as they had been long without 
 tasting, was set before them, and ac- 
 cordingly they did ample justice to it; 
 indeed, so ravenous were they, that, ac- 
 cording to the statement of the Khan- 
 sommer of the 9th Lancers, on this one 
 night, 23rd November, they consumed no 
 less than twenty days' provision. 
 
 I was met on my arrival by my 
 servants, after being two months sepa- 
 rated from them, with kind expressions 
 of satisfaction at my return. Each seemed 
 eager to proffer his assistance, helping 
 
266 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 me to fresh clothes, of which I stood 
 much in need, and also a cup of tea, 
 which was an immense treat. In short, 
 everything was ready for me that I could 
 possibly require; for during the short 
 time they had served me, they seemed 
 to have got a knowledge of my habits. 
 They now manifested their desire to 
 please me, while expressing the utmost 
 sympathy for my pallid, shrunken appear- 
 ance. 
 
 The feelings which I experience at the 
 merciful deliverance vouchsafed to me 
 by the Almighty, can never be expressed 
 in words. Such feelings are paramount. 
 I was, however, not insensible to the 
 good will of my dependants. They made 
 up a bed for me in my Palker Gherry, 
 the first on which I had lain for a length 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 267 
 
 of time, and I lay down to rest amidst 
 their prodigal congratulations. 
 
 The ladies were most kindly treated 
 by the 8th or King's Kegiment, the mess- 
 room of which was given up for the 
 accommodation of those who would accept 
 of it. Tents were pitched for everybody, 
 and quickly occupied. 
 
 The Dilkoosha Palace stands upon an 
 
 eminence, in the midst of a fine park. 
 
 Such are its natural advantages, that it 
 
 presents a most favourable position for 
 
 an army of occupation of about fifteen 
 
 thousand men of all arms, which would 
 
 be no more than an adequate force. Short 
 as our stay was here, it was marked by an 
 
 event of the most mournful character, 
 
 which brought sorrow and consternation 
 
 to every heart, even to the coldest. Here, 
 
268 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 on the 24th November, the good, the 
 great Havelock breathed his last. Of him 
 it may in truth be said, that "he fought 
 the good fight." Firm and decided, 
 courteous, urbane, and gentle, he united 
 the fire and spirit of the warrior to 
 the temperance and moderation of the 
 Christian. His every action was ruled 
 by the strictest sense of duty, his valor 
 was only equalled by his prudence, and 
 his goodness was transcendent ; but no 
 praise can do justice to virtues such as 
 his. 
 
 On the succeeding day, his remains were 
 followed to the grave by the Commander- 
 in-Chief and members of the staff. Sincere 
 was the grief with which I beheld the 
 earth close above him, her most honoured 
 son. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 269 
 
 The mournful impression cannot be easily 
 effaced ; but words are vain. 
 
 In addition to the prize property 
 originally under my supervision, on Tuesday, 
 the 24th of November, I was placed in 
 special charge of the Lucknow treasure and 
 crown jewels, but without even being 
 allowed a guard for this arduous and 
 highly responsible duty. Only a Serjeant's 
 party of Sikhs was in attendance upon 
 me. I did not, however, miss our soldiers, 
 and found the natives alert and active. 
 
 The force marched to the Alum Bagh, 
 in two divisions, and I was attached to 
 the first, under Brigadier-General Grant. 
 The cold weather was favourable to our 
 march, which we pursued briskly, and 
 with the good fortune of not meeting 
 with any impediment in our route. 
 
270 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 On Friday, the 27th of November, we 
 pursued our march to Bunnee, at eleven 
 a.m. It was, however, a most tedious 
 and irksome proceeding. The road was 
 thronged with carts, and there was no 
 baggage-staff to move them ; there was 
 a total absence of all method or ar- 
 rangement, and disorder was pre-emi- 
 nent. 
 
 By the most intense labour and 
 personal exertion, I succeeded in keeping 
 the tumbrils of treasure and carts 
 together, thirty-six in number being 
 under my charge. Such confusion 
 should not have existed, and might easily 
 have been prevented. One Serjeant of 
 cavalry was forwarding the carts, when a 
 corps of sixty at least was indispensable 
 for such a line of baggage. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 271 
 
 At ten o'clock p.m., we reached Bunnee, 
 and halted two miles in advance. 
 
 On Saturday the 28th, at seven a.m., 
 
 we marched from Bunnee, when the same 
 
 want of management was conspicuous. 
 The baggage-carts were again allowed to 
 
 be crowded together, so as effectually to 
 block up the road and obstruct our 
 
 advance ; nor was there a single officer 
 
 present to put this mass in motion. The 
 
 order of march was quite unobserved ; all 
 
 regularity was set at defiance. I set to 
 
 work to correct this mismanagement, 
 
 cleared the way, got the carts into line, 
 
 to retain which was a task of much 
 
 difficulty, permitted the families to precede 
 
 me, though they had lost their place, 
 
 and at two o'clock a.m., without a halt, 
 
 reached the left bank of the Ganges. 
 
272 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 We found ourselves just in time to succour 
 Cawnpore, which place, during the absence 
 of the Commander-in-Chief and his force at 
 Lucknow, had been closely invested by a 
 large force of mutineers from Gwalior. 
 The troops which remained to garrison 
 Cawnpore were engaged with the enemy 
 on the 28th of November, when, it 
 would appear, they met unhappily with a 
 check which obliged them to retire. This 
 check was consequent upon too precipitate 
 an advance. Many were killed and wounded ; 
 amongst the former were Brigadier-General 
 Wilson, in command of the valliant 64th, 
 and Major Sterling, of the same corps, both 
 officers of distinguished gallantry. Colonel 
 Woodford, Rifle Brigade, also fell. 
 
 On Sunday, November 29th, we re- 
 crossed the bridge of boats, under a 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 273 
 
 heavy fire, having previously crossed it on 
 the advance to relieve Lucknow, the 16th 
 of the foregoing September, without moles- 
 tation. 
 
 All the advantages which we had obtained 
 at Cawnpore, prior to this disastrous 
 affair, have dwindled down to the small 
 space of ground held by our troops, 
 
 This is entrenched, and serves to 
 cover the bridge, while the picquets 
 of the mutineers face our left flank and 
 are extremely troublesome. 
 
 The incessant exertion of the past 
 two days, coupled with my anxiety 
 for the safe arrival of the thirty -six 
 carts of treasure committed to my charge, 
 has completely overcome me. 
 
 The illness against which I struggled 
 has increased, and the debility and 
 
 T 
 
274 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 exhaustion consequent on it, demand the 
 repose which it is impossible for me to 
 obtain at present. 
 
 In the late affair with the rebels, 
 the troops under General Windham, in 
 many instances, have, as might be ex- 
 pected, not proved equal in efficiency 
 to those Eegiments composed of older 
 men, more inured to the country, and 
 
 more accustomed to the Asiatic mode 
 of warfare. 
 
 Their conduct also has not furnished 
 any argument in favour of our present 
 system of camps and depots of instruction 
 — which system, however good it may 
 be in theory, has not been well carried 
 out in practice. 
 
 That there is a failure in some 
 branch or class is clearly apparent in 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 275 
 
 the want of discipline observable amongst 
 those young soldiers. 
 
 . From whence has this laxity arisen ? 
 and how is it to be extirpated? That 
 it does exist is manifest from the too 
 evident independence of control exhibited 
 by the men, which, it need hardly be 
 remarked, is a most dangerous error. 
 
 All young officers should bear in mind 
 the importance of their position in relation 
 to their subordinates, and the necessity, 
 for the purpose of inspiring those subor- 
 dinates with reliance on their judgment 
 and capacity, of studying their profession 
 in all its details, and of presenting in 
 their own persons such an example of 
 steadiness and attention as would leave 
 the soldiers no excuse for want of discip- 
 line. 
 
276 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 Never can any officer, especially a 
 youth without service, be efficient as a 
 leader, unless he possesses the qualities 
 necessary to beget confidence in the minds 
 of his subordinates. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 6th December, 
 a movement was made by the mutineers, 
 whose guns opened in the direction of 
 the camp, and especially on the position 
 held by the Commander-in-Chief and his 
 Staff — but this was soon silenced. 
 
 Next morning, after breakfast, our 
 troops attacked the position of the mu- 
 tineers in force. 
 
 This they defended by a brisk cannonade, 
 which, however, soon became feeble — 
 while we boldly advanced and drove 
 them out of the bazaar, capturing some guns 
 and holding a more advanced position. 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 277 
 
 The mutineers were driven to the 
 banks of the river, where they are 
 watched. 
 
 Their encampment, containing property 
 plundered from Windham's force, is in 
 our possession. Strange to state, I have 
 recovered one of my trunks, which I left 
 at Cawnpore when advancing to Lucknow. 
 It had, however, been rifled by the 
 enemy, the bottom having been most in- 
 geniously cut out of it to remove its 
 contents; these were chiefly, a stock of 
 linen, a suit of uniform, and some 
 valuables. 
 
 December 13 th. 
 The communication between this place 
 (Cawnpore) and Allahabad, a distance of 
 a hundred and twenty miles, has not 
 
278 JOURNAL OF AN 
 
 been quite free. A brigade, therefore, is 
 now being sent to occupy posts on the 
 route, and prevent interruption. There has 
 lately been a most delightful change of 
 weather, and it is considerably cooler. 
 Many who have suffered from the pesti- 
 lential atmosphere and heat of Lucknow, 
 together with its privations, have been 
 greatly benefited by this change. May 
 we all, who have been there, live to bear 
 in mind the merciful deliverance vouch- 
 safed to us by Almighty God, and show 
 forth our gratitude, not only with our 
 lips, but in our lives. 
 
 January 10th, 1858. 
 
 I am labouring under a severe attack 
 of dysentery, caused by past hardships, 
 and further aggravated by present anxiety 
 
ENGLISH OFFICER. 279 
 
 about the transit of prize property under 
 my charge. This is of great value. It 
 consists of the King's treasure and crown 
 jewels, loosely packed in one hundred and 
 eighteen ammunition boxes, and also of 
 eight barrels of precious stones ; all of 
 which were especially entrusted to my 
 care by his Excellency the Commander- 
 in-Chief. They have been conveyed upon 
 thirty-six carts, sixteen of which are 
 common country hackeries, without any 
 proper guard to look after them ; but, 
 notwithstanding, by my constant exertion 
 they have all arrived safely. Shaken as 
 it was, my bodily strength was almost 
 unequal to the task, and sank rapidly 
 when there was no longer a demand on 
 my energies. 
 
 I was, therefore, obliged to attend to 
 
280 JOURNAL OF AN ENGLISH OFFICER. 
 
 the repeated injunctions and representations 
 of my medical advisers, and prepare for 
 returning to England on sick certificate. 
 
 I hoped, ere this, to have joined my re- 
 giment ; but more rest than was antici- 
 pated seems needful after a campaign in 
 India, of unexampled severity, and during 
 the unfavourable seasons of the year. I 
 have, however, been rewarded by the 
 thanks of the Governor General in 
 council, and have been also mentioned 
 in Sir James Outram's despatch as having 
 rendered valuable service. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 B. BORN, PRINTER, GLOUCESTER STREET, REGENT'S PARK. 
 
WLtititx tjje lEsspmal Patronage of 
 HER MAJESTY & H.R.H. THE PRINCE CONSORT. 
 
 NOW READY, IN ONE VOLUME, BOTAL 8vO., 
 
 WITH THE ARMS BEAUTIFULLY ENGRAVED, 
 
 Handsomely Bound, with Gilt Edges, 
 
 LODGE'S PEERAGE 
 
 AND 
 
 BARONETAGE, 
 
 For 1858. 
 
 ARRANGED AND PRINTED FROM 
 
 THE PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS OE THE NOBILITY, 
 
 AND CORRECTED THROUGHOUT TO THE PRESENT TIME. 
 
 Lodge's Peerage and Baronetage is acknowledged to be 
 the most complete, as well as the most elegant, work of the kind 
 that has ever appeared. As an established and authentic authority 
 on all questions respecting the family histories, honours, and con- 
 nexions of the titled aristocracy, no work has ever stood so high. 
 It is published under the especial patronage of Her Majesty, and 
 His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, and is annually corrected 
 throughout, from the personal communications of the Nobility. 
 It is the only work of its class in which, the type being kept con- 
 stantly standing, every correction is made in its proper place to the 
 date of publication, an advantage which gives it supremacy over all 
 its competitors. Independently of its full and authentic information 
 respecting the existing Peers and Baronets of the realm, the most 
 sedulous attention is given in its pages to the collateral branches of 
 the various noble families, and the names of many thousand indi- 
 viduals are introduced, which do not appear in other records of the 
 titled classes. Nothing can exceed the facility of its arrangements, 
 or the beauty of its typography and binding, and for its authority, 
 correctness and embellishments, the work is justly entitled to the 
 high place it occupies on the tables of Her Majesty and the Nobility. 
 
 [ FOB THE CONTI»JTS OF THIS WORK SJSE NEXT PAGE. ] 
 
LODGE'S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE. 
 
 LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTENTS. 
 
 Historical View of the Peerage. 
 Parliamentary Roll of the House of 
 
 Lords. 
 English, Scotch, and Irish Peers, in 
 
 their orders of Precedence. 
 Alphabetical List of Peers of Great 
 
 Britain and the United Kingdom, 
 
 holding superior rank in the Scotch 
 
 or Irish Peerage. 
 Alphabetical List of Scotch and Irish 
 
 Peers, holding superior titles in the 
 
 Peerage of Great Britain and the 
 
 United Kingdom. 
 A Collective List of Peers, in their 
 
 order of Precedence. 
 Table of Precedency among Men. 
 Table of Precedency among "Women. 
 The Queen and Royal Family. 
 The House of Saxe Coburg-Gotha. 
 Peers of the Blood Royal. 
 The Peerage, alphabetically arranged. 
 Families of such Extinct Peers as have 
 
 left Widows or Issue. 
 Alphabetical List of the Surnames of 
 
 all the Peers. 
 
 Account of the Archbishops and 
 Bishops of England, Ireland, and 
 the Colonies. 
 
 The Baronetage, alphabetically ar- 
 ranged. 
 
 Alphabetical List of Surnames as- 
 sumed by members of Noble 
 Families. 
 
 Alphabetical List of the Second 
 Titles of Peers, usually borne by 
 their Eldest Sons. 
 
 Alphabetical Index to the Daughters 
 of Dukes, Marquises, and Earls, 
 who, having married Commoners, 
 retain the title of Lady before their 
 own Christian and their Husbands' 
 Surnames. 
 
 Alphabetical Index to the Daugh- 
 ters of Viscounts and Barons, who, 
 having married Commoners, are 
 styled Honourable Mrs ; and, in case 
 of the husband being a Baronet or 
 Knight, Honourable Lady. 
 
 Mottoes alphabetically arranged and 
 translated. 
 
 "A work which corrects all errors of former works. It Is the production of a herald, we 
 had almost said, by birth, but certainly, by profession and studies, Mr. Lodge, the Norroy 
 King of Arms. It is a most useful publication."— Times. 
 
 "Lodge's Peerage must supersede all other works of the kind, for two reasons; first, it is 
 on a better plan; and, secondly, it is better executed. We can safely pronounce it to be the 
 readiest, the most useful, and exactest of modern works on the subject." — Spectator. 
 
 "This work derives great value from the high authority of Mr. Lodge. The plan Is 
 excellent."— Literary Gazette. 
 
 " This work should form a portion of every gentleman's library. At all times, the infor- 
 mation which it contains, derived from official sources exclusively at the command of the 
 author, is of importance to most classes of the community; to the antiquary it must be 
 invaluable, for implicit reliance may be placed on its contents." — Globe. 
 
 "The production of Edmund Lodge, Esq., Norroy King of Arms, whose splendid Bio- 
 graphy of Illustrious Personages stands an unrivalled specimen of historical literature, and 
 magnificent illustration. Of Mr. Lodge's talent for the task he has undertaken, we need 
 only appeal to his former productions. It contains the exact state of the Peerage as it now 
 exists, with all the Collateral Branches, their Children, with all the Marriages of the different 
 individuals connected with each family." — John Bull. 
 
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