Chapter I: Part 1

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PLAN OF THE ENTRENCHED POSITION OF THE BRITISH GARRISON AT LUCKNOW.

1857.

Published by Smith, Elder & Co., Cornhill London 1858.]

THE DEFENCE OF LUCKNOW.

A Diary Recording the Daily Events during the Siege of the European Residency

From 31st May to 25th September, 1857.

BY A STAFF OFFICER

With a Plan of the Residency.

SECOND EDITION.

London: Smith, Elder, and Co., 65 Cornhill. 1858.

The right of translation is reserved.

London Printed by Spottiswoode and Co. New-Street Square.

ADVERTISEMENT.

The Author of this work desiring, for military reasons, to withhold his name, the Publishers feel it due to the public to vouch for the authenticity of the "Diary," by stating that the Author is an officer of the Staff of the Anglo-Indian Army, and was in Lucknow during the whole of the siege; as, indeed, will be apparent from the full details he has given of all that transpired in the garrison.

They beg to add that the only alteration made by them is the substitution of the most recent and complete list of the killed and wounded during the defence, as given in the "Homeward Mail," for the list appended to the MS. They have also added the eloquent despatch of Brigadier Inglis, recording the services of the garrison.

65, CORNHILL: _Feb. 25th, 1858_.

DIARY OF EVENTS AT LUCKNOW.

For about ten days previous to the outbreak, daily reports were made that an _émeute_ was intended, and Sir H. M. Lawrence had ordered all kinds of stores to be purchased and stored in the "Muchee Bhawun" and the City Residency. But latterly the intelligence began to excite less attention, as so many days had passed away which had been named for the outbreak. On the evening of the 30th May, however, a sepoy of the 13th Native Infantry, who had shortly before received a reward from Sir Henry Lawrence for having assisted in the capture of a spy, came to Captain Wilson of the 13th Native Infantry, Assistant Adjutant-General, and said he could not help reporting that there would be a rising amongst the sepoy regiments, to be commenced in the lines of the 71st Native Infantry that evening at about 8 or 9 P.M.; but he was not certain at what hour. His manner in giving this information was _earnest_ and _impressive_.

On that evening everything went on as usual; all remained quiet in the cantonments, where Sir Henry Lawrence was residing. Some days previously the ladies and children had been removed to the Residency in the city, which place had already been occupied by a party of the 32nd Foot and two guns. The 9 P.M. gun was fired, and was evidently the preconcerted signal for the mutiny; for a few minutes after, whilst Sir Henry Lawrence and his staff were at dinner at the Residency, a sepoy came running in and reported a disturbance in the lines. Two shots were heard in the 71st lines. The horses of the staff were at once ordered, and they proceeded to the lines. On the way, more dropping shots were heard from the left of the 71st lines. The party arrived in the camp, where about 300 men of Her Majesty's 32nd, with four guns of Major Kaye's battery, and two guns of the Oude Irregular Force were posted, and found them all on the alert. These were posted in a position on the extreme right of the 71st lines (the whole front of which they swept), and they were also contiguous to the road leading from cantonments to the city.

Sir Henry Lawrence immediately took two guns and a company of the 32nd with him on the road leading to the town, and there took post; thereby blocking up the road, and effectually cutting off all access to the city. He sent back soon after for reinforcements of the Europeans and for two more guns. In the meantime, the officers of the several regiments had proceeded at once to their respective lines. Bands of insurgents had meanwhile made their way amongst the officers' bungalows, keeping up as they went a desultory fire, which prevented many from passing the roads towards the lines. One of the first of these parties made straight for the mess house of the 71st Native Infantry, whence the officers had escaped but a few minutes before. They exhibited great bloodthirstiness, making every search for the officers, and ending by firing the house. On several shots being fired from the 71st lines on the 32nd Foot and guns, the order was given to open with grape; on which a rush was made by the sepoys to the rear; when they passed the infantry picket, which is situate in the centre of cantonments. The picket was under the command of Lieutenant Grant of the 71st Native Infantry. His men remained with him till the mutineers were close upon him. They then broke; but the subadar of the guard, and some men of the 13th and 48th Regiments, composing the guard, tried to save him by placing him under a bed. A man of the 71st Native Infantry, who was on guard with him, however, discovered the place of his concealment to the mutineers, and he was there brutally murdered--receiving no less than fifteen bayonet wounds, besides some from musket balls.

From the first, Lieutenant Hardinge, taking with him some few sowars of his Irregular Cavalry, patrolled up and down the main street of the cantonments, and went to the officers' messes on the chance of saving any lives. In the compound of the 71st mess, he was fired at by a mutineer, who then rushed upon him with his bayonet, which pierced his arm. More than once the cantonments were thus patrolled by Lieutenant Hardinge under a smart fire, with the same humane intentions; but not in sufficient force to prevent the burning and plundering of the officers' bungalows, and of the bazaars. The excitement in the lines continued; while the 32nd remained quietly in position, awaiting the advent of the remnants of the regiments who had remained true to their colours. A remnant of the 13th Native Infantry, about 200 men, with colours and treasure, came up; and, according to previous arrangement, joined and fell in on the right of the 32nd. A small portion of the 71st, without being able to save their colours or their treasure, (through the disaffection of the native officer on duty,) also came up and took post next the 32nd Foot. Of the 48th, nothing was heard till 10 A.M. next day. About 10 o'clock P.M. many of the mutineers had made their way up to some empty artillery lines, outside the 71st Native Infantry lines, whence they commenced firing. Brigadier Handscomb, who had come up from the rear of the 71st lines, was killed by a stray shot from this place: just as he had reached the left flank of the 32nd, he fell dead off his horse. The bungalows throughout the cantonments were most of them on fire. No attempt was subsequently made to attack the position. To secure the Residency bungalow, and that portion of the cantonment next the city road, 4 guns and a company and a half were taken up to the cantonment Residency, and the guns placed at each gate. All was now quiet, and the remainder of the night passed away without any further event. Nothing had been seen or heard of the 48th Native Infantry. Many officers had most wonderful escapes from death. Lieutenant and Adjutant Chambers of the 13th Native Infantry, was severely wounded in the leg, whilst effecting his escape from the magazine where he had taken a guard of his regiment.

_May 31st._--At daylight, the force, consisting of some companies of Her Majesty's 32nd Foot, and the remnants of the native regiments, about 100 men 71st, and 220 men 13th Native Infantry, with part of the 7th Cavalry, and four guns, advanced down the parade in front of the lines of the several regiments. From the lines of the 13th Native Infantry about fifty men came, and said they had saved the magazine of that regiment. Hearing that the body of the rebels had retired towards the race course, where they had plundered the lines of the 7th Cavalry, and murdered Cornet Raleigh of that regiment (who had been left there sick) the whole force of cavalry and infantry, with four guns, proceeded thither, leaving Colonel Case with a portion of the 32nd in position in cantonments. On arriving in the open plain, a body of about 1200 men were seen in line in the distance, drawn up to the race course. Many of the cavalry galloped over at once to the insurgents. The guns then opened with round shot, which dispersed them, and they made the best of their way across country, followed immediately by the cavalry and guns, and, at a greater distance by the infantry. No opportunity offered for the guns to again open, owing to the celerity of their flight; but the cavalry hovered round and took about sixty prisoners, who were brought into cantonments. The pursuit continued in the same order until the guns were stopped by a nullah, over which they could not cross. The cavalry, however, continued their pursuit; and kept it up for some ten miles. By 10 A.M. the force had returned to cantonments, as the heat was excessive.

As most of the bungalows were burned (the officers having lost everything) the troops were moved into camp,--the 32nd and guns into the position they held formerly; the native regiments next them on the right; and in the following order:--13th next the 32nd, the 71st next, then the 48th, with the 7th Cavalry on the extreme right. The usual guards were kept by the native regiments, and the cantonments regularly occupied. Owing to this, the neighbouring country seemed to be reassured. Supplies came in regularly, and in plenty. The exertions of all were redoubled to complete the defences, and collect stores and supplies in Muchee Bhawun and the city Residency. The former post, originally occupied by the dependants of the late king, had been selected by Sir Henry Lawrence as a fitting place of security and retreat, in case matters took an unfavourable turn. On the 16th of May, immediately on the receipt of intelligence from Meerut of the commencement of the outbreak, this stronghold, then in a very dilapidated condition, was occupied by the light company of the 13th and some guns, and measures were taken for its thorough cleansing. Supplies continued to be brought in and stored.

On the evening of the day on which the troops returned from the pursuit of the rebels, an insurrection took place in the city towards Hosainabad; the standard of the prophet was raised, and other means of religious persuasion used to excite the populace. The police of the city, under the energetic superintendence of Captain Carnegie, behaved well, and the movement was at once quelled, and the standard taken. News of the _émeute_ at this place had by this time reached the district, and the rising of the neighbouring stations was to be looked for.

On the afternoon of the 4th June, parties of ladies and officers of the 41st Native Infantry, escorted by about twenty-five men of the regiment, who had remained faithful, came in, bringing the news of the mutiny at Seetapore, and of the deaths of Lieutenant-Colonel Birch, commanding the regiment there, of Mr. Christian, and of other civilians and ladies. On the 5th, news came of the mutiny at Cawnpore, but no particulars. Reports of all kinds were rife among the Bazaars; but no authentic intelligence could be procured, as the telegraph wire was cut. From Benares the news came in of the 37th Native Infantry having mutinied, and of their having been overpowered by the rest of the force there. But nothing further transpired, for from that day to the 10th instant, the communication was _in toto_ interrupted.

_June 10th._--The defences at the city Residency, as well as the Muchee Bhawun, were increased, and houses and buildings around them began at once to be demolished. Large stacks of firewood were made, and houses and tents set apart for the occupation of the European refugees, who were arriving from the districts daily. Provisions of all sorts continued to be stored, including 110 hogsheads of beer just arrived from Cawnpore.

Besides the two important posts noted above, the range of buildings towards the Hosainabad quarter of the town were occupied by 2000 police under the direction of Captain Carnegie; a thousand more were ordered to be raised, and officers of the 41st were put in command of each of the police battalions. This day we heard, by native report, that General Wheeler was defending himself in the entrenchments at Cawnpore; but no letter was received.

_June 11th._--Early this morning a false alarm was brought in from the Cawnpore road, that the enemy was upon us. Captain Evans, who had been sent out to gain information, returned with the above report, which created for a short period some needless alarm. We continued hard at work getting in supplies and adding to our defences. Many vague reports of disturbances were in circulation to-day.

_June 12th._--On this day an instance of disaffection from within the camp occurred. The regiment of military police, commanded by Captain Orr, mutinied in a body, rushed to their lines, seized their arms, and then set off in the direction of Cawnpore, giving themselves no time to inflict any damage in their quarter of the city. So great was their haste, that they failed to empty their own barracks, and left behind them their clothes and baggage. Information of this was given to headquarters; on which two guns of Major Kaye's battery, two companies of Her Majesty's 32nd, and some seventy Seikhs of the 1st Oude Irregular Cavalry, the whole under the command of Colonel Inglis, were despatched after them. They were pursued for some eight miles before they were come up with, and it was only by pushing on the cavalry and guns, without waiting for the slower movements of the infantry, that they were overtaken at all.

The guns opened fire as soon as practicable; they had come up well over some difficult ground, but their horses were, in consequence, so done up, that there was some difficulty in taking up the most desirable position. Once the cavalry charged well, but neither the result of their charge, nor of the practice of the artillery, was such as might have been expected. The enemy's loss was not exactly ascertained, but it was supposed that they had some twenty killed, and ten prisoners were brought in. Of Captain Forbes's men, two Pathans were killed on the spot; and some others, including a gallant old native officer, wounded. Mr. Thornhill, of the civil service, charging with them, was also wounded. All this time the infantry were far behind, unable to get up. A village lay to the front, in which many of the insurgents had taken refuge. Colonel Inglis forbade its bombardment, as it would have entailed much injury to innocent villagers; and the evening was, by that time, so far advanced, that the measure would probably not have sufficed to dislodge the mutineers.

About an hour remained to sunset; the guns and cavalry were a long way from the infantry, and many miles further from home. A return movement was therefore ordered, and accomplished successfully: the whole force returned about 8 o'clock, having gone over some sixteen or eighteen miles of ground.

The Europeans had marched well to the front. It was a hard day's work for them, and two men were lost from apoplexy, for the heat was dreadful.

On this day the horses of the men of the 7th Cavalry were brought down and picketed close to the Baillie Guard; as, with a very few exceptions, the 13th, 48th, and 71st Regiments of Native Infantry and 7th Cavalry had been ordered to proceed on leave till October, and their arms and accoutrements were brought down and deposited in the Residency. (Vide No. 1 in the Appendix.)

_June 13th._--Shot and shell both brought down to the garrison from Muchee Bhawun (about three-quarters of a mile). Unabated exertions to add to the defences of the garrison.

The 13th Regiment of Native Infantry, 170 rank and file, came down from cantonments and encamped in the Residency compound. Ineffectual efforts to blow down the _Furrahd Buksh_ Gateway. Three or four cases of cholera occurred at Fort Muchee Bhawun. Officers' servants began to desert. Intelligence was received from Fyzabad of the mutiny of all the troops there. Heat beyond endurance. Garrison in good spirits, and much elated at the brush after the Police Corps. Little reliance was placed in natives, and every possible precaution was taken to prevent any treachery. The native gunners, both in the Residency and at the Muchee Bhawun, were so posted as to be under the immediate fire of the Europeans, who watched them carefully both day and night. An officer was on duty at the gate all day long, to observe all incomers, and to prevent arms being brought in by others than those who had received passes.

_June 14th._--Supplies of shot and shell brought in from Muchee Bhawun. Every exertion made to increase the defences of the garrisons. No reliable intelligence was procurable of the state of affairs at Cawnpore. Many idle rumours afloat, but not corroborated, with regard to a reinforcement of Europeans having arrived at that station from the north-west. Heat excessive. Several cases of cholera and smallpox. A few cases of the former disease proved fatal in Muchee Bhawun. Hardinge's corps still steady. About 200 of the Oude Irregular Cavalry deserted last night.

_June 15th._--A hundred barrels of gunpowder brought from the Muchee Bhawun, and buried in the Residency enclosure. Shot and shell continued to be brought into garrison from Muchee Bhawun. Uncovenanted servants were drilled with muskets. A tragic event occurred this day:--Serjeant-major K., 7th Light Cavalry, shot with a pistol, Riding-master Edridge, 7th Light Cavalry, in the heat of an argument. The riding-master died a few hours after. No reliable intelligence was procured from Cawnpore, though vague reports were in circulation. The death of Lieutenant-Colonel Fisher, commanding 15th Irregular Cavalry, by the hands of his own men, was reported.

Captain Gall's servant returned to the garrison this day, reporting his master's death, which took place by stratagem, and by the hands of his own men. Captain Gall was proceeding in disguise _en route_ to Allahabad, with twelve sowars of his own corps, and had proceeded about fifty miles on his way, when his murder took place. All officers of the cantonments were ordered down to the garrison, with the exception of the commanding officers and regimental staff. Twenty-three lacs of rupees were buried close in front of the Residency, for security, and to avoid the necessity of guards and sentries over it. Rum and porter (one-half) was received into the Residency from Muchee Bhawun. Fever was prevalent. The Seikhs of the 13th Native Infantry, numbering about fifty men, were formed, at their own request, into a company, under the command of Captain Germon, and sent to Muchee Bhawun. Spare clothing of the 13th was brought in from cantonments. Continued efforts were made to blow up the Furrah Buksh Gate. The flooring of the first story fell in this day.

_June 16th._--A quantity of shot and shells came in from Muchee Bhawun; also an 18-pounder gun. The shot was piled, as far as possible. On this date, there were seven 18-pounders in position. The whole day was expended in working hard at a battery in a position commanding the Cawnpore-road, and in unroofing houses, burying powder, &c. The gate leading into the Furrah Buksh came down in the course of the forenoon with a great crash, after many futile attempts had been made for its destruction. This was an important point gained, as the Residency compound was quite commanded from the top of this gate.

This morning, twenty-two conspirators, emissaries from Benares and elsewhere, who had been sent to corrupt the troops at this place, were captured in a house in the centre of the city. Information having been given to Captain Hughes, commanding the 4th Irregular Infantry, he directed two staunch native officers to put themselves on the watch, and to pretend participation in the disaffection. This they did, and by this means, with Captain Carnegie's assistance, Captain Hughes was enabled to effect the capture of these inciters to mutiny. They were forthwith brought to a drum-head court-martial and the whole of them condemned to death.

_June 17th._--This morning, four of the men sentenced yesterday, were hanged at the Muchee Bhawun; the remaining eighteen were liberated, as some doubts were entertained of their guilt.

Vague and most contradictory rumours came in this day about Cawnpore, but no authentic intelligence could be gained. The intelligence department, under the supervision of Mr. Gubbins, with two assistants, seemed to experience great difficulty in procuring reliable intelligence. Amongst others, Colonel Palmer, commanding the 48th Regiment Native Infantry, came in from the cantonments, waited on the Brigadier-General, and reported large assemblies of men near cantonments, the immediate abandonment of which he most earnestly advocated.

Although there yet remained some twenty-five lacs in the treasury, the expenditure had been on such an enormous scale during the last week, that cash payments were suspended, unless in exceptional cases. The money rewards, &c., promised to men of the several infantry regiments, whose good behaviour had been conspicuous on the night of the mutiny, were discharged by promissory notes. Major Apthorp of the 41st Native Infantry had an advance made to him to pay up and discharge twenty-five of his men who had escorted in the officers and ladies from Seetapore; as it was reported by one of his drummers, that even these faithful few, who had all been promised promotion by Sir Henry Lawrence for their fidelity on that occasion, had expressed themselves to the effect that if Rajah Maun Singh came against them, they would all have to go over, and would murder their officers.

_June 18th._--The force at the Residency, consisting of the regular troops, civilians, volunteers of all sorts, and, in fact, every man within the defences not incapacitated by sickness, were ordered by Sir Henry Lawrence to parade at sunrise. Every man was to be at the post he was to occupy in case of an attack; and those to whom no posts had been assigned mustered in front of the Residency, for the purpose of having a post or duty assigned them. The Brigadier-General inspected the whole of them, and visited all the outposts and picquets.

In the evening of the same day the force was paraded a second time, and minutely inspected by Colonel Inglis. A body of fifty volunteers, belonging to the several offices, had been trained and drilled to use firearms. To them was entrusted the defence of two outposts near the Post-office, which place had been made a very strong position. The officers comprising the volunteer corps of cavalry were also given arms, to be able to make a stand and defend themselves within their own quarters. They furnished sentries at night, and exercised a supervision over some seventy Seikh sowars, the remains of the Oude Irregular Cavalry. These, as well as the body of clerks, &c., mentioned above, were in all respects armed and accoutred like private soldiers. Besides this, many of the volunteers and officers were instructed in gun drill; and, at the Muchee Bhawun, by Sir Henry's directions, some fifty or sixty of the 32nd Foot were told off for the same work. A very strong battery (the Redan) was commenced this day; it completely commanded the iron bridge and the road leading to cantonments.

The servants of Captains Staples, 7th Cavalry, and Burmester, 48th Native Infantry, returned and reported the murder of those officers whose heads, they stated, were carried to the Nana at Cawnpore; and that Lieutenant Boulton, of the 7th-Cavalry, jumped his horse into the river, and nothing further had been heard of him. Owing to the want of rain, the heat had now become intense. Cholera and dysentery were on the increase; chiefly at the Muchee Bhawun.

Reports came in of some bodies of the enemy being at a place called Nawab Gunge, about eighteen miles from Lucknow, and Captain Forbes, with twenty Sikhs and ten of the volunteer cavalry corps, was sent out there to ascertain the presence or otherwise of the enemy. They returned in the evening bringing information that there was no one. The company of the 10th Oude Irregular Force was brought down from the Dâk Bungalow to the jail. This regiment was the last to give way at Seetapore, and it was reported they did not molest their officers.

Quantities of bhoosa were collected and stored within the Racket Court, which was now half full.

_June 19th._--This morning Sir Henry Lawrence inspected the Muchee Bhawun minutely. More small arm ammunition was brought in from thence to the Residency.

A fresh case of smallpox occurred today (Mr. Bird, who was immediately removed to a tent in the compound). The uncovenanted volunteers were again minutely inspected this afternoon. The engineer officers were very hard at work completing the batteries and defences. Upwards of 3000 coolies were at work unroofing houses in the vicinity of our defences.

From cantonments all the spare baggage, &c. was brought in, and every preparation made to prevent confusion in case the position there should be abandoned. In the city of Lucknow everything remained perfectly quiet,--the administration of justice was in no way impeded. Grain was stored in large quantities in the church.

_June 20th._--This day, "the Redan" was completed. It consisted of one 18-pounder gun and one 9-pounder, with two mortars in their rear--the whole commanding the iron bridge and open country across the river. The Cawnpore 18-pounder battery was very nearly finished, and an expense magazine establishment near it.

A letter bearing date the 18th instant was received from Cawnpore, written by Captain Moore of Her Majesty's 32nd Foot, by direction of General Wheeler,--it informed us, at last, of occurrences at that place. All the numerous previous reports regarding the reinforcements of European troops said to have been received, were thereby falsified. No such reinforcements had ever been received. The letter informed us of their ability to hold out for some fifteen days more. The dreadful news of a boat load of European ladies, women, and children, from Futteghurh, having been intercepted at Cawnpore and assassinated there, was confirmed by natives.

Supplies continued to be stored, but they were collected with difficulty and at increased prices.

Large stacks of firewood, which had been stored in case of difficulties, were regularly arranged in a semicircle, protecting the front of the Residency, and covered with earth; these formed an embankment six feet in height, and embrasures were cut through them for the guns, of which there were four 9-pounders on that side.

_June 21st._--Two hundred guns, many of large calibre, were found in the gardens of the Seish Mahul, behind the Dowlut Khana (a large building on the north side of the city). There were no carriages to them. This startling discovery was luckily made in time. Twenty-seven guns were at once brought in, and arrangements made for parking the remainder.

In the evening, as the church was full of grain, divine service was performed in Mr. Gubbins's garden; and, during the night, Sir Henry himself once more visited the outposts, which had, by this time, been brought to a satisfactory state. The guards of the uncovenanted service were well on the alert, and prepared for any emergency. The difficulty of procuring all kinds of grain daily increased. Many rumours of a strong force marching on Lucknow from Fyzabad. The force in cantonments held in readiness to march at one hour's notice, to the Residency and the Muchee Bhawun.

_June 22nd._--This morning Captain Radcliffe's troop of volunteer cavalry were despatched, at 1 A.M., towards Nawab Gunge, to patrol the roads in that direction, in conjunction with the Seikhs, in order to gather information. About 4 o'clock A.M. a thunderstorm from the east, with the much wished for rain, came on. It lasted no very long time, and afforded only a temporary relief from the excessive heat.

Sir Henry Lawrence made an excursion as far as the Husainabad Kolwallee, garrisoned by nearly 3000 police and others, and inspected them and the defences of that place. He also visited the Dowlut Khana, an old magazine, and on his return went over the Muchee Bhawun defences. All our available spare carts, hackeries, and wagons, were to-day employed in bringing in the guns found yesterday. Many of them were of large size. The unroofing and clearing away of houses continued without intermission, and every exertion was made to remove anything which might afford cover in the immediate vicinity of our defences.

_June 23rd._--Two men executed this morning at the Muchee Bhawun,--the one a mutineer (a naick of the 71st Native Infantry), the other a man who had, on the night of the mutiny, threatened the life of Mr. Yarbury, a merchant.

A large battery traced out, looking to the westward. It was to consist of at least two heavy guns, and to be raised so as to bombard the town in that direction. A considerable amount of labour would have been required to raise it to the necessary elevation. Altogether it was the most extensive work of the kind we had yet undertaken. An 8-inch howitzer, which had been discovered with the other guns at the Seesh Muhal, was mounted and placed in the Redan battery.

Captain Radcliffe's troop of volunteers, numbering forty sabres, were drilled and exercised daily; and now that the majority of the Irregular Cavalry had deserted, and the remainder were not considered trustworthy, the troops supplied two mounted orderlies every morning to escort Sir Henry Lawrence into the city.

The commanding officer of the 71st Regiment Native Infantry reported the remnant of the Seikhs of his regiment (about twenty men, who had remained true on the night of the _émeute_) as being in an insubordinate state, and no longer to be trusted. Sir Henry Lawrence desired them to be sent to him, and spoke to them. They had asked for their discharge before, and had very precipitately been disarmed by their commanding officer, without sufficient authority. After being spoken to by the Brigadier-General, they professed themselves quite willing to continue their services: they were taken at their word, their arms restored, and were kept at the Residency under the command of an officer.

A letter was received yesterday from Cawnpore, written under the direction of General Sir H. M. Wheeler, K.C.B., giving very bad news indeed. It stated that the enemy shelled them for the last eight days, which had had fearful effect within their crowded trenches, and one third of their number had been killed.

In the meantime, the Muchee Bhawun garrison had not been idle at their defences, and Sir Henry was constant in his visits there, as well as to the Seesh Muhal, and Dowlut Khana. On the westward side of the Muchee Bhawun, a heavy tower was commenced; a work of great labour, from which a flanking fire could be given. In the vicinity of the fort, as at the Residency, houses were unroofed, and walls pulled down, so as to leave as little shelter as we could. Magazines were constructed, and the powder placed in safety.

_June 24th._--Heavy clouds, and every appearance of rain throughout the day, but none fell. Heat excessive. Sir Henry Lawrence proceeded at daybreak as usual, attended by his staff and two orderlies from the volunteer cavalry, and inspected the Dowlut Khana, Seesh Muhal, Imaumbarah Kolwallee, and Muchee Bhawun; and in the evening he proceeded five miles on the Fyzabad road, to ascertain if there was a good position we could take up, in case of an advance of the rebels in that direction.

The last of the guns discovered in the Seesh Muhal garden were brought in to-day. Four of them were of very large calibre--two being 32-pounders. _Native_ reports describe the force at Cawnpore as being hard pressed. Native reports from Allahabad were good. Much progress made in knocking down and unroofing the houses in the _immediate_ vicinity of the Muchee Bhawun and Residency. The Racket Court was now filled with bhoosa for the cattle, and thatched in. We were supposed to have nearly three months' supply of provisions now stored. The mutineers were reported to have arrived at Nawabgunge (eighteen miles distant), and were said to have with them some sixteen guns.

_June 25th._--The tower at the Muchee Bhawun was carried on this day with great ardour. Crowds of coolies were employed under the direction of Lieutenant Innes of the Engineers. This defence was to command the stone bridge, the Imaumbara, and a number of high mosques facing that side of the Muchee Bhawun. Elephants were yoked to one of the heaviest guns,--luckily there was some gear for the purpose, and the experiment turned out successful.

A native rumour reported the arrival of a strong force of mutineers at Nawabgunge, where it was said they were to remain till they had consolidated their force. Good news came in to-day from Allahabad in a letter from the officer commanding the 1st Madras Fusileers, dated the 18th of June, in answer to one despatched from this place on the 15th instant. Colonel Neil's letter gave little or no detail, beyond stating that he assumed command of the fort on the 11th instant; that there had been much fighting, but all the mutineers were entirely broke and dispersed, and the cantonments reoccupied. Cholera broke out on the 18th among the Fusileers, who in two days had had amongst them 100 cases, forty of which had proved fatal. Every effort was being made to push on troops to Cawnpore, but the road was not open, and carriage was difficult to procure: also that Her Majesty's 84th were close at hand, and that the telegraphic communication had been re-established between Calcutta and Allahabad. No authentic intelligence from Cawnpore, and much anxiety was felt regarding the force there.

All appearance of rain had gone off, and the heat was almost insupportable. The river had risen about a foot and a half, and was no longer fordable. A letter was received from Mrs. Dorin, stating that she was residing in a hut close to Seetapore, soliciting money and assistance, and reporting the murder of her husband. Numbers of gun-barrels and locks were brought in from the old magazine, where a great quantity of crowsfeet were found, and ordered to be brought in to-morrow. Behind Mr. Ommanney's house, a very large battery was commenced by Lieutenant Hutchinson. Quantities of grass and stores were brought in.

_June 26th._--This morning Sir Henry Lawrence, accompanied by his staff, as usual inspected the principal buildings in the vicinity of the Muchee Bhauwn and the new round tower, at which great progress had been made, and in which not less than 300 coolies were at work. Proceeding thence he inspected the newly completed defences opposite the Kolwallee. On his return, Sir H. Lawrence received a letter from Major Raikes at Mynpoorie, giving intelligence of the capture of the city of Delhi on the 13th instant (this afterwards turned out to be a false report). A royal salute was ordered to be fired from the Residency, Muchee Bhawun, and cantonments, and a _feu-de-joie_ was fired by the Irregulars, who were quartered in the Dowlut Khana, under the command of Brigadier Gray. Many useful stores, consisting of unwrought materials, rope, and platforms, were brought in from the old magazine. Considerable progress was made in a new battery for heavy guns, which had been commenced in the rear of Mr. Ommanney's house.

In the afternoon, a letter, dated June 23rd, was received from Colonel Neil, commanding at Allahabad, reporting all well there; that 750 Europeans had arrived, and that 1000 more would be with him on the next day; that every effort was being made to despatch 400 Europeans, two guns, and 300 Seikhs to Cawnpore, but that much difficulty was experienced in procuring carriage.

Also, at sunset, a letter was received from Sir H. M. Wheeler, K.C.B., dated the 24th instant, detailing his losses, and giving an account of the outbreak, and stating that he had supplies for only eight or ten days at the farthest. His letter was replied to at once, and he was informed by Sir Henry Lawrence of the news received from Allahabad, and also that in ten days at the farthest he would receive aid from Allahabad, and that he must husband his resources as much as possible; that the force at Lucknow was threatened by an attack from eight or ten regiments, three or four of which were within twenty miles.

A reward of one lac of rupees was offered this day for the capture, within a week, dead or alive, of the Nana, at Cawnpore, and means were taken to have the proclamation widely disseminated. With the larger battery commenced to the south, behind Mr. Ommanney's house, we had three large batteries in progress, and were also busily employed in destroying, as far as possible, any buildings that might give cover in the vicinity. Five or six elephants were in course of training to drag heavy guns, so as to enable us to move out without delay, should circumstances require a heavy gun to be taken out.

_27th June._--This morning a letter from Lieutenant Burnes, Adjutant of the 10th Regiment Oude Irregular Infantry, late at Seetapore, was received. It gave an account of the mutiny at that place, and of the escape of himself, Sir M. Jackson, Bart., and sisters (one of whom had been carried off for some days by the sepoys and brought back), and some others, to a place called Mitowlee, where they claimed and received the protection (charily given) of a rajah: they were then all in the jungles, suffering the _greatest_ hardships. It also mentioned the safety of another party with Captain Hearsey; who, however, were also in the jungles. Many of these seem to have had the most hairbreadth escapes. No rain had yet fallen, and the heat was most oppressive. The cholera had abated during the past few days, but several cases of smallpox had, however, occurred. The river was reported to have fallen a foot since yesterday.

A report was in circulation early in the day, that General Wheeler had made terms with "the Nana," at Cawnpore; but few believed it, and in the evening it was reported incorrect, as heavy firing had been heard yesterday at Cawnpore from Bunnee. Three boxes of crow's feet and a great number of musket-barrels and unwrought stores were brought in from the old magazine at the Dowlut-Khana; also a very large quantity of gun carriage-wheels. The force at Nawabgunge was said to be increasing, but very undecided as to what to do. A great force of coolies were at work, and much progress was made in the defences at Muchee Bhawun and the Residency.

_28th June._--This morning, at about 3 A.M., we had a heavy fall of rain, which continued with slight intervals till 7 A.M. Sir Henry Lawrence proceeded to Hosainabad and examined the defensive preparations made there; returning by the Muchee Bhawun, he found that the buildings occupied by the 32nd had hardly leaked at all. Divine service was performed in the City Hospital (brigade mess), occupied by the officers of the 7th Cavalry, 13th, 48th, and 71st Native Infantry, at 7 A.M. Spies stated that the 17th Regiment Native Infantry, numbering between 250 and 300 men, had gone with five lacs of rupees to Onao on the Cawnpore road--it was believed with the intention of proceeding to Cawnpore.

It having been reported that there were many jewels and valuables in the king's palace, which might fall into the hands of the mutineers, a party under Major Banks, consisting of fifty of the 13th, twenty Seikhs 71st Native Infantry, and the European Volunteer Cavalry, were sent out to fetch them in; which they did about 6 P.M., and reported that they had discovered a large gun.

About 7 P.M. three different natives brought in the very sad and distressing news that the Cawnpore force, having no more ammunition left, had entered into a treaty with their enemies, after which they had all been treacherously murdered, as they embarked in boats to proceed down the river to Allahabad.

Mrs. Dorin, wife of Lieutenant Dorin, who lately commanded the 10th Regiment Oude Irregular Forces, arrived this evening in a country cart, disguised as a native, and accompanied by some clerks. She was for very many days secreted in a village close to Seetapore, and her escape is wonderful. The Serjeant-Major's wife of the 9th Regiment Oude Irregular Infantry also arrived in a doolie, severely wounded. From 8 to 10 o'clock P.M. it rained heavily. A letter, dated the 21st June, received from Benares from Mr. Gubbins, giving an account of the number of Europeans coming up the country, and describing the state of Benares and Allahabad; reporting also an action at Delhi on the 8th instant, when the British troops captured twenty-six guns. News also received from Agra by letter from Captain Nixon, political agent.

_June 29th._--This morning, a brass gun, a 21-pounder which had been accidentally discovered yesterday by the party who had been despatched under Major Banks, to bring in valuables from the palace (called the "Kiser Bagh,") was brought in, carriage and waggon all completely ready for immediate service. Some grape shot and powder, chiefly damaged, was also discovered in an adjacent house.

The people in charge of the palace, without giving a thought to resistance as it was at first expected they might do, nevertheless showed an evident reluctance to give information where the arms, &c. were stored. However, it came out at last, that there were more arms within the palace, and a party was despatched to secure them. Seven cart-loads were brought in; chiefly flint muskets, with a few spears, &c.: 4 small guns were also discovered and brought in.

A small party of volunteers, cavalry (twelve men including officers), were sent along the Cawnpore road to bring in information. After going some twelve miles, they returned, having learnt that there were some two or three regiments not far off them. Captain Forbes, with the Seikh Cavalry, was sent off at sunrise to patrol the Nawabgunge road. Six men were also sent on the Sultanpore road to gain information. Both the parties returned at sunset, Captain Forbes bringing intelligence that the enemy were at Chinât, nine miles off.

Our defences progressed, but labour was not so easy to procure as it had been some days before.

* * * * *

The enemy being in strength so near, it was deemed advisable to withdraw the troops from cantonments, which was quietly done at sunset; and it being expected that the enemy would march on Lucknow, Sir Henry Lawrence thought it advisable to move out with a strong force, hoping to meet and oppose them before they entered the suburbs of the city. In order to prevent any notice reaching the enemy of the intended movement, the orders were not given out publicly till 3 o'clock on the following morning, and at the same hour twenty Seikhs under Lieutenant Birch were to be sent to the Iron Bridge, in order to prevent any one crossing over with intelligence of the movement to the enemy.

_June 30th._--Pursuant to orders, a force, comprising 150 of the 32nd from the Muchee Bhawun, 130 of the 13th Native Infantry, forty Seikhs of the 13th Native Infantry, the 48th, numbering fifty bayonets, the European cavalry thirty-six strong, the Oude Irregular Cavalry, about ninety men, four of the guns of Kaye's battery (Europeans), two of Alexander's guns (natives), two of Bryce's guns (natives), and an eight-inch howitzer, found in the town a few days ago, and which was drawn by two elephants, assembled at the iron bridge at 5·45 A.M. The advance guard was composed of twenty-five Seikh Cavalry, and fifteen European Cavalry; twenty Seikh Infantry, and twenty of the 32nd Regiment, the whole under the command of Captain Stevens of the 32nd Foot.

The eight-inch howitzer, two guns of Alexander's battery, two of Kaye's battery, the 13th Native Infantry, two of Bryce's guns, and the detachment of the 32nd Foot, formed the main body, and marched in the above order. The rear guard was composed of the 48th Native Infantry, under Colonel Palmer; the whole force being under the personal command of Sir Henry Lawrence. It was the Brigadier-General's original intention only to proceed to the end of the Pucka road, to the village of Kocaralee; and on their arrival there, our force was halted, and the Brigadier-General, with the advanced guard, proceeded about a mile to the front, whence no one was to be seen. The force was on the point of being ordered to return, when it was decided to make a further reconnaissance; and soon after the enemy were fallen in with, in overwhelming numbers, and the force was compelled to retire with the loss of the eight-inch howitzer, and three 9-pounders.

The enemy came boldly on, and invested us on all sides, firing from all the houses round, which they rapidly loopholed; they also erected a hasty battery for the eight-inch howitzer across the river, from which they threw several well-directed shells; and they began to collect boats for a bridge across the river, the iron bridge being under fire from the Redan.

_July 1st._--The enemy threw in a very heavy fire of musketry all day and night. Early in the morning they advanced to attack, but were repulsed on all sides with considerable loss from our shells, guns, and musketry. Mr. McRae, of the Civil Engineers Department, and Lieutenant Dashwood, 48th Native Infantry, were wounded, while assisting in working an 18-pounder in the Post Office Battery.

During the day attempts were made to get messengers to cross over to the Muchee Bhawun fort; two or three men started, but as their success was very doubtful, it was determined to work the telegraph on the top of the Residency. This had been previously arranged by the engineer in concert with one on the Muchee Bhawun; it simply consisted of one post with a bar at the top, from which were suspended in one row black stuffed bags, each having its own pulley to work it. After having attracted the attention of the Muchee Bhawun Garrison, the greatest difficulty was found in working the telegraph, from various causes; the chief of which was the tremendous fire which the enemy opened on the spot directly they saw our people on the flat open roof of the Residency. It rained rifle balls, principally from the top of the jail, and some few of the ropes of the bags were actually cut by them; then the pulleys went wrong, and twice the whole machine had to be taken down, and after readjustment put up again. After three hours' hard work under a broiling sun and a heavy fire, the transfer of messages was at last completed.

The message was simply an order to blow up the place and come to the Residency at 12 P.M., bringing the treasure and guns, and destroying as much as possible all spare ammunition. The night was anxiously looked for, as the retreat of the retiring force might be intercepted, and the enemy had the advantage of position. To help the movement, the Brigadier-General gave orders that shortly before 12 P.M., the different mortars and guns from our batteries should open fire, in order to distract the attention of the enemy. This was carried out; especially towards the iron bridge, by which the force must pass.

The movement was most successfully performed; and so quick and noiseless was the march, that at 12·15 the head of the column was at the Lower Water Gate. Here there was some little delay, as the force not being so quickly expected, the gates had not been opened. A very serious accident had nearly happened in consequence of this, for the leading men, finding the gates closed, shouted out "Open the gates," and the artillerymen at the guns above, which, loaded with grape, covered the entrance, mistook the words for "Open with grape," and were already at the guns, when an officer put them right. The whole force came in without a shot being fired.

The explosion had not yet taken place; but soon, a shake of the earth, a volume of fire, a terrific report, and an immense mass of black smoke shooting far up into the air, announced to Lucknow, that 240 barrels of gunpowder, and 594,000 rounds of ball and gun ammunition, had completed the destruction of Muchee Bhawun, which we had with so much labour provisioned and fortified.

_July 2nd._--Arrangements were made for posting and stationing the Muchee Bhawun force which came in last night, and placing the field-pieces in position; all of which Sir H. Lawrence himself personally superintended. About 8 A.M. Sir Henry returned to the Residency, and, being much fatigued, laid down on his bed. Soon after an eight-inch shell from the eight-inch howitzer of the enemy, entered the room at the window, and exploding, a fragment struck the Brigadier-General on the upper part of the right thigh near the hip, inflicting a fearful wound. Captain Wilson, who was standing alongside the bed with one knee on it at the time, reading a memorandum to Sir Henry, was knocked down by falling bricks and slightly wounded in the back by a piece of shell. Sir H. Lawrence's nephew, Mr. Lawrence, had an equally narrow escape, being on another bed close by: he was not hurt; the fourth individual in the room was a native servant, who lost one of his feet by a fragment of the shell. It was at once pronounced that Sir Henry Lawrence's wound was mortal, and his sufferings were great. He immediately sent for Major Banks, and appointed him to succeed him as Chief-Commissioner, and appointed Colonel Inglis to command the troops. He was then removed to Dr. Fayrer's house, which was somewhat less under fire. About noon this day, a round shot came into a room on the lower story of the residency, and shattered the thigh of Miss Palmer (daughter of Colonel Palmer, 48th Regiment, Native Infantry) so dreadfully, that instant amputation was obliged to be resorted to. All the garrison were greatly grieved, and the Natives much dispirited at our severe loss, in that popular and very distinguished officer, Sir Henry Lawrence.

A perfect hurricane of jinjal, round shot, and musketry all day and all night. Probably not less than 10,000 men fired into our position from the surrounding houses; the balls fell in showers, and hardly any place was safe from them. Many of the garrison were hit in places which, before the siege, it was considered would be perfectly safe; but the enemy fired some of them from a great distance out of the town, from the tops of high houses, and the balls fell everywhere.

_July 3rd._--It is difficult to chronicle the proceedings of these few days, for everywhere confusion reigned supreme. That unfortunate day of Chinât precipitated everything, inasmuch as we were closely shut up several days before anything of the kind was anticipated. People had made no arrangements for provisioning themselves: many indeed never dreamt of such a necessity; and the few that had were generally too late. Again, many servants were shut out the first day, and all attempts to approach us were met by a never-ceasing fusilade. But though they could not get in, they succeeded in getting out; and after a few days, those who could boast of servants or attendants of any kind formed a very small and envied minority. The servants in many instances eased their masters of any superfluous article of value, easy of carriage. In fact, the confusion can be better imagined than described.