150 THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW
very superstitious,
regarded as an omen. A piece of one of our shells burst in our courtyard
to-day, and brought down a good deal of brick and rubbish. Our khansamah and my
ayah’s boy were just touched—not much hurt, but considerably frightened. We
were shown to-day a large piece of wood which had been thrown into the ladies’
square by the enemy, evidently from a large mortar.
19th.—A
quiet day. No news. Very heavy firing at midnight.
Sunday,
20th—Service at the brigade-mess at
twelve. Miss Dickson and I went. Whilst we were there a piece of shell fell
close to the cook-room at the place where our servants were generally sitting;
no one was hurt. Heavy firing at midnight. A bandsman, 32nd, killed.
21st.—A rainy day, which cooled the air, and was
pleasant; but our room leaked very much, and it was impossible to dry our
things, which we were obliged to wash almost daily. There were a few dhobies
(washermen) inside; but they did not wash any better than we did, having no
soap; and they charged exorbitant prices, four shillings for a dress, so we did
not often employ them, and
THE
SIEGE OF LUCKNOW 151
the occupation of washing
was rather an amusement for us.
22nd.—Steady
rain all day. Several desertions took place from the garrison ; one could
hardly wonder at it. Mr. Cunliffe, artillery, died of fever; he was engaged to
one of the Miss Ommanneys; and his brother, a civilian, who had been killed in
the district, had been engaged to the other. Poor girls! their father had died during
the siege, and their mother was a confirmed invalid and required all their
attention. I did not know them, but heard that their conduct was most
praiseworthy, and that they bore their troubles nobly.
23rd—Good
news at last. When John came in to us this morning, he told us a messenger had
come in from our relieving forces with a letter dated September 20, which was
as follows:
‘To
COLONEL INGLJS,
‘North Side of the River,
‘September 20,
1857.
‘The
army crossed the river yesterday, and all the material being over now, marches
towards you to-morrow, and under the blessing of God will now relieve you. The
rebels, we hear,
152 THE SIEGE OF LUCR’NOW
intend making one desperate
assault on you as we approach the city, and will be on the watch in expectation
of your weakening your garrison to make a diversion in our favour as we attack
the city. I beg to warn you against being enticed to venture far from your works.
When you see us engaged in your vicinity, such diversion as you could make
without in any way risking your position should only be attempted.
‘Yours sincerely,
‘J. OUTRAM.’
As I was sitting in a small room in our court which John occupied during the day, the sound of distant guns struck my ear, and I shall never forget the thrilling sensation of hope and joy that filled my heart. Each boom seemed to say, ‘We are coming to save you.’ Captain Hardinge had a letter from his cousin, who was with the relieving force; he told him that many regiments were on their way from England, and that the excitement at home was intense. A thirty-two-pound shot came through the wall of our courtyard to-day and lodged in an archway, from which Ellicock dug it out with his bayonet. It made a
THE
SIEGE OF LUCKNOW 153
tremendous crash, and certainly was not a pleasant visitor. Before speaking of the relief, I will give Captain Birch’s account of some of the incidents of this eventful month:
‘As
an instance of the heavy firing brought to bear on our position this month may
be mentioned the cutting down of the upper story of a brick building simply by
musketry firing. This building was in a most exposed position, just behind the
Cawnpore battery. All the shots which just missed the top of the rampart cut
into a dead wall pretty well in a straight line, and at length cut right
through and brought the upper story tumbling down. The upper structure on the
top of the brigade-mess also fell in. The Residency house was a wreck. Captain
Anderson’s post had long ago been knocked down, and Innes’ post also fell in.
These two were the most exposed positions in the garrison, and were riddled
through with round shot. As many as 200
shots were picked up and collected by
Colonel Masters. The effect of the rains, too, was to bring down all our shaky
buildings to the ground, leaving us only some shattered defences to cling to.
More than one attempt was made by
154 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
the enemy to find a loose
joint in our armour; but though there were in reality many openings, they were
not to be pierced by the half-hearted endeavours of our cowardly foe. We used
often to hear them say “Challo Bahadoor !“
which means ‘’Go on, brave men !“ but the
brave men hearkened not to the persuasive accents, and contented themselves
with keeping well under cover. The braver few occasionally showed themselves
and were shot down. There were constant movements of troops during this month,
probably on account of the advance of the relieving force but the determination
with which our little garrison held out evidently disappointed the expectations
of the enemy. His attacks were rather desultory, though at the same time
severe, and they always resulted in some slight loss to us which we could ill
afford. The mining was continuously persevered in, but we made use of our
defensive mines, exploding them in several directions and destroying the
enemy’s underground approaches. The native soldiers, and especially the Sikhs,
made excellent miners, and got handsomely paid for their work. All sorts of
rumours were rife in the garrison, and the sound
THE
SIEGE OF LUCKNOW 155
of distant cannonading was often reported. In the still watches of the night, too, the sound of bagpipes was said to be heard. But as the relieving force did not make its appearance, these reports were put down to imagination. Afterwards, when General Havelock’s fighting came to be known, there was every reason to believe that what we fancied was true. The distance of the force being only fifty miles, the sound of cannon could be well accounted for, but hardly the sound of the bagpipes. It was known that a regiment of High-landers formed part of the relieving force, arid doubtless the wish was father to the thought. The immediate proximity of the relieving force towards the end of the month, of which undoubted signs had been observed from the look-out towers, induced us to communicate once more through Ungud, our faithful spy. And now it may be as well to mention what great importance the brigadier attached to these look-out posts, which commanded an extensive view of the town and country. One was on the Residency tower, which still stood, though the body of the building had been knocked down by fire, and the other was on the top of the post-office. An officer was
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detached for each, and
relieved as the sentries were, and immediate and constant reports were made as
to the movements of the enemy. These movements were now chiefly in the Cawnpore
direction, and we were naturally thirsting for intelligence. The commissariat
reports regarding the state of our provisions were most alarming. A fortnight’s
supply was all we thought we had to depend on. This was reported to the
brigadier; and on these reports he acted in his communication to our relieving
force, urging their immediate advance. There had been, however, a separate
store of grain collected from various sources of which the military department
had no knowledge. By the extraordinary foresight of Sir Henry Lawrence, the
large plunge-bath under the banqueting-hall had been set apart for contributions.
Whenever any rich native offered his services, Sir Henry used to take him at
his word, and tell him to send in grain, hence this extra supply. The civil
authorities had also taken occasion to add to this store. From the day the
Residency position had been taken up, nothing was allowed to be brought in
excepting provisions and drinkables. Rubbish of all sorts
THE
SIEGE OF LUCKNOW 157
was vigorously kept out,
and consequently we were not inconvenienced, as were the unfortunate garrison
of Cawnpore, with litter and lumber which took up much valuable room. The contents
of Deprat’s and Sinclair’s shops were allowed because they consisted of edible
stores. The consequence was that there was a good deal of provision and liquor
in the garrison of which the commmssariat had no cognizance. The mistake, if
mistake it was, of keeping them in ignorance, proved beneficial in the sequel,
as will be related.’
24th.—Distant
guns were heard during the day. The enemy fired heavily round our position at
night.. Two round shot fell into our yard, and our wall was much knocked about.
I could not sleep from excitement and anxiety.
Friday,
25th.—A day never
to be forgotten. Heavy firing all round, and towards the middle of the day our
relieving force could be descried. It was evident they were having a hard
struggle, though the enemy could also be seen leaving the city in large
numbers, swimming the river and crossing the bridges. We shelled them severely
to expedite their departure. John had ordered
158 TIlE
SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
us to remain in the room at
the end of the court, and not to let the children out. It was almost impossible
to remain quiet. Amidst the excitement, I was in great anxiety about Mrs.
Cowper’s little boy, who seemed to be dying from bronchitis. It was wonderful
to notice the mother’s love, so strong as to overpower all feelings of fear,
excitement or joy at our expected relief; she who had been so nervous and
downhearted during the siege now seemed to care for nothing and to hope for
nothing but her child’s life. And yet I had heard her say she would not murmur
if both her children were taken from her, for she anticipated a more dreadful
fate for them. But to return. At 3 p.m. John told us that hard fighting was
going on near the bandstand, not far from our houses. At 6 p.m. tremendous
cheering was heard, and it was known our relief had reached us. I was standing
outside our door when Ellicock rushed in for John’s sword; he had not worn it since Chinhut,
and a few moments afterwards he came to us accompanied by a short,
quiet-looking, gray-haired man, who I knew at once was General Havelock. He
shook hands with me, and said he feared we had suffered a
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great deal. I could hardly
answer him I longed to be with John alone, and he shared my feelings, for
erelong he returned to me, and never shall I forget his heartfelt kiss as he
said, Thank God for this!’ Yes, we were safe, and my darling husband spared to
me. It was a moment of unmixed happiness, but not lasting. I felt how
different my lot was to others’; and, of course, Mrs. Case was my first care.
She could not but feel what her happiness would have been had her husband been
spared. I tried to write home, but could not. Captain Hardinge rushed past our
room, and asked if we had any cold meat for starving officers; this we had not,
but we gave him some soup which we had in sealed tins. I also gave some to Mrs.
Pearce, who said she had had nothing to eat all day. 1 would have given away
all we had, for I thought we were relieved and should be in want no more. Dr.
Ogilvie told us he had received orders to find out how many carts would be
required to move us, which made us think we were to start at once. To all this
excitement succeeded much that was sad and painful. On going to see Mrs. Cowper,
whose child was better, I learnt that the relieving force
160 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
had suffered most severely
coming in, and the wounded, sad to say, had been abandoned, also the baggage.
The enemy had loopholed the houses and shot the poor fellows down by scores, as
they passed through the narrow streets. General Neil, a most splendid soldier,
was killed just at the gateway. Then Mrs. Roberts, a sergeant’s wife in the 32nd, came to tell us that the account of the Nana’s
treachery and the Cawnpore massacre was but too true. One of the survivors had
come in, and his accounts were most fearful. This alone was enough to cloud our
joy at being relieved, and at the same time to remind us of what might have
been our fate. We found it difficult to sleep at night, owing to the noise
going on amongst the Sikhs in the square next to us—a sound discordant to my
ears, for it seemed a time for solemn thankfulness, and not for noisy revelry;
still, one could not grudge the poor men their enjoyment: they had suffered and
fought well, long, and nobly, and merited recreation and rest. Poor Captain
Radcliffe was severely wounded to-day, and had to have his arm amputated.
Captain Birch gives fuller accounts of this most memorable day, and of the
difficulties encountered by our noble relieving force.
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He
says: ‘The time has now arrived when this long-watched-for and happy relief can
be described. The cheering sound of the approaching force marked by distant
cannonading was listened to anxiously. We knew the combined force under
Generals Havelock and Qutram was very weak, and quite inadequate under ordinary
conditions to attack a populous town with an enormous force defending it. The
path literally bristled with difficulties. The road taken by the force was by
the canal bank, and the city was entered by the Terahkhotie and the old 32nd
mess-house, known as Khonshaid Munzil. Leaving the Khaiser Bagh on the left,
the troops crossed the Khass Bazaar and got into the Chuttur Munzil which
joined the Residency position near the Baillie Guard gate. In the garrison we
were of the opinion that the best approach would have been made by crossing the
river Goomtee and keeping to the left bank until opposite the Captain Bazaar,
in which case they would have passed over open ground instead of through narrow
streets. Fortunately, they did not come
II
i6z THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
straight up the Cawnpore road, as the enemy had expected them to do, for they had loopholed the houses, and were prepared to give them a warm reception. In the meantime, we were very much on the alert, and had no intention of being surprised at the last moment after our protracted defence and the strenuous efforts made to relieve us. The garrison, by the brigadier’s orders, was kept under arms all night; more than once alarms were raised of an impending attack, but our attitude was too repellent. We could not, as General Havelock had asked us, make a diversion in his favour, because our defences lay so open and our numbers were so reduced, that any body of men we sent out would have left our position unprotected and at the mercy of the enemy; and also we could not leave the sick, women, and children. A diversion, therefore, was not to be thought of, but we remained very strictly on the defence, watching with intense anxiety the steady progress made by our gallant comrades, fighting for our rescue. It was indeed a gallant feat of arms by which Generals Havelock and Outram and their small force threw themselves into our entrenchments. They were outnumbered a
THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW 163
hundred to one, and had to
make their way through narrow streets and dense parts of the city. Indeed, so
dense were the suburbs, that they completely swallowed up the force, preventing
our seeing them. The first sign of their approach was the evident panic amongst
the citizens. Crowds streamed out of the city in headlong flight. Horsemen rode
to the banks of the river and, cutting the tight martingales of their horses,
plunged into the stream. Our irregular cavalry, of which we used to think so
much, behaved the worst, in a fighting point of view, of all our ancient army.
They were the first to leave the city; whilst the gunners and small-arm men
still opposed the advance of the relieving force, and continued to fire upon us
from all the batteries and loopholes in their position. The enthusiasm in the
garrison was tremendous, and only equalled by that of our relievers. H.M.’s
78th Highlanders and the 14th Sikhs raced up to our gate, which was
earthed up, and which we did not dare to open, as the enemy kept up their fire
till the last moment. Indeed, the relief was too precipitate. Brigadier Inglis,
as he saw the manner of the
164 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
approach, said to me, “We are not relieved
yet and so indeed it proved. Generals Outram and Havelock came in at an
embrasure which had been pretty well knocked about and admitted them. General
Havelock was an old friend of my father, Sir Richard Birch, and they had been
in several campaigns together. I was able to introduce him to the brigadier; he
was buttoned up to the chin in a blue coat. We of the old garrison had long
deserted red and blue, and, with flannel shirts, white clothing dyed
dust-colour and soiled with gunpowder, we looked more like buccaneers than officers
of the British army. I sent Ellicock, the brigadier’s orderly, for his sword,
for he had only pistols in his waist-belt, and I tried to make him look a
little more like the generals who had invaded us. General Outram I had not seen
before; he did not seem pleased with the conduct of operations, and said his
loss had been very severe he feared, 8oo killed. When Brigadier Inglis asked
him for orders, he bowed, and said, “General Havelock commands to-day.” The
brigadier said, “We hardly expected you in before to-morrow.” He answered,
“When I saw your battered gate, I
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determined to be in before
nightfall.” General Outram put up in Dr. Fayrer’s house, in the room where Sir
Henry Lawrence had died, and General Havelock established himself in the
brigadier’s night-quarters, Mr. Ommanney’s house, where the 84th
reserve was, and which was a central position. It was a sight never to be
forgotten to see the hand-shaking and welcomes between the relievers and the
relieved. Hirsute Sikhs and brawny Highlanders were seen taking up the children
in their arms and kissing them. Inquiries after relations and friends were
eager and anxious—alas! in too many instances to be met by the doleful tidings
of death.’
26th.—A
sortie was made by our garrison to-day, and four guns taken. Mr. Thornhill,
Civil Service, volunteered to go out with a force to bring in the wounded;
amongst them was General Havelock’s son and his cousin. Poor fellow! he reached
them all right by a safe road, but for some unknown reason returned by a
different one through the most frequented streets, which had been Ioopholed by
the enemy. The dhoolie-bearers could not stand the fire which was opened upon
them, and dropped the dhoolies
166 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
with the wounded inside
them. The escort was overwhelmed and Mr. Thornhill himself badly wounded, but
he managed to get into the Residency. The enemy, we were told, collected the
dhoolies in the Khass Bazaar square and set fire to them. General Havelock and
his aide-de-camp breakfasted with us. We also saw Colonel Napier, engineers,
and Captain Moor-som, 52nd, quartermaster-general; the latter told
us he had always mentioned us in writing home, and said as much as he could to
comfort and cheer our families. I could hardly answer him for fear of breaking
down, the whole scene was so trying and exciting. It was evident to us, from
the conversation that went on, and from the reports that were constantly coming
in to the general, that though reinforced we were not relieved; indeed, John
told me that himself, and our position still seemed most perilous. The
opposition the force had met with in getting to us had far exceeded their
expectations, and all seemed much disheartened and discouraged. A good deal of
plundering went on all day, and the servants kept bringing in large piles of
silk cloth from the bazaar outside our entrenchment which
THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW 167
had been abandoned by the
enemy. Captain Hughes, who had been attached to the 32nd, was
mortally wounded to-day, and also Captain Joly, who had come in with General
Havelock to rejoin his regiment, being on leave when the mutiny broke out. In
the afternoon Colonel Campbell, 9oth, was brought in slightly
wounded in the leg. His brother in the 52nd was an old friend of
ours, so John took charge of him, and brought him to the room at the end of our
court. We dined there with General Havelock and one or two others. We gathered
from the conversation that much anxiety was felt regarding the 9oth
Regiment which was still outside with guns, baggage, and ammunition; every
available man in the garrison was sent out to help them, and the last order we
heard from General Outram himself, who came into the room for a few minutes,
was that if necessary the guns were to be abandoned; but I believe that
eventually all but two or three were brought in. John was appointed to-day to
the brigade left vacant by the death of General Neil, and he was left in
command of the original garrison. Brigadier Hamilton, 79th, came to
see Mrs. Case. Mr. McCabe, 32nd, did a brave
168 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
thing to-day; he came upon
a large party of the enemy, attacked them, drove them into a corner, and
completely destroyed them.
Sunday,
27th.—Fighting outside all day. A
sortie was made to take some guns ; but I believe it was rather an unsuccessful one,
though the enemy suffered severely. Our casualties also were very numerous. Mr.
Warner, 7th Cavalry, a fine young officer, led a small party of the 32nd; he
rushed into our room whilst we were at dinner and begged for something to eat.
We gave him a chappattie and piece of beef, and he afterwards told us it was
all he had that day. Captain Barrow, commanding volunteer cavalry, paid us a
visit; I was so pleased to see him—an old friend’s face was indeed a treat. We
got a paper, the Home News, lent
us for two hours ; it was the first paper we had seen for months ; it was of
an old date, but most interesting to us. John had less to do than usual, and I
read it aloud to him and the others, and they all listened with eager
attention. Mr. Huxham, 4th Native Infantry, was slightly wounded
to-day. Dr. Scott paid us a visit; he looked ill and worn out; I believe the
hospital, with its fresh accession of sick and
THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW 169
wounded, was a fearful
sight. It was a sad Sunday, and we were not able to have any service. Firing
all night.
28th.—A quieter day. Captain Hughes died, and Mr. Alexander,
artillery, was mortally wounded, and died during the day.
29th.—A
very sad day. Very early in the
morning a party of men assembled in our yard for a sortie to destroy guns. They
were taken from the different regiments, the 32nd furnishing a good number.
Mr. McCabe was told off to lead. John protested against the selection, saying
he had already led three sorties, and it was not fair to take him again; but
General Outram said he must have him. The affair was far from being successful;
only seven guns were spiked, and our loss was most severe. Poor Mr. McCabe was
carried past our door shot through the lungs. Mr. Lucas, a gentleman volunteer,
mortally wounded; Major Simmonds, 5th Fusileers, killed Mr.
Edmonstone, 32nd, slightly wounded. The latter behaved most bravely, having
with three of the 32nd rushed forward to spike a gun when a good
many of the others fell back; he and two of the men were hit, the remaining one
spiked the
170 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
gun—an act worthy of the
V.C. Cuney and Smith of the 32nd were both killed: two braver men
never lived; the former had no right to be out, as he was on the sick-list, but
he could not resist accompanying the party, as his comrade Smith and he had
been together all through the siege. Poor John was sadly cut up at Mr. McCabe
being so badly hit; no hopes were entertained of his life. An old servant of
the Moores came to see us, and gave us some terrible accounts of the massacre
at Cawnpore; he said Captain Moore, 32nd, was killed in the boats,
but Mrs. Moore was one of those taken back to a house belonging to the Nana,
and afterwards murdered by his orders. It was impossible to realize such
horrors, and to hear them made one’s very heart sick. Captain Barrow and Mrs.
Gall came to see us. Poor Major Gall had been a brother officer of the former
in the 5th Madras Cavalry. It was said that a party was to go out
to-morrow to take the iron bridge, John in command, which, of course, made me
anxious. It did not come off.
3oth.—A quiet day. John not
at all well, and did not leave his room. In the evening I heard
THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW 171
that Captain Hardinge with
his Sikhs was going out to try and open communication between us and Alum Bagh,
where were some of the 9oth. It was considered a most perilous
undertaking, and Captain Birch, who came to speak to John about it, seemed much
distressed. We all admired and liked Captain Hardinge; he had proved himself
throughout the siege a most gallant officer, and he was always so cheerful. It
used always to be a pleasure to us to hear him whistle as he passed our door.
The enemy made a feigned attack at night.
October 1st—John still unwell. Another sortie made to-day, which
was tolerably successful, and several houses were taken possession of and
blown up. An old tailor belonging to the 32nd, who had come in with
General Havelock, came to speak to us, but he could tell us nothing of our
missing servants, merely knowing that numbers had been murdered. Mr. Brown led
the 32nd to-day in the sortie. I spoke to him just before he went
out, as he stood in our yard with Mr. Foster, the adjutant, and Captain
Bassano; the latter was in command of the regiment, Captain Lowe having been
wounded. Mr. Brown
172 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
returned untouched,
contrary to our, and I fancy his own, expectations. John was much annoyed at
the 32nd being made to lead all the sorties. Captain Birch, speaking on this
subject, says:
‘Sir
James Outram said that our old garrison were best acquainted with the ground
(inside the entrenchment we were so, but not outside). Parties of twenty men of
the reduced 32nd were told off to lead each column of attack, and on
them fell the brunt of the loss that ensued. The other regiments did not in the
least want to be shown the way, but the general seemed to think that enough
loss had been sustained in relieving us. Each column of attack consisted of
detachments of the 64th, 78th Highlanders, 1st Madras
Cavalry, 5th Fusileers, and
9oth Light Infantry; * and we had the gallant band of the twenty 32nd
men like the steel head of the lance to pierce the way. The batteries were all
taken, but only temporarily silenced; they were soon at work again; indeed, it
was a most useless waste of life to leave our own entrenchments, unless we
meant to hold the outside position.’
Captain
Hardinge did not get to Alum Bagh last night; the firing was so severe directly
he
THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
left the Residency gate
that he was forced to return; to have got through the streets would have been
impracticable. We were very glad, as, humanly speaking, he must have been
killed had he persevered. Mr. McCabe died this morning; he had done splendid
service during the siege. He began life as a private soldier, and got his
commission for bravery; he was a sad loss to our garrison. I was with Mrs.
Cowper nearly all day, watching her baby dying. Towards night the little
thing’s sufferings ceased and it breathed its last. The nurse sewed it up in
some cloth, and Mr. Cowper carried it to the dead-house—a sad office for a
father, but we could hardly grieve for the little one who had been born in such
troublous times. My baby was ill to-day. Sharp musketry firing at 10 a.m.
2nd.—Another
sortie made; three or four guns taken, no one hurt. The enemy withdrew some of
their guns during the night. Our rations were at this time reduced, and we were
obliged to be most prudent, and only eat just enough to satisfy hunger. I
cannot say I ever suffered from actual hunger, but I very often felt I should
like to eat more than I had, and an extra piece of chappattie
174 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
was a great treat to us all. I was most fortunate in, having a good supply of arrowroot, and to the last was able to give some away. Poor General Neil, who was killed at the Residency gate, had with him a small box of provisions, etc., for different members of the garrison. A list was found of the names of those he intended to share them, and Mrs. Case was one; she had known his brother in America. Some arrowroot and sago fell to her share, which was most acceptable to us, as I was just running short. We also possessed candles, a great luxury, and by economy, and only using one when we wanted to read or write, they lasted us all the time. Yesterday a man of the Madras Fusileers was found in a dry well, into which he had fallen three days ago, during one of the sorties; he had remained there, not daring to call out, until he heard European voices; he was in a dreadful state of hunger, but not hurt. What a fearful time he must have passed! A 32nd man fell in at the same time and was killed. This morning John called me out to speak to him, and told me what was only known to himself, Mr. Cowper, and the two generals—namely, that our, relieving force was going to leave us in consequence of the
THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
scarcity of provisions, and
were to try and fight their way to Alum Bagh, there to wait until further
reinforced. The 9oth was to be left with us; the thing was to be done most
secretly. The garrisons from the different outposts were to be withdrawn, and a
sortie was to be made, for the ostensible purpose of finding and bringing in
cattle ; but the force, instead of returning, was to make for
Alum Bagh. John did not seem at all dismayed at the prospect of being left
alone again; on the contrary, he was sanguine and cheerful. He told
me to write a short note home to send out.
3rd.—Captain
Barrow came in the middle of the day, and we gave him something to eat, as he
was badly off for provisions. Colonel Napier dined with us. This night had been
fixed for the force leaving us, and as I said good-bye to him, I felt we might
never meet again. I had my letter written, and waited long for John, but he did
not come till late at night, and then told me the force could not leave till
to-morrow. It was an anxious time.
Sunday, 4th.—This day was appointed as the day of humiliation for the
mutiny throughout
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India. We had service at
twelve, and the Holy Communion administered. There were a large number of
communicants. I was very glad of this, for it seemed a fitting preparation for
those who, ‘though unconscious of it, were so soon, as I. thought, to engage in
so perilous an undertaking. However, the force did not leave us after all, for
it was discovered that they would not be able to get through the city, and also
the result of Sir Henry Lawrence’s forethought came into play. The plunge-bath
under the banqueting hall, with its deep store of grain, was measured, and by
greatly reducing the rations it was found possible to retain General Havelock’s
force within our defenses. Major Haliburton, 78th Highlanders, was mortally
wounded to-day, and Mr. Joly, 32nd, died.
5th ----I was busy all the morning writing letters
from John’s dictation, which he was writing to Lord Canning, etc. One of the
enemy’s mines was blown up to-day. Several casualties occurred at the Ferad
Buksh palace outside the entrenchments now occupied by Europeans. I read
General Outram’s order to our garrison, which was most handsome and gratifying.
It was as follows
THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW 177
‘DIVISION ORDERS BY MAJOR-GENERAL SIR
JAMES OUTRAM, G.C.B.
‘Headquarters, Lucknow.
October ~, 1857.
‘The
incessant and arduous duties which have devolved on Brigadier Inglis and his
staff since the arrival of the relieving force has hitherto prevented him from
furnishing to the major-general commanding the usual official documents
relative to the siege of the garrison. In the absence of these, the
major-general could not with propriety have indulged in any public declaration
of the admiration with which he regards the heroism displayed by Brigadier
Inglis and the glorious garrison he has so ably commanded during the last three
months, and he has been reluctantly obliged to defer, therefore, so long the
expressions of the sentiments he was desirous to offer.
‘But
the major-general, having at length received Brigadier Inglis’ reports, is
relieved from the necessity of further silence, and he hastens to tender to the
brigadier and to every individual member of the garrison the assurance of his
confidence that their services will be regarded by
12
178 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
the Government under which
they are immediately serving, by the British nation, and by her gracious
Majesty, with equal admiration to that with which he is himself impressed.
‘The
major-general believes that the annals of warfare contain no brighter page than
that which will record the bravery, fortitude, vigilance, and patient endurance
of hardships, privations, and fatigue displayed by the garrison of Lucknow; and
he is very conscious that his unskilled pen must needs fail adequately to
convey to the Governor-General of India and to his excellency the
commander-in-chief the profound sense of the merits of that garrison which has
been forced on his mind by a careful consideration of the almost incredible
difficulties with which they have had to contend.
‘The
term “illustrious” was well and happily applied by a former governor - general to the
garrison of Jellahabad; but some far more laudatory epithet—if such the English
language contains—is due, the major-general considers, to the brave men whom
Brigadier Inglis has commanded with undeviating success and untarnished honour
through the late memorable siege; for,
THE SIEGE OF L UCKNO W
while the devoted band of
heroes, who so nobly maintained the honour of their country’s arms, under Sir
Robert Sale, were seldom exposed to actual attack, the Lucknow garrison of
inferior strength have—in addition to a series of fierce assaults, gallantly
and successfully repulsed— been for three months exposed to a nearly incessant
fire, from strong and commanding positions, held by an enemy of overwhelming force,
possessing powerful artillery, having at their command the whole resource of
what was but recently a kingdom, and animated by an insane bloodthirsty
fanaticism. It is a source of heartfelt satisfaction to the major-general to
be able, to a certain extent, to confer on the native portion of the garrison
one installment of those rewards which their gallant and grateful commander has
sought for them, and which he is very certain the governor-general will bestow
in full; and though the major - general, as regards the European portion of the
garrison, cannot do more than give his most earnest and hearty support to, the
recommendations of the brigadier, he feels assured that the Governor-General of
India will fully and publicly manifest his appreciation
180 THE SIEGE OF LUGKNOW
of their distinguished
services, and that our beloved Sovereign will herself deign to convey to them
some gracious expression of royal approbation of their conduct.
‘Brigadier
Inglis has borne generous testimony to the bravery, vigilance, and devotedness
and good conduct of all ranks; and to all ranks as the real representative of
the British Indian Government the major - general tenders his warmest
acknowledgments. He would fain offer his special congratulations and thanks to
the European and Eurasian portion of the garrison whom Brigadier Inglis has
particularly noticed; but by doing so, he would forestall the governorgeneral
in the exercise of what the major-general is assured will be one of the most
pleasing acts of his official life.’
Colonel
Napier, engineers, when he went round the works, said that ours had been the
most wonderful defence ever made, and that enough could not be done for the
commander. Mrs. Roberts, a sergeant’s wife, came to see us to-day, and made us
very sad by telling us that there was no more chloroform in the hospital; and
the
THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
idea of what the poor
wounded men must be suffering was most painful. She also told us that Mrs.
Ousely had lost both her children a few days ago; they died within a few hours
of each other.
6th .—The enemy made rather a determined attack today,
commencing as usual with the blowing up of a mine. The firing lasted about
three hours, and was very sharp. They managed to regain a position from which
we had driven them yesterday. A sergeant, 32nd, killed, one man
wounded.
7th.—A
quiet day. We heard that 250 men had arrived at Alum Bagh with provisions. Captain
Barrow sat some time with us. I was laid up with inflamed mosquito-bites on my
feet, and could not walk at all, which was trying, as I felt the need of
exercise so much. Dr. Scott was very kind, and came to see me every day; and,
but for his care and attention, and Miss Dickson’s good nursing, I might have
lost my foot, or been lame for life. Mr. Edmonstone, 32nd, had tea
with us, and a long gossip principally about his home; he was looking rather
pulled down from the wound in his head; it was his second, and he
182 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
said he knew if he had a
third it would be a very bad one; he seemed quite superstitious about it. He
said he had heard that news had gone to England of our garrison being all cut
up, which grieved us much; one of our saddest thoughts during the siege was the
reflection of how those we loved must be suffering. How one used to long to
hear something of them!
9th.—Wrote
from John’s dictation; he had much writing to do. Mr. Crommelin, engineer, whom
we had known at Peshawur, came to see us. A messenger came in with letters
bringing the account of the fall of Delhi, with severe loss on our side—2000
killed and wounded, sixty-one officers. The messenger said that the garrison at
Alum’ Bagh was well off for provisions, and not very closely besieged. We heard
to-day that Mhan Singh had offered to escort the women and children to a place
of safety. Whether he meant well or otherwise one cannot say; but we should
have been sorry to trust ourselves to his care.
10th.—An
attack was expected to-night, and all the sentries were doubled, numbers of the
enemy having been seen on the bridges, but we had only some heavy firing.
THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW 183
Sunday,11th.—Service at twelve, and the Holy Communion
administered. Brigadier Hamilton and Captain Barrow came to see us. Heavy
firing at night, and the enemy blew up a mine, killing a man of the 78th
Highlanders.
12th.—Two
letters came in last night from Cawnpore and Alum Bagh. Troops coming up
country daily, and being pushed on to our relief. I to-day sent out a tiny note
by a messenger, enclosed by Captain Birch in one to his father. The messenger
was promised a large reward if he delivered it safely at Cawnpore. It
eventually reached home, and was the first assurance they had of our safety. I
mentioned in it the names of Captain Barrow, Mr. Warner, and Mr. Farquhar,
whose families we knew. Mr. Thornhill died to-day from his wounds; he had not
been married a year.
13th.—A
good deal of firing in the early morning; the rest of the day very quiet. The
weather was now delightful; mornings and evenings quite cold. I used at this
time to let the children take a little walk in the mornings as far as the
Ommanneys’ house, there being little or no firing in that direction, and they
enjoyed it so much;
184 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
but we were soon obliged to
keep them prisoners again, as John did not think it safe.
14th.—We
heard to-day that the Sikhs outside were anxious to fight for us, so they were
told to go and join our relieving force. Mhan Singh was also trying to come to
terms with us—all this looked well, but one could not trust much to native
promises. Mr. Harmer, 32nd, came to see us; he was on crutches, poor boy! but
was in good spirits.
15th.—John
brought us some of the King of Oude’s jewels to show us; he had been taking an
inventory of them; they were very handsome. An old pensioner came to talk to
John, and gave us a good deal of information as to what was going on outside.
16th.—An
attack expected, and a great deal of firing. Miss Dickson went to see Mrs.
Polehampton, and John let Johnny go with her. Poor little fellow! he quite enjoyed
the change.
I
7th.—A quiet day, but a good deal of
firing at night.
Sunday, 18th.—A Sikh came in from Mhan Singh with a letter
professing his wish to serve us, and an answer was returned from General
THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
Outram; but we did not hear
the purport of it. I was too lame to go to church, so John read the service to
me. At about 10.30 p.m. the enemy opened a sharp musketry firing which
lasted for half an hour. Mrs. Case and Johnny were walking in the square next
to ours to-day, when a Sikh officer passed them, and directly afterwards he
was hit in the arm by a bullet. No place was really safe, and I never liked
having the children out of my sight.
19th.—Read
a home newspaper to day of August 26.
20th.—An
attack anticipated. One child was killed and another wounded by the bursting of
a shell. Captain Gordon, 6th Native Infantry, paid us a visit, and gave us a
fearful account of the mutiny of his regiment at Allahabad. Fourteen officers
were killed; some of the men of his company saved him and escorted him to the
fort. Another letter from Mhan Singh to-day.
21st—The
enemy fired a good deal this morning. Poor young Dallicott, a hospital
apprentice in the 32nd, was asleep in his bed when a round shot came and took
off his head. ‘He was the only son of his mother, and she was
186 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
a widow,’ were words that
recurred painfully to me when I heard of his sad fate. His mother was almost
broken-hearted, for he had been an excellent son to her, and was in every way a
good and promising young man. The enemy blew up two mines to-day, but they did
no harm.
22nd—Distant
guns and musketry-firing were heard this morning, supposed to proceed from Alum
Bagh, which place it was thought the enemy was attacking.
23rd.—Not
able to move on account of my foot. I had simply scratched it, but the’
slightest prick at this time caused inflammation and became serious. Mrs.
Giddings and Mr. Cowper came to see us, also Mr. Charlton, 32nd, who
had been so badly wounded at the commencement of the siege; the bullet was
still in his head, and his recovery was considered very wonderful; he looked
very worn and ill.
24th.—Johnl
told us to-day that all hopes of terms
being made with Mhan Singh were at an end, and that we must wait patiently for
relief from our own people. Our rations were to be again reduced. It was a very
wearying prospect, and at times made one feel very heart-sick; but
THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW 187
if we felt this, what must
the sick and wounded have done, who were positively dying for want of fresh air
and common comforts! Poor Colonel Campbell, who had been going on so well, was
seriously ill to-day with fever. Captain Barrow drank tea with us and stayed
some time, also Colonel Napier and Captain Wilson.
25th.—A
messenger came in from Mhan Singh
this afternoon; he was evidently playing a deep game, and did not want entirely
to break with us. As I could not walk to church, John read the service to me.
Two letters arrived to-night from Cawnpore containing good news. Troops
arriving there daily.
26th—Colonel
Campbell better; he was under Dr. Scott’s care, who was certainly one of the
best and cleverest doctors in the garrison, but all were most indefatigable. A
Mr. Thompson, attached to the 3 2nd, was most kind and hard working; he used to
come at night to see one of our servants who was ill, and was most attentive,
though he had such incessant work at the hospital. Our rations were reduced
to-day, and I was obliged to diminish our allowance of chappatties. We had
some grain (split peas), which I
188 THE
SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
used to make into cakes;
but I disliked it exceedingly, and only ate it when I could get nothing
else. Mhan Singh made a pleasant proposal at this time, namely, that an
underground passage should be made for him to come in and go out of the
Residency unwatched. Our confidence in him was not quite so firm as to make us
accept this proposition.
27th.—An
attack expected. Mr. Graydon, 44th
Native Infantry, was mortally wounded to-day; he was a very valuable officer,
and had been in the commissariat for some time, but begged so hard to have
command at an outpost that John did not like to refuse him, and there he met
his death. Another messenger came in from Mhan Singh, who told us that the
English prisoners were in the Khaiser Bagh palace, Miss Jackson amongst them.
28th.—A
messenger came in from Alum Bagh last night. The Delhi force had arrived at
Cawnpore, Colonel Grant, 9th Lancers, commanding.
29th.—Captain
Barrow paid us a visit. Uneasiness was felt at this time regarding the Gwalior
force, which was said to be marching
THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW 189
towards Lucknow—no small
addition to the numbers already fighting against us.
30th.—The
enemy blew up a mine to-day, but did no harm. A messenger from Mhan Singh came
in saying that he, Mhan Singh, would retire according to General Outram’s
instructions.
3Ist.—A
letter received to-day, signed by the
poor prisoners in the palace, saying they were kindly treated; but of course
they might have been forced to write it, so it did not give us much comfort on
their account. Captain Birch, Captain Barrow, and John, drank tea with us. This
used to be our most sociable hour in the day; we used to sit outside our door,
chatting and sipping our not very palatable tea, minus milk and sugar— and with
which at this time we could not even afford a chappattie—and when John was of
the party it was a great treat to me. I seldom had the pleasure of a quiet
conversation with him, and often used to watch his door for an hour to try and
catch him alone, I felt I had so much to say to him.
Sunday, November 1st.—Still laid up with my foot, so John read the service
to me. Captain Barrow dined with us. A man of the 78th Highlanders killed
to-day, and one wounded.
190 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
2nd.—A great many casualties to-day. A letter arrived from Cawnpore, saying that the commander-in-chief had arrived there, and would be at Alum Bagh on the 10th; so the end of our weary siege seemed really approaching.
3rd.—Guns heard at Alum
Bagh. A good deal of fighting during the
night.
4th.—A
sad casualty occurred to-day. Mr.
Dashwood, a very young officer, had wounded himself with his revolver very
early in -the siege, and had been going about on crutches ever since. He was a
great draughtsman, and was amusing himself with sketching in a very exposed
position, when a round shot came and wounded him severely in both his feet.
They had to be amputated above the ankles, and, of course, he was not expected
to live. His brother in the 48th Native Infantry had died some time
before of cholera, leaving a widow and two young children. Sharp firing at
night. Poor Mrs. Cowper lost her milk-goat to-day; it was killed by two men of
the Madras Fusileers, as also two of our kids. We used to send them out to
graze when there was not much firing. The men killed them for food.
Fortunately, we could spare her
THE SIEGE OF
LUCKNOW 191
a little of our milk. The
poor men suffered much from hunger at this time. The weather was cold, and,
combined with much work, gave them an appetite which they had not the means of
satisfying. They would give a rupee (two shillings) for a small chappattie.
Rum and tobacco had been long unknown amongst them.
5th.
— A
quiet day and night; no news. Colonel Campbell was very unwell again; his wound
had suffered from the fever.
6th.—Major
Eyre, artillery, paid us a visit. He had known my mother, so I was glad to see
him. News arrived that Sir Colin Campbell, with 5,700 infantry,
6oo cavalry, and thirty guns, was at Cawnpore, and would be at Alum Bagh on the
1oth, confirming the news we had some time ago. John seemed in good spirits
when he told us.
7th—A
very quiet day. The enemy blew up a mine, but did no harm,
Sunday, 8th.—John came to breakfast, but was taken suddenly
ill, and had to go and lie down, and send for the doctor. He did not get up all
day. I went to the service at the brigade-mess, and spent the rest of the day
with him. He got
192 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOIV
better towards evening. Mr.
Brown, of the 32nd, was wounded slightly in the leg; hardly an
officer of the regiment had escaped; one and all did their duty nobly.
9th.----John better, but
did not leave his room. Captain Barrow came to see us in the evening, and we
made him stay to dinner, which he did, very readily, as he confessed to having
dined early and sparingly and to being very hungry.
10th.—John better.
Just after breakfast Mr. Farquhar, 7th Cavalry, came to report to him that
heavy firing could be heard at Alum Bagh, and that the commander-in-chief was
supposed to have arrived at that place. Mr. Kavanagh, a clerk, volunteered last
night to go out to Alum Bagh with plans and despatches from Sir James Outram;
he disguised himself as a native, and reached the place safely. It was a
splendid feat of gallantry and a most invaluable service. All the garrison were
much delighted to hear that a flag had been hoisted at Alum Bagh, the signal of
his having arrived. John was too much excited to remain in his room, but he was
very weak when he attempted to walk. Captain Dodgson,
THE SIEGE
OF LUCKNOW, 193
assistant adjutant-general
to Sir James Qutram, came to see Mrs. Case and Miss Dickson; he had known some
friends of theirs in England.
11th. —Poor Colonel
Campbell, whose leg had been gradually getting worse for some days, was obliged
this morning to have it amputated; we were so very sorry for him. Dr. Scott
performed the operation, and they were able to procure him a little chloroform ;
he bore it well, but was very weak afterwards. Mrs. Cowper saw him constantly.
Mr. Harmer came to see us to-day; he had discarded his crutches, but was still
very lame. An attempt was made to establish a communication between the
Residency and Alum Bagh by means of signals to - day, but it failed.
12th.
—Communication established, and news
gained that Sir Cohn Campbell had arrived at Alum Bagh, and was to advance the
next day. Sharp firing was heard there; an attack on our position expected.
Colonel Campbell, who had been sinking gradually since yesterday, died at
eleven o’clock ; he was insensible some time before his death. We
felt so glad it had been
13
194 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
in our power to give him
comforts which he could not have had in the hospital, and thereby in some
degree to have alleviated his sufferings. He was a gallant soldier, and a
clear-headed, valuable officer. A curious incident occurred in connection with
his illness. During the siege, we had picked up a little white hen, which used
to run about and pick up what it could. Just before Colonel Campbell became so
very ill, we had decided to kill and eat it, when one morning Johnny ran in and
said, ‘Oh, mamma, the white hen has laid an egg!’ We took it at once to Colonel Campbell, it being a
great luxury in those days. The hen laid one every day for him till he died,
and then ceased for the rest of the siege; but we would not kill it then.
13th.—Sharp musketry-firing at Alum Bagh. We were daily expecting an attack, but the enemy seemed otherwise engaged.
14th.—Sir Cohn advanced and took possession of the Martinière
College, from which our flag could be seen flying, then of the Dil Khoosha.
Poor Mrs. Ousely, Colonel Palmer’s daughter, died to-day. She had lost her two
children within a few hours of each other. We heard
THE
SIEGE OF LUCKNOW 19~
she had been most kind and unselfish during the siege, ever ready to help others and to share any little extra comforts she might have. Mrs. Bruere’s ayah was carried past our door to-day, wounded in the eye. To extract the bullet, it was found necessary to take out the eye—a fearful operation—and her mistress actually held her while it was being performed. It was astonishing how accustomed, I will not say hardened, one had become to sights which once even to talk of would have sickened one. We were, alas! too familiar with the sight of blood to turn away from it.
Sunday, 15th.—Went to
service in the morning. Sir Cohn remained stationary. It was John’s birthday,
and in honour of the day we invited Captain Barrow to dinner, and actually had
a fruit tart—an extravagance I should certainly not have been guilty of had
not our hopes of relief been very high. Johnny ran after Captain Barrow
screaming at the top of his voice, ‘Come to dinner; we’ve got a pudding.’ The
enemy fired heavily all night.
16th.—Sir
Colin advanced, and the reports of
his progress were listened to with the greatest
196 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
excitement and anxiety. A
sortie was made from our garrison -—not a very successful one— and our loss was
heavy. John and Captain Birch were on the top of the Residency house to-day, when
a bullet passed the former, and, going through Captain Birch’s cap, just took
off the top of his ear. It was a wonderful escape for both.
17th.—A
most exciting, anxious day. At two o’clock we were told that red-jackets were
in the 32nd mess-house—a fortified building, and a strong position.
At about 4 p.m. two strange officers walked through our yard, leading their
horses, and asking for the brigadier. One was Colonel Berkely, who had
exchanged with Colonel Brooks, and had come out to command the 32nd. By this we
knew communication was established between the two forces, and, that we really
were relieved. Colonel Berkely came afterwards, and talked with us for some
time. Poor Mrs. Case felt much seeing him, for had her husband been spared, he
would have been in his place, and it had always been his greatest ambition to
command the regiment. Colonel Napier was wounded slightly to-day; he was
riding with two other
THE
SIEGE OF LUCKNOW 197
officers to see Sir Cohn Campbell, who had not come inside our entrenchments. All the three were hit, so friendly visits could not be exchanged without risk. John did not come to dinner till late, and when he did, he said he had bad news to tell us, which was that our whole garrison was to leave the Residency to-morrow night. We were indeed thunderstruck, and truly grieved to think of abandoning the place we had held so long with a small force, now that it seemed to us we could have driven the enemy completely out of Lucknow, re-established our supremacy, and marched out triumphantly.
Captain
Birch says: ‘When the commander-in-chiefs orders came for the abandonment of
the Baille Guard position, which we had so long and strenuously defended, it
came like a blow to my chief, Brigadier Inglis. He went to Sir James Outram,
commanding the division, and pleaded, though without success, that our flag
should be kept flying on the ruins of the old Residency— the only spot in Oude
from which, through the dreadful crises of the mutiny, it had never been
removed. He volunteered to maintain our former position, if only one regiment
were left him, and
198 THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW
the sick and wounded, as well as the women and children, removed. Outram had much of the hero in him, and liked the spirit of the offer. He repeated it to his excellency the commander-in-chief, but no representations at headquarters were of any avail. It had been determined to make another campaign of it in the succeeding year, and the fiat went forth for immediate relinquishment.’
Mr.
Cowper came to see us after dinner; he was in a state’ of great excitement and
indignation. We were told we were to take nothing with us but what we could
carry in our hands, and many immediately began to make a bonfire of their
property, determined the rebels should not appropriate it.
18th.—It
was found impossible to get off the sick and wounded, women and children
to-day, so our departure was postponed, and arrangements were also made to
allow of each person having a camel to carry his baggage. We spent the day
packing, with interruptions from visitors—Colonel Grant, 9th
Lancers, being one. I was so glad to see him; he had been all through the Delhi
siege, and was looking so fresh and well. Mr. Sarel,
THE
SIEGE OF LUCKNOW 199
9th Lancers, also came in;
he had lost two of his fingers.
19th.—Finished
our preparations for starting. John decided we should leave at four o’clock,
and at that hour we were all ready. Mrs. Case s carriage was drawn by coolies,
there being no horses available, and into it we put the three children and servants,
and started ourselves walking. John came as far as the gate with us, and then
sent Captain Birch as an escort. I turned my back on the Residency with a heavy
heart, for at that time I fancied a force might still be left there, and that I
was bidding farewell to my husband for some time. The way we went out I cannot
describe, as I had never been there before. It was considered safe, except in
three parts where the enemy commanded the road, and they were firing at
intervals. At these spots Captain Birch carried the children, and we all ran as
fast as we could—strange to say, I did not feel at all afraid. An hour’s walk
brought us to Secundra Bagh, a house standing in a large garden, where already
most of the women and children were assembled. At this place three days ago,
terrible retribution had fallen on the