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 CHAPTER IX

Conclusion

The work of this little volume is now brought to a close with a consciousness of many deficiencies in language and description, and with a regret that, for reasons already given, but few of those personal acts of heroism which formed so conspicuous a feature of the Indian Mutiny, and which are so valuable in lighting up bare records of military operations, have found a place in its pages. If, however, the desire to give a brief and simple account of important occurrences has been in any measure achieved, the object aimed at by the author has been attained.

A remarkable event which requires exceptional treatment seldom calls for words to enforce its lessons. It needs no effort, therefore, to impress on the reader the many lessons of the Mutiny, not the least of which were the unaccountable blindness with which England almost courted disaster and the splendid effort which she made to repair her error. The cause of the Mutiny was simple; the outbreak was inevitable; the situation was terrible; the struggle was prolonged and fierce; sons and daughters of our race fell without demur at the post of danger; and amid this scene