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 CHAPTER V

The Northern Operations (continued) to the Reduction of Oudh

On the 28th of September, 1857, three days after Havelock had entered Lucknow, Sir Colin Campbell informed General Outram of his intention to 'proceed shortly to Cawnpur, in order to be at the centre of operations.' 'No advance will take place without me,' he added with characteristic tenacity and caution, 'even if it be made with a single regiment. ... It is absolutely necessary for me to get into the right place for directing the movements of the army and restore something like ensemble to them.' Nevertheless the Commander-in-Chief still tarried at Calcutta for the arrival of further reinforcements, while Havelock and Outram were blockaded in Lucknow. On the 26th of October, Colonel Greathed's flying column from Delhi, in all 1800 Infantry, 600 Cavalry and 16 guns, after a series of successful engagements with detached bodies of the rebels, reached Cawnpur, and its arrival was most opportune. Both Cavalry and Field Artillery were sorely needed, and Colonel Greathed's force gave the Commander-in-Chief the elements requisite for the organisation of an army in the field