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Rh orders to strengthen the defences and to show the best front he could to the rebels, but not to move out to attack unless compelled to do so by a threat of bombardment. The Cawnpur garrison consisted of 500 British soldiers and 550 Madras Infantry and Gunners; and further detachments were expected and arrived within the week.

On November 16th, after some preliminary skirmishing in the outskirts of Lucknow, the Commander-in-Chief, who had divided his force into three Brigades under Adrian Hope, Greathed, and Russell, began his advance on the city by the line of the right bank of the Gúmti where the ground favoured an approach to the Secundra Bágh, a large brick building some 450 feet square with strong loop-holed walls. When the attack on this building had gone on for about an hour and a half, it was determined to take it by storm. Gallantly rushing onwards, the 93rd, 53rd, and 4th Punjab Rifles forced their entrance through the breaches, gateway and windows; and no less than 2000 of the enemy, who fought with the courage of despair, were slain in the building. This done, the next point of attack was the Sháh Najaf, a domed mosque with a garden around it, enclosed by a high loop-holed wall. The position was defended by the rebels with great resolution against a heavy cannonade which lasted three hours.

Of Sir Colin's Staff the two brothers Alison were