Page:Decisive Battles Since Waterloo.djvu/204

170 were greatly troubled to find their way. Outram went on ahead to the bridges, where he sat on the ground and waited for the troops to come up, well knowing that his officers were doing every thing possible to bring them forward at the time appointed. It was not until four o'clock that the cavalry advance, the Second Punjaub, arrived at the bridges. The crossing began immediately, and the whole force was over the river by daylight. Forming his command in three lines, Outram advanced along the left bank of the Gumti for about a mile, and then marched directly towards the city. He met with no opposition and formed his camp that evening about four miles from Lucknow. The 7th and 8th of March were mainly passed in reconnoitring and light skirmishes. The rebels were repulsed every time they advanced. Outram retained the position where he had encamped for his main force, but steadily during the day pushed his pickets forward. During the night he threw up earthworks and mounted two batteries with heavy guns about six hundred yards from the rebel works on the old race-course. His attack began at daybreak on the 9th. General Walpole forced back the enemy's left from the villages and jungles that covered their position, while Outram did the same on their right. News of the success of the movement was conveyed to Sir Colin by displaying the colors of the First Fusiliers from the top of the Yellow House. As soon as the colors were displayed, Sir Colin advanced and very speedily formed a junction with the right wing. Then the entire line was halted while three heavy guns and a howitzer were brought forward to enfilade the works behind the Martinière. General Campbell had waited patiently at the Dilkusha during the time Outram was making the movements which formed an important preliminary to the attack upon Lucknow. Fire was opened on the Martinière and steadily kept up from