Page:Earl Canning.djvu/137

Rh English to attack. The defences of the city had been greatly strengthened since the English garrison quitted the Residency in November of the preceding year. Its present garrison was estimated at 130,000 men, of whom 27,000 were trained Sepoys and 7000 Cavalry. Three formidable lines of resistance had been constructed against an advancing enemy. The palaces, gardens, mosques and public buildings, with which a series of luxurious Sovereigns had embellished the city, had been converted into formidable strongholds. Sir Colin now, by a skilful disposition, diminished the cost and peril of the assault. The city of Lucknow lies along the south bank of the river Gúmti, one of the great affluents of the Ganges, which traverses the Province of Oudh. In this direction the defences had been comparatively neglected. Taking advantage of this omission, Sir Colin, on March 5th, sent Outram across the river to operate on its northern side, whence he would be able to enfilade the enemy's powerful positions from an unexpected quarter and divert much of their attention, while Sir Colin, with the main force, fought his way, day by day, through the loopholed streets and strongly barricaded buildings of the city. The programme was brilliantly realised; but the resistance was obstinate, and it was not till March 17th that the Residency was occupied and the last of the rebels driven out. One of those mishaps, which so often in military history mar the splendour of a success, favoured the escape of most of the garrison,