Page:Sir Henry Lawrence, the Pacificator.djvu/194

Rh attitude towards them, aided and protected the English community. The Rájá of Morarmow sheltered those who escaped from Cawnpur; old Hunwunt Singh, a typical Rájput chief, the hero of many a story, protected and aided Captain Barrow and his party into safety; but refused, when urged by him, to join the British side with his clan. 'No,' he answered, 'I obeyed the orders of the Nawáb to avoid opposing your annexation, but I now hold myself free to act as I think fit.'

Thus far Sir Henry had dealt successfully with the local outbreak, and his policy and demeanour had influenced the majority of the Tálukdárs to helpful action in the outlying districts and stations. The position was now defined, and he was able to act with greater precision.

The mutiny or outbreak, as it occurred, being much what Sir Henry had expected, caused no material change in the plans on which he had already started. The Residency defences were advanced steadily, vigorously, and equably. The Mutchi Bhown was now worked chiefly as an entrepôt for the collection of supplies, and their transfer afterwards to the Residency as soon as room was gradually provided for them, while it was still so garrisoned and armed as to overawe the city. The city end of the cantonments also were still held by the troops, in order to keep open the roads to the country and facilitate the traffic and the influx of supplies. His policy, in opposition to that of some of the most influential of his officers,