Page:The Lucknow album 1874 by Darogha Ubbas Alli.djvu/20

 has lately been dismantled, and although it is built on an eminence, nothing can now be seen of the once noble edifice, but its bare massive walls and castellated stair-cases. It was on the western slope of the approach to this building, that the rescued Garrison of the Bailie Guard bivouacked, on the night of the 30th November, and attempted to rest their weary limbs, while prevented from sleeping by the tremendous cannonading kept up by the enemy.

Not far from this spot, to the northward, is that grand and noble pile of buildings known as—  

Called "La Martiniere" after the name of its illustrious founder, General Claude Martin of the King of Oudh's service. It is also called "Constantia." Its construction was commenced during the reign of Newab Ausuf-ood-dowlah who, when it was nearly completed, became so pleased with the design of the structure, that he offered to purchase it as it stood for a million sterling. It is not certain whether the General accepted the offer; however, the bargain was broken off by the death of the Newab, and the General also died, before the building was finished, not, however, before he had made a provision in his will, to the effect that it should be completed out of the funds that he had left in the hands of the British Government, for the special endowment of schools. The building was accordingly finished, and the magnificent pile, with its establishment, now known as "La Martiniere College," stands as an elegant and lasting monument to the memory of one of the greatest benefactors of the youth, of all creeds and colours, that call India their home. The remains of the General were buried in a vault in the centre of the building. During the rebellion of 1857-58, the mutineers