Page:The tourist's guide to Lucknow.djvu/37

Rh Company's paper, was, up to this time, guarded by a company of sepoys of the 48th Native Infantry. On intelligence being received of the seizure of the city of Delhi with its Treasury and Magazine, and of the revolt of all the troops at that station, it appeared to Sir Henry that the time had arrived for taking effective measures to protect the Residency and the treasure.

Accordingly, on the 17th May, a company of H. M.'s 32nd Regiment and four guns were ordered into the Residency. The rest of the regiment was removed from the Chaupar Stables into the Cantonments of Mariaon. The bridge of boats was moved nearer to the Residency and brought under control, whilst a selected body of sepoys was detached to occupy the Machhi Bhawan. The Civil Lines were thus left unprotected, consequently the European residents in the vicinity removed their families into the Residency.

21. The removal of the European Regiment to Mariaon Cantonment was considered necessary as a check to the native troops there, and also with a view to prevent any intrigues between the sepoys and the disaffected in the city of Lucknow, who were not considered likely to rise in a body unless they were backed up by the native soldiery. The Native Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery, were then located in Cantonments. These were kept in check by the 32nd Regiment and European Artillery, so that they could not effect a junction with the city people without first hazarding a battle. This they were loath to do.

22. Sir Henry made the best possible distribution of the few reliable men under his command, completing his arrangements with that rapidity and energy which always distinguished him. He provided not only for the protection and the fortification of the Residency and Machhi Bhawan, but also of the Mariaon Cantonment.

23. We still continued to occupy La Martiniere, and, in consequence of the impending danger, our active and energetic Principal, Mr. George Schilling, determined to