Page:The tourist's guide to Lucknow.djvu/98

Rh on the 16th of September, giving a deplorable account of our condition, expressing his conviction that our rations would not last longer than the 1st October, and imploring news of Havelock's advance. Early on the morning of the 21st, therefore, the force started on its glorious mission with no thought of failure, with steady tread and set faces the force pressed forward and on the morning of the 23rd they came in sight of the Alambagh."

"But the key of the position was the Alambagh and the adjacent buildings. These were defended by a large body of Infantry and Cavalry, and six guns. The latter were well served for a short time, but were soon silenced by our Artillery. The Volunteer Cavalry and Olpherts Horse battery then advanced to within range of the Alambagh, the Infantry coming on in line. On nearing the Alambagh, the enemy opened fire from two guns. One of these, a 9-pounder, was posted on the high road, about 400 yards from the enclosed garden. There was a race between our Artillery and Cavalry which should take it. Captain Olpherts' Artillery came up to the gun first, from which the enemy, upon seeing our charge, had at once fled, not withstanding their large masses of Infantry and Cavalry on the right and left. A short stand was made by them about the Alambagh garden; but they were soon driven out by our Infantry, and were pursued nearly to the canal. Our troops were then withdrawn, and occupied for the night the Alambagh position, under a heavy cannonade from the enemy."

"No fact, however, has been more clearly established in the course of this insurrection than that Asiatics, whatever may be their strength, cannot resist the charge of the smallest number of Englishmen. There is something in the sight of British Infantry advancing at a run, with stern visage, bayonets ﬁxed, determination marked in every movement of the body, which appals them; they cannot stand it—they never have stood it yet."

"On the 24th the force was halted, to give the men rest, and prepare for assaulting the city; the heavy guns being, however, engaged during the whole day in replying to an incessant cannonade, which was kept up by the enemy."

89. "On the 25th the force marched at 8 A.M. for the relief of the Residency, after depositing the baggage and tents in the Alambagh under an escort of infantry and guns, the latter, including two heavy ones, viz., one 24-pounder and an 8 inch howitzer."

"From the Alambagh there was a choice of three roads. One was a continuation of the road from Cawnpore, across the Canal by the Charbagh (four gardens) bridge, and thence in a direct line for about two miles to the