three times on Cawnpore for reinforcements; and this was the last communication we received until two days before the arrival of Generals Outram and Havelock. The letter was dated Cawnpore, the 24th August, and was as follows:—
"My dear Colonel,
"I have your letter of the 16th instant. I can only say hold on and do not negotiate[1] but rather perish sword in hand. Sir Colin Campbell, who came out at a day's notice to command, upon the news arriving of General Anson's death, promises me fresh troops and you will be my first care. The rainforcements may reach me in from twenty to twenty-five days, and I will prepare everything for a march on Lucknow.
Yours very sincerely,
H. HAVELOCK, Br.-General."
To Col. Inglis,
H. M.'s 32nd Regt.
On receipt of this intelligence many became so disheartened as to give themselves up to despair. Thus hopeless of life, existence became almost a burden to us.
——:o:——
ADVANCE OF GENERAL HAVELOCK.
"Put thou thy trust in God,
In duty's path go on:
Fix on His word thy steadfast eye
So shall thy work be done."
88. "Upon Brigadier-General Neill's arrival at 'Cawupore, from Benares, he was left in command of the former place, whilst Brigadier-General Havelock commenced his march upon Lucknow. Having crossed the Ganges into Oudh, the mutineers were encountered near Unao, on the 29th of July. The action was commenced by the 78th Highlanders and the 1st Fusiliers, with two guns. Afterwards, the 64th, commanded by Colonel Wilson, were ordered up. Patrick Cavanagh, a private of that regiment, was hewn in pieces by the sepoys whilst exhibitin to his comrades an example of the highest gallantry. This valiant soldier had he survived would have received the Victoria Cross. At the narrow pass between the village and the town of Unao the mutineers were discovered in great force, but, after an obstinate contest the sought safety in flight. Subsequently the troops pushed on towards Bashiratganj, a walled town, with wet ditches, which was captured by the 1st Fusiliers, 64th, and 78th regiments."
"Major-General Havelock's force was not of sufficient strength to continue the advance upon Lucknow, cholera
- ↑ The italics in the above letter indicate Greek characters.
