*

arms.

10th of May—that memorable Sun- off the masque, the unwelcome anday, which saw many a home at nouncement, which so rudely disMeerut blood-stained and desolate, pelled the dream of fancied peace and the whole cantonment of Umballa security, was not to be believed, and was thrown into a state of alarm. accordingly little was done at headBoth the native infantry regiments, quarters to meet the emergency, It the 5th and 60th,* had turned out was deemed sufficient to order down without orders, and stood to their 250 men of her Majesty's 75th.

General Barnard hastened to Mr Forsyth, however, acted with their lines, and found them in open great energy : to guard the treasure, mutiny; some of the 5th Native In- and to maintain the safety of the fantry actually loaded and pointed civil lines, and the town of Umballa, their muskets at their officers. The was his first care. One hundred of General was at once for calling down the Sikh Police Battalion were placed the artillery; but fortunately extreme on picket duty day and night ; 200 measures were not necessary; the more were ordered to be under arms Sepoys were gradually quieted by in readiness for any emergency. A their own officers, and peace restored. party of Civil Sowars were despatchSimultaneously with this movement ed to watch the Kurnal road. I in cantonments, the guard of the 5th The telegraphic message of the Native Infantry over the Civil Trea- fate of Delhi, sent up to the Chief sury, some four miles off, also turned Commissioner, had brought back, on out, and stood to their arms without the morning of the 13th, the answer orders, unmistakably betraying a pre- already mentioned, that the Euroconcerted plan.

pean troops on the hills should be at It was on the afternoon of the once brought down, and concentrated following day (Monday the 11th) at Umballa, and the native chiefs of that the direful tidings came from Puttiala, Jheend, and Kurnal, should Delhi : “The Sepoys have come in be immediately called on to give from Meerut, and are burning every- assistance. To the Puttiala Rajah, thing. Mr Todd + is dead, and, we Mr Forsyth sent off, that afternoon, hear, several Europeans. We must a request that he would come as near shut up.” Captain Barnard, the Ge- as possible to Umballa, on the conneral's A.D.C., was at once despatch- fines of his own territory, that Mr ed to Simla to inform the Com- Barnes might communicate with him mander-in-Chief, and to urge on him, immediately on his arrival from and also on Mr Barnes, to hasten Kussowlie. The Rajah at once redown. On passing through Kussow. sponded, hastening to Karna, eight lie, he warned the 75th to be ready miles from Umballa, where he was to march at a moment's notice. Most encamped within eighteen hours of unfortunately, the telegraphic mes- Mr Forsyth's letter being despatchsage was not fully credited at head- ed ; and there, under orders received quarters. The first suspicions of in the meanwhile from Sir John smouldering mutiny, when reported, Lawrence, Mr Forsyth proceeded to were pronounced mysterious and ex- an interview. aggerated ; and now that the worst The Rajah had only an escort of suspicions were more than realised, about 1000 men, foot and horse ; but

; and the fanatic rebels had thrown he was quite ready to respond to any

* The 4th Native Cavalry (Lancers) are also said to have saddled their horses without orders, as if ready to join, but this is incorrect. Colonel Clayton, diectly he heard what was taking place, galloped down to the lines, and gave the orders to saddle and mount; they obeyed to a man ; but order being restored without any violent measures, they were not moved off their own parade-ground. Had they been put to the test, their subsequent conduct leads to the belief that they would have proved stanch.

+ Mr Todd was superintendent of the telegraph office at Delhi. He had gone out very early in the morning along the road to see where the wire was broken, and is said to have been the first victim of the Meerut troopers.

# A messenger was also sent to Captain M'Neile at Thaneysur, to apprise him of the outbreak, and put him on his guard.

or

*

sur.

call that the Government might was also issued, dated May 14th, make on his service. The scantiness Simla :of his retinue he accounted for by stating that the main body of his

“The Commander-in-Chief desires that troops were scattered about collect- officers commanding native regiments ing the revenue; and, moreover,

will instantly inform their men that it

has never been intended that any car. hinting a mistrust of his men, he re

tridges which can be objected to should quested to be allowed to accompany be used by them, and that they may rely them in person, and asked also for upon the Commander-in-Chief's assursome European officers. A short ance that they will not be required to quarter of an hour's conference suf- use objectionable cartridges now ficed for all arrangements, and the hereafter. Rajah struck his camp and started

“ (True extract). for Thaneysur, with a view to garrison

“C. CHESTER, Colonel, it. It being subsequently decided

Adjutant-General of the Army." that the safety of the Kurnal road, and the reopening communication A telegraphic message was also sent with Meerut, were of paramount to Phillour, ordering & siege-train importance, the Rajah was requested (3d class) to be prepared and sent off to change his route, and to occupy without delay. to guard against Kurnal,* while the Jheend Rajah any accident or injury to the wire, was applied to to protect Thaney- Captain Worthington of the Artillery,

at that time on sick leave at Simla, When it became known at Um- started off express to carry the order balla that at headquarters due im- to Phillour. The Nusseeree battaportance was not attached to the lion of Goorkhas received orders to rumours of the outbreak, Mr Plow- march from Jutogh, adjoining Simla, den, the assistant commissioner, was to Pbillour, to escort the siege-train, despatched to Kussowlie and Simla, and the Commander-in-Chief hastento urge the instant advance of troops, ed down, followed by Colonels Chescarrying with him, in melancholy con- ter and Becher, of the Adjutant-Genfirmation of the

tidings from Delhi, eral and Quartermaster-General's dea letter from one of the fugitives. By partment. Now the note of prepadaylight on Thursday morning, Mr ration was sounded far and wide. Barnes arrived, and, in full apprecia- The 75th marched into Umballa on tion of the reality of the crisis, pre- the 15th, and the Company's two pared to act with calm energy and European regiments on the 16th and promptness. When the nature and 17th.† extent of the mutiny began to dawn The state of Umballa itself deon the mind of the Commander-in- mands notice. The 5th Native InChief in all its awful reality, he fantry were believed to be the most acted with some vigour. Of her seriously disaffected of the native Majesty's 75th, warned on the pre- corps, and in order to neutralise vious night by Captain Barnard, 250 their designs in some measure, they men had been at first ordered down, were cut up into small detachments. but this was now followed by a sub- Two companies were sent off on the sequent order for the whole regiment 16th, with a squadron of the 4th to march at once ; and the 1st and Native Cavalry (Lancers), under 2d Fusiliers from Duyshai and Su- Captain Wylde, under the pretext of bathoo were to follow with all de- strengthening Mr Spankey's position spatch. The following general order at Saharunpore ; two more companies

* The course which the Nawab of Kurnal would adopt was at first thought doubt. ful. His after career has proved his fidelity, of which due mention will be made.

+ Major Jacob of the 1st Fusiliers chanced to be at Simla that afternoon. He rode down during the night to Dugshai, and at the morning parade gave orders that all should be ready to march that afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The 2d Fusiliers received their orders at Subathoo at 10 A.m. in the morning, and also started that afternoon. Both corps made the distance, some seventy miles, in three marches.

to Roopur, with the ostensible object doings on the 10th of May ; but this, of watching Nalagurh and Ballachore, as will be seen, was a very shortwhere it was believed that the popu- lived loyalty. lation were somewhat disaffected. Of the 4th Native Cavalry (LanThis latter detachment, however, cers) a more detailed mention should instead of being withdrawn from be made, as their conduct, though danger, was thrown into the midst surrounded by traitors, and sorely of contamination ; their position at tried on several occasions from beRoopur was fatal to them. Here ing distrusted, is deserving of great lived a man named Mohur-Singh, a praise.I On the evening of the 12th Sikh Sirdar, who had once been of May, when the tidings of the outKardar (native magistrate and col- break at Meerut at first arrived, one lector) of Roopur, but had been re- squadron was detached under Captain moved from his post by Government Dumbleton to bring in the treasure for divers malpractices. No sooner from Thaneysur, which was under did the detachment of the 5th Na- guard of a company of the 5th Native tive Infantry arrive at Roopur than Infantry. This squadron made the this man began to tamper with them, distance, above twenty miles, in one and they needed but little encourage- march without a halt ; but on arrivment. His influence soon showed ing found that the suspicions of their itself. Captain Gardner,* the officer trustworthiness had preceded them. commanding them, was openly in- Captain M‘Neile, in civil charge of sulted ; and when, on reporting their Thaneysur, refused to give up the mutinous state, he received orders to treasure to them, and ordered them arrest the malcontent Sirdar, and back to Umballa. A small party, send him into Umballa for trial, the however, consisting of a havildar and Sepoys refused to seize him, and twelve troopers, remained, and, conswore that he should never be taken jointly with the guard of the 5th a prisoner. A body of Sikh police, Native Infantry, escorted the treasure however, were sent out, strong enough towards Umballa. Scarcely had they to overawe them, and to master got half-way, when suspicion again him. He was brought in, tried by met them. The Umballa authorities, Mr Barnes, and hanged. The two mistrusting both native cavalry and companies were recalled, and on ar- infantry, had sent out a small deriving at Umballa were disarmed.t tachment of Sikh police to take the With the 60th Native Infantry, treasure from them.

The troopers who were believed to be less mutin- and Sepoys refused to be so ignoously disposed, another system was miniously relieved of their charge, adopted. Colonel T. Seaton, C.B., and halted, forming round the treaof the 35th Native Infantry, who sure till further instructions. The was on leave at Simla, was selected, order then came that the men of the from his great experience and tact, 4th Cavalry and 5th Native Infanto take command of the corps, with try should retain charge ; and they the hope that he would be able to brought it safely into cantonments. keep them stanch; and with a view In other quarters, small parties of this of showing confidence in them, the corps were also proving their fidelity: Commander-in-Chief, the day after forty troopers under Captain Russell his arrival at Umballa, allowed them were sent out towards Phillour, to reto be re-sworn to their colours, thus ceive charge of a large quantity of effacing the remembrance of their ammunition ordered in from the

a

Captain Gardner, of the 38th Native Infantry, had escaped from Delhi, and was attached to the 5th Native Infantry.

+ On the 1st of June, the two Subahdars and Pay Havildars were tried by courtmartial, and condemned to be hanged. One Pay Havildar contrived to escape, but the other three were made examples of.

The disclosures of the Sikh Sepoy implicated this corps in the general conspiracy to rise, and consequently drew suspicion on them, which their previous general behaviour had not deserved, and their subsequent conduct refuted,

their power

magazine, which was being escorted with 500 rounds for each gun, toby some of the 3d Native Infantry gether with 100 extra rounds for and a few of the Nabba Rajah's men. every light field-piece already with This duty they performed with equal the force, or under orders to join it. fidelity. Also, when the European Besides this, there were also to be corps were ordered down from the sent down under the same escort ten hills, the tents and commissariat lakhs of small-arm balled ammunistores for their use were sent out to tion for the infantry, with eighteen the camping-grounds under a guard lakhs of percussion-caps, and about of troopers of the 4th Cavalry. These 3000 rounds of shot and shell for the men were reported by the Europeans field-batteries. to have behaved admirably, and to Exciting, indeed, were the duties in have rendered every assistance in the magazine during those four days.

Other acts will be The 3d Native Infantry cantoned spoken of hereafter ; but here are outside were known to be mutinous three, in which, within the first week in heart; and report said that they after the Meerut and Delhi massacres, had sworn the siege - train should while the excitement of the native never reach Delhi. The river Sutlej, mind was at its height-three separate too, rising rapidly every day from detachments of this corps received the melting snows above, threatened charge respectively of treasure, am- to sweep away the bridge of boats munition, and stores, destined for the before the train could possibly be use of European troops against their ready. All was expedition and Poorbeah brethren, and performed anxiety; almost hourly was the teletheir duty readily and faithfully. graph in request, reporting safety and

It must nevertheless be admitted progress to the Commander-in-Chief; that this corps was not without its at length, on the morning of the 21st, traitors, though happily, as it would Lieutenant Griffiths, the Commissary appear, too few in number to affect the of Ordnance, had the satisfaction of tone of the whole regiment, or too seeing the Phillour gate, which had eager for the fray to wait for the been kept closed and guarded lest a remainder, even should they become spy or traitor should gain access, disposed to join.*

thrown open, and the siege-train pass While this was passing at Umballa, out in all its force. preparations were being made at Tidings had, in the meanwhile, arPhillour to give full effect to the rived, that the Nusseeree battalion advance, when finally resolved on by from Jutogh, who were ordered down the Commander-in-Chief.

to escort it, had refused to march. The telegraphic message for the The 3d Native Infantry, perhaps eager siege-train had reached Phillour on to clear their character from imputathe morning of the 17th, and within tion, though more probably to get four days, by dint of unceasing labour the train into their hands, volunteerday and night, all was ready. In the ed. No time was to be lost; and unmeanwhile a couple of lakhs of small. der pretence of restored confidence, arm ammunition were at once de- they were allowed to escort it. spatched in advance, for the use of Thús at three o'clock in the morn. the European troops now concentrat- ing the train began its long and periling at Umballa, under a guard from ous march. The river had risen, and the 3d Native Infantry, who were was still rising, and every hour was relieved midway by some of the 4th precious. Every precaution had been Cavalry.

taken; the water above had been The siege - train consisted of six dammed up or drained off, in some 18-pounders, four 8-inch howitzers, measure to lessen the strain on the twelve 53-inch mortars, five 9-pounder bridge, which had also been strengthbrass güns, one 24-pounder brass ened by additional hawsers. There howitzer, and four 8-inch mortars, were Lieutenant Griffiths and Mr

On the right of the enemy's line, on the 8th June, were seen several troopers armed with lances, which led to the suspicion that deserters from the 4th had already found their way to the imperial standard.

a

Ricketts, the Deputy-Commissioner plains to the clear cool air of the of Loodiana (who had collected 300 Himalayas. coolies to help), at each end of the On Thursday afternoon, May 15th, bridge, watching and expediting the General Anson, at last believing that progress of the train, which crossed there was some truth in the direful over slowly but safely; and in less reports from below, and that a large than two hours after, the bridge had portion of the Sepoy army were in gone! No sooner was the train fairly open revolt, hastened down to Umlanded on the opposite bank, than balla, to join the force he had ordered the 3d Native Infantry were quietly to be concentrated there. and politely relieved of their charge, His sudden departure from Simla, which was at once made over to some and the withdrawal of all European of the 9th Irregulars, quartered at troops from the hill stations, natuLoodiana, and a small body of cavalry rally filled with anxiety the minds of belonging to the Nabba Rajah ; and the many ladies who, with their famiunder their united escort it proceeded lies, had collected here for the aponwards. Thus providentially was proaching hot weather, and who had the train preserved from a twofold been already appalled at the reported danger, the rising river and a rebel atrocities perpetrated at Meerut and escort. Had the bridge broken be- Delhi : they could but regard the unfore the train crossed, days, and per- protected defenceless state in which haps weeks, would have been lost; they were now to be left at the and who can calculate the possible mercy of the budmashes of a most consequences of that delay? Had the ill-regulated Bazar, with feelings of 3d Native Infantry refused to let it harrowing alarm. The chaplain, the cross—and it was wholly in their Rev. F. 0. Mayne, represented this power—the danger might have been to General Anson, as he was riding still greater. But, thanks to a dis- out of Simla, entreating that a small posing Providence, the bridge was force, if only one company of Eurocrossed, and the rebellious designs of peans, might be sent up there to inthe escort thwarted ! After delays sure quiet and restore confidence ; and difficulties from unmanageable but the Commander-in-Chief now bullock-drivers and heavy sands, the declared he could not spare a man. train entered Loodiana at ten o'clock “What, then," said Mr Mayne, “ are that night, having taken nearly the ladies to do ?” “ They must do the twenty hours to accomplish a dis best they can,” was the inconsiderate tance of seven miles. Here another reply. All eyes were then turned to danger threatened, and was averted. General Penny, as the senior officer at A violent dust-storm, followed by Simla, and a gathering at once took torrents of rain, came on; yet not a place at his house, with a view of grain of powder was injured, though taking some steps for defending the the whole camp was levelled with place against attack. While they the ground. The road was now clear, were assembled, the Superintendent and comparatively easy, and the train of Hill States, Lord W. Hay, entered, entered Umballa on the 28th May. and directed their thoughts of danger

The importance of Umballa as a from the bazar vagabonds to the registation had now increased tenfold. ment of Goorkhas, quartered at JuLying about midway between Delhi togh, some three or four miles off. and Lahore, it would have been the This announcement threw a blank first barrier to the stream of mutiny over the faces of all present : their had it flowed upwards, and was to only hope had been in the few Goorbe now the rendezvous for the army khas who might remain, and these to be collected for the recovery of were now said to be the source of “ the bloody city.”

their greatest danger. From this moIn order to understand better the ment all was confusion and disorder; subsequent operations, of which Um- in vain did General Penny endeaballa was now to be the centre, the vour to organise some system. Indereader must be content to make one pendent, and often counter-arrangemore digression, and pass for a while ments, met him at every step. from the dust-laden, furnace-heated To trace in their order the exploits

a