Transcriber's Note:
The following handwritten dedication and letter were included on the
front leaves of the original book. They were written by Miss M. A.
Garratt, sister of Mrs. R. C. Germon.
* * * * *
Given to
Herbert Litchfield
by Miss M A Garratt sister of
Mrs Germon the Authoress
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
You ask about the "Diary of Lucknow"
My sister never intended publishing
them--but she was so continually
pressed to do so by a few friends who
thought it such a pity the manuscript
should get lost or injured--two in
particular, M^r Burham a friend
here, the one who wrote his Father's
Biography which I gave you--& an
old Admiral an old friend here
(since dead) that at last she had
it done, but only for private circulation--&
only she and I had the
copies--I shall send one to
you ^{to}day by Post & hope it will
reach you all right--she wrote it
entirely for my dear mother & myself
& the report of each day is perfectly
correct--I suppose if nothing unforeseen
occurs we shall be going to London
as usual the end of May--but it
depends upon the time of the "Lucknow
dinner"--so as to bring that in during
my sister's & Colonel Germon's stay in
London--it is the old Garrison--the
Officers who were shut in all the
time--& year by year the party becomes
smaller, partly from some being
removed by death & others not able
perhaps to be in London at the time
When in London I shall hope to see
something of you--& with kind love
believe me your affec^{te} Cousin
M A Garratt
my sister & the Col. send
kind remembrances
* * * * *
[Illustration: Plan of the Defences of Lucknow]
A DIARY
KEPT BY
MRS. R. C. GERMON,
AT LUCKNOW,
BETWEEN THE MONTHS OF MAY AND DECEMBER, 1857.
LONDON:
WATERLOW AND SONS, CARPENTERS' HALL,
LONDON WALL.
1870.
ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL.
PREFACE.
The Writer of the following Diary has frequently been requested to
have a few copies printed for circulation amongst her friends; she has
now acceded to their request, but wishes it to be understood that the
Diary is in its original wording, as it was written by her day by day
at Lucknow, with no attempts at embellishment. The names of those who
were actors in the fearful scenes have been omitted, from a feeling of
delicacy towards some who are still alive.
The writer is also indebted to her husband, who commanded one of the
outposts throughout the siege, for the accuracy of the statements
of some of the events that did not come immediately under her own
observation.
THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW.
1857. May 15th, Friday. I spent the day with the B----'s of the 71st
N.I., he acting Brigade-Major of Lucknow: while sitting at dinner he
told us of the horrible news from Meerut and Delhi; it was rather
alarming for one living alone as I was, my husband being on city duty.
Mr. B---- walked home with me about half-past 8, at 9 I went to bed,
taking good care to have a shawl and dressing-gown close to the bed.
Charlie's orderly slept in the verandah with the servants, as he had
done all the week; the B----'s had kindly offered me a bed, but I had
declined it. I had one door, as usual, open close to the bedroom at
which the punkah-wallah pulled the punkah; the other two were sleeping
by him; the watchman, bearer, orderly, and two doggies, forming quite a
guard round the door: the Ayah and her child slept in a room adjoining;
and, notwithstanding the alarm, I think I never slept sounder in my
life.
Saturday, May 16th. I rose soon after gun-fire, and sent off Charlie's
provisions for the day, bread and butter, quail, mango-fool, and a
few vegetables, and then sat in the garden and had my coffee; at 7
went into the house and prepared for a visit to the city, breakfasted
at 10, and started at 11. I found Charlie had been with Sir Henry
Lawrence, who was making admirable preparations in case of a rise here;
Charlie said the old man was resting by a watercourse in the garden
with quite a little party around him, he telling them all he knew, but
advising them to spread the bad news as little as possible; and then
consulting with them about precautionary measures, not objecting to a
suggestion from even a captain, but catching at anything he thought
good. I could see that Charlie felt perfect confidence in him; but I
also saw that he thought very seriously of the state the country was
in, for his remark was that we were in the position of a man sitting
on a barrel of gunpowder. I sat talking with him till 1 o'clock, and
then went over to the G----'s, as I had promised to spend the day
with them. I found them in an awful state of alarm--talking of these
murders at Delhi, and wondering if So-and-So had escaped. Miss N----
had a violent sick headache from the fright. At 2 Charlie came, and
at 3 we tiffed; but Mr. G---- was so busy he could scarcely stay
two minutes, and all the time was talking of the preparations. The
Residency was being turned out to form a place of safety for the ladies
and the sick. Charlie had to leave early to superintend arrangements
also. About half-past 5 I returned to his quarters, for I longed for
a little talk with him before I went home. The heat had been intense
all day, and the constant talking about these murders had made me feel
quite uncomfortable. Charlie was still with his guards and did not
return home for some time, so I lay down quietly on his bed. I felt
so nervous that, when he did return, I begged him to let me stay in a
chair by him all night. However, he talked and reasoned with me and
I got better. He told me two companies of the 32nd Queen's were just
coming into the banquetting house, and the sick from the hospital; also
a lot of women and children into some rooms under his quarters. He made
me a cup of tea and then would not let me stay any longer, as it was
getting dusk, and Sir Henry just driving up at the moment, I started,
as Charlie had to superintend the arrival of the troops. Just outside
the city my carriage had to wait to let a regiment of Irregular Cavalry
pass--Captain Gr----'s. They were to be stationed at the Dawk Bungalow
between the city and Cantonments, to keep up communication between the
two. Instead of going home I drove to the B----'s, for I was afraid
of getting nervous again, sitting by myself. They were very glad to
see me and again offered me a bed, but after taking ices with them I
returned, telling them in case of alarm I should rush over to them, as
our bungalows adjoined each other. At home I had another cup of tea,
for the heat and excitement gave one intense thirst. About 9 I went to
bed, taking care to have an Affghan knife (a kind of dagger) close to
me. I started at a few noises, but soon slept soundly, and fortunately
heard nothing of an alarm that was given by an artilleryman of Captain
Simons'--a Native--that the 13th were up in arms and were going to
murder their officers. The Brigadier rode off to the lines and sent for
the Adjutant and Captain Wilson, when it was discovered that the report
had been caused by the preparations making for a company going off with
Captain Francis to the Muchee Bawun. They walked through the lines and
saw that all was right, and the Brigadier returned home; but it caused
such a panic amongst some of the ladies that several rushed off to the
Cantonments Residency and slept there.
Sunday, May 17th. I rose at gun-fire, and after sending off provisions
to Charlie, went to church at 6, and while there seven companies of
the 32nd Queen's entered Cantonments. I breakfasted at 10, and then
finished my overland letters. While writing them there came a note from
Mrs. A----, asking me to spend the day and night with them if I felt
nervous; but I declined. Sir Henry had forty of our men (the 13th) up
as a guard at the Residency, after the false report of them during the
night, and told them he was perfectly satisfied with them; that he had
been so much pleased with them since he had been at Lucknow that he
intended writing to Calcutta and stopping all the Raviel Pindee affair.
At 3 I dined, and then lay down intending to go to church, but just
before the time there was an immense deal of riding and driving about,
and I saw a horse battery gallop off, which I took for the European
battery, that I expected something must be up in the city. I wrote off
to the B----'s for news, and also sent a note off to Charlie, but I
got such a headache with the start that I did not feel fit for church.
It proved to be an Oude Irregular battery going off to be stationed
at the Dawk Bungalow. The B----'s again pressed me to sleep at their
house, although the Padre and his wife (Mr. and Mrs. Harris) were
already there. While taking tea about 8, the bearer came in to tell me
the subadar of Charlie's company had sent his salaam, and would send
up two Sepoys to guard my house at night. I hesitated a little, but
agreed at last to have them, thinking I had better not show any want
of confidence in the men, although it might be a great risk in these
treacherous times. However, I wrote off to Captain W----, asking if he
thought they might be trusted? Captain W---- was from home, but the
Adjutant wrote and said I need not hesitate--he felt perfect confidence
in the men; so they came and I retired to rest, making my usual
defensive preparations, and slept soundly.
Monday, May 18th. Rose at gun-fire, and while I was arranging my
flowers and taking coffee in the garden, the Adjutant called to see
if I were all safe--and then came a note from Mrs. P----, saying she
had heard we were to be turned out of our house to make room for
the troops--and offering us two rooms. I declined, having received
no orders to turn out. The Adjutant had told me the 13th mess-house
had been given up to the European soldiers, and that several of the
bachelors had offered their houses. About half-past 7 Charlie came
home, to my great delight; the Europeans took possession of the
mess-house and houses all round us, and we were well guarded: the day
passed off without alarm.
Tuesday, May 19th. Charlie rose early, and went off to the lines to
see after the Sepoys; on his return we went and took chota hazree
(early breakfast) with the A----'s, and heard there that Mrs. Chambers,
wife of the Adjutant of the 11th N.I. had been murdered at Delhi by
a butcher out of the bazaar; but that the wretch had afterwards been
caught by a sweeper, and roasted alive. We are beginning to receive a
few reports of the sad massacre, but at present it is not known who
have perished or who have escaped; it is true that Mr. Willoughby blew
up the magazine at Delhi himself. This morning a bill was found stuck
on some posts in the cavalry lines, calling on all good Mussulmen to
join in this rise; the cavalry brought it to their officers.[1] After
breakfast came a Sepoy to Charlie to tell him that there was a panic
in one of the bazaars, and that the people were all shutting up their
shops and running away. Charlie went to the Brigade-Major, and soon
after we saw Sir Henry drive by, and could see from our drawing-room
window that the 32nd soldiers in the mess-house were all armed and
accoutred, and a sergeant was stationed at the corner of the house
to give the word; but after a time it subsided, and we heard the
people were returning to their shops: the officer who had charge of
the bazaars had been down with them, trying to make them comprehend
that there was no cause for alarm. It originated in a Chuprasee (a
Government servant) buying melons; he tried to get more than he ought
for his money, which caused a little hubbub, and there being an order
now-a-days to take up any one who makes a disturbance in the bazaar,
two mounted Sepoys rode up to take him; he rushed off crying out "Shut
your shops! shut your shops!" and the poor frightened wretches did it
without question; the man was made prisoner, and so it ended. I have
only named it to show the state of excitement we were in. While this
was occurring, Capt. W---- came in and brought us a budget of Delhi
news, written down by the Allyghur magistrate; it is said a party of
officers were seen going into Kurnaul, eighty miles north of Delhi; so
it is possible they may be fugitives from Delhi--I trust so. Captain
W---- also told us that Brigadier H---- was under arrest at Meerut.
There must have been great delay and mismanagement there, for the
insurgents were in Meerut all Sunday night, burning and murdering, and
did not reach Delhi till 4 o'clock the Monday morning. Captain W----
complimented me on my remaining alone in the house during the panic;
Charlie also seems well pleased that I have done so. In the evening we
took our usual drive; our band was playing at the band-stand, but very
few were driving about. We went to bed in peace--Charlie having his
double-barrelled gun, loaded with a charge of shot, by the bedside; he
says it is more useful than a bullet, for it would disable several,
whereas a bullet might miss altogether: my weapon is the Affghan
dagger, just suited to me, being neither too large nor heavy. I only
trust we may have no occasion to use them, but one cannot be too
guarded in these treacherous times.
[Footnote 1: This regiment afterwards mutinied to a man.]
Wednesday, May 20th. Charlie went off before gun-fire with Captain
W---- to the city to see the Muchee Bawun, where Captain F---- is
stationed. He is there with two companies of Natives, and there are
also two Queen's officers and seventy men, also two guns in position
besides field pieces, one to sweep the whole entrance street of
Lucknow, the other the iron bridge; and then there are some Oude
Irregular troops: an Engineer officer was making the place habitable
for them. While there, Sir Henry drove up, and scolded first this
one, and then that, and then away again to superintend some other
arrangements. The day passed off without alarm. At the band in the
evening Charlie went over to the G----'s carriage, and heard that the
Sappers (Natives) sent from Koorkee to Meerut, had proved treacherous,
but that they had suffered severely for it, for in the same regiment
was also a great number of Europeans, who had killed and wounded great
numbers of them. He also heard that the Commander-in-Chief was marching
down to Delhi, that he was at Kurnaal on the 18th; that he would have
eight European regiments, and that he was bringing with him all the
officers who had gone on leave to Simlah. Delhi is on the Grand Trunk
road from Simlah.
Thursday, May 21st. While Charlie was dressing, just after gun-fire, to
go and inspect his company, there came a notice round that all officers
were to assemble at Sir Henry's at half-past 6. It was to inform them
that he (Sir Henry) had been made Brigadier-General in Oude; that he
had all power entirely in his own hands to reward or punish as he
should think fit, without appealing to any higher power whatever--the
finest thing that could have been done, and we cannot be too thankful
for having such a man over us. Last night a light was put into one of
our Native officer's huts, but fortunately, it was put to leeward. No
doubt the intention was for the fire to be carried to some bungalow;
but one of our Sepoys saw it, and ran and pulled it off and smothered
it, burning his hands in doing so--but it looked well of the man. The
day passed without alarm, but at the band, our Doctor came up to the
buggy, requesting us to take his wife and child in for the night, as
he said there was going to be a rise. We went home and turned out
Charlie's room for her, and placed a bed in it. Just as we were sitting
at tea, the servants came running in giving an alarm of fire, and when
we went out we saw the flames rising up from, apparently, the next
bungalow to ours but one. The wind was high, and lay in the quarter
to blow the sparks to us; Charlie sent several of the servants up on
our thatched roof, each with a gurra of water. We quite looked for a
disturbance now. Charlie took his double-barrelled gun, and told me,
if there were any, to take my Affghan knife and escape at the back of
the house over the garden wall to the Residency--it is only about four
feet. There is only the road between us and the Residency, the garden
wall of which is about five feet, but I could manage both with a chain.
However, all seemed quiet, and, fortunately, it was the stables of a
house which, being tiled, the sparks were not thrown up so high as they
would have been from thatch, and in about an hour and a half we saw
it subside. Then came the Doctor and his family, in a fearful state
of mind. We tried to quiet them, for really we did not fear much now,
the fire having passed off without any rising; it was a good sign, and
several of our Sepoys had come to see if our house was all right. After
arranging Mrs. P----'s room, Charlie and I went to bed; it was past 10,
and he was asleep in a few minutes. I listened for a time thinking I
heard noises in the Bazaar, but soon fell asleep, and the night passed
without further alarm.
Friday, May 22nd. Charlie went into the garden early, just as Sir Henry
was passing. Sir Henry called to him, and told him to go and learn all
he could about the fire, and whether the Sepoys worked to put it out,
and to come over to him at 7, when he would be back from the city. I
found my visitors had had a good night, so they dressed and went home,
and are to come again to-night. There are fourteen ladies sleeping at
the Residency here in Cantonments every night.
Saturday, May 23rd. The day passed without alarm, excepting that in the
afternoon I was by myself and heard such a tremendous noise that I was
quite frightened. It turned out to be at our mess-house. The Colonel of
the 32nd would have the thatched roof well saturated with water in case
of fire, and in the midst of it all a fire-engine rattled up from the
city (the first I ever saw in India), and in my alarm I took it for a
gun.
Sunday, May 24th. We went to church early, and the day passed off
quietly.
Monday, May 25th. We were aroused at 3 A.M. by a message coming for
Charlie to go over to Sir Henry. He dressed and went over immediately.
I waited till gun-fire, and then went into the garden to arrange my
flowers, little thinking what was coming. Charlie came back about
half-past 5, when, to my astonishment, he told me it was Sir Henry's
express orders that all ladies should leave Cantonments and go down to
the Residency in the city; so I suspected he had heard bad news.[2]
I commenced immediately collecting what I thought I should require,
and what I considered valuable, not knowing how long I should be from
home. The heat was intense, and I had to hurry my packing, for Charlie
had had an offer of a seat in the H----'s carriage for me, as he could
not take me down himself, being Captain of the week; and they were to
call for me at half-past 7. He made me take some coffee, and packed up
what he could of eatables and drinkables, not knowing how we should
fare at the Residency. At the appointed time the H----'s and Mrs.
B---- called for me, and we drove to the city, passing innumerable
coolies with beds and baggage of all descriptions, carriages and
buggies filled with ladies and children, all off to the city--such a
scene--and when we drove up to the Residency everything was looking so
warlike, guns pointed in all directions, and barricades and European
troops; everywhere nothing but bustle and confusion. We then heard
there was hardly a room to be had--ladies had been arriving ever since
gun-fire--so Mr. H---- went over to see if Dr. F---- could take us
in. He came back saying he could, and away we went, thankful to get
into such good quarters. Two ladies were there already, and five came
after, with three children, so that every room was full. This house,
as well as Mr. G----'s and Mr. O----'s (both also full) are within the
Residency grounds, and are barricaded all round; still, in case of
disturbance, we have orders to assemble at the Residency. Of course,
there are all kinds of reports and alarms going about consequent on our
flight. The heat was intense; I never experienced anything like it: at
night it is fearful, I cannot sleep for it. Our beds are three under
one punkah. I and Mrs. A---- are with Mrs. F---- in her room. In the
other rooms they are as crowded, but it is nothing to the Residency.
Our party here is a very agreeable one. We meet at chota hazree, and,
after dressing, breakfast at 10. We then have working, reading and
music--there are some very good performers amongst our party--lunch at
2, dine at half-past 7, and then the Padre reads a chapter and prayers,
and we retire.
[Footnote 2: The Cawnpore troops were expected to rise, and then we had
but little chance of remaining quiet ourselves.]
Tuesday, May 26th. The day passed quietly. Several husbands and fathers
visited their beloveds, but mine could not leave his station duty.
In the evening I went to the Residency to see Mrs. B----, whose baby
was dying. I never witnessed such a scene--a perfect barrack--every
room was filled with six or eight ladies; beds all round, and perhaps
a dining-table laid for dinner in the centre--servants thick in all
the verandahs--numbers of the 32nd soldiers and their officers; and
underneath all, the women and children of the 32nd barracks--such a
hubbub and commotion! It is an upper storeyed house, but the upper
storey is not nearly so large as the under one, and yet in that,
including servants and children, there are ninety-six people living!
Poor Mrs. B---- was in great distress; she and another lady had a small
room to themselves, with her five children. I was quite thankful I was
not there: it was a complete rabbit warren. On my return I found Dr.
F---- and Mr. H---- had been to Cantonments, and heard that the 13th
Sepoys had taken up four city men, one of whom attempted to stab Mr.
C----, the Adjutant.
Wednesday, May 27th. The day passed quietly. I went over to the
Residency to see Mrs. P---- and Mrs. A---- in the evening, and found
them in a small room with another lady. Mrs. P----'s child had bad
fever--it was such a scene--they were having a punkah put up, and their
beds were so thick you could hardly move, and scarcely a breath of
air to be had. Such a hubbub all round--some parties were grouped in a
circle in the verandah, some in the compound--but it is impossible to
describe the scene; I can compare it to nothing but a rabbit warren.
Thursday, May 28th. The day passed as usual. In the evening two of us
drove with Dr. and Mrs. F---- to the Martinière College, he taking with
him a very small pistol, and concealed from view, on the coach-box,
a double-barrelled gun. The part of the city we drove through seemed
perfectly quiet.
Friday, May 29th. About 5 A.M. I drove with Miss H---- to Cantonments,
and had the inexpressible delight of seeing Charlie again, and the
poor doggies I thought would have eaten me up. I had chota hazree with
Charlie, and we sat chatting till 7, when the H----'s carriage came for
me again. The day passed quietly. Some of the party drove out with Dr.
and Mrs. F----, in the evening, but I did not. Dr. F----'s elephant
is brought every evening to the verandah, where we are generally all
assembled, to have his dinner. He has large cakes made of 32lbs. of
ottah (coarse flour). This evening he performed various feats: taking
the Mahout upon his back by his trunk, then putting out his forepaw for
the Mahout to climb up that way; roaring, when he was told to speak,
and then salaaming and taking his departure.
Saturday, May 30th. I went down to Cantonments again with Miss H----,
and Col. H---- told us if we liked to remain till 11, he would take
us back to the city himself. I was glad to accede to it, but it was
against orders, for we are only allowed to go down to Cantonments
morning and evening, and stay two hours. I enjoyed my time with
Charlie; had a delightful bath, and appreciated the luxury of my own
bathing and dressing rooms; then breakfasted with Charlie, who did
not like my remaining in Cantonments so long against orders. The poor
doggies were wild--"Prince," a little Scotch terrier, seemed to think
himself privileged to be saucy as his mistress had come to see him, and
got away under a sofa, and growled, and bid defiance to the servant
who came to take him away to be washed, so that Charlie had to come to
the rescue. However, the whole time Charlie was in a fidget about my
remaining against orders. At 11 the carriage came. I little thought
it was my last sight of the pretty garden and the home I had spent so
many happy hours in, and of my poor little doggies. After taking up
Col. H---- and his daughter, who should we meet but Sir H. Lawrence,
returning from the city; and he stared me full in the face. I was in
terror, for I feared Charlie would get a wigging for letting me remain
so long in Cantonments, and he is always so particular not to disobey
orders. The day passed quietly. The elephant came to the verandah to
be fed, and we sat down to dinner, laughing and talking--quite a merry
party--when, about 9, the servants came running in, saying there was
a great deal of firing going on in the direction of Cantonments. We
all started up. Dr. F---- and Mr. H---- rushed off to discover the
truth of it, and sure enough there was artillery and musketry plainly
to be heard, and from the top of the house tremendous fires could be
seen blazing up. Dr. F---- at first ordered us to get our bonnets
and go to the Residency; then he said we had better go down to the
underground part of the house: and he had all the doors locked, and
they armed themselves. It was an awful time for us who had our husbands
in Cantonments, for there was not a doubt but that the Native troops
had risen, and were burning and murdering. Dr. F---- then told us to
get together a little bundle of linen, and what we might require in
case we were ordered off to the Muchee Bawun--we might be kept there
some time--but it must be only a small bundle, that we could carry
in our hands. We did so, and then all collected in the dining-room,
awaiting our orders, Mrs. F----'s baby asleep in the midst of us; the
suspense was fearful. About 2, came down Mr. J----, the commissariat
officer, with a message from Sir Henry, that the Native troops had
risen, but that we had held our own, and the rebels had fled. Dr.
F---- then said we had better all go and lie down in our clothes, with
our bundles ready, and he would call us if there were any further
alarm. We went; but I could only walk up and down the room, thinking
of Charlie, and whether he had been wounded. Mrs. F---- gave me a cup
of tea, and while I was drinking it they came running in to tell me
Charlie was all right. He had ridden up with a despatch from Sir Henry
for Mr. G----, escorted by twenty Irregular Cavalry men, and a few
minutes after he made his appearance. I never shall forget the moment.
I could only thank God he was safe. His trowsers, up to the knees, were
covered with blood, but it was from his horse having been shot in the
nose. He himself had had a most narrow escape; the Brigadier was shot
about two yards from him. Of course all the ladies in the house crowded
round him, and his first words were, "All belonging to the ladies in
this house are safe." He then mentioned the Brigadier's death, and
Mr. G----'s, of the 71st N.I.; also, that Mr. C---- had been wounded
in the leg. They had just brought him down to the Residency, in Sir
Henry's carriage. I could only shudder to think what an escape my own
dear husband had had. He said they were sitting at mess when the alarm
was given, and that he rushed off to the Brigadier, being his orderly
officer that week. The Brigade-Major joined them, and they went into
the Lines, when the Sepoy of the 13th, who had been rewarded a few
days previously, and who was carrying the Brigadier's gun, called
out, "Save yourself, Sahib; they are going to fire!" A volley was
fired, but the Brigadier was not hit then. Charlie was on foot; he had
tried to mount a horse of Capt. W----'s, but it had thrown him--most
fortunately for him as it turned out afterwards--then went on again and
received another volley, and then a third, and Charlie says it was most
marvellous they were not hit. They had then reached the European camp,
when the Brigadier would go a little further, although the soldiers
warned him not to. A shot immediately struck him in the breast, and
he fell from his horse like a stone--quite dead. Charlie ordered some
European soldiers to carry him into camp, which they did; and he said
it was only from not being mounted himself that he was not hit--they
fired too high. He and Mr. B---- rushed off, and Charlie's groom met
him in the bazaar with his horse. He lost Mr. B---- in the bazaar, but
dared not wait; they were all in arms around him. It was the 71st N.I.
that commenced the mutiny--they rushed off and got their arms, and
the bad ones of the other regiments joined them. However, the great
guns settled them, and they made off into the district. Sir Henry then
asked who would carry down a despatch to the city, and Charlie offered,
for he thought of me, so he galloped off with his twenty Sowars,[3]
leaving the bungalows burning on all sides of him. He fancied not
one would escape. Ours for that night did, owing to Charlie's orderly
telling the party of the 48th, who had come to burn it, that there was
a Havildar's party inside, who would fire instantly; so they passed
on to the next. This man got 100 rupees afterwards from Sir Henry for
this. Charlie did not go back to Cantonments that night, as his horse
was quite done up, and he had had leave to do as he liked. He went back
to Mr. G----, and we all went to bed. Never shall I forget this awful
night, nor how much I have to thank God for having preserved my dear
one.
[Footnote 3: These all turned against us afterwards.]
Sunday, May 31st. Charlie came over to breakfast with us; we all then
went into Dr. F----'s room, and Mr. H---- read prayers; Charlie then
went to see if Sir Henry had arrived, and I wrote my overland letters
and was just closing them, when an order came for all ladies to go over
to the Residency, as they expected a rise in the city; we collected our
bundles, and, under a burning sun, walked over to the Residency, where
we were told not to congregate too many in one part, as the building
was not safe; every room in the upper storey was crammed, we could
hardly get space to put down our bundles: at last Miss N---- offered me
a corner in one room, but the perfect Babel there was with the number
of children and the fearful heat, with no punkahs going, was enough to
drive one wild. We sat down in this miserable state all day; there was
luncheon going on when we arrived, and we were invited to partake, but
Mrs. F---- kindly sent over for one from her own house for us. I saw
my husband every now and then, but he was acting under Major A----. In
the evening the two Padres tried to have prayers, but we could scarcely
hear them from the Babel of tongues all round and the screams of so
many children; it was perfect misery. I was dying with thirst, and
had nothing of my own to quench it; at last a lady took pity on me,
and ordered her servant to make me a cup of tea--a perfect luxury. We
heard firing going on all the evening; it turned out to be an attack
on the Dowlut Khana, but the rebels were repulsed, several shot, and
others taken prisoners, who were afterwards hanged. Martial law is
proclaimed now in Oude, so they are hanging several night and morning
at the Muchee Bawun. About 7, Sir Henry came down from Cantonments with
a large escort, and was received with great cheering; four more guns
came down with him; every preparation was made, expecting an attack
that night; every man was at his gun, and the slow matches lighted in
readiness. There was no chance of sleeping down in this hot Babel, so
I and several other ladies took our bedding up on the roof and slept
there; it was a lovely moonlight night, and never shall I forget the
scene. The panorama of Lucknow, from the top of the Residency, is
splendid; and down immediately below us, in the compound, we could see
the great guns and all the military preparations; all, every instant,
expecting an attack, and firing going on in the distance. However, I
was so worn out with the previous night that I lay down and was asleep
in a second; of course I did not undress, nor had I done so the night
before. I started frequently, fancying I heard the tramp of the mob
coming; we had the two Padres up with us and they determined to watch
by turns. Mr. P---- began; he had a double-barreled gun, pistol and
sword, and walked round and round for two hours, and then awoke Mr.
H----, but we could not help laughing, for Mr. H---- was so sleepy
he told him he did not think there was any necessity for watching
up there. I shall never forget the night; the moon and stars were
so brilliant overhead, looking so peaceful in contrast to the scene
below. I fixed up an umbrella over my head to keep off the ill effects
of the moon; every hour the sentinels were calling to one another and
answering, "All's well!" It was certainly more a scene from romance
than real life. Sir Henry slept out, like the others, between two guns.
Monday, June 1st. As soon as it was light, I rolled up my bundle
of bedding and went down to find Charlie; he was just going off to
Cantonments with Sir Henry, being made Acting Adjutant in the room of
Mr. C----, and they have all orders to remain in camp in Cantonments;
so I must not expect to see him now. The heat is fearful in tents by
day--there are two or three companies of Europeans and some guns, and
all the Native troops who remained staunch to us, encamped together;
our treasure and regimental colours are saved; the former entirely
by Mr. L----'s bravery. One is hearing now of the wonderful escapes
some of the officers had that night; the only wonder is that so many
escaped; numbers have lost their all. To continue. Mrs. F---- gave
me a cup of tea: one's thirst is fearful in this intense heat and
excitement; I contrived to send a cup down to Charlie. Poor fellow! he
has not undressed at night for more than a week; he went back in Sir
Henry's carriage, for his own horse is quite done up. Just as I was
wondering where I should find a corner to dress in, Dr. F---- gave us
notice that we might go back to his house, for he thought it safer than
the Residency, with that crowd; it was perfect paradise to get back
again, and I had a lovely bath. I could not do much throughout the day,
for I was overpowered with drowsiness; we had no alarms: at night we
hardly liked undressing, but I thought it would rest one more, so I put
on a thick dressing-gown and placed my bundle ready and fell asleep.
We were aroused by a slight alarm, but it ended in nothing. I partly
dressed, and lay down again. It was occasioned by a sick man, in his
delirium, calling out "Murder!" However, it caused a great commotion,
and every one was ordered to arm himself; it only shows what an excited
state we are all in.
Tuesday, June 2nd. The day passed quietly. In the evening Mr. C----
paid me a visit, and gave many particulars of that awful night; he is
come down on city duty.
Wednesday, June 3rd. The first news we heard from without was the death
of the Commander-in-Chief, from cholera, at Umballah; then about 1
o'clock came Major B---- and Mr. P---- to tell the F----'s Dr. F----'s
brother had been killed by the insurgents; it was a day of bad news:
also poor Captain H----, who has left a widow and seven children, and
Mr. B----, a newly-married man. I believe they removed poor Mrs. H----
to Mrs. G----'s before telling her the sad news. As I and Mrs. A----
occupied Mrs. F----'s room, we offered to give it up to her and her
husband, but they would not hear of it; we had no further alarm in the
city.
Thursday, June 4th. I rose as soon as it was light, to get a little
air; the heat is so intense in this house that this is the only
breath of air one gets in the day. While sitting in the garden, fifty
Europeans of the 84th arrived in dawk carriages, Dr. P---- and Major
G---- with them. Major G----'s regiment had mutinied, and they had with
difficulty escaped with their lives. Dr. P---- said they expected an
attack between this and Cawnpore, so as there were four soldiers to
each carriage, two always kept watch outside with their muskets loaded,
and the carriages were kept all together. Poor Mrs. F---- was looking
out her mourning; it seemed so sad that neither she nor Dr. F---- had a
room to themselves. After dinner news was brought that the 41st N.I. at
Setapore had mutinied, and that the ladies and gentlemen were flying,
so Dr. F---- and Mr. G---- sent off their carriages immediately to
meet them; a party of gentlemen had ridden off already, and Dr. F----
and Dr. P---- followed them. At sunset I went over with Mr. C---- to
see Mrs. A---- and Mrs. P----; the latter is in great distress for
clothing, having lost everything the night of the mutiny, like many
others. While I was sitting with them, the fugitives drove in, bringing
in news that Colonel B----, the commandant of the 41st, had been shot
by his men; his poor daughter was with the fugitives: there were many
missing, and it was afterwards known that all living in or near the
Civil Lines perished, excepting Sir M---- J---- and his sister, who
formerly resided here with their uncle, Mr. C. C. J----, the chief
commissioner.
Friday, June 5th. Rose at gun-fire, for the heat is so unbearable I
am glad to get up. Several of the 32nd officers joined us while we
were sitting in the garden, and the discussion was, why the hanging
should be stopped? There has been none the last two days, and before
that they were hanging six or eight morning and evening in front of
the Muchee Bawun. The day passed without alarm. In the evening, to
our surprise, we heard the remainder of the 48th N.I. were ordered to
Deriowbad for treasure; of course we concluded it was a great risk for
the officers, although they are the Sepoys that remained staunch at the
mutiny. It is quite risk enough being with them in Cantonments with
only a handful of Europeans. I went over to see Mrs. B----, who is in
great distress, having just lost her baby. She told me of her narrow
escape the night of the mutiny in the Cantonments; she was down there
with all her children, although Sir H. L---- had forbidden ladies to
be there at night. She told me, she and the Major were in bed when a
Havildar came rushing in, begging her to fly, for the Sepoys were up in
the Lines, and immediately after the mutineers came to the house and
asked for the Sahib and Mem-Sahib; she fled with her five children,
escorted by three friendly Sepoys, first into the servants' houses, but
the bullets came whistling so thick that the Sepoys cut a hole in the
mud-wall for her to escape at the back. They fled to a village, but the
villagers came out and threatened to take their lives if they remained,
so they went and took refuge in a dry nullah (a bed of a stream); it
was about fifteen or twenty feet deep, so that they had to sit and
slide down the bank; the Sepoys lay down on the bank and watched; her
poor baby had dysentery, and had nothing on but its night-clothes: no
wonder it died a day or two after; but, then, she ought not to have
been in Cantonments. She drove up to the city next day, but Sir Henry
was so angry with her for having disobeyed his orders that he would not
allow her an escort. Mrs. M----, the Pension Paymaster's wife, has lost
everything--she says 50,000 rupees' worth of property--for the bungalow
was their own, and being stationary at Lucknow, they had everything in
the greatest luxury; she had an immense amount of jewellery. Miss N----
spent the day with us.
Saturday, June 6th. Another quiet day. I had a great fright in the
afternoon, for a fire was seen in Cantonments. However, I got a note
from Charlie, saying all was quiet; the 71st Lines had been burnt down.
Sunday, June 7th. Rose at gun-fire, and went to church with nearly all
our party, for Sir Henry said it was quite safe. The church is in the
entrenchment. We stayed to the Sacrament, and it was quite comforting.
The day passed quietly. Most attended service again in the evening, for
there were sentries round the church; but the heat was so extreme I
felt unequal to going.
Monday, June 8th. A quiet day. Firing has been heard for two days at
Cawnpore. In the evening a Mrs. A----, of the 41st, a fugitive from
Setapore, called and gave a description of the mutiny there; and a Mr.
V---- came in and reported he had seen the bodies of Mrs. C---- and the
two Miss J----'s lying in the road.[4]
[Footnote 4: Not true.]
Tuesday, June 9th. Another quiet day; no news. I went to see Mrs.
A----, who had been very ill, but was better. Mrs. F---- went to
several of the ladies from Secroara, who are living in the Begum Kotee
(another house in the Residency compound for the accommodation of the
ladies) and told me she had seen Mrs. B---- and Mrs. K----; they were
without even a change of clothes. I think they came in from Secroara
with the Setapore party; Mrs. B---- had not even a change for her baby!
They are still going on making our entrenchment stronger and stronger;
two 18-pounders have been put in position, for the insurgents have guns
at Cawnpore from the Rajah of Bhitoor,[5] who has joined them. We dine
now at 4 o'clock, and have tea and ices in the garden in the evening;
and, we are in luxury, compared with most.
[Footnote 5: The Nana.]
Wednesday, June 10th. Went into the garden early, and heard that some
women and children had been brought in from Setapore in dhoolies
(palanquins for the sick) led by a sergeant who had his arm in
splinters. They brought a frightful account of the atrocities committed
there--too barbarous and inhuman to be mentioned. I sent plates, cups
and saucers, &c., &c., to the Secroara ladies, and linen to poor Mrs.
B----. We were told, at breakfast, that we must not be alarmed if we
heard a great explosion, for they were going to blow up a gateway near
us. They are clearing as much as they can, a space around us, to give
as little cover as possible for the enemy to fire from, in case it
comes to a siege. In the evening, I and several others went over to the
Begum's house, and saw Mrs. K---- and Mrs. B----; the place was very
dirty, but the room lofty and good. Mrs. F---- brought away Mrs. B----
and four children to our house.
Thursday, June 11th. The atrocities committed at Setapore are beyond
belief; a whole heap of babies was found,--the poor little creatures
bayonetted and thrown on a heap. The ladies from Deriowbad came in,
and Mr. B----, an artillery officer, from Secroara; his artillerymen
(Natives) made him come in, and actually gave him fifty rupees for
expenses on the road: so the rebels have his guns. A sergeant-major,
from Setapore, brought news that the treasury there had been plundered,
and that the rebels had then started for Gondah, intending to loot that
also. The poor ladies from Setapore and Gondah were in a dreadful state
about their husbands. I settled my Kitmagar's account, and paid a few
rupees to each of the servants. Mrs. F---- was taking in stores all
day, in case of a siege. The explosion was expected this day, as it was
a failure yesterday. In the evening I paid another visit to the ladies
in the Begum's house.
Friday, June 12th. Captain W---- came over, and said the Sepoys were
to be sent to their homes and the officers from Cantonments to come
down here; this was good news indeed. Mr. G---- sent over to say that
a messenger was going off to Benares in disguise and would take a
small letter for each of us and try and post them there, as our last
overlands were still lying at the post-office, the road having been
closed for some days. We all commenced writing immediately, one sheet
each, and when they were sent over, Mr. G----, to our great disgust,
said they were all too large, and that we could only send a piece one
quarter of the size; so we commenced again, and the puzzle then was
how to fold so small a piece for overland passage. Soon after, while
arranging with my servants and taking my Kitmagar's account for May, I
heard two muskets fired and some of the great guns gallop off. I could
hardly sit still, but I did not like the men to see me frightened. I
finished the Kitmagar's account and paid it, but I must own he might
have cheated me. When I went back into the drawing-room I found it was
the police had mutinied. Soon after, the gentlemen came home and said
the police had bolted, but two guns and a company of Europeans had
gone after them; also a body of gentlemen on horseback. In the evening
I went over to see Mrs. A----, who was up for the first time. On my
return, we had tea and ices in the garden, and while sitting there the
guns and infantry returned bringing news that forty of the enemy had
been killed and many taken prisoners. Three of the Europeans had fallen
out by the way from the intense heat, and one had died from apoplexy.
Two of our Sikhs were killed; and Mr. T----, a civilian, had been
wounded by a bayonet in his shoulder; he walked in while we were there,
and Dr. F---- took him into his room and dressed the wound. We all
retired for the night. Mr. E----, 32nd Queen's, came in for a moment in
passing, but appeared quite done up; he threw himself into a chair, and
had a glass of soda-water, and told us that they and the guns had not
been able to get up with the enemy; he told us, afterwards, he had been
obliged to have leeches on his temples that same night.
Saturday, June 13th. Rose early, and wrote to Charlie I expected my
piano up from Cantonments, as Mrs. F---- had offered to take it in.
About 7, I went in to dress and bathe, and while there Captain W----
called and sent to say he must see me--no one else could give me his
message--he must see me himself. I quickly dressed and threw on a
shawl and received him in Mrs. F----'s little room; it was to tell me
that Charlie would be down at half-past 4, as the regiment was coming,
but I was to say nothing about it till they arrived. After that, they
brought me news that my piano was not allowed to pass the gate. I wrote
Captain G----, who refused to let it pass, and then to Major A----, who
said it was a peremptory order that no furniture could be taken into
the entrenchments, but he very kindly offered to take it into his own
house for me in the Teree Kotie, just outside; I, however, sent it to
the Martinière. The day passed quietly, and about 6 came dear Charlie;
he could not stay long, for he had engaged to dine with Sir Henry:
however, he first sent off the buggy and two great boxes of property,
which he had had brought up from Cantonments to the Martinière.
Sunday, June 14th. I rose early to see Charlie, and then went to church
at 7. The day was quiet, but word was brought that Captain B---- and
Mr. F---- of the 48th N.I., and Captain S----, and Mr. B---- of the 7th
Cavalry, all out on detachment duty, had been murdered by their men.
Charlie came again in the evening, and I had a nice chat with him.
Monday, June 15th. Charlie came again, and promised another visit in
the evening. My Ayah also came, and seemed overjoyed to see me; it
was agreed that she and her family should have a house in the bazaar:
the only drawback was, that now something must be done with the poor
doggies, and they were under their charge. Poor Prince had such a sore
back from the heat, living in the tents with Charlie, that Charlie had
bought strychnine to give them before he came away, but had not the
heart to do it. At 11, in came Charlie, unexpectedly, to say he had
been ordered off to the Muchee Bawun with his Sikhs. I was greatly
disappointed, hoping to have had him here. It was agreed that the poor
pets were to be sent to him to the Muchee Bawun to be killed. I felt so
wretched all day, and the heat was intense--all was quiet.
Tuesday, June 16th. The first news we heard was, that Major G----, who
had gone off in disguise with despatches, had been betrayed by his
men--ten of his own selecting--and killed at Roy Bareilly; and while
we were at breakfast, Captain W---- brought news that a letter had
come by a messenger from General W---- at Cawnpore, dated the 14th, 11
o'clock. They had held out till then, but had lost a great number of
men--Captain W---- would not say how many--so I fear it was very bad
news. The Ayah came, and the poor doggies were taken to Charlie. I had
not the heart to take a last look at them. Charlie and the cook drowned
them in the river. Poor Charlie! it was hard for him to have to do it.
The day passed quietly, but bad news was arriving from the district
constantly. Mrs. B---- and some others killed at Sultanpore. She in a
Rajah's fort!--but one hears now of nothing but wholesale massacres!
Charlie came in the evening, and it did my heart good to see him.