The Sun.
London, England, 1858-01-29 00:00:00

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eagerness
and of
from th the
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thend p
toils iet i
vo ni l withlg e ma rour
es h
t, thehan
and courage of the troops, and so well were they led by
menh„if a mile in its rear, was rapidly cleared. The theirmuti-
neers
cheeringcers, tahsa t
theyw a
cwarrented;
~,--er---- -bastily took to flight, leaving in our possession two
8-inch iron howitzers and one 6-pounder gun.
In this fight my loss was not severe ; but I regret very
much that a very promising young officer, Captain H. H.
Day, 88th Regiment, was killed.
Observing, from a height on the other side of the vil-
lage, that the enemy's main body was at hand, and that
the one just defeated was their leading division, I at once
decided on retiring to protect Cawnpore, my entrench-
ments, and the bridge over the Ganges. We accordingly
fell back, followed, however, by the enemy up to the
bridge over the canal.
On the morning of the 27th, the enemy commenced their
attack, with an overwhelming force of heavy artillery. My
position was in front of the city. I was threatened on all
aides, and very seriously attacked on my front and right
flank. The heavy fighting in front, at the point of junc-
tion of the Calpee and Delhi Roads, fell more especially
upon the Rifle Brigade, ably commanded by Colonel Wal-
pole, who was supported by the 88th Regiment and four
guns (two 9-pounders, two 24-pounder howitzers) under
Captain D. S. Greene, Royal Artillery, and two 24-pounder
guns, manned by seamen of the Shannon, under Lieut.
Hay, R.N., who was twice wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel
John Adye, Royal Artillery, also afforded me marked
assistance with these guns.
In spite of the heavy bombardment of the enemy, my
troops resisted the attack for five hours, and still held the
ground, until, on my proceeding personally to make sure
of the safety of the fort, I found from the number of men
bayonetted by the B,ith Regiment, that the mutineers had
fully penetrated the town ; and having been told that they
were then attacking the fort, I directed Major-General
Dupuis, R.A. (who, as my Second-in-command, I had left
with the main body), to fall back the whole force into the
fort, with all our stores and guns, shortly before dark.
Owing to the flight of the camp followers at the com-
mencement of the action, notwithstanding the long time
we held the ground, I regret to state, that in making this
retrogade movement, I was unable to carry off all my
camp equipage and some of the baggage. Had not an
error occurred in the conveyance of an order issued by me,
I am of opinion that I could have held my ground at all
events until dark.
I must not omit, in this stage of the proceedings, to
report that the flank attack was well met, and resisted,
for a considerable time, by the 34th Regiment under
Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly, and the Madras Battery under
Lieutenant Chamier, together with that part of the 82d
Regiment which was detached, in this direction under
Lieutenant-Colonel D. Watson.
In retiring within the entrenchments I followed the
general instructions issued to me by your Excellency, con-
veyed through the Chief of the Staff, namely, to preserve
the safety of the bridge over the Ganges, and my commu-
nications with your force, so severely engaged in the im-
portant operation of the relief of Lucknow, as far as pos-
sible. I strictly adhered to the defensive.
After falling back to the fort, I assembled the superior
officers on the evening of the 27th, and proposed a night
attack, should I be able to receive reliable information as
to where the enemy had assembled his artillery.
As, however, I could obtain none (or, at all events, none
that was satisfactory), I decided
Firstly, That on the following day Colonel Walpole,
Rifle Brigade, should have the defence of the advanced
portion of the town on the left side of the canal, standing
with your back to the Ganges. The details of the force
upon this point were as follow :-
5 companies Rifle Brigade, under Lieut.-Colonel C.

GEN.

position to protect the canal, where it proved of good ser•
vice during the day. I beg also to testify to the willing
exertions of Senior-Surgeon R. C. Elliot on all occasions.
—I have, &c.,

J. E. DUPUIS, Major-General,
Commanding Royal Artillery in India.

No. 5.
The Commander-ia-Chief to the Governor• General, Head
Quarters Camp, Cawnpore,
December 10, 1857.
My Lord.—l have the honour to report to your Lord-
ship, that late on the night of the 3d instant, the convoy,
which had given me so much anxiety, including the
families and half the wounded, was finally despatched,
and on the '4th and sth the last arrangements were made
for consigning the remainder of the wounded in places of
safety, while a portion of the troops was withdrawn from
the entrenchments to join the camp.
On the afternoon of the sth, about 3 p.m., the enemy
attacked our left picquets with artillery, and showed in-
fantry round our left flank.
A desultory fire was also begun on our picquets
in the General Gang, which is an old bazaar of very con-
siderable extent along the canal, in front of the line occu-
pied by the camp.
These advanced positions had been held, since our arrival
by Brigadier Greathed's brigade with great firmness, the
Brigadier having displayed his usual judgment in their
arrangement and support. On two or three occasions he
had been supported by Captain Peel's heavy guns and Cap-
tain Bourchier's field battery, when the artillery of the
enemy had annoyed him, and the general front of the
camp.
After two hours of cannonading, the enemy retired on
the afternoon in question.
Arrangements were then made for a general attack on
him the next day.
His left occupied the oid cantonment, from which
General Windham's post had been principally assailed.
His centre was in the city of Cawnpore, and lined the
houses and bazaars overhanging the canal, which separated
it from Brigadier G'reathead's position, the principal
streets having been afterwards discovered to be barri-
caded.
His right stretched some way beyond the angle formed
by the Grand Trunk Road and the Canal, two miles in rear
of which the camp of the Gwalior Contingent was pitched,
and so covered the Calpee road. This was the line of
retreat of that body.
In short, the canal, along which were placed his centre
and right, was the main feature of his position, and could
only be passed in the latter direction by two bridges.
It appeared to me, if his right were vigorously attacked,
that it would be driven from its position without assist-
ance coming from other parts of his line, the wall of the
town, which gave shelter to our attacking columns on our
right, being an effective obstacle to the movement of any
portion of his troops from his left to right.
Thus the possibility became apparent of attacking his
division in detail.
From intelligence received, before and after the action,
there seems to be little doubt that, in consequence of the
arrival of the four regiments from Oude, and the gathering
of various mutinous corps which had suffered in previous
actions, as well as the assemblage of Blithe Nana s followers,
the strength of the enemy now amounted to about 25,000
men, with all the guns belonging to the contingent, some
(36) thirty-six in number, together with a few guns
belonging to the Nana.
Orders were given to General Windham, on the morn-
ing of the 6th, to open a heavy bombardment at 9 S.M.
from the entrenchment in the old cantonment, and so
induce the belief in the enemy that the attack was coming
from the General's position.
The camp was struck early, and all the baggage driven
down to the river side under a guard, to avoid the slightest
risk of accident.
Brigadier Greathead, reinforced by the 64th Regiment,
was desired to hold the same ground opposite the centre
of the enemy, which he had been occupying for some days
past, as above mentioned, and at 11 aan. the rest of the
force was drawn up in contiguous columns in roar of some
old cavalry lines, and effectually masked from the obser-
vation of the enemy.
The cannonade from the entrenchment having become
slack at this time, the moment. had arrived for the attack
to commence.
The cavalry and horse artillery having been sent to make
a detour on the left and across the canal, by a bridge a
mile and a half farther up, and threaten the enemy's rear.
The infantry deployed in parallel lines fronting the
canal.
Brigadier Hope's Brigade was in advance in one line,
Brigadier Inglis Brigade being in rear of Brigadier Hope.
At the same time Brigadier Walpole, assisted by Captain
Smith's field battery, Royal Artillery, was directed to pass
the bridge immediately to the left of Brigadier Greathed's
position, and to drive the enemy from the brisk-kilns,
keeping the wall of the city for his guide.
The whole attack then proceeded, the enemy quickly
Responding from his proper right, to the fire of our heavy
and field artillery.
Good use was made of these guns by Captain Peel, C. 8.,
R.N., and the Artillery Officers under Major-General
Dupuis, C. 8., R.A., Brigadier Crawford, R.A., and Major
Turner, B.A.
The Seikhs, of the 4th Punjaub Infantry, thrown into
skirmishing order, supportd by H.M.'a sid Foot, attacked
the enemy in some old mounds and brick-kilns to our left,
with great vigour.
The advance then continued with rapidity, along the
whole line, and I had the satisfaction of observing, in the
distance, that Brigadier Walpole was making equal pro-
gress on the right.
The canal bridge was quickly passed, Capt. Peel leading
over it with a heavy gun, accompanied by a soldier of Her
Majesty's 53d, named Hannaford.
The troops which had gathered together, resuming their
line of formation with great rapidity ou either side artwork
as it was crossed, and centinuing to drive the enemy at all
points, his camp being reached and taken at 1 p.m., and his
route being complete along the Calpee-road.
I must here draw attention to the manner in which the
heavy 24-pounder guns were impelled and managed by
Captain Peel and his gallant sailors.
Through the extraordinary energy and good-will with
which the latter have worked, their guns have been con-
stantly in advance throughout our late operations, from
the relief of Lucknow till now, as if they were light field
pieces, and the service rendered by them in clearing our
front has been incalculable. On one occasion there was
the sight beheld of 24. pounder guns advancing with the
first line of skirmishers.
Without losing any time, the pursuit with cavalry, in-
fantry, and light artillery was pressed with the greatest
eagerness to the 14th milestone on the Calpee road, and I
have reason to believe that every gun and cart of ammuni-
tion, which had been in that part of the enemy's position,
which had been att irked, now fell into our possession.
I had the satisfaction of accompanying the troops en
gaged in the pursuit, and of being able to bear witness to
to their strenuous endeavours to make the most of the suc-
cess which had been achieved.
When I passed the camp and went forward on the Cal-
pee road, Major-General Mansfield was desired by me to
make arrangements for the attack of the position called
the Subadar's Tank, which extended round the left rear of
the enemy's position in the old cantonments. As this
operation was a separate one, I beg to inclose, for your
Lordship's consideration, the Major• General's own narra-
tive.

Woodford.
2 companies of the 82d Regiment, under Lieut.-Colone,
Watson.
4 guns (two 9-pounders, and two 24-pounder howitzers),
under Capt. Greene, R.A.
(Two of these guns were manned by Madras gunners,
and two by Seikhs.)
Secondly.—That Brigadier N. Wilson, with the 61th
Regiment, was to hold the fort and establish a strong
picquet at the Baptist Chapel on the extreme right.
Thirdly.—That Brigadier Carthew, with the 34th Regi-
ment, under Lieut.-Colonel Kelly, and four Madras guns,
should hold the Bithoor road in advance of the Baptist
Chapel, receiving support from the picquet there, if
wanted.
Fourthly—That, with the 88th Regiment under Lieut.-
Colonel Maxwell, I should defend the portion of the town
nearest the Ganges on the left of the canal, and support
Colonel Walpole if required.
The fighting on the 2Sth was very severe. On the left
advance, Colonel Walpole, with the Rifles, supported by
Captain Greene's battery, and part of the 82d Regiment,
achieved a complete victory over the enemy, and captured
two 18-pounder guns.
The glory of this well-contested fight belongs entirely to
the above-named companies, and artillery.
It was owing to the gallantry of the men and officers,
under the able leading of Colonel Walpole, and of my
lamented relation, Lieutenant-Colonel Woodford, of the
Rifle Brigade (who, I deeply regret to say, was killed),
and of Lieut.-Colonel Watson, 82d, and of Capt. Greene,
R.A., that this hard contested fight was won and brought
to so profitable an end. I had nothing to do with it, be-
yond sending them supports, and, at the end, of bringing
some up myself.
I repeat that the credit is entirely due to the above-
mentioned officers and men.
Brigadier Wilson thought proper, prompted by zeal for
the service, to lead his regiment against four guns placed
in front of Brigadier Carthew. In this daring exploit, I
regret to say, he lost his life, together with several valuable
and able officers. Major T. Stirling, 61th Regiment, was
killed in spiking one of the guns, as was also that fine
gallant young man, Capt. R. C. at'Crea. 64th Regiment.
who acted as Depnty-Assistant Quartermaster-General to
the force here. Copt. W. Morphey, 64th Regiment (the
Brigade Major), also fell at the same time. Our numbers
were not sufficient to enable us to carry off the guns.
Captain A. P. Bowlby, now the Senior Officer of tha
64th Regiment, distinguished himself, as did also Captain
11. F. Saunders, of the 70th Regiment, who was attached
to the 61th, and is Senior to Captain Bowlby, whose con-
duct he describes as most devoted and gallant; as was also
that of the men of the regiment.
Brigadier Carthew, of the Madras Native Infantry, had
a most severe and strong contest with the enemy, from
morning till night ; but I regret to add, that he felt him-
self obliged to retire at dark.
During the night of the 28th inst., the enemy occupied
the town, and on the morning of the 29th commenced bom-
barding my entrenchments with a few guns, and struck
the bridge of boats several times.
The guns mounted in the fort were superior in number
to those of the enemy, and were well manned, throughout
the day, by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and
men of the Royal Artillery, seamen of the Shannon, Ma-
dras and Bengal gunners, and Sikhs.
The chief outwork was occupied by the Rifle Brigade,
and in the course of the afternoon, by your Excellency's
instructions, they were advanced, and gallantly drove the
mutineers out of that portion of the city nearest to our
works, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Fyers, who was
supported by Col. Walpole.
Throughout the short period I have had the temporary
command of this division, I have received, both in the
field and elsewhere, the most important assistance from
Capt. H. Bruce, 5;1 Panjaub Cavalry. Without him I
should have been at a great loss for reliable information,
and although I am aware that your excellency is not igno-
rant of his abilities, courage, and assiduity, I think it my
duty to make this mention of his service to the country.
Pressed as I am by the operations now going forward, 1
am not able to specify the services of every individval
who has assisted me, where all have behaved so well. I
have no Staff of my own, except Capt. Roger S wire, of
the 17th Foot, my Aide-de-Camp, who has behaved with
his usual zeal and courage.
I therefore hope I may be allowed to thank, through
your Excellency, the undermentioned officers, for the
great services they have voluntarily rendered me during
this trNing time :
SPECIALLY—Major-General J. E. Dupuis, C. 8., Com-
manding Royal Artillery in India; Lieutenant-Colonel J.
Ady e, C.B. Assistant Adjutant-General, Royal Artillery;
Lieutenant-Colonel H. D. Harness, Commanding Royal
Engineers ; and Major N. M`Leod, Bengal Engineers.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Simpson, 31th Regiment.
Senior-Surgeon R. C. Elliot, C. 8., Royal Artillery.
Captain John Gordon, 82d Regiment.
Captain Sarsfield Greene, Royal Artillery.
, Captain Smyth, Bengal Artillery.
There are several other officers in addition, who I
fortunately found detained here, en route to join your
k Excellency's force, and I beg to submit their names, viz. :
Captain R. G. Brackenburya 61st Regiment.
Lieutenant Arthur Henley, 52,1 Light Infantry.
Lieutenant Valentine Ryan, 61th Regiment.
Lieutenant Ellis Cunliffe, let Bengal Fusiliers.
Lieutenant E. H. Budgen, 82d Regiment (to whom I
gave the command of the 100 monntedSowars.)
Captain C. E. Mansfield, 334 Regiment.
Lieutenant P. Scratchley, Royal Engineers.
Lieutenant W. C. Milne, 74th Bengal N.I.
I beg to inform your Excellency that I have called for
nominal returns of the killed and wounded, and I have
also directed all officers commanding corps, regiments, and
batteries, Sec., to forward to me the names of any officers,
non-commissioned officers, or soldiers, who may have espo-.
cially distinguished themselves by gallantry in the field,
which shall be forwarded to your Excellency without delay.
In conclusion, I hope I may be permitted to express my
sincere thanks to all theregimental officers, non-commis-
sioned officers, and men, for the zeal, gallantry, and
courage with which they have carried out my orders dur-
ing the four days of harassing actions which have succes-
sively taken place in the defence of this important strategic
centre of present operations.
I beg to forward the enclosed despatch, which I have
received from Major-Gentral Dupuis, and I have called
upon the various officers commanding corps, Sec., to for-
ward me the names of any officers they may wish to recom-
mend, which I will send to your Excellency as soon as 1
receive them.—l have, See.,
C. A. WINDIIAM, Major-General.

The troops having returned from the pursuit at
midnight on the 6th, and their baggage having reached
them on the afternoon of the next day, Brigadier-General
Grant was detached in pursuit on the Bth, with the
cavalry, some light artillery, and a brigade of infantry,
with orders to destroy public buildings belonging to the
Gana Sahib at Bithoor, and to press on to Serai Ghat, 25
miles from hence, if he had good tidings of the retreating
enemy. This duty was admirably performed by the Bri-
gadier-General, and he caught the enemy when he was
about to cross the river with his remaining guns.
The Brigadier-General attacked him with great vigour,
and by the excellent disposition he made of his force, suc-
ceeded in takinz every gun the enemy possessed, without
losing a single man. I have the pleasure to enclose the
Brigadier-General's report for your Lordship's perusal.
It now remains for mo to bring to your Lordship's
notice, the officers who have distinguished themseves
during the series of operations which have occurred under
my own eyes, since this field force left the neighbourhood
of Lucknow.
I have a particular pleasure in again bringing to your
Lordship's notice the zeal and great ability with which
Major-General W. R. Mansfield, chief of the staff, has
conducted the very important duties of his high position,
' and'of my obligations to him for the most valuable assist-
ance he has afforded me during the whale of the recent
operations. I desire also to call your lordship's attention
to the able and distinguished manner in which ho con-
ducted the troops placed under his orders, after the
enemy's centre had been divided, to the attack of their
strong position at the Subadar's Tank, and to recommend
to your lordship's favourable consideration the names of
the officers who assisted him.
I have to thank Brigadier-General Hope Grant, C. 8.,
very particularly for the admirable manner in which he
bas conducted the dutiesof the force and more particularly
fur his exertions on the 6th Dec., and the capital opera-
tions ho performed on the Bth and 9th. The Brigadier-
General speaks in the highest terms of his divisional and
personal staff, viz., Capt. W. Hamilton, Deputy-Assistant
' Adjutant-General ; Lieut. F. S. Roberts, Deputy-Assistant
Quartermaster-General ; Capt. the Hon. A. H. Hanson,
Aide-de-Camp ; Lieut. C. W. Havelock, Extra Aide-de-
Camp ; and Capt. H. M, Wilson, Deputy Judge Advocate
General. - . . - . . .

I have the greatest satisfaction in bringing to your
Lordship's notice Brigadiers Greathed, the Hon. A. Hope,
Walpole, and Inglis. These officers have all exerted them-
selves to the utmost, and have fully justified my expecta-
tions. They desire to record their obligations to the offi-
cers commanding corps in their respective brigades, and to
their brigade staff, as follows
Captain Hinde, her Majesty's Bth Regiment; Lieut.-
. Colonel Wells, her Majesty's 23d Fusiliers; Major Lowe,
Commanding her Majesty's 32d Regiment ; . Lieutenant-
Colonel Kelly, her Majesty's 38th Regiment; Lieutenant-
Colonel Thoroid, her Majesty's 42d Highlanders; Colonel
No. 4. Faber, her Majesty's 53t1 Regiment ; Major Bingham,
her Majesty's 64th Regiment ; Lieutenant-Colonel Hale,
GawenneproarleCD. A. Windham,
her Majesty's 82d Regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel Leith
B.,Major-General Dupuis Dmumpaunisdit
Hay, her Majesty's 93d Highlanders ; Lieutenant-Colonel
Cawnpore, November 30th, 1357.
Horsford, 3d Battalion Rifle Brigade; Lieutenant-Colonel
nogMthajeorC.
SllK,—Withont entering into any detail of the opera-
Fyers, 2d Battalion Rifle Brigade; Captain Green, Corn-
tions carried on by the force under your command, on the
26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th inst. which I consider un- mending 2d Purojaub Infantry ; Lieutenant W. C. L.
R yea Commanding 4th Paojaub Rifles; Captain J. M.
ti'i.ece"ary, as you were present the whole time, yet I feel
—my duty to bring to notice the excellent conduct of
your BaYnnalyne, Brigade Major 3d Brigade; Captain J. H.
the otricer®, la
the R,a7.3.,.n0n-cognmissioird officers,Cog,. Brigade Major 4th Brigade; Captain Lightfoot,
igade ; Lieutenant C. A. Barwell,
my command. -
pounder howitzers, and men, bothof
(1. Bengal Artillery, whom you placed under ..
Brigade Major 6th Brigade.
Br-„ Major sth Br
Lieutenant Oliverwing to his knowledge of the ground, I requested
hastily equipped a 8.A.8A, who was in command of a
batter of two 9-pounders and two 24- Major-General Windham to remain in command of the
mAaideele-Camp,
Bengal Gunners, and
manned by a few Royal Artillery and
ners, and some '
it better to place from
his
extreme
entrenchment. the fire of which was a very important fea-
guns into action on the Setiths, did his best to bring his
• tare in the operations of the 6th December, although I
doo River yet, fr fret day'
inexperience, I thought
and I bez to bring to your inglY'
s operations on the Pan- felt and explained to General Windham, that it was a
notice the admir,bmley
Greene, R.A in command hardly worthy of an officer of his rank. He gave
~ command, CaptainS arsfie
jd me every satisfaction, and I have to thank him accord-
fought the guns at the closnenOvf in
widen he directed and I must perticularly notice the exertions of Captain H.
the (jam
On the 2 ith he supported the Ili - • W Norman Assistant Adjutant-General of the Army, of
I W.
Connaught Rangers, and as our file Brigade and the 88th Captain Herbert Bruce, Deputy Quartermaster-General;
to protect the retreat. Again, on T: retired, ho assisted 1 and of Captain J. H. Smyth, Bengal Artillery, the latter
Colonel Walpole, and the Rifle BrigadeBth he supported I, of whom has been requested by me to take command of
en the left, and assisted materially in'i,h,o on the advance the artillery in the entrenchment, as a special duty. •
18-pounder guns. On the 29th h© commanded
a, of two I Captain Smyth has rendered other great and valuable
in the fort. Lieut. Chamier, of the Madras lei: four Pans services since ho left Calcutta, of which I have not had an
commanded six light guns, performed his dutieslery, who ' 0 t .
e_ _ ppor twity before of r cording my approval.
to my satisfaction, particularly on the 28tb, who, VrelY t I desire also to bring to your lordship's favourable notice
attached to the force wider Brigadier Carthow. e vemg i the officers on the General Staff or belonaing to the Per-
I beg also to bring to your bonsideration the conduct of ' tug Staff of myself or Major-General °Mansfield, viz.,
Lieutenant-Colonel John Adye, my Assistant Adjutant- araill H. It. Garden, Assistant Quartermaster-General;
General, who volunteered on the night of the 27th, and. i pueitenant G. Allgood, an 3 Captain T. A. Carey, De-
brought from the centre of the town a 24-pounder gun, Arm
Quartermaster - General ; Captain G.
which had been left behind in the retreat, in congequence ' Army . , Deputy Judge Advocate-General of the
of narrow afresh. '
of its having been jammed in one. the, dc_Lamp ;
captain
, , Captain Sir David B • aird, Bart., my first Aide-
(This officer
Be ass .
isted by Captains Austen and Braid- W. 0. 1401111, J.
11 J Metcalfe, Interpreter • Lieutenant
1 ) On the 29th ho
al Artil Artillery) e • Acting-Assistant !x. Ito Engineers* Captain'
again r , W. Rudwan
ford, of the BongA( J utant-Genoral her M• 't ' F '
of the (mantled Lieutenant took command
volunteered and
.gunners), and placed it in General to the Ch Adjutant-
by a few sailo re and Madras Chief of the Staff; Lieutenant F, M. All