American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-11-06
MORGANTOWN M0u0NGALIA CO, VA, FRIDAY NOVEMBER s 1857

wanted to Introduce the improved En-
field ifle /; the cartridge of which, as
made in England, is creased with any
tat--including, ofconiso ,cows's fat, and
hogs lard-the denominations of the
Hindus and Mohammedans Orders wero
issued to manufacture these in this cuun-
try /; but when the obnoxious ingredient
that entered into their composition came
To be known, peremptory instructions
We're given not to issue any of them
TO the native amy and 50, in point of
fact, none were actually issued,
But the emissaries of the Mahomme-
dan consPirators, in various guises, went
abroad among the SepoysA gave exag-
geraled accounts of the new cartridge
end ineinuated that its introduction was
a cunning plot on the part of the Brit
ish government. designed TO break
their CASTE and coerce them into a pro-
fession of Christianity.
The evil.minded suggestion gradually
spread, and took root in the minds Of
the deluded Sepoys. Their supers,itious
prejudices were wounded in the sor-
est point. AT last their minds became
infiamed, and like so many combustible
materials, burst forth into open mu,iny
and rebeilion-massacreing all the
British and foreigners, with native
Christians on whom they could lay vi-
olent hands, and covering the whole
land with incendiaryism, plunder de-
vas,asion and blood. The ttular king
of Delhi has been proclaimed Emper.
or of India the infatuated murineers
profess to receive and follow his de-
cices while, in some distant places,
petty chieitains, alike Hindu and Mo-
hammedan. are beginning to proclaim
themselves kings of their own respect.
i've districts aud Provinces. The whole
country tn tho Northwest of Bengal
is in state of universal confusion and
anarchy.
Such d. 1believe to be lhetrue account
OF the rise aud object OF this disastrous
rebellion.
The whole has burstupon 10 40 un-
eXpectedly, that all, taken completely
by surprise, have been quite unprepared.
Hence the temporary sad success of
the misguided rebels. That they vii.
be put down with strong arm; have
Nv uDhot "ndtSOeEel put not before
much mischief shall accrue from their
f'renzied violence. No season of the
year would have been more inoppoitune
for military operations on the part of
the British. Breaking out ia the very
highest of The hot season. when the IA
ging hot winds compel all foreigners to
immune themselves in their houses, in
order TO exis, ,or vegeIate, an outbreak
so sudden and unexpected could not but
have temporary triumph Aud the
hot season, followed so immediately by
The rainy season, with its train of fever
aud cholera, and dysentary, would not
but aggravate the disaster. When the
cold season arrives, things will assume
a very different aspect. But melancholy
1t Is To reflect on tho portentous mag
nItude of the Gala mites which may ero
then ensue.
| What need then Of fervent supplica-
tlons at throne Of grace if, nappiiy,
he Lord be pleased to interpose, with
his own ou'streiched arm, for our deliv.
erance For as the Lord God omnip-
otent ieigneth, it, cannot DO doubted
that, IN some way or other, he will arise
and plead the cause that is His own !:
and eventually crown it with glorious
victory.
Yours ever affectionately, 81,
ALEXANDER DUFF.