Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-06-02
A Noble Deed.

Two and-twenty years ago deed was
performed which has scarcely any parallel
in the annals of modern wars.
The hero of it was gentleman belong
ing to the Civil Service of India, named
Thomas Henry Kavanagh.
India trembled in the balance; and the
empire was thrilling with horror over the
terrible massacre of English women and
children at Cawnpore. when the news came
that gallant little band of devoted men
were defen ling themselves in the Resi-
dency at Lucknow against the hordes OF
savage and relentless enemy.
From the beginning to the end OF this re
markable siege, ,Kavanagh-civilian though
he was-appears to have figured conspicu-
ously In the defence, for no sooner was the
Residency invested by the mutineer forces,
than he set to work to arm and drill all the
civilians in the place; and in spite of much
ridicule from the military men, ultimately
succeeded in organizing a corps of Volun-
teers that did splendid service for the
state.
During FIVE long months the little garri-
son vas put to its wits end to meet the
constant and ever recurring attacks OF the
enemy. Repelling sortles, mining and
countermining, repairing breaches, ETC., was
the work that was always going on; ard
none was more willing and brave than the
gallant Kavanagh who though wounded
several times was ever to be found at the
post of danger
We should also mention here, as an in
teresting fact, that Kavanagh's wife was
also wounded during the siege and laid up
for several weeks.
At length in November came the wei
come news that Sir Colin CaHpbell-after-
wards Lord Clyde was advancing with
strong B.It1sh force to the relief Of the gar
rison: and on the ninth of that month Kav-
anagh learned that a spy had come in from
Cawnpore, and that he was going back again
to the Alum Bagh, with dispatches for
Sir Colin.
Indeed, 1t had become necessary that
Sir Collins march should be hastened, and
that he should be guided to the city by the
least hazardous route.
But who was to be the guide The al
most lmpossibility of any European being
able to escape through the city undetect-
ed, and the certainty of his murder if
detected, deferred the commandant from
ordering any officer, or even seeking volun-
teers for such duty.
A volunteer for this extraordinarily
dangerous adventure did, however, pre-
sent himself in the person of Kavanagh,
He had sought out the spy, whose name
was Kunoujee Lal, and finding him intelli-
gent, he expressed his desire to proceed
with him in disguise to Alum Bagh.
The spy at first hesitated; and urging
that there was more chance of detection
by two going together, proposed that they
should take different roads, aud meet out
side the city.
This Kavanagh objected to, and then pre-
ceeded to finish some business he had in
hand, his mind, however, still dwelling
upon the accomplishment of his object.
At last he made up his mind, and pro-
posed the enterprise to his officers. They
reluctantly consented, and he proceeded to
disguise himself for the journey as a na.
tive.
This he had secretly arranged, as he did
not wish his wife to know anything of the
undertaking until his safe arrival at the
Alum Bagh should be slgnalled to the gar.
rison.
To show the thoroughness with which
Kavanagh did this part of his work, it is
only necessary to mention that the mater,
ials of which his costume was composed
was borrowed piece by piece from separate
natives.
When the disguise was thus complete
he proceeded at half past seven, P. M.
to the Generals quarters, where he at once
tested the genu4neness of his metamol
phosis.
Nobody recognized him until he made