The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-05-28
A Noble Decd.


Two and-twenty years ago deed was
performed which has scarcely any parallel
in the annals Of modern wars.
The hero of it was q 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 q gallant little band Of devoted men
were defending 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 consp'cu-
ously ID the defence, tor no sooner was the
Kesidency invested by the mutineer forces,
than he set to work to arm and drill oil the
civilians in the place; and in spite of much
ridicule from the military men, ultimately
succeeded in organizing corps OF Volnn-
teers that did splendid service for the
state.
During FIVE long months the little garrl-
son vas put to its wits end to meet the
constant and ever recurring attacks OF Ihe
enemy. Repclling sortcs, mining ana
countermining, repairing breaches etc., was
the rk that was always going on; ara
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 ln-
teresting fact, that Kavanaghs 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 Canpbcll-a1ter
wards Lord Clyde was advancing WITH
strong British force to the relief OF the gar
rison; and Oh the ninth OF that month hhV-
anagh learned that spy had come in from
Cawnpo1e, and that he was going back aga,h
to the Alum Bagh, with dispatches 1or
Sir Colin.
Indeed, 1t had become necessary thai
Sir Collins march should be fastened, ano
that he shoul 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 undetcct-
ed, and the certainty OF his murder II
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 tho person of Kavanagh.
IIc had sought out the spy, whose name
was Kunouice Lal, and finding him intelli-
gent, he expressed his desire to proceed
with him in disguise to Alum Bagh.
The spy at first hcsitated; and urging
that there was more chance of detection
by two going together, proposed that they
should take different roads, and meet out
side the city.
This Kaganagh objected to- and then pre-
cce,led to finish some business he had II
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 t
disguise himself for the journey as q no
tive.
This he had secretly arranged, as he dc
not wish his wife to know anything of th
undertaking until his safe arrival at til
Alum Bagh should be signalled to the gar
rison.
TO show the thoroughpess with whic
Kavanagh did this part of his work, it
only necessary to mention that the mater
ials of which his costume was compose
was borrowed piece by piece from separat
natives.
When the disguise was thus complete
lie proceeded at half past seven, P. NJ
to the Generals quarters, where he at ono
tested the genu;neness of his metamo,
phosis.
Nobody recognized him untils he. mad