The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1905-12-29
How He Won the Cross
[Original.]
This story of Henry Kavanagh !

[Original.l
This story of Henry Kavanagh Is
true.
Kayanagh was q British citizen liz
ing with his family at Lucknow. This
long beleaguerment of this town is one
Of the famous sieges of history. Sol
diers and citizens alike took part ID
the defense, and Mrs. Kavanagh was
once wounded, while her husband was
wounded several times. At last it was
announced that Sir Colin Campbell was
advancing With a strong British force
to relieve the garrison. Then came
Kunoujee Lal, a native spy from
Cawnpuy Kavanagh heard Of his ar.
rival ana that he was going back to
Alum Bagh with dispatches for Sir
Colin. 1t was essential that the latter's
advance be FASTENED and that he be
furnished with a guide. But it was
next to impossible for any EuropeuE
to make his way undetected through
the sepoys, and if detected he would
Immediately be murdered.
Kavanagb volunteered to make the
attempt in company with Kunoujee
Lal, and the offer was accepted by the
commanding officer, Sir James Outran,
after many protestations that the feat
was impossible. One stipulation, and
II only, Navanagh made, and that
was that his wife should be kept IL
Ignorance of his perilous attempt until
his fate should be determined. Ella
dressed himself as q sepoy soldier. col
oring his face and other exposed parts
with burnt cork dipped in oil. On re-
porting to the general in this disguise
he was not recognized. Having learn
ed the commanders plans, he set forth
with Kunoujee Lal. Proceeding to the
Gomtee river, they undressed and, hold
ing their clothes above their heads.
forded to the opposite shore.
In dressing kavanagh came very
near exposing his white flesh to u
Sepoy who had come down to battle.
They We're questioned by a Sepoy Of
1icer of the picket, but Kavanagh kept
back in the dark and left his compan-
ion to do the talking. Then they pro-
ceeded down the river and r%ecrossed
at a stone bridge, unnoticed by the
sentry guarding it, who was talking
with q native. &
Passing into the green fields, KAY
anagh pulled up a carrot. Since he had
not had vegetables for five mo.-..hs 1t
tasted delicious. After walking a few
miles they found they had taken the
wrong direction and We're in a region
held by the enemy. Kavanagh greatly
distressed his comrade by going within
twenty yards of the guns to find out
the Sepoy strength. After wandering
about for two hours two women put
them in tho right direction. Proceed
ing, they fell in with q Sepoy guArd,
who questioned them. Here Kunoujee
Lal became frightened and got rid Of q
letter he vas carrying to Sir Colin
Then they waded for several hours il
q swamp, and when they emerged
Kavanagh was so exhausted that he
insisted ON a short rest. This his com
objected to. but Kavanagh took
a quarter or an hour, then arose and
pressed on. About 4 o'clock in the
morning they managed tt steal be-
tween two of the enemy's pickets, after
which Kavanagh lay down to sleep.
WHO comes there?" II
Could anything sound more delight
rul? 1t was a British challenge and
told them that their danger was over;
It told them that their mission had been
successful: it spoke encouragingly Of
the relief of their starving friends in
They wore within Sir Colin Camp
BELLS lines, which they believed to be
miles distant. An officer took Kav-
.nagh to his tent and gave him q glass
OF brandy. Then Kavanagh asked the
way to the commanders tent. Meeting
an elderly man coming out of the tent,
be asked where he could find Sir Colin
81 am Sir Colin Campbell. Who are
you?"
This will explain, SIR" and Kava-
nagh, taking his note of introduction
from his turban, handed it to the gep.
eral. Sir Colin could hardly believe
what had been accomplished. He wish
ed to hear an account of the journey,
but Kavanagh was so worn that he
was obliged to take sleep before telling
the story. When he awoke he was re.
called at Sir Collins table and told the
and his staff his adven-
lures.
Meanwhile the garrison Of Lucknow
had been signaling. lis Kayanagh
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