A widow's reminiscences of the siege of Lucknow

Front matter

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WIDOW’S

Preface

It is not the wish of the writer of this little Volume, any more than it is in her powrer, to draw, in glowing colours, a picture of sights and scenes through which it has been her lot to pass, but merely, at the desire of her friends, to give in simple truthfulness a detail of those domestic occurrences which fell immediately under her own observation during the siege of Lucknow, to show howT wonderfully she was protected in perils and dangers of no ordinary kind, and how, when called to drink deeply of the cup of human sorrow, the arm of the Lord was her stay, a “ rock of defence in the day of trouble.”

Bath , November , 1858.

Chapter I

Letters written from Gonda — Letter of 29th May, after hearing news of the Outbreak at Meerut and Delhi — Alarm of Mutiny at the neighbouring Station of Fyzabad — Letter of 30th May — Alarm at Gonda — Police Sowars shew signs ot rising — Small chance of escape — Ladies ordered to be sent to Lucknow — Part from my Husband — Terror of Flight — Alone with Sepoy Guard — Overtake Secrora Fugitives — Rest at Ramnuggur — Reach Lucknow

Page.

CHAPTER IL

Lucknow Party separated, sent to Begum Kotie — Anxiety for those left behind — Divide Rooms — Servant arrives from Gonda — Hews of Dr. Bartrum’s escape — Letter from Dr. Bartrum — Second Letter from Dr. Bartrum from Goruckpore — Mrs. Clark joins the party — Servants desert — Take charge of Room — Daily life —

First death in our Garrison 16

Chapter III

Battle of Chinhut — Siege begins — Rations — Native Cooking — Children suffer from bad food —Suffer from heat — Ho Coolie to pull Punkah — Disturbed by night attacks — Sir H. Lawrence wounded — Muchee Bhowan blown up — Mr. Ommaney wounded — Mr. Polehampton wounded — Small Pox in our Garrison — Second death — Mrs. Polehampton sent to Begum Kotie — Death of Mrs. Clark — Child very ill — Another death — Baby better — Get milk for him — Dr. Darby — Ladies sent to our garrison from Brigade mess — Rations reduced 27

CONTENTS.

vu

CHAPTER IV. Page

Officer shot himself — Anxiety for Child — Eclipse of Sun — Letter from Sir James Outram — Firing heard — Relieving force come in- — Hear Dr. Bartrum is with them —

Left behind with heavy artillery — Dr. Bartrum not arrived — See Mrs. Polehampton — Learn the truth —

Dr. Bartrum’s servants come in with horse — Dr. Bradshaw brings account of his death — Take child round the Residency — Bearer wounded — Kindness of strangers 41

Chapter V

Sir Colin Campbell — Prepare to leave Lucknow — Dr. Darby wounded — Leave Lucknow — Secundra Bagh — Carried off by bearers — Escape to party of our own men — Reach the camp — Find letters — Leave Dil Koosha Palace — Bullock carts — Forced march to Cawnpore — Leave Cawnpore — Allahabad — Welcome — Christmas — Leave Allahabad in boats — Benares — Dinapore — Enter Sunderbunds — Reach Calcutta 52

• CHAPTER VI.

The Himalaya — Decide to go by the Cape — Letter home — Child very ill — Mrs. Polehampton — Only a week to prepare for Voyage — Bearers’ grief at parting — Visit Himalaya — Prepare to sail — Lady Canning —

Child very ill — Child dies 66

Chapter VII

Letters of Dr. Bartrum after his escape from Gonda —

Join Secrora officers — Sepoys well inclined, though mutinous — Rajah of Balrumpore — Ghazeepore — Hardships of flight — Goruckpore — Charge of ladies — -Slaughter of officers at Fyrabad — Azimghur — Destruction of station — Venables — Havelock — Advance on Cawnpore — News from Lucknow — The Goorkhas — Fever — Unfit for duty — Benares — Anxiety — General Lloyd at Dinapore 73

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CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VIII. Page

Dr. Bartrum’s Letters continued — Camp near Allahabad— General Outram and reinforcements — Attached to Artillery under Major Eyre — Lucknow able to hold out — Midnight march by moonlight — Village of rebels — Boats destroyed — The weather — Destroy Village — Prisoners shot— Cawnpore Troops cross the river — Reconnoitring party — Fighting — Last entry in Diary . 84

Chapter IX

Letter of Medical Officer— Sept 21, first action; heavy rain — Bivouac — Beat Sepoys — Encamp in the Alumbagk — Rear attacked — Commence action — F urious cannonade — Loopholed walls of gardens — The bridge — Doolie bearers killed — Gain large Building — Care of all the wounded — Night of horror — Morning — Enemy get range of Building — Cut off from main-body — Cross river — Palanquin bearers desert the wounded — Gain small house — House set on fire — Break through wall — Chatty of water — Firing outside — Enfield Rifles — Relief

Chapter I

Letters written Prom Gonda — Letter of 29th May, after hearing news of the Outbreak at Meerut and Delhi — Alarm of Mutiny at the neighbouring Station of Fyzabad —Letter of 30th May — Alarm at Gonda — Police Sowars shew signs of rising — Small chance of- Escape — Ladies ordered to be sent to Lucknow — Part from my Husband — Terror of Flight — Alone with Sepoy guard — Overtake Secrora Fugitives — Rest at Ramnuggur — Reach Lucknow.

In order to the full understanding of the

following short narrative, it will be needful

for me to state that at the commencement of

the mutiny in the Indian native army, my

late husband and myself were stationed with our child at Gonda, a military station in Oude, about eighty miles from Lucknow, where, after several changes since our arrival in India, we had been living for the last eight months the peaceful and retired life of an Indian officer’s family in an up-country sta-

B tion. Visits from friends had been few and far between, and there had been little to mark the lapse of time but the welcome arrival of letters from England, which told of the joys and sorrows of those we loved at home. It was from peaceful security, such as this, that we were suddenly aroused on the 22nd of May, 1857, by the alarming news of the massacres at Meerut and Delhi of all the European inhabitants of those stations. This was followed a few days afterwards by the announcement of the murder of Brigadier Handscombe, by the men of the 71st N.I., and also of further disturbance at Lucknow. We therefore commenced making a wall round the Treasury, for defence in case of need.

On the 2nd we heard of disturbances at Moradabad, and disarming of regiments at Lahore. The fortification of the Treasury was proceeded with, though with little hope of its being any protection.

The effect of these fearful tidings, and state of trembling anxiety in which we lived during the few days preceding my flight to Lucknow, will be best explained by the inser-

OF LUCKNOW.

tion of the following letters, which, during the interval, I wrote home : —

“ My dearest Father,

“Your letters of the 25th of last month have just reached in time for me to answer them by the mail, which leaves to-morrow. It is seldom that I defer writing until so late, but the past fortnight has been one of such intense anxiety and trouble to every one, that we have been unable to think of anything but our own fears and terror. I think we have all become fearfully nervous ; every unusual sound makes one start ; for who can trust these natives now, when they seem to be thirsting for European blood ?

“ We feel great confidence in the steadiness of our own regiment ; but should they be corrupted by communication with other discontented parties, why, no one can answer for them. You will read in the papers the fearful accounts of the massacres at Meerut and Delhi : we knew Colonel Finnis, who was killed at Meerut ; and all the 38th N.I., the regiment which was stationed at this place, when we came here, were at Delhi.

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“ I cannot describe to you what our feelings have been lately — onlv ten Europeans in the place, completely at tbe mercy of the natives : what could we do if they chose to rise ? Many were the plans suggested of fortifying ourselves in one house, hut this would give rise to suspicion, and the natives would think we were afraid of them ; and even T don’t feel afraid of the cowards, only one does not like the idea of being murdered with those who are dearest to you. Then they talked of sending Mrs. Clark and myself, with our children, down the river in a native boat to Calcutta, which we strongly opposed ; for it would be better to die with our husbands than leave them alone; but our precautions would have been unnecessary for, God has disposed the hearts of this people to be favourable towards us, and now we do not feel so much cause for alarm.

We have had no news from Delhi, since last I wrote, the natives having taken possession of the roads, and cut off all communication with that place, so that the fate of those remaining there is wrapped in mystery. Our European regiments from Simla and

OF LUCKNOW.

Umballa must be there now : but you know the distance is so great, and tlie English cannot travel in this weather like natives, so that there has been great delay in reaching Delhi ; but they will not be slow in avenging the blood of our brothers and sisters ; and soon all that remains of this ancient Indian capital will be one vast tomb.

“ The news received to-day, the 29th, from Agra, the nearest station to Delhi, was that the firing of artillery was heard, so that our troops must have reached, but this is all we can yet learn.

“The next station to us, Eyzabad, is in rather an anxious state. One regiment shews signs of discontent, and our regiment is warned to be ready at any moment to start thither; however, I trust there will be no necessity for this. If signal vengeance is taken on the mutineers it is hoped others will be intimidated, and quietness be once more restored to our land ; but we can never feel confidence in these native regiments again, and of course European troops will have to be stationed in every large city. Lucknow has been well fortified by our wise

Commissioner, Sir H. Lawrence. There are many poor ladies and children shut up in the Residency.

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“You may imagine how I have longed to he at home, once more in England, with my husband and child in safety ; but well may I say, 4 The Lord hath been a tower of defence in the day of trouble’, for when no arm of flesh could save us, He alone has proved our shelter amidst the storm.

“ During this time I have been troubled too about my babe, for the intense heat which we have been enduring seems at times almost to overpower his little strength ; but the rains will soon be commencing, and then I hope we shall have the weather rather cooler and more endurable than this.

“ Baby is such a precocious little fellow, and learns almost too quickly. When I tell him he is naughty, he runs into the corner by himself : he becomes more amusing every day, and makes one forget all troubles with his little bright face.

“ But I must finish this. Give my love to all. I cannot write much this time, and at the present moment the heat is so over-

OF LUCKNOW.

powering that it makes even writing difficult.

“ With very much kind love to yourself,

“ Believe me, my dearest father,

“ Your ever affectionate daughter,

“ Katherine M. B.”

“ My dearest E.,

“ Nothing must prevent my writing to you, though I do not feel as if I could say much ; I have been so terror-struck at all the fearful and heartrending scenes that have lately been transacted in this unhappy country that I have scarcely spirits even to write home ; but I trust all these disturbances will soon be at an end, and that such an example will be made of the mutineers that the natives will he intimidated from ever committing such fearful massacres again. We have had such a heartrending time since last I wrote my home letters. I know I was never very brave, hut how could I help feeling frightened at the tales of bloodshed and horror which the papers have been bringing us almost daily. All the time we were in that dreadful suspense, when each morning brought news which made the stoutest heart tremble, and we did not know when our turn might come. I cannot tell you how I felt ; I could neither sleep, eat, talk, or do anything but look to my husband for protection against foes which I fancied near at hand. I used to sit and cry over baby, thinking it might soon be snatched from my arms and murdered before my very eyes. But, God be thanked, we are yet spared — the living to praise Him. How I longed to be at home with you all. I sometimes feared I should never see you again on earth ; but we are gaining more courage and putting away these sad thoughts now, for I trust all will soon be at peace : but alas ! for the widows and orphans who are mourning the loss of many a loved one. That Mrs. G. you spoke of was at Delhi ; her husband was murdered, and no one knows what has become of her and her children. But what fearful tales we shall soon hear : I hope not one stone of Delhi will be left standing. The Commander - in-Chief has been very slow in reaching there ; every one is incensed against him ; but wre shall see how he will act in regard to the

OF LUCKNOW.

mutineers. I can talk of nothing but this, and you will not he much surprised.

“ Thank J. B. for the Missionary Intelligencer ; it is quite a treat to me to read anything of this kind in India, where one seldom meets with a Missionary. I fear we shall never get one at Gonda.

“ Dear baby is very well ; the merriest little fellow you ever saw.

“ Your affectionate sister,

June 6. — We are becoming alarmed. The Police Sowars shew symptoms of rising. The Clarks sleep at our bungalow. Unquiet nights and weary days : all things are insecure. An express detailing sad loss of life came in.

Sunday, the 7th, was a day of great disturbance ; news of the massacres at Saharunpore and Seetapore came in, giving an account of the wholesale slaughter of the European inhabitants. We were now alarmed, and not without cause ; for though of our own regiment we felt tolerably confident, we knew not what effect the bad example of other corps might have on our men.

For many nights we had scarcely dared to close our eyes. I kept a sword under my pillow, and dear R. had his pistol loaded ready to start up at the slightest sound, though small would have been our chance of escape had we been attacked : a little band of a dozen Europeans against a whole regiment of Sepoys. My husband alwTays consoled me with the promise that should things come to the worst he would destroy me with his own hand rather than let me fall into the power of those brutal Sepoys. Never can I forget that time : how I clung to him for help and protection at this fearful time, though wre both felt that “ the Lord alone was a strong tower of defence against the enemy.” We used to look at our unconscious babe, laughing in happy innocence, and then at each other, neither willing to express the sad thoughts that were uppermost in the minds of both. At 4 p.m. a messenger arrived from Secrora, saying that Sir Henry Lawrence had desired that the ladies and children from the out-stations should be sent into Lucknow immediately for better security. The letter from Secrora stated that the ladies

OF LUCKNOW.

would start from that station at eight the same evening, and advised our joining them, that we might proceed together into Lucknow, a distance of eighty miles from Gonda. This was a sudden blow to me. Often had I contemplated death with my husband, but not separation from him ; and under such terrible circumstances too, when his cheerful spirit and loved companionship were more than ever needed to raise my drooping courage at the prospect of dangers and distresses little anticipated by anyone. Most earnestly did I plead that I might be allowed to remain with him ; but he convinced me that were it only for my baby’s sake I ought to go into Lucknow, and we should then both of us have more chance of escaping with our lives than by remaining at Gonda. God alone knows how bitter was the struggle to feel that it was my duty to leave him : but how little did I then think that we were to meet no more on earth. I put together a few things for baby, and took one last look round the house which had been to me such a happy home, that the thought of sorrow reaching me there had seldom crossed my mind. At six in the evening, Mrs. Clark, myself, and our two children started on elephants; Mr. Clark and my husband accompanying us as far as Secrora, sixteen miles distant, where we were to join the other ladies, and proceed together to Lucknow. We took a circuitous route in order to avoid coming in contact with the Sowars, who had been turned out of the station that morning. A native went before to show us the way, and great was my fear lest he should lead us into some village where we might be surrounded by mutinous sepoys. We reached Secrora at 11 p.m., and found to our dismay that the party had left the station two hours previously, so that our only chance was to journey on until we overtook them. We stayed for half-an-hour at Mr. Wingfield’s, where we had some tea and milk for the children, and then bid farewell to our husbands. They put us on our elephants, and well do I remember dear Robert’s cheerful, “ Good bye dear Kate, keep up your spirits, we shall soon meet again, and take care of my little darling.”

I begged him to go on with us, but he could not leave the regiment, though his heart ached at giving his wife and child into

OF LUCKNOW.

the care of a guard of sepoys, in whom he could feel but little confidence. Mr. Hale gave me a large wrapper to make a more comfortable seat on the elephant ; and I took baby in my arms, gave my husband a last tearful look, and thus we commenced our midnight journey, casting all our care upon Him who never slumbereth or sleepeth. Our spirits were by no means cheered at hearing the threatening language of our escort during the whole of that fearful night, and feeling our own perilous position — two helpless women and two little children, entirely in the power of these men ; hut God in His infinite wisdom softened their hearts towards us. Sometimes they made our elephant stand still whilst they lay upon the ground laughing and talking ; hut whenever I asked them for water for baby to drink, they would give it me. Once when they were loading their guns, I asked them what they were going to do. “ Oh,” they said, “ there are so many bad people about, we are going to fight for you.” And so we journeyed on throughout that weary night with hearts fearful and trembling. At eight on Monday morning we overtook the party who had preceded us : they were all on the other side of the river, and we followed them, crossing in boats. We rested at the village of Bamnuggur, at the house of a Thanadar, where we were able to bathe the children and get some food. Our party consisted of seven ladies, twelve children, and four officers. We remained at this place until the afternoon. At 4 p.m., we mounted our elephants again to proceed on our journey; and the terror of that night cannot he described, and never will he effaced from my memory. We constantly met with parties who threatened to intercept our progress, and they were only prevented from doing so by the skilful management of Captain H. Forbes, who dissuaded them from their purpose. It was indeed to his coolness and bravery, that, under the protecting hand of God, we owed our safe arrival in Lucknow. That we ever reached the place was little short of a miracle : we arrived there June 9th, having had to flee from our own escort, weary and exhausted with hot winds, dust, and scorching sun, and worn out with fatigue, in addition to the anxiety we felt as to the

OF LUCKNOW.

fate of those dearest to us, whom we had left behind. When we entered the Residency, it presented a scene of the utmost confusion, so that I could scarcely recognise it to be the same place I had seen a year before.

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Chapter II

Lucknow Party separate — Sent to Begum Kotie — Anxiety for those left behind — Divide Rooms — Servant arrives from Gouda — News of Dr. Bartrum’s escape — Letter from Dr. Bartrum — Second Letter from Dr. Bartrum from Gorruckpore — Mrs. Clark joins the party — Servants desert — Take charge of Room — Daily life — First death in our Garrison.

Our party separated, some going to one garrison^ and some to another. My friend Mrs. Clark, and her child, went to the Residency, whilst I accompanied another party to a house called the Begum-Kotie, a most uninviting looking place, so dirty, having neither a punkah to cool the air or a scrap of furniture to set it off, hut we had to make the best of it. I scarcely knew any one in Lucknow at that time, and the few I did know were members of other garrisons, so that we never met. Who can describe the trouble and

* The seventeen different houses and buildings within the walls were known, during the siege, as different gairisons.

anxiety pf that period ? I was then left for

the first time to take care of myself, separated

from dear Robert, and ignorant of what had

become of him. In addition to this, I was

entirely without servants, and thrown amongst

a crowd of strangers, too much taken up with

their own trials and anxieties to heed another.

But this was hut the beginning of troubles,

and we felt that we must set ourselves with

brave hearts and ready hands to encounter

the miseries and discomforts consequent upon

our situation. Many set to work with cheerfulness and energy to render our uncomfortable room more habitable, and on that first night we slept, fifteen in one room, packed closely together, so that each might feel the benefit of the punkah, which Mrs. Boileau with her usual energy and forethought had managed to have put up during the day. We had to endure intense heat (for this was the hottest part of the year), mosquitoes and flies in swarms. How great a change after the comforts of our own homes ! and, at the same time, how great was our anxiety concerning the fate of our husbands ! for as yet we had had no news of them.

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June 10. — We divided our room into portions, each person taking a corner for herself, which she henceforth looked upon as her own property, where she stowed away her bed and other valuables, principally consisting of a single change of linen, for those who, like myself, had fled in from the district, not being able to save anything, were indebted to the kindness of many in Lucknow, who promptly and willingly gave their clothes, and supplied other comforts to those who came in as fugitives from the out-stations.

June 11. — One of my servants came in from Gonda, bringing the bundle of clothes which in my distress I had forgotten to take with me on the elephant. He told me he had left his master well, and the regiment was quiet : this was an immense relief to my anxiety.

June 12. — Received a short note from dear Robert, telling me of his escape from Gonda with the other officers. Very grateful was I to the Lather of all mercies to think he had escaped from the hands of those murderous Sepoys, and that we might ere long meet again. I also received two notes written

OF LUCKNOW.

from Gonda, when he had not heard of my safe arrival in Lucknow, of which the following is one : —

“ Gonda, June 9, 1857.

“ Mv dearest K.,

u I trust that the Almighty has

given you a safe refuge Having

passed the night at Secrora, we rode over here this morning. Matters here are much the same as when you left ; a general feeling of security exists, but we are making preparations for an endeavour to escape if matters come to the worst. Oh ! that I maybe spared to see you and my sweet little hoy, but having done our best we must rest our hope on Him who alone is able to save. This I trust I devoutly do. Do not therefore be anxious, but let us at this season ask for the grace of God in a repentant spirit. I am not fit to die ; but do, my dearest wife, as you love me, pray that a new heart may be given me, and that if anything happens, we may meet at that throne of grace where there is no more mourning or sorrow.

“ E. 0. is a good companion in these trying

c 2 times ; his spirit is that of perfect dependence upon the Almighty. I trust that grace may he given us both to support this spirit, and that if we do not incur danger the effect may not pass from us ; hut that I may he a more fitting companion to you in the road that leads to life. ..... You must not

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mind the discomforts about you ; only do not be too anxious, and so become ill, as our

little baby will suffer for it We

hope to reach Bulrampore, if there is any disturbance ; and I trust if such is the case we may get some previous notice of it. I have nothing more to add, my beloved wife, but to ask you to pray for me, as does for you

“ Your attached husband.”

June 14. — Heard again from dear Robert, that he and his party had reached Bulrampore in safety. From this time I never heard again ; no further news reached me, as all communication was cut off between Lucknow and every other place. Each day brought in fresh fugitives from the out- stations, and fearful were the tales they told of the cruel scenes they had witnessed, and from which,

OF LUCKNOW.

through the mercy of God, they had escaped. Saw Mrs. Clark : she has been at the Residency since we came in, but now thinks of coming to our room.

June 20. — Mrs. Clark and her little child have joined our party ; she is soon expecting her confinement, and she would rather be with me than any one else, though she has had manv more comforts where she has been than she can have in our crowded room. Her little boy is beginning to look very sickly; he was always an extremely delicate child ; and this intense heat, the crowded room, and want of fresh air, are felt even by the strongest My own little darling is still fat and bonnie ; I am rejoicing over him with trembling, for I cannot but fear what effect this close confinement may have on him. I have laid in a small store of candles and soap ; the servants say that we shall soon be shut up, and shall not be able to get supplies of any kind.

June 27. — All our servants ha\e deserted us, and now our trials have begun in earnest; from morning till night we can get no food cooked, and have not the means of doing it for ourselves : how we are to manage now, I cannot tell.

June 28. — We have found a woman who promises to cook for us once a day, and brings us hot water for breakfast and tea ; if she will only make my baby’s food, I shall be able to manage tolerably well. My time is fully occupied in nursing, and washing our clothes, together with cups and saucers, and fanning away the flies which have become a fearful nuisance. Sometimes when the food is placed on the table, we cannot tell what it is, for it only looks like a black and living mass.