The Seven Cities of Delhi
there was no sign of the coming storm; the magistrates attended court at six in the morning,as was usual during the hot weather, and business was proceeding. Suddenly a report was brought in that rebel troopers had arrived from Meerut, that the toll-house at the far end of the bridge of boats was in flames, and that the Calcutta Gate
had been closed against the mutineers. Off went the head magistrate to the cantonments behind the Ridge, to request assistance from the
brigadier, who at once ordered down the 54th regiment of Bengal native infantry and two guns to deal with any riot that might arise. There were no European troops in Delhi at all, for the place was considered unhealthy for them, and the authorities had easily deferred to a request of the King of Delhi that none should be stationed there.
Nearly all the principal civil authorities now proceeded to the Calcutta Gate of the city, in order to Interview the rebels; they were accompanied by the captain of the Palace Guard,who lived over the Lahore Gate of the palace. But the party was attacked by rebel troopers,who had effected an entrance into the city by the Rajghat Gate, below the palace; after the encounter they retreated to the Lahore Gate of the palace, where they were massacred by the264
