CHAPTER XVI.
THE FIRST RELIEF OF THE LAKHNAO RESIDENCY.
I have recorded in a previous chapter[1] how the garrison of the Lakhnao Residency had been cheered, on the night of the 25th of July, by the receipt of a letter from Tytler telling them that Havelock was advancing with a force sufficient to bear down all opposition, and that he would arrive in five or six days. The six days passed and no Havelock came. The sound of firing was occasionally heard in the direction of Kánhpur, and this sound tended to confirm the hopes already raised. But they were doomed to be disappointed for the moment. We have seen how Havelock, on the 13th of August, finally recrossed the Ganges.
Three days before that happened the rebels, encouraged doubtless by his retreat from Bashíratganj, made their second grand assault on the position of the Residency. It began about half-past ten in the morning, by the successful springing of a mine, which made a great breach in the defences. Against this they marched in considerable numbers, and with great resolution. But the men of the garrison were on the alert. A heavy musketry fire from the roofs of the adjacent houses was kept on the advancing foe, whilst a stern resistance met their front attack. Eventually they were driven back with enormous loss. A second attack on another point,
- ↑ Chapter xiv., page 208.
