Page:The Indian Mutiny of 1857.djvu/370

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336
Sir Colin returns to Kánhpur.

able force. They were repulsed after some hard fighting in which Remmington and his troop covered themselves with glory.

The line of retirement by Banks's house proving difficult and dangerous, Sir Colin reconnoitred the ground between the positions actually held by the British and the canal, and finally resolved to move by that. He carried out the operation on the 20th and four following days. Turning the fire of William Peel's heavy guns on the Kaisarbágh, so as to lead the rebels to expect an assault, he moved the women and children from the place in which they had been so long defended, and on the evening of the 22d had them safely landed in the Dilkushá. Hale, who commanded the rear-guard, joined him there on the 23d. On the 24th, whilst he was halting, though not resting there, the gallant Havelock passed away. He had indeed fought a good fight, and he had died as he had lived, in the performance of his duty. On the 26th the noblest of his comrades followed his remains to his grave in the Álambágh.

That place had been reached on the 25th. There Sir Colin made a fresh distribution of his force, leaving Outram, with rather less than 4000 men, at the Álambágh, threatening the still rebellious Lakhnao, whilst he should return to look after Windham at Kánhpur. About that place he was very anxious, for he had no news, and the reports received were to the effect that heavy firing had been heard in that direction. On the 27th, then, at eleven o'clock in the morning. Sir Colin started for Kánhpur. He slept at Banní, and really alarmed, started early the next morning on his forward march towards the Ganges. On his way he received despatches which showed him that the place was in great peril. At Mangalwár he halted his troops, fired three salvoes to announce his approach, and galloped