Page:The Indian Mutiny of 1857.djvu/397

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Great Advantages obtained by It.
361

Chakar Kóthí, Anderson of the Sikhs and St George of the 1st Fusiliers greatly distinguished themselves, whilst, in opening communications with Adrian Hope's brigade on the opposite bank, young Butler of the 1st Fusiliers performed a deed of cool intrepidity which won for him the Victoria Cross. The result of the day's operations was that Outram occupied the left bank of the Gúmtí as far as the Bádsháhbágh. His position took the rebels completely in reverse.

Sir Colin had waited the three days, the 6th, 7th, and 8th, whilst Outram was making his preparations; but, on the 9th, he too advanced, carried the Martinière, and moved Adrian Hope's brigade from the vicinity of Banks's house to a point whence, some six hundred yards from the river, it could communicate, as thanks to the gallantry of Butler it did communicate, with Outram on the opposite bank. Sir Colin completed the operation the next day by storming Banks's house. The two army corps were then in complete communication.

During the night of the 10th Outram erected batteries to cover his projected movement of the following day; then, when that day dawned, he carried all the positions leading to the iron bridge – the bridge leading to the Residency – and established batteries close to it. In this operation he lost two most gallant officers, Thynne of the Rifle Brigade, and Moorsom of the Quartermaster-General's department. He continued to carry out the operations entrusted to him on the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th. He established himself, that is to say, in a position which enabled him, during those days, to rake and attack, by artillery fire in flank and rear, the positions which Sir Colin was assailing in front. It is impossible to overestimate the value of the assistance which Outram thus rendered to the main attack.