OPINIONS OF THE PRESS
“The book entitled ‘The Martiniere Boys in the Residency’ to which we referred the other day as having been presented by the author - Edward H. Hilton—to the Countess of Dufferin, on the occasion of Her Excellency’s visit to the Residency,-is now before us in a neat illustrated wrapper, displaying two of the most historical buildings in Lucknow, viz, the College itself and the remnants of the house which gave its name to the British intrenched position during the ever memorable defence known as the most glorious of all the annals of British valor and renown in India Mr. Hilton’s book is a simple narrative of all that occurred in Lucknow during the eventful epoch of 1857. He describes the outbreak of the Mutiny in the Oudh capital, and the protective measures that devolved on Sir Henry Lawrence in consequence of the same. The part taken by La Martiniére Boys in the stirring incidents of the five months' siege are described lucidly and truthfully by an eve-witness who was himself one of the beleaguered garrison. Mr. ilton has done honor to himself and to his College in becoming the historian of events which show that the British school boy is capable of vieing with the bravest and best in the hour of danger and trial, and is willing to undergo privations and risk his life for the honor and glory of ‘Old England!’ The task undertaken from esprit de corps has been well performed, and is a noble tribute to Alma Mater. There is much that is original in the book, interspersed among interesting excerpts from the best sources, which make its pages attractive reading, and we commend the volume as a useful record of the period and events of which it treats. It embodies much within a small compass, and presents valuable information in a cheap and handy form. While no Martiniere boy will be without a copy of the book, we believe it ought to find a place on the book-shelf of every Anglo-Indian having associations connected with the great Sepoy Rebellion. The style and get up make the book a suitable ornament for any drawing-room table.”
A contemporary thus describes the part taken by La Martiniére Boys during the investment:—
“The startling events of the Mutiny of fifty-seven have made Lucknow a word which 15 not only a monument to the courage and endurance of those who there made a glorious defence against the overwhelming hosts of the fanatical enemies of England, but is also a, lasting memorial of British power in India. The ‘Defence of the Residency’ is without parallel in Indian history. That building, and the surrounding houses, forming a weak, irregular, and incomplete enclosure, were maintained for five months against fearful odds. This was the only spot then possessed by the British in the whole kingdom of Oudh. and the eyes of all India were anxiously turned towards the intrepid garrison till its partial relief was accomplished by General Havelock on the 25th September, 1857. in the chain of posts which formed the British line of defence, the ‘Baillie Guard’ gate is, perhaps, that best known; but the most perilous guard of this frail fortress was the terrible ‘Cawnpore-battery.’
“In close proximity to this post of danger was the position held bravely throughout the seige by fifty boys of the Martiniere, who in addition to military duty, gave general assistance as hospital attendants, signallers, and in a variety of other ways. Many of these noble little fellows grew to manhood, and are now members of the Oudh Rifle Volunteers. They were all decorated with the Mutiny Medal, and received a bar attached to it for the 'Defence of Lucknow. ”—[1] The Express.
- ↑ Vide Appendix A.
