Page:The tourist's guide to Lucknow.djvu/199

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The enclosing wall, which was 10 feet thick, was of masonry. It was strengthened by very large upright beams let into the ground, on both sides of the wall, at the distance of five feet apart; these were bound to gether by cross pieces of wood firmly nailed to the uprights. Within the enclosing parapet, earth had been heaped, but the parapet had not attained the height of ten feet all round when it had to be relinquished.

To complete this work a rough palisade was constructed of rafters, doors, &c., outside which the earth was scarped away as much as possible to render the assault difficult. The battery was ultimately raised to the required height, and a 9-pounder, and subsequently an 18-pounder, were mounted on it. The Civilians of the Covenanted Service, who aided in defending this post, were Messrs. M. Ommanney, G. Couper, S. Martin, G. Benson, W. C. Capper, J. B. Thornhill and G. H. Lawrence.

T. — GUBBINS' GARRISON.

This house, which was constructed of solid masonry, consisted of two stories, "built by the King as a concert-room and cock-pit." It stood in a garden of no great extent, which sloped to the south, towards the enclosing wall, where the ground was lower than the level of the lane which divided the compound from the Goindah lines. Three sides of the roof of the building, which were exposed to the city, were barricaded. There were two porticos; the principal one, towards the south, being much exposed, especially from what was called the "Lane Gun." This portico was overshadowed by an immense tree which intercepted many a shot, until ultimately it became quite denuded of branches. The south and west sides of the compound were bounded by out-houses, stables and servants' houses, built of masonry with flat roofs. Along the latter loop-holed parapets were erected. For about one hundred yards on the south front, a low brick wall bounded the compound.

On the 14th of July an attack was made on this post in which Lieutenant Lester was killed by a match-lock ball. Lieutenant Grant and Captain Forbes were also wounded; and, on the 21st, Major Banks, whilst approaching the position (where Gubbins was employed in keeping the lane clear between his post and the Goindah lines), received a bullet through the temple. Dr. Brydon was also wounded here on the 20th July. On the 22nd Mrs. Dorin, who occupied a room on the north side, was killed by a matchlock ball. This post was commanded successively by Captain Forbes, 1st Light Cavalry,