every one on the top of the building looking at the far-off flames of the burning bungalows in Cantonments, and we received the hearty congratulations of all on what they considered our providential escape.
The particulars of the outbreak are as follows :—
Immediately after dusk the sepoys of the 71st Native Infantry turned out and commenced firing, whilst some of their number made straight for the Officers’ Mess-house ; on the way they were met by a party of the 7th Light Cavalry, who were also going in the same direction, which proved that the destruction of the officers had been deliberately planned. The mutineers were, fortunately, disappointed of their prey. The officers, being on the alert, had left the Mess-house upon the first shot being fired. It was providential that the outbreak did take place before the plot was ripe, for had the conspiracy been matured and burst forth suddenly, as is believed was the intention, there is too much reason to fear that it would have been a success. The Mess-house was set on fire.
40. Sir Henry and his staff immediately proceeded to the European Camp, where there were 800 men of H. M.’s 32nd Foot and six guns. With the guns he swept the parade-ground of the 71st Native Infantry, and, fearing that the mutineers might make for the city, Sir Henry placed two guns and a Company of the 82nd on the road leading to it. The discharge of grape soon cleared the parade and drove the sepoys back into their lines. Brigadier Handscomb, who was commanding the troops in Cantonment and had gone out to quell the insurgents, was shot dead. A portion of the 48th Native Infantry was marched to the Residency; these were the men we passed near the Iron Bridge mentioned above. The 7th Light Cavalry patrolled the main streets of Cantonments during the whole of that night, but could not stop the general plunder and destruction of house property, which was set on tire by the mutinous sepoys. The 32nd Regiment kept their position all night.
41. At daylight next morning, Sir Henry placed himself at the head of the force, and learning that the mutineers had retired on Midkipur, followed them thither. Crossing the parade-ground our men came upon the body of Cornet Raleigh, a young officer, who, left sick in his quarters, had been murdered by the sepoys! At the same moment the mutinous regiments were discovered drawn up in line. Their attitude appeared to Sir Henry to betoken an intention to charge the guns. That officer consequently at once directed the guns to open fire on the distant line. This prompt action decided the matter and the enemy broke and fled precipitately. A day or two
