Transcriber's Note: The following handwritten dedication and letter were included on the front leaves of the original book. They were written by Miss M. A. Garratt, sister of Mrs. R. C. Germon. * * * * * Given to Herbert Litchfield by Miss M A Garratt sister of Mrs Germon the Authoress [Illustration] [Illustration] You ask about the "Diary of Lucknow" My sister never intended publishing them--but she was so continually pressed to do so by a few friends who thought it such a pity the manuscript should get lost or injured--two in particular, M^r Burham a friend here, the one who wrote his Father's Biography which I gave you--& an old Admiral an old friend here (since dead) that at last she had it done, but only for private circulation--& only she and I had the copies--I shall send one to you ^{to}day by Post & hope it will reach you all right--she wrote it entirely for my dear mother & myself & the report of each day is perfectly correct--I suppose if nothing unforeseen occurs we shall be going to London as usual the end of May--but it depends upon the time of the "Lucknow dinner"--so as to bring that in during my sister's & Colonel Germon's stay in London--it is the old Garrison--the Officers who were shut in all the time--& year by year the party becomes smaller, partly from some being removed by death & others not able perhaps to be in London at the time When in London I shall hope to see something of you--& with kind love believe me your affec^{te} Cousin M A Garratt my sister & the Col. send kind remembrances * * * * * [Illustration: Plan of the Defences of Lucknow] A DIARY KEPT BY MRS. R. C. GERMON, AT LUCKNOW, BETWEEN THE MONTHS OF MAY AND DECEMBER, 1857. LONDON: WATERLOW AND SONS, CARPENTERS' HALL, LONDON WALL. 1870. ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL. PREFACE. The Writer of the following Diary has frequently been requested to have a few copies printed for circulation amongst her friends; she has now acceded to their request, but wishes it to be understood that the Diary is in its original wording, as it was written by her day by day at Lucknow, with no attempts at embellishment. The names of those who were actors in the fearful scenes have been omitted, from a feeling of delicacy towards some who are still alive. The writer is also indebted to her husband, who commanded one of the outposts throughout the siege, for the accuracy of the statements of some of the events that did not come immediately under her own observation. THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW.