A Diary Kept by Mrs. R. C. Germon, at Lucknow, Between the Months of May and December, 1857Germon, Maria
History
A Diary Kept by Mrs. R. C. Germon, at Lucknow, Between the Months of May and December, 1857
Germon, Maria
Germon, Maria; India -- History -- Sepoy Rebellion, 1857-1858; Lucknow (India) -- History -- Siege, 1857 -- Personal narratives
Allum Bagh, saying they were all right, but surrounded by the enemy's
cavalry.
Monday, October 5th. The day passed as usual. After dinner we had such
heavy rain, it prevented my going to Charlie's post; he paid me a visit
instead.
Tuesday, October 6th. We had a grand attack; the enemy actually got
into the Fureed Bucksh, but were killed in great numbers. Our troops
were drawn in a little, as it was not considered safe for them to be
out so far. They had got as far as the Delhi Bank, on the Cawnpore
road, but the enemy have it again now, and also Metaz and Dowlah house,
which was said to be filled with jams and pickles, so that our visions
of delicacies were doomed to be blighted.
Wednesday, October 7th. The anniversary of my arrival in Calcutta. An
18-pound shot came in. The guns are further off now, but I think more
dangerous, for we never know their range now; and two or three round
shots come into the house every day, on all sides. In the evening,
General Outram came and sat with us, and while chatting a despatch
came from Allum Bagh. These despatches are written on thin paper, and
rolled up so small that they are put into a little piece of the quill
of a pen. This brought good news--that 250 men had arrived at Allum
Bagh, with two guns and fifty commissariat carts, and had met with no
opposition on the road. The bridge at Bunnee was broken, but the river
fordable.
Thursday, October 8th. I have resumed my labours, and the whole morning
was taken up with receiving rations of ottah, rice, salt, &c., and
seeing them weighed. Poor Mr. G----, of our regiment, died to-day.
Friday, October 9th. I took possession of my go-down, at the request of
several of our party, and had all the provisions put under my charge.
Captain A. B---- died. Dr. B---- brought the news, and went with Mr.
H---- to his funeral. A letter came from Cawnpore in the evening,
saying Delhi was entirely ours; but that several regiments of the
enemy, with 18 guns, had escaped, and were coming to Lucknow: however,
a large force of our troops were pursuing them, and hoped to intercept
them before they could reach us.
Saturday, October 10th. A letter from Allum Bagh, saying they were all
right. They are seven hundred strong, and have nine guns. They had sent
out a foraging party, and brought in lots of provisions. We had a quiet
day.
Sunday, October 11th. A busy day with me, for I had to take in the
rations for all for three days. In rice, we were reduced to something
less than 6 lbs. for all the party, for three days. Charlie came
to service at 3. No news till night, when another letter came from
Cawnpore, saying the Delhi column had fallen in with the Jhansi
mutineers, killed 150 and dispersed the rest, at Bolundshuhur, on, I
think, the 4th, and were coming on to relieve us, and might be expected
the end of the month. We had two attacks during the night; the musketry
sounded all round.
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