The following is a translation of a Hindostani document issued by the Gwalior contingent, and found on the field of battle outside Cawnpore: 'Cawnpore. By order of the great rajah--the leader.[48] May his shadow never be less. Let all the lords of the manor and the rajahs of this country know that a dromedary rider, for the purpose of finding out all about the roads, and defiles, and ferries, is about to be sent, in consequence of the departure of the Gwalior contingent towards Cawnpore; that no person is to molest or hurt in any way the above-mentioned dromedary rider; and let them, in fact, assist him to the best of their power.... It is written on the 3rd of the month of Suffer, and it corresponds with 1274 of the year of the Flight.' FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 45: This gallant officer was killed in action two years subsequently, in the New Zealand war, where he had command of the 'Harrier.'] [Footnote 46: This young officer was subsequently killed at Lucknow, in March 1858.] [Footnote 47: Guns captured from the Gwalior contingent-- By General Windham, November 26 3 " " " " 28 2 Battle of December 6 17 By Sir Hope Grant 15 -- Total 37] [Footnote 48: Probably the Nana Sahib.] CHAPTER XIV CAUSES OF THE MUTINY AND POLICY OF LORD CANNING The fall of Delhi in September, the relief of Lucknow in November, and the severe conflicts round Cawnpore, had shattered, as it were, the main force of the Mutiny; and although during 1858 active military measures were carried out in various parts of the country, still in reality the great crisis was past. The absence on the part of the natives of any men of military genius to lead them, the want of mutual confidence amongst their widely dispersed forces, and their tendency to marauding expeditions rather than to combined operations, all led to their final defeat in detail. On the other hand, the vigour of our movements, and the large reserves of men, arms, and munitions brought from England, at length restored our shaken power, and enabled us gradually, but firmly, to re-establish our authority throughout the numerous provinces under our rule.