Of course, severe reflections have been passed on those in command of European troops at Meerut and in the neighbourhood of Delhi for allowing the revolted regiments to pass unmolested from the former to the latter place. There was indecision shown, no doubt. The Commandant at Meerut telegraphed to Delhi what had occurred, and did no more. Next day the Mahomedans of Delhi rose and joined the Sepoys, and the Europeans in the Residency could only blow up their magazine to prevent it falling into the hands of the rebels. It is easy to sit in an elbow chair and pronounce the opinion that if the authorities at Meerut had showed presence of mind the rebellion might have been quashed at the outset; but it is a fearful thing for soldiers to have to turn their arms suddenly against their comrades; and any hesitation or weakness shown on that occasion may be forgotten in the tribute due to the whole body of military and civil officers for their conduct in what followed. [Illustration: _G. Richmond, R.A._} VISCOUNT CANNING, 1812-1862. Governor-General and First Viceroy of India.] [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_by Gregory & Co., Strand._ TYPES OF OUR INDIAN CAVALRY. 1. Guide Cavalry. 2. 1st Bengal Cavalry. 3. 1st Punjab Cavalry. 4. Major, 11th Bengal Lancers. 5. 1st Contingent, India Horse. 6. 4th Bombay Poonah Horse. 7. 1st Madras Lancers. 8. 4th Contingent, Lancers (Hyderabad).] [Sidenote: Lord Canning's Presence of Mind.] Lord Canning played a splendid part. Of all moods of the human creature there is none so ungovernable as fear. The suddenness of the outbreak, the rapidity of its spread, the atrocious massacres which marked its progress, created a wild panic in Calcutta and other European communities. Canning was assailed on all sides by the insane counsels of terror. He was urged to take the most savage methods of reprisal. The dethroned King of Oude was living near Calcutta. Of all Dalhousie's annexations perhaps that of Oude was the one which most afflicted sensitive consciences; and the people of Calcutta, convinced that the King of Oude was preparing schemes of vengeance, besought the Governor-General to seize his person. Canning responded by receiving the King and his Vizier to reside in his own house. The clamours against him rose to frenzy: people nicknamed him "Clemency Canning"; they shrieked for his recall; but through all the tumult this great man kept his head cool and his nerve steady. [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_by Bourne & Shepherd, Calcutta._ STATE ELEPHANTS OF THE VICEROY OF INDIA. The elephant in the centre of the group was taken from the Nawab of Bengal at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, and was 140 years old when the photograph was taken.]