on our left—­Repulsed by Brigadier Showers—­Expedition under Major Coke—­Attack on right pickets at sunset—­Combat continues all night—­Enemy retires—­Loss of enemy—­Result of General Wilson’s appointment—­We attempt to destroy the bridge of boats—­Demonstration by the enemy—­Pickets on the right harassed—­Metcalfe pickets shelled—­Brigadier Showers takes four guns—­Our reinforcements arrive under Nicholson—­His character—­Mrs. Seeson comes in from the city—­The enemy fires rockets—­He establishes a battery on the left bank of the river—­river—­Sortie—­Expedition under Nicholson—­Battle of Najafgarh—­Elkington mortally wounded—­Gabbett killed—­killed—­Death of Elkington—­Right pickets harassed—­An amusing incident—­The Afghans—­Alarm in the Punjab—­Bands play in camp—­Fatal shell from across the river—­An uncomfortable bath—­The siege-train arrives—­Our allies—­Zeal of the engineers—­New batteries established

CHAPTER IV

CAPTURE OF THE CITY

September 7 to 14

Strength of our force—­General Wilson’s order—­Volunteers for artillery called for—­All our batteries open fire—­Number of casualties during bombardment—­Frequent sorties—­Death of Captain Fagan, Bengal Artillery—­Breaches examined—­Orders for the assault—­Details of columns—­The assault—­Blowing in of Kashmir Gate—­Details of the operations—­Cowardly tactics of the enemy—­Gallant conduct of Private Moylan, 61st Regiment—­Gallant conduct of Surgeon Reade, 61st Regiment—­Doing of Nos. 1 and 2 columns—­Nicholson mortally wounded—­No. 4 column attacks Kishenganj—­Conduct of the Kashmir troops—­They lose their guns—­Their search for them—­Failure of the attack on Kishenganj—­Intention of the enemy—­Work of the Cavalry Brigade—­Support by the Guides infantry—­Casualties on September 14—­Bravery of the native troops—­Temptations to drink—­All liquor destroyed—­We construct more batteries—­Reported intentions of the General—­These overruled—­The enemy attacks our advanced posts—­We storm the magazine—­Further advance of Nos. 1 and 2 Columns—­The 61st move to the church—­Colonel Skinner—­State of the church—­Unsuccessful attack on the Burn bastion—­Eclipse of the sun—­The Burn bastion captured—­The enemy begin to retire—­Capture of the Lahore Gate and Garstin bastion—­The Palace and Selimgarh taken—­The Jama Masjid taken—­The 61st move to Ali Khan’s house—­Casualties—­Reflections

CHAPTER V

OCCUPATION OF THE CITY

September 20 to May, 1858

Lack of appreciation by Government—­A contrast—­Delay in issue of prize money and medals—­Unceremonious presentation of the latter—­Complete desertion of the city by the enemy—­A stroll through the city—­Looting—­Discovery of hiding inhabitants—­They are ordered to leave the city—­Disgraceful desertion of pets—­State of the streets—­Hodson captures the King of Delhi—­The King’s