THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2555, 24 November 1888, Page 2

THE SIEGE OF LUCKNOW.

The Public Hall at Hamilton was filled with an attentive audience on Wednesday evening, to hear Colonel iorbes lecture on "The Siege of Lucknow," one of the most memorable events in British history. Amongst the audience were residents _ from Cambridge and other parts of the Waikato, also Colonel Shepherd from Auckland. The whole of the stage was laid out with a rich display of bright-coloured Indian rugs, gold and silver filagree work, ornaments, guns, swords, shields, daggers, and other arms, vases inlaid in gold and silver, the skins of tigers, bears and leopards. This collection was in itself worth seeing. There were also plans of the city and the fa mows Residency, showing the British positions and those in the enemy's occupation. In tho centre of the Hall was Captain Reid's apparatus for exhibiting the lime-light views. Tho Mayor Mr Isaac Coates, was in the chair, and briefly introduced the lecturer, who was received with applause.

Colonel Forbes began by referring to the siege as one of the most eventful episodes in the history of the British nation, and which, but for tho interposition of Providence, would have resulted in India being wrested from our grasp. Yerv few knew the extent and grandeur of the country entrusted to our care. He briefly described the Indian empire, its area, wealth and population. He theu gave a description of the city of Lucknow, as depicted on the map, showing its extent and the parts held by the rebels, in the middle of which was a small space occupied by the British at ths Residency. The native lines and army were desci ibed and also the entrenchments thrown up by our brave countrymen, with a small body of faithful Sepoys, who formed tho heroic and devoted garrison. The lecturer then proceeded to explain the circumstances that led up to the terrible mutiny, beginning with the annexation of tho territory of tho Oude, then the appearance of discontent amongst our native troops and the means adopted by the enemies of England, at the close of the Crimean War, to foment, their ill-feelings into open rebellion. The slate of the English administration was described, as well as the attitude of the native princes. At this time, ISoT, that noble-hearted Christian soldier, Sir Henry Lawrence, of undying fame, was entrusted with the Chief cT'inuiissionership of the Province of Oude. The lecturer gave an outline of the splendid character of this chivalrous statesman and general; Ins lofty conceptions of duty, his dee]) sympathy with his fellowmen and the care and anxiety which distinguished him in setting about the arduous task before him. Then came the first symptoms of revolt in the emeutes of some native regiments at the ollicer's quarters in the suburbs of the city, which obliged the whole of the British force to be concentrated at the Resiliency. The disaifected troops numbered 8,000 men of all arms against 700 Europeans. The beauty and splendour of Lucknow was told in graphic language ; its palaces, mosques and ollicial buildings. The imposing pile which formed the Residency was described, also the roads leading to Cawnpore and other localities around the city. The population of Lucknow wa5370.000, together with 20,000 disbanded native soldiery. The defences were very defective and the garrison and treasure were at the mercy of the rebels. Sir Henry Lawrence set to work to prepare for the coming storm, which burst upon them later on. Then was told the progress of the siege, the incessant storm of shot and shell, and musketry poured upon the devoted garrison, who were terribly exposed to the fire from all quarters. The feats of gallantry of our troops and the repulse of every assault where applauded, loudly as they were spoken of. Night and day there was no rest, the little handful of noble Englishmen clung to their posts, eating and sleeping as best they could in the storm of ball and shell. Death from battle and disease thinned their numbers daily ; yet, whilst they could drag their weak and weary bodies along they fought on, and in the middle of all their fearful perils always putting their trust, in God. The terrible privations of the women and children were described, and although almost unendurable they nobly bore up in the midst of all their sufferings, and attended to the wants of their gallant defenders and relieved the sick and wounded. Had the enemy captured the place, it had been resolved to put all the women and children to death rather than fall into the hands of the demons without. The death of the heroic Lawrence, mortally wounded by a shell, was told with an eloquence and patlns that touched the audience. The dead general, ere consigned to his grave, was kissed by all his men, stern lion-hearted warriors, who shed bitter tears over his corpse. His last words were, " Never surrender, but die sword in hand." The garrison now numbered only 290 men, and their position was terrible. The next in command was Banks, who was killed, and he was succeeded by the gallant Inglis. Then came news of Havelock's approach with a relieving column. But his march was delayed, and the garrison-be-came disheartened and their privations fearful. The enemy were continually sapping and mining, which had to be met by counter-mines. These operations were conducted by the brave and fearless soldier. Captain Fulton. Now Havelock and Outram drew near to succour them. Tlie relieving troops had to fight their way to the Residency inch by inch, but finally came tho welcome sounds of the Highland pipes as the victorious force reached the garrison, who rushed into their arms and hailed them with delight. Bearded men caught up tho little children and kissed them in their joy. This was the first relief, which was followed a few weeks afterwards by the second relief under Sir Colin Campbell. Thus ended this magnificent defence, which will endure to all time as a monument of the patience and devotion to duty of the British soldier, and his trust in an all-ruling Providence. The lecturer was loudly applauded on concluding. Mrs Connell then came forward, dressed in costume, and sang "Jessie's Dream" to the organ accompaniment, the chairman having previously given a brief prelude of the romance of the song. It was sung in that lady's well-known rich soprano, and received warm applause. After this the hall was darkened, and a number of magnificent views of Lucknow, its splendid buildings and gardens, the Residency and the parts ljeld by the garrison, with the terrible havoc made by the enemys' guns, amongst them being one of Capt. Fulton in a mine, waiting with cocked pistol for the appearance of a rebel miner, were shown. These had been prepared by Captain Reid, were exhibited by him, and were highly appreciated, Col. Forbes giving a brief explanation of each view as it appeared. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded the lecturer and chairman, and the audience dispersed exceedingly well pleased with the eloquent and instructive address they had heard.