those who had been misled by false reports and ambitious men, and who now desired to return to the path of duty.
The conditional offer of pardon, announced in Lord Canning's Oudh Proclamation, was confirmed. The Proclamation further promised the royal clemency to all offenders except those convicted of having directly taken part in the murder of British subjects. To those who had willingly given asylum to murderers or had acted as leaders of instigators in revolt, their lives only were guaranteed; but a large indulgence in awarding punishment was promised in the case of men misled by a too credulous acceptance of false reports. To all others in arms against the Government the Proclamation announced unconditional pardon, amnesty, and oblivion of all offences on return to their homes and peaceful pursuits.
The ensuing 1st January was specified as the date before which compliance with the terms of pardon must be made.
This royal utterance was accompanied by another, emanating from the newly-appointed Viceroy, calling upon all Indian subjects to yield a loyal obedience to the Sovereign. The two Proclamations were recognised throughout India as announcing the conclusion of a struggle which the vast majority of the inhabitants of the country regarded with disapproval, if not with active dislike; which, to large classes, near the scene of action, was a source of serious danger, discomfort and loss; and which, it had now
