security of Head Quarters. On May 22 he wrote to Lord Canning that he would decidedly oppose himself to any proposal for throwing his European force into the Fort, except in the last extremity. In Mr. Drummond, the Magistrate of Agra, he had a strong man on whom he could rely to keep order. He gave him uncompromising support; leaving him free in the choice of his instruments, and in the execution of his measures. Throughout May and June order was maintained by the police. In the last days of June, from June 26 onwards, when it was known that a hostile force was approaching, women and children were sent into the Fort. By then it had been provisioned and made ready. Between June 30 and July 4 the rest of the community followed. On July 5 the affair of Sháhganj took place. The British troops were repulsed and retired to the Fort. When the police saw the British beaten, they threw over all discipline and dispersed. It could not have been anticipated that they would do otherwise. But it was not till a strong body of successful mutineers threatened Agra that the shelter of the Fort was sought. The British community could then enter it without dishonour, and remain in it without apprehension.
Incredible abuse was heaped on the Lieutenant-Governor for adhering to his resolve. Those best qualified to describe the storm which assailed him have done so, in terms which must be quoted. But the subject is not one on which any could wish to
