he awoke and found, to his horror, that every one had left, everything was silent and deserted, and he in an open intrenchment with thousands of rebels outside; like a wise man, he took to his heels and ran, never stopping until he came up with the retiring rear-guard (see para. 112.)
P.—SIKH SQUARE.
This post, next to the Brigade Mess. was commanded by Captain Hardinge, Oudh Irregular Infantry, It consisted of two square enclosures, surrounded by rows of low, flat roofed buildings, known as Sikh Square, so designated because they were occupied during the siege by the Sikh Cavalry. At the south-west angle, the native buildings, densely occupied by the enemy, closely adjoined the line of our defence, overlooking the roofs of the buildings, which were protected by sand-bags, and other materials planted for the men to fire from. The squares were separated by a lane from the eastern wall of Gubbins' compound, which was closed; but its best defence was a 24-pounder howitzer placed so as to sweep the street. On the 18th of August the enemy sprung a mine under the outer defences of the left Sikh Square, which blew down an outhouse at the south-west corner, sending Lieutenants Mecham and Soppitt, of the Oudh Irregular Infantry, Captain Orr, of the Military Police, and a drummer, into the air; they providentially escaped with but slight injuries. Six drummers and one sepoy were, however, buried amidst the ruins. A breach having been made in the Sikh Yard Battery of 30 feet in breadth, two 9-pounders were brought to bear on it; the embrasures were made in a wall about fifty yards in rear of the breach, and the guns were always kept loaded with grape. The breach was partially closed With doors and rafters, but any steady driver could have driven a coach and four through it Without much fear of an upset. To watch this open breach was one more addition to the daily increasing work of the gallant garrison of the Brigade Mess.
Q.—BEGUM KOTHI.
This building was previously the property and residence of Mrs. Walters, her elder daughter, and only son. The younger Miss Walters was married to King Nasir-ud-din Haider, under the title of Mukhaddar-i-Uliya, who was paternal aunt to Nawab Medhi Ali Khan, familiarly known as Nawab Munjoo Sahib, who is, at the present time, an Honorary Magistrate and member of the Municipal Board of this City. The elder Miss Walters, known as Begum
