the road was metalled, but beyond this the first difficulties were experienced, as the path there was the summit of an unfinished embankment of loose earth. After a halt under the blazing sun the force moved slowly on. After proceeding about a mile and a half the videttes were fired upon from the village of Ishmailganj on the road to Chinhut. The troops were still in column when they were fired upon with round shot. The enemy now became visible, occupying some mango-groves. Our line was at once deployed and the guns brought into position. The howitzer returned the fire of the enemy with effect. The field pieces also fired with round shot, when the rebels moved off and it was thought that the day was won; but, instead of retreating, the enemy only changed their position and then continued to cannonade almost simultaneously with ours, while their skirmishers kept advancing, and, in a short time, gained full possession of the village of Ishmailganj, from which they poured a deadly fire upon our men. The fire of the enemy was answered with great spirit by our men, and, after a short resistance, the retreat was ordered. The enemy kept pressing on, taking advantage of every cover to pour in a murderous fire of musketry. The heat was dreadful; thegun-ammunition was expended, and the almost total want of Cavalry to protect the rear made the retreat most disastrous. All the officers behaved well; and the exertions of the small body of European Volunteer Cavalry --only 36 in number--under Captain Radcliffe, 7th Light Cavalry, were most praiseworthy. The gallant services of Her Majesty's 32nd Regiment throughout the struggle were remarkable.
"On nearing the Kúkrail Bridge[1] a body of the enemy's Cavalry was seen occupying the road in front. They, however, were soon driven from their position by a charge from the Volunteer Cavalry. Beyond the bridge the retreat continued, covered by the Cavalry; and, in this way, the suburbs were passed through, the Iron Bridge re-crossed, and the Machhi Bhawan and Residency gained
at last. It was a most melancholy spectacle to witness; and all felt the deepest sympathy for the poor wounded who were conveyed to the Banqueting Hall, which was converted into a Hospital. The place was crowded and everything in a state of indescribable misery, discomfort, and confusion. The ladies flocked around the wounded
- ↑ *The Kúkrail Bridge, on the Fyzabad road, is exactly two miles and six furlongs from the Iron bridge. The village of Ishmailganj five miles, and the town of Chinhut, six miles and four furlongs. The consecration by the Right Revd. Alfred Clifford, Bishop of Lucknow, of the cemeteries at Kúkrail, took place on the 31st of January, 1896, at 10 A. M.
