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VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA.

CHAPTER I.

1857 are figures indelibly dyed in blood, and their sanguinary impression stamps one of the most cruel, and sorrowful pages in the history of the world.

In that disastrous year of the Indian Mutiny — which even to the present day continues to furnish authentic material for the revelation of almost unknown episodes appertaining to that memorable period — the following abstract of Notification No. 931, dated July 23rd, 1857, was published by the Government of India:-

“The Governor-General in Council has reason to know that there are in Calcutta, Bengal, and the North-West Provinces many Englishmen whose peaceable avocations have been interrupted by the disturbed state of the country, and who, although in no way connected with the Government, are willing and eager to give an active support to its authority at the present time by sharing service in the Field with the troops of the Queen, and of the East India Company.

“The Governor-General in Council has thorough confidence in the loyalty, courage, and enterprising zeal of the community