LUCKNOW.


Lucknow, although the capital of Oude, the center of a warlike people
smarting under recent annexation, had for a long time remained tranquil
after insurrection and massacre were raging unchecked in the northwest.
Sir Henry Lawrence, a man of great decision and firmness united to
pleasant and conciliating manners, had, when the Sepoys began to hold
nightly meetings and to exhibit signs of recklessness, toward the end of
April, telegraphed to government for full power to act; and having
obtained the required authorization, he awaited with calmness the first
sign of insubordination. This was exhibited by the men of the Seventh Oude
Irregular Infantry, who on the 3d of May endeavored to seduce the men of
the Forty-eighth Native Regiment from its allegiance, and broke out into
acts of open mutiny. Sir Henry Lawrence the same evening marched the
Thirty-second Foot and and a battery of European artillery, with some
native regiments to their lines, three miles from the city, surrounded and
disarmed them, and arrested their ringleaders. After this act of decision
and energy, Lucknow had peace for some time. The native troops, awed and
subdued, remained tranquil, and on the 27th of May Lucknow still remained
quiet, whereas every other station in Oude, except Cawnpore, was in the
hands of the rebels.

At the same time every preparation had been made for the struggle which
all regarded as inevitable. The houses which formed two sides of the large
irregular square in the center of which stood the Residency were connected
by earthworks, and a breastwork, composed of sandbags and fascines,
surrounded the other sides. Stores of provisions were collected, cattle
driven in, and every preparation made for a lengthened defense. The