Sutherland and the Reay country

248 SUTHERLAND AND THE REAV COUNTRY.
We are about to advance to relieve our countrymen and
countrywomen besieged in the Residency of Lucknow by
the rebel arm)-. It will be a duty of danger and difficulty,
but I rely upon you ! " To this laconic speech the High-
landers replied with a loud cheer, which was taken up by the
other regiments, as the brave old general rode along the line.
Every man was actuated by the same feeling, namely — a
determination to avenge Cawnpore, and rescue the women and
children in Lucknow. On the 14th the army began its
approach. The 93rd was the leading regiment in the main
column. A force of rebels had taken up a position near a
village to the south of Lucknow, but these having been
driven off, the 93rd passed into an open space directly opposite
the Secunder-bagh — a palace, with a high-walled loop-holed
enclosure, about 150 yards square. A breach having been
made in the walls, the assault was begun by the 93rd,
supported by the 4th Punjab Rifles, and detachments of
other regiments. "Never," said Sir Colin in his despatch,
"was there a bolder feat of arms." The greater part of the
93rd dashed straight at the breach. It was an exciting attack.
On rushed side by side in generous rivalry, the Sikh and the
Highlander, the latter straining every nerve in the race, led
gallantly by their officers. The opening of the breach was
so small that only one man could enter at a time, but a few
having gained entrance, they kept the enemy at bay until a
considerable number of Highlanders and Sikhs had pushed
in, and then commenced what was probably the sternest and
bloodiest struggle of the whole campaign. The Sepoys
made a stubborn resistance, and fought with the courage of
despair, for they knew that no mercy would be shown to
them. The carnage was dreadful, over 2000 Sepoys having