ΤΟ The People of Britain and of Greater Britain, TO SECURE WHOSE INHERITANCE IN THE INDIAN EMPIRE MANY BRAVE MEN LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES. Before and After. 'If nothing happens, all is right; but if it turns out a preconcerted mutiny, force must be met by force. The least concession would lose us India, and justice has placed us on high ground, thank God! Neither your Lordship nor myself would shed a drop of blood, if it could be avoided, but a thousand lives must be taken rather than let four hundred thousand men dictate to their government unjustly-or justly either for that matter. But woe to the government that places itself in so dreadful a position !' Sir Charles Napier to Lord Dalhousie (1849). To what is our success to be attributed? To the fire of the British Artillery exceeding in rapidity and precision all that the Brigadier-General has ever witnessed in his not short career; to the force of the Enfield Rifle in British hands; to British pluck, that good quality which has survived the revolution of the hour; and to the blessing of Almighty God in a most righteous cause the cause of justice, humanity, truth, and good government in India.' Extract from an 'Order' by Sir Henry Havelock (1857). "There is indeed occasion for our deepest thankfulness, and how loud a call is there on us all, for the most humble and heartfelt gratitude, for the change which has come over the state of affairs generally, through the loving mercy of our Heavenly Father, who, though He has seen fit to try and chasten us severely-as severely as any nation, except, perhaps, the Jews, was ever chastenedyet has not allowed us to be overwhelmed, but has shown us a way out of all our troubles. May we all lay deeply to heart the solemn lessons which have been taught us by the mysterious and tremendous events of the past few months.' Sir Donald M'Leod to Colonel Keith Young (1857). Recessional. 'God of our fathers, known of old, 'The tumult and the shouting dies, The captains and the kings depart, Still stands Thine ancient Sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget-lest we forget! 'Far-called our navies melt away, On dune and headland sinks the fire, Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! Judge of the Nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget-lest we forget! 'If, drunk with sight of power, we loose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe, Such boasting as the Gentiles use Or lesser breeds without the Law; For heathen heart that puts her trust And guarding calls not Thee to guard; RUDYARD KIPLING. B PREFACE. THE motive that leads me to publish my Husband's Letters and Diaries is the desire that his children and friends may be able to read them. At first it was intended to print these papers for private circulation only, but now it is thought best to publish them, for, though a number of years-over forty-have passed since the great Indian Mutiny of 1857-58, many still live who took an active part in the brave endeavour to quell it and restore right and order; and many others, either connected with India or having friends who were in the country during that troubled time, still take a deep interest in those years of anxiety and suffering, followed by righteous retribution. My warm thanks are due to Sir Henry Norman, who has so kindly edited this book and written an Introduction and Memoir. The Index and the Map of India have been specially prepared by my daughter, Mrs Inglis, whose work of subediting her father's letters has been a labour of love. EDINBURGH, 1902. F. M. Y. |