The immediate result of these successes was the relief of Ságar on February 3rd, 1858, after the place had been invested by the rebels for upwards of seven months. One of the besieged garrison, writing on that day, said — 'Ságar was relieved this morning by the force under Sir Hugh Rose. Who can imagine the gladness that then filled the hearts of the Europeans, shut up for eight weary and anxious months? For many a month and week during this period we heard of relief being near, till we grew sick with expecting and watching for its realisation. It was about eight days ago that we knew Sir Hugh Rose's force had arrived in the district. It heralded its approach by the bombardment of Rathgarh, one of the strongest forts in Bundelkhand. This bombardment continued for four days and nights unintermittingly. During the last three days it was sharp and quick, and the guns seemed to have been replaced by those of heavier calibre. The rebels inside the fort, among whom were some of the most daring and troublesome leaders, could not have had a wink of sleep from this constant booming, which was distinctly heard at Ságar. But to us it brought sweet slumbers and a happy sense of approaching security. At last to our joy it was reported that the fort had been taken, and that Sir Hugh Rose was close at hand. ... His troops marched right through the city of Ságar in a long line, and you can imagine the impression their number made
felt of death in the coming action; yet he pressed Sir Hugh Rose with much earnestness to let him act as his A.D.C. at Barodia.
