Here a great sorrow overshadowed the success of the operation. At 9.30 A.M. on November 24, Sir Henry Havelock, who had been gradually sinking since his arrival at the Dilkúsha, expired, at the age of 62. He had lived just long enough to see the accomplishment of that for which he had so nobly fought, and to hear that his services had been appreciated by his Queen and country. He had the satisfaction, moreover, of being tended during his last moments by a beloved son[1]. But far higher consolations than these the warrior had, for he had lived a Christian and he died a hero. His remains were conveyed to the Alambágh and there interred with marked demonstrations of respect and sorrow on the part of the troops.
On November 27th, 1857, leaving Outram in occupation of the Alambágh until he himself should be able to return and finally expel the rebels from Lucknow, Sir Colin Campbell started with the relieved garrison and a force of some 3000 men for Cawnpur. Here he found that the rebels, led by Tántia Topi, had advanced from Kálpi, forty-six miles distant, and had not only occupied all the salient positions between that place and the Ganges, but had closed in upon General Wyndham and had compelled him to fall back to a weak position near the town with the loss of both camp and baggage. Nothing could be done till the
- ↑ The present Sir Henry Havelock-Allan, V.C. He was at that time suffering from a severe wound. A gallant soldier and a good son; his is a record of service of which any one might be proud even in a period of 'heroic deeds.'
