that Sir Henry did not fortify any positions on that road at which to check them. Of course he continued his defensive preparations, and the storage of ammunition and supplies.
There was every reason now for hopefulness. The Residency entrenchments were all in a state of advanced preparation ; the supplies, thanks to the exertions of James and Martin, were almost overflowing; its whole outline was encircled by obstacles, which it would be difficult for any except a very brave and expert enemy to penetrate; and troops were on the point of pushing on from Allahábád to the rescue of Cawnpur, when, alas! on the 27th, Sir Henry learnt that Wheeler had capitulated. Of Cawnpur itself no more need be said, so well known and so sad is the story, but the news of its surrender and fall set the mutineer army near Nawábganj on the alert, and it began to advance. Sir Henry knew that its appearance would not be long delayed.
On June 29 the spies reported that the advanced guard of the Oudh mutineers from Nawábganj would be at Chinhat during the night; Sir Henry then withdrew the force that was occupying the cantonments and divided it between the Residency and the Mutchi Bhown. He thought it advisable to hold these two positions till the enemy should press the siege closely; and he hoped that, commanding the two bridges and the intervening ground and road, he would be able to move the Mutchi Bhown garrison into the Residency without serious difficulty, so long as the enemy
