Western Bengal, Orísá, and the Central Provinces was surging with revolters, and these were constantly traversing the grand trunk road, impeding communications, and rendering travelling dangerous. However, none of these difficulties daunted Sir Colin. His aim was to despatch troops, and to proceed himself, to Kánhpur, thence to march to relieve Outram and Havelock. Under the pressure of his requisitions the Government organised a bullock-train for the despatch of troops to Allahábád, whilst he sent out strong parties to patrol the road. The opportune arrival of the British troops intended for China, but which the patriotism of Lord Elgin had placed at the disposal of the Government of India, enabled Sir Colin to utilise the means thus prepared for their despatch. Then the Shannon and the Pearl arrived, and Captain William Peel, of glorious memory, proceeded to organise his famous brigade from the crew of the former, whilst Captain Sotheby did the same from the crew of the Pearl. Troops arrived from England in October. On the 27th of that month Sir Colin, having completed all his arrangements for the prompt despatch of regiments as they might arrive, set out for Allahábád. Narrowly escaping capture on his way from a body of rebels who had broken the famous line, he arrived there the evening of the 1st of November.
He found matters in good progress. The Naval brigade had left Allahábád for Kánhpur in two detachments, on the 23d and 28th October. The 53d and drafts for other regiments had accompanied the second detachment, the whole commanded by Colonel Powell of the 53d. Sir Colin, having organised a party, under Longden of the 10th, for the clearing of the Ázamgarh district, set out for Kánhpur on the 2d, and arrived there on the 3d. He found the position there, in a military point of view, dangerous. Oudh was still teeming with rebels, whilst
