Tuesday, October 6th. We had a grand attack; the enemy actually got into the Fureed Bucksh, but were killed in great numbers. Our troops were drawn in a little, as it was not considered safe for them to be out so far. They had got as far as the Delhi Bank, on the Cawnpore road, but the enemy have it again now, and also Metaz and Dowlah house, which was said to be filled with jams and pickles, so that our visions of delicacies were doomed to be blighted.
Wednesday, October 7th. The anniversary of my arrival in Calcutta. An 18-pound shot came in. The guns are further off now, but I think more dangerous, for we never know their range now; and two or three round shots come into the house every day, on all sides. In the evening, General Outram came and sat with us, and while chatting a despatch came from Allum Bagh. These despatches are written on thin paper, and rolled up so small that they are put into a little piece of the quill of a pen. This brought good news—that 250 men had arrived at Allum Bagh, with two guns and fifty commissariat carts, and had met with no opposition on the road. The bridge at Bunnee was broken, but the river fordable.
Thursday, October 8th. I have resumed my labours, and the whole morning was taken up with receiving rations of ottah, rice, salt, &c., and seeing them weighed. Poor Mr. G——, of our regiment, died to-day.
Friday, October 9th. I took possession of my go-down, at the request of several of our party, and had all the provisions put under my charge. Captain A. B—— died. Dr. B—— brought the news, and went with Mr. H—— to his funeral. A letter came from Cawnpore in the evening, saying Delhi was entirely ours; but that several regiments of the enemy, with 18 guns, had escaped, and were coming to Lucknow: however, a large force of our troops were pursuing them, and hoped to intercept them before they could reach us.
Saturday, October 10th. A letter from Allum Bagh, saying they were all right. They are seven hundred strong, and have nine guns. They had sent out a foraging party, and brought in lots of provisions. We had a quiet day.
Sunday, October 11th. A busy day with me, for I had to take in the rations for all for three days. In rice, we were reduced to something less than 6 lbs. for all the party, for three days. Charlie came to service at 3. No news till night, when another letter came from Cawnpore, saying the Delhi column had fallen in with the Jhansi mutineers, killed 150 and dispersed the rest, at Bolundshuhur, on, I think, the 4th, and were coming on to relieve us, and might be expected the end of the month. We had two attacks during the night; the musketry sounded all round.
Monday, October 12th. Dr. F—— taken with fever. Three sales of deceased officers' property took place; Mr. Green's amongst them. Charlie said 260 of his small cheroots No. 3, fetched 500 rupees. I heard to-day an officer in our regiment had given a bottle of sherry for a cake of soap. No news!
Tuesday, October 13th. We had had a great deal of firing during the night. The day passed quietly. No news!
Wednesday, October 14th. Another day passed as usual. In the evening came a letter from Allum Bagh. All right there, but the servants were running away from not being able to get provisions. Reinforcements expected here about the 25th. A Sikh came in saying other Sikhs were anxious to come; he had deserted at the commencement of the siege. He was told they might occupy and keep a house just outside the entrenchments.
Thursday, October 15th. A quiet day, but all officers are ordered to remain at their posts till further orders, or until the Dewallee is over, as they say they intend to make a grand attack. The Sikh yesterday said they knew they could not take our position, but meant to starve us out, considering all the reinforcements that could come in time to save us had already arrived. In the evening came another letter from Cawnpore, and I understand the messenger brought a letter from Lady O——, at Agra, in which she said they still drove out, and took the air as usual.