The 93rd were also at Lucknow, and the way they came to the rescue of the hard-pressed garrison of that city makes a thrilling episode.
Well known is the story of Jessie, the Scotch nurse, who was within the fortifications of Lucknow when the final grip of despair was closing on the beleaguered garrison. Sitting musing on the hope of death as against the horrors of surrender, she suddenly raised her head and listened. Was she dreaming of the hills and glens of her native land, which she might never see again, or was that the sound of the pibrochs floating on the breeze from far away? She started up, declaring that she heard the wild music of her own country drawing nearer and nearer out of the distance. Others listened, but could hear nothing, and thought that Jessie was fey. But the simple-living Scotch folk are renowned for their second sight and clairaudience, and the event proved that Jessie was right; for at that moment, though far beyond the range of physical hearing, the Highlanders, under Sir Colin Campbell, were marching swiftly towards Lucknow, with Cameron striding at their head, blowing his loudest.
THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS AT BALACLAVA.
From a Painting by R. Caton Woodville.
When they arrived at the city they made no pause, but swept down on the dastardly foe with irresistible force, while the bagpipes screamed and the men cheered wildly. Then ensued a running fight lasting some hours, after which post after post was seized and occupied until finally the siege was raised, and Sir Colin Campbell and Sir Henry Havelock met within the city and shook hands on a glorious relief.
THEIR BADGES, BATTLE HONOURS, ETC.
Badges.—A Boar's Head within a wreath of myrtle. A Cat within a wreath of broom, all over the label as represented in the arms of the Princess Louise, and surmounted with H.R.H.'s coronet. In each of the four corners the Princess Louise Cypher and Coronet.
Mottoes.—"Ne obliviscaris." "Sans peur."
Battle Honours.—Cape of Good Hope 1806, Rolica, Vimiera, Coronna, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes, Toulouse, Peninsula, Alma, Balaclava, Sevastopol, Lucknow, S. Africa 1846-47, 1851-53, 1879, 1899-1902, Modder River, Paardeberg.