no real aid, but created
additional embarrassments. The time consumed in deciding anything was
extraordinary, although in the early part of the siege the telegraphic
wire lent all its aid between Agra and Calcutta. General Barnard found
that he could not take Delhi by storm; a regular siege was therefore
resorted to. Throughout the month of June a fierce conflict raged around
the once proud capital of Hindostan. During July these conflicts were
continued, and rendered fiercer by the arrival of large forces-of
mutineers from Rohilcund. Mutiny was discovered in the camp of the
besiegers. Sickness also smote the British, so that by the end of July
there were 1,200 invalids in the little army. Battle and disease must
have utterly wasted it had not Sir John Lawrence sent troops' and
supplies, and with them the skilful and intrepid young General
Nicholson. The sickness and ultimate decease of Sir Henry Barnard caused
the demand to devolve on the senior general, Reid. His health also
giving way, General Wilson, an excellent artillery officer, assumed the
command.

Early in August the English made an effort to destroy the bridge of
boats, by floating detonating machines, which was unsuccessful, and the
mutineers continued to make it available for purposes hostile to the
besiegers, and advantageous to themselves. On the 1st of August 5000 men
made a sortie, if such, in the peculiar circumstances of the siege,
it could be called. The Metcalf picket-house and the flag-staff tower
became the objects of incessant attack. The sepoys, however, fought in
vain. During August reinforcements for the rebels poured into the city
of Delhi, from the various districts, far and near, where revolt had
raged.

In the beginning of September the siege-train arrived, and strong
reinforcements of troops; the sick and wounded then reached the number
of 3000. A terrible bombardment was opened against the city on the 11th,
which continued until the 14th, when the assault was ordered, and after
desperate fighting it proved successful. It was not, however, destined
to triumph on the first day. On all points but one the British
were victorious. The attack on the western suburbs failed from the
inefficiency of the Cashmere contingent, the bravery and number of the
sepoys, and their contempt for the native force under Captain Dwyer's
command. After a fearful conflict for possession of the Redghat, the
whole attack on the western side was abandoned. The En