eeling of
depression, the Governor published the following despatch from the
Commander-in-Chief:--

"The enemy having been reported in great force yesterday to the north
of Delhi, our army took up a favourable defensive position, and a battle
was fought with great honour to the British arms. The Russians suffered
enormous losses. The approach of darkness preventing us from following
up the advantages we had gained, I ordered the main body of the army
to carry out a strategic retreat on Lucknow, chiefly along the railway.
Simpson's brigade remained behind to defend Delhi. The heavy guns of
the Sha, Calcutta gate, and north gate bastions were very effective.
All arms distinguished themselves, and deserve the highest praise. The
bridge over the Jumna is intact and affords direct communication with
General Simpson."

While Mr. Kennedy was sitting pondering over this despatch, Heideck came
up to him.

"A decisive defeat, isn't it, Mr. Heideck?" said he. "As a military man,
you can read between the line, better than I can. But I know Delhi. If
the Jumna bridge batteries have been firing, the Russians must be on the
point of capturing this passage. The north gate bastion is the head of
the bridge."

Heideck was obliged to agree; but he had read more in the despatch, and
drew the worst conclusions from the general's retreat on Lucknow.

No more despatches from the theatre of war were published during the
day, since the Governor was desirous of concealing the melancholy state
of affairs from the people. But Mr. Kennedy, who had been in Government
House, knew more. He told Heideck that the English army had fled in
complete disorder, having lost 8,000 killed and wounded, twenty guns,
and a number of colours and standards. The Government had already
abandoned all hope of saving Delhi, for General Simpson could not
possibly hold it. "We have lost India," sorrowfully concluded Mr.
Kennedy. "It is the grave of my last hopes."

. . . . . . .

The Caledonia was moored in Victoria Dock, which formed part of the
magnificent harbour on the east coast of the peninsula. In the midst
of a seething crowd the passengers were making their way on board.
Many wounded and sick officers and soldiers were returning on the fast
steamer to England, and filled the places intended for passengers. No
travellers to Europe on business or pleasure were to be seen. All the
women on board belonged to the families of the military. The general
feeling