A bridge of boats was thrown across the Ganges, and the force
crossed the river and advanced to Onao, eight miles on the road to
Lucknow. Here the enemy, strongly posted, barred the way; but they
were attacked, and, after hard fighting, defeated, with a loss of
three hundred men and fifteen guns.
In this fight the volunteer horse, who had been formed into a single
troop, did good service. One of their two officers was killed; and
as the party last up from Allahabad were all full of Bathurst's
rescue of Miss Hannay from Cawnpore, and Wilson and the Doctor
influenced the others, he was chosen to fill the vacancy.
There were two other fierce fights out at Busserutgunge, and then
Bathurst had the satisfaction of advancing with the column against
Bithoor. Here again the enemy fought sturdily, but were defeated
with great slaughter, and the Nana's palace was destroyed.
When, after the arrival of Outram with reinforcements, the column
set out for Lucknow, the volunteers did not accompany them, as they
would have been useless in street fighting, and were, therefore,
detailed to form part of the little force left at Cawnpore to hold
the city and check the rebels, parties of whom were swarming round
it.
The officer in command of the troop died of cholera a few days after
Havelock's column started up, and Bathurst succeeded him. The work
was very arduous, the men being almost constantly in their saddles,
and having frequent encounters with the enemy.
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