th. All the
24th they were bombarded by the enemy, and an attack was made by 1000
cavalry on the baggage, which was defeated by the soldiers of the
gallant 90th, though not without the loss of several officers and men.

The morning of the 25th arrived. The generals breakfasted at a small
table placed in the open field; and while they and their staff were
afterwards examining a map of the city spread out on it, a 9-pound shot
from the enemy's battery struck the ground five yards from it, and
bounded over their heads. Soon after eight the welcome order to advance
was given. Sir James Outram commanded the first and leading brigade,
with all the artillery, heavy and light. The second brigade, under
General Havelock, followed in support. Scarcely had Sir James's brigade
passed the advanced pickets, than it was assailed by a heavy fire in
front, on either flank, and from two guns planted near a house called
from its colour the Yellow House. The enemy had flanked his road under
cover of long, high grass, and a murderous fire was poured on the
columns from a double-storied house, full of musketeers, from the
loopholed walls of the surrounding gardens, from two guns that raked the
road from his right flank, and from another that commanded his front.
In the face of this desperate opposition, Captain Maude, with his brave
artillerymen, pushed on, though not without the loss of one-third of
their number. A canal passes between the Alumbagh and Lucknow. At the
bridge over it the enemy had determined to make their stand, and dispute
the entrance to the city. It was defended by six guns on the Lucknow
side, one of them a 24-pounder, which completely swept the bridge and
the approach to it, while all the houses near it were loopholed and
filled with musketeers. Here nearly every man of Captain Maude's two
guns was killed or wounded, though he and Lieutenant Maitland remained
unhurt, and they frequently had to call for volunteers from the infantry
to replace the artillerymen falling around. A charge was now made by
the Madras Fusiliers, when Lieutenant Arnold, at the first word of
command, dashed on to the bridge with nineteen of his men. The enemy,
believing this little band to be the main body, sent a discharge of
grape, which they had reserved for the occasion, among them. Lieutenant
Arnold fell, shot through both legs, and most of his men were swept
down. Lieutenant Havelock alone remained on the bridge. Waving his
s