| Description | Local panics at Berhampore have waxed and waned and William contrasts the heroism of the Crimea with that of the small groups of European soldiery in India. He refers to the planter, Mr Venables, who has recaptured Allygharh [Aligarh] with a small force, Sir Hugh Wheeler holding Caronpore [Kanpur] in the siege there, and Sir Henry Lawrence controlling Lucknow. Regiments at Berhampore were suspected of disaffection, the 11th Cavalry and 63rd Native Infantry; while a Sowar of the 11th released prisoners being sent to Calcutta [Kolkata]. The local Assistant, Wynch, declared on no authority that the regiments had risen, so that men, women and children spent the night of the 21st gathered at the hospital, In fact the sepoys had arrested the Sowar and had rounded up some prisoners. Residents dispersed and 150 European soldiers then arrived. The panic spread to Jungipore and William sent the women away, leaving the men to defend town and property. In the past week, William has been catching dissenters, trying treason cases, and investigating charges of sedition. He feels fatigue, not pleasure, in his work and he promises not to conceal any dangers from his father. He has received full powers and an extra 500 rupees from 17 June. |