The besiegers, however, in spite of their overwhelming numbers, were
utterly unable to carry the intrenchment by storm, but continued to pour
in a raking fire. Meanwhile the garrison was starving from want of
provisions, and hampered by a multitude of helpless women and children.
Indeed, but for the latter contingency, the gallant band would have
rushed out of the intrenchment and cut a way through the mob of sepoys
or perished in the attempt. As it was, they could only fight on, waiting
for reinforcements that never came, until fever, sunstroke, hunger,
madness, or the enemy's fire delivered them from their suffering and
despair.
On June 25th a woman brought a slip of writing from Nana, promising to
give a safe passage to Allahabad to all who were willing to lay down
their arms. Had there been no women or children, the garrison would
never have dreamed of surrender. The massacre at Patna a century before
had taught a lesson to Englishmen which ought never to have been
forgotten.
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