The Defence of Lucknow. A Diary recording the Daily Events during the Siege of the European Residency from 31st May to 25th September, 1857. By a Staff Officer. With a Plan of the Residency
London, Smith, Elder, and Co., 1858.
Small octavo, iv, 224 pages plus a folding plan as frontispiece ('Plan of the Entrenched Position of the British Garrison at Lucknow 1857'). Bound without the advertisements found in some copies.
Early half green calf and marbled papered boards; spine gilt in compartments with red morocco title-label; edges sprinkled red; covers a little rubbed at the extremities and sunned on the spine; mild signs of age and handling to the plan; a few light spots of foxing; early pencilled annotations to approximately 20 pages (mainly translating Hindustani words), offset onto the facing pages; a very good copy.
A first-hand account of the famous Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Wilson was attached to the central headquarters staff, and gives a detailed chronology of the fighting, and the eventual relief and evacuation of the British soldiers, Indian loyalists, and civilians besieged in the Residency compound. He also records the appalling conditions they endured in the course of the 87-day siege, including constant artillery fire, disease, and starvation. The appendices (from page 177) include accounts by other officers (including a lengthy report from Brigadier Inglis, who assumed command of the garrison after the death of Brigadier Sir Henry Lawrence), and a nominal roll of the soldiers and civilians of the garrison (not including the many hundreds of loyal Indians who played a crucial role in the defence). Inglis's account includes the following passage describing the author: 'Captain Wilson, 13th Native Infantry, officiating deputy-assistant adjutant-general, was ever to be found where shot was flying thickest; and I am at a loss to decide whether his services were more invaluable owing to the untiring physical endurance and bravery which he displayed, or to his ever-ready and pertinent counsel and advice in moments of difficulty and danger' (page 209) Provenance: John Acraman (1829-1907, South Australian businessman and founder of the Adelaide Football Club), with a gift inscription to him on the flyleaf, and later ownership signature of his son J.K. Acraman.
Item #144508
Price (AUD):
$1,250.00