AN ACCOUNT

OF THE

MUTINIES IN OUDH,

AND OF

THE SIEGE

OF THE LUCKNOW RESIDENCY;

WITH SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE CONDITION

OF THE PROVINCE OF OUDH, AND ON THE CAUSES OF THE MUTINY
OF THE BENGAL ARMY.

BY

MARTIN RICHARD GUBBINS,

OF THE BENGAL CIVIL SERVICE,

FINANCIAL COMMISSIONER FOR OUDH.

RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET,

Publisher in Ordinary to Her Majesty.

1858.

226. d. 28.

PREFACE.

THE writer of these pages entered Oudh at the period of its annexation to the Anglo-Indian Empire, as a Member of the British Commission. During the fourteen months' administration of Oudh, which preceded the breaking out of the Mutinies, he was in the habit of daily intercourse with the natives. Several of the chief officers of the former native Government were his constant visitors; and his door was open to all who desired to make any communication, whenever business permitted.

During the cold season of 1856-57, he completed a tour through the whole of Oudh, with the object of testing the summary settlement of the Land Revenue, which had been completed; in order to ensure its moderation. To accomplish this duty successfully there was only one effectual means. This was to mix familiarly with the people; to enter their villages alone, or attended by a single horseman; to sit down among them, and let themselves speak out their grievances. This was done in many quarters. The writer conversed with the people of Oudh in their villages, at their ploughs, freely, and without restraint. No native official interposed between him and them.