CHAPTER V

OCCUPATION OF THE CITY

_September 20 to May, 1858_

Lack of appreciation by Government--A contrast--Delay in issue of prize money and medals--Unceremonious presentation of the latter--Complete desertion of the city by the enemy--A stroll through the city--Looting--Discovery of hiding inhabitants--They are ordered to leave the city--Disgraceful desertion of pets--State of the streets--Hodson captures the King of Delhi--The King's appearance described--His trial and sentence--Hodson captures the King's sons and grandson--Their deaths--Diminished strength of the 61st Regiment--It moves to the Ajmir Gate--The Jama Masjid and view from it--Its garrison--A movable column dispatched towards Cawnpore--Soldiers and others forbidden to enter or leave the city--The Mooltani horse--Indulgence to Goorkhas--Their appreciation--An exodus--Strict regulations--State of feeling of the army--Work of the Provost Marshal--Two reputed sons of the King executed--The suburbs--An amusing incident--Visiting the old positions--Cholera still rife--2,000 sick and wounded in the Selimgarh--We move to the magazine--I am recommended for sick leave--I leave Delhi for Umballah--I am robbed _en route_--Report matters to Commissioner and receive compensation--Leave for Ferozepore and home