[Illustrated with over one hundred maps, photos and portraits, of the battles, individuals and places involved in the Indian Mutiny] Fascinating account of Calcutta businessman and merchant L.E. Ruutz Rees of the tumultuous events of the Sepoy Revolt that threatened to overturn British power in India. At time of the rebellion he was travelling toward Oudh, which was to be a hotbed of violence in the coming months, and arrived at Lucknow. Initially confident that a complete uprising was not likely, Rees joined the irregular cavalry under General Lawrence when it was clear that significant fighting was imminent. He recounts the ill-conceived and badly managed attempt by Lawrence to breakout of Lucknow and following the botched battle of Chinnut he was forced back to Lucknow and the bitter fighting of the siege. Rees recounts the difficulties, heroics, brutalities and hard fighting of the siege within the 33 acre Residency site that lasted 88 days until the first relief. The final deliverance only arrived many days and much hardship later with the appearance of Sir Colin Campbell's force as the second relief of Lucknow.