Preface

I returned to Europe, after an absence of thirty years, to gratify a strong desire to see the place of my nativity; to refreshen the head and heart in a land beautiful to look on, and abounding in intelligence; to educate my children, and to restore the health of my wife. I reached London, unconscious of owning a single friend in that prodigious metropolis; and, had it not been for the fame that preceded me, I might have returned to the East unknown and uncared for.

The Government did little to honour me; but, in private society, the generous remembrance of my devotion everywhere obtained for me the kind notice of my countrymen, English, Irish, and Scotch; whose approbation is more precious than official distinctions. These may be got for acts not known by the public, but public praise is only awarded to public merit.

Why not write a book? I was repeatedly asked; but feeling unequal to the task I would not attempt it. At last I was persuaded to write; and this volume is humbly sent forth as the best I can do. It is not intended as a work on the war, of which I have said only as much as was needed to elucidate my share in the great struggle to suppress the Mutiny.

I fear that many of the noble fellows whom I followed into action will think me forgetful of their merits. I inserted many names and many deeds, which were struck out as only likely to please the parties themselves; and, to satisfy the present taste, I had to free the work from details that involved the mention of many persons.

Very few artistic attempts have been made to embellish the work, and there are scarcely any disquisitions to tire the reader. It is, in short, a very simple book, remarkable principally for the extraordinary adventures of the author. It is a strange story, written by a plain man, who, moved by the spirit of his noble companions, endeavoured to do his duty at a time when courage and devotion were needed to preserve the empire of the East.

This collection transcribed by Chris Gage
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