Havelock is approaching Cawnpore (Kanpur)

From Avadh, the entire force of Havelock re-crossed the river Ganges, on August 13, 1857, and it took them about six hours to reach Kanpur.

The British at this stage were not in a happy situation as cholera was wreaking havoc on their troops and depleting their strength. Out of the total strength of 1415, the number of sick and wounded had gone up to 335. Also, the nationalist forces had gained in strength during Havelock’s absence from Kanpur.

Nana Sahib’s forces had been strengthened by the arrival of 31st and 42nd BNI from Sagar , the 17th from Faizabad and a portion of 34th which had been disbanded at Barrackpur, along with troops of three cavalry regiments. Nana had intended to advance upon and recover Kanpur