Detailed map of Cawnpore engagements on the 6th December 1857.

We are about 5,000 men strong (to the British, it looked liked we were 25,000; they tend to exaggerate our numbers any way, so they can claim credit for defeating a larger enemy or have a reason if they lose). We also had about 20 guns.

True, we are not all disciplined soldiers, but we are all adepts in the use of arms, and accustomed to fighting. You have to fight when your life and liberty is at risk.

We had two groups, one composed of the Gwalior Contingent, and the second one from the regiments which had been stationed in Bundelkand.

As far as we can tell, British have 5,000 Infantry, 600 Cavalry, and 35 guns.

We knew we were outnumbered, out-experienced, out-organized and our weapons were somewhat deficient. But Tatya thought that this might be the only chance that we might have.

Tantia Topi was in command of the whole force, while the Nana remained with his own people on the left flank.

The attack on the 6th was a surprise on us really. Till about the 5th December, we only had some skirmishes, nothing major. It seemed like we were being attacked from the left but we knew the real attack was coming from the right.

At 9.00AM we heard the heavy guns and the cavalry and the horse artillery was upon us by 11.00AM.

We had no choice but to retreat along the Kalpi road.

The best we had was a 9 pounder gun and what we faced was a 24 pound gun.

We lost some fine bullocks and a good supply of gun powder.