Tatya Tope attacks Cawnpore (Kanpur)

Dark clouds seem to be darkening our fate. The nationalist forces were far from upbeat this (Sunday) morning when we set forth for the Third Battle of Kanpur. It is being fought between the British and Tatia Tope’s forces consisting of 25,000 men, a great majority of whom are the soldiers of the Gwalior Contingent. There is also a sprinkling of Nana’s forces and those of some minor chiefs. We know that Sir Colin had already reconnoitred the area and had decided to attack Tatia’s army by the plain on their right flank. The odds are obviously stacked against Tatia, the lone crusader on the nationalist’s side. On the other hand, his adversary, Sir Colin is being assisted by veterans of many battles; outstanding soldiers like Sir Hope Grant, Brigadier Adrian Hope and Col Greathed. He also has the support of Peel’s Naval Brigade with its heavy guns and Irregulars of Hodson’s Horse.

Despite heavy odds, Tatia’s forces, offered stout resistance with obstinacy for a while but were soon overwhelmed. All of Tatia’s guns have been captured. And the Gwalior Army moved towards the Kalpi road and Nana’s forces retreated towards the road to Bithur.