June 20th.—This day, "the Redan" was completed. It consisted of one 18-pounder gun and one 9-pounder, with two mortars in their rear—the whole commanding the iron bridge and open country across the river. The Cawnpore 18-pounder battery was very nearly finished, and an expense magazine establishment near it.
A letter bearing date the 18th instant was received from Cawnpore, written by Captain Moore of Her Majesty's 32nd Foot, by direction of General Wheeler,—it informed us, at last, of occurrences at that place. All the numerous previous reports regarding the reinforcements of European troops said to have been received, were thereby falsified. No such reinforcements had ever been received. The letter informed us of their ability to hold out for some fifteen days more. The dreadful news of a boat load of European ladies, women, and children, from Futteghurh, having been intercepted at Cawnpore and assassinated there, was confirmed by natives.
Supplies continued to be stored, but they were collected with difficulty and at increased prices.
Large stacks of firewood, which had been stored in case of difficulties, were regularly arranged in a semicircle, protecting the front of the Residency, and covered with earth; these formed an embankment six feet in height, and embrasures were cut through them for the guns, of which there were four 9-pounders on that side.