The Sabre's Edge

by Allan Mallinson

  What a scene it was. In Agra and Muttra he had known its individual elements, but only now did it appear to him as a whole. It was a scene from many a picture he had thrilled to in his youth -the Crusades, the Hundred Years' War, Cromwell and the King, the Peninsula. It mattered not where, for the principle was the same: the paraphernalia of the siege, the methodical, patient, painful marshalling of resources, and then their remorseless application, until the besieged struck their colours or had them torn down, or else the besieger, his resources exhausted, struck camp and stole away. Only the detail of the brown-skinned servants and camp followers - the sutlers, dhobi-men, sweepers, bhistis, syces, Lascars and countless others - gave the scene its place.

  Hervey nodded modestly to the salutes and well-wishers. His troop were less restrained in their acknowledgements. Enjoy it for the moment, he thought; the monotony of the siege will soon dull the remembrance. But, oh indeed, it had been a very fine affair at the Motee Jheel, and nothing could take from them the rightful sense of victory, if only as local as their leader's rank.

  But two days later it seemed that the monotony of the siege would have them all exchange places with any man elsewhere than at Bhurtpore. Major Joynson read the day's general orders to the captains and staff assembled in his orderly-room tent, a well-made affair the size of a tennis court, twelve feet high and lined with vivid yellow cotton - though the smoke of a wood stove and a dozen cigars rendered the lining not as striking as once it had been:

  FIELD GENERAL ORDERS.

  Camp Before Bhurtpore 13 th Dec. 1825

  Parole - FUTTYGHUR

  Officiating Assist. Surgeon, J. Douglas, 14th N. Infantry, proceeding to join the army, is, on his arrival in camp, to be attached to the Field Hospital.

  A working party of the following strength, from each of the Infantry divisions, to be sent to the Engineer Park to-morrow morning, and to be in attendance there at daybreak, or as soon after as possible - 100 Europeans, 250 Sepoys.

  A Detachment, consisting of one and a half Company, to be furnished immediately from the 2nd Infantry Division, for the protection of the Engineer Park, and to provide small Escorts with cattle sent out for materials. The Officer commanding the party, to place himself under the orders of Brigadier Anburey, C.B.

  Lieut. G. E. Smyth, 3rd Light Cavalry, Major of Brigade Western Division, is directed to join and do duty with his regiment on service with the Army on the Agra and Muttra Frontier.

  Officers in Command of Posts and Piquets, are peremptorily required to detain all persons coming out of the Fort at the Piquets or Posts, reporting the circumstance immediately to the Field-officer of the Piquet, or to the Quarter-Master-General, and not to send them, as hitherto has been the practice, into the interior of their Camp, unless desired to do so by competent authority. Individuals also who may be bearers of Letters or Despatches from the Fort, are not to be permitted to pass the Piquets, but to be detained there, and their Despatches to be forwarded to the Quarter-Master-General, for Lord Combermere's information.

  Officers commanding Corps and Departments, to which public or hired camels are attached, are directed to prohibit in the strongest terms, the owners or attendants, when going out with their cattle for forage, from advancing too far into the Jungle in the direction of the Fort, or from proceeding too great a distance from the Camp, as they are liable to fall in with scattered parties of the Enemy's horsemen.

  'It's all working parties and foraging, I'm afraid,' Joynson concluded. 'And we have received orders to strengthen patrols and escorts. Dull work, but better than labouring for the sappers.' The troop-captains nodded.

  'I have made a roll of the duties. The adjutant is having them copied as we speak. That is the long and the short of it. Are there any questions, gentlemen?’

  There were none.

  'Very well, that is all. But let us see if we can dine together promptly at seven tonight. Hervey, stay a while longer if you please.'

  Major Joynson sounded confident enough, if a shade tired. When he had said, 'I have made a roll of the duties,' Hervey knew full well the major would have done just that - himself, and in every detail, rather than delegating the task to the adjutant. That was what Eustace Joynson did best, better than anyone, indeed, and such was his conscientiousness that he could not allow a task to be performed any less well than was possible. Throughout Lord Towcester's diabolical time in command, Joynson had tried his best in these regards, but all too often he had counted himself a failure - including for his part in the events that culminated in Henrietta Hervey's death. Not that Hervey himself would apportion one ounce of blame to the major, whom he had grown to respect on account of both his conscientiousness and his doggedness in the face of the most wretched personal circumstances. And there was no doubt, too, that the painstaking attention to detail occupied Joynson's mind admirably. Daily he fretted about Frances, for despite everyone's best efforts his daughter had lately become engaged to an officer of native infantry, a penniless and stupid one at that. The responsibility of allowing his daughter to embark on an unsuitable marriage weighed heavily with him. Yet he simply did not have the strength of mind to forbid her.

  'Lord Combermere's express orders are that you keep the rank of major, Hervey, pro tempore. I should be much obliged if you would act therefore as second in command.'

  Hervey was not disposed to agreeing without some qualification, for besides aught else he would have no job to do if Joynson continued to attend to every detail. 'Of course, but I must keep command of my troop.'

  Joynson nodded blankly. If Hervey thought himself capable of both then who was he to gainsay him? 'I gather Combermere asked that you join his staff.'

  Hervey smiled. 'A nice gesture, but a siege is a dull enough thing to be engaged in without having to watch it from headquarters!'

  'No gesture, I heard. It was to be General Whittingham's deputy.'

  'Yes, but an affair of paper all the same.'

  'Sooner or later, Hervey, you'll have to submit to such a regime. Armies aren't run from the saddle, as well you know.'

  Hervey smiled again. Joynson's paternalism was endearing, if not always deft; he was no Edmonds - not in his sureness of touch, that is. 'I know, but I would wish for the time being that it were later rather than sooner. This affair will not be at all easy.'

  Joynson looked troubled. ‘You doubt we will prevail?'

  Hervey considered his words. 'Nothing is certain. It would be well to remember it. The engineers say they can't tunnel; they can only sap the guns forward, and General Edwards says he can't guarantee a breach of walls so thick, even with his twenty-four-pounders. The train begins arriving today, by all accounts.'

  'You are well informed. Is there word of how long the engineers will need?'

  'Upwards of ten days before they get the first battery into position, according to Brigadier Anburey's major.'

  'I think we shall be much occupied, then, with our little escorts and the like. I've agreed with the Eleventh that we shall patrol alternate nights throughout our allotted sectors. Without a natural feature as our boundary it's too chancy to have patrols from both beating about the place. They will take duty tonight.'

  (Five days later)

  FIELD GENERAL ORDERS.

  Camp Before Bhurtpore, 19th Dec. 1825

  Parole - GAZEEPORE

  A working party from each of the Infantry Divisions, of the same strength as yesterday, to be sent to-morrow at day-break to the Engineer Park. The Quarter-Master's Establishments, and public cattle, to be sent there as usual. A Carpenter is also directed to be furnished from each of the Corps in the 1st and 2nd Divisions of Infantry.

  A Detachment, consisting of five Companies from the 1st Infantry Division, will march to-morrow morning, and take charge of 300 Hackeries proceeding from the Artillery Park, for ammunition and stores, to Agra.

  With reference to an Act of Parliament, 54th and 86th Geo. III. On the subject of Prize Property Agents, and claims thereto, the Field General Orde
rs of the 16th Instant, appointing a Prize Committee, and directing Prize Agents to be nominated by ballot for each of the Divisions of the Army, and by the General Staff, is hereby cancelled; and it is now ordered, in conformity with the provision of the said Act, that two Agents only be appointed for the Army.

  His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief and the Field Officers will nominate one Agent, and the other to be appointed by the Captains and Subaltern Officers with the Army. The Prize Agents will be furnished with the required letters of attorney appointing them Agents for the Army; and they will be prepared on their part, to give security in the sum of £2000 sterling each. The Prize Agents, on all points of duty connected with their Agency, will be guided by the spirit and letter of the Act of Parliament before cited, and which is to be found in Carroll's Code of Regulations, Chap. 59.

  That part of the Field General Orders of 16th Instant, which directs that all property captured from the Enemy by any individual of the Army, be forthwith delivered up to the Prize Agents, and imposes the forfeiture of all claim to share, besides other penalties, on individuals who may be discovered secreting or detaining property, knowing it to be a Prize -and further requires the Agents to demand all Prize Property, wherever it may be discovered - remains in full force.

  Major Joynson took off his spectacles as he concluded. 'Well, gentlemen, from the first part it would seem that the sappers are making good progress if powder is to be brought forward.' The same assembly, his troop-captains and staff, heard the day's orders each afternoon before evening stables, and this was indeed the first intimation of true progress. 'As to the enemy,' continued Joynson, now polishing his spectacles, 'I had expected them to be more active by day and by night, yet it appears they will do no more than beat up a few grass-cutters now and then, and they surely won't venture out at night, it seems. That being said, we cannot afford to lapse in any vigilance.' He looked at each of the captains as sternly as he could, a game effort. 'As to the last, on the subject of prize money, I cannot imagine that it will amount to much, this Durjan Sal's army being scarcely well-equipped, but we had better attend to the election of these agents. I shall ask the adjutant to canvass all officers. But let it be rightly understood: whatever prize is taken is first the prize of the regiment. If it is a worthy trophy I intend that it is kept by us.'

  'Then let us hope we intercept the treasury as it makes its escape!' said Hugh Rose, smiling and blowing a great deal of smoke into the air from his cigar.

  Hervey contemplated Rose's raffish mien. He thought it a not altogether helpful pose with Riding-Master Broad, his dupe (there was no avoiding the word), sitting in the rear rank. Hugh Rose's appearance betrayed nothing of the conditions they were living in - comfortable enough, but undeniably reduced - and his thick black hair and fine features, which won him the easy admiration of his dragoons as well as their women, looked the picture of grooming, as if for a drawing room at Fort William. His remark on the pecuniary spoils of war, albeit no doubt intended in some levity, required a rebuke.

  'A happy thought indeed, Rose,' said Joynson, however, inclined more to punctilious attention to regulations than to scruple. 'But on that I fear we should have to follow General Orders. And in any case, any treasure in Bhurtpore must belong rightfully to the deposed rajah. That is why I said I do not suppose the prize money will amount to much.'

  The captains feigned disappointment.

  'Are there any questions? No? Very well, then, dinner at eight.'

  When the others were gone, Hervey spoke his mind. 'I think we might propose some more active duty. The men are restless.'

  'Yes, I know it. What activity do you imagine?'

  'Well, we could make an effort to root out these cavalry who pick off the working parties, instead of merely trying to guard everyone and everything. They're not sallying from the fort, that much we know, and they can't be coming from the east, or north across the jheels. If both brigades put up a squadron, or better still all of Skinner's Horse, to beat all the cover to the west, and stood-to every man during daylight for three days, say, we might bring them to battle.'

  'I can suggest it to Childers tomorrow. It has merit enough, even were the men not restless.'

  'It would have to be done soon, however. There's a danger that once the artillery begins they may bolt Durjan Sal. He may not have the stomach for a siege. From what I heard yesterday of Sir Charles Metcalfe's treaties with him he never imagined it would come to this.'

  Joynson nodded. 'Very well.'

  'There is one more thing I would speak of.'

  'Green?'

  'Not this time. He has had his warning. Deedes.’

  'Oh. I feared it would come.'

  'He's the most blusterous serjeant-major I've seen. There've been all manner of confusions these past ten days.'

  Joynson was silent for some time. 'Sir Ivo will be back in but a few weeks. He will know what to do.'

  'Sir, you know what to do,' said Hervey, in a tone meant to be encouraging, though the words themselves accused the major of evading his duty.

  Joynson shook his head slowly. 'I had hoped not to have this sort of trouble.'

  Hervey sympathized, for trouble it would be. The major did, however, have the advantage of being in the field. It was a far easier place in which to dismiss a man than the barracks. 'A word with the brigadier tomorrow?'

  Joynson sighed. 'O the pleasure of the plains!'

  Hervey looked at him blankly.

  'Very well. But you know, it will look very ill with the other regiments.'

  Hervey knew that too. But he knew it would look even more ill were the regimental serjeant-major to falter at a time less propitious. He said nothing, but picked up his cap and made to leave.

  'Thank you, Hervey,' said Joynson, wearily. 'I knew well enough that Deedes was incapable, but I kept telling myself it was only by comparison with Mr Lincoln.'

  The tone was a shade too despairing. Hervey turned full back. 'Sir, I know I speak for the regiment when I say that all ranks hold your stewardship in high regard. This is but trying detail, and the corrective is at hand. Sir Ivo ought to be very well pleased with what he finds.'

  Joynson looked genuinely surprised.

  In the event, it was very easily done. The major called for the RSM soon after first parade next day and told him that, with regret, it was his decision to relieve him of his duties. He was to report as soon as was practicable to the depot at Agra pending a further decision as to his employment thereafter. When Joynson recounted the interview to Hervey later that morning it was with surprise, still, at Deedes's reaction. 'You know, he seemed almost. . . pleased, relieved. He said he had always done his best - which I fear is true. He said he wished to serve on in some other position if it were possible. I don't know; there may be something in Calcutta . . .'

  'Well, I am all astonishment. I imagined he would bluster as ever.'

  'And he left camp with some dignity, too. I called in Hairsine and told him he was to be acting serjeant-major, and Deedes treated him very decently by all accounts.'

  Hervey nodded, though he had not a moment's doubt that Deedes's dismissal had been necessary. 'Well, he must have had some quality otherwise he would never have been advanced in the first instance. I imagine he felt some loyalty too, even in his exigent position.'

  'That was to have been my method if it had come to it: calling on his better self to accept things for the good of the regiment. Still, it is done now.' Joynson appeared to take no satisfaction in it, however, even with Hairsine making a difference already at orderly room.

  'Who is to take C Troop?'

  'I've told Strickland to make his senior serjeant do duty until there's time for a proper regimental board. By then Sir Ivo should be back. I'm deuced glad Strickland postponed his leave.'

  Hervey saw no reason why a board should not be held at once, but he saw no likelihood of convincing Joynson. C Troop's man would do well enough; Strickland would not have it, otherwise. 'Did the brigadier express an o
pinion about taking the offensive?'

  'He said he would speak with Sleigh. But it seems the guns will be going in soon and Combermere's likely to want a strong cavalry presence.'

  'We shall all say amen to that. It's well time the fort's guns were answered.'

  The guns of two bastions in particular had caused annoyance and casualties since the army had first appeared before Bhurtpore, yet could not be answered with any effect at the extreme range of the field artillery, nor even, indeed, with the long guns of the siege train yet. Only when the engineers had sapped their way to within a thousand yards or so, and built up redoubts, could the gunners try to dislodge the enemy's cannon. And dislodge them they must, for the siege guns could not pound away with the bastions commanding the ground so. A siege was an occasion when Adye's general injunction against counter-battery fire did not hold.

  'I await orders on this keenly, too, said Joynson. 'Shall we take a ride to look at the ground?'