१८५७ का स्वातन्त्र्य समर (वीर विनायक दामोदर सावरकर - अंग्रेजों द्वारा छपने से पूर्व प्रतिबन्धित महाग्रन्थ)

THE ERUPTION
coverings and canopies were erected, good seats were made,
and corn and other provisions were also loaded on
the boats.
The English now prepared to go out of Cawnpore. But,
we must also see who were now coming in there. Unless
we take an account of the incomings as well as the out-
goings, we shall not be able to understand later events.
When the news spread everywhere that Nana had raised
the flag of freedom at Cawnpore, a constant flood of
heroes was pouring in thither. Young national volunteers
from every place were repairing towards Cawnpore. A
town, which could not send men, sent money. But, alas !
it was not only these volunteers that were now crowding
into Cawnpore. Day and night helpless people, who had
been unsuccessful in their efforts and who were tired of
English slavery, also came to the camp in large numbers.
Thousands of Sepoys from Allahabad and Kashi had
come to Cawnpore in the preceding week with the news
of the cruel vengeance which the English had taken on
their comrades and their wives and children. Hundreds
of young Indian sons, whose fathers had been hanged in
shapes of the figures—" 8 " and " 9 "', also had come there.
Husbands whose wives and infant sons in the cradle had
been burnt by Neill also came. Fathers whose daughters
had their hair and clothes set fire to by English soldiers
amid shouts of applause, also crowded the place. Men
whose properties were burnt to ashes, men whose religion
was trampled under foot, men whose nation had been
enslaved, such men created a tumult round the banner of
freedom with shouts of " Revenge ! Revenge ! ! " And,
when the day of victory had arrived, Nana Sahib's pro-
mise to convey the English to Allahabad dispelled all the
hopes of the Sepoys and the people, and they began to
grumble aloud. The English officers who came to look
after the preparation of boats distinctly heard whispers
of " Massacre " (Katal) among the Sepoy's lounging about
on the banks of the Ganges ! It is also said that a palace
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