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

THE SUMMING UP
Western Province, Mr. Colvin, is at Agra, standing in
terror of death every minute. He had previously deliver-
ed a lecture on “ loyalty ” to Sepoys, agitated by the Mee-
rut news. He had issued a proclamation of pardon ! But
there was not even a single Sepoy weak-minded enough to
come to beg his pardon ; nay, more, as a reply to the pro-
clamation of pardon, they attacked Agra on the 5th of
July. The revolted regiments of Nasirabad and Neemuch
marched on Agra ; so, the “ loyal ” troops of the rulers
of Bitaoli and Bharatpur were sent against them ! The
troops sent by these states declared that though they
would refrain from rising against the English, for such
were the orders of their rulers, they would not lift their
swords against their own countrymen!” The English were
thus deceived and disappointed. The native states were
“ loyal ” ; but their people and armies “ would not lift
their swords against their countrymen ! ” So taking with
him the English troops alone, Brigadier Polwhele marched
upon the Revolutionaries coming to attack Agra. Both
armies met near Sassiah and the battle lasted the whole
day ; at last, the English force found it impossible to
stand the attack of the Revolutionaries, and retired. The
Revolutionaries, flushed with victory, pursued them hotly.
When the army entered Agra, the Revolutionaries were at
their heels with shouts of victory. Agra got the opportu-
nity it wanted. It was the 6th of July. The town of
Agra rose in revolt, headed by the police ! The police
officers were all in concert with the Revolutionary society.
The religious leaders of both Hindus and Mahomedans
organised a great procession. The Kotwal and other
police officers walked in the front line. They raised shouts
of victory for Swadharma and Swaraj and proclaimed
that the English rule was at an end and that the authority
had been transferred to the Emperor of Delhi !
When Agra thus became free, Mr. Colvin, together with
all the English there—ashamed of the defeat and anxious
for the future—retired into the fort. He had now one
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