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

THE CONFLAGRATION
solutely no advantage. But the death of even a handful
of their number perceptibly weakened their strength. For
this reason, the English determined to remain only on the
defensive. For, defeats in these assaults could neither
weaken the Revolutionaries nor put a stop to their further
assaults. But, on the contrary, they grew more determined
and fearless and did openly boast, "Even a success is
costing the English as much as a defeat!" Even the
English people themselves all over India began to write
and criticise and complain that "the besiegers themselves
are besieged!" And, when, in such straits, even the third
commander retired, then, men like Greathead, Chamber-
lain and Rotton began to give up every hope of attacking
Delhi and, in the headquarters itself, the question of
actually raising the siege of Delhi began to be discussed!
This was the state of the siege of Delhi when the third
commander, Reed resigned and the fourth one, Brigadier-
General Wilson, succeeded him in the command!
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