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

LUCKNOW
to lack of numbers and, though baulked of its fruits, its
vigour, self-confidence, and pride were not a whit diminish-
ed by this indirect defeat. And, therefore, Havelock
encamped at Cawnpore with the full confidence that he
would start again for Lucknow as soon as he got rein-
forcements.
At this time, there was a serious quarrel between Havelock
and Neill on account of personal jealousy. This is clearly
seen in the following letter written by Havelock to Neill :
“ I wrote to you confidentially on the state of affairs. You
send me back a letter of censure of my measures, reproof,
and advice for the future. I do not want and will not
receive any of them from an officer under my command,
be his experience what it may. Understand this distinctly,
and that a consideration of the obstruction that would
arise to the public service at this moment alone prevents
me from taking the stronger step of keeping you under
arrest. You now stand warned. Attempt no further
dictation.”⁵ In this letter, one sentence is an excellent
indication of the sense of duty towards the nation,
ingrained in the bones of all Englishmen. Even in the
height of passion, Havelock says that “ consideration of
the obstruction that would arise to the public service
alone ” prevented him from then and there avenging his
personal insult ! In this dispute between the two generals
Neill and Havelock at this critical time, not only did both
of them behave calmly in order that their national enemy
might not take advantage of this division, but both helped
each other, as far as possible, for their common end. In
that society where, individualism is held in check by
regard for public advantage, in that society alone can
wealth and intellect, and fame and independence last long.
The first news that Havelock received when he came to
Cawnpore was that Nana Sahib’s army had re-occupied
5. Quoted by Malleson, Indian Mutiny, Vol. III, p. 337, note.
359