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

THE CONFLAGRATION
less people, without an army and without arms, could
do nothing beyond falling into the jaws of death, either
by privations, or by capture, or by suicide !
Thus Sir Colin had begun the reconquest from the
northern bank of the Jumna, and went on conquering as
far as the Himalayas. Sir Hugh Rose and Whitlock
began from the Narbada, and conquered all the country
as far as the south bank of the Jumna. The English had
now every reason to congratulate themselves that they
had destroyed the Revolution completely. Sir Hugh Rose
congratulated his army in these eloquent words :—
" Soldiers, you have marched one thousand miles, cap-
tured one hundred guns, swam rivers, crossed mountains,
marched through jungles, defeated big armies, reconquer-
ed extensive tracts, and re-established the glory of your
country ! Brave you are ; and you have also observed
the strictest discipline ; for courage without discipline is
nought. In the midst of difficulties, temptations, and
trouble, you have obeyed strictly the orders of your
general, and have never showed even a single sign of
insubordination. From the waters of the Narbada to the
waters of the Jumna, this, your success, has come to you
through your splendid discipline ! "
After publishing this glorifying proclamation, Sir Hugh
resigned his charge for the sake of his health. And the
triumphant English army, having destroyed the enemy
completely, sighed the sigh of relief and wished to rest.
But how dare you rest yet ? While Tatia and Ranee
Lakshmi Bai are alive, there is no rest possible for the
British troops. Come, stand up ! And if you would not
stand of your own accord, here is the whole force of
Gwalior, ready to goad you on ! After escaping from
Kalpi, the Revolutionary leaders went to Gopalpur to
discuss their future plans. Practically, at this time, there
was not a sign of hope. From the Narbada to the Jumna,
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