The fire of mutiny spread not just to the smaller stations in the North Western Provinces and Oudh – it soon engulfed others with dreadful consequences, and with such rapidity, it caused even the most sceptical to sit up and pay attention.

At Fatehgarh, a panic breaks out, and a large group of civilians flee the station in the first week of June. There were, however, no signs of open mutiny at the station itself, and some of the people of this first flotilla returned to Fatehgarh. Others, less trusting of the situation they had fled from, continue on towards Cawnpore, with disastrous results.

Those who return to Fatehgarh are regaled with a temporary peace and return to their comfortable homes; however, they will soon find themselves besieged. Another flight by river followed. While the first flotilla was likely unaware that Cawnpore was facing a siege, the second flotilla was well aware that they were most likely heading to their deaths. The victims of Fatehgarh are a tragic reminder of what happens when foolish decisions, a lack of foresight and monumental, misguided trust rule.



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