staggering over the dead

‘< Oh ! my dear Sir, how sliall I give you a conception of what I felt at the cries and ravings of those in the remoter parts of the prison, who could not enter- tain a probable hope of obtaining a drop, yet could not divest themselves of expecta- tion, however unavailing !’ And others calling on me by the tender considerati- ons of friendship and affection, and who knew they were really dear to me. Think, if possible, what my heart must have suf- fered at seeing and he’afiiig their distress, without having it in my power to relieve them r for the confusion’ now became ge- neral add horrid. Several quitted the o- ther-window (the only chance they’bad for life) to force their way £0 the’water’;

and the throng and press upon the win, dow was beyond bearing ; many, forcing their passage from the further part of the room, pressed down those in their. Way,” who had less strength, and trampled,them to death.

” From about nine to near eleven, I sustained this cruel scene and painful situ- ation, still supplying them with water, though my legs were almost broke with the wpight against them. By this time, I mylelf was very pear pressed to death, and my two companions, with Mr. William Parker (who had for- ced himself into the window) were real- ly so.

” For a great while they preserved a respect and regard for me, more than in- deed I could well expect, our circumstan- ces considered ; but now all distinction was lost. My friend Baillie, Meffi-s. Jenks, Revely, Law, Buchanan, Simson, and se- veral others, for whom I had a real e- steem and affection, had for some time been dead at my feet; and were now trampled upon by every corporal or com- mon soldier, who, by the help of more robust constitutions,had forced their way to the window, and held fast by the bars over me, till at last I became so pressed and wedged up, 1 was deprived pf all motion.

” Determined now to give every tiling up, 1 called to them, and begged, as the last instance of their regard, they would remove the pressure upon me, and per- mit me to retire out of the window, to die in quiet. They gave way; and with much difficulty I forced a passage into the, center of the prison, where the throng was less by the many dead, (then I be- lieve amounting to one-third) and thq numbers who flocked to the windows: for by this time they had water also at the other window.

” In the Black-hole there is a plat- form * corresponding with that in the’bar- racks : I travelled over the dead, and re. paired to the further end of it, just oppo- site the other window. Here my poor

menu

Sup. 1757. Deplorable deaths of the EnpHlh at Calcutta. 287 ‘

friend Mr. Edward Eyre came staggering over the dead to me, and, with his usual coolness and good nature, asked me how I did I but fell and expired before I had time to make him a reply. 1 laid myself down on some of the dead behind me, on the platform ; and recommending myself to Heaven, had the comfort of thinking my sufferings could haveno longduration.

*.’ My thirst grew now insupportable, and difficulty of breathing much increa- sed ; and had not remained in this situati- on, I believe, ten minutes, when I was seized with a pain in my breast, and pal- pitation of my heart, both to the most ex- quisite degree. These roused and oblig- ed me to get up again ; but still the pain, palpitation, thirst, and difficulty of breath- iug increased. I retained my senses not- withstanding ; and had the grief to see death not so near me as I hoped; but could no longer bear the pains I suffered with- out attempting a reliefj which I knew fresh air would and could only give me. I instantly determined to push for the win- dow opposite to me; and, by an effort of double the strength 1 ever before possessed, gained the third ra