Sports & History Dynasty

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THE SPORT

November 1857

1857 BASE BALL REVIEW



1857 Base Ball Average Leaders

Note: Actual 1857 Averages in Parenthesis. Modern BA, Rs and RBIs to Right in Parenthesis.

Rank  Name             Team         Runs/Game  Outs/Game
 1    Ja. Wood, C      HARLEM       4.0 (NA)   5.3 (NA)   (.484,12,9)
 2    Masten, C        CONTINENTAL  3.8 (3.3)  3.5 (3.3)  (.417,15,7)
 3    M. Gelston, C    EAGLE        3.7 (3.7)  2.6 (2.1*) (.566,33,17)
 4    Jo. Wood, 3B     HARLEM       3.7 (NA)   5.3 (NA)   (.500,11,6)
 5    P. O’Brien, OF   ATLANTIC     3.3 (3.6)  3.3 (2.6)  (.545,30,18)
 6    Robinson, 2B     HARLEM       3.3 (NA)   7.3 (NA)   (.290,10,12)
 7    Berry, OF        CONTINENTAL  3.3 (3.5)  4.0 (2.5)  (.429,13,6)
 8    M. O’Brien, P    ATLANTIC     3.2 (3.8)  3.4 (2.8)  (.483,29,30)
 9    G. Grum, SS      ECKFORD      3.1 (3.8)  4.0 (0.6*) (.429,22,12)
10    D. Pearce, SS    ATLANTIC     3.1 (3.5)  3.3 (2.4)  (.500,28,19)
11    J. Holder, 2B    ATLANTIC     3.1 (3.7)  3.6 (2.8)  (.492,28,19)
12    Liscomb, OF      HARLEM       3.0 (NA)   4.0 (NA)   (.520,9,6)
13    Gesner, 2B       PUTNAM       3.0 (3.5)  5.3 (2.0)  (.467,9,2)
14    W. Young, 1B     EXCELSIOR    3.0 (5.0)  5.0 (3.0)  (.375,9,7)
15    Dyer, OF         HARLEM       3.0 (NA)   5.7 (NA)   (.346,9,9)
16    Kanski, OF       HARLEM       3.0 (NA)   6.3 (NA)   (.321,9,6)
17    J. Price, 1B     ATLANTIC     2.9 (3.8)  3.9 (3.0)  (.444,26,21)
18    P. Boerum, 3B    ATLANTIC     2.9 (2.8)  3.9 (2.4)  (.435,26,32)
19    Johnson, 2B      GOTHAM       2.8 (2.2)  3.8 (3.0)  (.406,14,13)
20    Gorff, C         EMPIRE       2.8 (3.0)  3.0 (1.4*) (.500,22,20)
21    F. Neibuhr, 3B   KNICKS       2.8 (3.5)  3.0 (1.5*) (.500,11,3)
22    McCosker, 3B     GOTHAM       2.8 (2.6)  4.0 (2.6)  (.429,11,3)
23    L.M. Bergen, C   ATLANTIC     2.7 (3.8)  3.8 (2.4)  (.485,24,28)
24    Hoyt, OF         PUTNAM       2.7 (5.0)  5.0 (3.0)  (.444,8,9)
25    C. Etheridge, P  EXCELSIOR    2.7 (4.0)  4.7 (2.0)  (.417,8,2)
26    Gibbs, 1B        PUTNAM       2.7 (5.0)  6.0 (3.0)  (.333,8,4)

* Incomplete - outs not counted in all games

Note: The scoring averages seem to be in the ball park, maybe a little low in some cases. The outs per game were substantially higher than actual averages. I guess some tweaking will be necessary for ‘58 season.

Marvin Gelston: Outstanding Ball Player of the Year

Eagle club catcher Marvin Gelston has been selected by The Sport as the Outstanding Ball Player of 1857. Gelston, who has been a member of the Eagle base ball club since its foundation, led all New York club players in scoring. He tallied 33 aces in nine games, averaging 3.7 per game. Many of his peers also recognize him as the best defensive backstop in the Association. Unfortunately, his prowess with the bat and behind the plate didn't translate to a successful season for the Eagle as the club finished 3-6. However, with Gelston and most of its other current members promising to return for next season, the Eagle look to reverse their fortunes.

Other Base Ball Notes:

Pete O’Brien of Atlantic and Norman Welling of the Knicks were tied for the league lead in home runs with two each.

Empire’s second baseman, Howard Miller, led the league with seven doubles.

There were six Association players with one triple. They are: Pete O’Brien (Atlantic); Archie McMahon (Atlantic); Charles Place (Eagle); Dick Thorn (Empire); Ed Ward (Empire); and Alfred Vrendenburgh (Knicks).

Base Ball’s Future Looks Promising

This game is over for the present, but appearances indicate an increased and more wide-spread interest in the sport next season. It is a beautiful exercise, and equally fascinating to player and spectator. The game is confined chiefly to the New York vicinity, but we hope to see it “caught up” in other localities on the opening of the season of 1858.

Long Island seems to have most the most wonderful progress, as the following list of clubs will show, most of them having been organized during the year just about closing :—Atlantic, Alert, Active, Bedford, Baltic, Continental, Eckford, Excelsior, Enterprise, Franklin, Franklin Jr., Hamilton, Independent, Layfayette, Liberty, Montauk, Nassau, Niagra, National, Neptune, Oriental, Osceola, Pastime, Polytechnic, Putnam, Rough and Ready, Superior, Star, Saratoga, Union, Victory, Warren, Wayne, and Young America.

Massachusetts' Association Leaders

Runs Scored (Average per game in parenthesis)

1.  George J. Arnold, Jr., OLYMPICS    64 (7.2)	
2.  Ben F. Guild, TRI MOUNTAIN         52 (7.4)
3.  R. G. Hubbard, OLYMPICS            50 (5.6)
4.  George B. Stone, OLYMPICS          48 (5.3)
5.  Ed Saltzman, TRI MOUNTAIN          47 (6.7)
6.  Henry W. Copp, WINTHROP            39 (7.8)
7.  Henry F. Gill, OLYMPICS            39 (4.3)
8.  O. F. Frye, OLYMPICS               38 (3.3)
9.  Henry Von Gudera, TRI MOUNTAIN     34 (4.9)
10. Charles F. Richards, WASSAPOAG     28 (9.3)

Tri Mountains' Saltzman says club favors New York game

Shortly after winning the 1857 Massachusetts championship, Ed Saltzman, who founded the Tri-Mountain baseball club last year, says he would prefer to play with New York rules in 1858. His declaration has ruffled the feathers of the older ball clubs in the Boston area.

Saltzman, a transplanted New Yorker, learned the game while playing for the Gothams. It isn't unusual to see the Tri-Mountains playing the New York version of the game during intrasquad matches. During the past season, the Tri-Mountains used New York rules during at least two matches played against other squads. The first was a match against a visiting club from Portland Maine. It was a tightly contested affair won by the Tri-Mountains 47-42. Later, the Knickerbocker rules were used during a match between Tri-Mountain and the Winthrop club. Rather than play nine innings, the victor was the first team to tally 21 aces. Tri-Mountain won the four-Inning affair 21-8.

Despite this, the majority of the Massachusetts men seem to prefer their traditional style of play as the more “scientific” game and reject the upstart New York version. They prefer a square field, overhand pitching, no foul territory, ten to twelve men per side, one out to retire all, and victory belonging to the team that first scores one hundred runs.

The sport continues to see excellent support in Boston – from favorable notices from the local press to the cooperation of city merchants who close their doors on summer Saturday afternoons.

FOOTBALL

Will Football Catch On In America?

Football seems to be enjoying a surge of popularity In England, especially with the recent formation of that country's first football club in Sheffield. We here at the Sport are interested in what the prospects for football are in this country.

Much as has happened on English campuses, American schools have developed their own unique forms of the sport. At Princeton, they play a version called "ballown.” Harvard, Yale, and others each have individual variations. However, if the diverse development echoes Britannia, the American style of play resembles circa medieval. The only thing missing is the Dane's head. The spectacle of young gentlemen attacking each other in the most ungentlemanly ways moved the New York EVENING POST to observe that American football "makes the same impression on the public mind as a bull fight. Boys and young men knock each other down, tear off each other's clothing. Eyes are bunged, faces blacked and bloody, and shirts and coats torn to rags."

The usual excuse for a game of football on various American campuses is the "class rush", a joyous custom in which the sophomores demonstrate the benefit of an additional year's education by trampling the freshmen into the campus sod. The frosh, in turn, are determined to prove their worthiness to frequent the ivy halls by attempting to fertilize the sod with sophomores. Although a ball of some sort is involved, no one really keeps score so long as a sufficient number of opponents are mangled.

At Harvard, "Bloody Monday" has taken place on the first Monday of each new college year since 1827, involving the freshman and sophomore classes. In the latest installment, it was reported that the freshmen kicked the ball well, but the sophomores kept missing the ball and kicking the freshmen. The game, according to another account, "consisted of kicking, pushing, slugging and getting angry."

At Yale, the interclass conflict takes on a more definite form. The upper classmen supervise the freshmen who are herded into a huge phalanx with the ball carrier in the center. Then the sophomores attack this mob and try to push, kick, throw, or otherwise coerce the ball over the goal. Meanwhile, the upper classmen stand off to one side and cluck about school spirit and sportsmanship while occasionally wiping off spatters of blood.

The faculties and administrations alternately approve and condemn football playing. On the plus side, the game revs up school spirit and decreases class sizes. But, on the other hand, there is altogether too much destruction of school property to be tolerated.

As the contests grow in size, there is concern that the destruction may begin to spread into the nearby towns. New Haven officials have often complained to Yale authorities about the sport and it seems the game is always on the verge of being abolished.

As the game gains stature in England, hopefully some of that luster will rub off on the American game as well.

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The Republic
November 1857

NATIONAL NEWS

Tough Times - Economy In Free-Fall

The past month saw the U.S. economy sink to its lowest level in twenty years. Sinking railroad stocks have fueled the downturn which has resulted in the widespread failure of businesses. Conservative estimates place the number of failures at around 1,000. The following table shows how dramatic the drop in prices for major railroad stocks has been.

                                                                                       
                          VALUE OF STOCK
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Railroad                  Jan.   June.  Sept.  Oct.  Change.
Chicago and Rock Island    84      96     79    57     -39
Cleveland and Toledo       75      65     40    28     -47
Cleveland and Pittsburgh   58      55     15     9     -49
Erie                       62      36     22    11     -51
Galena and Chicago        119      96     62    62     -57
Illinois Central          123     139     92    79     -60
La Crosse                  75      76     14     6     -68
Michigan Central           93      94     63    39     -55
Michigan Southern          88      57     19    15     -73
New York Central           93      86     74    57     -36
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The pressures became noticeable early in the summer, but the first great blow to public confidence was given by the unexpected failure, in August, of the Ohio Life and Trust Company, which impacted many individuals and corporations in serious loss.

Still no serious difficulty was felt until about the first of September, when the failure of a number of banks in western New York was announced. A panic ensued, which became almost universal during the month. Toward the close of the month three of the leading banks of Philadelphia failed, and the remainder stayed solvent only by temporarily suspending specie payments. This scenario was replayed in Maryland, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

Officials have assured the public that the banks of the city of New York, and generally of the State, remain firm and there seems no reason to doubt this. The bills of the banks organized under the General Banking Law seem safe, as they are fully secured by public stocks deposited with the Comptroller of the State.

Merits of Controversial Tariff Act Debated

The Tariff Act passed earlier this year has lowered rates to around 17% on average. The Act was authored primarily by Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter of Virginia. The bill was offered in response to the regular federal budget surpluses during the mid 1850s. Hunter’s stated intention was to disperse this surplus through a tax cut.

As expected, a majority of the supporters of the bill came mostly from Southern and agricultural states, which have tended to be export dependent and have tended to support a "free trade" position. However, the Southerners have received unexpected support from a handful of the New England wool manufacturers. This constituency has traditionally supported protectionism. But after a series of political setbacks for the protectionist movement, these businessmen have decided to forgo protection for their own goods in exchange for reduced tariffs on raw material imports such as Canadian wool.

According to one official, the Tariff Act “was possible because it did not represent a victory of one section over the other; nor did it produce a clear division between parties. Its supporters included Democrats, Republicans, and Americans; representatives of northern merchants, manufacturers, and railroad interests; and spokesmen for southern farmers and planters.

Opposition has come largely from two economic groups: the iron manufacturers of Pennsylvania and the wool growers of New England and the West. Producers from other traditional protectionist constituencies such as iron, glass, and sheep farmers have also been opposed to the bill.

Led by economist Henry C. Carey, many of the Act’s opponents have blamed the recent economic panic on the new Tariff schedule. Outcries against "tax cuts for rich land-owners" along with Carey's rhetoric have rejuvenated the protectionist movement and prompted renewed calls for a tariff increase.

Buchanan Dispatches Troops to Utah Territory

President Buchanan has sent a sizable military force to Utah Territory to remove Brigham Young as the territory’s governor. Washington has been alarmed by the recent treasonable designs of leaders of the Mormon sect. Especially disturbing was the recent massacre of about 120 immigrants at Mountain Meadows in the southwestern part of the territory.

A new governor for the territory has not been selected. Major McCulloch was offered the position, but declined. It has long been thought that the Mormons will not accept the authority of a non-Mormon governor and any attempt by the government to establish such authority in Utah would result in armed revolt.

Feds, State Officer Tangle In Ohio

A clash has taken place between state and federal authorities. A US Deputy Marshal, with a number of assistants, attempted to arrest an alleged fugitive slave near Springfield, OH. The slave resisted, forcing the officers to retreat. When they returned, they discovered the man made his escape via the “underground railroad.” The subsequent investigation led the officers to arrest a number of persons on charges of harboring a fugitive slave.

The Sheriff of Clarke County secured a writ of habeas corpus, but was resisted in its execution by the U.S. officers. In the ensuing scuffle, the federal officers were overpowered and taken prisoners. They are being held on the charge of attempting to murder the sheriff.

Dred Scott Freed

Dred Scott, the slave whose famous “case” has excited so much national attention has been emancipated by his master. It is reported that Scott now is working as a porter in St. Louis, MO.

International News

Clergy Arrested in Mexico

Ecclesiastical authorities tried to excite an insurrection during Holy Week, but the attempt was suppressed by the Mexican government. The archbishop, the bishop of the diocese, and a number of the principal clergy were arrested and sentenced to banishment. The sentence of the archbishop was remitted on account of his advanced age, but he was ordered confined to his palace.

Filibusters Executed in Sonora

Following the example of William Walker, A band of California filibusters under the command of Colonel Crabbe invaded the province of Sonora. After initial gains, they were met by a superior force and taken prisoners. Orders had been dispatched to bring them to the Sonoran capital, but their stubborn resistance so exasperated the captors that all 60 were shot. Crabbe, who went to California after the discovery of gold, had become a prominent lawyer and politician in the state.

My India Journal

July 20 - Having secured Cawnpore, Haverlock decides to move on toward Lucknow, to relieve the British garrison and civilians under siege there. Lucknow is only 48 miles from Cawnpore, but the formidable task here is to transport our force of 1500 men across the Ganges. Most of our men are beyond exhaustion, however, after witnessing the aftermath of the brutal massacre of European women and children in Cawnpore, they are determined to move forward. “Remember Cawnpore,” has already become a war cry for the British soldiers.

July 26 - It has taken us six days to ferry the troops across the Ganges. Haverlock is clearly vexed by the delay -- he knows Lucknow could fall at any time. The General has no desire to see the atrocities of Cawnpore repeated in Lucknow.

July 29 - Near the town of Unao, we encounter a large rebel force. Again, we win the day, but at heavy cost. Our army has been reduced by almost half. I receive a nasty slash across my arm from a native wielding a Tulwar when the fighting becomes close. Luckily, I am more handy with my bayonet and dispatch the fellow from this life.

July 30 - With his force reduced to 850 by casualties, disease and heatstroke, Haverlock knows he can’t press on to Lucknow. We fall back. Once we establish camp, Haverlock dispatches a letter to Brigadier Neill in Cawnpore requesting reinforcements.

August 3 - My friend Bond tells me that there has been a sharp exchange of letters between Havelock and the insolent Brigadier Neill. These men clearly do not like each other. Neill seems to be convinced that he is the one who should be leading the relief column to Lucknow and takes every chance to be critical of Havelock. We do receive over 250 reinforcements and Haverlock plans to advance in the morning.

August 4 - We win another victory near Unao, but once again we emerge from the battle too weak to continue the advance, and retire.

August 11 - It has been Havelock’s intention to remain on the north bank of the Ganges, inside Oudh and thereby prevent a large force of rebels from joining the siege against the Residency in Lucknow. However, Neill reports that Cawnpore is threatened. To allow himself a retreat without being attacked from behind, Havelock marches again to Unao and we win a third victory there. We then fell back across the Ganges, and destroy the newly completed bridge. God grant the souls at Lucknow peace. I fear only a miracle can save them now.

TO BE CONTINUED

Classifieds

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The Sport
December 1857

Morphy Claims U.S. Chess Championship



New Orleans native Paul Morphy won the First American Chess Congress held in New York. He defeated each of his rivals, including the strong German master Louis Paulsen in the final round. With the victory, Morphy has been hailed as the chess champion of the United States of America.

Morphy has long been considered something of a chess prodigy. He was born into a wealthy and distinguished New Orleans family. His father, Alonzo, is a lawyer and has served as a Louisiana state legislator, attorney general, and Supreme Court Justice. His mother, Louise Therese Felicite Thelcide Le Carpentier, was the musically-talented daughter of a prominent French Creole family.

According to his uncle, Ernest Morphy, no one formally taught Morphy how to play chess; rather he learned on his own as a young child from watching others play. After watching a lengthy game between Ernest and Alonzo, young Paul surprised them by stating that Ernest should have won. The older men had not realized that Paul even knew the moves, let alone any chess strategy. They were even more surprised when Paul proved his claim by resetting the pieces and demonstrating the win his uncle had missed.

Morphy’s family recognized him as a talent and encouraged him to play at family gatherings and local chess milieus. By the age of nine, he was considered one of the best players in New Orleans. In 1846, General Winfield Scott visited the city, and let his hosts know that he desired an evening of chess with a strong local player. Nine-year-old Morphy was introduced as his opponent. Scott was at first offended, thinking he was being made fun of, but he consented to play after being assured that his wishes had been scrupulously obeyed and that the boy was an excellent player who would tax his skill. Morphy beat Scott easily not once, but twice, the seond time announcing a forced checkmate after only six moves.

At age 12 Morphy played the strong professional Hungarian chess master Johann Lowenthal. The Hungarian had often played and defeated talented youngsters and considered such matches as a waste of time, but accepted the offer to play Morphy as a courtesy to Morphy’s father. By the twelfth move in the first game, Lowenthal realized he was up against a formidable opponent. It was reported that each time Morphy made a good move, Lowenthal’s eyebrows shot up in an almost comic manner. Lowenthal played three games with Morphy during his New Orleans stay, losing all three.

During recent years, Morphy has played sparingly. A diligent student, Morphy graduated from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama in 1854. He stayed on an extra year, studying mathematics and philosophy. He was awarded an A.M. degree with the highest honors. He next attended the University of Louisiana to study law. He received an L.L.B. degree this past April. Morphy is said to know the entire Louisiana Civil Code by heart.

Morphy initially declined to participate in the First American Chess Congress, but at the urging of his uncle, he eventually decided to play. Despite his obvious talent, all who meet him are impressed by Morphy’s demeanor. The editor of Chess Monthly says of Morphy, “his genial disposition, his unaffected modesty and gentlemanly courtesy have endeared him to all his acquaintances.”

During the final round, Morphy defeated Paulsen 4 to 1, with 2 draws. Morphy was smooth-faced, dressed in perfect taste, and never said a word while playing, unless spoken to. He sat leaning a little forward, at the table, his legs crossed and his hands free from the board. He never made a motion until ready to play, and then, quickly, he reached forward and with the thumb and two fingers he made his move and as quickly withdrew until ready for his next move. Morphy never took longer than half a minute to make a move. Paulsen was much more deliberate, and during one game took seventy-five minutes to make one move. Morphy was reportedly so annoyed by this that during the lunch adjournment, he told tournament organizer, Thomas Frere, that he would not let Paulsen win another game of him, and he kept his word.

English Cricket - 1857 Review

The All England Eleven (A.E.E.) and United England Eleven (U.E.E.) met twice in 1857 at Lord‘s Cricket Ground, St John‘s Wood. During the first three day match in June, A.E.E. won by 5 wickets. At the second meeting in July, A.E.E. again prevailed, this time by 133 runs.

A.E.E. players included: captain George Parr, Alfred John Day Diver, Heathfield Harman Stephenson, Julius Caesar, Robert Crispin Tinley, and George Anderson.

U.E.E. players included: captain John Wisden, James Dean, James Grundy, William Caffyn, John Lillywhite, Thomas Lockyer, William Mortlock and William Matingell.

James Grundy became the first player to be given out handling the ball when playing for Marylebone Cricket Club v. Kent at Lord’s.

Right-hand batsman William Caffyn was the leading runscorer in England with 612@18.00. Other leading batsmen were: John Lillywhite, George Parr, Thomas Lockyer, James Grundy, Julius Caesar, Heathfield Harman Stephenson, John Wisden and James Dean.

William Caffyn, a round arm medium pacer, was also the leading wicket-taker, with 126. Other leading bowlers were: John Wisden, John Jackson, Edgar Willsher, George Griffith, William Martingell, John Lillywhite, Charles Jacob Bullock Marsham and Frederick William Bell.

Cambridge captain William Wingfield’s battling 63 could not prevent Oxford from winning by 81 in their three-day match at the Lord’s. CJB Marsham showed good form with 53 and WH Bullock hit a composed 43 as Oxford posted 242-7.

Oxford had a draw match against Marylebone Cricket Club at the Magdalen Ground, Oxford. Cambridge also had a drawn match against Marylebone CC, and lost a match by innings and 69 runs to Cambridge Town Club.

Scottish Football Club Established

The Edinburgh Academical Football Club (EAFC) was formed earlier this fall. The club plays at Raeburn Place Ground, located 10 minutes walk from Princess Street, in the new town area of Stockbridge. The ground was purchased a few years ago at a premium of 53 pounds.

The EAFC has already begun its first full season of Rugby-style football. One member wrote, “we played twenty a side, and a scrum was a scrum indeed - fifteen pushing against fifteen in a tight maul that was often immovable for minutes. The steam rose from the pack like the smoke from a charcoal burner.”

One spectator who watched a contest described it as "a game of a primitive kind...the most cruel hacking with iron-toed and heeled boots was allowed and suffered in the muddle ... the ball was composed of a raw bladder, fresh from the butcher's hands and enclosed in a leather case. It was not a game of much elaboration, but it was vigorously engaged in and enjoyed.”

Other Football News

The Liverpool Football Club was formed following a match between boys from Rugby school and some local boys under the Rugby school rules. The locals enjoyed the contest immensely and immediately formed a club so they could play football on a regular basis.

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The Republic
November 1857

INTERNATIONAL NEWS



Brits Relieve Siege at Lucknow
British Decide to Evacuate Refugees Rather Than Hold the City
LUCKNOW -- It took two attempts, but British forces under the command of Sir Colin Campbell were able to finally break the seige by Indian mutineers of the British Residency in Lucknow. The Residency was the official home of Sir Henry Lawrence, a very experienced British administrator, who had taken up the appointment as governor of the region only six weeks before the rebellion broke out.

Sensing unrest among the natives, Lawrence began fortifying the Residency and laying in supplies for a siege. Large numbers of British civilians made their way to the Residency from outlying districts. On May 30, most of the Oudh and Bengal troops at Lucknow broke into open rebellion. In addition to his locally recruited pensioners, Lawrence also had the bulk of the British 32nd Regiment of Foot available, and they were able to drive the rebels away from the city.

On June 4 there was a rebellion at Sitapur, a large and important station 51 miles from Lucknow. This was followed by another at Faizabad, one of the most important cities in the province, and outbreaks at Daryabad, Sultanpur and Salon. Thus in the course of ten days English authority in Oudh province practically vanished.

On June 30 Lawrence learned that the rebels were gathering north of Lucknow, and ordered a reconnaissance in force, despite the poor quality of the available intelligence. Although he had comparatively little military experience, Lawrence led the expedition himself. The expedition was not well organized and the troops were forced to march without food or adequate water during the hottest part of the day at the height of the hot weather season. At Chinhat they met a well-organized rebel force, with cavalry and dug-in artillery. Some of Lawrence's sepoys and Indian artillerymen defected to the rebels, and Lawrence and his British soldiers were forced to retreat in disorder. Some of the fugitives died of heatstroke within sight of the Residency.

Lawrence fell back into the Residency, where the siege now began. The Residency was the center of the defenses. The Residency lay in the middle of several palaces, mosques and administrative buildings. (Lucknow had been the royal capital of Oudh for many years). Lawrence initially refused permission for these to be demolished, urging his engineers to "spare the holy places", and during the siege they provided good vantage points and cover for rebel sharpshooters and artillery

The first attack was repulsed on July 1, when the separate position of the Machchhi Bhawan palace to the east of the Residency was evacuated, and blown up. (Large amounts of powder and ammunition had been stored in it). The next day, Sir Henry Lawrence was fatally wounded by a shell, and he died on July 4. Sir Colonel Inglis of the 32nd Regiment took military command of the garrison. Major Banks was appointed the acting Civil Commissioner by the dying Lawrence. When Banks was killed a short time later, Inglis assumed overall command.

About 8,000 sepoys who had joined the rebellion and several hundred retainers of local landowners surrounded the Residency. They had some modern guns with them, and also some older pieces which fired all sorts of improvised missiles. There were several determined attempts to storm the defenses during the first weeks of the siege, but the rebels lacked a unified command able to coordinate all the besieging forces.

The defenders, their number constantly reduced by military action as well as disease, were able to resist all attempts made by the rebels to overwhelm them. In addition they mounted several sorties, attempting to reduce the effectiveness of the most dangerous positions held by the besiegers, and to silence some of their guns.

Major General Henry Havelock, who had helped secure Cawnpore, tried to launch a relief effort to Lucknow as early as July 20. For six days, he ferried his force of 1500 men across the Ganges River. On July 29, Havelock won a battle at Unao, but casualties, disease and heatstroke reduced his force to 850 effectives, and he fell back.

Havelock eventually received 257 reinforcements and some more guns, and tried again to advance. He won another victory near Unao on August 4, but was once again too weak to continue the advance, and retired. Havelock intended to remain on the north bank of the Ganges, inside Oudh, but was forced to withdraw when rebel sepoy forces threatened Cawnpore. Havelock fell back across the Ganges, and on August 16, he defeated a rebel force at Bithur, disposing of the threat to Cawnpore.

During this time, Havelock was superseded in command by Major General Sir James Outram. Before Outram arrived at Cawnpore, Havelock made preparations for another relief attempt. He had earlier sent a letter to Inglis at the Residency, suggesting that the remaining soldiers fight their way out and make for Cawnpore. He received reply that there were too few effective troops and too many sick, wounded and non-combatants to make such an attempt.

The rebels in Lucknow continued to shell the garrison in the Residency, and also dug mines beneath the British defenses, which destroyed several posts. Although the garrison kept the rebels at a distance with sorties and counter-attacks, they became weaker with time and food was running short.

Outram arrived at Cawnpore with reinforcements on September 15. He allowed Havelock to command the relief force, accompanying it as a volunteer until Lucknow was reached. The force numbered 3,179 composed of six British and one Sikh infantry battalions, with three artillery batteries, but only 168 volunteer cavalry.

The advance resumed on September 18. On September 23, Havelock's force drove the rebels from the Alambagh, a walled park four miles south of the Residency. Leaving the baggage with a small force in the Alambagh, he began the final advance on September 25. Because of the monsoon rains, much of the open ground around the city was flooded, preventing the British making any outflanking moves and forcing them to make a direct advance through part of the city.

The force met heavy resistance trying to cross the Charbagh canal, but ultimately succeeded. Nine out of ten men were killed storming a bridge. They then turned to their right, following the west bank of the canal. The 78th Highlanders took a wrong turning, but were able to capture a rebel battery near the Kaisarbagh palace, before finding their way back to the main force. By nightfall the force had reached the Machchhi Bhawan. Outram proposed to halt, and gain touch with the defenders of the Residency by tunneling and mining through the intervening buildings, but Havelock insisted on an immediate advance. (He feared that the defenders of the Residency were so weakened that they might still be overwhelmed by a last-minute rebel attack). The advance was made through heavily defended narrow lanes. In all, the relief force lost 535 men out of 2000, incurred mainly in this last rush. By the time of the relief, the defenders of the Residency had endured a siege of 87 days, and were reduced to 982 fighting personnel.

Originally, Outram had intended to evacuate the Residency, but the heavy casualties incurred during the final advance made it impossible to remove all the invalids and non-combatants. Instead, the defended area was enlarged. Under Outram's overall command, Inglis took charge of the original Residency area, and Havelock occupied and defended the palaces (the Farhat Baksh and Chuttur Munzil) and other buildings east of it.

Another factor which influenced Outram's decision to remain in Lucknow was the discovery of a large stock of supplies beneath the Residency, sufficient to maintain the garrison for two months. Lawrence had laid in the stores but died before he had informed any of his subordinates. (Inglis had feared that starvation was imminent).

Outram had hoped that the relief would also demoralise the rebels, but was disappointed. For the next six weeks, the rebels continued to bombard the defenders with musket and artillery fire, and dig a series of mines beneath them. The defenders replied with sorties, as before, and dug counter-mines.

The defenders were able to send messengers to and from the Alambagh, from where in turn messengers could reach Cawnpore. (Later, a semaphore system made the risky business of sending messengers between the Residency and the Alambagh unnecessary). A volunteer civil servant, Thomas Henry Kavanagh, the son of a British soldier, disguised himself as a sepoy and ventured from the Residency aided by a local mane name Kananji Lal. He and his scout crossed the entrenchments east of the city and reached the Alambagh to act as a guide to the next relief attempt.

Delhi had been stormed on September 21, 1857. On September 24, a column of 2,790 British, Sikh and Punjabi troops under Colonel Greathed of the 8th (The King's) Regiment of Foot marched through the Lahore Gate to restore British rule from Delhi to Cawnpore. On October 9, Greathed received urgent calls for help from a British garrison in the Red Fort at Agra. He diverted his force to Agra, to find the rebels had apparently retreated. While his force rested, they were surprised and attacked by the rebel force which had been close by. Nevertheless they rallied, defeated and dispersed the rebel force. This Battle of Agra cleared all organised rebel forces from the area between Delhi and Cawnpore, although guerrilla bands remained.

Shortly afterwards, Greathed received reinforcements from Delhi, and was superseded in command by Major General James Hope Grant. Grant reached Cawnpore late in October, where he received orders from the new commander-in-chief in India, Sir Colin Campbell, to proceed to the Alambagh, and transport the sick and wounded to Cawnpore. He was also strictly enjoined not to commit himself to any relief of Lucknow until Campbell himself arrived.

Campbell was 65 years old when he left England in July 1857 to assume command of the Bengal Army. By mid-August, he was in Calcutta preparing his departure upcountry. It was late October before all preparations were completed. Fighting his way up the Grand Trunk Road, Campbell arrived in Cawnpore on November 3. The rebels held effective control of large parts of the countryside. Campbell considered, but rejected, securing the countryside before launching his relief of Lucknow. The massacre of British women and children following the capitulation of Cawnpore was still in recent memory. In British eyes Lucknow had become a symbol of its resolve. Accordingly, Campbell left 1100 troops in Cawnpore for its defense, leading 600 cavalry, 3500 infantry and 42 guns to the Alambagh.

The strength of the rebels investing Lucknow has been widely estimated from 30,000 to 60,000. They were amply equipped,the sepoy regiments among them were well trained, and they had improved their defenses in response to Havelock's and Outram's first Relief of the Residency. The Charbagh Bridge used by Havelock and Outram just north of the Alambagh had been fortified. The Charbagh Canal from the Dilkuska Bridge to the Charbagh Bridge was dammed and flooded to prevent troops or heavy guns fording it. Cannon emplaced in entrenchments north of the Gumti River not only daily bombarded the besieged Residency but also enfiladed the only viable relief path. However, the lack of a unified command structure among the sepoys diminished the value of their superior numbers and strategic positions.

At daybreak on the morning of November 14, Campbell commenced his relief of Lucknow. Campbell made his plans on the basis of Kavanagh's information, and the heavy loss of life experienced by the first Lucknow relief column. Rather than crossing the Charbagh Bridge and fighting through the tortuous, narrow streets of Lucknow, Campbell opted to flank march to the east and proceed up to Dilkusha Park. He would then advance to La Martiniere (a school for British and Anglo-Indian boys) and cross the canal as close to the River Gomti as possible. As he advanced, he would secure each position to protect his communications and supply train back to the Alambagh. He would then secure a walled enclosure known as the Secundrabagh and link up with the Residency whose outer perimeter had been extended by Havelock and Outram to the Chuttur Munzil.

For three miles as the column moved to the east of the Alambagh, no opposition was encountered. When the relief column reached the Dilkusha park wall, the quiet ended with an outburst of musket fire. British cavalry and artillery quickly pushed through the park wall and the sepoys were driven from the Dilkusha. The column then advanced to La Martiniere. By noon, the Dilkusha and La Martiniere were in British hands. The defending sepoys vigorously attacked the British left flank from the Bank’s House but the British counter attacked and drove them back into Lucknow.

The rapid advance of Campbell’s column placed it far ahead of its supply caravan. The advance paused until the required stores of food, ammunition and medical equipment were brought forward. The request for additional ammunition from the Alambagh further delayed the relief column's march. On the evening of November 15, the Residency was signalled by semaphore, “Advance tomorrow.”

The next day the relief column advanced from La Martiniere to the northern point where the canal meets the Gumti River. By the fate of war, the damming of the canal to flood the area beneath the Dilkuska Bridge left the canal dry at the crossing point. The column and guns advanced forward and then turned sharp left to Secundrabagh.

The Secundrabagh is a high walled garden approximately 120 yards square with parapets at each corner and a main entry gate arch on the southern wall. Campbell’s column approached along a road that ran parallel to the eastern wall of the garden. The advancing column of infantry, cavalry and artillery had difficulty maneuvering in the cramped village streets. They were afforded some protection from the intense fire raining down on them by a high road embankment that faced the garden. Musket fire came from loopholes in the Secundrabagh and nearby fortified cottages and cannon shot from the distant Kaisarbagh (the former King of Oudh's palace). Campbell positioned artillery to suppress this incoming fire. Heavy 18-pound artillery was also hauled by rope and hand over the steep road embankment and placed within sixty yards of the enclosure. Although significant British casualties were sustained in these manoeuvres, the cannon fire breached the southeastern wall.

Elements of the Scottish 93rd Highlanders and Sikh 4th Punjabi Infantry rushed forward. Finding the breach too small to accommodate the mass of troops, the Punjabi Infantry moved to the left and overran the defenses at the main garden gateway. Once inside, the Sikhs emptied their muskets and resorted to the bayonet. Sepoys responded with counterattacks. Highlanders pouring in by the breach shouted, “Remember Cawnpore!” Gradually the din of battle waned. The dwindling force of defenders moved northward until retreat was no longer possible. The earth was wet with dark red blood. The British numbered the sepoy dead at nearly 2000.

By late noon a detachment of the relief column lead by Adrian Hope disengaged from the Secundrabagh and moved towards the Shah Najaf. The Shah Najaf, a walled mosque, is the mausoleum of Ghazi-ud-din Haider, the first King of Oudh in 1814. The defenders had heavily fortified this multi-story position. When the full force of the British column was brought to bear on the Shah Najaf, the sepoys responded with unrelenting musketry, cannon grape shot and supporting cannon fire from the Kaisarbagh as well as oblique cannon fire from secured batteries north of the Gumti River. From heavily exposed positions, for three hours the British poured a strong cannon fire on the stout walls of the Shah Najaf. The walls remained unscathed; the sepoy fire was unrelenting; the British losses mounted. Additional British assaults failed with heavy losses.

Retiring from their exposed positions was deemed equally dangerous by the British command. Gathering up 50 Highlanders, the party was dispatched to seek an alternate access route to the Shah Najaf. Discovering a breach in the wall on the opposite side of the fighting, sappers were brought forward to widen the breach. The small advance party pushed through the opening, crossed the courtyard and opened the main gates. Seeing the long sought opening, their comrades rushed forth into the Shah Najaf. Campbell made his headquarters in the Shah Najaf by nightfall.

Within the besieged Residency, Havelock and Outram completed their preparations to tie up with Campbell’s column. Positioned in the Chatar Manzil they executed their plan to blow open the outer walls of the garden once they could see that the Secundrabagh was in Campbell’s position.

The Moti Mahal, the last major position that separated the two British forces, was cleared by charges from Campbell’s column. Now only 450 yards separated the two forces. Stubborn resistance continued as the sepoys defended their positions, but repeated efforts by the British cleared these last pockets of resistance. The second relief column had reached the Residency.

Although Outram and Havelock both recommended storming the Kaisarbagh to secure the British position, Campbell knew that other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore and other cities held by the British, and he ordered Lucknow to be abandoned. The evacuation began on November 19. While Campbell's artillery bombarded the Kaisarbagh to deceive the rebels that an assault on it was imminent, canvas screens were erected to shield the open space from the rebels' view. The women, children and sick and wounded made their way to the Dilkusha Park under cover of these screens, some in a variety of carriages or on litters, others on foot. Over the next two days, Outram spiked his guns and withdrew after them.

At the Dilkusha Park, Havelock died (of a sudden attack of dysentery) on November 23. The entire army and convoy now moved to the Alambagh. Campbell left Outram with 4,000 men to defend the Alambagh while he himself moved with 3,000 men and most of the civilians to Cawnpore on November 27.

The first siege had lasted 87 days, the second siege a further 61. The rebels have been left in control of Lucknow but have been prevented from undertaking any other operations by their own disunity and by Outram's hold on the easily defended Alambagh.

NATIONAL NEWS

Tensions Running High In Utah
Clashes Between Mormons and Federal Troops Reported


Federal troops face rough winter conditions in Utah Territory.

Though preparing for war, Utah's leaders seem to want to keep their options open. Publicly, they speak of defending their rights and remind each other of past abuses. Despite this, it has been reported that Brigham Young has sent envoys east to Washington, D.C., and has enlisted the aid of influential friends in the hopes of working out a negotiated solution.

During the months of October and November, it is said that between 1,200 and 2,000 Mormon militiamen have been called to arms. The Utah men have built breastworks, dug rifle pits and dammed streams and rivers in preparation for battle with the federal troops dispatched by President Buchanan.

Utah's first line of defense, however, are several hundred mounted men known as "scouts," "rangers," or "bandits" and "scoundrels," depending on your point of view. They are facing U.S. army troops consisting of the 10th Infantry, the 5th Infantry, Phelps' Battery of the 4th Artillery and the 2nd Dragoons. These forces headed westward from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on July 18. Many have said this was already dangerously late in the season to cross the plains and mountains before winter set in. In addition, a large portion of this force was delayed in Kansas -- having to deal with violence between pro and anti-slavery forces in the territory.

On September 25 at Pacific Springs, just west of the Continental Divide, there was a reported confrontation between Mormon militia and federal troops. Mormon raiders launched a coordinated strike and drove off all the mules from both the federal infantry and artillery camps, located a day's march apart. At about 2 or 3 a.m., the raiders rode past three guards, then commenced yelling and firing their pistols, causing a stampede of the artillery mules just outside of camp. The animals bolted at the racket but could not run far due to their hobbles. By the time the bugle sounded and soldiers stumbled out of their tents, the intruders had fled.

Other reports have been issued blaming Mormon raiders with staring grass fires, staging nightly surprises to keep the soldiers from sleeping, blocking roads with fallen trees and destroying fords; in other words, "to annoy [the army] in every possible way."

[sflcat]

Well, finally made it through 1857. If I continue this dynasty, I'm definitely going to use a yearbook or year-in-review approach rather than monthly publications.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

I love this dynasty. If I had the time, skill and patience to do mine in the level of detail I'd like, it would look... well, pretty much exactly like this.

[sflcat]

1857 Republic Man of the Year

John A. Brown



John Brown, a white American abolitionist who has advocated insurrection and murder as a means to abolish slavery. Brown first gained attention when he led small groups of volunteers during the Bleeding Kansas crisis. Unlike most other Northerners, who advocate peaceful resistance to the pro-slavery faction, Brown has demanded violent action in response to Southern aggression. Dissatisfied with the pacifism encouraged by the organized abolitionist movement, he has been quoted as saying, "These men are all talk. What we need is action - action!"

His belief in confrontation led him to kill five pro-slavery southerners in what has become known as the Pottawatomie Massacre in May 1856, which was in response to the raid of the "free soil" city of Lawrence by pro-slavery advocates.

Runner-Up: Brigham Young



The leader of the Latter Day Saint movement and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until present. Young was also the first governor of the Utah Territory. He is a central figure in the current crisis between the U.S. Government and the Mormons.

1857 Sport Man of the Year

Tom Sayer



Sayers claimed the English Boxing Championship after defeating Willam "The Tipton Slasher" Perry. Many of his opponents have been much larger men. Commentators laud him as a skillful pugilist who strikes stiff blows and is tough and game.

Runner Up: Marvin Gelston


Gelston is seen here behind the home base in a match between Eagle and Gotham earlier this year.

A catcher for the Eagle Club of New York. A veteran player who has consistently been among the leaders in aces tallied. In addition, many players acknowledge him as one of the finest defensive backstops in the game today.

[sflcat]

We'll be moving on to 1858 shortly, but here is an interesting video I found where some players are re-enacting a Town Ball match.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...45716458153202

[sflcat61]

Originally Posted by sflcat

We'll be moving on to 1858 shortly, but here is an interesting video I found where some players are re-enacting a Town Ball match.

Farmers' Almanac TV: The Old Ballgame

Yeah, shortly...lol. Hard to believe I put this down over 3 years ago. Might have to pick it up again.