The tents were found to be full of property plundered from the city and cantonment of Cawnpore--soldiers' kits, bedding, clothing, and every description of miscellaneous articles; but to us the most valuable acquisition was a quantity of grain and a large number of fine bullocks, of which those best suited for Ordnance purposes were kept, and the rest were made over to the Commissariat.
That portion of the rebel force with which we had been engaged was now in full retreat, and Sir Colin wished to follow it up at once; but the Cavalry and Horse Artillery had not arrived, so that considerable delay occurred; while we were waiting the Chief arranged to send Mansfield with a small force[3] round to the north of Cawnpore, and, by thus threatening the road along which the Nana's troops must retreat, compel them to evacuate the city.

The 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers and a detachment of the 38th Foot were to be left to look after the deserted camp, and Inglis's brigade was to move along the Kalpi road in support of the Cavalry and Horse Artillery.

But where were the much-needed and anxiously-expected mounted troops?
It was not like them to be out of the way when their services were required; but it was now nearly two o'clock, they had not appeared, and the days were very short.

What was to be done?
The enemy could not be allowed to carry off their guns and escape punishment.

Suddenly the old Chief announced that he had determined to follow them up himself with Bourchier's battery and his own escort.
What a chase we had! We went at a gallop, only pulling up occasionally for the battery to come into action, 'to clear our front and flanks.' We came up with a goodly number of stragglers, and captured several guns and carts laden with ammunition.