The town of Kanpur in North India was the scene of one of the worst incidents of the Indian revolt against the British in 1857, when Indians massacred British troops and British women and children. 'Cawnpore' became the rallying cry for the British afterwards, weighted with horrific symbolism.
The Cawnpore Battery was one of the most exposed posts in the garrison at Lucknow and a particular focus of attack. Dodgson wrote: "the enemy attempted to blow up the guard house on 5th August but were foiled by a countermine. The battered bungalow on the left was held by a handful of brave men under Captain Anderson of the 25th Native Infantry and became known as 'Anderson's Post'. On the 18th of August the rebels came boldly against this post [but] their leaders being slain the rest fled, leaving their ladders." In the distance are seen the Farhad Baksh Palace and the Chattar Mahal.
A plate from General Views & Special Points of Interest of the City of Lucknow, from Drawings made on the spot by Lieut. Col. D. S. Dodgson, A.A.C. London: Day & Son, Gate Street, Lincoln's Inns Fields. Lithographed title and 27 tinted lithographed views on 11 sheets, engraved plan at the end. Dedicated to Lieut. Gen. the Ho. Sir James Outram, Bart. G.C.B. Member of the supreme council of India, &c. &c.