Foreword by Sita Ram

FROM SEPOY TO SUBEDAR

Being the Autobiography of a Sepoy

Defender of the poor!—obedience, etc., etc.—I have, by the fatherly kindness of the Government, been granted my pension, and according to your desire, I now send your Lordship, by the hands of my son, the papers containing all I can remember of my life during the forty-eight years I have been in the service of the English Nation in which I have suffered seven severe wounds, and received six medals, which I am proud to wear. I trust what I have now written, and what I have before at different times related to your Honour, may prove that there were some who remained faithful, and were not affected by the Wind of Madness which lately blew over Hindustan; for my belief is, it was this which blighted the army. My Lord knows I am not much of a Munshi, although I have been taught Persian; therefore my language must be excused. And without doubt, I have forgotten the English years in some instances; but what I have related to you, and what I have here written, it is true. To say more would be overstepping the bounds of propriety.

May prosperity ever attend your footsteps!
Your slave,

(signed) Sita Ram, Subedar

Tilowee, Oudh, 1861    Pensioner