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I am a policeman. On the night of the 1st January, I was on duty at Messrs Jardine's premises. I saw several non-military men coming and thought it my duty to watch the property.
I saw a gang of men in the street in the village of Sokoonpoo - opposite the door of a shop firing shots, and spreading and firing gunpowder on the ground. I was about ten fathoms from them. I saw some Sepoys in the street returning the fire. The gang fired first. They fired in the direction of Messrs Jardine's godowns. Some of the Sepoys were between the godowns and the gang. The others were in the godown. There were 44 Sepoys altogether.
I went to the police station for further assistance. I afterwards saw a wounded Sepoy in a room, but I cannot say whether he was one of those I had seen in the street.
George Mills, being sworn, states: I am Chief Officer of the schooner "Mazeppa". When on shore, I live in one of Messrs Jardine's houses. About half past 11 on the night of the 1st January, I heard a watchman's rattle. I went immediately to the arms rack, and mustered a force of about 30 non-military men belonging to Messrs Jardine's establishment.
I left the premises, and went with Messrs Jardine's Sepoys into the street in Tokoompoo. I placed the Sepoys across the street. When I was about 30 or 40 yards from the premises, I saw a gang of about 100 armed men. They ranged themselves across the road. About 30 seconds after I had placed the Sepoys...