On this day, the new officers of the Militia, put together from Calcutta inhabitants and under the command of Colonel Cruttenden, were ordered to “attend on the Parade on Monday, 20th November, at six of the clock, in the morning” on the then Parade Ground, writes Kathleen Blechynden in Calcutta: Past and Present.

The British East India Company Court of Directors in London had written to Calcutta that the Militia should be formed for the protection of the British in the city. In September, the Calcutta Board reported that it would be done.

But few turned up at the parade. A list of their names was to be affixed at the Fort gates, and, in case of future non-attendance, “they may expect to meet with proper resentment from the Board”, says Blechynden.

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