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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12863 ***
+
+CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS.
+
+
+CAMPAIGN
+OF
+THE INDUS:
+
+IN
+A SERIES OF LETTERS FROM AN OFFICER OF THE
+BOMBAY DIVISION.
+
+WITH AN INTRODUCTION,
+BY
+A.H. HOLDSWORTH, ESQ.
+
+
+1840.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The circumstance of an English army penetrating into Central Asia,
+through countries which had not been traversed by European troops since
+Alexander the Great led his victorious army from the Hellespont to the
+Jaxartes and Indus, is so strong a feature in our military history, that
+I have determined, at the suggestion of my friends, to print those
+letters received from my son which detail any of the events of the
+campaign. As he was actively engaged with the Bombay division, his
+narrative may be relied upon so far as he had an opportunity of
+witnessing its operations; and it being my intention to have only a few
+copies printed, to give to those friends who may take an interest in his
+letters, I need not apologize for the familiar manner in which they are
+written, as they were intended by him only for his own family, without
+an idea of their being printed. A history, however, may be collected
+from them most honourable to the British soldiers, both Europeans and
+natives of India. They shew the patience with which, for more than
+twelve months, the soldiers bore all their deprivations and fatiguing
+marches through countries until then unknown to them, whether moving
+through arid sands or rocky passes, under a burning sun; or over
+desolate mountains, amidst the most severe frosts, with scarcely an
+interval of repose. Neither was their gallantry less conspicuous than
+their patience, when they had the good fortune to find an enemy who
+ventured to face them. Although the circumstances which his letters
+detail might well deserve a better historian than my son, yet are they
+of that high and honourable character, that they cannot lose any part of
+their value by his familiar manner of narrating them.
+
+When I decided upon printing these letters, it became a matter of
+interest to place before the reader a short account of the countries in
+which the operations of the army were conducted, as well as of the
+native rulers who took part in, or were the cause of them; in order that
+the letters might be more clearly understood by those friends who have
+not felt sufficiently interested in the history of those countries to
+make any inquiries about them. But, before I do so, I shall draw the
+attention of the reader to the army of Alexander, to which I have before
+alluded.
+
+Without entering into the causes which led to his extraordinary
+conquests, predicted by Daniel as the means ordained of God to overthrow
+the Persian empire, then under the government of Darius, certain it is
+that he conquered the whole of those countries which extend from the
+Hellespont to the Indus, when his career was arrested by his own
+soldiers. Having overrun Syria, Egypt, Media, and Parthia, keeping his
+course to the north-east, he not only passed the Oxus, and forced his
+way to the Jaxartes, but, pressed by the Scythians from its opposite
+shore, he crossed that river, and beat them in a decisive battle. From
+the Jaxartes he returned in a southern direction towards the Indus, and
+having suffered the greatest privations, and struggled with the most
+alarming difficulties during the time that he was engaged in the
+conquest of those mountainous districts, he at length reached Cabool,
+making himself master of Afghanistan. Here he appears to have halted for
+a considerable time, to refresh and re-equip his army, which, with the
+addition of 30,000 recruits, amounted to 120,000 men.
+
+At this place, Alexander first came upon the scene of the campaign
+referred to in the following letters. Here he meditated the invasion of
+India, intending to march to the mouth of the Ganges; but the conquest
+of that country was destined for a nation almost unknown in the days of
+Alexander, and lying far more remote from it than Greece; and, until the
+campaign of 1839 drew our armies to the western side of the Indus, the
+Sutlej was alike the boundary of Alexander's conquests to the east, as
+of those of England towards the west.
+
+Alexander having prepared his army for this expedition, moved towards
+the Indus, taking many strong places on his march. Having crossed that
+river, the king of the country offered no resistance, but became the
+ally of Alexander, who expected to have found Porus, whose kingdom was
+on the other side of the Hydaspes, equally ready to submit. But it
+required the utmost skill of Alexander to cross the river, which he
+effected, and conquered Porus, after a most severe struggle, with the
+loss of his renowned charger, Bucephalus, and he was so pleased at the
+magnanimity of Porus that he not only gave him back his kingdom, but
+added several small states to it, making him a sincere ally. Alexander
+then continued his march towards the east, conquering all who opposed
+him, until he reached the banks of the Hyphasis (Sutlej), which he was
+about to cross, when his progress was arrested by murmurs and tumults in
+his camp. His soldiers declared their determination not to extend his
+conquests, and entreated him to return. He then marched back to the
+Acesines, gave the whole country as far as the Hyphasis to Porus, and
+thus made him ruler of the Punjab. Alexander encamped near the Acesines
+until the month of October, when the fleet which he built, consisting of
+800 galleys and boats, being ready, he embarked his army and proceeded
+towards the Indus; but before he reached that river he came to two
+countries possessed by warriors who united their armies to oppose his
+progress. After beating them in many engagements, Alexander attacked the
+city of the Oxydracæ, into which the greater part of those armies had
+retired. Here his rash valour had nearly terminated his career: he was
+severely wounded in the side by an arrow, from the effects of which he
+was with difficulty restored to health. He then descended the river, a
+portion of his army marching on its banks, conquering every nation that
+opposed him. About the month of July he reached Patala (Tatta), where he
+built a citadel and formed a port for his shipping. He then proceeded,
+with part of his fleet, by the western branch of the river, to discover
+the ocean. This he accomplished at great hazard, when he sacrificed to
+the gods (particularly to Neptune), and besought them not to suffer any
+mortal after him to exceed the bounds of his expedition. He then
+returned to join the rest of his fleet and army at Patala, and to make
+arrangements for his march to Babylon. He appointed Nearchus admiral of
+his fleet, and having given him orders to ascend the Persian Gulf to the
+Euphrates, he commenced his march through Beloochistan, leaving Nearchus
+to follow him as soon as the season would permit. Alexander was more
+than sixty days in reaching the frontiers of Persia, during which time
+his army sufficed such dreadful privations from want of food, that the
+soldiers were obliged to eat their own war-horses, and from the sickness
+consequent upon such a state of distress, his army was reduced to less
+than one-half of the number which left Patala. It is not necessary to
+follow him to Babylon, or to describe the voyage of Nearchus, who,
+having sailed up the Persian Gulf, united his forces to those of his
+royal master in the river Pasi-Tigris, near Susa. Enough, however, may
+be learned from this history to convince us that if such an army could
+be conducted 2000 years ago from the Hellespont to the Jaxartes and
+Indus, the march from the southern shores of the Caspian Sea to Cabool
+would require comparatively but very slight exertion, if those who have
+the means should have the desire also to accomplish it.
+
+I can say little of my own knowledge of the political causes which gave
+rise to the war, as I am unacquainted with the affairs of India and the
+motives which actuated its governors; but a brief outline may be
+collected from a book lately published by the Hon. Capt. Osborne,
+military secretary to the Governor-General, to which I shall refer,
+after making some observations upon the countries through which the
+operations of the army were conducted, and particularly on the situation
+of Afghanistan, in reference to those persons who had before been, is
+well as those who were, its rulers, when Shah Shooja was restored by the
+British Government to its throne. These observations I have chiefly
+collected from the valuable work of that enterprising officer Lieut.
+Burnes, which he published after visiting those countries in 1831, 1832,
+and 1833.
+
+The chief portion of the Bombay division of the army engaged in the
+operations to which these letters refer, landed at the Hujamree mouth of
+the Indus, and marching through Lower Sinde, by Tatta, ascended the
+Indus by its western bank. On arriving in Upper Sinde, it was found that
+Shah Shooja with his contingent, as well as the Bengal division of the
+army, had crossed the Indus _en route_ from that Presidency, and had
+advanced towards Afghanistan, and that the Bombay division was to follow
+them. To effect this, the division marched through Cutch Gundava, and
+the Bolan Pass, which is situated in the mountains which divide the
+province of Sarawar, in Beloochistan, as well as Cutch Gundava, from
+Afghanistan. Having made their way through the Bolan Pass, the army
+entered the Shawl district of Afghanistan, and thence proceeded through
+the Ghwozhe Pass to Candahar, Ghuzni, and Cabool; at which
+last-mentioned place Shah Shooja's eldest son joined his father with
+some troops of Runjet Sing's, which had crossed the Indus from the
+Punjab, marching by Peshawur and the Kyber Pass. The division of the
+Bombay troops under General Willshire having remained at Cabool about a
+month, returned to Ghuzni, and thence in a straight direction to
+Quettah, leaving Candahar some distance on the right; Capt. Outram, who
+commanded a body of native horse, preceding the main body of the
+division for the purpose of capturing the forts, or castles, belonging
+to those chiefs who had not submitted to Shah Shooja. From Quettah,
+General Willshire moved with a part of his division upon Kelat, and
+thence through the Gundava Pass and Cutch Gundava to the Indus, where
+these troops were met by the rest of the division, which came from
+Quettah by the Bolan Pass. Hence they descended to Curachee to embark
+for their respective quarters in India. The fate of one of the regiments
+of the division, the 17th, as it is recorded in a Bombay paper, is most
+distressing. They embarked at Curachee for Bombay, and sailed in the
+morning with a fair wind and a fine breeze, but before the night closed
+in upon them the ship was fast aground upon a sandbank, off the Hujamree
+branch of the Indus, scarcely within sight of land. Everything was
+thrown overboard to lighten the ship, but in vain; she became a total
+wreck, and settled down to her main deck in the water. She fortunately,
+however, held together long enough to allow all the men to be taken on
+shore, which occupied three days, but with the loss of everything they
+had taken on board with them. The other regiments, we may hope, have
+been more fortunate, as they were not mentioned in the paper which gave
+this melancholy account of the 17th regiment.
+
+Sinde, the country through which the army first passed, is divided into
+three districts, each governed by an Ameer, the chief of whom resides at
+Hydrabad, the second at Khyrpoor, and the other at Meerpoor; and when
+Lieut. Burnes ascended the Indus, in 1831, the reigning Ameers were
+branches of the Beloochistan tribe of Talpoor. With these the chief of
+Kelat and Gundava, Mehrab Khan (who was related by marriage to the Ameer
+of Hydrabad), was more closely allied than any other prince. Like them,
+he had been formerly tributary to Cabool, and had shaken off the yoke,
+and, possessing a very strong country between Afghanistan and Sinde, he
+became as useful as he had at all times proved himself a faithful ally
+to the Sindeans. Shikarpoor, with the fertile country around it, as well
+as Bukker, had formerly belonged to the Barukzye family of Afghanistan,
+and, although they still possessed Candahar, Cabool, and Peshawar, they
+had in vain endeavoured to withdraw Mehrab Khan from his alliance with
+the Sindeans, or to recover those lost possessions.
+
+To understand the political state of Afghanistan, into which the army
+marched for the purpose of restoring Shah Shooja to its throne, it will
+be necessary to go back to the early part of the last century, when
+Nadir Shah had raised himself to the throne of Persia. His name having
+become formidable as a conqueror, he turned his thoughts to the conquest
+of India, and, assuming sufficient pretexts for breaking the relations
+of amity which he professed for the monarch of that country, he
+determined to invade it, and for that purpose began his march in 1738.
+Taking with him some of the chiefs of Afghanistan, he crossed the Punjab
+and entered Delhi. He there raised enormous contributions, and seized
+upon everything worth taking away; amongst other things the far-famed
+Peacock throne, in which was the renowned diamond called "The Mountain
+of Light." The spoils with which he returned to Persia were valued at
+nearly seventy millions of pounds sterling. It is not necessary to
+follow the history of Nadir; it will be enough to say that, amidst the
+confusion which followed his death, Ahmed Khan obtained possession of
+part of his treasure, amongst which was the great diamond. He escaped
+with it into Khorassan, where he made himself master also of a large sum
+of money which was coming to Nadir from India. Ahmed was a brave and
+intelligent man, had been an officer of rank under the Shah, and, being
+in possession of the treasure necessary for his purpose, he proclaimed
+himself king, and was crowned at Candahar "King of the Afghans." Ahmed
+was of the Suddoozye family, which were but a small tribe; but he was
+greatly assisted by the powerful Barukzye family, whose friendship he
+justly valued and made use of to his advantage: of this latter family
+Hajee Jamel was then the chief. Ahmed knew how to conciliate the
+independent spirit of his Afghan subjects, and by making frequent
+incursions on his neighbours, kept alive that spirit of enterprise which
+was congenial to their feelings; but from the time of his death the
+royal authority began to decline, as Timour, his son and successor, had
+neither the sense nor enterprise necessary to uphold it. Affairs became
+still worse under the sons of Timour. Shah Zumaun was of a cruel
+disposition, and wanted the education necessary to the situation he was
+called upon to fill; his brothers, Mahmood and Shah Shooja, were not
+better disposed; and towards the Barukzye family, who had been so
+instrumental in placing their grandfather, Ahmed, on the throne, they
+conducted themselves not only most imprudently, but with dreadful
+cruelty.
+
+Shah Zumaun was succeeded by Shah Shooja, of whom, although the chief
+person in the present drama, little more need be said of this part of
+his history than that, ignorant of the mode of governing such
+independent tribes as the Afghans, his power was never great, and, after
+the fall of his vizier, and the murder of his comrade, Meer Waeez, it
+gradually declined, until he lost his throne at Neemla, in 1809. He had
+taken the field with a well-appointed army of 15,000 men; but was
+attacked by Futteh Khan, an experienced general, at the head of 2000
+men, before the royal army was formed for battle; Akram Khan, his
+vizier, was slain, and he fled to the Kyber country, leaving the greater
+part of his treasure in the hands of his conquerors. Shah Shooja had
+failed to conciliate the Barukzye family; Futteh Khan, their chief, had
+therefore espoused the cause of the king's brother, Mahmood, and having
+driven Shah Shooja from his throne, he placed Mahmood upon it, and
+accepted for himself the situation of vizier. Under his vigorous
+administration, the whole of the Afghan country, with the exception of
+Cashmere, submitted to the dominion of the new sovereign. The Shah of
+Persia, anxious to possess himself of Herat, sent an army against it,
+but was defeated in his object, and Herat was preserved to Mahmood by
+the successful exertions of Futteh Khan. No sooner, however, was Mahmood
+thus firmly established in his dominions, than his son Kamran became
+jealous of the man who had raised him to the situation, and had secured
+to him the kingdom; he therefore determined to effect the ruin of the
+vizier. The prince was not long in gaining over his father to his views;
+and Futteh Khan being at Herat, Kamran seized on his person and put out
+his eyes. In this state he kept him prisoner for about six months,
+during which time the brothers of the vizier, irritated at the conduct
+of Kamran, began to show signs of disaffection. Mahmood ordered Futteh
+Khan to be brought before him in the court of his palace, and accusing
+the brothers of the vizier of rebellion, directed him to bring them back
+to a state of allegiance. The vizier, in the dreadful condition in which
+he had been reduced, replied to the demand of Mahmood, "What can an old
+and blind man do?" when, by the order of the king, the courtiers cut the
+vizier to pieces, limb after limb: his nose and ears were hacked off;
+neither did he receive his death blow until not a member of his person
+was left upon which they could inflict torture. With the fall of his
+vizier the king's power rapidly declined, and he fled to Herat,
+virtually yielding up the rest of his kingdom. He died in 1829, his son,
+Kamran, succeeding to the limited government of that portion only of his
+former dominions. Upon the flight of Mahmood to Herat, the horrid murder
+of their brother threw the whole of the Barukzye family into open
+revolt, the eldest of whom, Azeem Khan, recalled Shah Shooja from his
+exile. From the time Shah Shooja lost his throne, he had been first a
+captive in the hands of the son of his former vizier, and then a
+pensioner on the bounty of the Maharajah, at Lahore, who in return
+extorted from him the famous diamond, "The Mountain of Light," and other
+jewels, which he had brought away with him when he fled at Neemla. He
+then made his escape from the Maharajah, and found protection and
+support from the British government of India. Upon the summons from
+Azeem Khan, Shah Shooja immediately hastened to Peshawur; where, before
+his benefactor had time to meet him, he practically displayed his ideas
+of royalty so unwisely, and so insulted some of the friends of the
+Barukzye family, that the whole party took offence, and they at once
+rejected him, and placed his brother Eyoob on the throne.
+
+Eyoob was but a puppet king, the tool of the family who raised him to
+the government; Azeem Khan, who was appointed his vizier, being in truth
+the ruler. Several of the young princes who aspired to the throne were
+delivered over to Eyoob, who put them to death.
+
+Shooja, driven from Peshawur, retired to Shikarpoor, which the Ameers of
+Sinde ceded to him; where, in place of conducting himself with prudence,
+he was so addicted to low intrigue with those about him, that his
+enemies availed themselves of this propensity to effect his ruin, and
+drove him from Shikarpoor, when, crossing the Indus, he fled through the
+desert by Juydalmeer, and returned to Loodiana. "The fitness," says
+Lieut. Burnes, "of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk for the station of a sovereign
+seems ever to have been doubtful. His manners and address are highly
+polished, but his judgment does not rise above mediocrity; had the case
+been otherwise, we should not now see him an exile from his country and
+his throne, without a hope of regaining them, after an absence of twenty
+years, and before he has attained the fiftieth year of his age."
+
+The civil wars which had thus so frequently occurred in Afghanistan
+weakened the resources of the country and its means of defence. Runjet
+Sing availed himself of the advantage which this state of affairs
+presented to him, and obtained possession of Cashmere; when, continuing
+his conquests, he crossed the Indus, and made himself master of
+Peshawur, burning its palace, and laying the country under tribute.
+Azeem Khan made a precipitate retreat before the army of the Sikhs
+towards Cabool, without attempting to arrest their progress, and was so
+stung with remorse at the weakness of his conduct that he died on
+reaching that city. With the death of Azeem the royal authority was
+extinguished. The king fled to Lahore, and lived under the protection of
+his conqueror. Herat alone remained in the possession of one of the
+Suddoozye family. The brothers of the late vizier seized his son, and
+deprived him of his treasure and his power. The kingdom was then divided
+between them. Cabool fell into the hands of Dost Mahomed; Peshawur and
+Candahar were held by two of his brothers; the Sindeans threw off their
+yoke, and refused to pay tribute; Balk was annexed to the dominions of
+the King of Bokhara; the richest portion of the provinces having fallen
+into the possession of the Sikhs. In seventy-six years from the time
+that Ahmed Shah was crowned at Candahar, the Dooranee monarchy again
+ceased to exist.
+
+As I have given the character of Shah Shooja, it will be interesting to
+quote that of Dost Mahomed, from the same author. "He is unremitting in
+his attention to business, and attends daily at the courthouse, with the
+Cazee and Moollahs, to decide every cause according to law. Trade has
+received the greatest encouragement from him, and he has derived his own
+reward, since the receipts of the customhouse of the city have increased
+fifty thousand rupees, and furnished him with a net revenue of two lacs
+of rupees per annum. The merchant may travel without a guard or
+protection from one frontier to another, an unheard-of circumstance in
+the time of the kings. The justice of this chief affords a constant
+theme of praise to all classes. The peasant rejoices at the absence of
+tyranny, the citizen at the safety of his home, the merchant at the
+equity of his decisions and the protection of his property, and the
+soldier at the regular manner in which his arrears are discharged." "One
+is struck with the intelligence, knowledge, and curiosity which he
+displays, as well as at his accomplished manners and address."
+
+To this short sketch of Afghanistan, and of the persons connected with
+its political history, I will add some extracts from the work of the
+Hon. Capt. Osborne, because they explain the circumstances which led to
+the campaign of the Indus, and to the restoration of Shah Shooja to the
+throne of Cabool. He says, "In May, 1838, a complimentary deputation was
+sent by Runjet Sing to the Governor-General at Simla, consisting of some
+of the most distinguished Sikh chiefs, who were received with all the
+honours prescribed by oriental etiquette. Shortly afterwards, Lord
+Auckland resolved to send a mission to the court of Lahore, not merely
+to reciprocate the compliments of the Maharajah, but to treat upon all
+the important interests which were involved in the existing state of
+political affairs in that quarter of the world. The recent attempts of
+the Persians on Herat, the ambiguous conduct of Dost Mahomed, and the
+suspicions which had been excited with respect to the proceedings and
+ulterior designs of Russia, rendered it of the greatest importance to
+cement the alliance with Runjet Sing, and engage him to a firm and
+effective co-operation with us in the establishment of general
+tranquillity, the resistance of foreign encroachment, and the extension
+of the benefits of commerce and the blessings of civilization.
+Accordingly, W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., was deputed on the mission to the
+Maharajah, accompanied by Dr. Drummond, Capt. Macgregor, and the Hon. W.
+Osborne, military secretary to the Governor-General.
+
+"The object of the Governor-General's mission to Lahore having been
+accomplished, and the concurrence, and, if necessary, the co-operation
+of Runjet Sing, in the restoration of Shah Shooja, secured, Mr.
+Macnaghten repaired to Loodiana, for the purpose of submitting to the
+Shah the treaties that had been concluded, and announcing to him the
+approaching change in his fortunes. The envoys seem to have been much
+struck with the majestic appearance of the old pretender, especially
+with the flowing honours of a black beard descending to his waist,
+always the most cherished appendage of oriental dignity. He had lived
+for twenty years in undisturbed seclusion, if not 'the world
+forgetting,' certainly 'by the world forgot,' consoling himself for the
+loss of his kingdom in a domestic circle of six hundred wives, but
+always 'sighing his soul' towards the mountains and valleys of
+Afghanistan, and patiently awaiting the _kismet_, or fate, which was to
+restore him to his throne. The preparations thenceforward went rapidly
+on. The contingent raised by the Shah was united (more for form than
+use) to the British force, and in three months the expedition began its
+operations."
+
+But before I conclude this introduction to the letters, which detail the
+results of these treaties with the Maharajah, and the march of Shah
+Shooja to Cabool, as I have spoken of the leading characters of
+Afghanistan, I may be permitted to say a few words about the persons
+through whose exertions the Shah has been restored to the throne of that
+country--the officers of the British army; and I do so the more
+anxiously, because the naval and military glory of our country, which in
+my early days was the theme of every song, is now seldom heard of in
+society, and those gallant services appear to be nearly forgotten, which
+during a long protracted state of warfare, within our own recollection,
+placed England in a position to dictate her own terms of peace to the
+world:--a state of society which encourages a certain class of persons
+the more effectually to abuse the military profession, and to mislead
+their deluded followers, by clamouring about the expense of the army,
+and the aristocratic bearing of its members, that they may the more
+readily carry out their own schemes of personal vanity and demoralizing
+political economy.
+
+It is the peculiar feature of the British army, to which we are indebted
+for its high and honourable bearing, that the sons of the first families
+in the land are ever anxious to bear arms under its standards, looking
+not to pecuniary emolument, but to those honours which military rank and
+professional attainments can procure for them; whilst the first commands
+and the highest stations in the service are filled without distinction
+from every grade in society. It is this happy mixture which induces that
+high sense of honour, so peculiarly characteristic of our service; that
+acknowledged distinction between the officers and the privates; that
+true discipline which, tempered with justice and kindly feeling, wins
+the respect of the soldier, and induces him to place that reliance upon
+his commander everywhere so conspicuous, whether in the camp or field of
+battle. But this high feeling in the army causes no additional expense
+to the country; the charge is altogether a deception. Let the following
+sketch of a young soldier's life of the present day, as applicable to
+others as to himself, answer the charge of these politicians.
+
+He was educated for the highest walk of the legal profession, and had
+nearly prepared himself for the university, when he decided to change
+his course and go into the army. The Commander-in-chief placed his name
+amongst the candidates for commissions, and he went to Hanover, where,
+after he had made himself master of the German language, his Royal
+Highness the Duke of Cambridge kindly gave him a commission in the
+Yagers of the Guard, better known in England, in the Peninsula, and at
+Waterloo, as the Rifles of the German Legion. Being only a volunteer in
+the regiment, he could not receive pay from the government; he was,
+therefore, at very considerable personal expense to keep his proper
+standing with his brother officers; and as soon as he had acquired all
+the military knowledge that he was likely to get in the regiment in time
+of peace, he obtained leave to return to England; and, as he had not any
+immediate expectation of a commission, he visited France, to make
+himself more perfect in the French language. After this, he was allowed
+to purchase a commission in the 2nd regiment, or Queen's Royals; and he
+embarked to join that corps in India. His letters will shew what that
+regiment, in common with others, have endured during a campaign of
+fifteen months in Central Asia, their privations and expenses; and when
+his second commission was paid for, during that campaign, he found
+himself at its close, at the age of twenty-five, a lieutenant on full
+pay, the amount of which, if he was in England, would be far short of
+the interest of the money which has been expended in his commissions and
+education, and with fifteen lieutenants still above him on the roll of
+his regiment.
+
+It will be seen by his letters, and it is confirmed by the official
+despatches of the Commander-in-chief, that the company to which he was
+attached (the light company of the Queen's) led the storming party at
+Ghuzni. He was shot through the arm and through the body, and left for
+dead at the foot of the citadel at Kelat, whilst endeavouring to save
+the lives of some Beloochees who were crying for mercy. And for these
+services he is to be rewarded with a medal, by Shah Shooja; for Ghuzni,
+and for the capture of both places he has the full enjoyment of the
+highest gratification that a soldier can feel--the consciousness that he
+has done his duty to his country, and, let me hope, in the act of mercy
+in which he suffered, his duty to his God as a Christian. But he is not
+a solitary example of such good fortune. No one who was wounded and
+survived may have been nearer death than himself, yet are there others
+who have done more, and suffered more, as the history of the army of
+the Indus would bear ample testimony.
+
+Let me then ask, in behalf of the British officer, when he is lightly
+spoken of as a man, or when the expenses of the army are cavilled at, on
+which side is the debt--on his, or on that of his country?
+
+A.H. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+_Brookhill,--May, 1840._
+
+
+
+[Illustration] It may be right to draw the attention of the reader to a
+circumstance which, at first sight, may appear singular--that the same
+letters frequently contain reports quite contradictory to each other. It
+should therefore be borne in mind that such letters were probably
+written at different times, as the writer found opportunity; who, being
+anxious that his family should know all that passed as well in the camp
+as in the field, preferred leaving each report in the way in which it
+was circulated at the time of his writing it, rather than correct it
+afterwards, as the truth, might turn out. Such letters shew the
+situation in which an army is placed on its landing in a new country,
+where no account of the movements of the inhabitants can be relied upon,
+and the heavy responsibility which attaches to the officers who are
+entrusted with its command.
+
+
+
+
+CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+LETTER I
+
+  On board the ship Syden,
+  Off the mouth of the Indus, Nov. 27th, 1838.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--We left Belgaum on the 22nd of last month, and arrived
+at Bombay on the first of this; and we started from Bombay on the 18th,
+for this place. I had intended to write from Bombay, but everything was
+in such a state of confusion and bustle whilst we were there, that I
+literally could find no time or place for doing so. We are now at anchor
+off one of the mouths of the Indus, and have had a delightful voyage.
+Our ship is a very nice one, of 750 tons, belonging to a Swede, who is
+an excessively good fellow, and has treated us very well.
+
+Sir John Keane is already arrived in the steamer Semiramis and also one
+of the native regiments. Our Bombay force consists of 5500 men, of which
+2000 are Europeans--viz., 500 of the Queen's, and 500 of H.M. 17th
+regiment, one squadron of the 4th Light Dragoons, with foot and horse
+artillery. The rest of the force is composed of native regiments, horse
+and foot. We shall not land, I think, until to-morrow evening, as we are
+almost the only ship that has yet arrived. The infantry are divided into
+two brigades, and the cavalry form another by themselves. Our brigade
+(the first) consists of the Queen's, and the 5th and 19th regiments of
+Native Infantry, commanded by our worthy Colonel, now General Willshire,
+C.B.; the other brigade is commanded by a Company's officer. We have to
+go in boats about thirty miles, it is said, up the river, before we
+finally march. Where it is I am perfectly ignorant; however, some place
+between this and Hydrabad, whence we shall march as far north as
+Shikarpoor, where we are to form a junction with the Bengal troops,
+13,000 in number, under Sir H. Fane. What our destination will be after
+that I know not; whether we shall advance with the Bengalees upon Herat,
+or form a corps of reserve on the Indus.
+
+The country between this and Shikarpoor belongs to the Ameers of Sinde.
+They were very restive at first, when they heard of our intention to
+march through their country, and threatened to oppose our progress; but
+I believe they have since thought better of it; however, I do not think
+that they can do anything against us: time will soon shew. We have been
+excessively crowded on board: twenty-six officers. I have been obliged
+to sleep on the poop every night, which, when the dew was heavy, was by
+no means pleasant. I hope we shall go further than Shikarpoor, as I
+should like very much to see Cabool, Candahar, and all that part of the
+world, which so few Europeans have visited.
+
+What is the cause of all this bustle and war I hardly know myself, and,
+at all events, it is too long to make the subject of a letter; I must
+therefore refer you to the papers for it; but I have heard from old
+officers that for the last twenty years the Company have been anxious to
+establish themselves west and north of the Indus. It is not likely,
+therefore, now that they have such an opportunity, that they will let it
+slip, so that perhaps we may be quartered there for the next two or
+three years. How it will turn out I know no more than the man in the
+moon: a soldier is a mere machine, and is moved by his superiors just as
+a chessman by a chess-player. Should there be any skrimmaging, our men
+are in high spirits, and will, I think, soon make the Ameers put their
+pipes in their pockets. Ours is the first European army that has been on
+the Indus since the time of Alexander.
+
+I was obliged to sell my horses and other things on leaving Belgaum, at
+a dead loss. I intend buying another horse when we land in Sinde, as I
+am told we can get good ones very cheap there. This is a regular case of
+here to-day and there to-morrow: perhaps my next letter may be dated
+from Cashmere--who knows? I felt rather sorry at leaving Belgaum; we
+were all of us excessively rejoiced to get out of Bombay. The report at
+first was, that we were to garrison it for the next two or three years,
+and we were therefore very glad when we found that was not to be the
+case. Now, it is said, there is a chance of our going into Persia; but I
+do not think that we shall. The man waits to lay the cloth on the cuddy
+table, where I am writing, so I must conclude for the present.
+
+_Nov. 28th_.--The regiment is beginning to disembark right in front. The
+Grenadiers are now going into the boats of the natives that are to take
+them up the river. Since I wrote yesterday, I have heard all the news
+relative to our disembarkation. We are to go fifteen miles up the river
+in native boats to a place called Vicur, where we form our first camp
+ground. We are to remain there for a week or ten days, in order to
+collect camels, bullocks, &c., for the transportation of our baggage. We
+have to pass a very dangerous bar in getting to this place, where
+several boats have been wrecked; but we have fine large ones. From all
+accounts, the Ameers are now peaceably disposed, except one fellow, who,
+we hear, is inclined to be rather obstreperous; but I think the sight of
+our force will soon bring him to his senses. There are, however, a set
+of men who live on the mountain borders of Sinde, called Beloochees, the
+eastern inhabitants of Beloochistan, who are a robber, free-and-easy
+kind of people, who may give us some trouble in endeavouring to walk off
+with part of our baggage, &c.
+
+I intend to keep a journal of what occurs, and will write by every
+opportunity. I think I have now mentioned everything that I have heard
+relative to this grand expedition; except, by-the-bye, that Sir Henry
+Fane has denominated the force as "The army of the Indus," and ours, the
+Bombay branch of it, as "The corps d'armée of Sinde." There is a grand
+title for you! I have nothing more to say; and as I must be looking
+after my traps previous to disembarking, I must conclude with best love
+to you, and all at home.
+
+  Your most affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S.--I must trust this to the captain of the vessel, giving him
+instructions to put it into the Bombay post when he returns, so that it
+is equally doubtful when you may receive it. He is an excessively good
+fellow, the captain; and we are going to make him a present of a silver
+goblet, worth 35l., for his attentions to us whilst on board his ship.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER II.
+
+  Perminacote, five miles from Vicur,
+  right bank of the Hujamree,
+  one of the branches of the Indus,
+    December 8th, 1838.
+
+MY DEAR KITTY,--I wrote to my father, about ten days ago, from the ship
+in which we came here, stating what I then knew about this expedition;
+but having since received your letter, and my father's, dated Sept. 4th,
+I cannot think of going on this bloody campaign without first answering
+yours. Things look now a little more warlike. The Ameers have
+endeavoured to cut off everything like a supply from this part of the
+country, and we have to depend in a great measure, at present, on the
+supplies brought by the shipping. We have nothing in the shape of
+conveyance for our baggage. We expected two thousand camels and five
+hundred horses here for sale; but they are not to be seen at present,
+and where they are, or when they will arrive, no one knows. News has
+been received, it is said, from Pottinger, the Company's political agent
+at Hydrabad, the principal town of the Ameers, that they have called in
+their army, consisting of 20,000 Beloochees, as they tell Pottinger,
+"for the purpose of paying them off;" but he says it looks very
+suspicious, and that they are also fortifying the various towns on the
+Indus. He has been expected here for the last two or three days, but has
+not yet arrived. Report also says that he has been fired at in his way
+down.
+
+We are kept in the most strict discipline, and have a great deal to do.
+Out-lying and in-lying pickets every night, the same as if we were in
+the presence of an enemy. This is a very pleasant climate at present,
+though excessively cold at night-time, as we feel to our cost when on
+picket, sleeping in the open air, with nothing but our cloaks to cover
+us; and some nights the dew is excessively heavy, which is very
+unhealthy, and has laid me up for the last few days with an attack of
+rheumatism. However, I hope to be out of the sick list to-day. There is
+such a sharp, cutting, easterly wind, that I can hardly hold my pen. It
+averages from 80 to 84 in the shade during the hottest part of the day,
+but that is only for about two hours. However, in the hot season it is
+worse than India; and we have proof here, even at this time, of the
+power of the sun occasionally; so I hope that we shall push on for
+Shikarpoor, and join the Bengal army, under Sir H. Fane, as quickly as
+possible, as we shall then have some chance of getting to Cabool, which
+is said to be a delightful climate.
+
+We are still totally ignorant of our future proceedings, except what I
+have stated above. We are in great hopes that we have not been brought
+here for nothing, and that we may have a chance of seeing a few hard
+blows given and taken ere long. Hydrabad and _lootè_ is what is most
+talked about at present. It will, however, be a most harassing kind of
+warfare, I expect, as the force of the Ameers consists of Arabs and
+Beloochees; a regular predatory sort of boys, capital horsemen, but not
+able, I should think, to engage in a regular stand-up fight. I think
+their warfare will consist in trying to cut off a picket at night,
+breaking through the chain of sentries, and endeavouring to put the camp
+in confusion, &c. &c.; so that the poor subalterns on picket will have
+anything but a sinecure there; however, it will be a capital way of
+learning one's duty in the field. By-the-bye, I forgot to tell you,
+amongst other rumours of war, that an Ameer was down here a few days ago
+to obtain an interview with Sir J. Keane, who refused to see the Ameer,
+or to have anything to do with him, and told him that he would soon talk
+to him at Hydrabad.
+
+Our force is now nearly all arrived, all except the Bombay grenadier
+regiment, which is to form part of ours, (i.e., the first brigade,) and
+not the 19th regiment, as I told my father. We have now here two
+squadrons of H.M. 4th Light Dragoons, the Queen's, and the 17th
+regiment. The native regiments are, the Grenadiers, the 5th, the 19th,
+and the 24th; there is also a due proportion of horse and foot
+artillery, together with some native cavalry, making in all 5500
+fighting men. We are now about fifteen miles from the sea, and we got up
+quite safe, although there is a very dangerous bar to cross, and all the
+boats were not so lucky as ours, as the horse artillery lost fifteen
+horses; and a boat belonging to a merchant of Bombay went down, in which
+goods to the amount of one thousand rupees (100l.) were lost.
+
+Our camp presents a very gay appearance--so many regiments collected
+together; and altogether I like this sort of campaigning work very well,
+although I expect that we shall be very hard put to it when we march, if
+we do not get more means of conveyance. The wind is blowing such
+intolerable dust into the tent that I can hardly write. The captain of
+the vessel which brought us from Bombay came up here last night, and
+returns to-day about eleven o'clock, and sails this evening for Bombay;
+I shall give him this letter to take, so that you and my father will
+receive my letters at the same time. As long as I keep my health I do
+not care where we go or what we do. The doctor has just come in and put
+me off the sick list. It is getting very near eleven o'clock, and the
+captain will be off directly, so that I must conclude my letter, hoping
+you will, for this reason, excuse its shortness; and with best love,
+&c., to all at home, believe me ever your most affectionate brother,
+
+  T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S. I have not any horse at present, which I find a great
+inconvenience. I sold what I had at Belgaum, before I left it, at a dead
+loss, as I expected to get plenty here on my arrival, but have been
+wofully disappointed. There were some splendid creatures for sale at
+Bombay, which was very tempting, but they asked enormous sums for them.
+I wonder where I shall eat my Christmas dinner! This is the first
+European army that has been on the Indus since the time of Alexander the
+Great.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER III.
+
+  Camp near Tatta, four miles from the Indus,
+    January 1st, 1839.
+
+My DEAR FATHER,--I write to wish you a happy new year on this the first
+day of 1839, which, if it turns out as its opening prognosticates, is
+likely to be a very eventful one for me, if I do not get knocked on the
+head or otherwise disposed of. I wrote to you from the ship Syden, about
+the 28th of November, and to Kate from our last station at Bominacote,
+on the right bank of the Hujamree, about the 12th of last month, both
+which letters will, I expect, leave Bombay to-day by the overland mail
+for England; but as another mail will leave on the 19th, and I thought
+you would be anxious to learn as much of our movements &c. as possible,
+I dare say the present letter will not be amiss.
+
+We remained at our old encampment, Bominacote, until the 26th of last
+month, and I picked up my health very fast there, and was able to enjoy
+myself shooting a great deal, particularly the black partridge, which
+is an uncommonly handsome bird, and much bigger than the English. The
+2nd brigade of infantry, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment, the 19th and
+23rd regiments Native Infantry, under the command of General Gordon, a
+Company's officer, together with the 4th Light Dragoons, a regiment of
+Native Cavalry, and one troop of horse artillery, left the aforesaid
+place on the 24th, with Sir John Keane and his escort; and the first
+brigade, consisting of ourselves, the 1st Grenadiers, and 5th regiment
+Native Infantry, under the command of our chief, General Willshire, left
+on the 26th. I was on out-lying picket the night before, (Christmas
+night,) and a very curious way it was of passing it. The first part of
+the night, till twelve o'clock, was exceedingly fine and beautiful, and,
+as I lay on the cold ground, my thoughts travelled towards poor old
+Devonshire, and I could not help fancying in what a much more
+comfortable way you must be spending it at home, all snug, &c. at
+Brookhill. After twelve, the strong northerly wind, which blows with
+great force at intervals this time of the year in this country, sprung
+up, and it soon got intensely cold. Towards two I forgot myself for
+about half an hour, and nodded on my post, and on awakening I was taken
+with what I am sure must have been a slight attack of cholera. I was
+stone cold, particularly my arms, hands, legs, and feet, and suffered
+excruciating pains in my stomach, till nature relieved me, which she
+was kind enough to do uncommonly frequent. I had luckily some brandy
+with me, of which I drank, I should think, half a bottle down without
+tasting it; but it did me a great deal of good at the time, although I
+have not been well since, and am still very far from being so. Our
+camels, of which I had two, were furnished us by the commissariat, and
+we ought to have had them at four o'clock on the day before; but, like
+everything else, we did not get them till four o'clock the morning we
+marched, about an hour before we turned out. I had to trust entirely to
+Providence with regard to mine, as to whether I should get them or not,
+as I was on outlying picket, and could not attend to them, and I had
+just two minutes, after coming from picket in the morning, to get a
+mouthful of villanous coffee, when I was obliged to fall in with my
+company, which formed the advanced guard of the brigade, and march off
+in double quick time, leaving all to chance. My poor stomach wanted
+something most awfully to stop its proceedings, but it was totally out
+of the question, as General Willshire hurried us off at a slapping pace;
+luckily, the march was only eight miles, so it did not fatigue me much:
+I marched on foot the whole of it, as I could not get my pony in the
+hurry of starting. We got nothing to eat till two o'clock, when part of
+our mess things arrived, and we pitched into whatever we could get. This
+march; though, was by far the most pleasant, as we had a good firm tract
+of country to pass over, and no sand. The "rouse" sounded at five, and
+we marched again at half-past six. This night I was on in-lying picket,
+and was obliged to pass it in harness, and ready to turn out at a
+moment's notice, although awfully tired. We had a very unpleasant march,
+as the north winds got up soon after we started, and blew the dust and
+sand right into our eyes; we had, however, being on the advance guard,
+comparatively easy work, as there were only two sections with each
+officer: the poor column suffered severely. This day, however, was
+paradise compared to the next, which was eighteen miles, through an
+uninhabited sandy desert, with a few tamarisk shrubs and no water,
+except a few stagnant pools, which was the cause of the march being so
+long, there being no place for encampment. General Willshire, however,
+made the best of a bad matter, and sent on the night before to a place
+about half way, and the least unchristian-like spot he could find, half
+the men's rations for the next day, together with the bheesties (or
+water carriers) and the men's grog, &c., with orders for the cooks to
+have these rations cooked and ready for the men as soon as they marched
+in; so that on arriving at the ground we piled arms and formed a curious
+sort of pic-nic in the middle of the desert. We halted here about an
+hour, and lucky it was that the men got the means of recruiting their
+strength in this manner, as the latter part of the march was a terrible
+teaser. We marched off from this place about twelve. Although we had
+found the morning pleasant enough, with a fine bracing breeze, yet in
+the afternoon, about half an hour after starting, the wind went down,
+and the sun shone out terribly; the sand in some parts was half knee
+deep, and although there was no breeze to blow it in our faces, yet it
+rose from the trampling of so many feet in successive dense columns, and
+completely enveloped the whole brigade, almost blinding the men, so that
+they could hardly see the man before them, and getting into their noses
+and mouths so as nearly to suffocate them; however, they bore it
+manfully, and marched straight through it like Britons. Our encampment
+that night was at a place called Golam Shah, on the Buggaur, one of the
+branch streams of the Indus. We found that the second brigade had only
+left it the same morning, having been obliged to halt there the
+preceding day; and General Willshire found a letter from Sir John Keane,
+advising a halt there for the following day, which we accordingly did,
+and a precious comfortable day we had. I got off my pony at the close of
+this day's march with a dreadful headache, and had to wait for an hour
+till Halket's tent and kit, with whom I am doubling up, arrived. His
+servants brought me the delightful intelligence that my camel man had
+bolted with his camels at our last encampment, and that my things were
+all left there on the ground, with my servant, and that it was quite
+uncertain when they would be up; in fact, it seemed exceedingly doubtful
+whether they would arrive at all. However, they did come in at last,
+but very late, on three ponies, two bullocks, and one donkey, which were
+the only things my boy could get, and for which I had to pay
+considerably. I turned in as soon as I could; and the next day, which
+was a most wretched one, I was very unwell. This place, Golam Shah,
+must, I think, be one of the most wretched places in the whole world,
+situated as it is in the heart of a desert, with only one
+recommendation,--viz., the river Buggaur, the water of which is
+excessively sweet and wholesome. The day we passed at it was the coldest
+I remember since leaving England. A strong northerly wind blew the whole
+day, and the clouds of dust and sand that rose in consequence were so
+thick as perfectly to obscure the sun, and all we could do we could not
+keep ourselves warm. Here we had the misfortune also to lose the only
+man that has as yet fallen on the march, an old soldier. He was taken
+with cholera at eight in the morning and died at twelve at night: he was
+buried about six hours afterwards, just as the regiment marched. The
+hospital men had no time to stretch him, and he was laid in the earth in
+the same posture in which he died, with his arms stuck a kimbo, pressing
+upon his stomach, which shews that he must have suffered intense agony.
+Poor fellow! they had not time to dig his grave very deep, and I am
+afraid the jackals will be the only benefiters by his death. We left
+this place the next morning, the 30th, and arrived here (Tatta) about
+eleven o'clock, a twelve-mile march. A great number of the 2nd brigade
+rode out to meet us, and the 4th Light Dragoons very kindly asked us to
+breakfast immediately on our arrival. You may be sure they had not to
+ask us twice!
+
+Tatta is a very ancient town, said to have been built by either
+Alexander, on his march down the Indus, or by one of his generals; the
+ancient name was Patala. At that time the country was in possession of
+Hindoos, or, at least, of the followers of Brahma, who were most
+probably the original possessors of the greater portion of the east.
+Afterwards, on the rise of Mahomet, it was soon in possession of his
+followers, who seem to have held it for a long period, as they have left
+magnificent proofs of their grandeur, both in the city and all round the
+neighbourhood, which is studded with splendid cupolas, domes, temples,
+and tombs; there is one in particular in the town itself an old tomb,
+now used as a caravanserai, which is excessively handsome. When I talk
+of a tomb being turned into a caravanserai, you will of course
+understand that a tomb in this part of the world is very different from
+one in the western part of the globe. This tomb itself would cover as
+much ground as Exeter Cathedral. The inside of the domes are very
+beautifully enamelled in the chastest colours, and with most excellent
+taste, and would put to shame the most handsome drawing-room in London,
+I should think. I have never repented not being able to draw so much as
+I have since I have been in the East, but particularly since I have been
+at this place, where there is so much that would look well in a sketch;
+but I would not give twopence to be able to draw and not draw well,
+particularly when I see the daubs that some men, who fancy they are
+hands at it, produce, after fagging at the simplest thing possible, and
+I believe that if nature does not give you a turn for it, all the trying
+possible would never make a painter, and that what the old Roman proverb
+said of the poet, "Non fit sed nascitur poeta," is equally applicable to
+the painter. I tried it for a short time, at Hanover, but my master told
+me I was the most awkward and stupid pupil he ever had, and advised me
+to cut the concern, and I followed his advice; nor am I sorry that I did
+so, as I should never have been able to draw well, and should have only
+been discontented, and given it up in disgust. We have, however, two
+officers in our regiment who both draw and sketch exceedingly well; and
+I will try to get duplicates from them if possible, so that, if God
+spares my life, and I ever return home, I shall be able to shew you some
+specimens of the country we have passed through.
+
+_Jan. 2nd._--Well, we are to have no fighting, at least at present, it
+appears. This will be cheering news for Kitty, I expect. We were most
+egregiously disappointed in the town or city of Tatta itself. We saw it
+at a great distance on our march, and on arriving on our encamping
+ground, it looked excessively well, and gave us the idea of a very
+handsome place. We saw what we imagined to be high houses, built of
+stone, towers and pillars; but lo! when we rode in to examine it, these
+splendid buildings turned out to be a most miserable collection of white
+mud houses, which had the appearance of stone at a distance. Some of
+them were tolerably high, certainly; but the most wretched-looking
+things possible. This is the case with most towns in the east. Like
+Dartmouth, they all look best à la distance.
+
+I am sorry to say that we have a great many men in the hospital now, and
+four officers on the sick list; two of them very unwell. All the cases
+are bowel complaints, and most of them dysentery. This is the case
+generally. While on the march, soldiers seldom feel it; but when the
+halt afterwards comes, then they get touched up awfully. However, it is
+not to be wondered at, when one considers the quantity of duty which
+they have to perform at present. Out-lying and in-lying pickets, and
+guards, &c.; add to which, the being suddenly transported from the
+climate of India, to which most of them have become inured by a
+residence, on the average, of twelve years, to this comparatively cold
+and changeful climate, is enough of itself to shake them a little. They
+have also done what no Indian troops have done before: in marching in
+India, almost everything is carried for the soldier; he merely carries
+what he does on parade--viz., his firelock and accoutrements. Our
+regiment though, by-the-bye, has always carried a blanket, with a clean
+shirt and stockings and flannel waistcoat wrapped up in it, that they
+may be enabled to change as soon as they have marched in. On this march,
+each man has carried his knapsack, with his kit in it, twenty rounds of
+ammunition, a havresack with his day's rations, and a small round keg
+containing water, the weight of all which is no joke. While at
+Bominacote, we fully expected to have a little fighting after passing
+Tatta, and on our arrival here we heard a report which induced us to
+believe that we should have a brush with the Ameers very shortly; but it
+appears now that the Ameers have seen the folly of such proceedings, and
+have determined to receive us amicably, and to assist our passage
+through their country, and that it was only one of the Ameers that was
+inclined to be restive. He endeavoured to stop our camels, &c., and
+managed to do so for some time, and collected as much of what they call
+an army as he could--about 5000 of these Beloochees, but with no guns,
+or anything of that sort. However, on collecting them, they represented
+to him that the British troops were behaving so well, and the
+inhabitants of the country were getting so much more money for their
+articles of sale than they ever got before, that they considered it was
+more for their profit and advantage that the English should march
+through their country than that they should oppose them, and get licked
+into the bargain, as they were sure they would be. All eastern nations
+have an awful dread of European artillery. It also happened that the
+poor Ameer had unfortunately not the wherewithal to carry on the war,
+and his army made excessively high demands on him, you may be sure. The
+consequence of all which was, that the army dissolved itself as quietly
+as possible, and the poor Ameer found himself solus. The result is, that
+a deputation is now here, with a small force from the head Ameer, at
+Hydrabad, under the command of Nûr Mahomed, another Ameer, and that he
+has made most ample apologies for the conduct of his brother Ameer, and
+offered not only to let us pass through his country, but to assist us in
+so doing to the utmost of his power. It was indeed well for the Ameers
+that they came to this decision, as had they acted contrary we should
+have taken possession of their country to a moral certainty. Now they
+have a chance of keeping half the loaf.
+
+We have here certainly the flower of the Bombay army, and a very
+respectable force in every respect: two of the best European regiments,
+four of the best native, the 4th dragoons, two regiments of light
+cavalry, two troops of horse artillery in prime order, and a battalion
+of foot artillery, together with a splendid band of auxiliary horse from
+Cutch, the finest looking fellows I ever saw: they arrived here on the
+same day as ourselves. I was standing on one of the hills as they wound
+their way round it; I was never struck with anything so much, nor have I
+ever seen anything so orientally military before. They are dressed in
+green garments, edged with gold, and red turbans, tied under the chin,
+like the old Mahratta soldiers; their arms are match-lock, lance,
+scimitar, and pistols, and they appear to be excellent and practical
+riders. They are quite an independent corps, each man finding his own
+horse, arms, accoutrements, &c., and they take good care to be
+excellently mounted. They have a few European officers attached to them
+from the Bombay establishment. Their dress is also uncommonly handsome;
+a green hussar dress, with gold braiding. In addition to all this force,
+we have a subsidiary one nearly as large, coming on directly to follow
+our steps, and occupy Sinde, while we march on with the Bengalees for
+Cabool. This force, they say, is to consist of H.M. 40th regiment from
+Deesa, the 10th, 16th, 22nd, and 24th regiments, 23rd N.I., together
+with H.M. 90th and 61st regiments, and Ceylon Rifle Corps (Malays) from
+Ceylon, so that I expect the government at home will have to send more
+regiments to India as quickly as possible. Sir J. Keane is very likely
+to have the command of the whole force, both Bombay and Bengal, as they
+say Sir H. Fane is gone back to Bengal with half the Bengal force, in
+consequence of the Burmese declaring war; which, as might have been
+expected, they did directly when so many regiments were marched from
+their neighbourhood. This report is, however, contradicted, and they
+say now that Sir H. Fane is going home, and will meet us at Shikarpoor
+or Hydrabad, give up the command to Sir J. Keane, and go down the Indus,
+and thence to England overland. Which is the true version I know not;
+but I am afraid that I have little chance of meeting Colonel Fane, and
+giving him Arthur's letter, which I expected to do when I wrote last. I
+am delighted at the prospect of our going to Cabool: there we may have
+some fighting, and have a chance of being permanently quartered till we
+return to Europe, whenever that may be.
+
+What the original cause of all this was, as I told you before, I hardly
+know; and you are more likely to get at the true version from some of
+the Indian newspapers, or from any friends you may have connected with
+this part of the world, than from me. But, as far as I can learn, this
+appears to be it: Shah Shooja is the rightful heir to the throne of
+Cabool, and Dost Mahomed is what Mr. C. Dickens calls the "wrongful
+one," alias the usurper. Dost Mahomed had possession of the country, and
+the Indian government, from what motives I know not, determined to
+unseat him and replace Shah Shooja. In this matter they are assisted by
+old Runjet Sing, King of Lahore, or, as his oriental title goes, "the
+blind lion of the Punjab." The Persians, on the contrary, took part with
+Dost Mahomed, insulted our resident at their court, and besieged Shah
+Shooja's party in Herat; from which, however, after a siege of long
+duration, they were finally obliged to retire. There was a report at
+first that Russia was concerned in this affair, and that Russian troops
+were present with the Persians at the siege, but these turned out to be
+a regiment or two of Russian renegadoes whom the King of Persia has in
+his pay. There was another report of a letter having been discovered
+from the government of Russia to the King of Persia, which induced the
+belief that the Emperor of Russia was playing a deep game, the object of
+which was to lessen our influence in the East; and many people, I
+believe, are very much of this opinion. How far all this may be true I
+know not; but I have been told by old Indians that for a long time the
+Indian government have been anxious to have a strong footing in Sinde,
+and to command the navigation of the Indus; and that now they have the
+opportunity they are not likely to let it slip. The Afghans are a very
+hardy race of men, and we may have some sharp work with them; but I
+think a gun or two of our horse artillery would have sent the Beloochees
+scampering. They are miserably equipped; but being nearly all robbers,
+they might have annoyed us by a night attack, which would have been
+anything but pleasant, particularly for the poor sub. on out-lying
+picket. Some Bombay native merchants are at present at Tatta; they have
+been here for ten years, and have been afraid to stir for fear of being
+robbed. I have no doubt but that the inhabitants of the country would
+prefer our government considerably to that of the Ameers, as they are
+exceedingly tyrannical, and grind their subjects to the last degree,
+demanding half of everything that is offered for sale. When Burnes
+travelled first in this country, some few years ago, and was received by
+the Ameer in divan, at Hydrabad, an old priest who was present is said
+to have reproved the Ameer for receiving Burnes so civilly, and to have
+told him "that since one Englishman had seen the Indus, it would not be
+long before they would be in possession of it;" and so it seems likely
+to turn out.
+
+Well; as long as I keep my health I care little where we go or what we
+do; but marching in ill health is a great damper to the spirits. The
+stay-at-home soldiers in England little know what service in this
+climate really is. I should like to see ---- of the ---- on out-lying
+picket here; he would not find it quite so pleasant as Almack's. I have
+very little time to add more, as the post goes to Bombay to-day, but to
+wish you all at home a very happy new year, and love to all relations
+and friends, as you may not hear from me again for some time. I will
+endeavour to pick up as many curiosities and things of that description
+as possible for you, if I do not get knocked on the head. I keep a
+journal, and will write by every opportunity. Your next letter to me may
+find me in Cabool. Once more, good bye.
+
+  Ever your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER IV.
+
+  Camp, near Jarruk, on the banks of the Indus,
+  Twenty miles from Hydrabad,
+    January, 31st, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I had fully intended this letter for Kitty, but such a
+dreadful event happened in our regiment yesterday, that I was afraid, if
+she was at all unwell when she received the letter, connecting it, as
+she would, with me, it might throw her into some dreadful fever, or
+something of that sort. I have very little time to write, as the post
+leaves this, by steamer, at three o'clock to-day; and I have a great
+deal to do during the day. I think it my duty, however, to write, as the
+report of the circumstance might get into the papers without mentioning
+names, or giving wrong ones, and you might be needlessly alarmed.
+
+To strike at once _in medias res_, this event is no less than the
+horrible death of three of our officers in a burning shikargur, or large
+thicket, enclosed by the Ameers for the preservation of game. The names
+of the poor, unfortunate fellows are Sparky (whom, by-the-bye, you
+might have seen at Chatham,) Nixon, and Hibbert. The two first, Lieut.
+Sparke, in the Grenadiers, and Nixon, in the Light Company. Hibbert was
+assistant-surgeon. They were three of the finest hearted fellows: Nixon,
+a long time one of my fellow subs in the Light Company. (I can hardly
+write, my hand shakes so.) Poor Hibbert was an exceedingly clever
+fellow, and a great traveller, and one of the most beautiful draughtsmen
+you could meet with any where. They are all three a terrible loss to our
+corps. I will tell you the mournful tale as it happened. We arrived here
+on the 25th. I breakfasted on Tuesday with them at mess, which was the
+last time I ever saw them alive: they were in exceedingly high spirits.
+The success of an enterprise the day before appears to have determined
+them to go upon another expedition on this day, which at first sight did
+not appear half so hazardous as it unfortunately proved to be; this was
+no less than going into a shikargur (of which I have explained the
+meaning above) about four or five miles in the rear of our camp, and
+which was supposed to be well stocked with game. It happened that this
+jungle had been set on fire about two days previously, most likely by
+some of our camel drivers, or other native followers: some said it was
+done by the Beloochees; but this I think very unlikely, as it is dead to
+leeward of our camp. Well, they did not appear in the evening, and we
+began to be rather alarmed on their account: however, we thought they
+would turn up by some chance or other. Next morning (yesterday), when
+the regiment fell in, an hour before daylight, which the whole camp does
+here every morning, as we are supposed to have a hostile force not very
+far from us, they were reported absent. Breakfast came; no tidings of
+them: ten; eleven o'clock; and they began to be the talk of the whole
+camp. However, we speculated that the worst that could have happened to
+them was being taken prisoners by a party of Beloochees, and kept as
+hostages, or something of that sort. At twelve, General Willshire became
+so alarmed and anxious about them that he sent out a troop of the 1st
+Light Cavalry to scour the jungles, and discover what they could of
+them; another officer sent out a party of six natives, with the promise
+of a reward of two hundred rupees if they could find any tidings of
+them. Well; the day went on; and at mess, at six o'clock, nothing had
+been heard relative to their fate, except that a little dog belonging to
+poor Nixon returned to camp about four o'clock. About eight o'clock I
+was in Dickinson's tent, smoking a cheroot, &c., previous to turning in,
+when one of our servants rushed in with the dreadful intelligence that
+the bodies had been found in the jungle by the Light Cavalry. It struck
+us at first so unexpectedly, and as being a thing so dreadful, that we
+would hardly believe it; however, all doubt was soon changed into
+horrible reality by the arrival of the bodies within our lines. I was
+determined not to see them; but there was a horrible fascination which
+drew one along with the rest to the hospital tent, where they were
+lying.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Twelve o'clock.--Well; I am just returned from seeing the last honours
+paid to their remains; it is a melancholy business a military funeral;
+every officer in camp attended; and, after all, they have had the
+satisfaction of a Christian burial, which may not be our luck in a short
+time. I do not know why, but this sad event has made me an old woman
+almost! They lie side by side on a hill just in the rear of our camp;
+"no useless coffin enclosed their corse;" but there they lie together,
+wrapped in their cloaks. Peace to their manes! We intend erecting a
+monument to them, if possible. I learned that some of the staff had been
+to the jungle to investigate it thoroughly to-day, and from various
+circumstances, have come to the conclusion that they had climbed up some
+high trees, which surrounded the place where they fell, in order to
+shoot the game as they came out, and that before they had time to make
+their escape, a breeze came, which brought the smoke, and which most
+likely stifled, or at least rendered them senseless. Let us hope that
+this was the case, as I should think that so their death would not have
+been very painful: the position in which their bodies were lying when
+found seems to warrant this supposition. A porcupine was found close to
+their trees, burnt to a cinder. It blew very hard last night, and I
+passed an almost sleepless night in thinking of these poor fellows. It
+gives a man an awful shake in going through life, seeing the very
+fellows you have lived with for the last two years, in whose proceedings
+you have borne a part, brought suddenly before you in such a state: a
+man in these situations thinks more in two hours than he does in the
+whole course of his natural life under ordinary circumstances. It proves
+what helpless beings we are; how little we can control our own actions:
+truly, "in the midst of life we are in death."
+
+I wrote to you on the new year's day everything that had happened up to
+that time; the letter was to have gone by the overland mail of the 19th.
+I hope you will receive it safe, as I should be sorry you should lose
+anything from me now, as it may be the last you may ever have, so
+precarious are the chances of a soldier's life on actual service.
+Shortly after writing to you, I got ill again, and it ended in a slight
+fever, which cleared me out altogether, since which I have been in
+perfectly good health, thank God. I came off the sick list on the 22nd
+January, the day before we marched from Tatta. I will give you my
+journal from that time to the sad event which has just happened.
+
+_Wednesday, Jan._ 23, 1839.--On this day, at 6 A.M., the corps d'armé of
+Sinde marched out of the encampment near Tatta _en route_ for Hydrabad,
+the Cutch Auxiliary Horse in advance, detaching flankers, &c., then the
+main body in the following order:--The 4th Light Dragoons in front;
+next, one squadron of horse artillery, followed by two squadrons of the
+1st regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry, one company of foot artillery,
+then the first brigade of infantry, under General Willshire, consisting
+of the Queen's Royals, 5th and 1st, or Grenadier regiment, Native
+Infantry, a second squadron of horse artillery, a second company of foot
+artillery; the 2nd infantry brigade, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment,
+the 19th and 23rd regiments Native Infantry; the whole closed by two
+other squadrons of 1st Light Cavalry. We (i.e., the 1st brigade) left
+our ground a quarter before six, and halted on a rising ground close to
+the walls of Tatta, whence we had a very fair view of the cavalry,
+artillery, &c., that were in the advance of us, winding their way
+through a pretty avenue of trees: the whole presented a very animated
+and martial appearance, the different corps marching off with colours
+uncased, band playing, &c. Cunningham's, or the Poonah Auxiliary Horse,
+having only arrived the night before, did not join the main body, but
+came up somewhat later in the day, I believe. The march of the main body
+this day was not more than ten miles; but our brigade was posted two
+miles in advance of the rest of the force, and the Queen's were nearly a
+mile in advance of the other two regiments of the brigade; so that we
+marched about thirteen miles. We encamped in a rather pretty valley
+surrounded by barren rocks, with our right resting on a shikargur (or
+hunting thicket); we had a fine pebbly bottom, which was a great relief
+to our feet after the hot dust of Tatta. My baggage did not make its
+appearance till about five o'clock, my unfortunate young camel having
+proved restive, and flung its load two or three times, thereby
+considerably damaging my cot and table: mess at six,--nothing
+particular.
+
+_Thursday, Jan_. 24.--In consequence of our being so much in advance,
+our "rouse" did not sound till six o'clock this morning, and we did not
+march off our ground till seven. After we had marched about two miles;
+we halted and piled arms, to enable the cavalry, &c., in our rear to
+pass on, and thus we had a very good review of them: they marched in the
+same order as yesterday, except that in addition, and near to the light
+cavalry, came Cunningham's horse from Poonah: this was the first time we
+had seen them; they made a very splendid appearance, about 600 strong,
+and well equipped in every respect; their dress and accoutrements the
+same as the Cutch Horse, (of which I gave you a description in my last,)
+with the difference of wearing yellow and red instead of green and red.
+We had a very pleasant march this day, except the latter part, which was
+exceedingly dusty; some very pretty and romantic scenery, consisting of
+ruined forts, abrupt hills, large rocks, interspersed with some
+beautiful lakes here and there. We reached our encamping ground rather
+late--half-past eleven o'clock--lost my breakfast, owing to my native
+groom, who carried some stock for me, and to whom I had given directions
+to wait by the regiment till they had piled arms and were dismissed,
+having disobeyed my orders, and cut off with my tatter to the river,
+about three miles off: gave chase directly the parade was dismissed, and
+walked through a shikargur to the river, but could not find the rascal.
+I had, however, a good view of the Indus, which does not here appear to
+be very broad: a cruel hot day; and, in addition to my other
+misfortunes, was nearly stifled by the clouds of dust raised by cavalry
+of every description leading their horses to water. On my return to camp
+I luckily found my baggage arrived, and had a good snoose till six
+o'clock, mess time; heard at mess that the Ameers had agreed to all our
+terms, and would do everything to assist our passage through their
+country; that we were to march straight to Shikarpoor, without halting
+at Hydrabad; after remaining at which place for some time, we should
+advance upon Candahar,--all fudge. Our position this halt was about the
+centre of the army,--bad encamping ground,--very dusty.
+
+_Friday, 25th_.--Left our encampment at six, in the same order as
+before; our out-lying picket, under Stisted, joined us near our first
+halt, about three miles. Warlike news,--the Ameers had rejected our
+treaty, and that a force of 10,000 Beloochees had crossed the river; and
+would probably give us some trouble. Stisted had received orders to keep
+a very sharp look-out with his picket, as there was a chance of its
+being attacked: Jephson joined, with news from Sir J. Keane, that there
+was every chance of our being attacked on the line of march; however, we
+were not, although we passed over some very pretty ground for a battle.
+Marched into our encamping ground about half-past ten, near a
+half-ruined village called Jarruk, on the banks of the river; the army
+here took up a rather strong position, on a chain of heights; our
+brigade being, however, pushed on again in advance, on some low and
+jungly ground near the river; the Queen's again on the extreme front.
+News still warlike; the Beloochees, under Meer Mahomet, one of the
+Ameers, and the most restive of them, being supposed to be near us in
+great force, though nobody seemed to know where. All the oot-wallas, or
+camel-drivers, put under charge of sentries, as there was reason to
+suspect they meditated deserting in the night with our camels. Bad
+encamping ground again,--a dusty, half-cultivated field.
+
+_Saturday, 26th_.--Turned out of bed between two and three, A.M., with
+orders to fall in, at a moment's notice, in "light marching order," as
+an attack was strongly expected. Spies had reported that 10,000
+Beloochees were in a shikargur not seven miles from us, and that they
+intended a night attack; everybody in the highest state of excitement,
+pistols loading, &c. Fell in an hour before daylight; cavalry sent out
+in all directions; staff and field-officers galloping about like mad
+fellows; remained under arms till day had fully broke, when we were
+dismissed, but commanded not to stray far from camp: great excitement
+all day; Cunningham's horse sent out to reconnoitre; returned late at
+night, reporting that they had patrolled sixteen miles in advance, had
+closely examined the shikargur in question, and could find no traces of
+the Beloochees,--a strong suspicion, however, remained that there were
+Beloochees in our neighbourhood.
+
+_Sunday, 27th_.--Under arms an hour before daylight; no further news;
+camp quiet. As I was to be on out-lying picket this evening, rode out
+after breakfast to look at my ground, which appeared rather strong,
+intersected with ravines, brushwood; &c., and a good place to hold
+against cavalry. Mounted picket at five o'clock, P.M., fifty-seven rank
+and file, two serjeants, four corporals, and one bugler, a chain of nine
+double sentries, the right resting on the river and the Hydrabad road,
+and the chain running along a dry nullah, till it communicated with the
+sentries of the 5th regiment's picket; a corporal's party of three men
+detached in advance to an old ruin on the left front; a picket of
+cavalry about two miles in advance, with videttes on some high ground. A
+beautiful moonlight night, and not very cold till about one o'clock in
+the morning; lay on the ground and thought of what was going on at
+Brookhill and fancy ball at Torquay; visited my sentries continually;
+the men in high spirits, and very much on the alert; nothing
+extraordinary occurred.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER V.
+
+  Camp Kotree, four miles from Hydrabad,
+    February 6th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I wrote to you a few days ago from Jarruk, informing
+you of the melancholy fate of three of my brother officers; but having
+received your letter since, dated Nov. 20th, containing the bill for 670
+rupees (or 70l.), and informing me of the news of Kate's intended
+marriage, I could not let slip an opportunity which has just occurred,
+by our having got possession of Curachee, of writing to Kitty, and also,
+at the same time, of informing you of what has occurred since. You will
+receive this at the same time as you do the other, since it will arrive
+at Bombay in time to go by the same overland mail.
+
+I wrote to you on the 31st; and on Sunday, the 3rd of February, we
+marched out of Jarruk for this place; we made a two days' march of it,
+both very disgusting; horrible, or rather no roads at all; nothing but
+dust and sand under our feet, which the wind blew into our eyes every
+minute; add to which, small halts every five minutes, on account of the
+artillery in our front, who could not get on through the badness of the
+way: this perpetual halting is the most wearisome thing possible to a
+soldier when once fairly under weigh. Well; we arrived here on the day
+before yes-day; our front is now completely changed, being towards the
+river, and not turned from it, or with our right resting on it, as it
+has been before; our brigade is on the extreme right. Of course, you
+know that we are on the western bank, and that Hydrabad is on the
+eastern, and therefore the opposite one. Since we have been here, we
+have a little relaxed in our discipline, being no longer under arms
+before daylight; but reports are still very various as to whether we are
+to have peace or war with the Ameers, and whether we shall eventually
+have to sack Hydrabad or not. A deputation from thence came over
+yesterday to Sir J. Keane. It appears that the Ameers will agree to our
+treaty, but demur about the money which that treaty obliges them to pay.
+As far as I can learn, though I do not advise you to put much reliance
+on it, as I may very likely be wrong, this seems to be the case. It
+appears that the Ameers have long owed our ally, whom we are going to
+place on the throne of Cabool, Shah Shooja, twenty lacs of rupees; that
+on our declaring war they agreed to pay this sum, with Shah Shooja's
+consent, to our government to meet the expenses of the war, and to give
+us a passage through their country to Shikarpoor. However, from our
+first landing in their country they have played a most underhand game,
+and endeavoured to throw every indirect obstacle in our way, behaving
+friendly to our faces, but behind our backs giving very different
+directions to their satellites: this was found out by means of
+intercepted letters, particularly at our last halt at Jarruk. The
+conduct of our party may not be considered of quite the fairest nature,
+as we are establishing posts in their country by way of communication,
+and reserves at three or four different places. This was, no doubt, part
+of the original plan that sent us here, as these posts are to be
+strongly fortified, consisting, it is supposed, of Shikarpoor, Schwun,
+Tatta, and Curachee, and are to be the posts of defence on our
+north-west frontiers against any incursions from our northern
+neighbours, particularly Russia. The Ameers are particularly indignant
+at this, as I am told it did not form part of the original treaty, and
+they see in it, no doubt with justice, a prelude to our final possession
+of their country. Pottinger, the political agent, had collected, before
+he left Hydrabad, grain for the army to the value of three lacs of
+rupees; this, it is now found out, has either been taken away or
+destroyed, and Sir J. Keane immediately added it to the other twenty
+lacs contained in the treaty. The Ameers say they will pay half the
+whole sum demanded here, and the remaining half on our arrival at
+Shikarpoor. This Sir J. Keane has refused, and told them he will not
+leave this or Hydrabad till he gets every fraction.
+
+We yesterday received news which must, I should think, have an effect on
+the Ameers one way or the other. The admiral on this station, Sir F.
+Maitland, brought up in his 74 (I think the Wellesley) H.M. 40th
+regiment, from Mandivie, in Cutch, to Curachee, a fort on the
+westernmost branch of the Indus. On approaching the fort, the Beloochees
+who garrisoned it, taking it for a common free-trader, had the foolish
+presumption to fire into her; the admiral wore his vessel round, just
+gave one broadside, down came their fort in one second about their
+ears,--you may guess how it astonished them: they sent word to say that
+the English fire a lac of shot in one second. They say the Ameers were
+one year in taking this place, which cost the English one second. I
+think myself that we shall not have any fighting here, and that Hydrabad
+will still remain in the hands of the Ameers.
+
+The report to-day is, that we cross the river to-morrow; if so, I
+suppose with hostile intentions, or at least for intimidation; but this
+I hardly believe. Sir J. Keane, they say, refused to receive the
+deputation from the Ameers yesterday. Should the thing be settled
+peaceably, we shall immediately march for Shikarpoor, and thence most
+likely on Candahar, a new climate. It has been getting gradually hotter
+here; and in the hot season Sinde is dreadful. At Shikarpoor we meet a
+part, if not the whole, of the Bengal force, and Shah Shooja, with his
+and Runjet Sing's contingent, is also there. Runjet himself is very ill:
+part of the agreement between him and us was, that we should preserve
+the throne to his son on his demise. He was excessively civil to Lord
+Auckland, and all the English who have been at Lahore. Sir H. Fane, they
+say, still proceeds with the Bengal army. The drummer is here waiting
+for my letter, as it is very late for the post, so, in haste, good bye.
+Love, &c., and believe me ever,
+
+  Your most affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S. Jephson is post-master to the force.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VI.
+
+  Camp, near Larkhanu,
+    Wednesday, 6th March, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I last wrote to you from Kotree, opposite Hydrabad. We
+are now, as you will see by the date, at Larkhanu, a pretty considerable
+distance from the former place. I see, by my journal, that it was the
+6th of February when I last wrote, exactly one month ago. We were then,
+I believe, rather ignorant of what the Ameers intended; but the fate of
+Curachee, of which I gave you an account; brought them to their senses,
+and the day after I wrote things were settled, and officers had
+permission to visit Hydrabad, merely reporting their names to their
+respective majors of brigade before they did so. In consequence of which
+I went over to that place on the 9th, with Dickenson and Piercy; but
+there was not much to repay us for our ride, under a cruelly hot sun, as
+the fort, the only place worth seeing, was shut up, and no one could get
+a view of the inside except a few of the staff. It did not appear to be
+very strong, although it had a pretty appearance. I think the Ameers
+acted very wisely, as it could easily be taken by escalade. The rest of
+the town consisted of a great straggling bazaar, just the same as is to
+be seen everywhere in India; and it did not appear a bit better than
+that at Belgaum. There were some fine elephants belonging to the Ameers,
+and some pretty ruins on the outskirts of the town. The Beloochees had
+all left, and were nowhere to be seen.
+
+Sunday, the 10th, we marched off our ground at Kotree, and reached
+Lukkee on Saturday, the 16th, after a six days' march, most of them
+fifteen miles. Here we halted four days to allow the pioneers, &c., to
+make a road over the Lukkee Pass for the artillery. We found here some
+excellent sulphur springs and baths, about a mile from our encampment,
+among the Lukkee hills, which, if they could be transported to
+Dartmouth, would make a second Bath of it. The whole of our force were
+bidetizing here all day long. Being so directly under the hills, we
+found it rather warmer than we liked. There were some large lakes here,
+full of wild duck, and capital partridge-shooting, and we were cracking
+away all the time. On the march to this place I had the misfortune to
+lose a very nice little bull-terrier bitch, about a year old, which I
+had from a pup, at Belgaum, and which had followed my fortunes so far.
+It was all her own fault, as she broke from my tent one night, and
+though I used every endeavour I could hear nothing more of her.
+
+The 21st we marched over the Pass to Schwun, the largest place in Sinde
+next to Tatta. The Pass was not half so bad as we expected, so we filed
+over it very easily. On our arrival at Schwun we heard that Sir H. Fane
+had just passed down the river, with his staff, _en route_ for Bombay,
+and was laying at anchor about five miles down the river, where Sir J.
+Keane went to meet him; so that here ended my last chance of meeting
+Col. Fane, and giving him Arthur's letter. Sir H. Fane will remain at
+Bombay, which is to be the head quarters of the Indian army while this
+business lasts. We only halted one day at Schwun; I rode in to look at
+the town, which was nearly desolate, as the inhabitants of every place
+invariably remove with their families on our arrival. There was,
+however, a fine old castle in ruins, which was well worth seeing, and
+must have been a place of some importance in former days; and a very
+superb mosque in the centre of the town, in which was a tame tiger. We
+left Schwun on Saturday, the 23rd, crossing the Arrul river, which flows
+round the town into the Indus, on pontoons, and commenced our first
+march in Upper Sinde. This day's march was delightful, and the only
+tolerable one we have had, all the rest being through a dismal, dusty
+desert, with sometimes no path at all, and the dust generally so thick
+in marching that you cannot see an inch before you. This was, however,
+a grand exception. We marched by the side of a magnificent lake, full of
+wild fowl, the banks of which were carpeted with rich wild clover, and
+over-shadowed with fine trees, the only ones of any size that we have
+yet seen in Sinde; so that you might almost fancy you were going through
+a nobleman's park in England (Kitly, par example.) In fact, this place
+put me more in mind of Old England than, any I have seen in the East.
+From Schwun we marched direct to this place, which we reached on the
+4th, the day before yesterday, without halting once: most of the marches
+fifteen miles, and all terrible teasers, on account of the badness of
+the roads, and the stupidity or wilful ignorance of our guides. One of
+our marches was to have been a short one of ten miles; but for some
+unaccountable reasons our route and encamping ground were changed three
+times. We lost our way in the jungle, and marched fifteen, instead of
+ten, miles before we found ourselves in our proper places; on arrival at
+which we found that half the officers' and men's baggage was gone on to
+our next encamping ground, fifteen miles further, which, owing to the
+variety of places named in orders, our servants supposed to be the right
+one. My baggage was one of the unlucky; but my servant came back with my
+things about five o'clock in the evening; so that my poor camels must
+have gone nearly forty miles that day, with a prospect of another
+fifteen the next morning at five. General Willshire, and, I hear, Sir
+J. Keane also, were among the sufferers. Our poor sick were all lost in
+the jungles for this day, and we saw nothing of half of them till we
+arrived on our next encamping ground. Some of them were upwards of
+twenty-four hours without getting anything to eat, or attendance of any
+sort. Well, we marched to this place on the day before yesterday, after
+ten days' regular hard work. A great number in hospital; though they are
+coming out again now pretty fast.
+
+It is believed we shall halt here about a week; but what we shall do
+then nobody seems to know. The greater part of the force will, it is
+believed, follow the Bengalees to Candahar, who marched from Shikarpoor
+for that purpose, under Sir Willoughby Cotton, on the 22nd, but have
+since been detained, owing to the impracticability of the country. One
+regiment of our brigade (the Grenadier regiment, Native Infantry) is
+under orders for Bukkur, an island fort on the Indus, about twenty-five
+miles from Shikarpoor, which (i.e., Bukkur) is to be our depôt for
+stores, &c., and where all the present unfits, in the shape of sick men,
+are to be sent. No doubt some other troops will be left in Upper Sinde,
+at different places, and I have some fears that the "Queen's" may be
+among the number. Heaven defend us from being quartered in any part of
+this wretched country, particularly from Shikarpoor, which is said to be
+one of the hottest places in existence. In fact, the Persians say,
+"While there is a Shikarpoor, there ought to be no Johannum," or hell.
+What a pity it would be to lose such a capital chance of seeing
+Candahar, and perhaps Cabool, which is said to be a splendid place and a
+delightful climate. The Bolan Pass, a most magnificent and difficult
+one, the key to Afghanistan from Sinde, is said to be now totally
+impassable, from the number of dead cattle, horses, and camels, which
+Shah Shooja's force lost there. This I believe, however, to be mere
+report. We heard, the other day, that Dost Mahomed had occupied it, and
+that we should have to take it at the point of the bayonet. So much do
+reports vary, one knows not what to believe. This pass, said to be
+thirty miles long, and at some places almost impassable, runs through
+and over the large chain of mountains that separates the mountainous
+country of Candahar and Cabool, or, as it is generally called,
+Afghanistan, from the lowland of Sinde; it is not easy to cross it, at
+least before April, as till then the snows are not melted.
+
+I hope and trust my next letter will be dated from Candahar, which is,
+however, a good six weeks' march from this place. We have found the
+weather dreadfully hot for the last few days, averaging generally 106 in
+our tents in the day time, though the nights are cool, and the mornings
+generally very cold. I have not yet been in Larkhanu, though we marched
+through a part of it on our arrival. Our men have been now for three
+days without any dram at all, and their rations are getting worse and
+worse every day; in fact, things are so bad that they have been obliged
+to send to Shikarpoor for part of what was left there by the Bengal
+commissariat, which is said to be excellent, and which has fed their
+army very well, although they have come a much greater distance than we
+have.
+
+I spoke to our paymaster about my bill, and he has shewn it to the
+paymaster-general, who says he will cash it whenever I like, but that I
+must take it in a lump; he will not give it me by instalments. This is a
+great nuisance, as it is very hazardous taking so much money about with
+one; the money, too, takes up a great deal of room and is very heavy; it
+was, however, quite a god-send, as I had no idea how very expensive this
+march would turn out; grain for cattle being exceedingly dear, the
+natives raising the price to about 500 per cent. everywhere, thanks to
+bad management somewhere. At Tatta each officer received a month's pay
+in advance, that he might purchase cattle for his baggage. This is to be
+deducted by three instalments, one from each of the next three issues of
+pay. An ensign's pay for one month will hardly purchase sufficient
+conveyances. The only mode in this country is by camels, and a camel is
+of all animals the most treacherous, or rather precarious lived; they
+get ill suddenly and go off in three hours: a great number have died
+with us. Now an officer losing his camels loses one month's pay, and
+must leave his kit on the ground, as he has nothing wherewith to replace
+his loss. You can, therefore, imagine what a great relief your bill
+proved to me, as I shall always have it to fall back upon. I bought a
+very nice little Cabool horse at Kotree, from one of the Ameers'
+disbanded Beloochees. He is very hardy, and accustomed to this country,
+and not particular as to his food, which is a capital thing, as most of
+the Arab horses that have been brought from India have fallen off
+terribly. He is a very pretty figure, goes well, and leaps capitally,
+which few of the Arabs can. I gave 170 rupees for him, or 17l. In India,
+I am confident he would fetch 500 or 600 rupees (50l. or 60l.)
+
+I am very doubtful as to the time when this letter may reach you; I hope
+it may catch the overland mail on the 25th; but Jephson says it is very
+doubtful, and will depend entirely on the chance of there being a ship
+at Curachee, or off the Hujamree. The heat now, while I am writing, is
+dreadful, and there is a beastly hot wind blowing which I never felt
+before. Heaven send us soon out of Sinde! We are expecting the overland
+mail from England every day; it generally manages to come two days after
+I write home. You will by this time have received the letter I wrote
+from the Syden, and the one I wrote to Kate about the 13th of December
+from Bominacote. Reports vary much as to whether we shall have any
+fighting if we advance into Candahar. I should think Dost Mahomed would
+like to try a brush with us, at least with Shah Shooja.
+
+With love to all at home,
+
+  Believe me your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VII.
+
+
+  Camp, Candahar, June 8th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I begin this letter to you on the 8th of June, 1839,
+though when it will reach you, or whether it ever will, is very
+doubtful. I have not written, I see, since the beginning of March, from
+Larkhanu; there was, however, very little use in so doing, as there was
+very little chance of your ever getting it, our friends the Beloochees,
+Kaukers, &c., having made free with nearly every mail, and destroyed
+them. I am very much afraid that I also have been a sufferer by them,
+and that you must have written to me long ere this, but that our friends
+of the Bolan Pass have made use of the letter to wrap their cabobs in. I
+have not heard from you or from home at all since the 2nd of February,
+when I got your letter, dated November 20th, enclosing the bill on
+government, and informing me of Kate's intended marriage. I have,
+however, long since this heard of my lieutenancy, and seen my name in
+the "Gazette," but have not yet received the confirmation of it from Sir
+H. Fane in this country, so that I have been fighting my way, and am
+likely to continue so, on the rank and pay of a full ensign; however,
+there will be so much the more back pay to receive when it does come; it
+is a great nuisance, however, not having it, as I require it so much in
+this country. You can form no conception of the hopeless expense which
+we have inevitably been obliged to incur. We have had a tolerable share
+of hardships, &c., and the poor marching soldiers have suffered
+terribly. What do you think of our having made a forced march of thirty
+to forty miles, for six hours of it under the hottest sun I can
+recollect, and I have felt a few of them in India? Since we left
+Larkhanu we have met with little but a series of robberies, murders,
+alarms, and skirmishes; in short, everything but an actual stand-up
+fight, which we were all anxious for, as it would settle matters at
+once, and free us from the predatory attacks and cold-blooded murders of
+these barbarous tribes.
+
+To begin from where I left off: we marched from Larkhanu on the 11th
+March, and reached Dadur, about four miles from the entrance to the
+Bolan Pass, the nest of the robber hordes of Kaukers, Tuckers, and
+Beloochees, on the 6th of April, having halted several times at
+intermediate places, and made some terrible marches, fifteen miles being
+the average distance. We often lost our way, and marched thereby a
+great deal further than was necessary, through bad guidance. I must tell
+you, however, that before leaving Larkhanu, Sir J. Keane assumed the
+command of the whole army, both Bengal and Bombay, by which General
+Willshire got command of the Bombay division. The two Bombay brigades
+were broken up, the Grenadiers and 5th regiment of Native Infantry were
+sent to garrison Bukkur, a tolerably strong fort on the Indus, and the
+23rd Native Infantry was sent to Lukkur, a town on the opposite side.
+There also the different regiments that were to go on sent their sick,
+and Bukkur was made a depot for supplies, medical stores, &c. The
+greater part of the foot and some of the horse artillery were sent there
+also. Our regiment and the 17th were then made into one brigade, and
+marched from Larkhanu, as I said before, on the 11th. The cavalry and
+horse artillery, &c., did not march for two days after, with the
+Commander-in-chief, who took with him his pet corps; the 19th Native
+Infantry. They marched by a different route from ourselves on account of
+the scarcity of supplies in that desert country; we halted for them at
+Kochee, which place we reached on the 15th about 3 P.M., after the
+thirty to forty miles' march I before told you of, across the marshy
+desert which seems to divide Sinde from Cutch Gundava. This march ought
+only to have been twenty-six miles; but owing to the stupidity of our
+guide we went a longer and more circuitous route, and also had the
+pleasure of losing our way during the night; in addition to which, on
+arriving at the village where it was intended to halt, our staff found
+out, all of a sudden, that there was not a sufficiency of water for the
+whole force, in consequence of which we were moved to another village
+(Kichee) five miles further on.
+
+It was during this march that I first witnessed the effects of extreme
+thirst on men, however well disciplined. It was, as I have said before,
+the hottest day I ever felt; not a breath of air, and the sun enough to
+knock you down. The men were suffering dreadfully, and falling out by
+sections, when about eleven or twelve o'clock they caught sight of some
+water carriers with their mussacks full, so that they knew water could
+not be far off. All discipline was pitched to the devil in an instant,
+and the men rushed from the ranks for the water more like mad devils
+than anything else--nothing could stop them; the mounted officers
+galloped in amongst them, and threatened, but to no purpose; nothing
+short of cutting them down would have stopped any of them. In the midst
+of this, General Willshire, at the head of the brigade, hearing a row
+and looking round, saw the greater part of the 17th (they being in front
+on this day) scampering across the country like a pack of hounds; not
+knowing what was the matter, he galloped up to the colonel and demanded
+an explanation, when, seeing what was the cause, he made the best of it,
+called a halt, and every one immediately rushed to the wells, the
+scenes at which were most ridiculous, fighting, pushing, knocking down
+&c. I saw one man actually lie down and wallow in a filthy ditch full of
+every description of dirt imaginable. We halted here about two hours,
+and then marched to our ground, about six or seven miles further on, the
+men performing this latter part of the march with great cheerfulness. We
+halted here two days to rest the men, and were joined by the rest of the
+Bombay force, with the Commander-in-chief.
+
+We marched again on the 18th, another night march about twenty miles.
+Here we made another halt for three days, while some of the staff went
+on to get information of the country a-head, about which they were
+ignorant. All the villages we had passed through were deserted, and in
+some places the water was stinking. We looked back upon Sinde as a
+paradise compared to the country we were now in. All the little grain
+that was supplied to the bazaars by the commissariat was sold at the
+most exorbitant price, yet we were obliged to buy it, and as much as we
+could get of it too, and lucky we thought ourselves to get any of it,
+even at this rate, at times, in order to feed our horses and camels,
+which were beginning to knock up terribly. We could not now, as we used
+to do in Sinde, send the latter into the jungle to feed on the small
+brushwood, of which they were so fond, except at the risk of being
+robbed of them, and having the servants who looked after them murdered
+by the bands of Beloochees who hovered about us in every direction.
+Still, notwithstanding these annoyances, the humbugging system of
+conciliation was kept up, and although there was not an inhabitant to be
+seen, we were robbed to our faces very nearly; yet if a poor sub.'s
+horse or camel happened to break his ropes and strayed into a field he
+was immediately pounced upon by a provost-marshal and put into a sort of
+pound, from which he was not released except on the payment of a certain
+sum to be given to the owners of the field! Where were they to be found?
+The loss of camels now was irreparable; even if there were any to be
+sold, the prices asked were so exorbitant that few of us youngsters,
+hampered as we were, could afford to purchase; loss of camels produced
+loss of kit, loss of kit produced loss of health, &c. Yet during the
+whole of this march we were losing camels through robberies and fatigue,
+and no measures taken that we ever heard of to put a stop to it. We
+marched from this place on the 22nd, and came to a halt again at a place
+called Kotrie, close under the Hala mountains, about five miles from the
+Gundava Pass. Here we (i.e., our brigade and the 4th Light Dragoons)
+halted for a week. Sir J. Keane pushed on a-head with two troops of
+Light Cavalry and the left wing of the 19th Native Infantry, in order to
+catch up Sir Willoughby Cotton, who was marching in command of the main
+body of the Bengal division. General Willshire, with the staff,
+artillery, and cavalry, was at Gundava, about eight miles from us. At
+this place, Kotrie, which the inhabitants luckily had not deserted, we
+were better off in point of supplies than we had been since we left
+Larkhanu, and there was plenty of shooting and fishing; but it was
+without exception the hottest place I ever was in. Being close under a
+high range of mountains, we were perfectly screened from any cool
+breezes that might take it into their heads to blow from that quarter;
+add to this, the hills themselves, being composed of granite, or some
+stone of that description, attracted the sun, and reflected the heat
+back again on us, so that we were attacked from two sides at once. By
+this time we had no stronger liquor with us than tea, so that we were
+perfectly eligible to become members of the Tea-total Temperance
+Society; our supplies in the liquor line, which we had sent on from
+Hydrabad to Larkhanu by water, not having reached the latter place in
+time for us to get them. In this respect the men were better off than
+ourselves, they having their dram or two every day. Here the robbers
+began to be more bold, and we did not lose sight of them until we
+reached Candahar. Five mails (one of them an "overland," bringing,
+perhaps, letters from you or some one at home) out of six were robbed
+between this and Shikarpoor; and news was received from Sir J. Keane in
+advance that at the entrance of the Bolan Pass several bodies of sepoys
+of Shah Shooja's army were lying, there having been a grand skrimmage
+there between the sepoys and Beloochees, in which the former, being
+caught napping, were worsted. We stayed at this place, as I said before,
+a week, and started again on the 31st.
+
+On the morning of the 2nd of April, during a severe march of twenty-two
+miles, one of our men, a straggler, who had fallen to the rear with
+dysentery, was murdered by these robbers, and another man of the 17th
+cruelly wounded, but he has since recovered. They were sitting together
+by the side of the road, when of a sudden a party of Beloochees rushed
+out from some low bushes, and, before either had time to rise, fired
+into them. Adams, of the Queen's, received a ball on the outside of his
+right thigh, passing down, and coming out at his knee on the other side,
+and cutting some particular vein or artery, which occasioned his death
+through loss of blood. The 17th man was hit on the right side, the ball
+coasting round his body, and coming out at the other side, without
+touching his tripes or any vital part. Adams had not his firelock with
+him, but the 17th man had his, but unloaded, and, in his struggles to
+keep possession of it, received some desperate sabre cuts; but he has
+since recovered. Of course he was soon overpowered, as Adams could give
+no assistance. The Beloochees then stripped them of everything, except
+their shirt and trowsers, and left them to their fate, till another man
+of the 17th came up, in charge of some of his company's camels, who
+brought in the news to camp; but the apothecary who went out was too
+late to save poor Adams. It was gratifying to know that Cunningham,
+with a party of his horse, having received intelligence that a party of
+these blackguards were encamped in a jungle, beat through it, and
+followed their tracks for fourteen miles, when he came upon them, and
+killed six and took four prisoners; Cunningham having outstripped his
+party, killed two men himself and took another prisoner. These rascals
+were brought into camp, and strictly guarded, or I believe they would
+have been torn to pieces by the European soldiers. One of them was sworn
+to by the wounded 17th man as being one of the murderers, and we were
+all in great hopes of seeing the blackguards dancing the tight rope;
+but, instead of that, they were all brought on (except one, who being
+badly wounded, died on the road) to Dadur, where they were given up to
+one of the political diplomatic gentlemen, who, it is said, actually let
+them go with five rupees to carry them home. Fancy a Beloochee's _home!_
+This was carrying the conciliation principle far with a vengeance!
+
+We started again at half-past twelve, on the night of the 3rd--another
+night-march of nineteen miles. Both the nights we were at this place we
+were alarmed by a supposed attack of Beloochees; but they turned out to
+be nothing more than a loose horse or two of the dragoons, for which one
+of their camp-followers suffered, being taken for a Beloochee, while
+running after one of the horses, and therefore cut down by a dragoon on
+sentry. The night we left this place was one of the most fearful I ever
+remember; it had been threatening all the afternoon, and about eight the
+simoom came on with dreadful violence, blowing for five minutes at a
+time, at intervals of twenty minutes or so, until we got under weigh, at
+half-past twelve. The wind, hot and scorching, like a blast from a
+furnace, rushed over the country with the violence of a hurricane,
+bringing with it perfect clouds of dust and sand, so that it was totally
+impossible to face it, except at the risk of being actually blinded or
+stifled. The baggage was to have gone on before us at nine o'clock, as
+the moon was expected to be up, but the clouds of dust, &c., completely
+hid her from us, and she did not shew her nose the whole night. During
+the blasts it was the most perfect "darkness visible" that you can
+imagine, and at the intervals when it ceased, the sensation of the
+atmosphere was more like standing before a hot fire than anything else.
+I had read of these things before in novels, travels, &c; I now, for the
+first time, experienced the reality. Add to all these little annoyances,
+we were every moment expecting a rush of Beloochees; and if they had had
+the pluck of a hare, they might have considerably crippled our
+proceedings, by rushing in and ham-stringing our camels. The darkness,
+the unavoidable confusion, the awkwardness of the camels themselves, all
+favoured them, and I expected nothing less; if they had been Cossacks
+instead, they would have played the very devil with us altogether. At
+length, at half-past eleven, the baggage got off, and now for the first
+time with a baggage guard, consisting of a troop, or company, from each
+of the three regiments, together with all the irregular horse we
+possessed, with strict orders that any Beloochees shewing themselves at
+all near the baggage were instantly to be cut down or bayoneted. The
+main body followed in another hour, with a strong rear-guard, to pick up
+stragglers, &c. These precautions ought to have been taken before, and
+poor Adams would have been saved. I know very little of this march, as I
+remember I slept through the whole of it, until morning, on horseback,
+being terribly fatigued and worn out. The morning was delightfully cool,
+with a fresh bracing breeze from the north. You may well imagine how we
+enjoyed it, after the terrible relaxation of the night before. We
+reached our ground about seven, at a place called Nonsherah. Here we
+heard some bloody-minded reports of the Beloochees, who had been
+plundering the artillery and left wing of the 19th, which were here the
+day before. They seemed, however, to have made a pretty good
+retaliation, and four Beloochees' heads were stuck upon the walls of the
+town, in proof of the soldiers' vengeance. In consequence of there being
+a good baggage-guard, the Beloochees made themselves tolerably scarce
+during this march, although the ground was very favourable for them.
+However, they now and then took long shots from the nullahs, &c., that
+were near the road, but without doing any damage. At last, a soldier,
+from the baggage-guard company of the 17th, having occasion to fall out,
+and going into a nullah for his purpose, unexpectedly found himself
+cheek by jowl with thirty of these rascals. He was knocked down, but
+bellowing out most lustily, his section came up, and being joined by
+another section of the Queen's, they shot about six of them dead, and
+put the rest to flight, having rescued the 17th man. The robbers at this
+place were _rather_ forward, and actually walked off with some camels
+that were out feeding close to the rear of our encampment, in the middle
+of the day. They were, however, all recovered very soon by the
+Irregulars, and those of the robbers who could not manage to escape,
+managed to get their heads broken by these surwars; and intelligence
+having been received that a whole gang, with their families, were
+encamped near us, a party of fourteen, and one jemadar, of the 1st Light
+Cavalry, were sent out, who coming unexpectedly upon them, the robbers
+advanced to shew fight, when the jemadar gave the word to fire, and each
+trooper brought down his bird. The rest immediately took to their heels,
+and owing to the nature of the ground (it was among the hills) effected
+their escape. The troopers returned to camp with the swords and shields,
+&c., of the fallen. From this place we marched again the next morning,
+and a short and easy march brought us to Dadur.
+
+_June 27th_.--I have not been able to write much lately, as it was
+literally too hot to do so. We have had it from 115 to 120 in our tents
+during the day; for the last week, however, it has been getting cooler,
+and to-day is pleasant enough. I wished also to keep the letter open as
+long as I could; but now, since we march on Sunday next, the 30th, I
+have not much time left, though I have a great deal more to say. I
+received by the mail the confirmation of my lieutenancy, by Sir H. Fane,
+from Bombay. An "overland" arrived again here last night, but no letters
+or anything for me. I see, by the English papers, that there was a
+report at home that we had lost 3000 men already--the greatest lie
+possible. If we had lost that, we should have lost more than half the
+Bombay army. We have not lost more than we generally do in quarters,
+though the men have been, terribly knocked up, and well they may be,
+with the horrible marches they have made. I was very much amused by the
+debates in Parliament, with regard to our "military promenade," as some
+of the papers call it. I wish I could see some of their writers on an
+out-lying picket, with a prospect of a twenty miles' march, I rather
+think they would not talk so much of "promenading." The Bengal army,
+with our cavalry, and most of the artillery, marched this morning for
+Cabool. Shah Shooja goes to-morrow or next day, and we bring up the
+rear, as I said before, on Sunday. However, we will talk of that anon,
+or I shall forget where I left off. On looking back, I find that I have
+brought the force up as far as Dadur. Well; we halted there till the
+12th. The 17th, artillery and Irregular Horse, however, marched before
+us, on the 9th. While there, the rascally Beloochees and Kaukers kept
+hovering about us, and walked off with some camels and a horse or two.
+They generally, however, paid very dearly for them, as the cavalry that
+were sent after them on these occasions made a terrible example of them.
+
+While here we heard of a shocking murder at Curachee. A Captain Hand, of
+the 1st Bombay Grenadier Regiment, was taking his morning's ride, when,
+on turning a corner on the top of a hill, he unexpectedly found himself
+in the midst of about thirty Beloochees. They talked to him very
+civilly, and he allowed them to get round his horse, not suspecting
+anything, when one rascal behind him gave him a terrible wipe on the
+back of his head with his sword, which knocked him off his horse, and
+the others rushed in, and cut him to pieces. A Lieut. Clarke, of the
+same corps, happened to be riding this way, and seeing these Beloochees,
+asked them if they had seen a Latich pass that way, meaning Hand; to
+which they replied by a volley from their matchlocks, a ball from one of
+which struck Clarke on the leg, and he galloped for camp as fast as he
+could, and fell off his horse exhausted before the quarter-guard of H.M.
+40th regiment. A party was immediately sent out, and they found the
+body of poor Hand horribly mutilated. A good number of these rascals
+have been since taken, and, I suppose, hanged; unless the conciliation
+principle lets these rascals off also. They belong to different bands,
+under different robber-chiefs, among the hills. These robber Khans have
+strongholds on the almost inaccessible mountains that run up the whole
+west frontier of Sinde, and divide it from Beloochistan. All merchandize
+and travellers passing through Sinde to the west of the Indus are
+obliged to pay a sort of black mail to these Khans to be allowed to pass
+through; but so bad is their name for treachery, ferocity, &c., that
+few, if any, of the traders between India and Central Asia go this
+route. They do not care a farthing for the Ameers, who also secretly
+connive at their proceedings, in order to draw recruits from them on any
+emergency.
+
+Well; we got the steam up again on the 12th, and, together with the 4th
+Light Dragoons, and about sixty Irregulars, started for the celebrated
+Bolan Pass, with a great quantity of commissariat stores from Bukkur,
+for the army in advance, under our charge. This celebrated Pass would be
+the best line of communication between the countries of Central Asia and
+Sinde; and as far as the Pass is concerned itself, it is quite guiltless
+of the bad character it holds. It is merely the bed of a winter torrent,
+and is an easy ascent the whole way through; and during the greater
+part of the year quite passable for any description, of conveyance; but
+in consequence of the great number of robbers, from all parts of
+Beloochistan and Sinde, who infest it, no one thinks of travelling this
+route, unless with a very strong escort. A great number, therefore, of
+native merchants, &c., took advantage of the opportunities offered by
+the passage of it by the different divisions of our army. We had with us
+a native horse-dealer, who had travelled the same way down the year
+before, with horses for the Bombay market, and, as he considered, with a
+sufficient escort; but they were suddenly attacked, his brother killed,
+and he only saved himself by the swiftness of his horse. These robbers
+are several degrees more savage than even their brother Beloochees in
+the south of Sinde. There are two clans of them. The Kaukers and
+Tuckers; of these, the Kaukers are by far the worst. They are
+represented as being regular barbarians, and are even said to be
+cannibals, though perhaps that is a little too melodramatic. They
+possess few fire-arms, but roll down large pieces of rock in the narrow
+passes, and rush out from the small recesses of the rocks, leading God
+knows where, which abound in every part. They never spare any one, and
+cut and hack about the bodies of their victims in the most frightful
+manner. With all this they are the greatest cowards possible; a few
+determined men would be a match for the greatest odds; but the very name
+of Kauker seems to convey terror in it to a traveller. I saw the head
+of one of these rascals lying about at Dadur, and it was the most
+frightful face I ever beheld, more like a wild beast's than a human
+being's. On entering the Pass, which we did as if expecting an enemy,
+with skirmishers, flanking parties, &c., we were nearly stifled by the
+horrible smell arising from the number of dead camels which were lying
+on the ground, in every degree of putrefaction. We soon, however, came
+to bodies of a different sort; for on the banks of a small rivulet, and
+in the water, most in the long reeds, some in the middle of the road,
+were about twenty or thirty dead Sepoys and followers. They were in
+every kind of shape and contortion that could indicate a violent death.
+Some were in a tolerable state of preservation, but others, again, had
+been sadly mauled; tripes torn out by jackals, and one or two were
+perfect skeletons. We kept on coming also upon an arm or a leg, or an
+ugly-looking skull; but the most disgusting sight was an arm and leg,
+protruding out of the centre of the stream, washed to the consistency of
+a washer-woman's hand after a hard day's washing. If you can fancy all
+this on a dark, sluggish-looking stream, surrounded by high and barren
+rocks, you may, perhaps, guess what feelings of disgust it excited in
+us. However, before reaching Candahar we were pretty well accustomed to
+these sights, and got rather callous on the subject, as there was a fair
+sprinkling of them to be met with all the way to that town. Well; we
+made five marches through this delightful Pass, and debouched on a fine
+wide plain on the 17th. Not a stick, not a particle of forage, except
+some high rank grass, was to be got in all this time, and we had been
+obliged to take on supplies for our camels and horses from Dadur; so
+there was a new expense, and new carriage to be provided. The robbers
+did not attempt any attack upon us at all (though, if they had had the
+slightest pluck, they might have crippled us pretty considerably) except
+in the last march, but then we fired on them first. My company was on
+baggage-guard this day, which was sent on in advance of the column; and
+Halket, seeing some of the rascals on the hills, had a crack at them
+with his double-barrel, which produced a reply of three shots from them;
+but a soldier of the company taking a beautiful aim at one of them, at a
+distance I am afraid to mention, and nearly knocking a fellow's head
+off, the rest took to their heels, and we saw no more of them. Our
+Grenadiers, however, who were bringing up the rear, had a slight
+skrimmage with them, and killed five or six, without any of their shots
+taking effect, although one man's firelock and another man's belt were
+cut in half by a bullet. They fired on the column which came on
+afterwards, and wounded one trooper of the Light Dragoons, and a few
+native followers, and killed three horses. Most of us lost a deal of kit
+in this Pass, owing to the camels' feet knocking up, from the sharpness
+of the stones; and the very moment the column was off the ground the
+rascals would be down and fighting for what was left behind. I was on
+rear-guard the second day's march, and the very moment we cleared the
+ground it was most amusing to see the rascals popping out of the holes
+in the rocks in every direction.
+
+On the 18th, we reached Siriab, where we halted for one day. This was a
+rather pretty valley, with some fruit gardens, but the fruit not ripe.
+Here I was taken unwell, and obliged to go on the sick-list; I had been
+ailing some time; the doctor, however, put me off the list again on the
+24th; but owing to the fatigue &c. I underwent on 25th, in going through
+the Ghwozhe Pass, I caught a violent fever, and the next day was laid on
+my beam ends, and did not get round again till the middle of last month.
+In the Ghwozhe Pass our company was on baggage guard. We left our last
+encamping ground at 3 A.M. on the 25th; we had only four miles to the
+Pass, and the Pass was five more, when we reached our new ground, so it
+was not more than nine miles altogether, yet it was 10 o'clock at night
+before the rear-guard, bringing up the fag end of the baggage, came in.
+For nearly the whole of this day I was exposed to an infernally hot sun,
+and the stench arising from the dead cattle was really frightful. I was
+also literally twenty-six hours without getting a morsel to eat or a
+drop to drink, and but the day before on the sick-list. No wonder I was
+laid up! This Ghwozhe Pass was a great deal worse than any part of the
+Bolan. It was nothing but a succession of the most difficult ascents
+and precipitous descents; the most trying kind of ground for the poor
+camels, who fell down in great numbers, and in some parts the path lay
+between two high rocks, and was only four feet wide; how the artillery
+got over it I cannot imagine. A handful of determined men could, I
+should think, defend it against an army. We were on the _qui vive_ the
+whole time, expecting an attack on the baggage, but we only lost a few
+camels. Here we caught up the 17th and artillery, which left Dadur
+before us. If our toils had been great, those of the 17th and artillery
+were twice as much, as it took them two days and two nights to get the
+guns through, and they were obliged to bivouack in the Pass, and were
+attacked once or twice by the Ghiljees; whom, however, one section or so
+easily drove off. I must now tell you that on leaving the Bolan Pass the
+Kaukers &c. made their bows to us, but handed us at the same time over
+to the care of their intimate friends the Ghiljees. These are a kind of
+half-civilized robbers, a large clan, and abound throughout the whole of
+Afghanistan. Their chief is a friend of Dost Mahomed. They gave us a
+little annoyance on the road, but whenever they did so they managed to
+get the worst of it. They murdered a few poor camp followers. At one
+place they fired on some grass-cutters belonging to the 4th Light
+Dragoons, after coming among them and talking with them in a friendly
+manner, as is their usual custom, in order to ascertain what might be
+the chance of an attack. A troop of that corps was immediately sent out,
+with nearly all the officers. Some villagers who had been bringing
+things to our camp joined the robbers, but the 4th played the d--l with
+them, killing or wounding about forty, and only one horse belonging to
+the 4th was wounded. Major Daly, who commands the corps, killed four men
+himself with a simple bamboo hunting spear, used for killing boars. Sir
+J. Keane had fourteen of them shot that had been caught stealing camels
+at Quittah, one march from Siriab, where we left our sick: a brigade of
+the Bengal army is quartered there.
+
+Well; in spite of Ghiljees, Kaukers, Passes, &c., we reached Candahar on
+the 4th of May, having only halted two days since we left Dadur,--pretty
+good work! We were very much disappointed in the country, which is
+little better than a desert, and the weather cruelly hot. I remember
+very little of what occurred after I was on the sick-list, except that
+on arriving at our ground at one place, after a march of eighteen miles,
+we found that the natives had destroyed the well which was to have
+supplied us with water,--pleasant news for a man laid up with fever; in
+consequence of which they made a good profit by bringing it in for sale.
+About as much as would fill two moderate-sized pitchers was sold for
+half a rupee, about 14d. My European servant came and begged to be
+allowed to drink the water in my basin with which I had just washed
+myself, and before I could say anything, drank down the whole of it with
+a zest as if it had been champagne.
+
+We reached Candahar on the 4th, and on the 8th his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk was crowned, after which there was a review of all the
+troops that were here by his Majesty, a grand "tomasha;" but such, I am
+told, was the unpopularity of the Shah that out of the whole population
+of Candahar very few persons were looking on, though the Easterns are
+devoted sight-hunters. On the -- he held a levee, where every officer
+had the honour of making his leg to his Majesty. I was not present at
+either of these grand occasions, being at the time still on the
+sick-list. I, however, had a glimpse of his Majesty the other morning as
+he was taking his airing. He is a fine-looking man, with a splendid
+black beard. I am told that he is a very accomplished man, but an
+exceedingly bad ruler. He has written his own life, which is said to be
+very interesting: I should think it must be so, as few men have
+experienced so many changes of fortune as he has. You will find a very
+good description of him, as well as of Cabool and Sinde, in "Burnes'
+Travels in Bokhara," the present Sir Alexander Burnes, who is second in
+command to Macnaghten, and a great deal with the Shah. I read also an
+excellent article on this country &c. in the last December or January
+number of "Blackwood's Magazine."
+
+Another horrible murder, somewhat similar to that of Capt. Hand,
+occurred here about the middle of last month. Two officers of the 16th
+Lancers, Inverarity and Wilmer, went one day on a fishing excursion to a
+small river about seven miles from this; several parties had been there
+before on pic-nic excursions, as it was much cooler, and there were some
+beautiful gardens, with lots of fruit, on the banks of the stream. There
+is a slight hill to be crossed in getting to it, at the top of which is
+a cut-throat narrow pass, formed out of the rock; you must pass through
+it in single file, and the bottom being of rock is so slippery and rough
+that it is with difficulty a horse can keep his footing on it. They were
+returning home about half-past eight o'clock, when Wilmer, being rather
+wrong in his stomach, got off his horse for a short time, and Inverarity
+said he would walk to the top of the hill to look at the view by
+moonlight; Wilmer followed in a few minutes on foot, his ghorewalla
+following with his horse. On coming near the top of the hill before
+mentioned, he was somewhat astonished at a large stone whizzing by his
+head, and immediately afterwards about six or seven men jumped on him
+out of the rocks. He had time to draw back, and received two different
+cuts on his walking stick, which cut it through, and slightly wounded
+him on the forehead. He managed to draw back from another, which was
+made at him with such strength that the fellow fell with the force of
+his own blow. Wilmer then thought it as time to cut and run, and bolted
+as fast as he could with these chaps after him. They luckily, however,
+stopped to rob his and Inverarity's bangies, containing their kit, which
+they met his servant carrying, &c. Wilmer did not stop till he reached a
+detachment of the Shah's force which is stationed there, he returned
+with a party from them, and on reaching the other side of the hill found
+poor Inverarity lying on the ground dreadfully mutilated; he was not
+quite dead when they came up, and Wilmer says he can never forget the
+convulsive shudder he gave on their arrival, taking them for the
+murderers returning to finish him. He died, however, almost immediately,
+merely saying, "For God's sake, look at my hands! I am afraid I am very
+badly wounded." Thus fell another victim, as we all feel, to the
+conciliation principle! Neither Inverarity's horse nor anything of then
+kit has been since seen, though Wilmer has recovered his horse. This
+will give you a pretty idea of the country we are living in. The next
+day there was an order out from Sir J. Keane, in which, after giving an
+account of the murder, he begged all officers never to go out into the
+country on sporting expeditions unless in large parties and well armed.
+The Shah and Sir John were also on the point of burning down the village
+near which the murder occurred, but the political department would not
+allow it. Seven or eight men were, however, taken up, though nothing
+certain has been proved. They are still in chains in the town; what will
+be done with them I don't know. I always have my holster pipes, and
+pistols loaded, whenever I ride out, as there is nothing like being
+prepared.
+
+I have little to say of Candahar, which appears to me to be just the
+same as every other town I have seen in the East, very dirty, &c. It
+stands in a tolerably fertile plain, with hills scattered all round it.
+It is a perfect square, each side of which is nearly a mile in length;
+two streets, one from north to south, the other from east to west, run
+through it, and bisect each other in the centre: in these are the
+different bazaars. The rest of the town, as it appeared to me as I rode
+round the walls the other day, is perfectly deserted. There are double
+walls to the town, entire all the way round, but I should think it could
+be easily taken. A great number of the inhabitants have left it on
+account of the dearness of provisions, occasioned by the hungry mouths
+of so large a force as ours, and also because, on his first arrival, the
+Shah wished to play some of his old arbitrary acts over again.
+
+The Ghiljees have been at their old tricks lately, robbing some supplies
+for the army, which came up by the Bolan Pass about a week ago, and
+which they followed nearly into our camp. The caravan, however, was
+under the charge of a right sort of fellow, the Rajah of Buhawulpoor,
+who was bringing up a contingent to the Shah's force, and if any of his
+camels were taken away he took two for one from the first village he
+arrived at. The Ghiljees got more bold afterwards, and actually
+endeavoured to walk off with the camels of the Bengal army, and five or
+six were taken prisoners by some Sepoys, and one blown from a gun in the
+town. They, however, killed one, and severely wounded two other unarmed
+soldiers of H.M. 13th Light Infantry, who were out with the camels of
+their regiment, the guard for the camels having very quietly gone to
+sleep in a house. The poor fellows made a desperate fight, defending
+themselves with their shoes; and one of them pulled a mounted Ghiljee
+off his horse, but had his arm cut through before he could get the
+fellow's sword from him: they lost a great many camels.
+
+_June 29th_.--Well, to-morrow we are off for Cabool; I hope the country
+may improve as we advance. Everybody speaks very highly of Cabool
+itself--a fine climate, 6000 feet above the sea. It has been very hot
+the whole time we have been here. They say there is plenty of grain to
+be had on the road; I hope this may be true, and that we shall not have
+a repetition of what took place before in regard to expense. I was
+congratulating myself, a day or two since, on the prospect of getting my
+back pay, but now I hear that I shall not only be minus that, but that
+we are not to get any more pay for three months, owing to some
+mismanagement or other; consequently, we shall be obliged to get into
+debt, with a nice little interest to pay off. I wish, therefore, that
+next year you would give me credit for another 60l. I do not wish you
+to send it out to me, but that you would let me draw upon you as far as
+that sum, in case I should find it necessary, as this campaign has sadly
+crippled me. Your last 60l. is nearly gone, and yet I have not spent a
+farthing that I could help: this irregular way of paying troops is very
+disgusting to them.
+
+The report is now that we are not likely to have any regular fighting,
+as it is pretty generally believed that Dost Mahomed has agreed to our
+terms; the "on dit" is, that he is at Peshawur, and awaits our arrival
+in Cabool, to give himself up to the British government. Colonel Wade,
+one of the political diplomatic line, is near Peshawur with a part of
+Runjet's army, but Dost Mahomed will not surrender himself to him, nor
+will Colonel Wade cross the Punjab frontiers, on account of the great
+enmity which exists between the Afghans and Sikhs: however, all this is
+to be proved. I wish we could have one good brush with them, as we
+should then have plain sailing; as it is, I suppose we shall be annoyed
+by these rascally Ghiljees all the way up: out-lying pickets to take
+care of camels, &c. With regard to the climate of this country I can say
+little, as we have only been here during the hot weather, and hot we
+have found it with a vengeance; but then we have been living in tents.
+One man of ours has died by a coup de soleil; he was one of the camel
+guard. I do not consider the climate an unhealthy one. It is a very
+lucky thing for us that we were not left in Sinde: the troops left there
+have suffered terribly. Sinde is one of the hottest places in the
+world, and very unhealthy; in fact, I consider it to be about one of the
+most disgusting countries in the world. The 17th regiment lost an
+officer there under very melancholy circumstances. He was coming up to
+join his regiment, having been only lately appointed to it, and lost his
+way in that dreadful desert I told you of, where he wandered in a
+wretched state for two days, during which time the simoom came on, and
+he died from its effects a short time after reaching his tent; the
+simoom was still so violent that his servants were obliged to dig his
+grave inside his tent: his body turned black immediately after death.
+
+We have had excellent European fruit here, and the gardens about the
+place are very large and beautiful--peaches, apricots, cherries, apples,
+grapes, and mulberries. I never tasted anything more delicious than the
+melons here. You cannot imagine, in your temperate climate, how
+refreshing they are on a hot day; but, then, they are said to be very
+dangerous. The vegetables, too, are good, particularly to those who had
+been without them so long as we had. There are peas, beans, salad,
+cucumber, but, unfortunately, no potatoes; what would we not give for a
+nice mealy murphy! we have not tasted one for four months; however, in
+all these respects Cabool is much superior. What we shall do when we
+reach that place I cannot imagine,--one thing, the Hindoo Koosh,
+prevents our marching further. The report is, that if everything goes
+smooth we shall go back again this year; but this I do not believe, as
+I hardly think it probable that the government would be at such expense
+in marching us such a distance just to keep us at Cabool for a month,
+and if we overstay that it will be too late, and the snow and severity
+of the climate will hinder our returning. Moreover, Runjet Sing is very
+ill, and, they say, is likely to kick, in which case there will, I take
+it, be a regular shindy in the Punjab; and John Company, when he has
+once put his foot into a country, does not withdraw it very soon.
+Besides, there is Herat and Persia to be looked to. For my part, I have
+no objection to a winter in Cabool; and if we can only get up our
+supplies in the liquor line, we shall, I have no doubt, make ourselves
+very comfortable. The 16th Lancers have an excellent pack of foxhounds
+with them, and horses are very cheap. There are to be races &c. on a
+grand scale also when we get there; and if we can get our supplies up by
+that time, we may look forward to spending a merry Christmas even in
+such a distant country. How curious all this must sound to you in your
+quiet, lovely home of Brookhill. I have often thought of you all during
+this campaign, particularly the other day, when I had the fever; and I
+hope and trust my life maybe spared that I may see you all once more,
+particularly as I have never seen you at Brookhill.
+
+With regard to myself, my health, with the exception of the fever, has
+been much better than I could have expected, considering what we have
+gone through. I have, however, been sadly bothered the whole time I
+have been in the country with rheumatism; at times, during the march, I
+was so bad with it that I could not walk ten minutes at a time. I have
+also had terrible pains in the joints of my arms, and have them still,
+and it is with difficulty I can get a gun to my shoulder. I can walk
+pretty well now, but running is totally out of the question; so that I
+am afraid I should come off poorly in a hand-to-hand encounter with
+these rascals. I applied to the doctor for some medicine, but he said
+"he could give me none;" in fact, they will not give an officer any
+medicine now unless he is very seriously ill, as they are very short of
+medical stores.
+
+I hope you may be able to get through this letter; the blue paper I have
+been writing on is Russian, and bought in Candahar. I do not think I
+have anything more to say. I will write again when I reach Cabool. Tell
+Kate I will write to her too: I hope she got my letter which I wrote in
+January last under cover to you.
+
+With best love to all at home,
+
+  Believe me your very affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S.--By-the-bye, there is an officer here in H.M. 13th Light Infantry,
+with the Bengal force, who knows Arthur very well, in fact, I think a
+great deal better than I do myself. His name is Wood; he is a
+Canterbury man, and seems to know Mr. Baylay and everybody else there.
+He was in the 48th when Arthur was at Canterbury with the 4th Drag.
+Guards. He desired to be kindly remembered to Arthur when I wrote. I
+hope Eliza's hooping-cough is well. I was very sorry to hear of poor
+Sluman's death: as far back as I can recollect he is always associated
+in my mind with home. I hope Ghiljee, Kauker, Beloochee, and Co., will
+let this pass.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VIII.
+
+
+  Camp, near Ghuzni, July 24th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--You must put down yesterday, the 23rd of July, in your
+memorandum book as a memorable day for your son Tom, and, I may say, for
+the British army. Ghuzni, the strongest fortress in Afghanistan, was
+taken by assault in three-quarters of an hour, by the four European
+regiments of the army--viz., the Queen's, 13th Light Infantry, 17th
+regiment, and Bengal European regiment. The storming party, or forlorn
+hope, consisted of the Light Companies of the four regiments. The whole
+right in front--ergo, our company (the Light Company of the Queen's) was
+the first in. I may well remember it, as it was the first time I smelt
+gunpowder and saw blows given in real earnest. It is the most splendid
+thing for us that could have happened: if we had failed, we should have
+had the whole country down upon us in a few days; now, they say, the
+country is ours.
+
+It is reported that Sir J. Keane was so very anxious about it, that when
+he heard our first cheers, after entering the gate of the town, he
+actually cried, it was such a relief to his mind; and that he told
+Brigadier Sale, lieutenant-colonel of the 13th Light Infantry, who
+commanded on the occasion, that it was very likely that the fate of
+India depended on our taking this place. Ghuzni was considered Dost
+Mahomed's principal fortress; his son commanded in it, and it was
+garrisoned by 3000 Afghans. Young Dost expected to hold it out for a
+fortnight; and his father was to have come to his relief in a day or
+two, when we should have had a difficult part to perform, as we should
+have been surrounded in this valley by armed parties on all sides; so
+that it would have been really a ticklish job. They had collected
+provisions in the town for three months, and arms and ammunition; in
+fact, it was the regular depôt for their army. They had also about four
+or five lacs of rupees; but that will not give us much prize money. Our
+loss was very trifling, owing to the daring and sudden nature of the
+attack, as they were taken totally by surprise. Our regiment suffered
+the most, and we have thirty-seven killed and wounded, including
+officers, of whom six out of eighteen were wounded--one-third of the
+whole,--however, none of the latter dangerously, thank God, though two
+of them are returned severely wounded. Five men of our regiment were
+killed outright on the spot, and I am afraid we shall lose some more in
+a few days from the effects of their wounds. Of the enemy, about 500
+were killed, and more than 1500 made prisoners; and of the remainder,
+who made their escape over the walls, the greater part were cut down by
+the Dragoons, or spifflicated by the Lancers. Among the prisoners is
+young Dost himself, the greatest prize of all. More than a thousand
+magnificent horses have also been taken, besides pack-horses, camels,
+and grain in abundance. However, I never can tell a story without going
+back to the very commencement.
+
+I finished my last letter to you the day before we left Candahar. Well;
+we started on Sunday, the 30th of June, and made seven marches to
+Belanti Ghiljee, where we caught up the Shah's army, with a Bengal
+division. Here Sir John Keane had first come in sight of young Dost's
+army, who, however, retired very quickly, though there was some talk of
+their holding out at this place, and we were pushed on rapidly in
+consequence. They shewed their sense in not holding out there, as it
+would not have taken us long to dislodge them. We halted here a day, and
+then marched on by very short and easy marches, halting every third or
+fourth day, and taking things very easy, although we were constantly
+annoyed by the Ghiljees, who murdered several of our camp followers, and
+tried to rob us whenever they could find an opportunity, until we were
+within five good marches of Ghuzni, when General Willshire received an
+order to push on by forced marches, and to make these five into three.
+After making two out of these three, (and precious long ones they were,)
+we found out that we were still upwards of twenty miles from Ghuzni,
+with the men so fatigued that it was nearly impossible for them to do
+it, and that we should therefore be obliged to make two of it. The
+event, however, proved the contrary; for, about seven o'clock in the
+evening, a dispatch came from General Willshire, and about eight, just
+as we were preparing to turn in, the orders were out to strike our
+tents, and march in an hour's time, and catch up Sir John Keane and the
+Shah, who were halted about nine miles in advance of us. Sir John was
+anxious to have the whole force concentrated before marching on Ghuzni.
+Nothing, however, was certain; and we were all in a high state of
+excitement, not knowing what to expect: this was the evening of the
+20th. We made quick work of this march, and reached Sir John Keane about
+half-past twelve. Here we heard that Sir John Keane was in expectation
+of a night attack. He had fallen in that morning with the advance of the
+enemy, who had, however, upon the appearance of the British force,
+retired upon Ghuzni. We bivouacked on our ground, after throwing out
+strong pickets, and marched again at 5 A.M., Sir John Keane, the
+Bengalees, and cavalry in advance, then the Shah, and then our small
+party. We, however, sent our artillery to join Sir John. About eight
+o'clock, when within about three miles of Ghuzni, we heard the first
+symptoms that the game of war was beginning: our batteries were firing
+on the place, and the garrison were returning it with good effect; it
+served as a sort of overture to the opera in which we knew we must soon
+be actors.
+
+In consequence of the great quantity of baggage, now the whole army was
+joined, we were halted for a couple of hours to protect it, and the
+whole of the cavalry was sent back for that purpose; and well it was
+that they were, as a part of the enemy's cavalry made a demonstration
+for attacking it, but withdrew on seeing ours. We were at length marched
+on, and took up our ground a little to the S.W. of the fort, but out of
+harm's way, when we heard a more definite account of what had been done.
+The advance of the Bengal column, H.M. 13th Light Infantry and the 16th
+Native Infantry, had some little work in driving the enemy out of the
+gardens and old buildings that surround the town. This, however, they
+accomplished with a trifling loss; our guns then opened on the place,
+but as they were light ones (the heaviest being still in the rear), with
+little effect. This desultory fire on both sides was, however, kept up
+for about three hours: little execution being done, and a few casualties
+having occurred among the artillery, Sir John Keane ordered the guns to
+be withdrawn. We had not been on our ground more than three hours when
+we were ordered once more on the march, and to march by a circuitous
+route across the mountains, in order to avoid the fire of the town, and
+take up our ground on the other side of it. We reached our new ground
+about nine, after a fatiguing march of seven miles, crossing the river,
+and, by an infernal path, through the hills. Here we bivouacked again
+for the night, as little of our baggage had arrived.
+
+The enemy took this move of ours as a defeat, and concluded that we had
+marched on to Cabool, despairing of taking their fort: the event proved
+how wofully they were mistaken! They wasted a good deal of powder in
+firing for joy, and young Dost sent a dispatch from the place to his
+father, apprizing him of the fact, and begging him to come down upon us
+immediately, while he would follow upon our rear. He also sent to a
+Ghiljee chieftain near us, telling him to collect as many followers and
+country people as he could to make an attack upon our baggage, as he had
+only to come down and take it. We sold this fellow a bargain, however,
+the next day. Well; the first thing we heard the next morning was from
+young Keane, and to this effect, that we were to rest for that day, and
+that the four European corps were to storm the place the next morning
+before daylight, as the state of the country was such that Sir John
+could not waste time in breaching it; and, moreover, it was doubtful
+whether, from the nature of the walls, it could be breached at all. We
+did not, however, learn the final dispositions till the evening.
+
+That day, the 22nd, I shall never forget; it was a very dismal one; much
+more so than the next. There was a nervous irritability and excitement
+about us the whole day; constantly looking at the place through
+spy-glasses, &c.; and then fellows began to make their wills, and tell
+each other what they wished to have done in case they fell; altogether
+it was not at all pleasant, and every one longed most heartily for the
+morrow, and to have it over. I felt as I used to do when I was a child,
+and knew I must take a black dose or have a tooth drawn the next
+morning. About twelve o'clock a great deal of firing took place on our
+left; this we soon ascertained to be the Ghiljee chief I have before
+mentioned, coming down with the amiable purpose of lootzing our camp. A
+part of the Shah's Afghan cavalry, a few guns of the Horse Artillery,
+and a squadron of Lancers, were ordered out, who soon sent them to the
+right-about. The chief, when he saw that it was not such an easy job as
+he expected, cut his stick the first, with his horsemen, about 2000,
+leaving the poor footpads, about 1000, to shift for themselves. They
+were terribly mauled, and a great number of prisoners taken, whose heads
+the Shah struck off immediately. Well; evening came at last! and then we
+heard the morning's news confirmed; that the Light Companies of the
+four corps were to form the storming party, that an Engineer officer,
+with some Sappers, each carrying a bag of gunpowder (in all 300lbs.),
+was to advance to the Cabool gate, and place it there, in order to blow
+it down; that immediately upon the gates falling we were to rush in and
+take possession of the town, &c. At the same time a false attack was to
+be made by the 16th Bengal Native Infantry on the Candahar gate, in
+order to divert the enemy's attention. Brigadier Sale, lieut.-colonel of
+the 13th, was to command the whole, and Col. Dennie, of the same corps,
+the storming party. Three regiments of Native Infantry were to be in
+reserve, under Sir Willoughby Cotton; and the cavalry were to be
+stationed so as best to intercept the flight of those who might manage
+to make their escape from the place. We were to be formed ready for the
+attack at two o'clock in the morning, close to a high pillar, about half
+a mile from the fort; we were to advance under cover of the Artillery,
+who were to fire over and clear the walls for us. I laid down in my
+cloak directly after mess, and, being dreadfully tired, never slept more
+soundly than I did the night before the storming of Ghuzni.
+
+At one o'clock we turned out; I took a cup of tea and a couple of ginger
+biscuits, and joined my company: in a quarter of an hour we were on our
+march to the pillar, where we were to be formed. Here we found Col. Sale
+and the Engineer officers, &c. Col. Sale called out the officers, and
+told them the plan of the attack, which was to be the same as mentioned
+before, except that the 13th Light Infantry were to line the ditch
+outside the town, and fire on the ramparts, while we advanced. The
+storming party, Queen's and Bengal European regiments, were, after
+entering the gate, to move along a street to the left, clearing the
+houses, &c., and on arriving at the end to mount the ramparts, and to
+return by them. Our object in doing this was to drive as many men as
+possible into the citadel, and having obtained this object, a signal was
+to be given, and the artillery were to fire shells into the citadel,
+which, particularly as their powder magazine was there, it was expected
+would soon make them cut and run. The 17th and 13th regiments being
+nearest, were then to rush up and take possession of the citadel, and
+the Native regiments, being in reserve, were to assist them. Col. Sale
+then said a few words of encouragement, and concluded by hoping "we
+should all have luck"--on the whole a very neat and appropriate speech.
+We then piled arms, and officers fell out. I never saw fellows more
+merry than most of us were while we were waiting there; in fact, if we
+had been going to the most delightful place in the world, we could not
+have appeared in better spirits; and this put me strongly in mind of a
+scene I had read in a book called "The Subaltern," where the feelings of
+the officers, waiting for an attack, are described as being just the
+same. At length, "bang" went a gun from our batteries. Col. Sale said,
+"Ah, there goes the signal; we had better be starting:" just as if one
+was to get ready to take a ride to Brixham or elsewhere. Well; we fell
+in, and in about a quarter of an hour off we went. The enemy returned
+the fire from our batteries in good style, and there was a regular row.
+They pointed their "Long Tom," a fifty-two pounder, towards us, and sent
+the shot over our heads and a little to our left. The ball made a
+terrific row rushing over us. Whilst we were marching down to the attack
+the fire on both sides was at its height. The noise was fearful, and the
+whole scene the grandest and, at the same time, the most awful I ever
+witnessed. I caught myself, once or twice, trying to make myself as
+small as I could. As we got nearer the gate it grew worse, and the
+enemy, from their loop-holes, began to pepper us with matchlocks and
+arrows. The scene now was splendid. The enemy, at the commencement of
+the firing, threw out blue lights in several places, which looked
+beautiful, and the flames of their and our artillery, together with the
+smaller flashes from the matchlock men, added to the roar of their big
+guns, the sharp cracking of the matchlocks, the whizzing of their cannon
+balls and ours, (the latter of which, by-the-bye, went much nearer our
+heads than the enemy's, as our artillery fired beautifully, and sent
+their shot close over our heads, on the ramparts,) the singing of the
+bullets, and the whizzing of their arrows, all combined, made up as
+pretty a little row as one would wish to hear. Add to this, that it was
+as dark as pitch, and you may judge of the effect. We made a rush over
+the bridge, which the enemy had not destroyed, and continuing it up a
+slight ascent, we found ourselves of a sudden close to the gate. Here
+there was a check. Although the gate was blown down, still the remains
+of it, and the barricade on the inside, rendered it a difficult place to
+get over, particularly as it wanted at least half an hour of daylight,
+and was perfectly dark. The two first sections were therefore a long
+time getting through, during which the two last, to which I belonged,
+were standing still outside, exposed to a cross fire from two round
+towers, which flanked the entrance. Our men, however, kept up such a
+smart fire upon every hole and opening that no man dared shew his nose,
+and their fire was therefore rendered harmless. At length we moved in,
+and found that, besides what I have mentioned above, there was a large
+hole in the roof of the portico over the gate, through which the enemy
+were pitching earth, beams of wood, stones, &c.; one of these beams
+knocked over my European servant, who was next to me, and dislocated his
+arm, and, taking me in the flank, made me bite the dust also; however, I
+had no further hurt than a slight bruise, and was up again immediately,
+as I heard one of the soldiers say, "Oh! there is poor Mr. Holdsworth:
+he's down!"
+
+On getting within the gate a few volleys cleared the opening of the
+street. Robinson, (our captain,) Col. Sale, with Kershaw and Wood of
+the 13th, Sale's staff, (the latter the man who knew Arthur at
+Canterbury,) were the first in. Poor Col. Sale got a cut in the mouth,
+and fell upon Kershaw, who went down with him; on rising, an Afghan was
+lifting his sword to cut down Sale when Kershaw seized the hilt of his
+sword, and ran his own into him. Robinson also got a terrible cut on the
+side of his head, which would have done his business for him if he had
+not had on a cap padded with cotton, which deadened the weight of the
+blow. All the companies of the storming party, however, got in well,
+except the last, the light company of the Bengal European regiment, and
+they had a desperate fight, the enemy having returned to the gate in
+great numbers, and twenty-seven men of the company were laid low in no
+time. After this every company that came in had a shindy at the gate;
+the fact was, that the enemy took every company for the last, and
+therefore made a desperate attempt to escape through it. Our company,
+with the advance, pushed through the town, clearing the tops of the
+houses. We only lost one man of our company; we thought he was done for
+at first, but he is still alive, and, I am glad to say, likely lo do
+well; he was shot right through the breastplate, and the ball went round
+his body and was taken out of his back; he is to wear the same
+breastplate in future. On coming to the end of the town we halted, and
+were agreeably surprised, shortly after, to see the British flag waving
+on the top of the citadel: the fact of the matter was, that the enemy
+never thought of retiring to the citadel at all, but endeavoured to make
+their escape directly they found we were inside the gates; the 17th and
+13th, therefore, quietly marched up and took possession of it.
+
+We now returned by the ramparts, taking a great number of prisoners, and
+on reaching the large street where the horses were, the scene was
+perfectly ridiculous; the horses were loose, and running and charging
+about in all directions, kicking, fighting, &c. On getting near the gate
+we entered by, the effects of our fight became more apparent, as dying
+and dead Afghans testified. There were eight lying at one particular
+spot, where a tumbril had blown up, and their bodies were still burning
+from the effects. I never saw finer men than some of these Afghans--they
+were perfect models. The plunder now began, though to little purpose, as
+prize agents were at the gates and made most of us refund. I managed,
+however, to get through a rather handsome spear, which I took from
+before the tent of one of the chiefs. If the carelessness of my servants
+will allow it I mean to keep it till we get back whenever that may be,
+and send it home by some trusty person, when perhaps you may think it
+worthy of a place among your curiosities at Brookhill. The 13th and
+17th, however, had the best of it in the citadel, which was also the
+palace, and where all young Dost's women were. I hear that the soldiers
+have possession of some very handsome articles which they boned there I
+believe. After this, young Dost, or, to give him his right name, Hyder
+Khan, was found in a large hole near the citadel, with about twenty
+followers; they had some work, however, in securing him. About this time
+I saw the Shah, with the diplomatic people, Sir J. Keane, and Sir W.
+Cotton, enter the fort and proceed to the citadel. The old Shah was
+mightily delighted, as well he might be, and expressed himself in
+raptures with the European soldiery. I was back again to breakfast at
+mess by eight o'clock. Several of our men were wounded by arrows. One
+soldier swore "that a fellow had shot his ramrod into him." Stisted had
+an arrow through the calf of his leg, but his wound is not considered of
+any importance.
+
+_July 30th_.--Sir J. Keane, with the greater part of the army, marched
+this morning for Cabool; ours (the Bombay division) march to-morrow.
+Although the greater part of the town was taken in the way I have
+described, still a party of about 100 men, under Dost Mahomed's
+standard-bearer, (a great man, of course,) held out till the next day,
+when they were all taken, and soon afterwards shot. They certainly must
+have been assisted by some Europeans, as their powder was made up in a
+very scientific manner, and their grape was exceedingly well put
+together. Young Dost cannot imagine how the gate was blown down; he
+thinks, I hear, that we shot two men inside the fort from a big gun, who
+opened the door for us. He was sleeping over it at the time; the
+explosion must have "astonished him a few, I guess." He says some of his
+father's best soldiers have fallen there; and one man in particular, a
+great chief, said to be the best swordsman between Cabool and Candahar.
+I have been in the fort since, and I am glad we took it in the dark, as
+it is not at all a nice looking place by daylight. The rooms in the
+citadel are very fine, particularly where the women were, the ceilings
+of which are inlaid with gold work. All our sick and wounded are to be
+left here: we only leave one officer behind, poor Young, who was shot
+through the thigh very near the groin.
+
+Reports have been very various since the fall of Ghuzni whether Dost
+himself will fight or not. It seems to be generally expected that we
+shall have another shindy before we get to Cabool, though a great number
+of chiefs have lately come in to the Shah, among the principal of whom
+is Hadjee Khan Kauker, the governor of Bamian, a man of great influence
+in the country, and a great intriguer, formerly a great friend of Dost
+Mahomed's. He came in to us about three hours after the place had
+fallen: he had been waiting on the top of a hill to see the result, and
+was prepared to join whichever side was victorious. I must tell you,
+also, that on the 21st, the day we marched upon Ghuzni, another son of
+Dost was waiting outside the town to attack us with about three thousand
+men; but on seeing the size of our army he thought better of it, and cut
+for Cabool as fast as he could; he was deserted on the way by most of
+his army, and reached Cabool with scarcely a follower: his father was
+exceedingly enraged, and is said to have put him in prison.
+
+_Sunday, 28th_.--The day before yesterday, Dost Mahomed's brother, a man
+who has always favoured the English, and advised Dost to have nothing to
+do with the Persians, &c., but who lives quite retired, and has very
+little to do with politics, came into our camp to endeavour to make
+terms for his brother; but, it is said, neither party was satisfied:
+they say that he was disgusted at our proposals, and replied, "that Dost
+would rather lose his life than accept them." Dost wants to be made the
+Shah's vizier; but that, of course, could not be allowed. How it will
+end no one knows: however, a few days will shew. We have had several
+deserters from Dost's army; they say he is encamped, and has thrown up
+strong entrenchments about three miles in front of Cabool. I should
+hardly, however, think that the people of Cabool will allow his doing
+so, as there are several rich people in it who would not like to see
+Ghuzni reacted at their own door. There would be lots of prize money for
+us. Talking of prize money, I am afraid there will not be very much,
+though the things that were taken sold remarkably well, as did also the
+horses, &c. I managed to buy, though for much beyond its value, a rather
+pretty coverlet for a bed, which was taken in the fort, which perhaps
+belonged to some of the young ladies of the harem; it is of shawl
+velvet, and said to be made in Cashmere. I intend to send it home with
+the spear, and give it to Kate; though what use she can put it to I
+hardly know, as I am sure it will not be large enough for her bed;
+still, when one considers whence it was taken, it may possess some
+little interest. Young Dost is left behind in the fort, which is to be
+strongly garrisoned, and where we leave all our sick and wounded.
+
+The climate of this place is delightful; it is about 6000 feet above the
+level of the sea; and although this is the hottest month in the year,
+still we do not find it at all unpleasant, living in tents: a delightful
+change from Candahar. There is the most beautiful clover here I ever
+saw, and lots of fruit.
+
+We have just received intelligence of Runjet Sing's death; he has been
+reported dead several times before; but they say this time it is really
+the case; if so, we are still only at the beginning of our work, as we
+shall most likely have something to do in the Punjab. The government, it
+is said, have guaranteed the succession of Runjet's son, who is little
+better than a natural idiot. The chiefs of the Sikhs, who are very
+warlike people, and have often licked the Afghans, say they will not
+consent to be ruled by such a person,--thereon hangs the matter. A large
+force has been gradually concentrating at Delhi, Meerut, Loodiana, and
+all the north-west stations in Bengal, ready to march into the Punjab in
+case of Runjet's death, which has been long expected; and we very likely
+shall make an advance by the line of the Cabool river to Peshawur, and
+Attock, on the Indus. It is rather late to begin a campaign after
+marching more than a thousand miles, and not meeting an enemy except
+robbers. If I ever do get home safe and sound after all this work, I
+shall consider myself very lucky.
+
+_July 31st_.--Here we are, our first day's march to Cabool. Reports
+still flying about as to whether Dost means to fight. I wore the pistols
+you gave me in London at the storming,--they are a capital pair! The
+post goes directly, so I must conclude, with best love to all, your very
+affectionate son,
+
+  T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S.--They say Shah Shooja will give us all medals when everything is
+settled; those for the officers to be a small gold one, with an
+impression of the Fort of Ghuzni; those for the soldiers to be silver,
+and the same pattern. If you look into the military papers when this
+reaches you, I dare say you will find further accounts of the business.
+
+     NOTE.--"It was arranged that an explosion party, consisting of
+     three officers of engineers (Capt. Peat, Lieuts. Durand and
+     M'Leod), three Serjeants and eighteen men of the sappers in
+     working dresses, carrying three hundred pounds of powder in
+     twelve sand bags, with a hose seventy-two feet long, should be
+     ready to move down to the gateway at break of day.
+
+     "So quickly was the operation performed, and so little was the
+     enemy aware of the nature of it, that not a man of the party
+     was hurt."--_From Memoranda of Capt. Thompson, R.E., Chief
+     Engineer, Army of Indus_.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER IX.
+
+MEMORANDUM.--I have lost this letter, which I regret the more, because
+it gave a very full account both, of Cabool and its environs, as well as
+of many interesting circumstances which took place during the time the
+Bombay division of the army remained there.
+
+As far as I remember its contents, it began with the march of the army
+from Ghuzni to Cabool, the desertion of the troops of Dost Mahomed, and
+his flight from the capital. It described his pursuit by a party of
+officers and cavalry, volunteers from the British army, commanded by
+Captain Outram, who accompanied Hadjee Khan Kauker, the principal chief
+of the country, with a body of 2000 Afghans, who had joined Shah Shooja
+at Ghuzni.
+
+It stated, that after a few days had expired, the party had nearly
+reached the fugitive, when Hadjee Khan refused to proceed, stating,
+amongst other excuses, that his men had dispersed to plunder, and that
+he had not any means of preventing it; and Captain Outram was obliged to
+proceed without him. It had been supposed by Shah Shooja, that Hadjee
+Khan had been so committed with Dost Mahomed that he might be safely
+trusted upon this occasion; but there is not the least doubt but that he
+was engaged in correspondence with him during the whole time, and that
+Dost Mahomed was thus enabled to effect his escape with his family,
+although Captain Outram with his party pursued him as far as Bamian. If
+Hadjee Khan had not acted in this most treacherous way, there could not
+be a doubt but that Dost Mahomed must have fallen into the hands of
+Captain Outram. Thus Hadjee Khan proved his double treachery; for which,
+on his return to Cabool, it was understood the Shah would have put him
+to death, but for the presence of the English, upon whose interference
+his sentence was changed to perpetual confinement in one of the state
+prisons.
+
+It described, also, the arrival of the eldest son of Shah Shooja, with
+the contingent from Runjet Sing; his meeting with his youngest brother
+on the road, near the city, who went out for that purpose upon an
+elephant, richly caparisoned, attended by a suitable cortège; his
+reception by the British army, and afterwards by his father, at the Bala
+Hissar, where my son mixed with the troops of the Shah, who filled the
+palace yard, and was thus enabled to witness the first interview, which
+was anything but that which might have been expected when the eldest son
+arrived at the palace to congratulate his father on his restoration to
+his throne. The King was seated alone in an open balcony, slightly
+raised above the court, where his officers of state were ranged on
+either side, on the ground. The Prince advanced through a line of troops
+and public officers, but did not raise his eyes from the ground. When he
+came near his father, he prostrated himself in submission to the King,
+who called to him "that he was welcome;" after which the son ascended to
+the balcony, where he again made a prostration, when his father raised
+him up, and seated him near him. The peculiarly careful conduct of the
+son on his approach appears to have arisen from a consciousness of his
+father's jealous and suspicious temper, and a fear lest even a smile
+interchanged with a friend at the court might be construed into hidden
+treachery. Soon after this, the chief persons of the court made their
+salutations to the King, to each of whom he said a few words, and the
+ceremony was ended.
+
+My son added, that he little expected when he was at the levee of his
+late Majesty King William, before he left England, that the next
+ceremony of the sort at which he should be present would be that of the
+King of Afghanistan, in Central Asia, a person with whose name and
+country he had not then the slightest acquaintance.
+
+The youngest son of Shah Shooja, whom I have mentioned, is described as
+a beautiful boy, under twelve years of age, ruddy and fair as an English
+child. He is a great favourite with his father at present, and usually
+accompanies the Shah wherever he goes. His childhood probably protects
+him from suspicion of treachery or intrigue.
+
+My son appeared to have mixed occasionally with the inhabitants of
+Cabool, and, through the introduction of the Persian interpreter, to
+have become personally acquainted with some of the leading persons of
+the city. They are described by him as being particularly affable and
+civil to the officers of our army, with, some of whom he paid a visit to
+a man of rank, at his country-house, and with whom they dined. Nothing
+could exceed the attention of their host. He shewed them his stud
+consisting of more than fifty horses, and every other thing that he
+possessed, (except his women,) and the hospitality and good fare was
+unbounded. Neither was the curiosity of these persons less in inquiring
+minutely into everything they saw when they visited the officers in the
+camp, than their desire to please in their own houses; and he appeared
+to have left the place with a most favourable impression of the upper
+ranks of the city.
+
+Of the city itself, its magnificent bazaar, filled with the richest
+manufactures of the East, its gardens abounding with the finest fruits
+in the world, and the fertile country that surrounds it, his
+description is the same as that which will be found much more at length
+in the Travels of Lieut. Burnes, in 1832.
+
+Cricket and horse-racing appeared to be the chief recreation of the army
+during the time it remained inactive; and the two divisions having
+fortunately come from different Presidencies, the same spirit of rivalry
+amongst the officers, in the sports of the camp, was as naturally
+excited at Cabool as in any of the counties or garrisons of their native
+land.
+
+The evening before they left their ground, two miles from Cabool, he was
+sent with a subaltern's party to search through all the worst parts of
+the city for men who were missing from the camp, but after spending many
+hours, he returned without finding any. They had been paid the day
+before, and had got away to the liquor-shops; but all turned up in the
+morning except one, whose body was found murdered, near the camp.
+
+  A.H. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER X.
+
+  Camp at Kotree, in Cutch Gundava,
+    December 8th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER--As I am now tolerably recovered and my wounds nearly
+healed, I take the first opportunity (as my arm is losing its stiffness)
+of writing to you, as I have no doubt you will be very anxious to hear
+how I am going on. I desired Stisted, the day after the taking of Kelat,
+to write, as I was myself then unable. I have no doubt but that he did
+so; yet I know you must have been anxious before you heard the final
+result; and I am now happy to inform you that I am getting rapidly well,
+and expect in a short time to be out of the "sick list." My wound was
+esteemed a rather ugly one at first; and I must consider it one of the
+most fortunate cases of Providence that the bullet took the direction it
+did, as had it swerved in the least degree it must have gone through my
+lungs, or downward through my liver; and in either case would most
+likely have done my business completely. As the man who fired at me was
+so very close, the ball went clear through, and so saved me from the
+unpleasant process of having it extracted by the doctor, &c. I had my
+right flank exposed to the man who pinked me, and so the ball passed
+through my right arm into my right side, and passing downwards to the
+rear, came out at my back, about an inch from the back-bone. Had it
+passed to the front instead of to the rear, I should have most assuredly
+left my bones at Kelat: as it was, from my coughing up a tolerable
+quantity of blood when I was first hit, the doctor imagined that my
+lungs had been affected, and for a couple of days, as I have since
+heard, was very doubtful as to my eventual recovery. However I may now,
+I believe, consider myself completely out of the wood.
+
+I find I have not written since the last day I was at Cabool; and I have
+had few opportunities of doing so, as we have been on the move ever
+since, and until we reached Kelat there was very little to write about.
+We broke ground and marched to the other side of Cabool on Monday, the
+16th of September, and halted on the 17th for a grand tomasha at the
+Bala Hissar, or Shah's Palace, being no less than the investiture of the
+order of the Doorannee Pearl, which was conferred by Shah Shooja on the
+big-wigs of the army. Sir John Keane, Sir Willoughby Cotton, and Mr.
+Macnaghten get the first order; generals of divisions and brigadiers,
+the second; and all field officers engaged at Ghuzni and heads of
+departments, the third; for the rest, all officers engaged at Ghuzni get
+a gold medal, and the soldiers a silver one: however, all this depends
+on the will and sanction of Queen Victoria.
+
+On Wednesday, the 18th, we took our final leave of Cabool and its
+beautiful environs, and reached Ghuzni on the 26th, where we halted two
+days, and then struck off in a new direction, straight across country to
+Quettah, by a new road, and very little known, leaving Candahar to our
+right, and thereby cutting off a considerable angle. Our object in doing
+this was, besides saving distance, to afford assistance, if required, to
+Captain Outram, who had preceded us by about a week, and was gone with
+some of the Shah's force into the Ghiljee country, and was employed in
+destroying the forts, &c., of some of the refractory Ghiljee chiefs. He
+captured one fort in which were found forty or fifty fellows who were
+identified as being the same men who had murdered so many camp followers
+and some of our officers during our march through the country. I saw
+them at Ghuzni, where they were under confinement, and about to be
+executed in a few days, as I was told. About eight marches from Ghuzni,
+Outram sent to General Willshire for assistance, as his force was not
+sufficient; he was then before the largest of these hill forts,
+belonging to one of the most influential and refractory of the chiefs,
+and who had given us a great deal of annoyance in our way up. A wing of
+the 19th Native Infantry, some Artillery, and the Light Companies were
+therefore sent to his assistance; but they made a miserable failure as
+the chief, putting himself at the head of about a hundred faithful
+followers, dashed through their pickets at night, and made his escape
+with all his valuables, and without losing a man. We marched at an easy
+pace, detaching a force now and then to take a fort, which was
+invariably found, deserted on our approach. Nevertheless, we had hard
+work of it, as our route lay through and over high and barren mountains
+with scarcely an inhabitant or village to be seen, and nothing to be got
+for our cattle. For three days my horse, and those of most of us, lived
+on bushes and rank grass that we found occasionally. We had to depend on
+our commissariat for everything; and they found it difficult to supply
+grain for the staff and field officers' horses, so, of course, ours were
+quite left out of the question. Guns, powder, and shot were in great
+requisition; and, luckily, hares and Khorassan partridges were tolerably
+abundant. At times, even our guides confessed themselves at fault, so
+difficult was it to make our way through such a country. However, one
+thing was greatly in our favour--we had a splendid, bracing climate the
+whole way, the nights and mornings being "_rayther_" too cold, the
+thermometer ranging at that time between 20 and 30 degrees. The poor
+Sepoys and camp-followers, however, suffered severely. We experienced
+scarcely the slightest annoyance from the inhabitants although we passed
+through the most disaffected part of the country--viz., the Ghiljee
+country, and latterly through the heart of the Kauker country, whose
+chief, Hadjee Khan Kauker, is a prisoner at Cabool, as I told you in my
+former letter.
+
+At length, on the 31st of October, we reached Quettah, where we were
+delighted to find a few Parsee merchants, who had come up from Bombay,
+and from whom we were enabled to get a few European comforts, in the
+shape of brandy, gin, wine, tea, pickles, &c., which we had long been
+without; even milk and butter were luxuries to us.
+
+General Willshire now ordered the 31st Bengal Native Infantry, which had
+been left here in our march up, together with H.M. 17th, and a small
+detail of Artillery, to proceed to Kelat, under Colonel Baumgardt, our
+Brigadier. The 31st were to garrison it; and the 17th were sent because
+Mehrab Khan, the Kelat chief, had declared that "he would not surrender
+to any but European troops, and see the Sepoys d--d first, if they came
+alone." However, no resistance was expected, as Mehrab had been offered
+very liberal terms, which he had apparently accepted. The rest of the
+force was to go down by the Bolan Pass, and wait at Bukkur, or somewhere
+in Upper Sinde, till joined by the 17th. However, the next day a new
+order came out, and the Queen's, together with a stronger detail of
+Artillery, were ordered to reinforce the detachment to Kelat.
+
+Well; we marched on the 5th of November; and the next day, after we had
+readied our ground, when we had just sat down to breakfast, great was
+our surprise to see General Willshire himself ride into camp with a few
+of his staff. All we could learn on the subject was, that on that
+morning, which was the day fixed for the rest of the division to begin
+their march down the Bolan Pass, and just as they were about to start,
+the General sent for his Adjutant and Quarter-master-general, and,
+taking them and his Aides with him, started for our camp. Things now
+looked a little more warlike; still we experienced no annoyance during
+the whole march; few of us but thought that on our approach Mehrab Khan
+would give in.
+
+We halted a day at Mostrong, which was about half way, and here General
+Willshire and the political agent communicated with the Khan, who
+replied, that "as to the terms, he was willing to meet General Willshire
+half way, with a small escort, and there talk them over; but that if we
+advanced against him with an army, he should shut his gates, and we
+should find him at the door of his citadel with his drawn sword." There
+was "no mistake about that 'ere," as Sam Weller would say. However, most
+of us thought it was merely bravado, as our progress was not molested
+at all; this, however, was afterwards accounted for by the Khan's having
+called in all his fighting-men to his standard.
+
+The last three days before arriving at Kelat we marched in order of
+battle, and had strong pickets at night, the whole force sleeping on
+their arms, and ready to fall in at a moment's notice.
+
+On the 12th we were within eight miles of the fort; and on our arriving
+on our ground a few horsemen were observed reconnoitring us, who fired
+on our advance, but retired leisurely on the approach of the column. By
+that hour the next day "Kelat was prize money." We strongly expected to
+be attacked that night, and were all ready for a shindy; the artillery
+loaded with grape, and port-fires lighted, &c. However, it passed over
+very quietly; but we had hardly marched a mile from our encampment the
+next morning, when, in an opening through the hill to our right, we
+observed a large cloud of dust, which we soon discovered to be raised by
+a strong body of horsemen. They were about a mile and a half from our
+flank, and kept moving on in a parallel line with our column. However,
+at a point where the road took a turn towards the hills they halted, at
+about 150 yards from the advance guard, and deliberately fired into them
+with their matchlocks, but at too great a distance to do much harm. One
+company from the advance was sent to dislodge them; upon which they
+moved quickly down towards the main body, and taking up a position at
+about the same distance from us as before from the advance, gave us the
+same salute as they had before treated those in front to. Their balls
+came whistling in upon us on all sides, and knocked up the dust like
+drops of rain, but no damage was done; they then galloped off. It was a
+great pity we had no more cavalry with us; only fifty Bengal, or
+Irregular Horse, and their cattle were so done up that they were
+perfectly useless. The enemy laughed at the advance companies that were
+now sent out to skirmish with them. The ground consisted of undulating
+hills, and rather rough, over which our skirmishers, encumbered as they
+were with knapsacks and other absurdities, "selon les regles," found it
+very difficult to move quickly, and the enemy, riding their sure-footed
+horses to the top of one of those hills, would fire down, and wheel
+round, and be under cover of the other side of the hill before our men
+could return the compliment effectually. If we had had a squadron of
+Dragoons with us, lightly equipped, the result would have been very
+different. But, unfortunately, the only time during nearly the whole
+campaign when cavalry would have been of important service to us we were
+without them. However, very little blood is ever shed in desultory
+affairs of this sort, and they only wounded about three or four of our
+men; and at one place, a party of them coming unexpectedly upon the
+reserve of the skirmishers, two sections opened a fire upon them,
+emptied a few saddles, and sent the rest flying. We with the main body
+had a very good view of the whole affair, and a very animating scene it
+was. Our road had hitherto lain through a valley, about four miles
+broad; but when within about three miles and a half from Kelat, it takes
+a sudden turn to the right, and leads, for the next mile and a half,
+through a narrow and straight pass, after penetrating which, and
+arriving at the debouche, the fortress of Kelat appeared before us,
+frowning defiance. The first sight of it had certainly a very pretty
+effect: the sun had just burst out, and was lighting the half-cultivated
+valley beneath us, interspersed with fields, gardens, ruinous mosques,
+houses, &c.; while Kelat, being under the lee of some high hills, was
+still in the shade; so that, while all around presented a smiling and
+inviting appearance, as if hailing our approach with gladness, the
+fortress above seemed to maintain a dark and gloomy reserve, in high
+contrast with the rest of the picture; nor was the effect diminished
+when a thin cloud of smoke was seen spouting forth and curling over its
+battlements, followed, in a short interval, by the report of a large
+gun, which came booming over the hills towards us. "Hurrah! they have
+fired the first shot," was the exclamation of some of us, "and Kelat is
+prize-money!" On looking more minutely at it, however, it had rather an
+ugly appearance, and seemed, at that distance, much more formidable than
+Ghuzni did at the first view. We could only see the citadel, which was
+much more commanding and difficult of access than that of Ghuzni. The
+outworks, however, as we afterwards found, were not half so strong;
+these were, however, hidden from our view by two hills, rather
+formidable in appearance, covering the approach to the fortress, on each
+of which a redoubt was erected, and which we could perceive covered with
+men. Beneath us in the valley the advance companies were seen pushing on
+to occupy the gardens and other inclosures, while nearer the fort we
+could observe the body of cavalry we had been before engaged with drawn
+up, as if waiting our approach, under cover of the redoubts on the
+hills. Half way down the road leading into the valley was our Artillery,
+consisting of four six-pounders, field-pieces belonging to the Shah, and
+two nine-inch howitzers, with our Horse Artillery. Here, also, was
+General Willshire and staff, who now ordered one of the guns to open on
+the horsemen, in order to cover the movements of the advance companies,
+who were driving the enemy's matchlock men before them out of the
+inclosures in good style. The first shot struck wide of them, the second
+kicked up a dust rather too close to be pleasant, and the third went
+slap in among them, knocking over a horse or two, when these gallant
+cavaliers cut their sticks, and we saw no more of them. We soon moved
+into the valley, and halted for a considerable time at the foot of the
+hill. We were here within three-quarters of a mile of the nearest
+redoubt, and about a mile and half from Kelat itself. General Willshire
+now made a reconnaissance, and the men from the different baggage guards
+came in and joined their respective regiments. After halting here about
+an hour, (the guns from the nearest redoubt every now and then pitching
+a shot rather close to us,) the brigade-major made his appearance with
+orders for the three regiments to form in quarter distance column of
+companies, to attack the two redoubts, each leaving one company with the
+colours to form the reserve. The 17th were to attack the nearest
+redoubt, and the 31st Bengal Native Infantry to turn its right, while we
+were to push on and carry the other, which was the nearest to the fort.
+At the same time, our artillery were brought into position, and covered
+our advance.
+
+The plot now began to thicken, and altogether the whole affair was the
+most exciting thing I ever experienced, and beat Ghuzni out of the pit.
+We moved steadily on, the guns from the redoubts blazing at us as fast
+as they could load them; but they were very inferior workmen, and only
+two shots struck near us, one knocking up the dust close to us, and
+bounding over our heads, and the other whizzing close over our leading
+company; however, they kept their ground till we arrived at the foot of
+the hills, when our artillery having unshipped one of their guns, and
+otherwise deranged their redoubts, they exploded their powder, and
+retired, some leisurely, but most in the greatest disorder. Here, again,
+we had occasion to regret having no cavalry, as a troop or two would
+have effectually cut off or dispersed them. On reaching the top of the
+hill which they had abandoned, we found ourselves within a quarter of a
+mile of the lower end of the town, with the Beloochees making the best
+of their way towards the gate, which was open to admit them. Captain
+Outram here rode up to us, and cried out, "On men, and take the gate
+before they can all get in." This acted like magic on the men. All order
+was lost, and we rushed madly down the hill on the flying enemy, more
+like hounds with the chase in view than disciplined soldiers. The
+consequence was, we were exposed to a most galling fire from the
+ramparts, by which several of our best men were put _hors de combat_;
+the fugitives were too quick for us, and suddenly the cry was raised by
+our leading men, "The gate is shut." All was now the greatest confusion,
+and shelter was sought for wherever it could be found. Unluckily a rush
+was made by the greatest part of the regiment to an old shell of a
+house, which could scarcely afford cover to twenty men, much less to the
+numbers who thronged into it, and who were so closely jammed that they
+could not move; and so the outside portion were exposed to the fire from
+the left bastion of the town, which completely out-flanked them, and
+from which the matchlock-men kept pouring in a cool and most destructive
+fire upon this dense mass with the utmost impunity; while a wide,
+broken-down doorway in the centre exposed them to a fire from another
+bastion in their front, if ever they shewed their nose for an instant to
+see how matters were going on, or to return their fire. Poor fellows!
+you may guess their situation was anything but pleasant. The
+consequences soon began to shew themselves--eight men and one officer
+(poor Gravatt) were shot dead, and several more were severely wounded,
+and had the artillery been less expeditious in knocking down the gate,
+the greatest part of them would have been annihilated. The other part of
+the regiment (myself among the rest) were more fortunate. Seeing so many
+rushing to one place, I made for another shelter, about twenty paces to
+the rear, which consisted of a long wall, about five feet high, and
+which afforded ample cover to us all. It was within seventy yards of the
+bastion that proved so fatal to the other party, and from which they
+kept up a pretty good fire upon us whenever we exposed ourselves.
+However, I was so excited that nothing would do but I must see the whole
+affair; this, however, was rather foolish, as every now and then they
+would direct their attention to us, and send in a volley, which would
+sing over us and knock up the dust and the old wall about us in good
+style. Simmons's horse (the Adjutant's) was foolishly brought down, and
+had not been a second there when it was shot slap through the hind-leg.
+The ground behind us was raised a little, so that the horse's leg was in
+a line with and nearly touching my head as I stood looking over the
+wall; on reaching the cover we found four or five poor fellows who had
+been wounded in the rush down the hill, and who had crawled in here as
+well as they could.
+
+I had an excellent view of the further proceedings from this place.
+Right above us on the redoubt, from which we had driven the enemy, our
+artillery had now established themselves, and were slapping away as hard
+as they could at the gate. I could see every shot as it struck: they
+made some very clever shots, sending the balls all about the gate, and
+sometimes knocking down a portion of the bastion over it, considerably
+deranging the operations of the matchlock-men who were in it; but still
+the old gate would not fall. In the mean time, the advance companies,
+which had been in quiet possession of the gardens, inclosures, &c.,
+since the beginning of the affair, were now ordered up to a wall about
+thirty yards in front of the doorway. They had to run over about three
+hundred yards of open country before they could get to it, exposed to a
+fire from the bastion over the door. I saw them make a splendid rush,
+but three poor fellows and a native water-bearer fell, whom I saw crawl
+under cover afterwards. All this time the artillery were banging away,
+but as they made so slight an impression on the gate, two guns of the
+Shah's were moved down the hill a little to our left, and within about
+one hundred and fifty yards of the gate. They fired two shots; the first
+made the old gate shake; the second was more fortunate, and took it
+about the middle, and brought it completely down. Our men gave a general
+hurrah; and Outram galloping down the hill at full speed, gave the word,
+"Forward;" and General Willshire came up to us at his best pace, waving
+his hat, "Forward, Queen's," he sung out, "or the 17th will be in before
+you." On we rushed again for the gate as hard as we could; the enemy
+treated us to one more volley, by which they did some execution, and
+Dickenson was wounded in his leg, and then abandoning the lower defences
+of the town, retreated to the citadel.
+
+However, on entering the gate, we found matters not so easy as we
+expected. The streets were very narrow and so intricate that they formed
+a perfect labyrinth, and it was very difficult to make any progress
+through them. The men, therefore, soon got scattered about and broken
+into small parties; and some, I am afraid, thought of loot, or plunder,
+more than of endeavouring to find their way to the citadel. I forgot to
+mention that during the time we were under cover, the 17th and 31st
+Native Infantry had moved round the hill and taken up a position on our
+right. These two regiments were ordered forward and into the town and at
+the same time and the same gate as we were. The whole force, therefore,
+entered the town nearly together. I followed with a party of our men,
+and we pushed along as well as we could through streets, by-ways, &c.
+This was rather nervous work, as we never could tell what we had to
+expect before us; there was no open enemy to be seen, but whenever we
+came to an opening exposed to the citadel, a few bullets invariably came
+whizzing in about us, and knocked over a man or two; moreover, having
+the recollection of Ghuzni fresh in our minds, we expected every moment
+a rush of some desperate fellows from the narrow holes we passed
+through. After groping my way through narrow passages and all sorts of
+agreeable places, I found myself in the exact spot I had started
+from--viz., the gate by which we had entered. Here a man of our Light
+Company came and told me that he had discovered a way to the citadel,
+and begged me to put myself at the head of a few men there collected. Of
+course I did so, and in a short time we found ourselves in a large
+courtyard, with stables, &c., full of horses and Beloochees; right under
+the windows of the citadel. These men cried out for "aman," or "mercy;"
+but the soldiers recollecting the treachery that had been practised at
+Ghuzni in a similar case were going to shoot the whole kit of them. Not
+liking to see this done, I stopped their fire, and endeavoured to make
+the Beloochees come out of their holes and give themselves up. I was
+standing at this time in the centre of the court, and had heard a few
+shots whizzing rather close over my head, when I suddenly received a
+shock, which made me think at the moment I was smashed to bits, by a
+ball from a ginjall, or native wall piece. I was knocked senseless to
+the ground, in which state I suppose I lay for a few minutes, and when I
+came to myself I found myself kicking away, and coughing up globules of
+clotted blood at a great pace. I thought at first I was as good as done
+for; however, on regaining a little strength, I looked around, and
+seeing none of our men in the place, and thinking it more than probable,
+from what I knew of their character, that the very men whom I had been
+endeavouring to save might take it into their heads to give me the
+"_coup de grace_" now I was left alone, I made a desperate effort, got
+on my legs, and managed to hobble out, when I soon found some of our
+men, who supported me until a dooly could be brought, into which I was
+placed, and was soon on my way to the doctor.
+
+You may imagine my feelings all this time to be anything but pleasant. I
+still continued coughing up blood, which was flowing also pretty freely
+from my side. The idea that you may probably have only a few hours
+longer to exist, with the many recollections that crowd into your mind
+at such a time, is anything but a delightful one; and the being so
+suddenly reduced from a state of vigorous activity to the sick, faintish
+feeling that came over me, by no means added to the _agremens_ of my
+situation.
+
+I well recollect being carried through the gate, where General Willshire
+with his staff and the officers who had been left with the reserve
+companies were, and who all pressed forward to see who the unfortunate
+fellow in the dooly was, when the low exclamation of "Poor Holdsworth!"
+and the mysterious and mournful shaking of heads which passed among
+them, by no means tended to enliven my spirits. I soon reached the place
+where the doctors, with their understrappers, were busily employed among
+the wounded, dying, and dead. I was immediately stripped and examined,
+and then, for the first time, heard that the ball had passed through and
+out of my body. I also now discovered that it had struck and gone
+through my arm as well. Being very anxious, I begged Hunter, the doctor,
+to let me know the worst. He shook his head, and told me "he thought it
+a rather dangerous case, principally from my having spit so much blood."
+He had not time, however, to waste many words with me, as he had plenty
+of others to attend. Dickenson, also, I found here; having been wounded,
+as I before told you. He did all he could to keep my spirits up, but, as
+you may suppose, I felt still very far from being comfortable. Nor were
+the various objects that met my eye of a consolatory nature: men lying,
+some dead, others at their last gasp, while the agonizing groans of
+those who were undergoing operations at the hands of the hospital
+assistants, added to the horror of the scene. I may now say that I have
+seen, on a small scale, every different feature of a fight.
+
+In the meantime, there had been sharp fighting in the citadel. Our men,
+after forcing their way through numerous dark passages, in sonic places
+so narrow and low that they were forced to crawl singly on their hands
+and knees, at length arrived there; but as there were a great number of
+approaches to this their last place of refuge, our men got broken up
+into small detached parties, and entered it at different places. One
+party reached the place where Mehrab Khan, at the head of the chiefs who
+had joined his standard, was sitting with his sword drawn, &c. The
+others seemed inclined to surrender themselves, and raised the cry of
+"Aman!" but the Khan, springing on his feel, cried, "Aman, nag!"
+equivalent to "Mercy be d--d," and blew his match; but all in vain, as
+he immediately received about three shots, which completely did his
+business; the one that gave him the "_coup de grace_," and which went
+through his breast, being fired by a man of our regiment, named Maxwell.
+So fell Mehrab Khan, having fulfilled his promise to General Willshire,
+and died game, with his sword in his hand, in his own citadel.
+
+Other parties, however, were not so fortunate, as each being too weak,
+the enemy generally offered a determined resistance, and several, after
+giving themselves up, finding the numbers to whom they had surrendered
+smaller than they had at first appeared, turned upon them suddenly; for
+which, however, they suffered in the long-run, as the soldiers, at
+last, maddened by this conduct, refused quarter, and fired at once into
+whatever party they met, without asking any questions.
+
+At length the few survivors, being driven to their last stronghold at
+the very top of the citadel, surrendered on condition of their lives
+being granted to them; when one loud and general "hurrah!" proclaimed
+around that Kelat was ours. The greatest part of the garrison had,
+however, before this managed to make their escape over the hills.
+Dickenson, while he was lying wounded by my side, saw quantities of them
+letting themselves down the walls of the citadel by means of ropes,
+shawls, &c.
+
+Dooly, the most faithful of his chiefs and followers, remained by Mehrab
+Khan to the last. These were all either taken prisoners or killed.
+Besides the Khan himself, the Dadur chief, who had been the cause of
+great annoyance to us in our way up, and the Governor of the Shawl
+district, were among the slain. The only two men of his council of any
+note among the survivors are at present prisoners in our camp, on their
+way to Bengal.
+
+Thus ended this short, but decisive affair, which I consider to be a
+much more gallant one than that of Ghuzni, both in regard to the numbers
+engaged on each side and the manner in which it was taken. We merely
+halted for an hour, and then went slap at it, as if it was merely a
+continuation of our morning's march. General Willshire was exceedingly
+pleased with the result, as well he might be, and issued a very
+complimentary address to the force engaged, the next day. I hope and
+conclude his fortune will be made by it.
+
+The loss on our side at Kelat was, in proportion, a great deal greater
+than at Ghuzni. We had altogether about 1100 bayonets engaged, and the
+loss was 140, being about one in seven; of this loss, the Queen's bear a
+proportion equal to that of the other two regiments together, having
+returned about seventy in the butcher's bill out of 280, which was the
+number we brought into the field, being about one in four. Out of
+thirteen officers, we had one killed, four severely, and one slightly,
+wounded; twenty-three men were killed, and forty-one wounded, of whom
+some have died since, and most will feel the effect of their wounds till
+their dying day, as the greatest portion are body wounds.
+
+With regard to prize-money, I have no doubt that had things been even
+tolerably well managed, there would have been plenty of it, but we did
+not stay there long enough to search the place thoroughly. I hear also
+that the other part of the force that went down by the Bolan Pass claim
+to share with us, which we do not allow; so that, perhaps, it may get
+into the lawyers' hands, and then good-bye to it altogether, I do not
+expect, under any circumstances, more than 100l. Some of the rooms of
+the citadel were very handsomely fitted up, particularly one in the old
+fellow's harem, which was one entire mirror, both sides and ceiling.
+
+We remained at Kelat till the 21st of November, and then marched by the
+Gundava Pass on this place. During the week that we remained there, my
+wounds continued doing very well, and I had very little fever; and on
+the third and fourth days after I was hit, the doctor considered me "all
+right." On the two first days of our march, however, I caught a low
+fever, which left me on the third, and I have continued to grow
+gradually better ever since. We found the Gundava a much longer and more
+difficult pass than that of the Bolan, and could get very little grain
+or supplies either for ourselves or our cattle. Our march was perfectly
+unmolested, as by that time the new Khan had arrived at Kelat, and most
+of the principal chiefs had acknowledged him. I do not know, however,
+what has become of Mehrab Khan's eldest son, a lad of fifteen years old,
+who was bringing up a reinforcement to his father in our rear, while we
+were marching on Kelat, but did not arrive in the neighbourhood until
+after the place was taken. He, however, threatened us with a night
+attack while we were lying in front of it, so that we were on the alert,
+every one sleeping on his arms during the whole time we were there.
+
+  "We laid not by our harness bright,
+   Neither by day nor yet by night."
+
+During the whole of this time the weather set in dreadfully cold, colder
+than I ever experienced it anywhere in my life; sharp frosts, &c.
+
+Well; to cut the matter short, yesterday, the 7th of December, we
+arrived at this place, which is the same that we halted at for a week in
+our march up. Here, at length, we are in the land of plenty, and enjoy
+such luxuries as fresh eggs, butter, milk, vegetables, &c., with a goût
+that those only can feel who have been so long without them as we have.
+We find the climate, however, very hot, and I am sorry to say that we
+are losing many fine fellows from the effect of the change. It is very
+painful to witness these poor fellows going off in this miserable
+manner, after surviving the chances of fire and steel, and all the
+harassing duties they have had to perform during the campaign, now when
+they have arrived at nearly the very end of it.
+
+_Larkhanu, Dec. 24th_.--I have delayed sending this till our arrival
+here, as the communication between this and Bombay is perfectly open,
+which might not have been the case at Kotra. We have been here about a
+week, and report says that we are to finish our marching here, and drop
+down the river to Curachee in boats. I hope this may prove the case, as
+I am sure we have had marching enough for one campaign. Another report,
+however, says, that there is a kick-up in the Punjab, and that we shall
+be detained in this country in consequence; but I do not think it
+likely.
+
+That part of our force which was not employed at Kelat went down by the
+Bolan Pass, and have suffered considerably from cholera, which luckily
+we have as yet escaped. The men that we have lost since our arrival in
+this low country have all died from complaints of the lungs, from which
+they were perfectly free in the cold country above the hills. Since
+writing the former part of this letter, I have received a letter from
+Kate, dated September 10th, which I will answer as soon I have finished
+this letter to you.
+
+_December 25th, Christmas day_.--I hope to spend this evening more
+comfortably than I did last year, when I was on out-lying picket, the
+night before we commenced our first march. Now, I trust, we have
+finished our last. We have luckily met all our mess supplies here, which
+have been waiting for us about six months, having never managed to get
+further than Bukkur. So now it is a regular case of--
+
+  "Who so merry as we in camp?
+     Danger over,
+     Live in clover," &c.
+
+I have just heard that the order is out for our marching the day after
+to-morrow to the banks of the river, there to remain till the boats are
+ready. Now the campaign is so near its close, I feel very glad that I
+have been on it, as it is a thing that a man does not see every day of
+his life in these times; and I consider it to be more lucky than
+otherwise that I have four holes in my body as a remembrance of it; but
+I cannot say that I relish a longer sojourn in India, unless we have the
+luck to be sent to China, which I should like very much, (fancy sacking
+Pekin, and kicking the Celestial Emperor from his throne,) as I do not
+think the climate has done me any good, but on the contrary.
+
+I do not know whether these wounds of mine will give me any claim;--and,
+talking about that, I would wish you to inquire whether or not I am
+entitled to any gratuity for them. I hear that officers returned
+"wounded" on the list in the Peninsular Campaign, no matter how slight
+the wound might have been, received a gratuity of one year's pay as a
+compensation; and this, I think, was called "blood-money." I do not know
+how far this may be the case at present, but I do not think that 120l.
+ought to be lost sight of for want of a little inquiry.
+
+By-the-bye, I had nearly forgotten to say that I have received two
+letters from Eliza, which I will answer as soon as possible; but I do
+not think it safe to keep this open any longer, as I may lose the mail
+to Bombay; so must conclude, with best love to all at home,
+
+  Your very affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XI.
+
+
+  Camp Larkanu, Dec. 26th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR ELIZA,--I finished and sent off a letter to my father yesterday,
+giving an account of the storming of Kelat, and the wounds I received in
+the skrimmage, and telling him of everything that had happened since I
+wrote before, which was the day we left Cabool. You can see his letter,
+which gives a pretty full account of all our proceedings up to the
+present time.
+
+I have now to make many apologies for not having answered your two
+letters, one dated May 29th, giving an account of Kate's wedding, and
+the other, dated the 29th of July, from Bristol, and likewise for having
+forgotten to thank you for the money you were kind enough to send out
+with my father's, last year. I can assure you never came money more
+acceptable, as no one can imagine what expenses we have unavoidably been
+obliged to incur in this campaign, which I suppose has cost officers
+more than any other campaign that ever was undertaken. I think there are
+few of us who have come off under 100l. besides our pay; and yet this
+was merely for the common necessaries of life,--just sufficient to keep
+body and soul together. I can assure you I feel very much obliged for
+your present, as also for the two letters which I received while on the
+march. I have often thought of Brookhill during the many dreary marches
+that we have made, and on the solitary out-lying pickets, with no one to
+speak to, and deplored my unlucky fate, in being obliged to leave home
+just as you seem to be comfortably settled there. Still I have hope that
+I may yet return, some day or other.
+
+I can now give you more definite intelligence with regard to our
+movements than I did in my father's letter; since sending off which
+orders have come out, and the campaign, as far as our regiment is
+concerned, is decidedly brought to a close. H.M. 17th, with Gen.
+Willshire, Baumgardt, and Head-quarter Staff, marched this morning for
+Bukkur, where they are to remain for four or five months, so report
+says, and longer than that I suppose, if their services are required.
+The Queen's, and the 4th Light Dragoons, are to return to Bombay as soon
+as the necessary arrangements for their transportation thither &c. are
+completed. We march from this to-morrow for the banks of the river,
+about twelve miles, and shall probably remain there for three weeks or
+so, until the shipping is got ready in Bombay, when we shall drop down
+the Indus in boats, and embark from Curachee for the Presidencies: would
+it were for England. Most of our married officers have obtained leave to
+precede the regiment, and are off in a day or two.
+
+I hope to see Lieutenant-Colonel Fane when we arrive at Bombay. His
+father, Sir H. Fane, has publicly and officially resigned the
+commander-in-chief-ship in favour of Sir Jasper Nicolls. Sir Henry has
+been dangerously unwell at Bombay; but report says he is now getting
+better. He intends sailing as soon as possible, I believe, and so will
+most likely be gone before we arrive there. Sir J. Keane has also
+resigned, and is to be succeded by Sir Thomas M'Mahon. It is not quite
+certain that we shall go to Bombay, as some say that we shall land at
+Cambay, and go up to Deesa, and others that we shall return to Belgaum.
+Last night we received Bombay papers, giving an account of the taking of
+Kelat. They have buttered us up pretty well, and seem to think it a much
+more gallant affair than that of Ghuzni--in this last particular they
+are only doing us justice.
+
+_Dec. 30th, Camp, Taggur Bundur; Banks of the Indus_.--We arrived here
+the day before yesterday, and are likely to remain, I believe, a
+fortnight or so. We muster rather small, as most of the married officers
+are off to-day and yesterday. As to my wounds, I have only one hole
+still open--namely, the one through which the bullet took its final
+departure, and that, I think, will be closed in a day or two. I am
+sorry to say that since arriving here I have caught a "cruel cold," from
+which I am suffering severely at present.
+
+By-the-bye, there are a few incidents connected with the taking of Kelat
+which I forgot to mention in my letter to my father. Mehrab Khan, the
+chief of Kelat, managed to send away all his harem and family on the
+morning of the fight, directly we were seen approaching, but his other
+chiefs were not so fortunate, and the greater part of them deliberately
+cut the throats of all the females belonging to their establishments,
+including wives, mothers, and daughters, as soon as we established
+ourselves within the town, rather than suffer them to fall into the
+hands of us infidels. I forgot, I think, also, to mention that I managed
+to procure rather a handsome Koran, which was found in the citadel, and
+also an excellent Damascus blade, both of which I intend giving to my
+father, and a few articles of native costume, which would go far to make
+up a neat fancy dress, but it is not quite complete. A great number of
+handsome articles were stolen by the camp followers and other rascals,
+worse luck for us poor wounded officers, who could not help ourselves.
+We were rather surprised at finding some excellent European articles in
+the shape of double-barrelled guns, pistols, beautiful French musical
+boxes, prints, looking-glasses, and pier-glasses, &c., in the rooms of
+the citadel. Where Mehrab Khan could have picked them up I cannot
+think, unless they were the result of some successful foray on some
+unfortunate caravan.
+
+The day after the fight, Captain Outram, of whom I have so often spoken
+in my letters to my father, volunteered to take the dispatches to
+Bombay, and started for that purpose straight across country to Someanee
+Bay, on the sea-coast, a distance of 350 miles, and across the barren
+mountains that compose the greatest part of Beloochistan. This route had
+up to that time never been traversed by any European, except Pottinger,
+who passed through all these countries twenty years ago, disguised as a
+native. It was attempted last year by Captain Harris, of the Bombay
+Engineers, author of the "African Excursions," a very enterprising
+officer, and who landed at Someanee Bay for that purpose; but after
+getting about twenty miles into the interior, reported the route as
+impracticable. When this is taken into consideration, with the great
+chance there was of Captain Outram's falling into the hands of the many
+straggling fugitives from Kelat, and the well-known character of these
+_gentlemen_, now smarting under the painful feeling of being driven from
+their homes, &c., it must be confessed that it required no little pluck
+to undertake it. The plan proved, however, perfectly successful. He
+travelled in the disguise of an Afghan Peer or holy man, under the
+guidance of two Afghan Seyds, a race of men much looked up to and
+respected in all Mahomedan countries, on account of their obtaining,
+[whether true or not, I know not] a pure descent from the Prophet.
+Outram and his party fell in with several bands of fugitives, and
+actually came up and were obliged to travel a day or two with the harem
+and escort of Mehrab Khan's brother. As there was a chance of Outram's
+being discovered by this party, the Seyd introduced him in the character
+of a Peer, which holy disguise he had to support during the whole
+journey; and after some extraordinary escapes he arrived at Someanee Bay
+in seven or eight days.
+
+Our sick and wounded have been left behind at Kelat, under the charge of
+an officer of the 17th, since which things have gone on very smoothly
+there. The new Khan has been very accommodating, and has given fêtes,
+&c., to the officers left behind, in honour of our gallantry. He has
+also written to General Willshire to say that he intends giving us all a
+medal each, whether we are allowed to wear it or not, as he does not see
+why, if the Shah did it for Ghuzni, he might not do it also for Kelat.
+Lord Auckland has published an order that all regiments belonging to the
+Company that went beyond the Bolan Pass shall wear Afghanistan on their
+colours and appointments, and all engaged at Ghuzni that name also; and
+has written to the Queen for permission for Queen's regiments employed
+in like manner to bear the same. I suppose we shall get Kelat in
+addition.
+
+There is one other point which, in my hurry to get my letter off in
+time for the January mail, I totally forgot to mention--viz., about
+drawing some money on my father. I have before mentioned the great
+expense we have been put to in this campaign; in addition to this, when
+we were ordered from Quettah to take Kelat, we were also under orders to
+return to Quettah after having taken the place. A sergeant was therefore
+left behind at Quettah to take charge of whatever effects any person
+might leave, and officers were strongly advised to leave the greater
+part of their kit at this place. I, as well as most of my brother
+officers, was foolish enough to follow this advice, and brought only a
+bundle of linen; consequently now I am almost minus everything;
+dress-coat, appointments, are all left behind, as General Willshire,
+after the taking of Kelat, instead of returning to Quettah, proceeded
+into Cutch Gundava by the Gundava Pass. Nothing has been since heard of
+what we have left behind, except that the sergeant could not get camels
+or carriage sufficient to bring them down. Moreover, it is unsafe to go
+through the Bolan Pass without a tolerably strong escort; so, taking all
+things into consideration, I do not think there is much chance of our
+ever seeing anything of them again. The consequences will be, that, on
+our arrival at Bombay, I shall be obliged to get an entire new fit out,
+and as the campaign has drained me dry, I shall be obliged to draw upon
+my father for it; however, I will repay him by the end of the year, as
+by that time the Company will have given us half a year's full batta,
+which they intend doing as a sort of indemnification for the losses we
+have sustained on the campaign; my batta will be about 72l.
+
+I do not think I have any more to say, and as the January overland sails
+on the 25th, I hope this letter will reach Bombay in time to go by it,
+as well as my father's. By-the-bye, how is old Nelly? If she has any
+good pups, I wish you would manage to keep one for me, as I expect the
+old girl will be either dead or very old by the time I return. I am
+longing to get out of the "Sick-list," as the thickets here near the
+river are full of partridges and hares, and the climate, at this time of
+the year, is very cool and pleasant. My rheumatism is much better since
+I was wounded; but I still have it in my left arm. Well, no more; but
+wishing you, and all, a happy new year.
+
+  Believe me ever your very affectionate brother,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XII.
+
+  Camp, Curachee, Feb. 14th, 1840.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--You will see, by my date, that our share of the
+campaign is ended; in fact, we are only waiting here for shipping, which
+is on its way from Bombay, to take us from this place to Mandavie, in
+Cutch, where we land, and then march immediately to Deesa, in Guzerat;
+so that, after all our toilsome marches, &c., we have yet another, still
+more toilsome, before us of 240 miles. The climate of Cutch and Guzerat
+during the period of year that we shall be occupied in marching is so
+hot that no changes of station are ever made even by native corps, and
+Europeans are never allowed to march in Guzerat except during the cold
+months. It is sharp work on our poor men; many of whom appear very unfit
+for it; but they are now so accustomed to hard work, that they will get
+well through it I have little doubt.
+
+We left Tuggur Bandur, from which place I wrote to Eliza and Kate, on
+the 13th of January, and drifted quietly down the river in boats,
+pulling up and coming to an anchor every evening at sunset. We reached
+Tatta Bundur, about five miles from the town, on the 21st, and after
+staying there a few days, started again for this place, which we reached
+in five marches, on the 31st. We were immediately most hospitably
+entertained by the officers of H.M. 40th, which is an excellent
+regiment. Here we have been ever since, living on the fat of the land,
+and enjoying ourselves very much, after all our toils. This is now a
+rather considerable station: one Queen's and one Company's regiment, and
+detail of foot artillery, and plenty of European supplies brought by the
+Bombay merchants. It is a very decent climate; and would make a very
+good station. I wish they would leave us here in place of sending us to
+Deesa, at this time of the year. Sir John Keane, General Willshire, and
+the Bombay staff are expected here in a day or two. Sir John is bringing
+down with him Hyder Khan, Dost Mahomed's son, who commanded at Ghuzni
+when it was taken. He is to be brought to Bombay, and as he is of a very
+quiet, amiable disposition, will, so report says, be eventually allowed
+to join his father. Poor Dost, they say, is in a very bad way, deserted
+by nearly all his followers; but there still seems to be mischief
+brewing in the north-west. All accounts say that Bokhara is very much
+inclined to the Russian interest, and Shah Kamran's vizier at Herat has
+been carrying on a correspondence with the Persians, the object of which
+is said to be the delivery of Herat into their hands. The Punjab is also
+in a very unsettled state; so there are plenty of materials for getting
+up another row in these countries before long. War is most positively
+said to be decided on with China, and seven regiments, to be followed by
+a reserve of equal number, together with a considerable naval force, are
+to be sent there as soon as possible. Lord Auckland, we are told, has
+had _carte blanche_ from the Home government to act as he thinks fit
+with regard to China, and that he has determined upon a hostile movement
+as soon as this campaign is regularly finished, which it may be said to
+be; so there will be glorious fun there. It is not yet known here what
+regiments will go. I am afraid there is little chance for the Queen's.
+
+The 4th Light Dragoons have arrived here, having come down by land; they
+are to return to their old quarters at Kickee, near Poonah. The 17th may
+also be expected in a few days; they are to occupy our old quarters at
+Belgaum. The 18th (Royal Irish) have come on from Ceylon, and are to go
+to Poonah; and the 6th go home (to England) as soon as possible. This is
+understood to be the destination of each regiment, but this affair with
+China may cause an alteration.
+
+I am very sorry to mention the unfortunate death of poor little Halkett,
+one of my best friends, and the son of General Halkett, of Hanover, who
+was so very civil to me while I was there, and nephew of Sir Colin
+Halkett.
+
+Since we have been here, I have received your letter, dated November
+2nd, by which it appears that you had just then heard of the taking of
+Ghuzni. You mentioned, also, in it that you had received my letter from
+Candahar, which I am very glad to hear, as I was very much afraid, from
+the state of the country, that it would never reach its destination. As
+you mention nothing about it, I suppose you had not received the letter
+I wrote from Ghuzni almost immediately after the capture. I know many
+letters were lost about that time, and mine, I am afraid, among the
+number. There is a report here (but I think, too good to be true) that
+all officers with the advance, or storming, party at Ghuzni, consisting
+of the light companies of the European regiments, were to get brevet
+rank. In that case, as the company to which I belong--viz, the
+Light--was one of the number, and, in fact, headed the assault, Capt
+Holdsworth would be my future rank. Tell Eliza that I got her letter
+which was enclosed in yours, and was very much surprised at its
+contents.
+
+I do not know what to say about Deesa as station, reports are so various
+on the subject. The heat, I believe is awful in the hot weather the
+thermometer rising to 120 in the houses; and the worst part of the
+business is, that this heat, which is occasioned by the hot winds, lasts
+all night through; so that the night is nearly as hot as the day. At
+other times of the year, I believe, the climate is very pleasant. The
+40th give a very good account of it. There is a great quantity of game
+there, and some of the best hog-hunting in India. Mount Aboo, called the
+Parnassus of India, is within fifty miles of it, and is a great place of
+resort during the hot weather.
+
+Should this expedition to China take place, which seems decided upon at
+present, what an immense power the English will eventually have in the
+East. In a few years, I have no doubt it may extend from Herat to the
+most eastern parts of China, including all the islands in the adjacent
+seas. Like the Romans, England seems to be extending her dominion
+everywhere--"super et Garamantes et Indos, proferet imperium," and yet
+what a row she kicks up about Russia. The French papers seem to be
+rather jealous about Ghuzni. How the English papers butter it up! and
+yet it was not half so brilliant an affair as Kelat, nor so hardly
+contested; but very little is said about the latter.
+
+Enclosed, I send you a view of the north front of Kelat, shewing the
+gate by which we entered. It gives you a pretty good idea of the place,
+and was drawn by Lieutenant Creed, of the Engineers.
+
+I went yesterday to see a tank, about seven miles from this place, in
+which are a great quantity of alligators, half tame. The tank in which
+they are belongs to a Mahomedan temple, which is considered a very holy
+one, and much resorted to, and these animals are kept there by the
+priests of the establishment, in order to induce a greater number of
+visitors. A calf was killed and thrown in among the scaly gentlemen, who
+very soon demolished it. I never saw anything so loathesome and
+repulsive as these monsters.
+
+This letter goes by the "Hannah" packet, which sails this evening for
+Bombay, and will, I hope, reach that place in time to go by the
+"overland packet." I suppose you know that this is classic ground, and
+the place from which Nearchus, Alexander's admiral, started on his
+return to the Euphrates. I have no time for more. So, with love to all
+at home,
+
+  Believe me your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XIII.
+
+  Deesa, April 21st, 1840.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I received your letter, dated January 18th, about the
+beginning of this month, while on our march from Mandavie to this place.
+I see by the papers that the news of the taking of Kelat had readied
+England, as I find my name mentioned in the "Western Luminary," which
+came out in this overland. I wrote you last from Curachee, about the
+beginning or middle of February. We stayed there till the 20th. A few
+days before we left, Lord Keane and suite arrived, bringing with him
+Hyder Khan, the captured chief of Ghuzni. While there, Lord Keane
+presented new colours to the 40th regiment, which we had an opportunity
+of witnessing. He and all his party have since gone home.
+
+On the 20th, I, with my company under my command, embarked for Mandavie,
+in Cutch, where we arrived in two days, in Patamars, and waited till the
+whole regiment came down, which they did by companies, so that it was
+the 10th of March before we were able to start for this place.
+
+We arrived here on the 4th of this month, pushing on as fast as we
+could, as the commanding officer was anxious to get the men under cover,
+on account of the great heat. There was excellent shooting the whole way
+up; and if it had been the cold season, I should have enjoyed the march
+amazingly; but it was too hot to venture out. On arrival here we found
+about three hundred recruits, who had arrived since we went on service,
+and about fifty of the men we left behind us; also seven new officers.
+As I have a company under my command I have scarcely had a moment to
+myself since I have been here; what with fitting and getting the
+recruits in order, and new clothing the old hands, you have no
+conception what tedious work it is getting into quarters.
+
+I have bought a very comfortable little bungalo for four hundred rupees.
+We were promised our full batta on our arrival here; but, although the
+Bengalees, it is said, received theirs some time ago, yet there is a
+screw loose, I fear, somewhere in the Bombay, and that it may be some
+time before we get ours, and that it will not be as much as the
+Bengalees: so much for being in an inferior Presidency. This is a great
+disappointment, after our losses on the campaign.
+
+With regard to this place, I have not been long enough in it to form an
+opinion. Its appearance is decidedly against it, the soil being nothing
+but a barren sandy desert, with the low hills of the Aravulles to the
+eastward, running north to the mountain Aboo, the Parnassus of
+Hindostan. The last week has been oppressive, and hot in the extreme;
+and this is but the commencement of the hot weather, which I am told
+will last about six weeks longer, when a very slight monsoon comes on,
+and lasts at intervals till the end of October, when the cold season
+commences, which is said to be very pleasant. There is a lot of game
+here of every description, including lions; and it is one of the best
+hog-hunting stations in India.
+
+Our men, to the surprise of everybody, were very healthy in the march
+up; and since they have been here, and not having their knapsacks to
+carry, knocked off their work in grand style. The men we have brought
+back with us are well-seasoned, hardy fellows, and I would back them to
+march against any soldiers in the world.
+
+I suppose you have long ere this received Stisted's letter and mine
+about Kelat. Colonel Arnold[A] died at Cabool whilst we were there, and
+was buried with a magnificent military funeral in the Armenian
+burial-ground.
+
+[Footnote A: Colonel Arnold was in the 10th Hussars at Waterloo, and
+shot through the body in the charge in which Major Howard, of that
+regiment, was killed.]
+
+I am sorry to say that, as I predicted, the spear which I took at the
+storming of Ghuzni has been broken to pieces through the carelessness of
+my servants. I have, however, the Koran and sword from Kelat; and I
+think I shall be able to get a matchlock taken at that place,--a very
+good specimen of the sort of thing I was wounded by; perhaps it may be
+the identical one. The sword I left in Cutch, in my way up from
+Mandavie, to be put to rights, as the workmen of that country are the
+best in India, I will try if I can get another weapon, as a remembrance
+of Ghuzni. I brought down from Cabool as far as Quettah a very good
+specimen of the Kyber knife, a very cut-throat sort of instrument, with
+which every Afghan is armed. I sent it down with my other things through
+the Bolan Pass, when we turned off to Kelat, and I am sorry to say it
+was stolen.
+
+You write about old ----: did I never mention him to you? He is here;
+but was not with us on the campaign, being too unwell when we started.
+Though not an old man, he is a very old soldier for an Indian, and is
+nearly worn out: he is anxious to get his discharge at the end of the
+year, when he will have served his twenty-one years, and be entitled to
+a decent pension. He is a very straight-forward, blunt, honest old
+fellow, and when he first joined was a very powerful man, and the best
+wrestler in the regiment, thereby proving his South Devon blood. He was
+----'s servant when I joined, and I was delighted at hearing the South
+Devon dialect again, which he speaks with so much truth and native
+elegance that you would imagine he had but just left his native village.
+There were a great many Devonshire men in the regiment; we lost one, a
+very fine young man in the Grenadiers, in coming down from Kelat to
+Cutch Gundava, by the same chest complaint that carried off so many: he
+was a native of Tiverton.
+
+Well; it is twelve o'clock, and I am afraid I shall be too late for the
+post; so good bye.
+
+  Your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+FALL OF GHUZNI, & ENTRANCE OF THE BRITISH ARMY INTO CABOOL.
+
+_(From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of August 29th,
+1839.)_
+
+
+SECRET DEPARTMENT.
+
+Bombay Castle, Aug 29th, 1839.
+
+The Honourable the Governor in Council has the highest satisfaction in
+republishing the following notification issued by the Right Honourable
+the Governor-General, announcing the capture by storm of the town and
+fortress of Ghuzni, as also the general order issued on the occasion by
+his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H.,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus. By order of the Honourable
+the Governor in Council,
+
+  L.R. REID, Acting Chief Secretary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOTIFICATION.--SECRET DEPARTMENT.
+
+Simla, August 18th, 1839.
+
+The Right Hon. the Governor-General of India has great gratification in
+publishing, for general information, a copy of a report this day
+received from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, announcing the capture, by
+storm, on the 23d ult., of the important fortress of Ghuzni.
+
+A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies. By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,
+
+  (Signed)  T.H. MADDOCK,
+    Officiating Secretary to the Government of
+    India, with the Governor-General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.
+
+MY LORD,--I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship that the
+army under my command have succeeded in performing one of the most
+brilliant acts it has ever been my lot to witness during my service of
+forty-five years in the four quarters of the globe, in the capture, by
+storm, of the strong and important fortress and citadel of Ghuzni
+yesterday.
+
+It is not only that the Afghan nation, and, I understand, Asia generally
+have looked upon it as impregnable; but it is in reality a place of
+great strength, both by nature and art, far more so than I had reason to
+suppose from any description that I had received of it, although some
+are from others in our own service who had seen it in their travels.
+
+I was surprised to find a high rampart in good repair, built on a
+scarped mound about thirty-five feet high, flanked by numerous towers,
+and surrounded by a fausse brayze and a wet ditch, whilst the height of
+the citadel covered the interior from the commanding fire of the hills
+from the north, rendering it nugatory. In addition to this, screen walls
+had been built before the gates, the ditch was filled with water, and
+unfordable, and an outwork built on the right bank of the river so as to
+command the bed of it.
+
+It is therefore the more honourable to the troops, and must appear to
+the enemy out of all calculation extraordinary, that a fortress and
+citadel to the strength of which, for the last thirty years, they had
+been adding something each year, and which had a garrison of 3500 Afghan
+soldiers, commanded by Prince Mahomed Hyder, the son of Dost Mahomed
+Khan, the ruler of the country, with a commanding number of guns, and
+abundance of ammunition, and other stores, provisions, &c., for regular
+siege, should have been taken by British science and British valour in
+less than two hours from the time the attack was made, and the whole,
+including the governor and garrison, should fall into our hands.
+
+My dispatch of the 20th instant, from Nanee, will have made known to
+your Lordship that the camps of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+of Major-General Willshire, with the Bombay troops, had there joined me
+in accordance with my desire, and the following morning we made our
+march of twelve miles to Ghuzni, the line of march being over a fine
+plain. The troops were disposed in a manner that would have enabled me
+at any moment, had we been attacked, as was probable, from the large
+bodies of troops moving on each side of us, to have placed them in
+position to receive the enemy. They did not, however, appear; but on our
+coming within range of the guns of the citadel and fortress of Ghuzni, a
+sharp cannonade was opened on our leading column, together with a heavy
+fire of musketry from behind garden walls, and temporary field-works
+thrown up, as well as the strong outwork I have already alluded to,
+which commanded the bed of the river from all but the outwork. The enemy
+were driven in under the walls of the fort in a spirited manner by
+parties thrown forward by Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, of the
+16th and 48th Bengal Native Infantry, and her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, under Brigadier Sale. I ordered forward three troops of horse
+artillery, the camel battery, and one foot battery, to open upon the
+citadel and fortress, by throwing shrapnel shells, which was done in a
+masterly style under the direction of Brigadier Stephenson. My object in
+this was to make the enemy shew their strength in guns, and in other
+respects, which completely succeeded, and our shells must have done
+great execution, and occasioned great consternation. Being perfectly
+satisfied on the point of their strength in the course of half an hour,
+I ordered the fire to cease, and placed the troops in bivouac. A close
+reconnoissance of the place all around was then undertaken by Captain
+Thomson, the chief engineer, and Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+accompanied by Major Garden, the Deputy Quartermaster-General of the
+Bombay army, supported by a strong party of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+and one from her Majesty's 18th Light Infantry. On this party a steady
+fire was kept up, and some casualties occurred. Captain Thomson's report
+was very clear, he found the fortifications equally strong all round;
+and, as my own opinion coincided with him, I did not hesitate a moment
+as to the manner in which our approach and attack upon the place should
+be made. Notwithstanding the march the troops had performed in the
+morning, and then having been a considerable time engaged with the
+enemy, I ordered the whole to move across the river (which runs close
+under the fort wall) in columns, to the right and left of the town, and
+they were placed in opposition on the north side on more commanding
+ground, and securing the Cabool road. I had information that a night
+attack upon the camp was intended from without. Mahomed Ubzul Khan, the
+eldest son of Dost Mahomed Khan, had been sent by his father with a
+strong body of troops from Cabool to the brother's assistance at Ghuzni,
+and was encamped outside the walls, but abandoned his position on our
+approach, keeping, however, at the distance of a few miles from us. The
+two rebel chiefs of the Ghiljee tribe, men of great influence--viz.,
+Abdool Rhuman and Gool Mahomed Khan, had joined him with 1500 horse, and
+also a body of about 3000 Ghazees from Zeimat, under a mixture of chiefs
+and mollahs, carrying banners, and who had been assembled on the cry of
+a religious war. In short, we were in all directions surrounded by
+enemies. These last actually came down the hills on the 22nd, and
+attacked the part of the camp occupied by his Majesty Shah Shooja and
+his own troops, but were driven back with considerable loss, and banners
+taken.
+
+At daylight on the 22nd I reconnoitered Ghuzni, in company with the
+chief engineer and the brigadier commanding the artillery, with the
+adjutant and quartermaster-general of the Bengal army, for the purpose
+of making all arrangements for carrying the place by storm, and these
+were completed in the course of the day. Instead of the tedious process
+of breaching, (for which we were ill prepared,) Captain Thomson
+undertook, with the assistance of Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+Lieutenants Durand and Macleod, of the Bengal Engineers, and other
+officers under him, (Captain Thomson,) to blow in the Cabool gate, the
+weakest point, with gunpowder; and so much faith did I place on the
+success of this operation that my plans for the assault were immediately
+laid down and the orders given.
+
+The different troops of horse artillery, the camel and foot batteries,
+moved off their ground at twelve o'clock that night, without the
+slightest noise, as had been directed, and in the most correct manner
+took up the position assigned them, about 250 yards from the walls. In
+like manner, and with the same silence, the infantry soon after moved
+from their ground, and all were at their post at the proper time. A few
+minutes before three o'clock in the morning the explosion took place,
+and proved completely successful. Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+was thrown down and stunned by it, but shortly after recovered his
+senses and feeling. On hearing the advance sounded by the bugle, (being
+the signal for the gate having been blown in,) the artillery, under the
+able directions of Brigadier Stevenson, consisting of Captain Grant's
+troop of Bengal Horse Artillery, the camel battery, under Captain
+Abbott, both superintended by Major Pew, Captains Martin and Cotgrave's
+troops of Bombay Horse Artillery, and Captain Lloyd's battery of Bombay
+Foot Artillery, all opened a terrific fire upon the citadel and ramparts
+of the fort, and, in a certain degree, paralysed the enemy.
+
+Under the guidance of Captain Thomson, of The Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of the department, Colonel Dennie of her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, commanding the advance, consisting of the light companies of
+her Majesty's 2nd and 17th regiments of Foot, and of the Bengal European
+regiment, with one company, of her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+proceeded to the gate, and with great difficulty, from the rubbish
+thrown down, and determined opposition offered by the enemy, effected an
+entrance, and established themselves within the gateway closely followed
+by the main column, led in a spirit of great gallantry by Brigadier
+Sale, to whom I had entrusted the important post of commanding the
+storming party, consisting (with the advance above-mentioned) of her
+Majesty's 2nd Foot, under Major Carruthers; the Bengal European
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, under Major Thomson; and her Majesty's 17th
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. The struggle within the fort
+was desperate for a considerable time. In addition to the heavy file
+kept up, our troops were assailed by the enemy sword in hand, and with
+daggers, pistols, &c.; but British courage, perseverance, and fortitude,
+overcame all opposition, and the fire of the enemy in the lower area of
+the fort being nearly silenced, Brigadier Sale turned towards the
+citadel, from which could now be seen men abandoning the guns, running
+in all directions, throwing themselves down from immense heights,
+endeavouring to make their escape; and on reaching the gate with her
+Majesty's 17th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, followed by the 13th,
+forced it open at five o'clock in the morning. The colours of her
+Majesty's 13th and 17th were planted on the citadel of Ghuzni amidst the
+cheers of all ranks. Instant protection was granted to the women found
+in the citadel, (among whom were those of Mahomed Hyder, the governor)
+and sentries placed over the magazine for its security. Brigadier Sale
+reports having received much assistance from Captain Kershaw, of her
+Majesty's 13th Light Infantry, throughout the whole of the service of
+the storming.
+
+Major General Sir Willoughby Cotton executed in a manner much to my
+satisfaction the orders he had received. The Major General followed
+closely the assaulting party into the fort with the reserve--namely,
+Brigadier Roberts, with the only available regiment of his brigade; the
+35th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; part of
+Brigadier Sale's brigade, the 16th Native Infantry, under Major
+Maclaren; and 48th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler;
+and they immediately occupied the ramparts, putting down opposition
+whenever they met any, and making prisoners, until the place was
+completely in our possession A desultory fire was kept up in the town
+long after the citadel was in our hands, from those who had taken
+shelter in houses, and in desperation kept firing on all that approached
+them. In this way several of our men were wounded, and some killed, but
+the aggressors paid dearly for their bad conduct in not surrendering
+when the place was completely ours. I must not omit to mention that
+three companies of the 35th Native Infantry, under Captain Hay, ordered
+to the south side of the fort to begin with a false attack, to attract
+attention on that side, performed that service at the proper time, and
+greatly to my satisfaction.
+
+As we were threatened with an attack for the relief of the garrison, I
+ordered the 19th Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant
+Colonel Stalker, to guard the Cabool road, and to be in support of the
+cavalry division. This might have proved an important position to
+occupy, but as it was, no enemy appeared.
+
+The cavalry division, under Major-General Thackwell, in addition to
+watching the approach of an enemy, had directions to surround Ghuzni,
+and to sweep the plain, preventing the escape of runaways from the
+garrison. Brigadier Arnold's brigade--the Brigadier himself, I deeply
+regret to say, was labouring under very severe illness, having shortly
+before burst a blood-vessel internally, which rendered it wholly
+impossible for him to mount a horse that day--consisting of her
+Majesty's 16th Lancers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Persse, temporarily
+commanding the brigade, and Major Mac Dowell, the junior major of the
+regiment, (the senior major of the 16th Lancers Major Cureton, an
+officer of great merit, being actively engaged in the execution of his
+duties as Assistant Adjutant-General to the cavalry division,) the 2nd
+Cavalry, under Major Salter, and the 3rd, under Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith, were ordered to watch the south and west sides. Brigadier Scott's
+brigade were placed on the Cabool road, consisting of her Majesty's 4th
+Light Dragoons, under Major Daly, and of the 1st Bombay Cavalry under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Sandwith, to watch the north and east sides: this
+duty was performed in a manner greatly to my satisfaction.
+
+After the storming, and that quiet was in some degree restored within, I
+conducted his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and the British Envoy and
+Minister, Mr. Macnaghten, round the citadel and a great part of the
+fortress. The king was perfectly astonished at our having made ourselves
+masters of a place conceited to be impregnable, when defended, in the
+short space of two hours, and in less than forty-eight hours after we
+came before it. His Majesty was, of course, greatly delighted at the
+result. When I afterwards, in the course of the day, took Mahomed Hyder
+Khan, the governor, first to the British Minister, and then to the King,
+to make his submission, I informed his Majesty that I had made a promise
+that his life should not be touched, and the King, in very handsome
+terms, assented, and informed Mahomed Hyder, in my presence, that
+although he and his family had been rebels, yet he was willing to forget
+and forgive all.
+
+Prince Mahomed Hyder, the Governor of Ghuzni, is a prisoner of war in my
+camp, and under the surveillance of Sir Alexander Burnes, an arrangement
+very agreeable to the former.
+
+From Major General Sir W. Cotton, commanding the 1st infantry division,
+(of the Bengal army,) I have invariably received the strongest support;
+and on this occasion his exertions were manifest in support of the
+honour of the profession and of our country.
+
+I have likewise, at all times, received able assistance from
+Major-General Willshire, commanding the 2nd infantry division, (of the
+Bombay army,) which it was found expedient on that day to break up, some
+for the storming party, and some for other duties. The Major-General, as
+directed, was in attendance upon myself.
+
+To Brigadier Sale I feel deeply indebted for the gallant and soldierlike
+manner in which he conducted the responsible and arduous duty entrusted
+to him in command of the storming party, and for the arrangements he
+made in the citadel immediately after taking possession of it. The sabre
+wound which he received in the face did not prevent his continuing to
+direct his column until everything was secure; and I am happy in the
+opportunity of bringing to your Lordship's notice the excellent conduct
+of Brigadier Sale on this occasion.
+
+Brigadier Stevenson, in command of the Artillery, was all I could wish;
+and he reports that Brigade-Majors Backhouse and Coghlan ably assisted
+him. His arrangements were good; and the execution done by the arm he
+commands, was such as cannot be forgotten by those of the enemy who have
+witnessed and survived it.
+
+To Brigadier Roberts, to Colonel Dennie, who commanded the advance, and
+to the different officers commanding regiments already mentioned, as
+well is to the other officers, and gallant soldiers under them, who so
+nobly maintained the honour and reputation of our country, my best
+acknowledgments are due.
+
+To Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the chief of the department
+with me, much of the credit of the success of this brilliant
+_coup-de-main_ is due. A place of the same strength, and by such simple
+means as this highly-talented and scientific officer recommended to be
+tried, has, perhaps, never before been taken; and I feel I cannot do
+sufficient justice to Captain Thomson's merits for his conduct
+throughout. In the execution he was ably supported by the officers
+already mentioned; and so eager were the other officers of the Engineers
+of both Presidencies for the honour of carrying the powder bags, that
+the point could only be decided by seniority, which shews the fine
+feeling by which they were animated.
+
+I must now inform your Lordship, that since I joined the Bengal column
+in the Valley of Shawl, I have continued my march with it in the
+advance; and it has been my good fortune to have had the assistance of
+two most efficient staff-officers in Major Craigie, Deputy
+Adjutant-General, and Major Garden, Deputy Quartermaster-General. It is
+but justice to those officers that I should state to your Lordship the
+high satisfaction I have derived from the manner in which all then
+duties have been performed up to this day, and that I look upon them as
+promising officers to fill the higher ranks. To the other officers of
+both departments I am also much indebted for the correct performance of
+all duties appertaining to their situations.
+
+To Major Keith, the Deputy Adjutant-General, and Major Campbell, the
+Deputy Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army, and to all the other
+officers of both departments under them, my acknowledgments are also
+due, for the manner in which their duties have been performed during
+this campaign.
+
+Captain Alexander, commanding the 4th Bengal Local Horse, and Major
+Cunningham, commanding the Poona Auxiliary Horse, with the men under
+their orders, have been of essential service to the army in this
+campaign.
+
+The arrangements made by Superintending-Surgeons Kennedy and Atkinson
+previous to the storming, for affording assistance and comfort to the
+wounded, met with my approval.
+
+Major Parsons, the Deputy Commissary-General, in charge of the
+department in the field, has been unremitting in his attention to keep
+the troops supplied, although much difficulty is experienced, and he is
+occasionally thwarted by the nature of the country and its inhabitants.
+
+I have throughout this service received the utmost assistance I could
+derive from Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonald, my officiating military
+secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-General of her Majesty's Forces, Bombay;
+from Captain Powell, my Persian interpreter, and the other officers of
+my personal staff. The nature of the country in which we are serving,
+prevents the possibility of my sending a single staff-officer to
+deliver this to your Lordship, otherwise I should have asked my
+aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Keane, to proceed to Simla, to deliver this
+despatch into your hands, and to have afforded any further information
+that your Lordship could have desired.
+
+The brilliant triumph we have obtained, the cool courage displayed, and
+the gallant bearing of the troops I have the honour to command, will
+have taught such a lesson to our enemies in the Afghan nation as will
+make them hereafter respect the name of a British soldier.
+
+Our loss is wonderfully small considering the occasion, the casualties
+in killed and wounded amount to about 200.
+
+The loss of the enemy is immense; we have already buried of their dead
+nearly 500, together with an immense number of horses.
+
+I enclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. I am happy to say
+that, although the wounds of some of the officers are severe, they are
+all doing well.
+
+It is my intention, after selecting a garrison for this place, and
+establishing a general hospital, to continue my march to Cabool
+forthwith--I have, &c.,
+
+  (Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General.
+
+No. 1.
+
+_List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, before Ghuzni, on the 21st of July_,
+1839:--
+
+2nd Troop Bengal Horse Artillery--3 horses wounded.
+
+3rd Troop Bombay--2 rank and file, 2 horses, wounded.
+
+4th Troop Bombay--1 horse killed.
+
+2nd Regiment Bengal Cavalry--1 horse killed, 1 rank and file wounded.
+
+4th Bengal Local Horse--1 rank and file and 1 horse missing.
+
+Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry--1 rank and file killed.
+
+16th Bengal Native Infantry--1 captain wounded.
+
+48th Bengal Native Infantry--1 lieutenant, and 2 rank and file wounded.
+
+Total killed--1 rank and file, and two horses.
+
+Total wounded--1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 5 rank and file, and 6 horses.
+
+Total missing--1 rank and file, and 1 horse.
+
+
+_Names of Officers wounded._
+
+Captain Graves, 16th Bengal Native Infantry, severely.
+
+Lieutenant Vanhomrigh, 48th Bengal Native Infantry, slightly.
+
+  (Signed)  R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
+    Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to
+    her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
+
+
+No. 2.
+
+
+_List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., in the assault and
+capture of the fortress and citadel of Ghuzni, on the 23rd of July,
+1839_:--
+
+General Staff--1 colonel, 1 major, wounded.
+
+3rd Troop Bombay Horse Artillery--1 rank and file wounded.
+
+4th Troop Bombay Horse Artillery--1 rank and file and 1 horse wounded.
+
+Bengal Engineers--3 rank and file killed, 2 rank and file wounded, 1
+rank and file missing.
+
+Bombay Engineers--1 lieutenant, 1 rank and file, wounded.
+
+2nd Bengal Light Cavalry--1 rank and file wounded.
+
+1st Bombay Light Cavalry--1 havildar killed, 5 rank and file and 7
+horses wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd Foot (or Queen's Royals)--4 rank and file killed; 2
+captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, and 26 rank and file wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry--1 rank and file killed; 3 sergeants
+and 27 rank and file wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Foot--6 rank and file wounded.
+
+Bengal European Regiment--1 rank and file killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel,
+1 major, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 sergeant, 51 rank and
+file wounded.
+
+16th Bengal N.I.--1 havildar, 6 rank and file, wounded.
+
+35th Bengal N.I.--5 rank and file killed; I havildar and 8 rank and file
+wounded.
+
+48th Bengal N.I.--2 havildars killed, 5 rank and file wounded.
+
+Total killed--3 sergeants or havildars, 14 rank and file.
+
+Total wounded--1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4 captains, 8
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 7 sergeants or havildars, 140 rank and file, 8
+horses.
+
+Total missing--1 rank and file.
+
+Grand total on the 21st and 23rd of July, killed, wounded, and
+missing--191 officers and men, and 16 horses.
+
+
+_Names of Officers killed wounded, and missing._
+
+General Staff--Brigadier Sale, her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+slightly; Major Parsons, Deputy Commissary-General, slightly.
+
+Bombay Engineers--Second Lieutenant Marriott, slightly.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd (or Queen's Royals)--Captain Raitt, slightly; Captain
+Robinson, severely; Lieutenant Yonge, severely; Lieut. Stisted,
+slightly; Adjutant Simmons, slightly; Quartermaster Hadley, slightly.
+
+Bengal European Regiment--Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, slightly; Major
+Warren, severely; Captains Hay and Taylor, slightly; Lieutenant
+Broadfoot, slightly; Lieutenant Haslewood, severely; Lieutenants Fagan
+and Magnay, slightly; Ensign Jacob, slightly.
+
+
+  (Signed)    R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
+    Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to
+    her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
+
+
+GENERAL ORDER,
+
+
+_By his Excellency Lieutenant-Gen. Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of
+the Army of the Indus._
+
+Head-Quarters, Camp, Ghuzni, July 23rd, 1839
+
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane most heartily congratulates the army
+he has the honour to command, on the signal triumph they have this day
+obtained in the capture by storm of the strong and important fortress of
+Ghuzni. His Excellency feels that he can hardly do justice to the
+gallantry of the troops.
+
+The scientific and successful manner in which the Cabool gate (of great
+strength) was blown up by Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of that department with this army, in which he reports having been
+most ably assisted by Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers, and
+Lieutenants Durand and MacLeod, of the Bengal Engineers, in the daring
+and dangerous enterprise of laying down powder in the face of the enemy,
+and the strong fire kept up on them, reflects the highest credit on
+their skill and cool courage, and his Excellency begs Captain Thomson
+and officers named will accept his cordial thanks. His acknowledgments
+are also due to the other officers of the Engineers of both
+Presidencies, and to the valuable corps of Sappers and Miners under
+them. This opening having been made, although it was a difficult one to
+enter by, from the rubbish in the way, the leading column, in a spirit
+of true gallantry, directed and led by Brigadier Sale, gained a footing
+inside the fortress, although opposed by the Afghan soldiers in very
+great strength, and in the most desperate manner, with every kind of
+weapon.
+
+The advance, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dennie, of her Majesty's 13th,
+consisting of the light companies of her Majesty's 2nd and 17th, and of
+the Bengal European Regiment, with one company of her Majesty's 13th;
+and the leading column, consisting of her Majesty's 2nd Queen's, under
+Major Carruthers, and the Bengal European Regiment, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, as they collected from the duty of skirmishing, which they
+were directed to begin with, and by her Majesty's 17th, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. To all these officers, and to the other
+officers and gallant soldiers under their orders, his Excellency's best
+thanks are tendered; but, in particular, he feels deeptly indebted to
+Brigadier Sale, for the manner in which he conducted the arduous duty
+entrusted to him in the command of the storming party. His Excellency
+will not fail to bring it to the notice of his Lordship the
+Governor-General, and he trusts the wound which Brigadier Sale has
+received is not of that severe nature long to deprive this army of his
+services. Brigadier Sale reports that Captain Kershaw, of her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, rendered important assistance to him and to the
+service in the storming.
+
+Sir John Keane was happy, on this proud occasion, to have the assistance
+of his old comrade, Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, who, in command
+of the reserve, ably executed the instructions he had received, and was
+at the gate ready to enter after the storming party had established
+themselves inside, when he moved through it to sweep the ramparts, and
+to complete the subjugation of the place with the 16th Bengal Native
+Infantry, under Major M'Laren; Brigadier Roberts, with the 35th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; and the 48th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler. His arrangements afterwards,
+in continuation of those Brigadier Sale had made for the security of the
+magazine and other public stores, were such as meet his Excellency's
+high approval.
+
+The Commander-in-Chief acknowledges the services rendered by Captain
+Hay, of the 35th Native Infantry, in command of three companies of that
+regiment sent to the south side of the fortress to begin with a false
+attack, and which was executed at the proper time, and in a manner
+highly satisfactory to his Excellency.
+
+Nothing could be more judicious than the manner in which Brigadier
+Stevenson placed the artillery in position. Captain Grant's troop of
+Bengal Artillery, and the camel battery, under Captain Abbott, both
+superintended by Major Pew; the two troops of Bombay Horse Artillery,
+commanded by Captains Martin and Cotgrave; and Captain Lloyd's battery
+of Bombay Foot Artillery, all opened upon the citadel and fortress in a
+manner which shook the enemy, and did such execution as completely to
+paralyse and to strike terror into them; and his Excellency begs
+Brigadier Stevenson, the officers, and men of that arm, will accept his
+thanks for their good service.
+
+The 19th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of
+Lieutenant-Colonel Stalker, having been placed in position to watch any
+enemy that might appear on the Cabool road, or approach to attack the
+camp, had an important post assigned to them, although, as it happened,
+no enemy made an attack upon them.
+
+In sieges and stormings it does not fall to the lot of cavalry to bear
+the same conspicuous part as to the other two arms of the profession. On
+this occasion, Sir John Keane is happy to have an opportunity of
+thanking Major-General Thackwell, and the officers and men of the
+cavalry divisions under his orders, for having successfully executed the
+directions given, to sweep the plain, and to intercept fugitives of the
+enemy attempting to escape from the fort in any direction around it; and
+had an enemy appeared for the relief of the place during the storming,
+his Excellency is fully satisfied that the different regiments of this
+fine arm would have distinguished themselves, and that the opportunity
+alone was wanting.
+
+Major-General Willshire's division having been broken up for the day, to
+be distributed as it was, the Major-General was desired to be in
+attendance upon the Commander-in-Chief. To him and to the officers of
+the Assistant Quartermaster-General's department of the Bengal and
+Bombay army, his Excellency returns his warmest thanks for the
+assistance they have afforded him.
+
+The Commander-in-Chief feels--and in which feeling he is sure he will be
+joined by the troops composing the Army of the Indus--that, after the
+long and harassing marches they have had, and the privations they have
+endured, this glorious achievement, and the brilliant manner in which
+the troops have met and conquered the enemy, reward them for it all. His
+Excellency will only add, that no army that has ever been engaged in a
+campaign deserves more credit than this which he has the honour to
+command, for patient, orderly, and correct conduct, under all
+circumstances, and Sir John Keane is proud to have the opportunity of
+thus publicly acknowledging it.
+
+By order of his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus.
+
+  (Signed)  R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
+    Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. of
+    her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ENTRANCE INTO CABOOL.
+
+(_From the Delhi Gazette Extraordinary, of Thursday, Aug. 29_.)
+
+NOTIFICATION.--SECRET DEPARTMENT.
+
+Simla, August 26th, 1839.
+
+The Governor-General of India publishes for general information, the
+subjoined copy and extracts of despatches from his Excellency the
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and from the Envoy and
+Minister at the Court of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, announcing
+the triumphant entry of the Shah into Cabool, on the 7th instant.
+
+In issuing this notification, the Governor-General cannot omit the
+opportunity of offering to the officers and men composing the army of
+the Indus, and to the distinguished leader by whom they have been
+commanded, the cordial congratulations of the government upon the happy
+result of a campaign, which, on the sole occasion when resistance was
+opposed to them, has been gloriously marked by victory, and in all the
+many difficulties of which the character of a British army for
+gallantry, good conduct, and discipline has been nobly maintained.
+
+A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies.
+
+By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,
+
+    T.H. MADDOCK,
+  Officiating Secretary to the Government of
+  India, with the Governor-General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+(Copy.)
+
+TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.
+
+MY LORD,--We have the honour to acquaint your Lordship that the army
+marched from Ghuzni, _en route_ to Cabool, in two columns, on the 30th
+and 31st ult., his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, with his own troops,
+forming part of the second column.
+
+On the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief with the first column, at Hyde
+Khail, on the 1st inst., information reached him, and the same reached
+the Envoy and Minister at Huft Assaya, that Dost Mahomed, with his army
+and artillery, were advancing from Cabool, and would probably take up a
+position at Urghundee or Midan, (the former twenty-four, the latter
+thirty-six miles from Cabool.) Upon this it was arranged that his
+Majesty, with the second column, under Major General Willshire, should
+join the first column here, and advance together to attack Dost Mahomed,
+whose son, Mahomed Akhbar, had been recalled from Jellahabad, with the
+troops guarding the Khyber Pass, and had formed a junction with his
+father; their joint forces, according to our information, amounting to
+about 13,000 men.
+
+Every arrangement was made for the King and the army marching in a body
+from here to-morrow; but in the course of the night, messengers arrived,
+and since (this morning) a great many chiefs and their followers,
+announcing the dissolution of Dost Mahomed's army, by the refusal of a
+great part to advance against us with him, and that he had in
+consequence fled, with a party of 300 horsemen, in the direction of
+Bamian, leaving his guns behind him, in position, as they were placed at
+Urghundee.
+
+His Majesty Shah Shooja has sent forward a confidential officer, with
+whom has been associated Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+taking with him a party of 200 men and an officer of artillery, to
+proceed direct to take possession of those guns, and afterwards such
+other guns and public stores as may be found in Cabool and the Balla
+Hissar, in the name of, and for his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+the King's order will be carried by his own officer with this party, for
+preserving the tranquillity of the city of Cabool.
+
+A strong party has been detached in pursuit of Dost Mahomed, under some
+of our most active officers. We continue our march upon Cabool
+to-morrow, and will reach it on the third day.
+
+We have, &c.,
+
+  (Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General,
+           Commander-in-Chief.
+
+  (Signed) W.H. MACNAGHTEN,
+           Envoy and Minister.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Extract from a Letter from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John
+Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., dated Head-Quarters, Camp, Cabool, August 8th,
+1839_:--
+
+
+"It gives me infinite pleasure to be able to address my despatch to your
+Lordship from this capital, the vicinity of which his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk and the army under my command reached the day before
+yesterday. The King entered his capital yesterday afternoon, accompanied
+by the British Envoy and Minister and the gentlemen of the mission, and
+by myself, the general and staff officers of this army, and escorted by
+a squadron of her Majesty's 4th Light Dragoons, and one of her Majesty's
+16th Lancers, with Captain Martin's troop of Horse Artillery. His
+Majesty had expressed a wish that British troops should be present on
+the occasion, and a very small party only of his own Hindostanee and
+Afghan troops. After the animating scene of traversing the streets, and
+reaching the palace in the Bala Hissar, a royal salute was fired, and an
+additional salvo in the Afghan style, from small guns, resembling
+wall-pieces, named gingalls, and carried on camels. We heartily
+congratulated his Majesty on being in possession of the throne and
+kingdom of his ancestors, and upon the overthrow of his enemies; and
+after taking leave of his Majesty, we returned to our camp.
+
+"I trust we have thus accomplished all the objects which your Lordship
+had in contemplation when you planned and formed the army of the Indus,
+and the expedition into Afghanistan.
+
+"The conduct of the army both European and native, which your Lordship
+did me the honour to place under my orders, has been admirable
+throughout, and, notwithstanding the severe marching and privations they
+have gone through, their appearance and discipline have suffered
+nothing, and the opportunity afforded them at Ghuzni of meeting and
+conquering their enemy has added greatly to their good spirits.
+
+"The joint despatch addressed by Mr Macnaghten and myself to your
+Lordship, on the 3rd instant, from Shikarbad, will have informed you
+that at the moment we had made every preparation to attack (on the
+following day) Dost Mahomed Khan, in his position at Urghundee, where,
+after his son, Mahomed Akhbar, had joined him from Jellahabad, he had an
+army amounting to 13,000 men, well armed and appointed, and thirty
+pieces of artillery, we suddenly learned that he abandoned them all, and
+fled, with a party of horsemen, on the road to Bamian, leaving his guns
+in position, as he had placed them to receive our attack.
+
+"It appears that a great part of his army, which was hourly becoming
+disorganized, refused to stand by him in the position to receive our
+attack, and that it soon became in a state of dissolution. The great
+bulk immediately came over to Shah Shooja, tendering their allegiance,
+and I believe his Majesty will take most of them into his pay.
+
+"It seems that the news of the quick and determined manner in which we
+took their stronghold, Ghuzni, had such an effect upon the population of
+Cabool, and perhaps also upon the enemy's army, that Dost Mahomed from
+that moment began to lose hope of retaining his rule, for even a short
+time longer, and sent off his family and valuable property towards
+Bamian; but marched out of Cabool, with his army and artillery, keeping
+a bold front towards us until the evening of the 2nd, when all his hopes
+were at an end by a division in his own camp, and one part of his army
+abandoning him. So precipitate was his flight, that be left in position
+his guns, with their ammunition and wagons, and the greater part of the
+cattle by which they were drawn. Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th
+Lancers, with his party of 200 men, pushed forward, of the 3rd, and took
+possession of those guns, &c. There were twenty-three brass guns in
+position, and loaded; two more at a little distance, which they
+attempted to take away; and since then, three more abandoned, still
+further off on the Bamian road; thus leaving in our possession
+twenty-eight pieces of cannon, with all the materiel belonging to them,
+which are now handed over to Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Extract from a Letter from W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., Envoy and Minister to
+the Court of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, dated Cabool, 9th of August,
+1839_:--
+
+"By a letter signed jointly by his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir
+John Keane and myself, dated the 3rd inst., the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General was apprised of the flight of Dost Mahomed Khan.
+
+"The ex-chief was not accompanied by any person of consequence, and his
+followers are said to have been reduced to below the number of 100 on
+the day of his departure. In the progress of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk
+towards Cabool, his Majesty was joined by every person of rank and
+influence in the country, and he made his triumphal entry into the city
+on the evening of the 7th instant. His Majesty has taken up his
+residence in the Bala Hissar, where he has required the British mission
+to remain for the present."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+(_From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of August 29th._)
+
+
+Simla, August 26th, 1839.
+
+A letter from Shikarbad, of August 3rd, states--
+
+"The chiefs with their military followers are flocking in by thousands.
+No better commentary on the feeling regarding Dost Mahomed Khan could be
+given than the fact of his having been able to induce only 300 out of
+12,000 men to accompany him; Capt. Outram and seven other officers
+accompany the pursuing party."
+
+The dates from the army at Cabool are to August the 9th. The letters
+from thence give the following intelligence:--
+
+"The Shah's reception at this place was equally gratifying as at
+Candahar, though the enthusiasm was not so boisterous.
+
+"We arrived here yesterday, and, I am happy to say, with a sufficient
+stock of supplies in our Godown to render us quite independent of any
+foreign purchases for the next ten days, which will keep down prices,
+and save us from the extravagant rates which we were obliged to purchase
+at when we reached Candahar. I have not been to the city yet, but am
+told it is far superior to Candahar. Our people are now very well off;
+for the increased rations, and abundance and cheapness of grain as we
+came along, have left them nothing to want or wish for."
+
+Extract of a further letter from Shikarbad, August 3rd:--
+
+"The Afghans have not yet recovered from their astonishment at the
+rapidity with which Ghuzni fell into our hands, nor up to this moment
+will they believe how it was effected.
+
+"This morning we received intelligence of Dost Mahomed's flight towards
+Bamian; for several days past many of his former adherents had been
+joining the King. Since this morning, thousands of Afghans have been
+coming in to tender their allegiance to his Majesty, who is in the
+greatest spirits at this pacific termination to the campaign, and says
+that God has now granted all his wishes, --Cabool is at hand!
+
+"We are all delighted at it. Few armies have made so long a march in the
+same time that the army of the Indus has done. The country is every day
+improving. The road to Candahar from where we are now encamped lies in a
+continued valley seldom stretching in width above two miles; cultivation
+on each side of the road, and numberless villages nestling under the
+hills. Since we left Ghuzni, the fruits have assumed a very fine
+appearance; the grapes, plums, and apples have become very large, like
+their brethren of Europe. The climate now is very fine. The rapid
+Loghurd river is flowing close to our encampments, and the European
+soldiers and officers are amusing themselves with fishing in it. We are
+beginning to get vegetables again. I passed this morning through fields
+of beans, but only in flower. Our attention must be turned to the
+cultivation of potatoes; they grow in quantities in Persia, and this
+seems to be just the country for them. To revert from small things to
+great: a party has just been detached towards Bamian with a view of
+cutting off Dost Mahomed. It would be a great thing to catch him. The
+party consists chiefly of Afghans, headed by Hajee Khan Kaukur, and
+about eight or ten British officers have been sent with it, to prevent
+the Afghans from committing excesses."
+
+
+FROM THE
+
+LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY,
+
+_Thursday, Feb. 13th._
+
+
+INDIA BOARD, FEB. 13TH.
+
+A despatch has been this day received at the East India House, addressed
+by the Governor-General of India to the Select Committee of the East
+India Company, of which the following is a copy:--
+
+"Camp at Bhurtpore, Dec. 12th, 1839.
+
+"I do myself the honour to forward copies of the despatches noted in the
+margin, relative to the assault and capture of the fort of Kelat.
+
+"2. The decision, the great military skill, and excellent dispositions,
+of Major-General Willshire, in conducting the operations against Kelat,
+appear to me deserving the highest commendation. The gallantry,
+steadiness, and soldier-like bearing of the troops under his command
+rendered his plans of action completely successful, thereby again
+crowning our arms across the Indus with signal victory.
+
+"3. I need not expatiate on the importance of this achievement, from
+which the best effects must be derived, not only in the vindication of
+our national honour, but also in confirming the security of intercourse
+between Sinde and Afghanistan, and in promoting the safety and
+tranquillity of the restored monarchy; but I would not omit to point out
+that the conduct on this occasion of Major-General Willshire, and of the
+officers and men under his command, (including the 31st regiment of
+Bengal Native Infantry, which had not been employed in the previous
+active operations of the campaign,) have entitled them to more prominent
+notice that I was able to give them in my general order of November
+18th; and in recommending these valuable services to the applause of
+the committee, I trust that I shall not be considered as going beyond my
+proper province in stating an earnest hope that the conduct of
+Major-General Willshire in the direction of the operations will not fail
+to elicit the approbation of her Majesty's Government.--I have, &c.
+
+  "AUCKLAND."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GENERAL ORDERS,
+
+_By the Governor-General of India._
+
+Camp Doothanee, December 4th, 1839.
+
+The many outrages and murders committed, in attacks on the followers of
+the army of the Indus, by the plundering tribes in the neighbourhood of
+the Bolan Pass, at the instigation of their chief, Meer Mehrab Khan, of
+Kelat, at a time when he was professing friendship for the British
+Government, and negotiating a treaty with its representatives, having
+compelled the government to direct a detachment of the army to proceed
+to Kelat for the exaction of retribution from that chieftain, and for
+the execution of such arrangements as would establish future security in
+that quarter, a force, under the orders of Major-General Willshire,
+C.B., was employed on this service; and the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General of India having this day received that officer's report
+of the successful accomplishment of the objects entrusted to him, has
+been pleased to direct that the following copy of his despatch, dated
+the 14th ultimo, be published for general information.
+
+The Governor-General is happy to avail himself of this opportunity to
+record his high admiration of the signal gallantry and spirit of the
+troops engaged on this occasion, and offers, on the part of the
+government, his best thanks to Major-General Willshire, and to the
+officers and men who served under him.
+
+  By command of the Governor-General,
+
+    T.H. MADDOCK,
+  Officiating Secretary to the Government of
+  India, with the Governor-General.
+
+
+FROM MAJOR-GENERAL SIR THOMAS WILLSHIRE, K.C.B., TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
+OF INDIA.
+
+Camp, near Kelat, Nov. 14th. 1839.
+
+MY LORD,--In obedience to the joint instructions furnished to me by his
+Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and the
+Envoy and Minister to his Majesty Shah Shooja, under date Cabool, the
+17th of September, 1839, deputing to me the duty of deposing Mehrab Khan
+of Kelat, in consequence of the avowed hostility of that chief to the
+British nation during the present campaign, I have the honour to report,
+that on my arrival at Quettah, on the 31st ultimo, I communicated with
+Captain Bean, the political agent in Shawl, and arranged with him the
+best means of giving effect to the orders I had received.
+
+In consequence of the want of public carriage, and the limited quantity
+of commissariat supplies at Quettah, as well as the reported want of
+forage on the route to Kelat, I was obliged to despatch to Cutch Gundava
+the whole of the cavalry and the greater portion of the artillery,
+taking with me only the troops noted in the margin,[B] and leaving
+Quettah on the 3rd instant.
+
+[Footnote B: Two guns Bombay Horse Artillery; four guns Shah's ditto;
+two Ressalaghs Local Horse; Queen's Royals; Her Majesty's 17th regiment;
+31st regiment Bengal Native Infantry; Bombay Engineers.]
+
+During the march, the communications received from Mehrab Khan were, so
+far from acceding to the terms offered, that he threatened resistance if
+the troops approached his capital. I therefore proceeded, and arrived at
+the village of Giranee, within eight miles of Kelat, on the 12th
+instant.
+
+Marching thence the following morning, a body of horse were perceived on
+the right of the road, which commenced firing on the advanced guard,
+commanded by Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's 17th regiment, as the
+column advanced, and the skirmishing between them continued until we
+came in sight of Kelat, rather less than a mile distant.
+
+I now discovered that three heights on the north-west face of the fort,
+and parallel to the north, were covered with infantry, with five guns in
+position, protected by small parapet walls.
+
+Captain Peat, chief engineer, immediately reconnoitered; and having
+reported that nothing could be done until those heights were in our
+possession, I decided upon at once storming them simultaneously, and, if
+practicable, entering the fort with the fugitives, as the gate in the
+northern face was occasionally opened to keep up the communication
+between the fort and the heights.
+
+To effect this object I detached a company from each of the European
+regiments from the advanced guard with Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's
+17th regiment, for the purpose of occupying the gardens and enclosures
+to the north-east of the town, and two more companies in the plain,
+midway between them and the column; at the same time I ordered three
+columns of attack to be formed, composed of four companies from each
+corps, under their respective commanding officers, Major Carruthers, of
+the Queen's, Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, her Majesty's 17th regiment, and
+Major Western, 31st Bengal Native Infantry, the whole under the command
+of Brigadier Baumgardt, the remainder of the regiments forming three
+columns of reserve, under my own direction, to move in support.
+
+A hill being allotted to each column, Brigadier Stevenson, commanding
+the artillery, moved quickly forward in front towards the base of the
+heights, and when within the required range opened fire upon the
+infantry and guns, under cover of which the columns moved steadily on,
+and commenced the ascent for the purpose of carrying the heights,
+exposed to the fire of the enemy's guns, which had commenced while the
+columns of attack were forming.
+
+Before the columns reached their respective summits of the hills, the
+enemy, overpowered by the superior and well-directed fire of our
+artillery, had abandoned them, attempting to carry off their guns, but
+which they were unable to do. At this moment, it appearing to me the
+opportunity offered for the troops to get in with the fugitives, and if
+possible gain possession of the gate of the fortress, I despatched
+orders to the Queen's Royal and 17th Regiments to make a rush from the
+heights for that purpose, following myself to the summit of the nearest,
+to observe the result. At this moment, the four companies on my left,
+which had been detached to the gardens and plain, seeing the chance that
+offered of entering the fort, moved rapidly forward from their
+respective points towards the gateway, under a heavy and well-directed
+fire from the walls of the fort and citadel, which were thronged by the
+enemy.
+
+The gate having been closed before the troops moving towards it could
+effect the desired object, and the garrison strengthened by the enemy
+driven from the heights, they were compelled to cover themselves, as far
+as practicable, behind some walls and ruined buildings to the right and
+left of it, while Brigadier Stevenson, having ascended the heights with
+the artillery, opened two guns, under the command of Lieutenant Foster,
+Bombay Horse Artillery, upon the defences above the gate and its
+vicinity, while the fire of two others, commanded by, Lieutenant Cowper,
+Shah's Artillery, was directed against the gate itself; the remaining
+two, with Lieutenant Creed, being sent round to the road on the left
+hand, leading directly up to the gate, and when within two hundred
+yards, commenced fire, for the purpose of completing in blowing it open,
+and after a few rounds, they succeeded in knocking in one half of it. On
+observing this, I rode down the hill towards the gate, pointing to it,
+thereby announcing to the troops it was open. They instantly rose from
+their cover and rushed in. Those under the command of Major Pennycuick,
+being the nearest, were the first to gain the gate, headed by that
+officer, the whole of the storming columns from the three regiments
+rapidly following and gaining an entrance, as quick as it was possible
+to do so, under a heavy fire from the works and from the interior, the
+enemy making a most gallant and determined resistance, disputing every
+inch of ground up to the walls of the inner citadel.
+
+At this time I directed the reserve column to be brought near the gate,
+and detached one company of the 17th Regiment, under Captain Darley, to
+the western side of the fort, followed by a portion of the 31st Bengal
+Native Infantry, commanded by Major Western, conducted by Captain
+Outram, acting as my extra Aide-de-Camp, for the purpose of securing the
+heights, under which the southern angle is situated, and intercepting
+any of the garrison escaping from that side; having driven off the enemy
+from the heights above, the united detachments then descended to the
+gate of the fort below, and forced it open before the garrison (who
+closed it as they saw the troops approach) had time to secure it.
+
+When the party was detached by the western face, I also sent two
+companies from the reserve of the 17th, under Major Deshon, and two guns
+of the Shah's artillery, under the command of Lieutenant Creed, Bombay
+Artillery, by the eastern to the southern face, for the purpose of
+blowing open the gate above alluded to, had it been necessary, as well
+as the gate of the inner citadel; the infantry joining the other
+detachments, making their way through the town in the direction of the
+citadel.
+
+After some delay, the troops that held possession of the town at length
+succeeded in forcing an entrance into the citadel, where a desperate
+resistance was made by Mehrab Khan, at the head of his people; he
+himself, with many of his principal chiefs, being killed sword in hand.
+Several others, however, kept up a fire upon our troops from detached
+buildings difficult of access, and it was not until late in the
+afternoon, that those that survived were induced to give themselves up
+on a promise of their lives being spared.
+
+From every account, I have reason to believe the garrison consisted of
+upwards of 2000 fighting men, and that the son of Mehrab Khan had been
+expected to join him from Nerosky, with a further reinforcement; the
+enclosed return will shew the strength of the force under my command
+present at the capture.
+
+The defences of the fort, as in the case of Ghuzni, far exceeded in
+strength what I had been led to suppose from previous report, and the
+towering height of the inner citadel was most formidable, both in
+appearance and reality.
+
+I lament to say that the loss of killed and wounded on our side has been
+severe, as will be seen by the accompanying return; that on the part of
+the enemy must have been great, but the exact number I have not been
+able to ascertain. Several hundreds of prisoners were taken, from whom
+the political agent has selected those he considers it necessary for the
+present to retain in confinement; the remainder have been liberated.
+
+It is quite impossible for me sufficiently to express my admiration of
+the gallant and steady conduct of the officers and men upon this
+occasion; but the fact of less than an hour having elapsed from the
+formation of the columns for the attack to the period of the troops
+being within the fort, and this performed in the open day, and in the
+face of an enemy so very superior in numbers, and so perfectly prepared
+for resistance, will, I trust, convince your Lordship how deserving the
+officers and troops are of my warmest thanks, and of the highest praise
+that can be bestowed.
+
+To Brigadier Baumgardt, commanding the storming column, my best thanks
+are due, and he reports that Captain Willie, acting Assistant
+Adjutant-General, and Captain Gilland, his aide-de-camp, ably assisted
+him, and zealously performed their duties; also to Brigadier Stevenson,
+commanding the artillery, and Lieutenants Forster and Cowper,
+respectively in charge of the Bombay and Shah's, artillery. I feel
+greatly indebted for the steady and scientific manner in which the
+service of dislodging the enemy from the heights, and afterwards
+effecting an entrance into the fort, was performed. The Brigadier has
+brought to my notice the assistance he received from Captain Coghlan,
+his brigade major, Lieutenant Woosnam, his aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant
+Creed, when in battery yesterday.
+
+To Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, commanding her Majesty's 17th Regiment;
+Major Carruthers, commanding the Queen's Royals; Major Western,
+commanding the Bengal 31st Native Infantry, I feel highly indebted for
+the manner in which they conducted their respective columns to the
+attack of the heights, and afterwards to the assault of the town, as
+well as to Major Pennycuick, of the 17th, who led the advance-guard
+companies to the same point.
+
+To Captain Peat, chief engineer, and to the officers and men of the
+Engineer Corps, my acknowledgments are due; to Major Neil Campbell,
+Acting Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army; to Captain Hagart,
+Acting Deputy Adjutant-General; and to Lieutenant Ramsay, acting
+Assistant Quartermaster-General, my best thanks are due for the able
+assistance afforded me by their services.
+
+From my Aides-de-camp, Captain Robinson and Lieutenant Halket, as well
+as from Captain Outram, who volunteered his services on my personal
+staff, I received the utmost assistance; and to the latter officer I
+fell greatly indebted for the zeal and ability with which he has
+performed various duties that I have required of him, upon other
+occasions, as well as the present.
+
+It is with much pleasure that I state the great assistance I have
+received from Captain Bean in obtaining supplies.
+
+    T. WILLSHIRE,
+  Major-Gen., Commanding Bombay Column,
+  Army of the Indus.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Return of Casualties in the army under the command of Major-General
+Willshire, C.B., employed at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839_:--
+
+1st Troop of Cabool Artillery--2 rank and file, 6 horses, wounded.
+
+Gun Lancers attached to ditto--1 rank and file, 1 horse, wounded; 1
+corporal, since dead.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment--1 lieutenant, 21 rank and
+file, killed; 2 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 adjutant, 2 sergeants, 40
+rank and file, 1 horse, wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Regiment--6 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 3
+sergeants, 29 rank and file, wounded.
+
+31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry--1 subadar, 2 rank and file,
+killed; 1 captain, 1 ensign, 2 jemadars, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, 14 rank
+and file, 1 bheestie, wounded.
+
+Sappers and Miners and Pioneers--1 sergeant wounded.
+
+4th Bengal Local Horse--1 rank and file wounded.
+
+Total--1 lieutenant, 1 subadar, 29 rank and file, killed; 4 captains, 2
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 2 jemadars, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer,
+87 rank and file, 1 bheestie, 7 horses, wounded.
+
+Total killed and wounded--138.
+
+
+_Names of Officers killed and wounded._
+
+Killed--Her Majesty's 2nd or Queen's Royal Regiment--Lieutenant T.
+Gravatt.
+
+Wounded--Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment--Captain W.M.
+Lyster, Captain T. Sealy, Lieutenant T.W.E. Holdsworth, severely;
+Lieutenant D.J. Dickenson, slightly; Adjutant J.E. Simmons, severely.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Regiment--Captain L.C. Bourchier, severely.
+
+31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry--Captain Saurin, slightly;
+Ensign Hopper, severely.
+
+
+    C. HAGART, Captain,
+  Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen Bombay
+  Column, Army of the Indus.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_State of the Corps engaged at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839, under the command of Major-General Willshire, C.B._
+
+Camp at Kelat, November 13th, 1839.
+
+Staff--1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting
+deputy-adjutant general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1 sub-assistant
+commissary general.
+
+Detachment 3rd Troop Horse Artillery--2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, 36
+rank and file.
+
+1st Troop Cabool Artillery--1 lieutenant, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer, 1
+farier, 58 rank and file.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment--1 major, 3 captains, 7
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 31 sergeants, 10 drummers, 290 rank
+and file.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Regiment--1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4
+captains, 13 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 29
+sergeants, 9 drummers, 338 rank and file.
+
+31st Regiment Bengal Native Infantry--1 major, 2 captains, 3
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 12
+native officers, 30 sergeants, 14 drummers, 329 rank and file.
+
+Sappers and Miners and Pioneers--1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 assistant
+surgeon, 3 native officers, 1 sub-conductor, 7 sergeants, 3 drummers,
+117 rank and file.
+
+Total--1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting deputy
+adjutant-general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1
+sub-assistant-commissary-general, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 4 majors, 10
+captains, 27 lieutenants, 5 ensigns, 2 adjutants, 2 quartermasters, 2
+surgeons, 1 assistant-surgeon, 15 native officers, 1 sub-conductor,
+107 sergeants, 37 drummers, 1 farrier, 1,166 rank and file.
+
+The Sappers and Miners and Pioneers were not engaged until the gate was
+taken.
+
+    C. HAGART, Captain,
+  Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen., Bombay
+  Column, Army of the Indus.
+
+Note--Two russalas of the Bengal Local Horse remained in charge of the
+baggage during the attack.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_List of Beloochee Sirdars killed in the assault of Kelat, on the 13th
+of November, 1839_:--
+
+Meer Mehrab Khan, Chief of Kelat. Meer Wullee Mahomed, the Muengul
+Sirdar of Wudd. Abdool Kurreem, Ruhsanee Sirdar. Dad Kurreen, Shahwanee
+Sirdar. Mahomed Ruzza, nephew of the Vizier Mahomed Hoosein. Khysur
+Khan, Ahsehrie Sirdar. Dewan Bucha Mull, Financial Minister. Noor
+Mahomed and Taj Mahomed, Shagassa Sirdars.
+
+_Prisoners._
+
+Mahomed Hoossein, Vizier. Moola Ruheem Dad, ex-Naib of Shawl; with
+several others of inferior rank.
+
+  J.D.D. DEAN, Political Agent.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAPTURE OF THE FORT AND CITADEL OF KELAT.
+
+Political Department Fort William, Dec. 14, 1839.
+
+The Hon. the President in Council has much satisfaction in publishing
+the following despatch from Major-General Willshire, C.B., with the
+returns annexed to it, reporting the capture of the fort and citadel of
+Kelat, by storm, on the 13th of November, which brilliant achievement
+was effected by a force consisting of only 1200 men, with the loss, his
+Honour in Council grieves to say, of 138 killed and wounded, including
+amongst the former one officer, Lieutenant Gravatt, of her Majesty's
+2nd, or Queen's Regiment, and amongst the latter, eight officers.
+
+Meer Mehrab Khan himself, and eight other sirdars, were amongst the
+slain of the enemy.
+
+The general order issued by the Right Hon. the Governor-General, on the
+receipt of this intelligence, is republished, and his Honour in Council
+unites with his Lordship in recording his high admiration of the signal
+gallantry and spirit of the troops engaged, and in offering his thanks
+to Major-General Willshire, and to the officers and men who served under
+him on this occasion.
+
+A royal salute will be fired from the ramparts of Fort William, at noon
+this day, in honour of the event.
+
+  By order of the Hon. the President in Council,
+
+    H.T. PRINSEP,
+  Secretary to the Government of India.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Campaign of the Indus, by T.W.E. Holdsworth
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12863 ***
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12863 ***</div>
+
+<h1>CAMPAIGN<br />
+ OF<br />
+ THE INDUS.</h1>
+<br />
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h1>CAMPAIGN</h1>
+<h3> OF</h3>
+<h1> THE INDUS:</h1>
+
+<h3>IN</h3>
+<h4>A SERIES OF LETTERS FROM AN OFFICER OF THE<br />
+BOMBAY DIVISION.</h4>
+
+<h4>WITH AN INTRODUCTION,</h4>
+<h4>BY</h4>
+<h2>A. H. HOLDSWORTH, ESQ.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<h4>1840.</h4>
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+ <a href="#INTRODUCTION"><b>INTRODUCTION.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_I"><b>LETTER I</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_II"><b>LETTER II.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_III"><b>LETTER III.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_IV"><b>LETTER IV.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_V"><b>LETTER V.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_VI"><b>LETTER VI.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_VII"><b>LETTER VII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_VIII"><b>LETTER VIII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_IX"><b>LETTER IX.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_X"><b>LETTER X.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_XI"><b>LETTER XI.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_XII"><b>LETTER XII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_XIII"><b>LETTER XIII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#APPENDIX"><b>APPENDIX.</b></a><br />
+
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br />
+<a name="INTRODUCTION"></a><h2>INTRODUCTION.</h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The circumstance of an English army penetrating into Central Asia,
+through countries which had not been traversed by European troops since
+Alexander the Great led his victorious army from the Hellespont to the
+Jaxartes and Indus, is so strong a feature in our military history, that
+I have determined, at the suggestion of my friends, to print those
+letters received from my son which detail any of the events of the
+campaign. As he was actively engaged with the Bombay division, his
+narrative may be relied upon so far as he had an opportunity of
+witnessing its operations; and it being my intention to have only a few
+copies printed, to give to those friends who may take an interest in his
+letters, I need not apologize for the familiar manner in which they are
+written, as they were intended by him only for his own family, without
+an idea of their being printed. A history, however, may be collected
+from them most honourable to the British soldiers, both Europeans and
+natives of India. They shew the patience with which, for more than
+twelve months, the soldiers bore all their deprivations and fatiguing
+marches through countries until then unknown to them, whether moving
+through arid sands or rocky passes, under a burning sun; or over
+desolate mountains, amidst the most severe frosts, with scarcely an
+interval of repose. Neither was their gallantry less conspicuous than
+their patience, when they had the good fortune to find an enemy who
+ventured to face them. Although the circumstances which his letters
+detail might well deserve a better historian than my son, yet are they
+of that high and honourable character, that they cannot lose any part of
+their value by his familiar manner of narrating them.</p>
+
+<p>When I decided upon printing these letters, it became a matter of
+interest to place before the reader a short account of the countries in
+which the operations of the army were conducted, as well as of the
+native rulers who took part in, or were the cause of them; in order that
+the letters might be more clearly understood by those friends who have
+not felt sufficiently interested in the history of those countries to
+make any inquiries about them. But, before I do so, I shall draw the
+attention of the reader to the army of Alexander, to which I have before
+alluded.</p>
+
+<p>Without entering into the causes which led to his extraordinary
+conquests, predicted by Daniel as the means ordained of God to overthrow
+the Persian empire, then under the government of Darius, certain it is
+that he conquered the whole of those countries which extend from the
+Hellespont to the Indus, when his career was arrested by his own
+soldiers. Having overrun Syria, Egypt, Media, and Parthia, keeping his
+course to the north-east, he not only passed the Oxus, and forced his
+way to the Jaxartes, but, pressed by the Scythians from its opposite
+shore, he crossed that river, and beat them in a decisive battle. From
+the Jaxartes he returned in a southern direction towards the Indus, and
+having suffered the greatest privations, and struggled with the most
+alarming difficulties during the time that he was engaged in the
+conquest of those mountainous districts, he at length reached Cabool,
+making himself master of Afghanistan. Here he appears to have halted for
+a considerable time, to refresh and re-equip his army, which, with the
+addition of 30,000 recruits, amounted to 120,000 men.</p>
+
+<p>At this place, Alexander first came upon the scene of the campaign
+referred to in the following letters. Here he meditated the invasion of
+India, intending to march to the mouth of the Ganges; but the conquest
+of that country was destined for a nation almost unknown in the days of
+Alexander, and lying far more remote from it than Greece; and, until the
+campaign of 1839 drew our armies to the western side of the Indus, the
+Sutlej was alike the boundary of Alexander's conquests to the east, as
+of those of England towards the west.</p>
+
+<p>Alexander having prepared his army for this expedition, moved towards
+the Indus, taking many strong places on his march. Having crossed that
+river, the king of the country offered no resistance, but became the
+ally of Alexander, who expected to have found Porus, whose kingdom was
+on the other side of the Hydaspes, equally ready to submit. But it
+required the utmost skill of Alexander to cross the river, which he
+effected, and conquered Porus, after a most severe struggle, with the
+loss of his renowned charger, Bucephalus, and he was so pleased at the
+magnanimity of Porus that he not only gave him back his kingdom, but
+added several small states to it, making him a sincere ally. Alexander
+then continued his march towards the east, conquering all who opposed
+him, until he reached the banks of the Hyphasis (Sutlej), which he was
+about to cross, when his progress was arrested by murmurs and tumults in
+his camp. His soldiers declared their determination not to extend his
+conquests, and entreated him to return. He then marched back to the
+Acesines, gave the whole country as far as the Hyphasis to Porus, and
+thus made him ruler of the Punjab. Alexander encamped near the Acesines
+until the month of October, when the fleet which he built, consisting of
+800 galleys and boats, being ready, he embarked his army and proceeded
+towards the Indus; but before he reached that river he came to two
+countries possessed by warriors who united their armies to oppose his
+progress. After beating them in many engagements, Alexander attacked the
+city of the Oxydrac&aelig;, into which the greater part of those armies had
+retired. Here his rash valour had nearly terminated his career: he was
+severely wounded in the side by an arrow, from the effects of which he
+was with difficulty restored to health. He then descended the river, a
+portion of his army marching on its banks, conquering every nation that
+opposed him. About the month of July he reached Patala (Tatta), where he
+built a citadel and formed a port for his shipping. He then proceeded,
+with part of his fleet, by the western branch of the river, to discover
+the ocean. This he accomplished at great hazard, when he sacrificed to
+the gods (particularly to Neptune), and besought them not to suffer any
+mortal after him to exceed the bounds of his expedition. He then
+returned to join the rest of his fleet and army at Patala, and to make
+arrangements for his march to Babylon. He appointed Nearchus admiral of
+his fleet, and having given him orders to ascend the Persian Gulf to the
+Euphrates, he commenced his march through Beloochistan, leaving Nearchus
+to follow him as soon as the season would permit. Alexander was more
+than sixty days in reaching the frontiers of Persia, during which time
+his army sufficed such dreadful privations from want of food, that the
+soldiers were obliged to eat their own war-horses, and from the sickness
+consequent upon such a state of distress, his army was reduced to less
+than one-half of the number which left Patala. It is not necessary to
+follow him to Babylon, or to describe the voyage of Nearchus, who,
+having sailed up the Persian Gulf, united his forces to those of his
+royal master in the river Pasi-Tigris, near Susa. Enough, however, may
+be learned from this history to convince us that if such an army could
+be conducted 2000 years ago from the Hellespont to the Jaxartes and
+Indus, the march from the southern shores of the Caspian Sea to Cabool
+would require comparatively but very slight exertion, if those who have
+the means should have the desire also to accomplish it.</p>
+
+<p>I can say little of my own knowledge of the political causes which gave
+rise to the war, as I am unacquainted with the affairs of India and the
+motives which actuated its governors; but a brief outline may be
+collected from a book lately published by the Hon. Capt. Osborne,
+military secretary to the Governor-General, to which I shall refer,
+after making some observations upon the countries through which the
+operations of the army were conducted, and particularly on the situation
+of Afghanistan, in reference to those persons who had before been, is
+well as those who were, its rulers, when Shah Shooja was restored by the
+British Government to its throne. These observations I have chiefly
+collected from the valuable work of that enterprising officer Lieut.
+Burnes, which he published after visiting those countries in 1831, 1832,
+and 1833.</p>
+
+<p>The chief portion of the Bombay division of the army engaged in the
+operations to which these letters refer, landed at the Hujamree mouth of
+the Indus, and marching through Lower Sinde, by Tatta, ascended the
+Indus by its western bank. On arriving in Upper Sinde, it was found that
+Shah Shooja with his contingent, as well as the Bengal division of the
+army, had crossed the Indus <i>en route</i> from that Presidency, and had
+advanced towards Afghanistan, and that the Bombay division was to follow
+them. To effect this, the division marched through Cutch Gundava, and
+the Bolan Pass, which is situated in the mountains which divide the
+province of Sarawar, in Beloochistan, as well as Cutch Gundava, from
+Afghanistan. Having made their way through the Bolan Pass, the army
+entered the Shawl district of Afghanistan, and thence proceeded through
+the Ghwozhe Pass to Candahar, Ghuzni, and Cabool; at which
+last-mentioned place Shah Shooja's eldest son joined his father with
+some troops of Runjet Sing's, which had crossed the Indus from the
+Punjab, marching by Peshawur and the Kyber Pass. The division of the
+Bombay troops under General Willshire having remained at Cabool about a
+month, returned to Ghuzni, and thence in a straight direction to
+Quettah, leaving Candahar some distance on the right; Capt. Outram, who
+commanded a body of native horse, preceding the main body of the
+division for the purpose of capturing the forts, or castles, belonging
+to those chiefs who had not submitted to Shah Shooja. From Quettah,
+General Willshire moved with a part of his division upon Kelat, and
+thence through the Gundava Pass and Cutch Gundava to the Indus, where
+these troops were met by the rest of the division, which came from
+Quettah by the Bolan Pass. Hence they descended to Curachee to embark
+for their respective quarters in India. The fate of one of the regiments
+of the division, the 17th, as it is recorded in a Bombay paper, is most
+distressing. They embarked at Curachee for Bombay, and sailed in the
+morning with a fair wind and a fine breeze, but before the night closed
+in upon them the ship was fast aground upon a sandbank, off the Hujamree
+branch of the Indus, scarcely within sight of land. Everything was
+thrown overboard to lighten the ship, but in vain; she became a total
+wreck, and settled down to her main deck in the water. She fortunately,
+however, held together long enough to allow all the men to be taken on
+shore, which occupied three days, but with the loss of everything they
+had taken on board with them. The other regiments, we may hope, have
+been more fortunate, as they were not mentioned in the paper which gave
+this melancholy account of the 17th regiment.</p>
+
+<p>Sinde, the country through which the army first passed, is divided into
+three districts, each governed by an Ameer, the chief of whom resides at
+Hydrabad, the second at Khyrpoor, and the other at Meerpoor; and when
+Lieut. Burnes ascended the Indus, in 1831, the reigning Ameers were
+branches of the Beloochistan tribe of Talpoor. With these the chief of
+Kelat and Gundava, Mehrab Khan (who was related by marriage to the Ameer
+of Hydrabad), was more closely allied than any other prince. Like them,
+he had been formerly tributary to Cabool, and had shaken off the yoke,
+and, possessing a very strong country between Afghanistan and Sinde, he
+became as useful as he had at all times proved himself a faithful ally
+to the Sindeans. Shikarpoor, with the fertile country around it, as well
+as Bukker, had formerly belonged to the Barukzye family of Afghanistan,
+and, although they still possessed Candahar, Cabool, and Peshawar, they
+had in vain endeavoured to withdraw Mehrab Khan from his alliance with
+the Sindeans, or to recover those lost possessions.</p>
+
+<p>To understand the political state of Afghanistan, into which the army
+marched for the purpose of restoring Shah Shooja to its throne, it will
+be necessary to go back to the early part of the last century, when
+Nadir Shah had raised himself to the throne of Persia. His name having
+become formidable as a conqueror, he turned his thoughts to the conquest
+of India, and, assuming sufficient pretexts for breaking the relations
+of amity which he professed for the monarch of that country, he
+determined to invade it, and for that purpose began his march in 1738.
+Taking with him some of the chiefs of Afghanistan, he crossed the Punjab
+and entered Delhi. He there raised enormous contributions, and seized
+upon everything worth taking away; amongst other things the far-famed
+Peacock throne, in which was the renowned diamond called &quot;The Mountain
+of Light.&quot; The spoils with which he returned to Persia were valued at
+nearly seventy millions of pounds sterling. It is not necessary to
+follow the history of Nadir; it will be enough to say that, amidst the
+confusion which followed his death, Ahmed Khan obtained possession of
+part of his treasure, amongst which was the great diamond. He escaped
+with it into Khorassan, where he made himself master also of a large sum
+of money which was coming to Nadir from India. Ahmed was a brave and
+intelligent man, had been an officer of rank under the Shah, and, being
+in possession of the treasure necessary for his purpose, he proclaimed
+himself king, and was crowned at Candahar &quot;King of the Afghans.&quot; Ahmed
+was of the Suddoozye family, which were but a small tribe; but he was
+greatly assisted by the powerful Barukzye family, whose friendship he
+justly valued and made use of to his advantage: of this latter family
+Hajee Jamel was then the chief. Ahmed knew how to conciliate the
+independent spirit of his Afghan subjects, and by making frequent
+incursions on his neighbours, kept alive that spirit of enterprise which
+was congenial to their feelings; but from the time of his death the
+royal authority began to decline, as Timour, his son and successor, had
+neither the sense nor enterprise necessary to uphold it. Affairs became
+still worse under the sons of Timour. Shah Zumaun was of a cruel
+disposition, and wanted the education necessary to the situation he was
+called upon to fill; his brothers, Mahmood and Shah Shooja, were not
+better disposed; and towards the Barukzye family, who had been so
+instrumental in placing their grandfather, Ahmed, on the throne, they
+conducted themselves not only most imprudently, but with dreadful
+cruelty.</p>
+
+<p>Shah Zumaun was succeeded by Shah Shooja, of whom, although the chief
+person in the present drama, little more need be said of this part of
+his history than that, ignorant of the mode of governing such
+independent tribes as the Afghans, his power was never great, and, after
+the fall of his vizier, and the murder of his comrade, Meer Waeez, it
+gradually declined, until he lost his throne at Neemla, in 1809. He had
+taken the field with a well-appointed army of 15,000 men; but was
+attacked by Futteh Khan, an experienced general, at the head of 2000
+men, before the royal army was formed for battle; Akram Khan, his
+vizier, was slain, and he fled to the Kyber country, leaving the greater
+part of his treasure in the hands of his conquerors. Shah Shooja had
+failed to conciliate the Barukzye family; Futteh Khan, their chief, had
+therefore espoused the cause of the king's brother, Mahmood, and having
+driven Shah Shooja from his throne, he placed Mahmood upon it, and
+accepted for himself the situation of vizier. Under his vigorous
+administration, the whole of the Afghan country, with the exception of
+Cashmere, submitted to the dominion of the new sovereign. The Shah of
+Persia, anxious to possess himself of Herat, sent an army against it,
+but was defeated in his object, and Herat was preserved to Mahmood by
+the successful exertions of Futteh Khan. No sooner, however, was Mahmood
+thus firmly established in his dominions, than his son Kamran became
+jealous of the man who had raised him to the situation, and had secured
+to him the kingdom; he therefore determined to effect the ruin of the
+vizier. The prince was not long in gaining over his father to his views;
+and Futteh Khan being at Herat, Kamran seized on his person and put out
+his eyes. In this state he kept him prisoner for about six months,
+during which time the brothers of the vizier, irritated at the conduct
+of Kamran, began to show signs of disaffection. Mahmood ordered Futteh
+Khan to be brought before him in the court of his palace, and accusing
+the brothers of the vizier of rebellion, directed him to bring them back
+to a state of allegiance. The vizier, in the dreadful condition in which
+he had been reduced, replied to the demand of Mahmood, &quot;What can an old
+and blind man do?&quot; when, by the order of the king, the courtiers cut the
+vizier to pieces, limb after limb: his nose and ears were hacked off;
+neither did he receive his death blow until not a member of his person
+was left upon which they could inflict torture. With the fall of his
+vizier the king's power rapidly declined, and he fled to Herat,
+virtually yielding up the rest of his kingdom. He died in 1829, his son,
+Kamran, succeeding to the limited government of that portion only of his
+former dominions. Upon the flight of Mahmood to Herat, the horrid murder
+of their brother threw the whole of the Barukzye family into open
+revolt, the eldest of whom, Azeem Khan, recalled Shah Shooja from his
+exile. From the time Shah Shooja lost his throne, he had been first a
+captive in the hands of the son of his former vizier, and then a
+pensioner on the bounty of the Maharajah, at Lahore, who in return
+extorted from him the famous diamond, &quot;The Mountain of Light,&quot; and other
+jewels, which he had brought away with him when he fled at Neemla. He
+then made his escape from the Maharajah, and found protection and
+support from the British government of India. Upon the summons from
+Azeem Khan, Shah Shooja immediately hastened to Peshawur; where, before
+his benefactor had time to meet him, he practically displayed his ideas
+of royalty so unwisely, and so insulted some of the friends of the
+Barukzye family, that the whole party took offence, and they at once
+rejected him, and placed his brother Eyoob on the throne.</p>
+
+<p>Eyoob was but a puppet king, the tool of the family who raised him to
+the government; Azeem Khan, who was appointed his vizier, being in truth
+the ruler. Several of the young princes who aspired to the throne were
+delivered over to Eyoob, who put them to death.</p>
+
+<p>Shooja, driven from Peshawur, retired to Shikarpoor, which the Ameers of
+Sinde ceded to him; where, in place of conducting himself with prudence,
+he was so addicted to low intrigue with those about him, that his
+enemies availed themselves of this propensity to effect his ruin, and
+drove him from Shikarpoor, when, crossing the Indus, he fled through the
+desert by Juydalmeer, and returned to Loodiana. &quot;The fitness,&quot; says
+Lieut. Burnes, &quot;of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk for the station of a sovereign
+seems ever to have been doubtful. His manners and address are highly
+polished, but his judgment does not rise above mediocrity; had the case
+been otherwise, we should not now see him an exile from his country and
+his throne, without a hope of regaining them, after an absence of twenty
+years, and before he has attained the fiftieth year of his age.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The civil wars which had thus so frequently occurred in Afghanistan
+weakened the resources of the country and its means of defence. Runjet
+Sing availed himself of the advantage which this state of affairs
+presented to him, and obtained possession of Cashmere; when, continuing
+his conquests, he crossed the Indus, and made himself master of
+Peshawur, burning its palace, and laying the country under tribute.
+Azeem Khan made a precipitate retreat before the army of the Sikhs
+towards Cabool, without attempting to arrest their progress, and was so
+stung with remorse at the weakness of his conduct that he died on
+reaching that city. With the death of Azeem the royal authority was
+extinguished. The king fled to Lahore, and lived under the protection of
+his conqueror. Herat alone remained in the possession of one of the
+Suddoozye family. The brothers of the late vizier seized his son, and
+deprived him of his treasure and his power. The kingdom was then divided
+between them. Cabool fell into the hands of Dost Mahomed; Peshawur and
+Candahar were held by two of his brothers; the Sindeans threw off their
+yoke, and refused to pay tribute; Balk was annexed to the dominions of
+the King of Bokhara; the richest portion of the provinces having fallen
+into the possession of the Sikhs. In seventy-six years from the time
+that Ahmed Shah was crowned at Candahar, the Dooranee monarchy again
+ceased to exist.</p>
+
+<p>As I have given the character of Shah Shooja, it will be interesting to
+quote that of Dost Mahomed, from the same author. &quot;He is unremitting in
+his attention to business, and attends daily at the courthouse, with the
+Cazee and Moollahs, to decide every cause according to law. Trade has
+received the greatest encouragement from him, and he has derived his own
+reward, since the receipts of the customhouse of the city have increased
+fifty thousand rupees, and furnished him with a net revenue of two lacs
+of rupees per annum. The merchant may travel without a guard or
+protection from one frontier to another, an unheard-of circumstance in
+the time of the kings. The justice of this chief affords a constant
+theme of praise to all classes. The peasant rejoices at the absence of
+tyranny, the citizen at the safety of his home, the merchant at the
+equity of his decisions and the protection of his property, and the
+soldier at the regular manner in which his arrears are discharged.&quot; &quot;One
+is struck with the intelligence, knowledge, and curiosity which he
+displays, as well as at his accomplished manners and address.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>To this short sketch of Afghanistan, and of the persons connected with
+its political history, I will add some extracts from the work of the
+Hon. Capt. Osborne, because they explain the circumstances which led to
+the campaign of the Indus, and to the restoration of Shah Shooja to the
+throne of Cabool. He says, &quot;In May, 1838, a complimentary deputation was
+sent by Runjet Sing to the Governor-General at Simla, consisting of some
+of the most distinguished Sikh chiefs, who were received with all the
+honours prescribed by oriental etiquette. Shortly afterwards, Lord
+Auckland resolved to send a mission to the court of Lahore, not merely
+to reciprocate the compliments of the Maharajah, but to treat upon all
+the important interests which were involved in the existing state of
+political affairs in that quarter of the world. The recent attempts of
+the Persians on Herat, the ambiguous conduct of Dost Mahomed, and the
+suspicions which had been excited with respect to the proceedings and
+ulterior designs of Russia, rendered it of the greatest importance to
+cement the alliance with Runjet Sing, and engage him to a firm and
+effective co-operation with us in the establishment of general
+tranquillity, the resistance of foreign encroachment, and the extension
+of the benefits of commerce and the blessings of civilization.
+Accordingly, W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., was deputed on the mission to the
+Maharajah, accompanied by Dr. Drummond, Capt. Macgregor, and the Hon. W.
+Osborne, military secretary to the Governor-General.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The object of the Governor-General's mission to Lahore having been
+accomplished, and the concurrence, and, if necessary, the co-operation
+of Runjet Sing, in the restoration of Shah Shooja, secured, Mr.
+Macnaghten repaired to Loodiana, for the purpose of submitting to the
+Shah the treaties that had been concluded, and announcing to him the
+approaching change in his fortunes. The envoys seem to have been much
+struck with the majestic appearance of the old pretender, especially
+with the flowing honours of a black beard descending to his waist,
+always the most cherished appendage of oriental dignity. He had lived
+for twenty years in undisturbed seclusion, if not 'the world
+forgetting,' certainly 'by the world forgot,' consoling himself for the
+loss of his kingdom in a domestic circle of six hundred wives, but
+always 'sighing his soul' towards the mountains and valleys of
+Afghanistan, and patiently awaiting the <i>kismet</i>, or fate, which was to
+restore him to his throne. The preparations thenceforward went rapidly
+on. The contingent raised by the Shah was united (more for form than
+use) to the British force, and in three months the expedition began its
+operations.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But before I conclude this introduction to the letters, which detail the
+results of these treaties with the Maharajah, and the march of Shah
+Shooja to Cabool, as I have spoken of the leading characters of
+Afghanistan, I may be permitted to say a few words about the persons
+through whose exertions the Shah has been restored to the throne of that
+country&mdash;the officers of the British army; and I do so the more
+anxiously, because the naval and military glory of our country, which in
+my early days was the theme of every song, is now seldom heard of in
+society, and those gallant services appear to be nearly forgotten, which
+during a long protracted state of warfare, within our own recollection,
+placed England in a position to dictate her own terms of peace to the
+world:&mdash;a state of society which encourages a certain class of persons
+the more effectually to abuse the military profession, and to mislead
+their deluded followers, by clamouring about the expense of the army,
+and the aristocratic bearing of its members, that they may the more
+readily carry out their own schemes of personal vanity and demoralizing
+political economy.</p>
+
+<p>It is the peculiar feature of the British army, to which we are indebted
+for its high and honourable bearing, that the sons of the first families
+in the land are ever anxious to bear arms under its standards, looking
+not to pecuniary emolument, but to those honours which military rank and
+professional attainments can procure for them; whilst the first commands
+and the highest stations in the service are filled without distinction
+from every grade in society. It is this happy mixture which induces that
+high sense of honour, so peculiarly characteristic of our service; that
+acknowledged distinction between the officers and the privates; that
+true discipline which, tempered with justice and kindly feeling, wins
+the respect of the soldier, and induces him to place that reliance upon
+his commander everywhere so conspicuous, whether in the camp or field of
+battle. But this high feeling in the army causes no additional expense
+to the country; the charge is altogether a deception. Let the following
+sketch of a young soldier's life of the present day, as applicable to
+others as to himself, answer the charge of these politicians.</p>
+
+<p>He was educated for the highest walk of the legal profession, and had
+nearly prepared himself for the university, when he decided to change
+his course and go into the army. The Commander-in-chief placed his name
+amongst the candidates for commissions, and he went to Hanover, where,
+after he had made himself master of the German language, his Royal
+Highness the Duke of Cambridge kindly gave him a commission in the
+Yagers of the Guard, better known in England, in the Peninsula, and at
+Waterloo, as the Rifles of the German Legion. Being only a volunteer in
+the regiment, he could not receive pay from the government; he was,
+therefore, at very considerable personal expense to keep his proper
+standing with his brother officers; and as soon as he had acquired all
+the military knowledge that he was likely to get in the regiment in time
+of peace, he obtained leave to return to England; and, as he had not any
+immediate expectation of a commission, he visited France, to make
+himself more perfect in the French language. After this, he was allowed
+to purchase a commission in the 2nd regiment, or Queen's Royals; and he
+embarked to join that corps in India. His letters will shew what that
+regiment, in common with others, have endured during a campaign of
+fifteen months in Central Asia, their privations and expenses; and when
+his second commission was paid for, during that campaign, he found
+himself at its close, at the age of twenty-five, a lieutenant on full
+pay, the amount of which, if he was in England, would be far short of
+the interest of the money which has been expended in his commissions and
+education, and with fifteen lieutenants still above him on the roll of
+his regiment.</p>
+
+<p>It will be seen by his letters, and it is confirmed by the official
+despatches of the Commander-in-chief, that the company to which he was
+attached (the light company of the Queen's) led the storming party at
+Ghuzni. He was shot through the arm and through the body, and left for
+dead at the foot of the citadel at Kelat, whilst endeavouring to save
+the lives of some Beloochees who were crying for mercy. And for these
+services he is to be rewarded with a medal, by Shah Shooja; for Ghuzni,
+and for the capture of both places he has the full enjoyment of the
+highest gratification that a soldier can feel&mdash;the consciousness that he
+has done his duty to his country, and, let me hope, in the act of mercy
+in which he suffered, his duty to his God as a Christian. But he is not
+a solitary example of such good fortune. No one who was wounded and
+survived may have been nearer death than himself, yet are there others
+who have done more, and suffered more, as the history of the army of
+the Indus would bear ample testimony.</p>
+
+<p>Let me then ask, in behalf of the British officer, when he is lightly
+spoken of as a man, or when the expenses of the army are cavilled at, on
+which side is the debt&mdash;on his, or on that of his country?</p>
+
+<p class="name">A.H. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p><i>Brookhill,&mdash;May, 1840.</i></p>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>It may be right to draw the attention of the reader to a
+circumstance which, at first sight, may appear singular&mdash;that the same
+letters frequently contain reports quite contradictory to each other. It
+should therefore be borne in mind that such letters were probably
+written at different times, as the writer found opportunity; who, being
+anxious that his family should know all that passed as well in the camp
+as in the field, preferred leaving each report in the way in which it
+was circulated at the time of his writing it, rather than correct it
+afterwards, as the truth, might turn out. Such letters shew the
+situation in which an army is placed on its landing in a new country,
+where no account of the movements of the inhabitants can be relied upon,
+and the heavy responsibility which attaches to the officers who are
+entrusted with its command.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br />
+<a name="Page1"></a>
+<a name="CAMPAIGN_OF_THE_INDUS"></a><h2>CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS.</h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" /><br />
+
+<a name="LETTER_I"></a><h2>LETTER I</h2>
+
+<p class="justright">On board the ship Syden,<br />
+Off the mouth of the Indus, Nov. 27th, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;We left Belgaum on the 22nd of last month, and arrived
+at Bombay on the first of this; and we started from Bombay on the 18th,
+for this place. I had intended to write from Bombay, but everything was
+in such a state of confusion and bustle whilst we were there, that I
+literally could find no time or place for doing so. We are now at anchor
+off one of the mouths of the Indus, and have had a delightful voyage.
+Our ship is a very nice one, of 750 tons, belonging to a Swede, who is
+an excessively good fellow, and has treated us very well.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John Keane is already arrived in the steamer Semiramis and also one
+of the native regiments. Our Bombay force consists of 5500 men, of which
+2000 are Europeans&mdash;viz., 500 of the Queen's, and 500 of <a name="Page2"></a>H.M. 17th
+regiment, one squadron of the 4th Light Dragoons, with foot and horse
+artillery. The rest of the force is composed of native regiments, horse
+and foot. We shall not land, I think, until to-morrow evening, as we are
+almost the only ship that has yet arrived. The infantry are divided into
+two brigades, and the cavalry form another by themselves. Our brigade
+(the first) consists of the Queen's, and the 5th and 19th regiments of
+Native Infantry, commanded by our worthy Colonel, now General Willshire,
+C.B.; the other brigade is commanded by a Company's officer. We have to
+go in boats about thirty miles, it is said, up the river, before we
+finally march. Where it is I am perfectly ignorant; however, some place
+between this and Hydrabad, whence we shall march as far north as
+Shikarpoor, where we are to form a junction with the Bengal troops,
+13,000 in number, under Sir H. Fane. What our destination will be after
+that I know not; whether we shall advance with the Bengalees upon Herat,
+or form a corps of reserve on the Indus.</p>
+
+<p>The country between this and Shikarpoor belongs to the Ameers of Sinde.
+They were very restive at first, when they heard of our intention to
+march through their country, and threatened to oppose our progress; but
+I believe they have since thought better of it; however, I do not think
+that they can do anything against us: time will soon shew. We have been
+excessively crowded on board: twenty-six officers.<a name="Page3"></a> I have been obliged
+to sleep on the poop every night, which, when the dew was heavy, was by
+no means pleasant. I hope we shall go further than Shikarpoor, as I
+should like very much to see Cabool, Candahar, and all that part of the
+world, which so few Europeans have visited.</p>
+
+<p>What is the cause of all this bustle and war I hardly know myself, and,
+at all events, it is too long to make the subject of a letter; I must
+therefore refer you to the papers for it; but I have heard from old
+officers that for the last twenty years the Company have been anxious to
+establish themselves west and north of the Indus. It is not likely,
+therefore, now that they have such an opportunity, that they will let it
+slip, so that perhaps we may be quartered there for the next two or
+three years. How it will turn out I know no more than the man in the
+moon: a soldier is a mere machine, and is moved by his superiors just as
+a chessman by a chess-player. Should there be any skrimmaging, our men
+are in high spirits, and will, I think, soon make the Ameers put their
+pipes in their pockets. Ours is the first European army that has been on
+the Indus since the time of Alexander.</p>
+
+<p>I was obliged to sell my horses and other things on leaving Belgaum, at
+a dead loss. I intend buying another horse when we land in Sinde, as I
+am told we can get good ones very cheap there. This is a regular case of
+here to-day and there to-morrow: perhaps my next letter may be dated
+from Cashmere&mdash;<a name="Page4"></a>who knows? I felt rather sorry at leaving Belgaum; we
+were all of us excessively rejoiced to get out of Bombay. The report at
+first was, that we were to garrison it for the next two or three years,
+and we were therefore very glad when we found that was not to be the
+case. Now, it is said, there is a chance of our going into Persia; but I
+do not think that we shall. The man waits to lay the cloth on the cuddy
+table, where I am writing, so I must conclude for the present.</p>
+
+<p><i>Nov. 28th</i>.&mdash;The regiment is beginning to disembark right in front. The
+Grenadiers are now going into the boats of the natives that are to take
+them up the river. Since I wrote yesterday, I have heard all the news
+relative to our disembarkation. We are to go fifteen miles up the river
+in native boats to a place called Vicur, where we form our first camp
+ground. We are to remain there for a week or ten days, in order to
+collect camels, bullocks, &amp;c., for the transportation of our baggage. We
+have to pass a very dangerous bar in getting to this place, where
+several boats have been wrecked; but we have fine large ones. From all
+accounts, the Ameers are now peaceably disposed, except one fellow, who,
+we hear, is inclined to be rather obstreperous; but I think the sight of
+our force will soon bring him to his senses. There are, however, a set
+of men who live on the mountain borders of Sinde, called Beloochees, the
+eastern inhabitants of Beloochistan, who are a <a name="Page5"></a>robber, free-and-easy
+kind of people, who may give us some trouble in endeavouring to walk off
+with part of our baggage, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>I intend to keep a journal of what occurs, and will write by every
+opportunity. I think I have now mentioned everything that I have heard
+relative to this grand expedition; except, by-the-bye, that Sir Henry
+Fane has denominated the force as &quot;The army of the Indus,&quot; and ours, the
+Bombay branch of it, as &quot;The corps d'arm&eacute;e of Sinde.&quot; There is a grand
+title for you! I have nothing more to say; and as I must be looking
+after my traps previous to disembarking, I must conclude with best love
+to you, and all at home.</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Your most affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S.&mdash;I must trust this to the captain of the vessel, giving him
+instructions to put it into the Bombay post when he returns, so that it
+is equally doubtful when you may receive it. He is an excessively good
+fellow, the captain; and we are going to make him a present of a silver
+goblet, worth 35l., for his attentions to us whilst on board his ship.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page6"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_II"></a><h2>LETTER II.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Perminacote, five miles from Vicur,<br />
+right bank of the Hujamree,<br />
+one of the branches of the Indus,<br />
+December 8th, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR KITTY,&mdash;I wrote to my father, about ten days ago, from the ship
+in which we came here, stating what I then knew about this expedition;
+but having since received your letter, and my father's, dated Sept. 4th,
+I cannot think of going on this bloody campaign without first answering
+yours. Things look now a little more warlike. The Ameers have
+endeavoured to cut off everything like a supply from this part of the
+country, and we have to depend in a great measure, at present, on the
+supplies brought by the shipping. We have nothing in the shape of
+conveyance for our baggage. We expected two thousand camels and five
+hundred horses here for sale; but they are not to be seen at present,
+and where they are, or when they will arrive, no one knows. News has
+been received, it is said, from Pottinger, the Company's political agent
+at Hydrabad, the principal town<a name="Page7"></a> of the Ameers, that they have called in
+their army, consisting of 20,000 Beloochees, as they tell Pottinger,
+&quot;for the purpose of paying them off;&quot; but he says it looks very
+suspicious, and that they are also fortifying the various towns on the
+Indus. He has been expected here for the last two or three days, but has
+not yet arrived. Report also says that he has been fired at in his way
+down.</p>
+
+<p>We are kept in the most strict discipline, and have a great deal to do.
+Out-lying and in-lying pickets every night, the same as if we were in
+the presence of an enemy. This is a very pleasant climate at present,
+though excessively cold at night-time, as we feel to our cost when on
+picket, sleeping in the open air, with nothing but our cloaks to cover
+us; and some nights the dew is excessively heavy, which is very
+unhealthy, and has laid me up for the last few days with an attack of
+rheumatism. However, I hope to be out of the sick list to-day. There is
+such a sharp, cutting, easterly wind, that I can hardly hold my pen. It
+averages from 80 to 84 in the shade during the hottest part of the day,
+but that is only for about two hours. However, in the hot season it is
+worse than India; and we have proof here, even at this time, of the
+power of the sun occasionally; so I hope that we shall push on for
+Shikarpoor, and join the Bengal army, under Sir H. Fane, as quickly as
+possible, as we shall then have some chance of getting to Cabool, which
+is said to be a delightful climate.</p>
+<a name="Page8"></a>
+<p>We are still totally ignorant of our future proceedings, except what I
+have stated above. We are in great hopes that we have not been brought
+here for nothing, and that we may have a chance of seeing a few hard
+blows given and taken ere long. Hydrabad and <i>loot&egrave;</i> is what is most
+talked about at present. It will, however, be a most harassing kind of
+warfare, I expect, as the force of the Ameers consists of Arabs and
+Beloochees; a regular predatory sort of boys, capital horsemen, but not
+able, I should think, to engage in a regular stand-up fight. I think
+their warfare will consist in trying to cut off a picket at night,
+breaking through the chain of sentries, and endeavouring to put the camp
+in confusion, &amp;c. &amp;c.; so that the poor subalterns on picket will have
+anything but a sinecure there; however, it will be a capital way of
+learning one's duty in the field. By-the-bye, I forgot to tell you,
+amongst other rumours of war, that an Ameer was down here a few days ago
+to obtain an interview with Sir J. Keane, who refused to see the Ameer,
+or to have anything to do with him, and told him that he would soon talk
+to him at Hydrabad.</p>
+
+<p>Our force is now nearly all arrived, all except the Bombay grenadier
+regiment, which is to form part of ours, (i.e., the first brigade,) and
+not the 19th regiment, as I told my father. We have now here two
+squadrons of H.M. 4th Light Dragoons, the Queen's, and the 17th
+regiment. The native regiments are,<a name="Page9"></a> the Grenadiers, the 5th, the 19th,
+and the 24th; there is also a due proportion of horse and foot
+artillery, together with some native cavalry, making in all 5500
+fighting men. We are now about fifteen miles from the sea, and we got up
+quite safe, although there is a very dangerous bar to cross, and all the
+boats were not so lucky as ours, as the horse artillery lost fifteen
+horses; and a boat belonging to a merchant of Bombay went down, in which
+goods to the amount of one thousand rupees (100l.) were lost.</p>
+
+<p>Our camp presents a very gay appearance&mdash;so many regiments collected
+together; and altogether I like this sort of campaigning work very well,
+although I expect that we shall be very hard put to it when we march, if
+we do not get more means of conveyance. The wind is blowing such
+intolerable dust into the tent that I can hardly write. The captain of
+the vessel which brought us from Bombay came up here last night, and
+returns to-day about eleven o'clock, and sails this evening for Bombay;
+I shall give him this letter to take, so that you and my father will
+receive my letters at the same time. As long as I keep my health I do
+not care where we go or what we do. The doctor has just come in and put
+me off the sick list. It is getting very near eleven o'clock, and the
+captain will be off directly, so that I must conclude my letter, hoping
+you will, for this reason, excuse its<a name="Page10"></a> shortness; and with best love,
+&amp;c., to all at home, believe me ever your most affectionate brother,</p>
+
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S. I have not any horse at present, which I find a great
+inconvenience. I sold what I had at Belgaum, before I left it, at a dead
+loss, as I expected to get plenty here on my arrival, but have been
+wofully disappointed. There were some splendid creatures for sale at
+Bombay, which was very tempting, but they asked enormous sums for them.
+I wonder where I shall eat my Christmas dinner! This is the first
+European army that has been on the Indus since the time of Alexander the
+Great.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page11"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_III"></a><h2>LETTER III.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp near Tatta, four miles from the Indus,<br />
+January 1st, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I write to wish you a happy new year on this the first
+day of 1839, which, if it turns out as its opening prognosticates, is
+likely to be a very eventful one for me, if I do not get knocked on the
+head or otherwise disposed of. I wrote to you from the ship Syden, about
+the 28th of November, and to Kate from our last station at Bominacote,
+on the right bank of the Hujamree, about the 12th of last month, both
+which letters will, I expect, leave Bombay to-day by the overland mail
+for England; but as another mail will leave on the 19th, and I thought
+you would be anxious to learn as much of our movements &amp;c. as possible,
+I dare say the present letter will not be amiss.</p>
+
+<p>We remained at our old encampment, Bominacote, until the 26th of last
+month, and I picked up my health very fast there, and was able to enjoy
+myself<a name="Page12"></a> shooting a great deal, particularly the black partridge, which
+is an uncommonly handsome bird, and much bigger than the English. The
+2nd brigade of infantry, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment, the 19th and
+23rd regiments Native Infantry, under the command of General Gordon, a
+Company's officer, together with the 4th Light Dragoons, a regiment of
+Native Cavalry, and one troop of horse artillery, left the aforesaid
+place on the 24th, with Sir John Keane and his escort; and the first
+brigade, consisting of ourselves, the 1st Grenadiers, and 5th regiment
+Native Infantry, under the command of our chief, General Willshire, left
+on the 26th. I was on out-lying picket the night before, (Christmas
+night,) and a very curious way it was of passing it. The first part of
+the night, till twelve o'clock, was exceedingly fine and beautiful, and,
+as I lay on the cold ground, my thoughts travelled towards poor old
+Devonshire, and I could not help fancying in what a much more
+comfortable way you must be spending it at home, all snug, &amp;c. at
+Brookhill. After twelve, the strong northerly wind, which blows with
+great force at intervals this time of the year in this country, sprung
+up, and it soon got intensely cold. Towards two I forgot myself for
+about half an hour, and nodded on my post, and on awakening I was taken
+with what I am sure must have been a slight attack of cholera. I was
+stone cold, particularly my arms, hands, legs, and feet, and suffered
+excruciating pains in my stomach, till nature relieved<a name="Page13"></a> me, which she
+was kind enough to do uncommonly frequent. I had luckily some brandy
+with me, of which I drank, I should think, half a bottle down without
+tasting it; but it did me a great deal of good at the time, although I
+have not been well since, and am still very far from being so. Our
+camels, of which I had two, were furnished us by the commissariat, and
+we ought to have had them at four o'clock on the day before; but, like
+everything else, we did not get them till four o'clock the morning we
+marched, about an hour before we turned out. I had to trust entirely to
+Providence with regard to mine, as to whether I should get them or not,
+as I was on outlying picket, and could not attend to them, and I had
+just two minutes, after coming from picket in the morning, to get a
+mouthful of villanous coffee, when I was obliged to fall in with my
+company, which formed the advanced guard of the brigade, and march off
+in double quick time, leaving all to chance. My poor stomach wanted
+something most awfully to stop its proceedings, but it was totally out
+of the question, as General Willshire hurried us off at a slapping pace;
+luckily, the march was only eight miles, so it did not fatigue me much:
+I marched on foot the whole of it, as I could not get my pony in the
+hurry of starting. We got nothing to eat till two o'clock, when part of
+our mess things arrived, and we pitched into whatever we could get. This
+march; though, was by far the most pleasant, as we had a good firm tract
+of country to pass over, and no<a name="Page14"></a> sand. The &quot;rouse&quot; sounded at five, and
+we marched again at half-past six. This night I was on in-lying picket,
+and was obliged to pass it in harness, and ready to turn out at a
+moment's notice, although awfully tired. We had a very unpleasant march,
+as the north winds got up soon after we started, and blew the dust and
+sand right into our eyes; we had, however, being on the advance guard,
+comparatively easy work, as there were only two sections with each
+officer: the poor column suffered severely. This day, however, was
+paradise compared to the next, which was eighteen miles, through an
+uninhabited sandy desert, with a few tamarisk shrubs and no water,
+except a few stagnant pools, which was the cause of the march being so
+long, there being no place for encampment. General Willshire, however,
+made the best of a bad matter, and sent on the night before to a place
+about half way, and the least unchristian-like spot he could find, half
+the men's rations for the next day, together with the bheesties (or
+water carriers) and the men's grog, &amp;c., with orders for the cooks to
+have these rations cooked and ready for the men as soon as they marched
+in; so that on arriving at the ground we piled arms and formed a curious
+sort of pic-nic in the middle of the desert. We halted here about an
+hour, and lucky it was that the men got the means of recruiting their
+strength in this manner, as the latter part of the march was a terrible
+teaser. We marched off from this place about twelve. Although we had
+<a name="Page15"></a>found the morning pleasant enough, with a fine bracing breeze, yet in
+the afternoon, about half an hour after starting, the wind went down,
+and the sun shone out terribly; the sand in some parts was half knee
+deep, and although there was no breeze to blow it in our faces, yet it
+rose from the trampling of so many feet in successive dense columns, and
+completely enveloped the whole brigade, almost blinding the men, so that
+they could hardly see the man before them, and getting into their noses
+and mouths so as nearly to suffocate them; however, they bore it
+manfully, and marched straight through it like Britons. Our encampment
+that night was at a place called Golam Shah, on the Buggaur, one of the
+branch streams of the Indus. We found that the second brigade had only
+left it the same morning, having been obliged to halt there the
+preceding day; and General Willshire found a letter from Sir John Keane,
+advising a halt there for the following day, which we accordingly did,
+and a precious comfortable day we had. I got off my pony at the close of
+this day's march with a dreadful headache, and had to wait for an hour
+till Halket's tent and kit, with whom I am doubling up, arrived. His
+servants brought me the delightful intelligence that my camel man had
+bolted with his camels at our last encampment, and that my things were
+all left there on the ground, with my servant, and that it was quite
+uncertain when they would be up; in fact, it seemed exceedingly doubtful
+whether they would arrive at all.<a name="Page16"></a> However, they did come in at last,
+but very late, on three ponies, two bullocks, and one donkey, which were
+the only things my boy could get, and for which I had to pay
+considerably. I turned in as soon as I could; and the next day, which
+was a most wretched one, I was very unwell. This place, Golam Shah,
+must, I think, be one of the most wretched places in the whole world,
+situated as it is in the heart of a desert, with only one
+recommendation,&mdash;viz., the river Buggaur, the water of which is
+excessively sweet and wholesome. The day we passed at it was the coldest
+I remember since leaving England. A strong northerly wind blew the whole
+day, and the clouds of dust and sand that rose in consequence were so
+thick as perfectly to obscure the sun, and all we could do we could not
+keep ourselves warm. Here we had the misfortune also to lose the only
+man that has as yet fallen on the march, an old soldier. He was taken
+with cholera at eight in the morning and died at twelve at night: he was
+buried about six hours afterwards, just as the regiment marched. The
+hospital men had no time to stretch him, and he was laid in the earth in
+the same posture in which he died, with his arms stuck a kimbo, pressing
+upon his stomach, which shews that he must have suffered intense agony.
+Poor fellow! they had not time to dig his grave very deep, and I am
+afraid the jackals will be the only benefiters by his death. We left
+this place the next morning, the 30th, and arrived here<a name="Page17"></a> (Tatta) about
+eleven o'clock, a twelve-mile march. A great number of the 2nd brigade
+rode out to meet us, and the 4th Light Dragoons very kindly asked us to
+breakfast immediately on our arrival. You may be sure they had not to
+ask us twice!</p>
+
+<p>Tatta is a very ancient town, said to have been built by either
+Alexander, on his march down the Indus, or by one of his generals; the
+ancient name was Patala. At that time the country was in possession of
+Hindoos, or, at least, of the followers of Brahma, who were most
+probably the original possessors of the greater portion of the east.
+Afterwards, on the rise of Mahomet, it was soon in possession of his
+followers, who seem to have held it for a long period, as they have left
+magnificent proofs of their grandeur, both in the city and all round the
+neighbourhood, which is studded with splendid cupolas, domes, temples,
+and tombs; there is one in particular in the town itself an old tomb,
+now used as a caravanserai, which is excessively handsome. When I talk
+of a tomb being turned into a caravanserai, you will of course
+understand that a tomb in this part of the world is very different from
+one in the western part of the globe. This tomb itself would cover as
+much ground as Exeter Cathedral. The inside of the domes are very
+beautifully enamelled in the chastest colours, and with most excellent
+taste, and would put to shame the most handsome drawing-room in London,
+I should think. I have never repented not being able to draw so much<a name="Page18"></a> as
+I have since I have been in the East, but particularly since I have been
+at this place, where there is so much that would look well in a sketch;
+but I would not give twopence to be able to draw and not draw well,
+particularly when I see the daubs that some men, who fancy they are
+hands at it, produce, after fagging at the simplest thing possible, and
+I believe that if nature does not give you a turn for it, all the trying
+possible would never make a painter, and that what the old Roman proverb
+said of the poet, &quot;Non fit sed nascitur poeta,&quot; is equally applicable to
+the painter. I tried it for a short time, at Hanover, but my master told
+me I was the most awkward and stupid pupil he ever had, and advised me
+to cut the concern, and I followed his advice; nor am I sorry that I did
+so, as I should never have been able to draw well, and should have only
+been discontented, and given it up in disgust. We have, however, two
+officers in our regiment who both draw and sketch exceedingly well; and
+I will try to get duplicates from them if possible, so that, if God
+spares my life, and I ever return home, I shall be able to shew you some
+specimens of the country we have passed through.</p>
+
+<p><i>Jan. 2nd.</i>&mdash;Well, we are to have no fighting, at least at present, it
+appears. This will be cheering news for Kitty, I expect. We were most
+egregiously disappointed in the town or city of Tatta itself. We saw it
+at a great distance on our march, and on arriving on our encamping
+ground, it looked excessively<a name="Page19"></a> well, and gave us the idea of a very
+handsome place. We saw what we imagined to be high houses, built of
+stone, towers and pillars; but lo! when we rode in to examine it, these
+splendid buildings turned out to be a most miserable collection of white
+mud houses, which had the appearance of stone at a distance. Some of
+them were tolerably high, certainly; but the most wretched-looking
+things possible. This is the case with most towns in the east. Like
+Dartmouth, they all look best &agrave; la distance.</p>
+
+<p>I am sorry to say that we have a great many men in the hospital now, and
+four officers on the sick list; two of them very unwell. All the cases
+are bowel complaints, and most of them dysentery. This is the case
+generally. While on the march, soldiers seldom feel it; but when the
+halt afterwards comes, then they get touched up awfully. However, it is
+not to be wondered at, when one considers the quantity of duty which
+they have to perform at present. Out-lying and in-lying pickets, and
+guards, &amp;c.; add to which, the being suddenly transported from the
+climate of India, to which most of them have become inured by a
+residence, on the average, of twelve years, to this comparatively cold
+and changeful climate, is enough of itself to shake them a little. They
+have also done what no Indian troops have done before: in marching in
+India, almost everything is carried for the soldier; he merely carries
+what he does on parade&mdash;viz., his firelock and accoutrements. Our
+regiment though, by-the-bye, has<a name="Page20"></a> always carried a blanket, with a clean
+shirt and stockings and flannel waistcoat wrapped up in it, that they
+may be enabled to change as soon as they have marched in. On this march,
+each man has carried his knapsack, with his kit in it, twenty rounds of
+ammunition, a havresack with his day's rations, and a small round keg
+containing water, the weight of all which is no joke. While at
+Bominacote, we fully expected to have a little fighting after passing
+Tatta, and on our arrival here we heard a report which induced us to
+believe that we should have a brush with the Ameers very shortly; but it
+appears now that the Ameers have seen the folly of such proceedings, and
+have determined to receive us amicably, and to assist our passage
+through their country, and that it was only one of the Ameers that was
+inclined to be restive. He endeavoured to stop our camels, &amp;c., and
+managed to do so for some time, and collected as much of what they call
+an army as he could&mdash;about 5000 of these Beloochees, but with no guns,
+or anything of that sort. However, on collecting them, they represented
+to him that the British troops were behaving so well, and the
+inhabitants of the country were getting so much more money for their
+articles of sale than they ever got before, that they considered it was
+more for their profit and advantage that the English should march
+through their country than that they should oppose them, and get licked
+into the bargain, as they were sure they would be. All eastern nations
+have an<a name="Page21"></a> awful dread of European artillery. It also happened that the
+poor Ameer had unfortunately not the wherewithal to carry on the war,
+and his army made excessively high demands on him, you may be sure. The
+consequence of all which was, that the army dissolved itself as quietly
+as possible, and the poor Ameer found himself solus. The result is, that
+a deputation is now here, with a small force from the head Ameer, at
+Hydrabad, under the command of N&ucirc;r Mahomed, another Ameer, and that he
+has made most ample apologies for the conduct of his brother Ameer, and
+offered not only to let us pass through his country, but to assist us in
+so doing to the utmost of his power. It was indeed well for the Ameers
+that they came to this decision, as had they acted contrary we should
+have taken possession of their country to a moral certainty. Now they
+have a chance of keeping half the loaf.</p>
+
+<p>We have here certainly the flower of the Bombay army, and a very
+respectable force in every respect: two of the best European regiments,
+four of the best native, the 4th dragoons, two regiments of light
+cavalry, two troops of horse artillery in prime order, and a battalion
+of foot artillery, together with a splendid band of auxiliary horse from
+Cutch, the finest looking fellows I ever saw: they arrived here on the
+same day as ourselves. I was standing on one of the hills as they wound
+their way round it; I was never struck with anything so much, nor have I
+ever<a name="Page22"></a> seen anything so orientally military before. They are dressed in
+green garments, edged with gold, and red turbans, tied under the chin,
+like the old Mahratta soldiers; their arms are match-lock, lance,
+scimitar, and pistols, and they appear to be excellent and practical
+riders. They are quite an independent corps, each man finding his own
+horse, arms, accoutrements, &amp;c., and they take good care to be
+excellently mounted. They have a few European officers attached to them
+from the Bombay establishment. Their dress is also uncommonly handsome;
+a green hussar dress, with gold braiding. In addition to all this force,
+we have a subsidiary one nearly as large, coming on directly to follow
+our steps, and occupy Sinde, while we march on with the Bengalees for
+Cabool. This force, they say, is to consist of H.M. 40th regiment from
+Deesa, the 10th, 16th, 22nd, and 24th regiments, 23rd N.I., together
+with H.M. 90th and 61st regiments, and Ceylon Rifle Corps (Malays) from
+Ceylon, so that I expect the government at home will have to send more
+regiments to India as quickly as possible. Sir J. Keane is very likely
+to have the command of the whole force, both Bombay and Bengal, as they
+say Sir H. Fane is gone back to Bengal with half the Bengal force, in
+consequence of the Burmese declaring war; which, as might have been
+expected, they did directly when so many regiments were marched from
+their neighbourhood. This report is, however, contradicted, and<a name="Page23"></a> they
+say now that Sir H. Fane is going home, and will meet us at Shikarpoor
+or Hydrabad, give up the command to Sir J. Keane, and go down the Indus,
+and thence to England overland. Which is the true version I know not;
+but I am afraid that I have little chance of meeting Colonel Fane, and
+giving him Arthur's letter, which I expected to do when I wrote last. I
+am delighted at the prospect of our going to Cabool: there we may have
+some fighting, and have a chance of being permanently quartered till we
+return to Europe, whenever that may be.</p>
+
+<p>What the original cause of all this was, as I told you before, I hardly
+know; and you are more likely to get at the true version from some of
+the Indian newspapers, or from any friends you may have connected with
+this part of the world, than from me. But, as far as I can learn, this
+appears to be it: Shah Shooja is the rightful heir to the throne of
+Cabool, and Dost Mahomed is what Mr. C. Dickens calls the &quot;wrongful
+one,&quot; alias the usurper. Dost Mahomed had possession of the country, and
+the Indian government, from what motives I know not, determined to
+unseat him and replace Shah Shooja. In this matter they are assisted by
+old Runjet Sing, King of Lahore, or, as his oriental title goes, &quot;the
+blind lion of the Punjab.&quot; The Persians, on the contrary, took part with
+Dost Mahomed, insulted our resident at their court, and besieged Shah
+Shooja's party in Herat; from which, however, after a siege of<a name="Page24"></a> long
+duration, they were finally obliged to retire. There was a report at
+first that Russia was concerned in this affair, and that Russian troops
+were present with the Persians at the siege, but these turned out to be
+a regiment or two of Russian renegadoes whom the King of Persia has in
+his pay. There was another report of a letter having been discovered
+from the government of Russia to the King of Persia, which induced the
+belief that the Emperor of Russia was playing a deep game, the object of
+which was to lessen our influence in the East; and many people, I
+believe, are very much of this opinion. How far all this may be true I
+know not; but I have been told by old Indians that for a long time the
+Indian government have been anxious to have a strong footing in Sinde,
+and to command the navigation of the Indus; and that now they have the
+opportunity they are not likely to let it slip. The Afghans are a very
+hardy race of men, and we may have some sharp work with them; but I
+think a gun or two of our horse artillery would have sent the Beloochees
+scampering. They are miserably equipped; but being nearly all robbers,
+they might have annoyed us by a night attack, which would have been
+anything but pleasant, particularly for the poor sub. on out-lying
+picket. Some Bombay native merchants are at present at Tatta; they have
+been here for ten years, and have been afraid to stir for fear of being
+robbed. I have no doubt but that the inhabitants of the country would
+prefer our government<a name="Page25"></a> considerably to that of the Ameers, as they are
+exceedingly tyrannical, and grind their subjects to the last degree,
+demanding half of everything that is offered for sale. When Burnes
+travelled first in this country, some few years ago, and was received by
+the Ameer in divan, at Hydrabad, an old priest who was present is said
+to have reproved the Ameer for receiving Burnes so civilly, and to have
+told him &quot;that since one Englishman had seen the Indus, it would not be
+long before they would be in possession of it;&quot; and so it seems likely
+to turn out.</p>
+
+<p>Well; as long as I keep my health I care little where we go or what we
+do; but marching in ill health is a great damper to the spirits. The
+stay-at-home soldiers in England little know what service in this
+climate really is. I should like to see &mdash;&mdash; of the &mdash;&mdash; on out-lying
+picket here; he would not find it quite so pleasant as Almack's. I have
+very little time to add more, as the post goes to Bombay to-day, but to
+wish you all at home a very happy new year, and love to all relations
+and friends, as you may not hear from me again for some time. I will
+endeavour to pick up as many curiosities and things of that description
+as possible for you, if I do not get knocked on the head. I keep a
+journal, and will write by every opportunity. Your next letter to me may
+find me in Cabool. Once more, good bye.</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Ever your affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page26"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_IV"></a><h2>LETTER IV.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, near Jarruk, on the banks of the Indus,<br />
+Twenty miles from Hydrabad,<br />
+January, 31st, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I had fully intended this letter for Kitty, but such a
+dreadful event happened in our regiment yesterday, that I was afraid, if
+she was at all unwell when she received the letter, connecting it, as
+she would, with me, it might throw her into some dreadful fever, or
+something of that sort. I have very little time to write, as the post
+leaves this, by steamer, at three o'clock to-day; and I have a great
+deal to do during the day. I think it my duty, however, to write, as the
+report of the circumstance might get into the papers without mentioning
+names, or giving wrong ones, and you might be needlessly alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>To strike at once <i>in medias res</i>, this event is no less than the
+horrible death of three of our officers in a burning shikargur, or large
+thicket, enclosed by the Ameers for the preservation of game. The names
+of the poor,<a name="Page27"></a> unfortunate fellows are Sparky (whom, by-the-bye, you
+might have seen at Chatham,) Nixon, and Hibbert. The two first, Lieut.
+Sparke, in the Grenadiers, and Nixon, in the Light Company. Hibbert was
+assistant-surgeon. They were three of the finest hearted fellows: Nixon,
+a long time one of my fellow subs in the Light Company. (I can hardly
+write, my hand shakes so.) Poor Hibbert was an exceedingly clever
+fellow, and a great traveller, and one of the most beautiful draughtsmen
+you could meet with any where. They are all three a terrible loss to our
+corps. I will tell you the mournful tale as it happened. We arrived here
+on the 25th. I breakfasted on Tuesday with them at mess, which was the
+last time I ever saw them alive: they were in exceedingly high spirits.
+The success of an enterprise the day before appears to have determined
+them to go upon another expedition on this day, which at first sight did
+not appear half so hazardous as it unfortunately proved to be; this was
+no less than going into a shikargur (of which I have explained the
+meaning above) about four or five miles in the rear of our camp, and
+which was supposed to be well stocked with game. It happened that this
+jungle had been set on fire about two days previously, most likely by
+some of our camel drivers, or other native followers: some said it was
+done by the Beloochees; but this I think very unlikely, as it is dead to
+leeward of our camp. Well, they did not appear in the evening, and we
+began to be rather<a name="Page28"></a> alarmed on their account: however, we thought they
+would turn up by some chance or other. Next morning (yesterday), when
+the regiment fell in, an hour before daylight, which the whole camp does
+here every morning, as we are supposed to have a hostile force not very
+far from us, they were reported absent. Breakfast came; no tidings of
+them: ten; eleven o'clock; and they began to be the talk of the whole
+camp. However, we speculated that the worst that could have happened to
+them was being taken prisoners by a party of Beloochees, and kept as
+hostages, or something of that sort. At twelve, General Willshire became
+so alarmed and anxious about them that he sent out a troop of the 1st
+Light Cavalry to scour the jungles, and discover what they could of
+them; another officer sent out a party of six natives, with the promise
+of a reward of two hundred rupees if they could find any tidings of
+them. Well; the day went on; and at mess, at six o'clock, nothing had
+been heard relative to their fate, except that a little dog belonging to
+poor Nixon returned to camp about four o'clock. About eight o'clock I
+was in Dickinson's tent, smoking a cheroot, &amp;c., previous to turning in,
+when one of our servants rushed in with the dreadful intelligence that
+the bodies had been found in the jungle by the Light Cavalry. It struck
+us at first so unexpectedly, and as being a thing so dreadful, that we
+would hardly believe it; however, all doubt was soon changed into
+horrible reality by the arrival of<a name="Page29"></a> the bodies within our lines. I was
+determined not to see them; but there was a horrible fascination which
+drew one along with the rest to the hospital tent, where they were
+lying.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Twelve o'clock.&mdash;Well; I am just returned from seeing the last honours
+paid to their remains; it is a melancholy business a military funeral;
+every officer in camp attended; and, after all, they have had the
+satisfaction of a Christian burial, which may not be our luck in a short
+time. I do not know why, but this sad event has made me an old woman
+almost! They lie side by side on a hill just in the rear of our camp;
+&quot;no useless coffin enclosed their corse;&quot; but there they lie together,
+wrapped in their cloaks. Peace to their manes! We intend erecting a
+monument to them, if possible. I learned that some of the staff had been
+to the jungle to investigate it thoroughly to-day, and from various
+circumstances, have come to the conclusion that they had climbed up some
+high trees, which surrounded the place where they fell, in order to
+shoot the game as they came out, and that before they had time to make
+their escape, a breeze came, which brought the smoke, and which most
+likely stifled, or at least rendered them senseless. Let us hope that
+this was the case, as I should think that so their death would not have
+been very painful: the position in which their bodies were lying when
+found seems to warrant this supposition. A porcupine was found close to
+their trees, burnt to a cinder. It blew very<a name="Page30"></a> hard last night, and I
+passed an almost sleepless night in thinking of these poor fellows. It
+gives a man an awful shake in going through life, seeing the very
+fellows you have lived with for the last two years, in whose proceedings
+you have borne a part, brought suddenly before you in such a state: a
+man in these situations thinks more in two hours than he does in the
+whole course of his natural life under ordinary circumstances. It proves
+what helpless beings we are; how little we can control our own actions:
+truly, &quot;in the midst of life we are in death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>I wrote to you on the new year's day everything that had happened up to
+that time; the letter was to have gone by the overland mail of the 19th.
+I hope you will receive it safe, as I should be sorry you should lose
+anything from me now, as it may be the last you may ever have, so
+precarious are the chances of a soldier's life on actual service.
+Shortly after writing to you, I got ill again, and it ended in a slight
+fever, which cleared me out altogether, since which I have been in
+perfectly good health, thank God. I came off the sick list on the 22nd
+January, the day before we marched from Tatta. I will give you my
+journal from that time to the sad event which has just happened.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wednesday, Jan.</i> 23, 1839.&mdash;On this day, at 6 A.M., the corps d'arm&eacute; of
+Sinde marched out of the encampment near Tatta <i>en route</i> for Hydrabad,
+the Cutch Auxiliary Horse in advance, detaching flankers,<a name="Page"></a> &amp;c., then the
+main body in the following order:&mdash;The 4th Light Dragoons in front;
+next, one squadron of horse artillery, followed by two squadrons of the
+1st regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry, one company of foot artillery,
+then the first brigade of infantry, under General Willshire, consisting
+of the Queen's Royals, 5th and 1st, or Grenadier regiment, Native
+Infantry, a second squadron of horse artillery, a second company of foot
+artillery; the 2nd infantry brigade, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment,
+the 19th and 23rd regiments Native Infantry; the whole closed by two
+other squadrons of 1st Light Cavalry. We (i.e., the 1st brigade) left
+our ground a quarter before six, and halted on a rising ground close to
+the walls of Tatta, whence we had a very fair view of the cavalry,
+artillery, &amp;c., that were in the advance of us, winding their way
+through a pretty avenue of trees: the whole presented a very animated
+and martial appearance, the different corps marching off with colours
+uncased, band playing, &amp;c. Cunningham's, or the Poonah Auxiliary Horse,
+having only arrived the night before, did not join the main body, but
+came up somewhat later in the day, I believe. The march of the main body
+this day was not more than ten miles; but our brigade was posted two
+miles in advance of the rest of the force, and the Queen's were nearly a
+mile in advance of the other two regiments of the brigade; so that we
+marched about thirteen miles. We encamped in a rather pretty valley
+surrounded by barren rocks,<a name="Page32"></a> with our right resting on a shikargur (or
+hunting thicket); we had a fine pebbly bottom, which was a great relief
+to our feet after the hot dust of Tatta. My baggage did not make its
+appearance till about five o'clock, my unfortunate young camel having
+proved restive, and flung its load two or three times, thereby
+considerably damaging my cot and table: mess at six,&mdash;nothing
+particular.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thursday, Jan</i>. 24.&mdash;In consequence of our being so much in advance,
+our &quot;rouse&quot; did not sound till six o'clock this morning, and we did not
+march off our ground till seven. After we had marched about two miles;
+we halted and piled arms, to enable the cavalry, &amp;c., in our rear to
+pass on, and thus we had a very good review of them: they marched in the
+same order as yesterday, except that in addition, and near to the light
+cavalry, came Cunningham's horse from Poonah: this was the first time we
+had seen them; they made a very splendid appearance, about 600 strong,
+and well equipped in every respect; their dress and accoutrements the
+same as the Cutch Horse, (of which I gave you a description in my last,)
+with the difference of wearing yellow and red instead of green and red.
+We had a very pleasant march this day, except the latter part, which was
+exceedingly dusty; some very pretty and romantic scenery, consisting of
+ruined forts, abrupt hills, large rocks, interspersed with some
+beautiful lakes here and there. We reached our encamping ground rather
+late&mdash;half-past eleven o'clock&mdash;<a name="Page33"></a>lost my breakfast, owing to my native
+groom, who carried some stock for me, and to whom I had given directions
+to wait by the regiment till they had piled arms and were dismissed,
+having disobeyed my orders, and cut off with my tatter to the river,
+about three miles off: gave chase directly the parade was dismissed, and
+walked through a shikargur to the river, but could not find the rascal.
+I had, however, a good view of the Indus, which does not here appear to
+be very broad: a cruel hot day; and, in addition to my other
+misfortunes, was nearly stifled by the clouds of dust raised by cavalry
+of every description leading their horses to water. On my return to camp
+I luckily found my baggage arrived, and had a good snoose till six
+o'clock, mess time; heard at mess that the Ameers had agreed to all our
+terms, and would do everything to assist our passage through their
+country; that we were to march straight to Shikarpoor, without halting
+at Hydrabad; after remaining at which place for some time, we should
+advance upon Candahar,&mdash;all fudge. Our position this halt was about the
+centre of the army,&mdash;bad encamping ground,&mdash;very dusty.</p>
+
+<p><i>Friday, 25th</i>.&mdash;Left our encampment at six, in the same order as
+before; our out-lying picket, under Stisted, joined us near our first
+halt, about three miles. Warlike news,&mdash;the Ameers had rejected our
+treaty, and that a force of 10,000 Beloochees had crossed the river; and
+would probably give us some trouble. Stisted had received orders to keep
+a very sharp look-out<a name="Page34"></a> with his picket, as there was a chance of its
+being attacked: Jephson joined, with news from Sir J. Keane, that there
+was every chance of our being attacked on the line of march; however, we
+were not, although we passed over some very pretty ground for a battle.
+Marched into our encamping ground about half-past ten, near a
+half-ruined village called Jarruk, on the banks of the river; the army
+here took up a rather strong position, on a chain of heights; our
+brigade being, however, pushed on again in advance, on some low and
+jungly ground near the river; the Queen's again on the extreme front.
+News still warlike; the Beloochees, under Meer Mahomet, one of the
+Ameers, and the most restive of them, being supposed to be near us in
+great force, though nobody seemed to know where. All the oot-wallas, or
+camel-drivers, put under charge of sentries, as there was reason to
+suspect they meditated deserting in the night with our camels. Bad
+encamping ground again,&mdash;a dusty, half-cultivated field.</p>
+
+<p><i>Saturday, 26th</i>.&mdash;Turned out of bed between two and three, A.M., with
+orders to fall in, at a moment's notice, in &quot;light marching order,&quot; as
+an attack was strongly expected. Spies had reported that 10,000
+Beloochees were in a shikargur not seven miles from us, and that they
+intended a night attack; everybody in the highest state of excitement,
+pistols loading, &amp;c. Fell in an hour before daylight; cavalry sent out
+in all directions; staff and field-officers galloping about like<a name="Page35"></a> mad
+fellows; remained under arms till day had fully broke, when we were
+dismissed, but commanded not to stray far from camp: great excitement
+all day; Cunningham's horse sent out to reconnoitre; returned late at
+night, reporting that they had patrolled sixteen miles in advance, had
+closely examined the shikargur in question, and could find no traces of
+the Beloochees,&mdash;a strong suspicion, however, remained that there were
+Beloochees in our neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sunday, 27th</i>.&mdash;Under arms an hour before daylight; no further news;
+camp quiet. As I was to be on out-lying picket this evening, rode out
+after breakfast to look at my ground, which appeared rather strong,
+intersected with ravines, brushwood; &amp;c., and a good place to hold
+against cavalry. Mounted picket at five o'clock, P.M., fifty-seven rank
+and file, two serjeants, four corporals, and one bugler, a chain of nine
+double sentries, the right resting on the river and the Hydrabad road,
+and the chain running along a dry nullah, till it communicated with the
+sentries of the 5th regiment's picket; a corporal's party of three men
+detached in advance to an old ruin on the left front; a picket of
+cavalry about two miles in advance, with videttes on some high ground. A
+beautiful moonlight night, and not very cold till about one o'clock in
+the morning; lay on the ground and thought of what was going on at
+Brookhill and fancy ball at Torquay; visited my sentries continually;
+the men in high spirits, and very much on the alert; nothing
+extraordinary occurred.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page38"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_V"></a><h2>LETTER V.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp Kotree, four miles from Hydrabad,<br />
+February 6th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I wrote to you a few days ago from Jarruk, informing
+you of the melancholy fate of three of my brother officers; but having
+received your letter since, dated Nov. 20th, containing the bill for 670
+rupees (or 70l.), and informing me of the news of Kate's intended
+marriage, I could not let slip an opportunity which has just occurred,
+by our having got possession of Curachee, of writing to Kitty, and also,
+at the same time, of informing you of what has occurred since. You will
+receive this at the same time as you do the other, since it will arrive
+at Bombay in time to go by the same overland mail.</p>
+
+<p>I wrote to you on the 31st; and on Sunday, the 3rd of February, we
+marched out of Jarruk for this place; we made a two days' march of it,
+both very disgusting; horrible, or rather no roads at all; nothing but
+dust and sand under our feet, which the wind blew<a name="Page39"></a> into our eyes every
+minute; add to which, small halts every five minutes, on account of the
+artillery in our front, who could not get on through the badness of the
+way: this perpetual halting is the most wearisome thing possible to a
+soldier when once fairly under weigh. Well; we arrived here on the day
+before yes-day; our front is now completely changed, being towards the
+river, and not turned from it, or with our right resting on it, as it
+has been before; our brigade is on the extreme right. Of course, you
+know that we are on the western bank, and that Hydrabad is on the
+eastern, and therefore the opposite one. Since we have been here, we
+have a little relaxed in our discipline, being no longer under arms
+before daylight; but reports are still very various as to whether we are
+to have peace or war with the Ameers, and whether we shall eventually
+have to sack Hydrabad or not. A deputation from thence came over
+yesterday to Sir J. Keane. It appears that the Ameers will agree to our
+treaty, but demur about the money which that treaty obliges them to pay.
+As far as I can learn, though I do not advise you to put much reliance
+on it, as I may very likely be wrong, this seems to be the case. It
+appears that the Ameers have long owed our ally, whom we are going to
+place on the throne of Cabool, Shah Shooja, twenty lacs of rupees; that
+on our declaring war they agreed to pay this sum, with Shah Shooja's
+consent, to our government to meet the expenses of the war, and to<a name="Page40"></a> give
+us a passage through their country to Shikarpoor. However, from our
+first landing in their country they have played a most underhand game,
+and endeavoured to throw every indirect obstacle in our way, behaving
+friendly to our faces, but behind our backs giving very different
+directions to their satellites: this was found out by means of
+intercepted letters, particularly at our last halt at Jarruk. The
+conduct of our party may not be considered of quite the fairest nature,
+as we are establishing posts in their country by way of communication,
+and reserves at three or four different places. This was, no doubt, part
+of the original plan that sent us here, as these posts are to be
+strongly fortified, consisting, it is supposed, of Shikarpoor, Schwun,
+Tatta, and Curachee, and are to be the posts of defence on our
+north-west frontiers against any incursions from our northern
+neighbours, particularly Russia. The Ameers are particularly indignant
+at this, as I am told it did not form part of the original treaty, and
+they see in it, no doubt with justice, a prelude to our final possession
+of their country. Pottinger, the political agent, had collected, before
+he left Hydrabad, grain for the army to the value of three lacs of
+rupees; this, it is now found out, has either been taken away or
+destroyed, and Sir J. Keane immediately added it to the other twenty
+lacs contained in the treaty. The Ameers say they will pay half the
+whole sum demanded here, and the remaining half on our arrival at
+Shikarpoor.<a name="Page41"></a> This Sir J. Keane has refused, and told them he will not
+leave this or Hydrabad till he gets every fraction.</p>
+
+<p>We yesterday received news which must, I should think, have an effect on
+the Ameers one way or the other. The admiral on this station, Sir F.
+Maitland, brought up in his 74 (I think the Wellesley) H.M. 40th
+regiment, from Mandivie, in Cutch, to Curachee, a fort on the
+westernmost branch of the Indus. On approaching the fort, the Beloochees
+who garrisoned it, taking it for a common free-trader, had the foolish
+presumption to fire into her; the admiral wore his vessel round, just
+gave one broadside, down came their fort in one second about their
+ears,&mdash;you may guess how it astonished them: they sent word to say that
+the English fire a lac of shot in one second. They say the Ameers were
+one year in taking this place, which cost the English one second. I
+think myself that we shall not have any fighting here, and that Hydrabad
+will still remain in the hands of the Ameers.</p>
+
+<p>The report to-day is, that we cross the river to-morrow; if so, I
+suppose with hostile intentions, or at least for intimidation; but this
+I hardly believe. Sir J. Keane, they say, refused to receive the
+deputation from the Ameers yesterday. Should the thing be settled
+peaceably, we shall immediately march for Shikarpoor, and thence most
+likely on Candahar, a new climate. It has been getting gradually hotter
+here; and in the hot season Sinde is dreadful.<a name="Page42"></a> At Shikarpoor we meet a
+part, if not the whole, of the Bengal force, and Shah Shooja, with his
+and Runjet Sing's contingent, is also there. Runjet himself is very ill:
+part of the agreement between him and us was, that we should preserve
+the throne to his son on his demise. He was excessively civil to Lord
+Auckland, and all the English who have been at Lahore. Sir H. Fane, they
+say, still proceeds with the Bengal army. The drummer is here waiting
+for my letter, as it is very late for the post, so, in haste, good bye.
+Love, &amp;c., and believe me ever,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Your most affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S. Jephson is post-master to the force.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page43"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_VI"></a><h2>LETTER VI.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, near Larkhanu,<br />
+Wednesday, 6th March, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I last wrote to you from Kotree, opposite Hydrabad. We
+are now, as you will see by the date, at Larkhanu, a pretty considerable
+distance from the former place. I see, by my journal, that it was the
+6th of February when I last wrote, exactly one month ago. We were then,
+I believe, rather ignorant of what the Ameers intended; but the fate of
+Curachee, of which I gave you an account; brought them to their senses,
+and the day after I wrote things were settled, and officers had
+permission to visit Hydrabad, merely reporting their names to their
+respective majors of brigade before they did so. In consequence of which
+I went over to that place on the 9th, with Dickenson and Piercy; but
+there was not much to repay us for our ride, under a cruelly hot sun, as
+the fort, the only place worth seeing, was shut up, and no one could get
+a view of<a name="Page44"></a> the inside except a few of the staff. It did not appear to be
+very strong, although it had a pretty appearance. I think the Ameers
+acted very wisely, as it could easily be taken by escalade. The rest of
+the town consisted of a great straggling bazaar, just the same as is to
+be seen everywhere in India; and it did not appear a bit better than
+that at Belgaum. There were some fine elephants belonging to the Ameers,
+and some pretty ruins on the outskirts of the town. The Beloochees had
+all left, and were nowhere to be seen.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday, the 10th, we marched off our ground at Kotree, and reached
+Lukkee on Saturday, the 16th, after a six days' march, most of them
+fifteen miles. Here we halted four days to allow the pioneers, &amp;c., to
+make a road over the Lukkee Pass for the artillery. We found here some
+excellent sulphur springs and baths, about a mile from our encampment,
+among the Lukkee hills, which, if they could be transported to
+Dartmouth, would make a second Bath of it. The whole of our force were
+bidetizing here all day long. Being so directly under the hills, we
+found it rather warmer than we liked. There were some large lakes here,
+full of wild duck, and capital partridge-shooting, and we were cracking
+away all the time. On the march to this place I had the misfortune to
+lose a very nice little bull-terrier bitch, about a year old, which I
+had from a pup, at Belgaum, and which had followed my fortunes so far.
+It was all her own fault, as she broke<a name="Page45"></a> from my tent one night, and
+though I used every endeavour I could hear nothing more of her.</p>
+
+<p>The 21st we marched over the Pass to Schwun, the largest place in Sinde
+next to Tatta. The Pass was not half so bad as we expected, so we filed
+over it very easily. On our arrival at Schwun we heard that Sir H. Fane
+had just passed down the river, with his staff, <i>en route</i> for Bombay,
+and was laying at anchor about five miles down the river, where Sir J.
+Keane went to meet him; so that here ended my last chance of meeting
+Col. Fane, and giving him Arthur's letter. Sir H. Fane will remain at
+Bombay, which is to be the head quarters of the Indian army while this
+business lasts. We only halted one day at Schwun; I rode in to look at
+the town, which was nearly desolate, as the inhabitants of every place
+invariably remove with their families on our arrival. There was,
+however, a fine old castle in ruins, which was well worth seeing, and
+must have been a place of some importance in former days; and a very
+superb mosque in the centre of the town, in which was a tame tiger. We
+left Schwun on Saturday, the 23rd, crossing the Arrul river, which flows
+round the town into the Indus, on pontoons, and commenced our first
+march in Upper Sinde. This day's march was delightful, and the only
+tolerable one we have had, all the rest being through a dismal, dusty
+desert, with sometimes no path at all, and the dust generally so thick
+in marching that you cannot see an inch before you. This<a name="Page46"></a> was, however,
+a grand exception. We marched by the side of a magnificent lake, full of
+wild fowl, the banks of which were carpeted with rich wild clover, and
+over-shadowed with fine trees, the only ones of any size that we have
+yet seen in Sinde; so that you might almost fancy you were going through
+a nobleman's park in England (Kitly, par example.) In fact, this place
+put me more in mind of Old England than, any I have seen in the East.
+From Schwun we marched direct to this place, which we reached on the
+4th, the day before yesterday, without halting once: most of the marches
+fifteen miles, and all terrible teasers, on account of the badness of
+the roads, and the stupidity or wilful ignorance of our guides. One of
+our marches was to have been a short one of ten miles; but for some
+unaccountable reasons our route and encamping ground were changed three
+times. We lost our way in the jungle, and marched fifteen, instead of
+ten, miles before we found ourselves in our proper places; on arrival at
+which we found that half the officers' and men's baggage was gone on to
+our next encamping ground, fifteen miles further, which, owing to the
+variety of places named in orders, our servants supposed to be the right
+one. My baggage was one of the unlucky; but my servant came back with my
+things about five o'clock in the evening; so that my poor camels must
+have gone nearly forty miles that day, with a prospect of another
+fifteen the next morning at five. General Willshire, and, I hear,<a name="Page47"></a> Sir
+J. Keane also, were among the sufferers. Our poor sick were all lost in
+the jungles for this day, and we saw nothing of half of them till we
+arrived on our next encamping ground. Some of them were upwards of
+twenty-four hours without getting anything to eat, or attendance of any
+sort. Well, we marched to this place on the day before yesterday, after
+ten days' regular hard work. A great number in hospital; though they are
+coming out again now pretty fast.</p>
+
+<p>It is believed we shall halt here about a week; but what we shall do
+then nobody seems to know. The greater part of the force will, it is
+believed, follow the Bengalees to Candahar, who marched from Shikarpoor
+for that purpose, under Sir Willoughby Cotton, on the 22nd, but have
+since been detained, owing to the impracticability of the country. One
+regiment of our brigade (the Grenadier regiment, Native Infantry) is
+under orders for Bukkur, an island fort on the Indus, about twenty-five
+miles from Shikarpoor, which (i.e., Bukkur) is to be our dep&ocirc;t for
+stores, &amp;c., and where all the present unfits, in the shape of sick men,
+are to be sent. No doubt some other troops will be left in Upper Sinde,
+at different places, and I have some fears that the &quot;Queen's&quot; may be
+among the number. Heaven defend us from being quartered in any part of
+this wretched country, particularly from Shikarpoor, which is said to be
+one of the hottest places in existence. In fact, the Persians say,<a name="Page48"></a>
+&quot;While there is a Shikarpoor, there ought to be no Johannum,&quot; or hell.
+What a pity it would be to lose such a capital chance of seeing
+Candahar, and perhaps Cabool, which is said to be a splendid place and a
+delightful climate. The Bolan Pass, a most magnificent and difficult
+one, the key to Afghanistan from Sinde, is said to be now totally
+impassable, from the number of dead cattle, horses, and camels, which
+Shah Shooja's force lost there. This I believe, however, to be mere
+report. We heard, the other day, that Dost Mahomed had occupied it, and
+that we should have to take it at the point of the bayonet. So much do
+reports vary, one knows not what to believe. This pass, said to be
+thirty miles long, and at some places almost impassable, runs through
+and over the large chain of mountains that separates the mountainous
+country of Candahar and Cabool, or, as it is generally called,
+Afghanistan, from the lowland of Sinde; it is not easy to cross it, at
+least before April, as till then the snows are not melted.</p>
+
+<p>I hope and trust my next letter will be dated from Candahar, which is,
+however, a good six weeks' march from this place. We have found the
+weather dreadfully hot for the last few days, averaging generally 106 in
+our tents in the day time, though the nights are cool, and the mornings
+generally very cold. I have not yet been in Larkhanu, though we marched
+through a part of it on our arrival. Our<a name="Page49"></a> men have been now for three
+days without any dram at all, and their rations are getting worse and
+worse every day; in fact, things are so bad that they have been obliged
+to send to Shikarpoor for part of what was left there by the Bengal
+commissariat, which is said to be excellent, and which has fed their
+army very well, although they have come a much greater distance than we
+have.</p>
+
+<p>I spoke to our paymaster about my bill, and he has shewn it to the
+paymaster-general, who says he will cash it whenever I like, but that I
+must take it in a lump; he will not give it me by instalments. This is a
+great nuisance, as it is very hazardous taking so much money about with
+one; the money, too, takes up a great deal of room and is very heavy; it
+was, however, quite a god-send, as I had no idea how very expensive this
+march would turn out; grain for cattle being exceedingly dear, the
+natives raising the price to about 500 per cent. everywhere, thanks to
+bad management somewhere. At Tatta each officer received a month's pay
+in advance, that he might purchase cattle for his baggage. This is to be
+deducted by three instalments, one from each of the next three issues of
+pay. An ensign's pay for one month will hardly purchase sufficient
+conveyances. The only mode in this country is by camels, and a camel is
+of all animals the most treacherous, or rather precarious lived; they
+get ill suddenly and go off in three hours: a<a name="Page50"></a> great number have died
+with us. Now an officer losing his camels loses one month's pay, and
+must leave his kit on the ground, as he has nothing wherewith to replace
+his loss. You can, therefore, imagine what a great relief your bill
+proved to me, as I shall always have it to fall back upon. I bought a
+very nice little Cabool horse at Kotree, from one of the Ameers'
+disbanded Beloochees. He is very hardy, and accustomed to this country,
+and not particular as to his food, which is a capital thing, as most of
+the Arab horses that have been brought from India have fallen off
+terribly. He is a very pretty figure, goes well, and leaps capitally,
+which few of the Arabs can. I gave 170 rupees for him, or 17l. In India,
+I am confident he would fetch 500 or 600 rupees (50l. or 60l.)</p>
+
+<p>I am very doubtful as to the time when this letter may reach you; I hope
+it may catch the overland mail on the 25th; but Jephson says it is very
+doubtful, and will depend entirely on the chance of there being a ship
+at Curachee, or off the Hujamree. The heat now, while I am writing, is
+dreadful, and there is a beastly hot wind blowing which I never felt
+before. Heaven send us soon out of Sinde! We are expecting the overland
+mail from England every day; it generally manages to come two days after
+I write home. You will by this time have received the letter I wrote
+from the Syden, and the one<a name="Page51"></a> I wrote to Kate about the 13th of December
+from Bominacote. Reports vary much as to whether we shall have any
+fighting if we advance into Candahar. I should think Dost Mahomed would
+like to try a brush with us, at least with Shah Shooja.</p>
+
+<p>With love to all at home,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Believe me your affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page52"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_VII"></a><h2>LETTER VII.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, Candahar, June 8th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I begin this letter to you on the 8th of June, 1839,
+though when it will reach you, or whether it ever will, is very
+doubtful. I have not written, I see, since the beginning of March, from
+Larkhanu; there was, however, very little use in so doing, as there was
+very little chance of your ever getting it, our friends the Beloochees,
+Kaukers, &amp;c., having made free with nearly every mail, and destroyed
+them. I am very much afraid that I also have been a sufferer by them,
+and that you must have written to me long ere this, but that our friends
+of the Bolan Pass have made use of the letter to wrap their cabobs in. I
+have not heard from you or from home at all since the 2nd of February,
+when I got your letter, dated November 20th, enclosing the bill on
+government, and informing me of Kate's intended marriage. I have,
+however, long since this heard of my lieutenancy,<a name="Page53"></a> and seen my name in
+the &quot;Gazette,&quot; but have not yet received the confirmation of it from Sir
+H. Fane in this country, so that I have been fighting my way, and am
+likely to continue so, on the rank and pay of a full ensign; however,
+there will be so much the more back pay to receive when it does come; it
+is a great nuisance, however, not having it, as I require it so much in
+this country. You can form no conception of the hopeless expense which
+we have inevitably been obliged to incur. We have had a tolerable share
+of hardships, &amp;c., and the poor marching soldiers have suffered
+terribly. What do you think of our having made a forced march of thirty
+to forty miles, for six hours of it under the hottest sun I can
+recollect, and I have felt a few of them in India? Since we left
+Larkhanu we have met with little but a series of robberies, murders,
+alarms, and skirmishes; in short, everything but an actual stand-up
+fight, which we were all anxious for, as it would settle matters at
+once, and free us from the predatory attacks and cold-blooded murders of
+these barbarous tribes.</p>
+
+<p>To begin from where I left off: we marched from Larkhanu on the 11th
+March, and reached Dadur, about four miles from the entrance to the
+Bolan Pass, the nest of the robber hordes of Kaukers, Tuckers, and
+Beloochees, on the 6th of April, having halted several times at
+intermediate places, and made some terrible marches, fifteen miles being
+the average distance. We often lost our way, and marched thereby<a name="Page54"></a> a
+great deal further than was necessary, through bad guidance. I must tell
+you, however, that before leaving Larkhanu, Sir J. Keane assumed the
+command of the whole army, both Bengal and Bombay, by which General
+Willshire got command of the Bombay division. The two Bombay brigades
+were broken up, the Grenadiers and 5th regiment of Native Infantry were
+sent to garrison Bukkur, a tolerably strong fort on the Indus, and the
+23rd Native Infantry was sent to Lukkur, a town on the opposite side.
+There also the different regiments that were to go on sent their sick,
+and Bukkur was made a depot for supplies, medical stores, &amp;c. The
+greater part of the foot and some of the horse artillery were sent there
+also. Our regiment and the 17th were then made into one brigade, and
+marched from Larkhanu, as I said before, on the 11th. The cavalry and
+horse artillery, &amp;c., did not march for two days after, with the
+Commander-in-chief, who took with him his pet corps; the 19th Native
+Infantry. They marched by a different route from ourselves on account of
+the scarcity of supplies in that desert country; we halted for them at
+Kochee, which place we reached on the 15th about 3 P.M., after the
+thirty to forty miles' march I before told you of, across the marshy
+desert which seems to divide Sinde from Cutch Gundava. This march ought
+only to have been twenty-six miles; but owing to the stupidity of our
+guide we went a longer and more circuitous route, and also had the<a name="Page55"></a>
+pleasure of losing our way during the night; in addition to which, on
+arriving at the village where it was intended to halt, our staff found
+out, all of a sudden, that there was not a sufficiency of water for the
+whole force, in consequence of which we were moved to another village
+(Kichee) five miles further on.</p>
+
+<p>It was during this march that I first witnessed the effects of extreme
+thirst on men, however well disciplined. It was, as I have said before,
+the hottest day I ever felt; not a breath of air, and the sun enough to
+knock you down. The men were suffering dreadfully, and falling out by
+sections, when about eleven or twelve o'clock they caught sight of some
+water carriers with their mussacks full, so that they knew water could
+not be far off. All discipline was pitched to the devil in an instant,
+and the men rushed from the ranks for the water more like mad devils
+than anything else&mdash;nothing could stop them; the mounted officers
+galloped in amongst them, and threatened, but to no purpose; nothing
+short of cutting them down would have stopped any of them. In the midst
+of this, General Willshire, at the head of the brigade, hearing a row
+and looking round, saw the greater part of the 17th (they being in front
+on this day) scampering across the country like a pack of hounds; not
+knowing what was the matter, he galloped up to the colonel and demanded
+an explanation, when, seeing what was the cause, he made the best of it,
+called a halt, and every one immediately rushed to the<a name="Page56"></a> wells, the
+scenes at which were most ridiculous, fighting, pushing, knocking down
+&amp;c. I saw one man actually lie down and wallow in a filthy ditch full of
+every description of dirt imaginable. We halted here about two hours,
+and then marched to our ground, about six or seven miles further on, the
+men performing this latter part of the march with great cheerfulness. We
+halted here two days to rest the men, and were joined by the rest of the
+Bombay force, with the Commander-in-chief.</p>
+
+<p>We marched again on the 18th, another night march about twenty miles.
+Here we made another halt for three days, while some of the staff went
+on to get information of the country a-head, about which they were
+ignorant. All the villages we had passed through were deserted, and in
+some places the water was stinking. We looked back upon Sinde as a
+paradise compared to the country we were now in. All the little grain
+that was supplied to the bazaars by the commissariat was sold at the
+most exorbitant price, yet we were obliged to buy it, and as much as we
+could get of it too, and lucky we thought ourselves to get any of it,
+even at this rate, at times, in order to feed our horses and camels,
+which were beginning to knock up terribly. We could not now, as we used
+to do in Sinde, send the latter into the jungle to feed on the small
+brushwood, of which they were so fond, except at the risk of being
+robbed of them, and having the servants who looked after them murdered<a name="Page57"></a>
+by the bands of Beloochees who hovered about us in every direction.
+Still, notwithstanding these annoyances, the humbugging system of
+conciliation was kept up, and although there was not an inhabitant to be
+seen, we were robbed to our faces very nearly; yet if a poor sub.'s
+horse or camel happened to break his ropes and strayed into a field he
+was immediately pounced upon by a provost-marshal and put into a sort of
+pound, from which he was not released except on the payment of a certain
+sum to be given to the owners of the field! Where were they to be found?
+The loss of camels now was irreparable; even if there were any to be
+sold, the prices asked were so exorbitant that few of us youngsters,
+hampered as we were, could afford to purchase; loss of camels produced
+loss of kit, loss of kit produced loss of health, &amp;c. Yet during the
+whole of this march we were losing camels through robberies and fatigue,
+and no measures taken that we ever heard of to put a stop to it. We
+marched from this place on the 22nd, and came to a halt again at a place
+called Kotrie, close under the Hala mountains, about five miles from the
+Gundava Pass. Here we (i.e., our brigade and the 4th Light Dragoons)
+halted for a week. Sir J. Keane pushed on a-head with two troops of
+Light Cavalry and the left wing of the 19th Native Infantry, in order to
+catch up Sir Willoughby Cotton, who was marching in command of the main
+body of the Bengal division. General Willshire, with the staff,
+artillery, and cavalry, was at Gundava,<a name="Page58"></a> about eight miles from us. At
+this place, Kotrie, which the inhabitants luckily had not deserted, we
+were better off in point of supplies than we had been since we left
+Larkhanu, and there was plenty of shooting and fishing; but it was
+without exception the hottest place I ever was in. Being close under a
+high range of mountains, we were perfectly screened from any cool
+breezes that might take it into their heads to blow from that quarter;
+add to this, the hills themselves, being composed of granite, or some
+stone of that description, attracted the sun, and reflected the heat
+back again on us, so that we were attacked from two sides at once. By
+this time we had no stronger liquor with us than tea, so that we were
+perfectly eligible to become members of the Tea-total Temperance
+Society; our supplies in the liquor line, which we had sent on from
+Hydrabad to Larkhanu by water, not having reached the latter place in
+time for us to get them. In this respect the men were better off than
+ourselves, they having their dram or two every day. Here the robbers
+began to be more bold, and we did not lose sight of them until we
+reached Candahar. Five mails (one of them an &quot;overland,&quot; bringing,
+perhaps, letters from you or some one at home) out of six were robbed
+between this and Shikarpoor; and news was received from Sir J. Keane in
+advance that at the entrance of the Bolan Pass several bodies of sepoys
+of Shah Shooja's army were lying, there having been a grand skrimmage
+there between the sepoys and Beloochees,<a name="Page59"></a> in which the former, being
+caught napping, were worsted. We stayed at this place, as I said before,
+a week, and started again on the 31st.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 2nd of April, during a severe march of twenty-two
+miles, one of our men, a straggler, who had fallen to the rear with
+dysentery, was murdered by these robbers, and another man of the 17th
+cruelly wounded, but he has since recovered. They were sitting together
+by the side of the road, when of a sudden a party of Beloochees rushed
+out from some low bushes, and, before either had time to rise, fired
+into them. Adams, of the Queen's, received a ball on the outside of his
+right thigh, passing down, and coming out at his knee on the other side,
+and cutting some particular vein or artery, which occasioned his death
+through loss of blood. The 17th man was hit on the right side, the ball
+coasting round his body, and coming out at the other side, without
+touching his tripes or any vital part. Adams had not his firelock with
+him, but the 17th man had his, but unloaded, and, in his struggles to
+keep possession of it, received some desperate sabre cuts; but he has
+since recovered. Of course he was soon overpowered, as Adams could give
+no assistance. The Beloochees then stripped them of everything, except
+their shirt and trowsers, and left them to their fate, till another man
+of the 17th came up, in charge of some of his company's camels, who
+brought in the news to camp; but the apothecary who went out was too
+late to save<a name="Page60"></a> poor Adams. It was gratifying to know that Cunningham,
+with a party of his horse, having received intelligence that a party of
+these blackguards were encamped in a jungle, beat through it, and
+followed their tracks for fourteen miles, when he came upon them, and
+killed six and took four prisoners; Cunningham having outstripped his
+party, killed two men himself and took another prisoner. These rascals
+were brought into camp, and strictly guarded, or I believe they would
+have been torn to pieces by the European soldiers. One of them was sworn
+to by the wounded 17th man as being one of the murderers, and we were
+all in great hopes of seeing the blackguards dancing the tight rope;
+but, instead of that, they were all brought on (except one, who being
+badly wounded, died on the road) to Dadur, where they were given up to
+one of the political diplomatic gentlemen, who, it is said, actually let
+them go with five rupees to carry them home. Fancy a Beloochee's <i>home!</i>
+This was carrying the conciliation principle far with a vengeance!</p>
+
+<p>We started again at half-past twelve, on the night of the 3rd&mdash;another
+night-march of nineteen miles. Both the nights we were at this place we
+were alarmed by a supposed attack of Beloochees; but they turned out to
+be nothing more than a loose horse or two of the dragoons, for which one
+of their camp-followers suffered, being taken for a Beloochee, while
+running after one of the horses, and therefore cut<a name="Page61"></a> down by a dragoon on
+sentry. The night we left this place was one of the most fearful I ever
+remember; it had been threatening all the afternoon, and about eight the
+simoom came on with dreadful violence, blowing for five minutes at a
+time, at intervals of twenty minutes or so, until we got under weigh, at
+half-past twelve. The wind, hot and scorching, like a blast from a
+furnace, rushed over the country with the violence of a hurricane,
+bringing with it perfect clouds of dust and sand, so that it was totally
+impossible to face it, except at the risk of being actually blinded or
+stifled. The baggage was to have gone on before us at nine o'clock, as
+the moon was expected to be up, but the clouds of dust, &amp;c., completely
+hid her from us, and she did not shew her nose the whole night. During
+the blasts it was the most perfect &quot;darkness visible&quot; that you can
+imagine, and at the intervals when it ceased, the sensation of the
+atmosphere was more like standing before a hot fire than anything else.
+I had read of these things before in novels, travels, &amp;c; I now, for the
+first time, experienced the reality. Add to all these little annoyances,
+we were every moment expecting a rush of Beloochees; and if they had had
+the pluck of a hare, they might have considerably crippled our
+proceedings, by rushing in and ham-stringing our camels. The darkness,
+the unavoidable confusion, the awkwardness of the camels themselves, all
+favoured them, and I expected nothing less; if they had been Cossacks<a name="Page62"></a>
+instead, they would have played the very devil with us altogether. At
+length, at half-past eleven, the baggage got off, and now for the first
+time with a baggage guard, consisting of a troop, or company, from each
+of the three regiments, together with all the irregular horse we
+possessed, with strict orders that any Beloochees shewing themselves at
+all near the baggage were instantly to be cut down or bayoneted. The
+main body followed in another hour, with a strong rear-guard, to pick up
+stragglers, &amp;c. These precautions ought to have been taken before, and
+poor Adams would have been saved. I know very little of this march, as I
+remember I slept through the whole of it, until morning, on horseback,
+being terribly fatigued and worn out. The morning was delightfully cool,
+with a fresh bracing breeze from the north. You may well imagine how we
+enjoyed it, after the terrible relaxation of the night before. We
+reached our ground about seven, at a place called Nonsherah. Here we
+heard some bloody-minded reports of the Beloochees, who had been
+plundering the artillery and left wing of the 19th, which were here the
+day before. They seemed, however, to have made a pretty good
+retaliation, and four Beloochees' heads were stuck upon the walls of the
+town, in proof of the soldiers' vengeance. In consequence of there being
+a good baggage-guard, the Beloochees made themselves tolerably scarce
+during this march, although the ground was very favourable for them.
+However, they now and then took<a name="Page63"></a> long shots from the nullahs, &amp;c., that
+were near the road, but without doing any damage. At last, a soldier,
+from the baggage-guard company of the 17th, having occasion to fall out,
+and going into a nullah for his purpose, unexpectedly found himself
+cheek by jowl with thirty of these rascals. He was knocked down, but
+bellowing out most lustily, his section came up, and being joined by
+another section of the Queen's, they shot about six of them dead, and
+put the rest to flight, having rescued the 17th man. The robbers at this
+place were <i>rather</i> forward, and actually walked off with some camels
+that were out feeding close to the rear of our encampment, in the middle
+of the day. They were, however, all recovered very soon by the
+Irregulars, and those of the robbers who could not manage to escape,
+managed to get their heads broken by these surwars; and intelligence
+having been received that a whole gang, with their families, were
+encamped near us, a party of fourteen, and one jemadar, of the 1st Light
+Cavalry, were sent out, who coming unexpectedly upon them, the robbers
+advanced to shew fight, when the jemadar gave the word to fire, and each
+trooper brought down his bird. The rest immediately took to their heels,
+and owing to the nature of the ground (it was among the hills) effected
+their escape. The troopers returned to camp with the swords and shields,
+&amp;c., of the fallen. From this place we marched again the next morning,
+and a short and easy march brought us to Dadur.</p>
+<a name="Page64"></a>
+<p><i>June 27th</i>.&mdash;I have not been able to write much lately, as it was
+literally too hot to do so. We have had it from 115 to 120 in our tents
+during the day; for the last week, however, it has been getting cooler,
+and to-day is pleasant enough. I wished also to keep the letter open as
+long as I could; but now, since we march on Sunday next, the 30th, I
+have not much time left, though I have a great deal more to say. I
+received by the mail the confirmation of my lieutenancy, by Sir H. Fane,
+from Bombay. An &quot;overland&quot; arrived again here last night, but no letters
+or anything for me. I see, by the English papers, that there was a
+report at home that we had lost 3000 men already&mdash;the greatest lie
+possible. If we had lost that, we should have lost more than half the
+Bombay army. We have not lost more than we generally do in quarters,
+though the men have been, terribly knocked up, and well they may be,
+with the horrible marches they have made. I was very much amused by the
+debates in Parliament, with regard to our &quot;military promenade,&quot; as some
+of the papers call it. I wish I could see some of their writers on an
+out-lying picket, with a prospect of a twenty miles' march, I rather
+think they would not talk so much of &quot;promenading.&quot; The Bengal army,
+with our cavalry, and most of the artillery, marched this morning for
+Cabool. Shah Shooja goes to-morrow or next day, and we bring up the
+rear, as I said before, on Sunday. However, we will talk of that anon,
+or I shall forget where<a name="Page65"></a> I left off. On looking back, I find that I have
+brought the force up as far as Dadur. Well; we halted there till the
+12th. The 17th, artillery and Irregular Horse, however, marched before
+us, on the 9th. While there, the rascally Beloochees and Kaukers kept
+hovering about us, and walked off with some camels and a horse or two.
+They generally, however, paid very dearly for them, as the cavalry that
+were sent after them on these occasions made a terrible example of them.</p>
+
+<p>While here we heard of a shocking murder at Curachee. A Captain Hand, of
+the 1st Bombay Grenadier Regiment, was taking his morning's ride, when,
+on turning a corner on the top of a hill, he unexpectedly found himself
+in the midst of about thirty Beloochees. They talked to him very
+civilly, and he allowed them to get round his horse, not suspecting
+anything, when one rascal behind him gave him a terrible wipe on the
+back of his head with his sword, which knocked him off his horse, and
+the others rushed in, and cut him to pieces. A Lieut. Clarke, of the
+same corps, happened to be riding this way, and seeing these Beloochees,
+asked them if they had seen a Latich pass that way, meaning Hand; to
+which they replied by a volley from their matchlocks, a ball from one of
+which struck Clarke on the leg, and he galloped for camp as fast as he
+could, and fell off his horse exhausted before the quarter-guard of H.M.
+40th regiment. A party was immediately<a name="Page66"></a> sent out, and they found the
+body of poor Hand horribly mutilated. A good number of these rascals
+have been since taken, and, I suppose, hanged; unless the conciliation
+principle lets these rascals off also. They belong to different bands,
+under different robber-chiefs, among the hills. These robber Khans have
+strongholds on the almost inaccessible mountains that run up the whole
+west frontier of Sinde, and divide it from Beloochistan. All merchandize
+and travellers passing through Sinde to the west of the Indus are
+obliged to pay a sort of black mail to these Khans to be allowed to pass
+through; but so bad is their name for treachery, ferocity, &amp;c., that
+few, if any, of the traders between India and Central Asia go this
+route. They do not care a farthing for the Ameers, who also secretly
+connive at their proceedings, in order to draw recruits from them on any
+emergency.</p>
+
+<p>Well; we got the steam up again on the 12th, and, together with the 4th
+Light Dragoons, and about sixty Irregulars, started for the celebrated
+Bolan Pass, with a great quantity of commissariat stores from Bukkur,
+for the army in advance, under our charge. This celebrated Pass would be
+the best line of communication between the countries of Central Asia and
+Sinde; and as far as the Pass is concerned itself, it is quite guiltless
+of the bad character it holds. It is merely the bed of a winter torrent,
+and is an easy ascent the whole way through; and during the greater<a name="Page67"></a>
+part of the year quite passable for any description, of conveyance; but
+in consequence of the great number of robbers, from all parts of
+Beloochistan and Sinde, who infest it, no one thinks of travelling this
+route, unless with a very strong escort. A great number, therefore, of
+native merchants, &amp;c., took advantage of the opportunities offered by
+the passage of it by the different divisions of our army. We had with us
+a native horse-dealer, who had travelled the same way down the year
+before, with horses for the Bombay market, and, as he considered, with a
+sufficient escort; but they were suddenly attacked, his brother killed,
+and he only saved himself by the swiftness of his horse. These robbers
+are several degrees more savage than even their brother Beloochees in
+the south of Sinde. There are two clans of them. The Kaukers and
+Tuckers; of these, the Kaukers are by far the worst. They are
+represented as being regular barbarians, and are even said to be
+cannibals, though perhaps that is a little too melodramatic. They
+possess few fire-arms, but roll down large pieces of rock in the narrow
+passes, and rush out from the small recesses of the rocks, leading God
+knows where, which abound in every part. They never spare any one, and
+cut and hack about the bodies of their victims in the most frightful
+manner. With all this they are the greatest cowards possible; a few
+determined men would be a match for the greatest odds; but the very name
+of Kauker seems to convey terror in it to a traveller. I<a name="Page68"></a> saw the head
+of one of these rascals lying about at Dadur, and it was the most
+frightful face I ever beheld, more like a wild beast's than a human
+being's. On entering the Pass, which we did as if expecting an enemy,
+with skirmishers, flanking parties, &amp;c., we were nearly stifled by the
+horrible smell arising from the number of dead camels which were lying
+on the ground, in every degree of putrefaction. We soon, however, came
+to bodies of a different sort; for on the banks of a small rivulet, and
+in the water, most in the long reeds, some in the middle of the road,
+were about twenty or thirty dead Sepoys and followers. They were in
+every kind of shape and contortion that could indicate a violent death.
+Some were in a tolerable state of preservation, but others, again, had
+been sadly mauled; tripes torn out by jackals, and one or two were
+perfect skeletons. We kept on coming also upon an arm or a leg, or an
+ugly-looking skull; but the most disgusting sight was an arm and leg,
+protruding out of the centre of the stream, washed to the consistency of
+a washer-woman's hand after a hard day's washing. If you can fancy all
+this on a dark, sluggish-looking stream, surrounded by high and barren
+rocks, you may, perhaps, guess what feelings of disgust it excited in
+us. However, before reaching Candahar we were pretty well accustomed to
+these sights, and got rather callous on the subject, as there was a fair
+sprinkling of them to be met with all the way to that town. Well; we
+made five marches through<a name="Page69"></a> this delightful Pass, and debouched on a fine
+wide plain on the 17th. Not a stick, not a particle of forage, except
+some high rank grass, was to be got in all this time, and we had been
+obliged to take on supplies for our camels and horses from Dadur; so
+there was a new expense, and new carriage to be provided. The robbers
+did not attempt any attack upon us at all (though, if they had had the
+slightest pluck, they might have crippled us pretty considerably) except
+in the last march, but then we fired on them first. My company was on
+baggage-guard this day, which was sent on in advance of the column; and
+Halket, seeing some of the rascals on the hills, had a crack at them
+with his double-barrel, which produced a reply of three shots from them;
+but a soldier of the company taking a beautiful aim at one of them, at a
+distance I am afraid to mention, and nearly knocking a fellow's head
+off, the rest took to their heels, and we saw no more of them. Our
+Grenadiers, however, who were bringing up the rear, had a slight
+skrimmage with them, and killed five or six, without any of their shots
+taking effect, although one man's firelock and another man's belt were
+cut in half by a bullet. They fired on the column which came on
+afterwards, and wounded one trooper of the Light Dragoons, and a few
+native followers, and killed three horses. Most of us lost a deal of kit
+in this Pass, owing to the camels' feet knocking up, from the sharpness
+of the stones; and the very moment the column was off the ground the<a name="Page70"></a>
+rascals would be down and fighting for what was left behind. I was on
+rear-guard the second day's march, and the very moment we cleared the
+ground it was most amusing to see the rascals popping out of the holes
+in the rocks in every direction.</p>
+
+<p>On the 18th, we reached Siriab, where we halted for one day. This was a
+rather pretty valley, with some fruit gardens, but the fruit not ripe.
+Here I was taken unwell, and obliged to go on the sick-list; I had been
+ailing some time; the doctor, however, put me off the list again on the
+24th; but owing to the fatigue &amp;c. I underwent on 25th, in going through
+the Ghwozhe Pass, I caught a violent fever, and the next day was laid on
+my beam ends, and did not get round again till the middle of last month.
+In the Ghwozhe Pass our company was on baggage guard. We left our last
+encamping ground at 3 A.M. on the 25th; we had only four miles to the
+Pass, and the Pass was five more, when we reached our new ground, so it
+was not more than nine miles altogether, yet it was 10 o'clock at night
+before the rear-guard, bringing up the fag end of the baggage, came in.
+For nearly the whole of this day I was exposed to an infernally hot sun,
+and the stench arising from the dead cattle was really frightful. I was
+also literally twenty-six hours without getting a morsel to eat or a
+drop to drink, and but the day before on the sick-list. No wonder I was
+laid up! This Ghwozhe Pass was a great deal worse than any part of the
+Bolan. It was nothing but a succession of<a name="Page71"></a> the most difficult ascents
+and precipitous descents; the most trying kind of ground for the poor
+camels, who fell down in great numbers, and in some parts the path lay
+between two high rocks, and was only four feet wide; how the artillery
+got over it I cannot imagine. A handful of determined men could, I
+should think, defend it against an army. We were on the <i>qui vive</i> the
+whole time, expecting an attack on the baggage, but we only lost a few
+camels. Here we caught up the 17th and artillery, which left Dadur
+before us. If our toils had been great, those of the 17th and artillery
+were twice as much, as it took them two days and two nights to get the
+guns through, and they were obliged to bivouack in the Pass, and were
+attacked once or twice by the Ghiljees; whom, however, one section or so
+easily drove off. I must now tell you that on leaving the Bolan Pass the
+Kaukers &amp;c. made their bows to us, but handed us at the same time over
+to the care of their intimate friends the Ghiljees. These are a kind of
+half-civilized robbers, a large clan, and abound throughout the whole of
+Afghanistan. Their chief is a friend of Dost Mahomed. They gave us a
+little annoyance on the road, but whenever they did so they managed to
+get the worst of it. They murdered a few poor camp followers. At one
+place they fired on some grass-cutters belonging to the 4th Light
+Dragoons, after coming among them and talking with them in a friendly
+manner, as is their usual custom, in order to<a name="Page72"></a> ascertain what might be
+the chance of an attack. A troop of that corps was immediately sent out,
+with nearly all the officers. Some villagers who had been bringing
+things to our camp joined the robbers, but the 4th played the d&mdash;l with
+them, killing or wounding about forty, and only one horse belonging to
+the 4th was wounded. Major Daly, who commands the corps, killed four men
+himself with a simple bamboo hunting spear, used for killing boars. Sir
+J. Keane had fourteen of them shot that had been caught stealing camels
+at Quittah, one march from Siriab, where we left our sick: a brigade of
+the Bengal army is quartered there.</p>
+
+<p>Well; in spite of Ghiljees, Kaukers, Passes, &amp;c., we reached Candahar on
+the 4th of May, having only halted two days since we left Dadur,&mdash;pretty
+good work! We were very much disappointed in the country, which is
+little better than a desert, and the weather cruelly hot. I remember
+very little of what occurred after I was on the sick-list, except that
+on arriving at our ground at one place, after a march of eighteen miles,
+we found that the natives had destroyed the well which was to have
+supplied us with water,&mdash;pleasant news for a man laid up with fever; in
+consequence of which they made a good profit by bringing it in for sale.
+About as much as would fill two moderate-sized pitchers was sold for
+half a rupee, about 14d. My European servant came and begged to be
+allowed to drink the water<a name="Page73"></a> in my basin with which I had just washed
+myself, and before I could say anything, drank down the whole of it with
+a zest as if it had been champagne.</p>
+
+<p>We reached Candahar on the 4th, and on the 8th his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk was crowned, after which there was a review of all the
+troops that were here by his Majesty, a grand &quot;tomasha;&quot; but such, I am
+told, was the unpopularity of the Shah that out of the whole population
+of Candahar very few persons were looking on, though the Easterns are
+devoted sight-hunters. On the &mdash; he held a levee, where every officer
+had the honour of making his leg to his Majesty. I was not present at
+either of these grand occasions, being at the time still on the
+sick-list. I, however, had a glimpse of his Majesty the other morning as
+he was taking his airing. He is a fine-looking man, with a splendid
+black beard. I am told that he is a very accomplished man, but an
+exceedingly bad ruler. He has written his own life, which is said to be
+very interesting: I should think it must be so, as few men have
+experienced so many changes of fortune as he has. You will find a very
+good description of him, as well as of Cabool and Sinde, in &quot;Burnes'
+Travels in Bokhara,&quot; the present Sir Alexander Burnes, who is second in
+command to Macnaghten, and a great deal with the Shah. I read also an
+excellent article on this country &amp;c. in the last December or January
+number of &quot;Blackwood's Magazine.&quot;</p>
+<a name="Page74"></a>
+<p>Another horrible murder, somewhat similar to that of Capt. Hand,
+occurred here about the middle of last month. Two officers of the 16th
+Lancers, Inverarity and Wilmer, went one day on a fishing excursion to a
+small river about seven miles from this; several parties had been there
+before on pic-nic excursions, as it was much cooler, and there were some
+beautiful gardens, with lots of fruit, on the banks of the stream. There
+is a slight hill to be crossed in getting to it, at the top of which is
+a cut-throat narrow pass, formed out of the rock; you must pass through
+it in single file, and the bottom being of rock is so slippery and rough
+that it is with difficulty a horse can keep his footing on it. They were
+returning home about half-past eight o'clock, when Wilmer, being rather
+wrong in his stomach, got off his horse for a short time, and Inverarity
+said he would walk to the top of the hill to look at the view by
+moonlight; Wilmer followed in a few minutes on foot, his ghorewalla
+following with his horse. On coming near the top of the hill before
+mentioned, he was somewhat astonished at a large stone whizzing by his
+head, and immediately afterwards about six or seven men jumped on him
+out of the rocks. He had time to draw back, and received two different
+cuts on his walking stick, which cut it through, and slightly wounded
+him on the forehead. He managed to draw back from another, which was
+made at him with such strength that the fellow fell with the force<a name="Page75"></a> of
+his own blow. Wilmer then thought it as time to cut and run, and bolted
+as fast as he could with these chaps after him. They luckily, however,
+stopped to rob his and Inverarity's bangies, containing their kit, which
+they met his servant carrying, &amp;c. Wilmer did not stop till he reached a
+detachment of the Shah's force which is stationed there, he returned
+with a party from them, and on reaching the other side of the hill found
+poor Inverarity lying on the ground dreadfully mutilated; he was not
+quite dead when they came up, and Wilmer says he can never forget the
+convulsive shudder he gave on their arrival, taking them for the
+murderers returning to finish him. He died, however, almost immediately,
+merely saying, &quot;For God's sake, look at my hands! I am afraid I am very
+badly wounded.&quot; Thus fell another victim, as we all feel, to the
+conciliation principle! Neither Inverarity's horse nor anything of then
+kit has been since seen, though Wilmer has recovered his horse. This
+will give you a pretty idea of the country we are living in. The next
+day there was an order out from Sir J. Keane, in which, after giving an
+account of the murder, he begged all officers never to go out into the
+country on sporting expeditions unless in large parties and well armed.
+The Shah and Sir John were also on the point of burning down the village
+near which the murder occurred, but the political department would not
+allow it. Seven or eight men were, however, taken up,<a name="Page76"></a> though nothing
+certain has been proved. They are still in chains in the town; what will
+be done with them I don't know. I always have my holster pipes, and
+pistols loaded, whenever I ride out, as there is nothing like being
+prepared.</p>
+
+<p>I have little to say of Candahar, which appears to me to be just the
+same as every other town I have seen in the East, very dirty, &amp;c. It
+stands in a tolerably fertile plain, with hills scattered all round it.
+It is a perfect square, each side of which is nearly a mile in length;
+two streets, one from north to south, the other from east to west, run
+through it, and bisect each other in the centre: in these are the
+different bazaars. The rest of the town, as it appeared to me as I rode
+round the walls the other day, is perfectly deserted. There are double
+walls to the town, entire all the way round, but I should think it could
+be easily taken. A great number of the inhabitants have left it on
+account of the dearness of provisions, occasioned by the hungry mouths
+of so large a force as ours, and also because, on his first arrival, the
+Shah wished to play some of his old arbitrary acts over again.</p>
+
+<p>The Ghiljees have been at their old tricks lately, robbing some supplies
+for the army, which came up by the Bolan Pass about a week ago, and
+which they followed nearly into our camp. The caravan, however, was
+under the charge of a right sort of fellow, the Rajah of Buhawulpoor,
+who was bringing up a contingent to the Shah's force, and if any of his
+camels<a name="Page77"></a> were taken away he took two for one from the first village he
+arrived at. The Ghiljees got more bold afterwards, and actually
+endeavoured to walk off with the camels of the Bengal army, and five or
+six were taken prisoners by some Sepoys, and one blown from a gun in the
+town. They, however, killed one, and severely wounded two other unarmed
+soldiers of H.M. 13th Light Infantry, who were out with the camels of
+their regiment, the guard for the camels having very quietly gone to
+sleep in a house. The poor fellows made a desperate fight, defending
+themselves with their shoes; and one of them pulled a mounted Ghiljee
+off his horse, but had his arm cut through before he could get the
+fellow's sword from him: they lost a great many camels.</p>
+
+<p><i>June 29th</i>.&mdash;Well, to-morrow we are off for Cabool; I hope the country
+may improve as we advance. Everybody speaks very highly of Cabool
+itself&mdash;a fine climate, 6000 feet above the sea. It has been very hot
+the whole time we have been here. They say there is plenty of grain to
+be had on the road; I hope this may be true, and that we shall not have
+a repetition of what took place before in regard to expense. I was
+congratulating myself, a day or two since, on the prospect of getting my
+back pay, but now I hear that I shall not only be minus that, but that
+we are not to get any more pay for three months, owing to some
+mismanagement or other; consequently, we shall be obliged to get into
+debt, with a nice little interest to pay off. I wish, therefore, that
+next year you would<a name="Page78"></a> give me credit for another 60l. I do not wish you
+to send it out to me, but that you would let me draw upon you as far as
+that sum, in case I should find it necessary, as this campaign has sadly
+crippled me. Your last 60l. is nearly gone, and yet I have not spent a
+farthing that I could help: this irregular way of paying troops is very
+disgusting to them.</p>
+
+<p>The report is now that we are not likely to have any regular fighting,
+as it is pretty generally believed that Dost Mahomed has agreed to our
+terms; the &quot;on dit&quot; is, that he is at Peshawur, and awaits our arrival
+in Cabool, to give himself up to the British government. Colonel Wade,
+one of the political diplomatic line, is near Peshawur with a part of
+Runjet's army, but Dost Mahomed will not surrender himself to him, nor
+will Colonel Wade cross the Punjab frontiers, on account of the great
+enmity which exists between the Afghans and Sikhs: however, all this is
+to be proved. I wish we could have one good brush with them, as we
+should then have plain sailing; as it is, I suppose we shall be annoyed
+by these rascally Ghiljees all the way up: out-lying pickets to take
+care of camels, &amp;c. With regard to the climate of this country I can say
+little, as we have only been here during the hot weather, and hot we
+have found it with a vengeance; but then we have been living in tents.
+One man of ours has died by a coup de soleil; he was one of the camel
+guard. I do not consider the climate an unhealthy one. It is a very
+lucky thing for us that we were not left in Sinde: the troops left there
+have suffered terribly. Sinde is one of<a name="Page79"></a> the hottest places in the
+world, and very unhealthy; in fact, I consider it to be about one of the
+most disgusting countries in the world. The 17th regiment lost an
+officer there under very melancholy circumstances. He was coming up to
+join his regiment, having been only lately appointed to it, and lost his
+way in that dreadful desert I told you of, where he wandered in a
+wretched state for two days, during which time the simoom came on, and
+he died from its effects a short time after reaching his tent; the
+simoom was still so violent that his servants were obliged to dig his
+grave inside his tent: his body turned black immediately after death.</p>
+
+<p>We have had excellent European fruit here, and the gardens about the
+place are very large and beautiful&mdash;peaches, apricots, cherries, apples,
+grapes, and mulberries. I never tasted anything more delicious than the
+melons here. You cannot imagine, in your temperate climate, how
+refreshing they are on a hot day; but, then, they are said to be very
+dangerous. The vegetables, too, are good, particularly to those who had
+been without them so long as we had. There are peas, beans, salad,
+cucumber, but, unfortunately, no potatoes; what would we not give for a
+nice mealy murphy! we have not tasted one for four months; however, in
+all these respects Cabool is much superior. What we shall do when we
+reach that place I cannot imagine,&mdash;one thing, the Hindoo Koosh,
+prevents our marching further. The report is, that if everything goes
+smooth we shall go back again this year;<a name="Page80"></a> but this I do not believe, as
+I hardly think it probable that the government would be at such expense
+in marching us such a distance just to keep us at Cabool for a month,
+and if we overstay that it will be too late, and the snow and severity
+of the climate will hinder our returning. Moreover, Runjet Sing is very
+ill, and, they say, is likely to kick, in which case there will, I take
+it, be a regular shindy in the Punjab; and John Company, when he has
+once put his foot into a country, does not withdraw it very soon.
+Besides, there is Herat and Persia to be looked to. For my part, I have
+no objection to a winter in Cabool; and if we can only get up our
+supplies in the liquor line, we shall, I have no doubt, make ourselves
+very comfortable. The 16th Lancers have an excellent pack of foxhounds
+with them, and horses are very cheap. There are to be races &amp;c. on a
+grand scale also when we get there; and if we can get our supplies up by
+that time, we may look forward to spending a merry Christmas even in
+such a distant country. How curious all this must sound to you in your
+quiet, lovely home of Brookhill. I have often thought of you all during
+this campaign, particularly the other day, when I had the fever; and I
+hope and trust my life maybe spared that I may see you all once more,
+particularly as I have never seen you at Brookhill.</p>
+
+<p>With regard to myself, my health, with the exception of the fever, has
+been much better than I could have expected, considering what we have
+gone through. I have, however, been sadly bothered the whole time<a name="Page81"></a> I
+have been in the country with rheumatism; at times, during the march, I
+was so bad with it that I could not walk ten minutes at a time. I have
+also had terrible pains in the joints of my arms, and have them still,
+and it is with difficulty I can get a gun to my shoulder. I can walk
+pretty well now, but running is totally out of the question; so that I
+am afraid I should come off poorly in a hand-to-hand encounter with
+these rascals. I applied to the doctor for some medicine, but he said
+&quot;he could give me none;&quot; in fact, they will not give an officer any
+medicine now unless he is very seriously ill, as they are very short of
+medical stores.</p>
+
+<p>I hope you may be able to get through this letter; the blue paper I have
+been writing on is Russian, and bought in Candahar. I do not think I
+have anything more to say. I will write again when I reach Cabool. Tell
+Kate I will write to her too: I hope she got my letter which I wrote in
+January last under cover to you.</p>
+
+<p>With best love to all at home,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Believe me your very affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S.&mdash;By-the-bye, there is an officer here in H.M. 13th Light Infantry,
+with the Bengal force, who knows Arthur very well, in fact, I think a
+great deal better than I do myself. His name is Wood; he is<a name="Page82"></a> a
+Canterbury man, and seems to know Mr. Baylay and everybody else there.
+He was in the 48th when Arthur was at Canterbury with the 4th Drag.
+Guards. He desired to be kindly remembered to Arthur when I wrote. I
+hope Eliza's hooping-cough is well. I was very sorry to hear of poor
+Sluman's death: as far back as I can recollect he is always associated
+in my mind with home. I hope Ghiljee, Kauker, Beloochee, and Co., will
+let this pass.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page83"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_VIII"></a><h2>LETTER VIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, near Ghuzni, July 24th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;You must put down yesterday, the 23rd of July, in your
+memorandum book as a memorable day for your son Tom, and, I may say, for
+the British army. Ghuzni, the strongest fortress in Afghanistan, was
+taken by assault in three-quarters of an hour, by the four European
+regiments of the army&mdash;viz., the Queen's, 13th Light Infantry, 17th
+regiment, and Bengal European regiment. The storming party, or forlorn
+hope, consisted of the Light Companies of the four regiments. The whole
+right in front&mdash;ergo, our company (the Light Company of the Queen's) was
+the first in. I may well remember it, as it was the first time I smelt
+gunpowder and saw blows given in real earnest. It is the most splendid
+thing for us that could have happened: if we had failed, we should have
+had the whole<a name="Page84"></a> country down upon us in a few days; now, they say, the
+country is ours.</p>
+
+<p>It is reported that Sir J. Keane was so very anxious about it, that when
+he heard our first cheers, after entering the gate of the town, he
+actually cried, it was such a relief to his mind; and that he told
+Brigadier Sale, lieutenant-colonel of the 13th Light Infantry, who
+commanded on the occasion, that it was very likely that the fate of
+India depended on our taking this place. Ghuzni was considered Dost
+Mahomed's principal fortress; his son commanded in it, and it was
+garrisoned by 3000 Afghans. Young Dost expected to hold it out for a
+fortnight; and his father was to have come to his relief in a day or
+two, when we should have had a difficult part to perform, as we should
+have been surrounded in this valley by armed parties on all sides; so
+that it would have been really a ticklish job. They had collected
+provisions in the town for three months, and arms and ammunition; in
+fact, it was the regular dep&ocirc;t for their army. They had also about four
+or five lacs of rupees; but that will not give us much prize money. Our
+loss was very trifling, owing to the daring and sudden nature of the
+attack, as they were taken totally by surprise. Our regiment suffered
+the most, and we have thirty-seven killed and wounded, including
+officers, of whom six out of eighteen were wounded&mdash;one-third of the
+whole,&mdash;however, none of the latter dangerously, thank God, though two
+of them are returned<a name="Page85"></a> severely wounded. Five men of our regiment were
+killed outright on the spot, and I am afraid we shall lose some more in
+a few days from the effects of their wounds. Of the enemy, about 500
+were killed, and more than 1500 made prisoners; and of the remainder,
+who made their escape over the walls, the greater part were cut down by
+the Dragoons, or spifflicated by the Lancers. Among the prisoners is
+young Dost himself, the greatest prize of all. More than a thousand
+magnificent horses have also been taken, besides pack-horses, camels,
+and grain in abundance. However, I never can tell a story without going
+back to the very commencement.</p>
+
+<p>I finished my last letter to you the day before we left Candahar. Well;
+we started on Sunday, the 30th of June, and made seven marches to
+Belanti Ghiljee, where we caught up the Shah's army, with a Bengal
+division. Here Sir John Keane had first come in sight of young Dost's
+army, who, however, retired very quickly, though there was some talk of
+their holding out at this place, and we were pushed on rapidly in
+consequence. They shewed their sense in not holding out there, as it
+would not have taken us long to dislodge them. We halted here a day, and
+then marched on by very short and easy marches, halting every third or
+fourth day, and taking things very easy, although we were constantly
+annoyed by the Ghiljees, who murdered several of our camp followers, and
+tried to rob us whenever they<a name="Page86"></a> could find an opportunity, until we were
+within five good marches of Ghuzni, when General Willshire received an
+order to push on by forced marches, and to make these five into three.
+After making two out of these three, (and precious long ones they were,)
+we found out that we were still upwards of twenty miles from Ghuzni,
+with the men so fatigued that it was nearly impossible for them to do
+it, and that we should therefore be obliged to make two of it. The
+event, however, proved the contrary; for, about seven o'clock in the
+evening, a dispatch came from General Willshire, and about eight, just
+as we were preparing to turn in, the orders were out to strike our
+tents, and march in an hour's time, and catch up Sir John Keane and the
+Shah, who were halted about nine miles in advance of us. Sir John was
+anxious to have the whole force concentrated before marching on Ghuzni.
+Nothing, however, was certain; and we were all in a high state of
+excitement, not knowing what to expect: this was the evening of the
+20th. We made quick work of this march, and reached Sir John Keane about
+half-past twelve. Here we heard that Sir John Keane was in expectation
+of a night attack. He had fallen in that morning with the advance of the
+enemy, who had, however, upon the appearance of the British force,
+retired upon Ghuzni. We bivouacked on our ground, after throwing out
+strong pickets, and marched again at 5 A.M., Sir John Keane, the
+Bengalees, and cavalry in advance, then<a name="Page87"></a> the Shah, and then our small
+party. We, however, sent our artillery to join Sir John. About eight
+o'clock, when within about three miles of Ghuzni, we heard the first
+symptoms that the game of war was beginning: our batteries were firing
+on the place, and the garrison were returning it with good effect; it
+served as a sort of overture to the opera in which we knew we must soon
+be actors.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of the great quantity of baggage, now the whole army was
+joined, we were halted for a couple of hours to protect it, and the
+whole of the cavalry was sent back for that purpose; and well it was
+that they were, as a part of the enemy's cavalry made a demonstration
+for attacking it, but withdrew on seeing ours. We were at length marched
+on, and took up our ground a little to the S.W. of the fort, but out of
+harm's way, when we heard a more definite account of what had been done.
+The advance of the Bengal column, H.M. 13th Light Infantry and the 16th
+Native Infantry, had some little work in driving the enemy out of the
+gardens and old buildings that surround the town. This, however, they
+accomplished with a trifling loss; our guns then opened on the place,
+but as they were light ones (the heaviest being still in the rear), with
+little effect. This desultory fire on both sides was, however, kept up
+for about three hours: little execution being done, and a few casualties
+having occurred among the artillery, Sir John Keane ordered the guns to
+be withdrawn. We<a name="Page88"></a> had not been on our ground more than three hours when
+we were ordered once more on the march, and to march by a circuitous
+route across the mountains, in order to avoid the fire of the town, and
+take up our ground on the other side of it. We reached our new ground
+about nine, after a fatiguing march of seven miles, crossing the river,
+and, by an infernal path, through the hills. Here we bivouacked again
+for the night, as little of our baggage had arrived.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy took this move of ours as a defeat, and concluded that we had
+marched on to Cabool, despairing of taking their fort: the event proved
+how wofully they were mistaken! They wasted a good deal of powder in
+firing for joy, and young Dost sent a dispatch from the place to his
+father, apprizing him of the fact, and begging him to come down upon us
+immediately, while he would follow upon our rear. He also sent to a
+Ghiljee chieftain near us, telling him to collect as many followers and
+country people as he could to make an attack upon our baggage, as he had
+only to come down and take it. We sold this fellow a bargain, however,
+the next day. Well; the first thing we heard the next morning was from
+young Keane, and to this effect, that we were to rest for that day, and
+that the four European corps were to storm the place the next morning
+before daylight, as the state of the country was such that Sir John
+could not waste time in breaching it; and, moreover, it was doubtful
+whether, from the nature<a name="Page89"></a> of the walls, it could be breached at all. We
+did not, however, learn the final dispositions till the evening.</p>
+
+<p>That day, the 22nd, I shall never forget; it was a very dismal one; much
+more so than the next. There was a nervous irritability and excitement
+about us the whole day; constantly looking at the place through
+spy-glasses, &amp;c.; and then fellows began to make their wills, and tell
+each other what they wished to have done in case they fell; altogether
+it was not at all pleasant, and every one longed most heartily for the
+morrow, and to have it over. I felt as I used to do when I was a child,
+and knew I must take a black dose or have a tooth drawn the next
+morning. About twelve o'clock a great deal of firing took place on our
+left; this we soon ascertained to be the Ghiljee chief I have before
+mentioned, coming down with the amiable purpose of lootzing our camp. A
+part of the Shah's Afghan cavalry, a few guns of the Horse Artillery,
+and a squadron of Lancers, were ordered out, who soon sent them to the
+right-about. The chief, when he saw that it was not such an easy job as
+he expected, cut his stick the first, with his horsemen, about 2000,
+leaving the poor footpads, about 1000, to shift for themselves. They
+were terribly mauled, and a great number of prisoners taken, whose heads
+the Shah struck off immediately. Well; evening came at last! and then we
+heard the morning's news confirmed; that the Light Companies<a name="Page90"></a> of the
+four corps were to form the storming party, that an Engineer officer,
+with some Sappers, each carrying a bag of gunpowder (in all 300lbs.),
+was to advance to the Cabool gate, and place it there, in order to blow
+it down; that immediately upon the gates falling we were to rush in and
+take possession of the town, &amp;c. At the same time a false attack was to
+be made by the 16th Bengal Native Infantry on the Candahar gate, in
+order to divert the enemy's attention. Brigadier Sale, lieut.-colonel of
+the 13th, was to command the whole, and Col. Dennie, of the same corps,
+the storming party. Three regiments of Native Infantry were to be in
+reserve, under Sir Willoughby Cotton; and the cavalry were to be
+stationed so as best to intercept the flight of those who might manage
+to make their escape from the place. We were to be formed ready for the
+attack at two o'clock in the morning, close to a high pillar, about half
+a mile from the fort; we were to advance under cover of the Artillery,
+who were to fire over and clear the walls for us. I laid down in my
+cloak directly after mess, and, being dreadfully tired, never slept more
+soundly than I did the night before the storming of Ghuzni.</p>
+
+<p>At one o'clock we turned out; I took a cup of tea and a couple of ginger
+biscuits, and joined my company: in a quarter of an hour we were on our
+march to the pillar, where we were to be formed. Here we found Col. Sale
+and the Engineer officers, &amp;c. Col. Sale called out the officers, and
+told them the plan of<a name="Page91"></a> the attack, which was to be the same as mentioned
+before, except that the 13th Light Infantry were to line the ditch
+outside the town, and fire on the ramparts, while we advanced. The
+storming party, Queen's and Bengal European regiments, were, after
+entering the gate, to move along a street to the left, clearing the
+houses, &amp;c., and on arriving at the end to mount the ramparts, and to
+return by them. Our object in doing this was to drive as many men as
+possible into the citadel, and having obtained this object, a signal was
+to be given, and the artillery were to fire shells into the citadel,
+which, particularly as their powder magazine was there, it was expected
+would soon make them cut and run. The 17th and 13th regiments being
+nearest, were then to rush up and take possession of the citadel, and
+the Native regiments, being in reserve, were to assist them. Col. Sale
+then said a few words of encouragement, and concluded by hoping &quot;we
+should all have luck&quot;&mdash;on the whole a very neat and appropriate speech.
+We then piled arms, and officers fell out. I never saw fellows more
+merry than most of us were while we were waiting there; in fact, if we
+had been going to the most delightful place in the world, we could not
+have appeared in better spirits; and this put me strongly in mind of a
+scene I had read in a book called &quot;The Subaltern,&quot; where the feelings of
+the officers, waiting for an attack, are described as being just the
+same. At length, &quot;bang&quot; went a gun from our batteries. Col. Sale said,
+&quot;Ah,<a name="Page92"></a> there goes the signal; we had better be starting:&quot; just as if one
+was to get ready to take a ride to Brixham or elsewhere. Well; we fell
+in, and in about a quarter of an hour off we went. The enemy returned
+the fire from our batteries in good style, and there was a regular row.
+They pointed their &quot;Long Tom,&quot; a fifty-two pounder, towards us, and sent
+the shot over our heads and a little to our left. The ball made a
+terrific row rushing over us. Whilst we were marching down to the attack
+the fire on both sides was at its height. The noise was fearful, and the
+whole scene the grandest and, at the same time, the most awful I ever
+witnessed. I caught myself, once or twice, trying to make myself as
+small as I could. As we got nearer the gate it grew worse, and the
+enemy, from their loop-holes, began to pepper us with matchlocks and
+arrows. The scene now was splendid. The enemy, at the commencement of
+the firing, threw out blue lights in several places, which looked
+beautiful, and the flames of their and our artillery, together with the
+smaller flashes from the matchlock men, added to the roar of their big
+guns, the sharp cracking of the matchlocks, the whizzing of their cannon
+balls and ours, (the latter of which, by-the-bye, went much nearer our
+heads than the enemy's, as our artillery fired beautifully, and sent
+their shot close over our heads, on the ramparts,) the singing of the
+bullets, and the whizzing of their arrows, all combined, made up as
+pretty a little row as one<a name="Page93"></a> would wish to hear. Add to this, that it was
+as dark as pitch, and you may judge of the effect. We made a rush over
+the bridge, which the enemy had not destroyed, and continuing it up a
+slight ascent, we found ourselves of a sudden close to the gate. Here
+there was a check. Although the gate was blown down, still the remains
+of it, and the barricade on the inside, rendered it a difficult place to
+get over, particularly as it wanted at least half an hour of daylight,
+and was perfectly dark. The two first sections were therefore a long
+time getting through, during which the two last, to which I belonged,
+were standing still outside, exposed to a cross fire from two round
+towers, which flanked the entrance. Our men, however, kept up such a
+smart fire upon every hole and opening that no man dared shew his nose,
+and their fire was therefore rendered harmless. At length we moved in,
+and found that, besides what I have mentioned above, there was a large
+hole in the roof of the portico over the gate, through which the enemy
+were pitching earth, beams of wood, stones, &amp;c.; one of these beams
+knocked over my European servant, who was next to me, and dislocated his
+arm, and, taking me in the flank, made me bite the dust also; however, I
+had no further hurt than a slight bruise, and was up again immediately,
+as I heard one of the soldiers say, &quot;Oh! there is poor Mr. Holdsworth:
+he's down!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>On getting within the gate a few volleys cleared the opening of the
+street. Robinson, (our captain,) Col.<a name="Page94"></a> Sale, with Kershaw and Wood of
+the 13th, Sale's staff, (the latter the man who knew Arthur at
+Canterbury,) were the first in. Poor Col. Sale got a cut in the mouth,
+and fell upon Kershaw, who went down with him; on rising, an Afghan was
+lifting his sword to cut down Sale when Kershaw seized the hilt of his
+sword, and ran his own into him. Robinson also got a terrible cut on the
+side of his head, which would have done his business for him if he had
+not had on a cap padded with cotton, which deadened the weight of the
+blow. All the companies of the storming party, however, got in well,
+except the last, the light company of the Bengal European regiment, and
+they had a desperate fight, the enemy having returned to the gate in
+great numbers, and twenty-seven men of the company were laid low in no
+time. After this every company that came in had a shindy at the gate;
+the fact was, that the enemy took every company for the last, and
+therefore made a desperate attempt to escape through it. Our company,
+with the advance, pushed through the town, clearing the tops of the
+houses. We only lost one man of our company; we thought he was done for
+at first, but he is still alive, and, I am glad to say, likely lo do
+well; he was shot right through the breastplate, and the ball went round
+his body and was taken out of his back; he is to wear the same
+breastplate in future. On coming to the end of the town we halted, and
+were agreeably surprised, shortly after, to see the British flag waving
+on the top of the citadel:<a name="Page95"></a> the fact of the matter was, that the enemy
+never thought of retiring to the citadel at all, but endeavoured to make
+their escape directly they found we were inside the gates; the 17th and
+13th, therefore, quietly marched up and took possession of it.</p>
+
+<p>We now returned by the ramparts, taking a great number of prisoners, and
+on reaching the large street where the horses were, the scene was
+perfectly ridiculous; the horses were loose, and running and charging
+about in all directions, kicking, fighting, &amp;c. On getting near the gate
+we entered by, the effects of our fight became more apparent, as dying
+and dead Afghans testified. There were eight lying at one particular
+spot, where a tumbril had blown up, and their bodies were still burning
+from the effects. I never saw finer men than some of these Afghans&mdash;they
+were perfect models. The plunder now began, though to little purpose, as
+prize agents were at the gates and made most of us refund. I managed,
+however, to get through a rather handsome spear, which I took from
+before the tent of one of the chiefs. If the carelessness of my servants
+will allow it I mean to keep it till we get back whenever that may be,
+and send it home by some trusty person, when perhaps you may think it
+worthy of a place among your curiosities at Brookhill. The 13th and
+17th, however, had the best of it in the citadel, which was also the
+palace, and where all young Dost's women were. I hear that the soldiers
+have possession of some very handsome articles<a name="Page96"></a> which they boned there I
+believe. After this, young Dost, or, to give him his right name, Hyder
+Khan, was found in a large hole near the citadel, with about twenty
+followers; they had some work, however, in securing him. About this time
+I saw the Shah, with the diplomatic people, Sir J. Keane, and Sir W.
+Cotton, enter the fort and proceed to the citadel. The old Shah was
+mightily delighted, as well he might be, and expressed himself in
+raptures with the European soldiery. I was back again to breakfast at
+mess by eight o'clock. Several of our men were wounded by arrows. One
+soldier swore &quot;that a fellow had shot his ramrod into him.&quot; Stisted had
+an arrow through the calf of his leg, but his wound is not considered of
+any importance.</p>
+
+<p><i>July 30th</i>.&mdash;Sir J. Keane, with the greater part of the army, marched
+this morning for Cabool; ours (the Bombay division) march to-morrow.
+Although the greater part of the town was taken in the way I have
+described, still a party of about 100 men, under Dost Mahomed's
+standard-bearer, (a great man, of course,) held out till the next day,
+when they were all taken, and soon afterwards shot. They certainly must
+have been assisted by some Europeans, as their powder was made up in a
+very scientific manner, and their grape was exceedingly well put
+together. Young Dost cannot imagine how the gate was blown down; he
+thinks, I hear, that we shot two men inside the fort from a big gun, who
+opened the door for us. He was sleeping<a name="Page97"></a> over it at the time; the
+explosion must have &quot;astonished him a few, I guess.&quot; He says some of his
+father's best soldiers have fallen there; and one man in particular, a
+great chief, said to be the best swordsman between Cabool and Candahar.
+I have been in the fort since, and I am glad we took it in the dark, as
+it is not at all a nice looking place by daylight. The rooms in the
+citadel are very fine, particularly where the women were, the ceilings
+of which are inlaid with gold work. All our sick and wounded are to be
+left here: we only leave one officer behind, poor Young, who was shot
+through the thigh very near the groin.</p>
+
+<p>Reports have been very various since the fall of Ghuzni whether Dost
+himself will fight or not. It seems to be generally expected that we
+shall have another shindy before we get to Cabool, though a great number
+of chiefs have lately come in to the Shah, among the principal of whom
+is Hadjee Khan Kauker, the governor of Bamian, a man of great influence
+in the country, and a great intriguer, formerly a great friend of Dost
+Mahomed's. He came in to us about three hours after the place had
+fallen: he had been waiting on the top of a hill to see the result, and
+was prepared to join whichever side was victorious. I must tell you,
+also, that on the 21st, the day we marched upon Ghuzni, another son of
+Dost was waiting outside the town to attack us with about three thousand
+men; but on seeing the size of our army he thought better of it, and cut
+for Cabool as fast as he could; he was deserted on the way by most of
+his army, and<a name="Page98"></a> reached Cabool with scarcely a follower: his father was
+exceedingly enraged, and is said to have put him in prison.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sunday, 28th</i>.&mdash;The day before yesterday, Dost Mahomed's brother, a man
+who has always favoured the English, and advised Dost to have nothing to
+do with the Persians, &amp;c., but who lives quite retired, and has very
+little to do with politics, came into our camp to endeavour to make
+terms for his brother; but, it is said, neither party was satisfied:
+they say that he was disgusted at our proposals, and replied, &quot;that Dost
+would rather lose his life than accept them.&quot; Dost wants to be made the
+Shah's vizier; but that, of course, could not be allowed. How it will
+end no one knows: however, a few days will shew. We have had several
+deserters from Dost's army; they say he is encamped, and has thrown up
+strong entrenchments about three miles in front of Cabool. I should
+hardly, however, think that the people of Cabool will allow his doing
+so, as there are several rich people in it who would not like to see
+Ghuzni reacted at their own door. There would be lots of prize money for
+us. Talking of prize money, I am afraid there will not be very much,
+though the things that were taken sold remarkably well, as did also the
+horses, &amp;c. I managed to buy, though for much beyond its value, a rather
+pretty coverlet for a bed, which was taken in the fort, which perhaps
+belonged to some of the young ladies of the harem; it is of shawl
+velvet, and said to be made in Cashmere. I intend to send it home with
+the<a name="Page99"></a> spear, and give it to Kate; though what use she can put it to I
+hardly know, as I am sure it will not be large enough for her bed;
+still, when one considers whence it was taken, it may possess some
+little interest. Young Dost is left behind in the fort, which is to be
+strongly garrisoned, and where we leave all our sick and wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The climate of this place is delightful; it is about 6000 feet above the
+level of the sea; and although this is the hottest month in the year,
+still we do not find it at all unpleasant, living in tents: a delightful
+change from Candahar. There is the most beautiful clover here I ever
+saw, and lots of fruit.</p>
+
+<p>We have just received intelligence of Runjet Sing's death; he has been
+reported dead several times before; but they say this time it is really
+the case; if so, we are still only at the beginning of our work, as we
+shall most likely have something to do in the Punjab. The government, it
+is said, have guaranteed the succession of Runjet's son, who is little
+better than a natural idiot. The chiefs of the Sikhs, who are very
+warlike people, and have often licked the Afghans, say they will not
+consent to be ruled by such a person,&mdash;thereon hangs the matter. A large
+force has been gradually concentrating at Delhi, Meerut, Loodiana, and
+all the north-west stations in Bengal, ready to march into the Punjab in
+case of Runjet's death, which has been long expected; and we very likely
+shall make an advance by the line of the Cabool river<a name="Page100"></a> to Peshawur, and
+Attock, on the Indus. It is rather late to begin a campaign after
+marching more than a thousand miles, and not meeting an enemy except
+robbers. If I ever do get home safe and sound after all this work, I
+shall consider myself very lucky.</p>
+
+<p><i>July 31st</i>.&mdash;Here we are, our first day's march to Cabool. Reports
+still flying about as to whether Dost means to fight. I wore the pistols
+you gave me in London at the storming,&mdash;they are a capital pair! The
+post goes directly, so I must conclude, with best love to all, your very
+affectionate son,</p>
+
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S.&mdash;They say Shah Shooja will give us all medals when everything is
+settled; those for the officers to be a small gold one, with an
+impression of the Fort of Ghuzni; those for the soldiers to be silver,
+and the same pattern. If you look into the military papers when this
+reaches you, I dare say you will find further accounts of the business.</p>
+
+<div class="blkquot"><p>NOTE.&mdash;&quot;It was arranged that an explosion party, consisting of
+     three officers of engineers (Capt. Peat, Lieuts. Durand and
+     M'Leod), three Serjeants and eighteen men of the sappers in
+     working dresses, carrying three hundred pounds of powder in
+     twelve sand bags, with a hose seventy-two feet long, should be
+     ready to move down to the gateway at break of day.</p>
+
+<p>     &quot;So quickly was the operation performed, and so little was the
+     enemy aware of the nature of it, that not a man of the party
+     was hurt.&quot;&mdash;<i>From Memoranda of Capt. Thompson, R.E., Chief
+     Engineer, Army of Indus</i>.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page101"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_IX"></a><h2>LETTER IX.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>MEMORANDUM.&mdash;I have lost this letter, which I regret the more, because
+it gave a very full account both, of Cabool and its environs, as well as
+of many interesting circumstances which took place during the time the
+Bombay division of the army remained there.</p>
+
+<p>As far as I remember its contents, it began with the march of the army
+from Ghuzni to Cabool, the desertion of the troops of Dost Mahomed, and
+his flight from the capital. It described his pursuit by a party of
+officers and cavalry, volunteers from the British army, commanded by
+Captain Outram, who accompanied Hadjee Khan Kauker, the principal chief
+of the country, with a body of 2000 Afghans, who had joined Shah Shooja
+at Ghuzni.</p>
+
+<p>It stated, that after a few days had expired, the party had nearly
+reached the fugitive, when Hadjee Khan refused to proceed, stating,
+amongst other<a name="Page102"></a> excuses, that his men had dispersed to plunder, and that
+he had not any means of preventing it; and Captain Outram was obliged to
+proceed without him. It had been supposed by Shah Shooja, that Hadjee
+Khan had been so committed with Dost Mahomed that he might be safely
+trusted upon this occasion; but there is not the least doubt but that he
+was engaged in correspondence with him during the whole time, and that
+Dost Mahomed was thus enabled to effect his escape with his family,
+although Captain Outram with his party pursued him as far as Bamian. If
+Hadjee Khan had not acted in this most treacherous way, there could not
+be a doubt but that Dost Mahomed must have fallen into the hands of
+Captain Outram. Thus Hadjee Khan proved his double treachery; for which,
+on his return to Cabool, it was understood the Shah would have put him
+to death, but for the presence of the English, upon whose interference
+his sentence was changed to perpetual confinement in one of the state
+prisons.</p>
+
+<p>It described, also, the arrival of the eldest son of Shah Shooja, with
+the contingent from Runjet Sing; his meeting with his youngest brother
+on the road, near the city, who went out for that purpose upon an
+elephant, richly caparisoned, attended by a suitable cort&egrave;ge; his
+reception by the British army, and afterwards by his father, at the Bala
+Hissar, where my son mixed with the troops of the Shah, who filled the
+palace yard, and was thus enabled to witness the<a name="Page103"></a> first interview, which
+was anything but that which might have been expected when the eldest son
+arrived at the palace to congratulate his father on his restoration to
+his throne. The King was seated alone in an open balcony, slightly
+raised above the court, where his officers of state were ranged on
+either side, on the ground. The Prince advanced through a line of troops
+and public officers, but did not raise his eyes from the ground. When he
+came near his father, he prostrated himself in submission to the King,
+who called to him &quot;that he was welcome;&quot; after which the son ascended to
+the balcony, where he again made a prostration, when his father raised
+him up, and seated him near him. The peculiarly careful conduct of the
+son on his approach appears to have arisen from a consciousness of his
+father's jealous and suspicious temper, and a fear lest even a smile
+interchanged with a friend at the court might be construed into hidden
+treachery. Soon after this, the chief persons of the court made their
+salutations to the King, to each of whom he said a few words, and the
+ceremony was ended.</p>
+
+<p>My son added, that he little expected when he was at the levee of his
+late Majesty King William, before he left England, that the next
+ceremony of the sort at which he should be present would be that of the
+King of Afghanistan, in Central Asia, a person with whose name and
+country he had not then the slightest acquaintance.</p>
+<a name="Page104"></a>
+<p>The youngest son of Shah Shooja, whom I have mentioned, is described as
+a beautiful boy, under twelve years of age, ruddy and fair as an English
+child. He is a great favourite with his father at present, and usually
+accompanies the Shah wherever he goes. His childhood probably protects
+him from suspicion of treachery or intrigue.</p>
+
+<p>My son appeared to have mixed occasionally with the inhabitants of
+Cabool, and, through the introduction of the Persian interpreter, to
+have become personally acquainted with some of the leading persons of
+the city. They are described by him as being particularly affable and
+civil to the officers of our army, with, some of whom he paid a visit to
+a man of rank, at his country-house, and with whom they dined. Nothing
+could exceed the attention of their host. He shewed them his stud
+consisting of more than fifty horses, and every other thing that he
+possessed, (except his women,) and the hospitality and good fare was
+unbounded. Neither was the curiosity of these persons less in inquiring
+minutely into everything they saw when they visited the officers in the
+camp, than their desire to please in their own houses; and he appeared
+to have left the place with a most favourable impression of the upper
+ranks of the city.</p>
+
+<p>Of the city itself, its magnificent bazaar, filled with the richest
+manufactures of the East, its gardens abounding with the finest fruits
+in the world, and the<a name="Page105"></a> fertile country that surrounds it, his
+description is the same as that which will be found much more at length
+in the Travels of Lieut. Burnes, in 1832.</p>
+
+<p>Cricket and horse-racing appeared to be the chief recreation of the army
+during the time it remained inactive; and the two divisions having
+fortunately come from different Presidencies, the same spirit of rivalry
+amongst the officers, in the sports of the camp, was as naturally
+excited at Cabool as in any of the counties or garrisons of their native
+land.</p>
+
+<p>The evening before they left their ground, two miles from Cabool, he was
+sent with a subaltern's party to search through all the worst parts of
+the city for men who were missing from the camp, but after spending many
+hours, he returned without finding any. They had been paid the day
+before, and had got away to the liquor-shops; but all turned up in the
+morning except one, whose body was found murdered, near the camp.</p>
+
+<p class="name">A.H. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page106"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_X"></a><h2>LETTER X.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp at Kotree, in Cutch Gundava,<br />
+December 8th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER&mdash;As I am now tolerably recovered and my wounds nearly
+healed, I take the first opportunity (as my arm is losing its stiffness)
+of writing to you, as I have no doubt you will be very anxious to hear
+how I am going on. I desired Stisted, the day after the taking of Kelat,
+to write, as I was myself then unable. I have no doubt but that he did
+so; yet I know you must have been anxious before you heard the final
+result; and I am now happy to inform you that I am getting rapidly well,
+and expect in a short time to be out of the &quot;sick list.&quot; My wound was
+esteemed a rather ugly one at first; and I must consider it one of the
+most fortunate cases of Providence that the bullet took the direction it
+did, as had it swerved in the least degree it must have gone through my
+lungs, or<a name="Page107"></a> downward through my liver; and in either case would most
+likely have done my business completely. As the man who fired at me was
+so very close, the ball went clear through, and so saved me from the
+unpleasant process of having it extracted by the doctor, &amp;c. I had my
+right flank exposed to the man who pinked me, and so the ball passed
+through my right arm into my right side, and passing downwards to the
+rear, came out at my back, about an inch from the back-bone. Had it
+passed to the front instead of to the rear, I should have most assuredly
+left my bones at Kelat: as it was, from my coughing up a tolerable
+quantity of blood when I was first hit, the doctor imagined that my
+lungs had been affected, and for a couple of days, as I have since
+heard, was very doubtful as to my eventual recovery. However I may now,
+I believe, consider myself completely out of the wood.</p>
+
+<p>I find I have not written since the last day I was at Cabool; and I have
+had few opportunities of doing so, as we have been on the move ever
+since, and until we reached Kelat there was very little to write about.
+We broke ground and marched to the other side of Cabool on Monday, the
+16th of September, and halted on the 17th for a grand tomasha at the
+Bala Hissar, or Shah's Palace, being no less than the investiture of the
+order of the Doorannee Pearl, which was conferred by Shah Shooja on the
+big-wigs of the army. Sir John Keane, Sir Willoughby Cotton,<a name="Page108"></a> and Mr.
+Macnaghten get the first order; generals of divisions and brigadiers,
+the second; and all field officers engaged at Ghuzni and heads of
+departments, the third; for the rest, all officers engaged at Ghuzni get
+a gold medal, and the soldiers a silver one: however, all this depends
+on the will and sanction of Queen Victoria.</p>
+
+<p>On Wednesday, the 18th, we took our final leave of Cabool and its
+beautiful environs, and reached Ghuzni on the 26th, where we halted two
+days, and then struck off in a new direction, straight across country to
+Quettah, by a new road, and very little known, leaving Candahar to our
+right, and thereby cutting off a considerable angle. Our object in doing
+this was, besides saving distance, to afford assistance, if required, to
+Captain Outram, who had preceded us by about a week, and was gone with
+some of the Shah's force into the Ghiljee country, and was employed in
+destroying the forts, &amp;c., of some of the refractory Ghiljee chiefs. He
+captured one fort in which were found forty or fifty fellows who were
+identified as being the same men who had murdered so many camp followers
+and some of our officers during our march through the country. I saw
+them at Ghuzni, where they were under confinement, and about to be
+executed in a few days, as I was told. About eight marches from Ghuzni,
+Outram sent to General Willshire for assistance, as his force was not
+sufficient; he was then before the largest of these hill forts,
+belonging to one<a name="Page109"></a> of the most influential and refractory of the chiefs,
+and who had given us a great deal of annoyance in our way up. A wing of
+the 19th Native Infantry, some Artillery, and the Light Companies were
+therefore sent to his assistance; but they made a miserable failure as
+the chief, putting himself at the head of about a hundred faithful
+followers, dashed through their pickets at night, and made his escape
+with all his valuables, and without losing a man. We marched at an easy
+pace, detaching a force now and then to take a fort, which was
+invariably found, deserted on our approach. Nevertheless, we had hard
+work of it, as our route lay through and over high and barren mountains
+with scarcely an inhabitant or village to be seen, and nothing to be got
+for our cattle. For three days my horse, and those of most of us, lived
+on bushes and rank grass that we found occasionally. We had to depend on
+our commissariat for everything; and they found it difficult to supply
+grain for the staff and field officers' horses, so, of course, ours were
+quite left out of the question. Guns, powder, and shot were in great
+requisition; and, luckily, hares and Khorassan partridges were tolerably
+abundant. At times, even our guides confessed themselves at fault, so
+difficult was it to make our way through such a country. However, one
+thing was greatly in our favour&mdash;we had a splendid, bracing climate the
+whole way, the nights and mornings being &quot;<i>rayther</i>&quot; too cold, the
+thermometer ranging at that time between<a name="Page110"></a> 20 and 30 degrees. The poor
+Sepoys and camp-followers, however, suffered severely. We experienced
+scarcely the slightest annoyance from the inhabitants although we passed
+through the most disaffected part of the country&mdash;viz., the Ghiljee
+country, and latterly through the heart of the Kauker country, whose
+chief, Hadjee Khan Kauker, is a prisoner at Cabool, as I told you in my
+former letter.</p>
+
+<p>At length, on the 31st of October, we reached Quettah, where we were
+delighted to find a few Parsee merchants, who had come up from Bombay,
+and from whom we were enabled to get a few European comforts, in the
+shape of brandy, gin, wine, tea, pickles, &amp;c., which we had long been
+without; even milk and butter were luxuries to us.</p>
+
+<p>General Willshire now ordered the 31st Bengal Native Infantry, which had
+been left here in our march up, together with H.M. 17th, and a small
+detail of Artillery, to proceed to Kelat, under Colonel Baumgardt, our
+Brigadier. The 31st were to garrison it; and the 17th were sent because
+Mehrab Khan, the Kelat chief, had declared that &quot;he would not surrender
+to any but European troops, and see the Sepoys d&mdash;d first, if they came
+alone.&quot; However, no resistance was expected, as Mehrab had been offered
+very liberal terms, which he had apparently accepted. The rest of the
+force was to go down by the Bolan Pass, and wait at Bukkur, or somewhere
+in Upper Sinde, till joined by the 17th. However, the next<a name="Page111"></a> day a new
+order came out, and the Queen's, together with a stronger detail of
+Artillery, were ordered to reinforce the detachment to Kelat.</p>
+
+<p>Well; we marched on the 5th of November; and the next day, after we had
+readied our ground, when we had just sat down to breakfast, great was
+our surprise to see General Willshire himself ride into camp with a few
+of his staff. All we could learn on the subject was, that on that
+morning, which was the day fixed for the rest of the division to begin
+their march down the Bolan Pass, and just as they were about to start,
+the General sent for his Adjutant and Quarter-master-general, and,
+taking them and his Aides with him, started for our camp. Things now
+looked a little more warlike; still we experienced no annoyance during
+the whole march; few of us but thought that on our approach Mehrab Khan
+would give in.</p>
+
+<p>We halted a day at Mostrong, which was about half way, and here General
+Willshire and the political agent communicated with the Khan, who
+replied, that &quot;as to the terms, he was willing to meet General Willshire
+half way, with a small escort, and there talk them over; but that if we
+advanced against him with an army, he should shut his gates, and we
+should find him at the door of his citadel with his drawn sword.&quot; There
+was &quot;no mistake about that 'ere,&quot; as Sam Weller would say. However, most
+of us thought it was merely bravado, as our progress was<a name="Page112"></a> not molested
+at all; this, however, was afterwards accounted for by the Khan's having
+called in all his fighting-men to his standard.</p>
+
+<p>The last three days before arriving at Kelat we marched in order of
+battle, and had strong pickets at night, the whole force sleeping on
+their arms, and ready to fall in at a moment's notice.</p>
+
+<p>On the 12th we were within eight miles of the fort; and on our arriving
+on our ground a few horsemen were observed reconnoitring us, who fired
+on our advance, but retired leisurely on the approach of the column. By
+that hour the next day &quot;Kelat was prize money.&quot; We strongly expected to
+be attacked that night, and were all ready for a shindy; the artillery
+loaded with grape, and port-fires lighted, &amp;c. However, it passed over
+very quietly; but we had hardly marched a mile from our encampment the
+next morning, when, in an opening through the hill to our right, we
+observed a large cloud of dust, which we soon discovered to be raised by
+a strong body of horsemen. They were about a mile and a half from our
+flank, and kept moving on in a parallel line with our column. However,
+at a point where the road took a turn towards the hills they halted, at
+about 150 yards from the advance guard, and deliberately fired into them
+with their matchlocks, but at too great a distance to do much harm. One
+company from the advance was sent to dislodge them; upon which they
+moved quickly down towards the main body, and<a name="Page113"></a> taking up a position at
+about the same distance from us as before from the advance, gave us the
+same salute as they had before treated those in front to. Their balls
+came whistling in upon us on all sides, and knocked up the dust like
+drops of rain, but no damage was done; they then galloped off. It was a
+great pity we had no more cavalry with us; only fifty Bengal, or
+Irregular Horse, and their cattle were so done up that they were
+perfectly useless. The enemy laughed at the advance companies that were
+now sent out to skirmish with them. The ground consisted of undulating
+hills, and rather rough, over which our skirmishers, encumbered as they
+were with knapsacks and other absurdities, &quot;selon les regles,&quot; found it
+very difficult to move quickly, and the enemy, riding their sure-footed
+horses to the top of one of those hills, would fire down, and wheel
+round, and be under cover of the other side of the hill before our men
+could return the compliment effectually. If we had had a squadron of
+Dragoons with us, lightly equipped, the result would have been very
+different. But, unfortunately, the only time during nearly the whole
+campaign when cavalry would have been of important service to us we were
+without them. However, very little blood is ever shed in desultory
+affairs of this sort, and they only wounded about three or four of our
+men; and at one place, a party of them coming unexpectedly upon the
+reserve of the skirmishers, two sections opened a fire upon them,
+emptied<a name="Page114"></a> a few saddles, and sent the rest flying. We with the main body
+had a very good view of the whole affair, and a very animating scene it
+was. Our road had hitherto lain through a valley, about four miles
+broad; but when within about three miles and a half from Kelat, it takes
+a sudden turn to the right, and leads, for the next mile and a half,
+through a narrow and straight pass, after penetrating which, and
+arriving at the debouche, the fortress of Kelat appeared before us,
+frowning defiance. The first sight of it had certainly a very pretty
+effect: the sun had just burst out, and was lighting the half-cultivated
+valley beneath us, interspersed with fields, gardens, ruinous mosques,
+houses, &amp;c.; while Kelat, being under the lee of some high hills, was
+still in the shade; so that, while all around presented a smiling and
+inviting appearance, as if hailing our approach with gladness, the
+fortress above seemed to maintain a dark and gloomy reserve, in high
+contrast with the rest of the picture; nor was the effect diminished
+when a thin cloud of smoke was seen spouting forth and curling over its
+battlements, followed, in a short interval, by the report of a large
+gun, which came booming over the hills towards us. &quot;Hurrah! they have
+fired the first shot,&quot; was the exclamation of some of us, &quot;and Kelat is
+prize-money!&quot; On looking more minutely at it, however, it had rather an
+ugly appearance, and seemed, at that distance, much more formidable than
+Ghuzni did at the first view. We could only see the citadel, which<a name="Page115"></a> was
+much more commanding and difficult of access than that of Ghuzni. The
+outworks, however, as we afterwards found, were not half so strong;
+these were, however, hidden from our view by two hills, rather
+formidable in appearance, covering the approach to the fortress, on each
+of which a redoubt was erected, and which we could perceive covered with
+men. Beneath us in the valley the advance companies were seen pushing on
+to occupy the gardens and other inclosures, while nearer the fort we
+could observe the body of cavalry we had been before engaged with drawn
+up, as if waiting our approach, under cover of the redoubts on the
+hills. Half way down the road leading into the valley was our Artillery,
+consisting of four six-pounders, field-pieces belonging to the Shah, and
+two nine-inch howitzers, with our Horse Artillery. Here, also, was
+General Willshire and staff, who now ordered one of the guns to open on
+the horsemen, in order to cover the movements of the advance companies,
+who were driving the enemy's matchlock men before them out of the
+inclosures in good style. The first shot struck wide of them, the second
+kicked up a dust rather too close to be pleasant, and the third went
+slap in among them, knocking over a horse or two, when these gallant
+cavaliers cut their sticks, and we saw no more of them. We soon moved
+into the valley, and halted for a considerable time at the foot of the
+hill. We were here within three-quarters of a mile of the nearest
+redoubt, and about a mile and<a name="Page116"></a> half from Kelat itself. General Willshire
+now made a reconnaissance, and the men from the different baggage guards
+came in and joined their respective regiments. After halting here about
+an hour, (the guns from the nearest redoubt every now and then pitching
+a shot rather close to us,) the brigade-major made his appearance with
+orders for the three regiments to form in quarter distance column of
+companies, to attack the two redoubts, each leaving one company with the
+colours to form the reserve. The 17th were to attack the nearest
+redoubt, and the 31st Bengal Native Infantry to turn its right, while we
+were to push on and carry the other, which was the nearest to the fort.
+At the same time, our artillery were brought into position, and covered
+our advance.</p>
+
+<p>The plot now began to thicken, and altogether the whole affair was the
+most exciting thing I ever experienced, and beat Ghuzni out of the pit.
+We moved steadily on, the guns from the redoubts blazing at us as fast
+as they could load them; but they were very inferior workmen, and only
+two shots struck near us, one knocking up the dust close to us, and
+bounding over our heads, and the other whizzing close over our leading
+company; however, they kept their ground till we arrived at the foot of
+the hills, when our artillery having unshipped one of their guns, and
+otherwise deranged their redoubts, they exploded their powder, and
+retired, some leisurely, but most in the greatest disorder. Here, again,
+we had occasion<a name="Page117"></a> to regret having no cavalry, as a troop or two would
+have effectually cut off or dispersed them. On reaching the top of the
+hill which they had abandoned, we found ourselves within a quarter of a
+mile of the lower end of the town, with the Beloochees making the best
+of their way towards the gate, which was open to admit them. Captain
+Outram here rode up to us, and cried out, &quot;On men, and take the gate
+before they can all get in.&quot; This acted like magic on the men. All order
+was lost, and we rushed madly down the hill on the flying enemy, more
+like hounds with the chase in view than disciplined soldiers. The
+consequence was, we were exposed to a most galling fire from the
+ramparts, by which several of our best men were put <i>hors de combat</i>;
+the fugitives were too quick for us, and suddenly the cry was raised by
+our leading men, &quot;The gate is shut.&quot; All was now the greatest confusion,
+and shelter was sought for wherever it could be found. Unluckily a rush
+was made by the greatest part of the regiment to an old shell of a
+house, which could scarcely afford cover to twenty men, much less to the
+numbers who thronged into it, and who were so closely jammed that they
+could not move; and so the outside portion were exposed to the fire from
+the left bastion of the town, which completely out-flanked them, and
+from which the matchlock-men kept pouring in a cool and most destructive
+fire upon this dense mass with the utmost impunity; while a wide,
+broken-down doorway in<a name="Page118"></a> the centre exposed them to a fire from another
+bastion in their front, if ever they shewed their nose for an instant to
+see how matters were going on, or to return their fire. Poor fellows!
+you may guess their situation was anything but pleasant. The
+consequences soon began to shew themselves&mdash;eight men and one officer
+(poor Gravatt) were shot dead, and several more were severely wounded,
+and had the artillery been less expeditious in knocking down the gate,
+the greatest part of them would have been annihilated. The other part of
+the regiment (myself among the rest) were more fortunate. Seeing so many
+rushing to one place, I made for another shelter, about twenty paces to
+the rear, which consisted of a long wall, about five feet high, and
+which afforded ample cover to us all. It was within seventy yards of the
+bastion that proved so fatal to the other party, and from which they
+kept up a pretty good fire upon us whenever we exposed ourselves.
+However, I was so excited that nothing would do but I must see the whole
+affair; this, however, was rather foolish, as every now and then they
+would direct their attention to us, and send in a volley, which would
+sing over us and knock up the dust and the old wall about us in good
+style. Simmons's horse (the Adjutant's) was foolishly brought down, and
+had not been a second there when it was shot slap through the hind-leg.
+The ground behind us was raised a little, so that the horse's leg was in
+a line with and nearly touching my<a name="Page119"></a> head as I stood looking over the
+wall; on reaching the cover we found four or five poor fellows who had
+been wounded in the rush down the hill, and who had crawled in here as
+well as they could.</p>
+
+<p>I had an excellent view of the further proceedings from this place.
+Right above us on the redoubt, from which we had driven the enemy, our
+artillery had now established themselves, and were slapping away as hard
+as they could at the gate. I could see every shot as it struck: they
+made some very clever shots, sending the balls all about the gate, and
+sometimes knocking down a portion of the bastion over it, considerably
+deranging the operations of the matchlock-men who were in it; but still
+the old gate would not fall. In the mean time, the advance companies,
+which had been in quiet possession of the gardens, inclosures, &amp;c.,
+since the beginning of the affair, were now ordered up to a wall about
+thirty yards in front of the doorway. They had to run over about three
+hundred yards of open country before they could get to it, exposed to a
+fire from the bastion over the door. I saw them make a splendid rush,
+but three poor fellows and a native water-bearer fell, whom I saw crawl
+under cover afterwards. All this time the artillery were banging away,
+but as they made so slight an impression on the gate, two guns of the
+Shah's were moved down the hill a little to our left, and within about
+one hundred and fifty yards of the gate. They fired two shots; the first
+made the old gate<a name="Page120"></a> shake; the second was more fortunate, and took it
+about the middle, and brought it completely down. Our men gave a general
+hurrah; and Outram galloping down the hill at full speed, gave the word,
+&quot;Forward;&quot; and General Willshire came up to us at his best pace, waving
+his hat, &quot;Forward, Queen's,&quot; he sung out, &quot;or the 17th will be in before
+you.&quot; On we rushed again for the gate as hard as we could; the enemy
+treated us to one more volley, by which they did some execution, and
+Dickenson was wounded in his leg, and then abandoning the lower defences
+of the town, retreated to the citadel.</p>
+
+<p>However, on entering the gate, we found matters not so easy as we
+expected. The streets were very narrow and so intricate that they formed
+a perfect labyrinth, and it was very difficult to make any progress
+through them. The men, therefore, soon got scattered about and broken
+into small parties; and some, I am afraid, thought of loot, or plunder,
+more than of endeavouring to find their way to the citadel. I forgot to
+mention that during the time we were under cover, the 17th and 31st
+Native Infantry had moved round the hill and taken up a position on our
+right. These two regiments were ordered forward and into the town and at
+the same time and the same gate as we were. The whole force, therefore,
+entered the town nearly together. I followed with a party of our men,
+and we pushed along as well as we could through streets, by-ways, &amp;c.<a name="Page121"></a>
+This was rather nervous work, as we never could tell what we had to
+expect before us; there was no open enemy to be seen, but whenever we
+came to an opening exposed to the citadel, a few bullets invariably came
+whizzing in about us, and knocked over a man or two; moreover, having
+the recollection of Ghuzni fresh in our minds, we expected every moment
+a rush of some desperate fellows from the narrow holes we passed
+through. After groping my way through narrow passages and all sorts of
+agreeable places, I found myself in the exact spot I had started
+from&mdash;viz., the gate by which we had entered. Here a man of our Light
+Company came and told me that he had discovered a way to the citadel,
+and begged me to put myself at the head of a few men there collected. Of
+course I did so, and in a short time we found ourselves in a large
+courtyard, with stables, &amp;c., full of horses and Beloochees; right under
+the windows of the citadel. These men cried out for &quot;aman,&quot; or &quot;mercy;&quot;
+but the soldiers recollecting the treachery that had been practised at
+Ghuzni in a similar case were going to shoot the whole kit of them. Not
+liking to see this done, I stopped their fire, and endeavoured to make
+the Beloochees come out of their holes and give themselves up. I was
+standing at this time in the centre of the court, and had heard a few
+shots whizzing rather close over my head, when I suddenly received a
+shock, which made me think at the moment I was smashed to bits, by a
+ball<a name="Page122"></a> from a ginjall, or native wall piece. I was knocked senseless to
+the ground, in which state I suppose I lay for a few minutes, and when I
+came to myself I found myself kicking away, and coughing up globules of
+clotted blood at a great pace. I thought at first I was as good as done
+for; however, on regaining a little strength, I looked around, and
+seeing none of our men in the place, and thinking it more than probable,
+from what I knew of their character, that the very men whom I had been
+endeavouring to save might take it into their heads to give me the
+&quot;<i>coup de grace</i>&quot; now I was left alone, I made a desperate effort, got
+on my legs, and managed to hobble out, when I soon found some of our
+men, who supported me until a dooly could be brought, into which I was
+placed, and was soon on my way to the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>You may imagine my feelings all this time to be anything but pleasant. I
+still continued coughing up blood, which was flowing also pretty freely
+from my side. The idea that you may probably have only a few hours
+longer to exist, with the many recollections that crowd into your mind
+at such a time, is anything but a delightful one; and the being so
+suddenly reduced from a state of vigorous activity to the sick, faintish
+feeling that came over me, by no means added to the <i>agremens</i> of my
+situation.</p>
+
+<p>I well recollect being carried through the gate, where General Willshire
+with his staff and the officers who had been left with the reserve
+companies<a name="Page123"></a> were, and who all pressed forward to see who the unfortunate
+fellow in the dooly was, when the low exclamation of &quot;Poor Holdsworth!&quot;
+and the mysterious and mournful shaking of heads which passed among
+them, by no means tended to enliven my spirits. I soon reached the place
+where the doctors, with their understrappers, were busily employed among
+the wounded, dying, and dead. I was immediately stripped and examined,
+and then, for the first time, heard that the ball had passed through and
+out of my body. I also now discovered that it had struck and gone
+through my arm as well. Being very anxious, I begged Hunter, the doctor,
+to let me know the worst. He shook his head, and told me &quot;he thought it
+a rather dangerous case, principally from my having spit so much blood.&quot;
+He had not time, however, to waste many words with me, as he had plenty
+of others to attend. Dickenson, also, I found here; having been wounded,
+as I before told you. He did all he could to keep my spirits up, but, as
+you may suppose, I felt still very far from being comfortable. Nor were
+the various objects that met my eye of a consolatory nature: men lying,
+some dead, others at their last gasp, while the agonizing groans of
+those who were undergoing operations at the hands of the hospital
+assistants, added to the horror of the scene. I may now say that I have
+seen, on a small scale, every different feature of a fight.</p>
+<a name="Page124"></a>
+<p>In the meantime, there had been sharp fighting in the citadel. Our men,
+after forcing their way through numerous dark passages, in sonic places
+so narrow and low that they were forced to crawl singly on their hands
+and knees, at length arrived there; but as there were a great number of
+approaches to this their last place of refuge, our men got broken up
+into small detached parties, and entered it at different places. One
+party reached the place where Mehrab Khan, at the head of the chiefs who
+had joined his standard, was sitting with his sword drawn, &amp;c. The
+others seemed inclined to surrender themselves, and raised the cry of
+&quot;Aman!&quot; but the Khan, springing on his feel, cried, &quot;Aman, nag!&quot;
+equivalent to &quot;Mercy be d&mdash;d,&quot; and blew his match; but all in vain, as
+he immediately received about three shots, which completely did his
+business; the one that gave him the &quot;<i>coup de grace</i>,&quot; and which went
+through his breast, being fired by a man of our regiment, named Maxwell.
+So fell Mehrab Khan, having fulfilled his promise to General Willshire,
+and died game, with his sword in his hand, in his own citadel.</p>
+
+<p>Other parties, however, were not so fortunate, as each being too weak,
+the enemy generally offered a determined resistance, and several, after
+giving themselves up, finding the numbers to whom they had surrendered
+smaller than they had at first appeared, turned upon them suddenly; for
+which, however, they<a name="Page125"></a> suffered in the long-run, as the soldiers, at
+last, maddened by this conduct, refused quarter, and fired at once into
+whatever party they met, without asking any questions.</p>
+
+<p>At length the few survivors, being driven to their last stronghold at
+the very top of the citadel, surrendered on condition of their lives
+being granted to them; when one loud and general &quot;hurrah!&quot; proclaimed
+around that Kelat was ours. The greatest part of the garrison had,
+however, before this managed to make their escape over the hills.
+Dickenson, while he was lying wounded by my side, saw quantities of them
+letting themselves down the walls of the citadel by means of ropes,
+shawls, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Dooly, the most faithful of his chiefs and followers, remained by Mehrab
+Khan to the last. These were all either taken prisoners or killed.
+Besides the Khan himself, the Dadur chief, who had been the cause of
+great annoyance to us in our way up, and the Governor of the Shawl
+district, were among the slain. The only two men of his council of any
+note among the survivors are at present prisoners in our camp, on their
+way to Bengal.</p>
+
+<p>Thus ended this short, but decisive affair, which I consider to be a
+much more gallant one than that of Ghuzni, both in regard to the numbers
+engaged on each side and the manner in which it was taken. We merely
+halted for an hour, and then went slap at it,<a name="Page126"></a> as if it was merely a
+continuation of our morning's march. General Willshire was exceedingly
+pleased with the result, as well he might be, and issued a very
+complimentary address to the force engaged, the next day. I hope and
+conclude his fortune will be made by it.</p>
+
+<p>The loss on our side at Kelat was, in proportion, a great deal greater
+than at Ghuzni. We had altogether about 1100 bayonets engaged, and the
+loss was 140, being about one in seven; of this loss, the Queen's bear a
+proportion equal to that of the other two regiments together, having
+returned about seventy in the butcher's bill out of 280, which was the
+number we brought into the field, being about one in four. Out of
+thirteen officers, we had one killed, four severely, and one slightly,
+wounded; twenty-three men were killed, and forty-one wounded, of whom
+some have died since, and most will feel the effect of their wounds till
+their dying day, as the greatest portion are body wounds.</p>
+
+<p>With regard to prize-money, I have no doubt that had things been even
+tolerably well managed, there would have been plenty of it, but we did
+not stay there long enough to search the place thoroughly. I hear also
+that the other part of the force that went down by the Bolan Pass claim
+to share with us, which we do not allow; so that, perhaps, it may get
+into the lawyers' hands, and then good-bye to it altogether, I<a name="Page127"></a> do not
+expect, under any circumstances, more than 100l. Some of the rooms of
+the citadel were very handsomely fitted up, particularly one in the old
+fellow's harem, which was one entire mirror, both sides and ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>We remained at Kelat till the 21st of November, and then marched by the
+Gundava Pass on this place. During the week that we remained there, my
+wounds continued doing very well, and I had very little fever; and on
+the third and fourth days after I was hit, the doctor considered me &quot;all
+right.&quot; On the two first days of our march, however, I caught a low
+fever, which left me on the third, and I have continued to grow
+gradually better ever since. We found the Gundava a much longer and more
+difficult pass than that of the Bolan, and could get very little grain
+or supplies either for ourselves or our cattle. Our march was perfectly
+unmolested, as by that time the new Khan had arrived at Kelat, and most
+of the principal chiefs had acknowledged him. I do not know, however,
+what has become of Mehrab Khan's eldest son, a lad of fifteen years old,
+who was bringing up a reinforcement to his father in our rear, while we
+were marching on Kelat, but did not arrive in the neighbourhood until
+after the place was taken. He, however, threatened us with a night
+attack while we were lying in front of it, so that we were on the alert,
+every one sleeping on his arms during the whole time we were there.</p>
+<a name="Page128"></a>
+<div class="poem">&quot;We laid not by our harness bright,</div>
+<div class="poem">&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither by day nor yet by night.&quot;</div>
+
+<p>During the whole of this time the weather set in dreadfully cold, colder
+than I ever experienced it anywhere in my life; sharp frosts, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Well; to cut the matter short, yesterday, the 7th of December, we
+arrived at this place, which is the same that we halted at for a week in
+our march up. Here, at length, we are in the land of plenty, and enjoy
+such luxuries as fresh eggs, butter, milk, vegetables, &amp;c., with a go&ucirc;t
+that those only can feel who have been so long without them as we have.
+We find the climate, however, very hot, and I am sorry to say that we
+are losing many fine fellows from the effect of the change. It is very
+painful to witness these poor fellows going off in this miserable
+manner, after surviving the chances of fire and steel, and all the
+harassing duties they have had to perform during the campaign, now when
+they have arrived at nearly the very end of it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Larkhanu, Dec. 24th</i>.&mdash;I have delayed sending this till our arrival
+here, as the communication between this and Bombay is perfectly open,
+which might not have been the case at Kotra. We have been here about a
+week, and report says that we are to finish our marching here, and drop
+down the river to Curachee in boats. I hope this may prove the case, as
+I am sure we have had marching enough for one campaign. Another report,
+however, says, that there is a<a name="Page129"></a> kick-up in the Punjab, and that we shall
+be detained in this country in consequence; but I do not think it
+likely.</p>
+
+<p>That part of our force which was not employed at Kelat went down by the
+Bolan Pass, and have suffered considerably from cholera, which luckily
+we have as yet escaped. The men that we have lost since our arrival in
+this low country have all died from complaints of the lungs, from which
+they were perfectly free in the cold country above the hills. Since
+writing the former part of this letter, I have received a letter from
+Kate, dated September 10th, which I will answer as soon I have finished
+this letter to you.</p>
+
+<p><i>December 25th, Christmas day</i>.&mdash;I hope to spend this evening more
+comfortably than I did last year, when I was on out-lying picket, the
+night before we commenced our first march. Now, I trust, we have
+finished our last. We have luckily met all our mess supplies here, which
+have been waiting for us about six months, having never managed to get
+further than Bukkur. So now it is a regular case of&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem">&quot;Who so merry as we in camp?</div>
+<div class="poem">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Danger over,</div>
+<div class="poem">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Live in clover,&quot; &amp;c.</div>
+
+<p>I have just heard that the order is out for our marching the day after
+to-morrow to the banks of the river, there to remain till the boats are
+ready. Now the campaign is so near its close, I feel very glad that<a name="Page130"></a> I
+have been on it, as it is a thing that a man does not see every day of
+his life in these times; and I consider it to be more lucky than
+otherwise that I have four holes in my body as a remembrance of it; but
+I cannot say that I relish a longer sojourn in India, unless we have the
+luck to be sent to China, which I should like very much, (fancy sacking
+Pekin, and kicking the Celestial Emperor from his throne,) as I do not
+think the climate has done me any good, but on the contrary.</p>
+
+<p>I do not know whether these wounds of mine will give me any claim;&mdash;and,
+talking about that, I would wish you to inquire whether or not I am
+entitled to any gratuity for them. I hear that officers returned
+&quot;wounded&quot; on the list in the Peninsular Campaign, no matter how slight
+the wound might have been, received a gratuity of one year's pay as a
+compensation; and this, I think, was called &quot;blood-money.&quot; I do not know
+how far this may be the case at present, but I do not think that 120l.
+ought to be lost sight of for want of a little inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>By-the-bye, I had nearly forgotten to say that I have received two
+letters from Eliza, which I will answer as soon as possible; but I do
+not think it safe to keep this open any longer, as I may lose the mail
+to Bombay; so must conclude, with best love to all at home,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Your very affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page131"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_XI"></a><h2>LETTER XI.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp Larkanu, Dec. 26th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR ELIZA,&mdash;I finished and sent off a letter to my father yesterday,
+giving an account of the storming of Kelat, and the wounds I received in
+the skrimmage, and telling him of everything that had happened since I
+wrote before, which was the day we left Cabool. You can see his letter,
+which gives a pretty full account of all our proceedings up to the
+present time.</p>
+
+<p>I have now to make many apologies for not having answered your two
+letters, one dated May 29th, giving an account of Kate's wedding, and
+the other, dated the 29th of July, from Bristol, and likewise for having
+forgotten to thank you for the money you were kind enough to send out
+with my father's, last year. I can assure you never came money more
+acceptable, as no one can imagine what expenses we have unavoidably been
+obliged to incur in this campaign,<a name="Page132"></a> which I suppose has cost officers
+more than any other campaign that ever was undertaken. I think there are
+few of us who have come off under 100l. besides our pay; and yet this
+was merely for the common necessaries of life,&mdash;just sufficient to keep
+body and soul together. I can assure you I feel very much obliged for
+your present, as also for the two letters which I received while on the
+march. I have often thought of Brookhill during the many dreary marches
+that we have made, and on the solitary out-lying pickets, with no one to
+speak to, and deplored my unlucky fate, in being obliged to leave home
+just as you seem to be comfortably settled there. Still I have hope that
+I may yet return, some day or other.</p>
+
+<p>I can now give you more definite intelligence with regard to our
+movements than I did in my father's letter; since sending off which
+orders have come out, and the campaign, as far as our regiment is
+concerned, is decidedly brought to a close. H.M. 17th, with Gen.
+Willshire, Baumgardt, and Head-quarter Staff, marched this morning for
+Bukkur, where they are to remain for four or five months, so report
+says, and longer than that I suppose, if their services are required.
+The Queen's, and the 4th Light Dragoons, are to return to Bombay as soon
+as the necessary arrangements for their transportation thither &amp;c. are
+completed. We march from this to-morrow for the banks of the river,
+about twelve miles, and shall probably remain there for three weeks or
+so, until the<a name="Page133"></a> shipping is got ready in Bombay, when we shall drop down
+the Indus in boats, and embark from Curachee for the Presidencies: would
+it were for England. Most of our married officers have obtained leave to
+precede the regiment, and are off in a day or two.</p>
+
+<p>I hope to see Lieutenant-Colonel Fane when we arrive at Bombay. His
+father, Sir H. Fane, has publicly and officially resigned the
+commander-in-chief-ship in favour of Sir Jasper Nicolls. Sir Henry has
+been dangerously unwell at Bombay; but report says he is now getting
+better. He intends sailing as soon as possible, I believe, and so will
+most likely be gone before we arrive there. Sir J. Keane has also
+resigned, and is to be succeded by Sir Thomas M'Mahon. It is not quite
+certain that we shall go to Bombay, as some say that we shall land at
+Cambay, and go up to Deesa, and others that we shall return to Belgaum.
+Last night we received Bombay papers, giving an account of the taking of
+Kelat. They have buttered us up pretty well, and seem to think it a much
+more gallant affair than that of Ghuzni&mdash;in this last particular they
+are only doing us justice.</p>
+
+<p><i>Dec. 30th, Camp, Taggur Bundur; Banks of the Indus</i>.&mdash;We arrived here
+the day before yesterday, and are likely to remain, I believe, a
+fortnight or so. We muster rather small, as most of the married officers
+are off to-day and yesterday. As to my wounds, I have only one hole
+still open&mdash;namely, the one through which the bullet took its final
+departure,<a name="Page134"></a> and that, I think, will be closed in a day or two. I am
+sorry to say that since arriving here I have caught a &quot;cruel cold,&quot; from
+which I am suffering severely at present.</p>
+
+<p>By-the-bye, there are a few incidents connected with the taking of Kelat
+which I forgot to mention in my letter to my father. Mehrab Khan, the
+chief of Kelat, managed to send away all his harem and family on the
+morning of the fight, directly we were seen approaching, but his other
+chiefs were not so fortunate, and the greater part of them deliberately
+cut the throats of all the females belonging to their establishments,
+including wives, mothers, and daughters, as soon as we established
+ourselves within the town, rather than suffer them to fall into the
+hands of us infidels. I forgot, I think, also, to mention that I managed
+to procure rather a handsome Koran, which was found in the citadel, and
+also an excellent Damascus blade, both of which I intend giving to my
+father, and a few articles of native costume, which would go far to make
+up a neat fancy dress, but it is not quite complete. A great number of
+handsome articles were stolen by the camp followers and other rascals,
+worse luck for us poor wounded officers, who could not help ourselves.
+We were rather surprised at finding some excellent European articles in
+the shape of double-barrelled guns, pistols, beautiful French musical
+boxes, prints, looking-glasses, and pier-glasses, &amp;c., in the rooms of
+the citadel. Where Mehrab Khan could have picked them up I cannot<a name="Page135"></a>
+think, unless they were the result of some successful foray on some
+unfortunate caravan.</p>
+
+<p>The day after the fight, Captain Outram, of whom I have so often spoken
+in my letters to my father, volunteered to take the dispatches to
+Bombay, and started for that purpose straight across country to Someanee
+Bay, on the sea-coast, a distance of 350 miles, and across the barren
+mountains that compose the greatest part of Beloochistan. This route had
+up to that time never been traversed by any European, except Pottinger,
+who passed through all these countries twenty years ago, disguised as a
+native. It was attempted last year by Captain Harris, of the Bombay
+Engineers, author of the &quot;African Excursions,&quot; a very enterprising
+officer, and who landed at Someanee Bay for that purpose; but after
+getting about twenty miles into the interior, reported the route as
+impracticable. When this is taken into consideration, with the great
+chance there was of Captain Outram's falling into the hands of the many
+straggling fugitives from Kelat, and the well-known character of these
+<i>gentlemen</i>, now smarting under the painful feeling of being driven from
+their homes, &amp;c., it must be confessed that it required no little pluck
+to undertake it. The plan proved, however, perfectly successful. He
+travelled in the disguise of an Afghan Peer or holy man, under the
+guidance of two Afghan Seyds, a race of men much looked up to and
+respected in all Mahomedan countries, on account of their obtaining,<a name="Page136"></a>
+[whether true or not, I know not] a pure descent from the Prophet.
+Outram and his party fell in with several bands of fugitives, and
+actually came up and were obliged to travel a day or two with the harem
+and escort of Mehrab Khan's brother. As there was a chance of Outram's
+being discovered by this party, the Seyd introduced him in the character
+of a Peer, which holy disguise he had to support during the whole
+journey; and after some extraordinary escapes he arrived at Someanee Bay
+in seven or eight days.</p>
+
+<p>Our sick and wounded have been left behind at Kelat, under the charge of
+an officer of the 17th, since which things have gone on very smoothly
+there. The new Khan has been very accommodating, and has given f&ecirc;tes,
+&amp;c., to the officers left behind, in honour of our gallantry. He has
+also written to General Willshire to say that he intends giving us all a
+medal each, whether we are allowed to wear it or not, as he does not see
+why, if the Shah did it for Ghuzni, he might not do it also for Kelat.
+Lord Auckland has published an order that all regiments belonging to the
+Company that went beyond the Bolan Pass shall wear Afghanistan on their
+colours and appointments, and all engaged at Ghuzni that name also; and
+has written to the Queen for permission for Queen's regiments employed
+in like manner to bear the same. I suppose we shall get Kelat in
+addition.</p>
+
+<p>There is one other point which, in my hurry to get<a name="Page137"></a> my letter off in
+time for the January mail, I totally forgot to mention&mdash;viz., about
+drawing some money on my father. I have before mentioned the great
+expense we have been put to in this campaign; in addition to this, when
+we were ordered from Quettah to take Kelat, we were also under orders to
+return to Quettah after having taken the place. A sergeant was therefore
+left behind at Quettah to take charge of whatever effects any person
+might leave, and officers were strongly advised to leave the greater
+part of their kit at this place. I, as well as most of my brother
+officers, was foolish enough to follow this advice, and brought only a
+bundle of linen; consequently now I am almost minus everything;
+dress-coat, appointments, are all left behind, as General Willshire,
+after the taking of Kelat, instead of returning to Quettah, proceeded
+into Cutch Gundava by the Gundava Pass. Nothing has been since heard of
+what we have left behind, except that the sergeant could not get camels
+or carriage sufficient to bring them down. Moreover, it is unsafe to go
+through the Bolan Pass without a tolerably strong escort; so, taking all
+things into consideration, I do not think there is much chance of our
+ever seeing anything of them again. The consequences will be, that, on
+our arrival at Bombay, I shall be obliged to get an entire new fit out,
+and as the campaign has drained me dry, I shall be obliged to draw upon
+my father for it; however, I will repay him by the end of the year, as
+by that time<a name="Page138"></a> the Company will have given us half a year's full batta,
+which they intend doing as a sort of indemnification for the losses we
+have sustained on the campaign; my batta will be about 72l.</p>
+
+<p>I do not think I have any more to say, and as the January overland sails
+on the 25th, I hope this letter will reach Bombay in time to go by it,
+as well as my father's. By-the-bye, how is old Nelly? If she has any
+good pups, I wish you would manage to keep one for me, as I expect the
+old girl will be either dead or very old by the time I return. I am
+longing to get out of the &quot;Sick-list,&quot; as the thickets here near the
+river are full of partridges and hares, and the climate, at this time of
+the year, is very cool and pleasant. My rheumatism is much better since
+I was wounded; but I still have it in my left arm. Well, no more; but
+wishing you, and all, a happy new year.</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Believe me ever your very affectionate brother,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page139"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_XII"></a><h2>LETTER XII.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, Curachee, Feb. 14th, 1840.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;You will see, by my date, that our share of the
+campaign is ended; in fact, we are only waiting here for shipping, which
+is on its way from Bombay, to take us from this place to Mandavie, in
+Cutch, where we land, and then march immediately to Deesa, in Guzerat;
+so that, after all our toilsome marches, &amp;c., we have yet another, still
+more toilsome, before us of 240 miles. The climate of Cutch and Guzerat
+during the period of year that we shall be occupied in marching is so
+hot that no changes of station are ever made even by native corps, and
+Europeans are never allowed to march in Guzerat except during the cold
+months. It is sharp work on our poor men; many of whom appear very unfit
+for it; but they are now so accustomed to hard work, that they will get
+well through it I have little doubt.</p>
+<a name="Page140"></a>
+<p>We left Tuggur Bandur, from which place I wrote to Eliza and Kate, on
+the 13th of January, and drifted quietly down the river in boats,
+pulling up and coming to an anchor every evening at sunset. We reached
+Tatta Bundur, about five miles from the town, on the 21st, and after
+staying there a few days, started again for this place, which we reached
+in five marches, on the 31st. We were immediately most hospitably
+entertained by the officers of H.M. 40th, which is an excellent
+regiment. Here we have been ever since, living on the fat of the land,
+and enjoying ourselves very much, after all our toils. This is now a
+rather considerable station: one Queen's and one Company's regiment, and
+detail of foot artillery, and plenty of European supplies brought by the
+Bombay merchants. It is a very decent climate; and would make a very
+good station. I wish they would leave us here in place of sending us to
+Deesa, at this time of the year. Sir John Keane, General Willshire, and
+the Bombay staff are expected here in a day or two. Sir John is bringing
+down with him Hyder Khan, Dost Mahomed's son, who commanded at Ghuzni
+when it was taken. He is to be brought to Bombay, and as he is of a very
+quiet, amiable disposition, will, so report says, be eventually allowed
+to join his father. Poor Dost, they say, is in a very bad way, deserted
+by nearly all his followers; but there still seems to be mischief
+brewing in the north-west. All accounts say that Bokhara is very much<a name="Page141"></a>
+inclined to the Russian interest, and Shah Kamran's vizier at Herat has
+been carrying on a correspondence with the Persians, the object of which
+is said to be the delivery of Herat into their hands. The Punjab is also
+in a very unsettled state; so there are plenty of materials for getting
+up another row in these countries before long. War is most positively
+said to be decided on with China, and seven regiments, to be followed by
+a reserve of equal number, together with a considerable naval force, are
+to be sent there as soon as possible. Lord Auckland, we are told, has
+had <i>carte blanche</i> from the Home government to act as he thinks fit
+with regard to China, and that he has determined upon a hostile movement
+as soon as this campaign is regularly finished, which it may be said to
+be; so there will be glorious fun there. It is not yet known here what
+regiments will go. I am afraid there is little chance for the Queen's.</p>
+
+<p>The 4th Light Dragoons have arrived here, having come down by land; they
+are to return to their old quarters at Kickee, near Poonah. The 17th may
+also be expected in a few days; they are to occupy our old quarters at
+Belgaum. The 18th (Royal Irish) have come on from Ceylon, and are to go
+to Poonah; and the 6th go home (to England) as soon as possible. This is
+understood to be the destination of each regiment, but this affair with
+China may cause an alteration.</p>
+<a name="Page142"></a>
+<p>I am very sorry to mention the unfortunate death of poor little Halkett,
+one of my best friends, and the son of General Halkett, of Hanover, who
+was so very civil to me while I was there, and nephew of Sir Colin
+Halkett.</p>
+
+<p>Since we have been here, I have received your letter, dated November
+2nd, by which it appears that you had just then heard of the taking of
+Ghuzni. You mentioned, also, in it that you had received my letter from
+Candahar, which I am very glad to hear, as I was very much afraid, from
+the state of the country, that it would never reach its destination. As
+you mention nothing about it, I suppose you had not received the letter
+I wrote from Ghuzni almost immediately after the capture. I know many
+letters were lost about that time, and mine, I am afraid, among the
+number. There is a report here (but I think, too good to be true) that
+all officers with the advance, or storming, party at Ghuzni, consisting
+of the light companies of the European regiments, were to get brevet
+rank. In that case, as the company to which I belong&mdash;viz, the
+Light&mdash;was one of the number, and, in fact, headed the assault, Capt
+Holdsworth would be my future rank. Tell Eliza that I got her letter
+which was enclosed in yours, and was very much surprised at its
+contents.</p>
+
+<p>I do not know what to say about Deesa as station, reports are so various
+on the subject. The heat, I believe is awful in the hot weather the
+thermometer<a name="Page143"></a> rising to 120 in the houses; and the worst part of the
+business is, that this heat, which is occasioned by the hot winds, lasts
+all night through; so that the night is nearly as hot as the day. At
+other times of the year, I believe, the climate is very pleasant. The
+40th give a very good account of it. There is a great quantity of game
+there, and some of the best hog-hunting in India. Mount Aboo, called the
+Parnassus of India, is within fifty miles of it, and is a great place of
+resort during the hot weather.</p>
+
+<p>Should this expedition to China take place, which seems decided upon at
+present, what an immense power the English will eventually have in the
+East. In a few years, I have no doubt it may extend from Herat to the
+most eastern parts of China, including all the islands in the adjacent
+seas. Like the Romans, England seems to be extending her dominion
+everywhere&mdash;&quot;super et Garamantes et Indos, proferet imperium,&quot; and yet
+what a row she kicks up about Russia. The French papers seem to be
+rather jealous about Ghuzni. How the English papers butter it up! and
+yet it was not half so brilliant an affair as Kelat, nor so hardly
+contested; but very little is said about the latter.</p>
+
+<p>Enclosed, I send you a view of the north front of Kelat, shewing the
+gate by which we entered. It gives you a pretty good idea of the place,
+and was drawn by Lieutenant Creed, of the Engineers.</p>
+
+<p>I went yesterday to see a tank, about seven miles<a name="Page144"></a> from this place, in
+which are a great quantity of alligators, half tame. The tank in which
+they are belongs to a Mahomedan temple, which is considered a very holy
+one, and much resorted to, and these animals are kept there by the
+priests of the establishment, in order to induce a greater number of
+visitors. A calf was killed and thrown in among the scaly gentlemen, who
+very soon demolished it. I never saw anything so loathesome and
+repulsive as these monsters.</p>
+
+<p>This letter goes by the &quot;Hannah&quot; packet, which sails this evening for
+Bombay, and will, I hope, reach that place in time to go by the
+&quot;overland packet.&quot; I suppose you know that this is classic ground, and
+the place from which Nearchus, Alexander's admiral, started on his
+return to the Euphrates. I have no time for more. So, with love to all
+at home,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Believe me your affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page145"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_XIII"></a><h2>LETTER XIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Deesa, April 21st, 1840.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I received your letter, dated January 18th, about the
+beginning of this month, while on our march from Mandavie to this place.
+I see by the papers that the news of the taking of Kelat had readied
+England, as I find my name mentioned in the &quot;Western Luminary,&quot; which
+came out in this overland. I wrote you last from Curachee, about the
+beginning or middle of February. We stayed there till the 20th. A few
+days before we left, Lord Keane and suite arrived, bringing with him
+Hyder Khan, the captured chief of Ghuzni. While there, Lord Keane
+presented new colours to the 40th regiment, which we had an opportunity
+of witnessing. He and all his party have since gone home.</p>
+
+<p>On the 20th, I, with my company under my command, embarked for Mandavie,
+in Cutch, where we arrived in two days, in Patamars, and waited till the<a name="Page146"></a>
+whole regiment came down, which they did by companies, so that it was
+the 10th of March before we were able to start for this place.</p>
+
+<p>We arrived here on the 4th of this month, pushing on as fast as we
+could, as the commanding officer was anxious to get the men under cover,
+on account of the great heat. There was excellent shooting the whole way
+up; and if it had been the cold season, I should have enjoyed the march
+amazingly; but it was too hot to venture out. On arrival here we found
+about three hundred recruits, who had arrived since we went on service,
+and about fifty of the men we left behind us; also seven new officers.
+As I have a company under my command I have scarcely had a moment to
+myself since I have been here; what with fitting and getting the
+recruits in order, and new clothing the old hands, you have no
+conception what tedious work it is getting into quarters.</p>
+
+<p>I have bought a very comfortable little bungalo for four hundred rupees.
+We were promised our full batta on our arrival here; but, although the
+Bengalees, it is said, received theirs some time ago, yet there is a
+screw loose, I fear, somewhere in the Bombay, and that it may be some
+time before we get ours, and that it will not be as much as the
+Bengalees: so much for being in an inferior Presidency. This is a great
+disappointment, after our losses on the campaign.</p>
+
+<p>With regard to this place, I have not been long<a name="Page147"></a> enough in it to form an
+opinion. Its appearance is decidedly against it, the soil being nothing
+but a barren sandy desert, with the low hills of the Aravulles to the
+eastward, running north to the mountain Aboo, the Parnassus of
+Hindostan. The last week has been oppressive, and hot in the extreme;
+and this is but the commencement of the hot weather, which I am told
+will last about six weeks longer, when a very slight monsoon comes on,
+and lasts at intervals till the end of October, when the cold season
+commences, which is said to be very pleasant. There is a lot of game
+here of every description, including lions; and it is one of the best
+hog-hunting stations in India.</p>
+
+<p>Our men, to the surprise of everybody, were very healthy in the march
+up; and since they have been here, and not having their knapsacks to
+carry, knocked off their work in grand style. The men we have brought
+back with us are well-seasoned, hardy fellows, and I would back them to
+march against any soldiers in the world.</p>
+
+<p>I suppose you have long ere this received Stisted's letter and mine
+about Kelat. Colonel Arnold<a name="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1"><sup>[A]</sup></a> died at Cabool whilst we were there, and
+was buried with a magnificent military funeral in the Armenian
+burial-ground.</p>
+<a name="Page148"></a>
+<p>I am sorry to say that, as I predicted, the spear which I took at the
+storming of Ghuzni has been broken to pieces through the carelessness of
+my servants. I have, however, the Koran and sword from Kelat; and I
+think I shall be able to get a matchlock taken at that place,&mdash;a very
+good specimen of the sort of thing I was wounded by; perhaps it may be
+the identical one. The sword I left in Cutch, in my way up from
+Mandavie, to be put to rights, as the workmen of that country are the
+best in India, I will try if I can get another weapon, as a remembrance
+of Ghuzni. I brought down from Cabool as far as Quettah a very good
+specimen of the Kyber knife, a very cut-throat sort of instrument, with
+which every Afghan is armed. I sent it down with my other things through
+the Bolan Pass, when we turned off to Kelat, and I am sorry to say it
+was stolen.</p>
+
+<p>You write about old &mdash;&mdash;: did I never mention him to you? He is here;
+but was not with us on the campaign, being too unwell when we started.
+Though not an old man, he is a very old soldier for an Indian, and is
+nearly worn out: he is anxious to get his discharge at the end of the
+year, when he will have served his twenty-one years, and be entitled to
+a decent pension. He is a very straight-forward, blunt, honest old
+fellow, and when he first joined was a very powerful man, and the best
+wrestler in the regiment, thereby proving his South Devon blood. He<a name="Page149"></a> was
+----'s servant when I joined, and I was delighted at hearing the South
+Devon dialect again, which he speaks with so much truth and native
+elegance that you would imagine he had but just left his native village.
+There were a great many Devonshire men in the regiment; we lost one, a
+very fine young man in the Grenadiers, in coming down from Kelat to
+Cutch Gundava, by the same chest complaint that carried off so many: he
+was a native of Tiverton.</p>
+
+<p>Well; it is twelve o'clock, and I am afraid I shall be too late for the
+post; so good bye.</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Your affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page150"></a><a name="Page151"></a>
+<a name="Page152"></a><a name="Page153"></a>
+<a name="APPENDIX"></a><h2>APPENDIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>FALL OF GHUZNI, &amp; ENTRANCE OF THE BRITISH<br />
+ARMY INTO CABOOL.</h3>
+
+<h5><i>(From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of<br />
+ August 29th, 1839.)</i></h5>
+<br />
+
+<h4>SECRET DEPARTMENT.</h4>
+
+<p class="justright">Bombay Castle, Aug 29th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The Honourable the Governor in Council has the highest satisfaction in
+republishing the following notification issued by the Right Honourable
+the Governor-General, announcing the capture by storm of the town and
+fortress of Ghuzni, as also the general order issued on the occasion by
+his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H.,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus. By order of the Honourable
+the Governor in Council,</p>
+
+<p class="name">L.R. REID, Acting Chief Secretary.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h4>NOTIFICATION.&mdash;SECRET DEPARTMENT.</h4>
+
+<p class="justright">Simla, August 18th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The Right Hon. the Governor-General of India has great gratification in
+publishing, for general information, a copy of a report this<a name="Page154"></a> day
+received from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, announcing the capture, by
+storm, on the 23d ult., of the important fortress of Ghuzni.</p>
+
+<p>A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies. By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed)&nbsp; T.H. MADDOCK,</p>
+<p class="justright">Officiating Secretary to the Government of</p>
+<p class="justright">India, with the Governor-General.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h4>TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.</h4>
+
+<p>MY LORD,&mdash;I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship that the
+army under my command have succeeded in performing one of the most
+brilliant acts it has ever been my lot to witness during my service of
+forty-five years in the four quarters of the globe, in the capture, by
+storm, of the strong and important fortress and citadel of Ghuzni
+yesterday.</p>
+
+<p>It is not only that the Afghan nation, and, I understand, Asia generally
+have looked upon it as impregnable; but it is in reality a place of
+great strength, both by nature and art, far more so than I had reason to
+suppose from any description that I had received of it, although some
+are from others in our own service who had seen it in their travels.</p>
+
+<p>I was surprised to find a high rampart in good repair, built on a
+scarped mound about thirty-five feet high, flanked by numerous towers,
+and surrounded by a fausse brayze and a wet ditch, whilst the height of
+the citadel covered the interior from the commanding fire of the hills
+from the north, rendering it nugatory. In addition to this, screen walls
+had been built before the gates, the ditch was filled with water, and
+unfordable, and an outwork built on the right bank of the river so as to
+command the bed of it.</p>
+<a name="Page155"></a>
+<p>It is therefore the more honourable to the troops, and must appear to
+the enemy out of all calculation extraordinary, that a fortress and
+citadel to the strength of which, for the last thirty years, they had
+been adding something each year, and which had a garrison of 3500 Afghan
+soldiers, commanded by Prince Mahomed Hyder, the son of Dost Mahomed
+Khan, the ruler of the country, with a commanding number of guns, and
+abundance of ammunition, and other stores, provisions, &amp;c., for regular
+siege, should have been taken by British science and British valour in
+less than two hours from the time the attack was made, and the whole,
+including the governor and garrison, should fall into our hands.</p>
+
+<p>My dispatch of the 20th instant, from Nanee, will have made known to
+your Lordship that the camps of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+of Major-General Willshire, with the Bombay troops, had there joined me
+in accordance with my desire, and the following morning we made our
+march of twelve miles to Ghuzni, the line of march being over a fine
+plain. The troops were disposed in a manner that would have enabled me
+at any moment, had we been attacked, as was probable, from the large
+bodies of troops moving on each side of us, to have placed them in
+position to receive the enemy. They did not, however, appear; but on our
+coming within range of the guns of the citadel and fortress of Ghuzni, a
+sharp cannonade was opened on our leading column, together with a heavy
+fire of musketry from behind garden walls, and temporary field-works
+thrown up, as well as the strong outwork I have already alluded to,
+which commanded the bed of the river from all but the outwork. The enemy
+were driven in under the walls of the fort in a spirited manner by
+parties thrown forward by Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, of the
+16th and 48th Bengal Native Infantry, and her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, under Brigadier Sale. I ordered forward three troops of horse
+artillery, the camel battery, and one foot battery, to open upon the
+citadel and fortress, by throwing shrapnel shells, which was done in a
+masterly style under the direction of Brigadier Stephenson. My object in
+this was to make<a name="Page156"></a> the enemy shew their strength in guns, and in other
+respects, which completely succeeded, and our shells must have done
+great execution, and occasioned great consternation. Being perfectly
+satisfied on the point of their strength in the course of half an hour,
+I ordered the fire to cease, and placed the troops in bivouac. A close
+reconnoissance of the place all around was then undertaken by Captain
+Thomson, the chief engineer, and Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+accompanied by Major Garden, the Deputy Quartermaster-General of the
+Bombay army, supported by a strong party of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+and one from her Majesty's 18th Light Infantry. On this party a steady
+fire was kept up, and some casualties occurred. Captain Thomson's report
+was very clear, he found the fortifications equally strong all round;
+and, as my own opinion coincided with him, I did not hesitate a moment
+as to the manner in which our approach and attack upon the place should
+be made. Notwithstanding the march the troops had performed in the
+morning, and then having been a considerable time engaged with the
+enemy, I ordered the whole to move across the river (which runs close
+under the fort wall) in columns, to the right and left of the town, and
+they were placed in opposition on the north side on more commanding
+ground, and securing the Cabool road. I had information that a night
+attack upon the camp was intended from without. Mahomed Ubzul Khan, the
+eldest son of Dost Mahomed Khan, had been sent by his father with a
+strong body of troops from Cabool to the brother's assistance at Ghuzni,
+and was encamped outside the walls, but abandoned his position on our
+approach, keeping, however, at the distance of a few miles from us. The
+two rebel chiefs of the Ghiljee tribe, men of great influence&mdash;viz.,
+Abdool Rhuman and Gool Mahomed Khan, had joined him with 1500 horse, and
+also a body of about 3000 Ghazees from Zeimat, under a mixture of chiefs
+and mollahs, carrying banners, and who had been assembled on the cry of
+a religious war. In short, we were in all directions surrounded by
+enemies. These last actually came down the hills on the 22nd, and
+attacked the part of<a name="Page157"></a> the camp occupied by his Majesty Shah Shooja and
+his own troops, but were driven back with considerable loss, and banners
+taken.</p>
+
+<p>At daylight on the 22nd I reconnoitered Ghuzni, in company with the
+chief engineer and the brigadier commanding the artillery, with the
+adjutant and quartermaster-general of the Bengal army, for the purpose
+of making all arrangements for carrying the place by storm, and these
+were completed in the course of the day. Instead of the tedious process
+of breaching, (for which we were ill prepared,) Captain Thomson
+undertook, with the assistance of Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+Lieutenants Durand and Macleod, of the Bengal Engineers, and other
+officers under him, (Captain Thomson,) to blow in the Cabool gate, the
+weakest point, with gunpowder; and so much faith did I place on the
+success of this operation that my plans for the assault were immediately
+laid down and the orders given.</p>
+
+<p>The different troops of horse artillery, the camel and foot batteries,
+moved off their ground at twelve o'clock that night, without the
+slightest noise, as had been directed, and in the most correct manner
+took up the position assigned them, about 250 yards from the walls. In
+like manner, and with the same silence, the infantry soon after moved
+from their ground, and all were at their post at the proper time. A few
+minutes before three o'clock in the morning the explosion took place,
+and proved completely successful. Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+was thrown down and stunned by it, but shortly after recovered his
+senses and feeling. On hearing the advance sounded by the bugle, (being
+the signal for the gate having been blown in,) the artillery, under the
+able directions of Brigadier Stevenson, consisting of Captain Grant's
+troop of Bengal Horse Artillery, the camel battery, under Captain
+Abbott, both superintended by Major Pew, Captains Martin and Cotgrave's
+troops of Bombay Horse Artillery, and Captain Lloyd's battery of Bombay
+Foot Artillery, all opened a terrific fire upon the citadel and ramparts
+of the fort, and, in a certain degree, paralysed the enemy.</p>
+<a name="Page158"></a>
+<p>Under the guidance of Captain Thomson, of The Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of the department, Colonel Dennie of her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, commanding the advance, consisting of the light companies of
+her Majesty's 2nd and 17th regiments of Foot, and of the Bengal European
+regiment, with one company, of her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+proceeded to the gate, and with great difficulty, from the rubbish
+thrown down, and determined opposition offered by the enemy, effected an
+entrance, and established themselves within the gateway closely followed
+by the main column, led in a spirit of great gallantry by Brigadier
+Sale, to whom I had entrusted the important post of commanding the
+storming party, consisting (with the advance above-mentioned) of her
+Majesty's 2nd Foot, under Major Carruthers; the Bengal European
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, under Major Thomson; and her Majesty's 17th
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. The struggle within the fort
+was desperate for a considerable time. In addition to the heavy file
+kept up, our troops were assailed by the enemy sword in hand, and with
+daggers, pistols, &amp;c.; but British courage, perseverance, and fortitude,
+overcame all opposition, and the fire of the enemy in the lower area of
+the fort being nearly silenced, Brigadier Sale turned towards the
+citadel, from which could now be seen men abandoning the guns, running
+in all directions, throwing themselves down from immense heights,
+endeavouring to make their escape; and on reaching the gate with her
+Majesty's 17th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, followed by the 13th,
+forced it open at five o'clock in the morning. The colours of her
+Majesty's 13th and 17th were planted on the citadel of Ghuzni amidst the
+cheers of all ranks. Instant protection was granted to the women found
+in the citadel, (among whom were those of Mahomed Hyder, the governor)
+and sentries placed over the magazine for its security. Brigadier Sale
+reports having received much assistance from Captain Kershaw, of her
+Majesty's 13th Light Infantry, throughout the whole of the service of
+the storming. </p>
+<a name="Page159"></a>
+<p>Major General Sir Willoughby Cotton executed in a manner much to my
+satisfaction the orders he had received. The Major General followed
+closely the assaulting party into the fort with the reserve&mdash;namely,
+Brigadier Roberts, with the only available regiment of his brigade; the
+35th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; part of
+Brigadier Sale's brigade, the 16th Native Infantry, under Major
+Maclaren; and 48th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler;
+and they immediately occupied the ramparts, putting down opposition
+whenever they met any, and making prisoners, until the place was
+completely in our possession A desultory fire was kept up in the town
+long after the citadel was in our hands, from those who had taken
+shelter in houses, and in desperation kept firing on all that approached
+them. In this way several of our men were wounded, and some killed, but
+the aggressors paid dearly for their bad conduct in not surrendering
+when the place was completely ours. I must not omit to mention that
+three companies of the 35th Native Infantry, under Captain Hay, ordered
+to the south side of the fort to begin with a false attack, to attract
+attention on that side, performed that service at the proper time, and
+greatly to my satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>As we were threatened with an attack for the relief of the garrison, I
+ordered the 19th Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant
+Colonel Stalker, to guard the Cabool road, and to be in support of the
+cavalry division. This might have proved an important position to
+occupy, but as it was, no enemy appeared.</p>
+
+<p>The cavalry division, under Major-General Thackwell, in addition to
+watching the approach of an enemy, had directions to surround Ghuzni,
+and to sweep the plain, preventing the escape of runaways from the
+garrison. Brigadier Arnold's brigade&mdash;the Brigadier himself, I deeply
+regret to say, was labouring under very severe illness, having shortly
+before burst a blood-vessel internally, which rendered it wholly
+impossible for him to mount a horse that day&mdash;consisting of her
+Majesty's 16th Lancers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Persse, temporarily
+commanding the brigade, and Major<a name="Page160"></a> Mac Dowell, the junior major of the
+regiment, (the senior major of the 16th Lancers Major Cureton, an
+officer of great merit, being actively engaged in the execution of his
+duties as Assistant Adjutant-General to the cavalry division,) the 2nd
+Cavalry, under Major Salter, and the 3rd, under Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith, were ordered to watch the south and west sides. Brigadier Scott's
+brigade were placed on the Cabool road, consisting of her Majesty's 4th
+Light Dragoons, under Major Daly, and of the 1st Bombay Cavalry under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Sandwith, to watch the north and east sides: this
+duty was performed in a manner greatly to my satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>After the storming, and that quiet was in some degree restored within, I
+conducted his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and the British Envoy and
+Minister, Mr. Macnaghten, round the citadel and a great part of the
+fortress. The king was perfectly astonished at our having made ourselves
+masters of a place conceited to be impregnable, when defended, in the
+short space of two hours, and in less than forty-eight hours after we
+came before it. His Majesty was, of course, greatly delighted at the
+result. When I afterwards, in the course of the day, took Mahomed Hyder
+Khan, the governor, first to the British Minister, and then to the King,
+to make his submission, I informed his Majesty that I had made a promise
+that his life should not be touched, and the King, in very handsome
+terms, assented, and informed Mahomed Hyder, in my presence, that
+although he and his family had been rebels, yet he was willing to forget
+and forgive all.</p>
+
+<p>Prince Mahomed Hyder, the Governor of Ghuzni, is a prisoner of war in my
+camp, and under the surveillance of Sir Alexander Burnes, an arrangement
+very agreeable to the former.</p>
+
+<p>From Major General Sir W. Cotton, commanding the 1st infantry division,
+(of the Bengal army,) I have invariably received the strongest support;
+and on this occasion his exertions were manifest in support of the
+honour of the profession and of our country.</p>
+
+<p>I have likewise, at all times, received able assistance from
+Major-General<a name="Page161"></a> Willshire, commanding the 2nd infantry division, (of the
+Bombay army,) which it was found expedient on that day to break up, some
+for the storming party, and some for other duties. The Major-General, as
+directed, was in attendance upon myself.</p>
+
+<p>To Brigadier Sale I feel deeply indebted for the gallant and soldierlike
+manner in which he conducted the responsible and arduous duty entrusted
+to him in command of the storming party, and for the arrangements he
+made in the citadel immediately after taking possession of it. The sabre
+wound which he received in the face did not prevent his continuing to
+direct his column until everything was secure; and I am happy in the
+opportunity of bringing to your Lordship's notice the excellent conduct
+of Brigadier Sale on this occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Brigadier Stevenson, in command of the Artillery, was all I could wish;
+and he reports that Brigade-Majors Backhouse and Coghlan ably assisted
+him. His arrangements were good; and the execution done by the arm he
+commands, was such as cannot be forgotten by those of the enemy who have
+witnessed and survived it.</p>
+
+<p>To Brigadier Roberts, to Colonel Dennie, who commanded the advance, and
+to the different officers commanding regiments already mentioned, as
+well is to the other officers, and gallant soldiers under them, who so
+nobly maintained the honour and reputation of our country, my best
+acknowledgments are due.</p>
+
+<p>To Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the chief of the department
+with me, much of the credit of the success of this brilliant
+<i>coup-de-main</i> is due. A place of the same strength, and by such simple
+means as this highly-talented and scientific officer recommended to be
+tried, has, perhaps, never before been taken; and I feel I cannot do
+sufficient justice to Captain Thomson's merits for his conduct
+throughout. In the execution he was ably supported by the officers
+already mentioned; and so eager were the other officers of the Engineers
+of both Presidencies for the honour of carrying the powder bags, that
+the point could only be decided by seniority, which shews the fine
+feeling by which they were animated.</p>
+<a name="Page162"></a>
+<p>I must now inform your Lordship, that since I joined the Bengal column
+in the Valley of Shawl, I have continued my march with it in the
+advance; and it has been my good fortune to have had the assistance of
+two most efficient staff-officers in Major Craigie, Deputy
+Adjutant-General, and Major Garden, Deputy Quartermaster-General. It is
+but justice to those officers that I should state to your Lordship the
+high satisfaction I have derived from the manner in which all then
+duties have been performed up to this day, and that I look upon them as
+promising officers to fill the higher ranks. To the other officers of
+both departments I am also much indebted for the correct performance of
+all duties appertaining to their situations.</p>
+
+<p>To Major Keith, the Deputy Adjutant-General, and Major Campbell, the
+Deputy Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army, and to all the other
+officers of both departments under them, my acknowledgments are also
+due, for the manner in which their duties have been performed during
+this campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Alexander, commanding the 4th Bengal Local Horse, and Major
+Cunningham, commanding the Poona Auxiliary Horse, with the men under
+their orders, have been of essential service to the army in this
+campaign.</p>
+
+<p>The arrangements made by Superintending-Surgeons Kennedy and Atkinson
+previous to the storming, for affording assistance and comfort to the
+wounded, met with my approval.</p>
+
+<p>Major Parsons, the Deputy Commissary-General, in charge of the
+department in the field, has been unremitting in his attention to keep
+the troops supplied, although much difficulty is experienced, and he is
+occasionally thwarted by the nature of the country and its inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>I have throughout this service received the utmost assistance I could
+derive from Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonald, my officiating military
+secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-General of her Majesty's Forces, Bombay;
+from Captain Powell, my Persian interpreter, and the other officers of
+my personal staff. The nature of the country in which we are serving,
+prevents the possibility of my<a name="Page163"></a> sending a single staff-officer to
+deliver this to your Lordship, otherwise I should have asked my
+aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Keane, to proceed to Simla, to deliver this
+despatch into your hands, and to have afforded any further information
+that your Lordship could have desired.</p>
+
+<p>The brilliant triumph we have obtained, the cool courage displayed, and
+the gallant bearing of the troops I have the honour to command, will
+have taught such a lesson to our enemies in the Afghan nation as will
+make them hereafter respect the name of a British soldier.</p>
+
+<p>Our loss is wonderfully small considering the occasion, the casualties
+in killed and wounded amount to about 200.</p>
+
+<p>The loss of the enemy is immense; we have already buried of their dead
+nearly 500, together with an immense number of horses.</p>
+
+<p>I enclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. I am happy to say
+that, although the wounds of some of the officers are severe, they are
+all doing well.</p>
+
+<p>It is my intention, after selecting a garrison for this place, and
+establishing a general hospital, to continue my march to Cabool
+forthwith&mdash;I have, &amp;c.,</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General.</p>
+
+<h5>No. 1.</h5>
+
+<p><i>List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, before Ghuzni, on the 21st of July,
+1839</i>:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>2nd Troop Bengal Horse Artillery&mdash;3 horses wounded.</p>
+
+<p>3rd Troop Bombay&mdash;2 rank and file, 2 horses, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>4th Troop Bombay&mdash;1 horse killed.</p>
+
+<p>2nd Regiment Bengal Cavalry&mdash;1 horse killed, 1 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>4th Bengal Local Horse&mdash;1 rank and file and 1 horse missing.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry&mdash;1 rank and file killed.</p>
+<a name="Page164"></a>
+<p>16th Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;1 captain wounded.</p>
+
+<p>48th Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;1 lieutenant, and 2 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Total killed&mdash;1 rank and file, and two horses.</p>
+
+<p>Total wounded&mdash;1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 5 rank and file, and 6 horses.</p>
+
+<p>Total missing&mdash;1 rank and file, and 1 horse.</p>
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Names of Officers wounded.</i></h5>
+
+<p>Captain Graves, 16th Bengal Native Infantry, severely.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Vanhomrigh, 48th Bengal Native Infantry, slightly.</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed)&nbsp; R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,</p>
+<p class="justright">Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to</p>
+<p class="justright">her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.</p>
+<br />
+
+<h5>No. 2.</h5>
+<br />
+
+<p><i>List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., in the assault and
+capture of the fortress and citadel of Ghuzni, on the 23rd of July,
+1839</i>:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>General Staff&mdash;1 colonel, 1 major, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>3rd Troop Bombay Horse Artillery&mdash;1 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>4th Troop Bombay Horse Artillery&mdash;1 rank and file and 1 horse wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Bengal Engineers&mdash;3 rank and file killed, 2 rank and file wounded, 1
+rank and file missing.</p>
+
+<p>Bombay Engineers&mdash;1 lieutenant, 1 rank and file, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>2nd Bengal Light Cavalry&mdash;1 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>1st Bombay Light Cavalry&mdash;1 havildar killed, 5 rank and file and 7
+horses wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 2nd Foot (or Queen's Royals)&mdash;4 rank and file killed; 2
+captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, and 26 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry&mdash;1 rank and file killed; 3 sergeants
+and 27 rank and file wounded.</p>
+<a name="Page165"></a>
+<p>Her Majesty's 17th Foot&mdash;6 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Bengal European Regiment&mdash;1 rank and file killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel,
+1 major, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 sergeant, 51 rank and
+file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>16th Bengal N.I.&mdash;1 havildar, 6 rank and file, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>35th Bengal N.I.&mdash;5 rank and file killed; I havildar and 8 rank and file
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>48th Bengal N.I.&mdash;2 havildars killed, 5 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Total killed&mdash;3 sergeants or havildars, 14 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Total wounded&mdash;1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4 captains, 8
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 7 sergeants or havildars, 140 rank and file, 8
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>Total missing&mdash;1 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Grand total on the 21st and 23rd of July, killed, wounded, and
+missing&mdash;191 officers and men, and 16 horses.</p>
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Names of Officers killed wounded, and missing.</i></h5>
+
+<p>General Staff&mdash;Brigadier Sale, her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+slightly; Major Parsons, Deputy Commissary-General, slightly.</p>
+
+<p>Bombay Engineers&mdash;Second Lieutenant Marriott, slightly.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 2nd (or Queen's Royals)&mdash;Captain Raitt, slightly; Captain
+Robinson, severely; Lieutenant Yonge, severely; Lieut. Stisted,
+slightly; Adjutant Simmons, slightly; Quartermaster Hadley, slightly.</p>
+
+<p>Bengal European Regiment&mdash;Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, slightly; Major
+Warren, severely; Captains Hay and Taylor, slightly; Lieutenant
+Broadfoot, slightly; Lieutenant Haslewood, severely; Lieutenants Fagan
+and Magnay, slightly; Ensign Jacob, slightly.</p>
+
+
+<p class="name">(Signed)&nbsp; &nbsp; R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,</p>
+<p class="justright">Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to</p>
+<p class="justright">her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.</p>
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 45%;" /><a name="Page166"></a>
+<h4>GENERAL ORDER,</h4>
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>By his Excellency Lieutenant-Gen. Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of
+the Army of the Indus.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Head-Quarters, Camp, Ghuzni, July 23rd, 1839</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane most heartily congratulates the army
+he has the honour to command, on the signal triumph they have this day
+obtained in the capture by storm of the strong and important fortress of
+Ghuzni. His Excellency feels that he can hardly do justice to the
+gallantry of the troops.</p>
+
+<p>The scientific and successful manner in which the Cabool gate (of great
+strength) was blown up by Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of that department with this army, in which he reports having been
+most ably assisted by Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers, and
+Lieutenants Durand and MacLeod, of the Bengal Engineers, in the daring
+and dangerous enterprise of laying down powder in the face of the enemy,
+and the strong fire kept up on them, reflects the highest credit on
+their skill and cool courage, and his Excellency begs Captain Thomson
+and officers named will accept his cordial thanks. His acknowledgments
+are also due to the other officers of the Engineers of both
+Presidencies, and to the valuable corps of Sappers and Miners under
+them. This opening having been made, although it was a difficult one to
+enter by, from the rubbish in the way, the leading column, in a spirit
+of true gallantry, directed and led by Brigadier Sale, gained a footing
+inside the fortress, although opposed by the Afghan soldiers in very
+great strength, and in the most desperate manner, with every kind of
+weapon.</p>
+
+<p>The advance, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dennie, of her Majesty's 13th,
+consisting of the light companies of her Majesty's 2nd and 17th, and of
+the Bengal European Regiment, with one company of her Majesty's 13th;
+and the leading column, consisting of her Majesty's 2nd Queen's, under
+Major Carruthers, and the Bengal<a name="Page167"></a> European Regiment, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, as they collected from the duty of skirmishing, which they
+were directed to begin with, and by her Majesty's 17th, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. To all these officers, and to the other
+officers and gallant soldiers under their orders, his Excellency's best
+thanks are tendered; but, in particular, he feels deeptly indebted to
+Brigadier Sale, for the manner in which he conducted the arduous duty
+entrusted to him in the command of the storming party. His Excellency
+will not fail to bring it to the notice of his Lordship the
+Governor-General, and he trusts the wound which Brigadier Sale has
+received is not of that severe nature long to deprive this army of his
+services. Brigadier Sale reports that Captain Kershaw, of her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, rendered important assistance to him and to the
+service in the storming.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John Keane was happy, on this proud occasion, to have the assistance
+of his old comrade, Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, who, in command
+of the reserve, ably executed the instructions he had received, and was
+at the gate ready to enter after the storming party had established
+themselves inside, when he moved through it to sweep the ramparts, and
+to complete the subjugation of the place with the 16th Bengal Native
+Infantry, under Major M'Laren; Brigadier Roberts, with the 35th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; and the 48th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler. His arrangements afterwards,
+in continuation of those Brigadier Sale had made for the security of the
+magazine and other public stores, were such as meet his Excellency's
+high approval.</p>
+
+<p>The Commander-in-Chief acknowledges the services rendered by Captain
+Hay, of the 35th Native Infantry, in command of three companies of that
+regiment sent to the south side of the fortress to begin with a false
+attack, and which was executed at the proper time, and in a manner
+highly satisfactory to his Excellency.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more judicious than the manner in which Brigadier<a name="Page168"></a>
+Stevenson placed the artillery in position. Captain Grant's troop of
+Bengal Artillery, and the camel battery, under Captain Abbott, both
+superintended by Major Pew; the two troops of Bombay Horse Artillery,
+commanded by Captains Martin and Cotgrave; and Captain Lloyd's battery
+of Bombay Foot Artillery, all opened upon the citadel and fortress in a
+manner which shook the enemy, and did such execution as completely to
+paralyse and to strike terror into them; and his Excellency begs
+Brigadier Stevenson, the officers, and men of that arm, will accept his
+thanks for their good service.</p>
+
+<p>The 19th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of
+Lieutenant-Colonel Stalker, having been placed in position to watch any
+enemy that might appear on the Cabool road, or approach to attack the
+camp, had an important post assigned to them, although, as it happened,
+no enemy made an attack upon them.</p>
+
+<p>In sieges and stormings it does not fall to the lot of cavalry to bear
+the same conspicuous part as to the other two arms of the profession. On
+this occasion, Sir John Keane is happy to have an opportunity of
+thanking Major-General Thackwell, and the officers and men of the
+cavalry divisions under his orders, for having successfully executed the
+directions given, to sweep the plain, and to intercept fugitives of the
+enemy attempting to escape from the fort in any direction around it; and
+had an enemy appeared for the relief of the place during the storming,
+his Excellency is fully satisfied that the different regiments of this
+fine arm would have distinguished themselves, and that the opportunity
+alone was wanting.</p>
+
+<p>Major-General Willshire's division having been broken up for the day, to
+be distributed as it was, the Major-General was desired to be in
+attendance upon the Commander-in-Chief. To him and to the officers of
+the Assistant Quartermaster-General's department of the Bengal and
+Bombay army, his Excellency returns his warmest thanks for the
+assistance they have afforded him.</p>
+
+<p>The Commander-in-Chief feels&mdash;and in which feeling he is sure he will be
+joined by the troops composing the Army of the Indus&mdash;<a name="Page169"></a>that, after the
+long and harassing marches they have had, and the privations they have
+endured, this glorious achievement, and the brilliant manner in which
+the troops have met and conquered the enemy, reward them for it all. His
+Excellency will only add, that no army that has ever been engaged in a
+campaign deserves more credit than this which he has the honour to
+command, for patient, orderly, and correct conduct, under all
+circumstances, and Sir John Keane is proud to have the opportunity of
+thus publicly acknowledging it.</p>
+
+<p>By order of his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus.</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed)&nbsp; R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,</p>
+<p class="justright">Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. of</p>
+<p class="justright">her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h4>ENTRANCE INTO CABOOL.</h4>
+
+<h5>(<i>From the Delhi Gazette Extraordinary, of Thursday, Aug. 29</i>.)</h5>
+
+<h5>NOTIFICATION.&mdash;SECRET DEPARTMENT.</h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Simla, August 26th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor-General of India publishes for general information, the
+subjoined copy and extracts of despatches from his Excellency the
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and from the Envoy and
+Minister at the Court of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, announcing
+the triumphant entry of the Shah into Cabool, on the 7th instant.</p>
+
+<p>In issuing this notification, the Governor-General cannot omit the
+opportunity of offering to the officers and men composing the army of
+the Indus, and to the distinguished leader by whom they have been
+commanded, the cordial congratulations of the government upon the happy
+result of a campaign, which, on the sole occasion when resistance was
+opposed to them, has been gloriously marked by victory, and in all the
+many difficulties of which the<a name="Page170"></a> character of a British army for
+gallantry, good conduct, and discipline has been nobly maintained.</p>
+
+<p>A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies.</p>
+
+<p>By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,</p>
+
+<p class="name">T.H. MADDOCK,</p>
+<p class="justright">Officiating Secretary to the Government of</p>
+<p class="justright">India, with the Governor-General.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h5>(Copy.)</h5>
+
+<h5>TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.</h5>
+
+<p>MY LORD,&mdash;We have the honour to acquaint your Lordship that the army
+marched from Ghuzni, <i>en route</i> to Cabool, in two columns, on the 30th
+and 31st ult., his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, with his own troops,
+forming part of the second column.</p>
+
+<p>On the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief with the first column, at Hyde
+Khail, on the 1st inst., information reached him, and the same reached
+the Envoy and Minister at Huft Assaya, that Dost Mahomed, with his army
+and artillery, were advancing from Cabool, and would probably take up a
+position at Urghundee or Midan, (the former twenty-four, the latter
+thirty-six miles from Cabool.) Upon this it was arranged that his
+Majesty, with the second column, under Major General Willshire, should
+join the first column here, and advance together to attack Dost Mahomed,
+whose son, Mahomed Akhbar, had been recalled from Jellahabad, with the
+troops guarding the Khyber Pass, and had formed a junction with his
+father; their joint forces, according to our information, amounting to
+about 13,000 men.</p>
+
+<p>Every arrangement was made for the King and the army marching in a body
+from here to-morrow; but in the course of the night, messengers arrived,
+and since (this morning) a great many chiefs<a name="Page171"></a> and their followers,
+announcing the dissolution of Dost Mahomed's army, by the refusal of a
+great part to advance against us with him, and that he had in
+consequence fled, with a party of 300 horsemen, in the direction of
+Bamian, leaving his guns behind him, in position, as they were placed at
+Urghundee.</p>
+
+<p>His Majesty Shah Shooja has sent forward a confidential officer, with
+whom has been associated Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+taking with him a party of 200 men and an officer of artillery, to
+proceed direct to take possession of those guns, and afterwards such
+other guns and public stores as may be found in Cabool and the Balla
+Hissar, in the name of, and for his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+the King's order will be carried by his own officer with this party, for
+preserving the tranquillity of the city of Cabool.</p>
+
+<p>A strong party has been detached in pursuit of Dost Mahomed, under some
+of our most active officers. We continue our march upon Cabool
+to-morrow, and will reach it on the third day.</p>
+
+<p class="name">We have, &amp;c.,</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General,</p>
+<p class="justright">Commander-in-Chief.</p>
+<br />
+<p class="name">(Signed) W.H. MACNAGHTEN,</p>
+<p class="justright">Envoy and Minister.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Extract from a Letter from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John
+Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., dated Head-Quarters, Camp, Cabool, August 8th,
+1839</i>:&mdash;</h5>
+<br />
+
+<p>&quot;It gives me infinite pleasure to be able to address my despatch to your
+Lordship from this capital, the vicinity of which his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk and the army under my command reached the day before
+yesterday. The King entered his capital yesterday afternoon, accompanied
+by the British Envoy and Minister and the gentlemen of the mission, and
+by myself, the general and staff<a name="Page172"></a> officers of this army, and escorted by
+a squadron of her Majesty's 4th Light Dragoons, and one of her Majesty's
+16th Lancers, with Captain Martin's troop of Horse Artillery. His
+Majesty had expressed a wish that British troops should be present on
+the occasion, and a very small party only of his own Hindostanee and
+Afghan troops. After the animating scene of traversing the streets, and
+reaching the palace in the Bala Hissar, a royal salute was fired, and an
+additional salvo in the Afghan style, from small guns, resembling
+wall-pieces, named gingalls, and carried on camels. We heartily
+congratulated his Majesty on being in possession of the throne and
+kingdom of his ancestors, and upon the overthrow of his enemies; and
+after taking leave of his Majesty, we returned to our camp.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I trust we have thus accomplished all the objects which your Lordship
+had in contemplation when you planned and formed the army of the Indus,
+and the expedition into Afghanistan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The conduct of the army both European and native, which your Lordship
+did me the honour to place under my orders, has been admirable
+throughout, and, notwithstanding the severe marching and privations they
+have gone through, their appearance and discipline have suffered
+nothing, and the opportunity afforded them at Ghuzni of meeting and
+conquering their enemy has added greatly to their good spirits.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The joint despatch addressed by Mr Macnaghten and myself to your
+Lordship, on the 3rd instant, from Shikarbad, will have informed you
+that at the moment we had made every preparation to attack (on the
+following day) Dost Mahomed Khan, in his position at Urghundee, where,
+after his son, Mahomed Akhbar, had joined him from Jellahabad, he had an
+army amounting to 13,000 men, well armed and appointed, and thirty
+pieces of artillery, we suddenly learned that he abandoned them all, and
+fled, with a party of horsemen, on the road to Bamian, leaving his guns
+in position, as he had placed them to receive our attack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It appears that a great part of his army, which was hourly<a name="Page173"></a> becoming
+disorganized, refused to stand by him in the position to receive our
+attack, and that it soon became in a state of dissolution. The great
+bulk immediately came over to Shah Shooja, tendering their allegiance,
+and I believe his Majesty will take most of them into his pay.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It seems that the news of the quick and determined manner in which we
+took their stronghold, Ghuzni, had such an effect upon the population of
+Cabool, and perhaps also upon the enemy's army, that Dost Mahomed from
+that moment began to lose hope of retaining his rule, for even a short
+time longer, and sent off his family and valuable property towards
+Bamian; but marched out of Cabool, with his army and artillery, keeping
+a bold front towards us until the evening of the 2nd, when all his hopes
+were at an end by a division in his own camp, and one part of his army
+abandoning him. So precipitate was his flight, that be left in position
+his guns, with their ammunition and wagons, and the greater part of the
+cattle by which they were drawn. Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th
+Lancers, with his party of 200 men, pushed forward, of the 3rd, and took
+possession of those guns, &amp;c. There were twenty-three brass guns in
+position, and loaded; two more at a little distance, which they
+attempted to take away; and since then, three more abandoned, still
+further off on the Bamian road; thus leaving in our possession
+twenty-eight pieces of cannon, with all the materiel belonging to them,
+which are now handed over to Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h5><i>Extract from a Letter from W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., Envoy and Minister to
+the Court of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, dated Cabool, 9th of August,
+1839</i>:&mdash;</h5>
+
+<p>&quot;By a letter signed jointly by his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir
+John Keane and myself, dated the 3rd inst., the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General was apprised of the flight of Dost Mahomed Khan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The ex-chief was not accompanied by any person of consequence,<a name="Page174"></a> and his
+followers are said to have been reduced to below the number of 100 on
+the day of his departure. In the progress of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk
+towards Cabool, his Majesty was joined by every person of rank and
+influence in the country, and he made his triumphal entry into the city
+on the evening of the 7th instant. His Majesty has taken up his
+residence in the Bala Hissar, where he has required the British mission
+to remain for the present.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h5>(<i>From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of August 29th.</i>)</h5>
+<br />
+
+<p class="justright">Simla, August 26th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>A letter from Shikarbad, of August 3rd, states&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The chiefs with their military followers are flocking in by thousands.
+No better commentary on the feeling regarding Dost Mahomed Khan could be
+given than the fact of his having been able to induce only 300 out of
+12,000 men to accompany him; Capt. Outram and seven other officers
+accompany the pursuing party.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The dates from the army at Cabool are to August the 9th. The letters
+from thence give the following intelligence:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Shah's reception at this place was equally gratifying as at
+Candahar, though the enthusiasm was not so boisterous.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We arrived here yesterday, and, I am happy to say, with a sufficient
+stock of supplies in our Godown to render us quite independent of any
+foreign purchases for the next ten days, which will keep down prices,
+and save us from the extravagant rates which we were obliged to purchase
+at when we reached Candahar. I have not been to the city yet, but am
+told it is far superior to Candahar. Our people are now very well off;
+for the increased rations, and abundance and cheapness of grain as we
+came along, have left them nothing to want or wish for.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Extract of a further letter from Shikarbad, August 3rd:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Afghans have not yet recovered from their astonishment at the
+rapidity with which Ghuzni fell into our hands, nor up to this moment
+will they believe how it was effected.</p>
+<a name="Page175"></a>
+<p>&quot;This morning we received intelligence of Dost Mahomed's flight towards
+Bamian; for several days past many of his former adherents had been
+joining the King. Since this morning, thousands of Afghans have been
+coming in to tender their allegiance to his Majesty, who is in the
+greatest spirits at this pacific termination to the campaign, and says
+that God has now granted all his wishes, &mdash;Cabool is at hand!</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We are all delighted at it. Few armies have made so long a march in the
+same time that the army of the Indus has done. The country is every day
+improving. The road to Candahar from where we are now encamped lies in a
+continued valley seldom stretching in width above two miles; cultivation
+on each side of the road, and numberless villages nestling under the
+hills. Since we left Ghuzni, the fruits have assumed a very fine
+appearance; the grapes, plums, and apples have become very large, like
+their brethren of Europe. The climate now is very fine. The rapid
+Loghurd river is flowing close to our encampments, and the European
+soldiers and officers are amusing themselves with fishing in it. We are
+beginning to get vegetables again. I passed this morning through fields
+of beans, but only in flower. Our attention must be turned to the
+cultivation of potatoes; they grow in quantities in Persia, and this
+seems to be just the country for them. To revert from small things to
+great: a party has just been detached towards Bamian with a view of
+cutting off Dost Mahomed. It would be a great thing to catch him. The
+party consists chiefly of Afghans, headed by Hajee Khan Kaukur, and
+about eight or ten British officers have been sent with it, to prevent
+the Afghans from committing excesses.&quot;</p>
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 45%;" /><a name="Page176"></a>
+<h5>FROM THE</h5>
+
+<h3>LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY,</h3>
+
+<h5><i>Thursday, Feb. 13th.</i></h5>
+<br />
+
+<h4>INDIA BOARD, FEB. 13TH.</h4>
+
+<p>A despatch has been this day received at the East India House, addressed
+by the Governor-General of India to the Select Committee of the East
+India Company, of which the following is a copy:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Camp at Bhurtpore, Dec. 12th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do myself the honour to forward copies of the despatches noted in the
+margin, relative to the assault and capture of the fort of Kelat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;2. The decision, the great military skill, and excellent dispositions,
+of Major-General Willshire, in conducting the operations against Kelat,
+appear to me deserving the highest commendation. The gallantry,
+steadiness, and soldier-like bearing of the troops under his command
+rendered his plans of action completely successful, thereby again
+crowning our arms across the Indus with signal victory.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;3. I need not expatiate on the importance of this achievement, from
+which the best effects must be derived, not only in the vindication of
+our national honour, but also in confirming the security of intercourse
+between Sinde and Afghanistan, and in promoting the safety and
+tranquillity of the restored monarchy; but I would not omit to point out
+that the conduct on this occasion of Major-General Willshire, and of the
+officers and men under his command, (including the 31st regiment of
+Bengal Native Infantry, which had not been employed in the previous
+active operations of the campaign,) have entitled them to more prominent
+notice that I was able to give them in my general order of November
+18th; and in recommending<a name="Page177"></a> these valuable services to the applause of
+the committee, I trust that I shall not be considered as going beyond my
+proper province in stating an earnest hope that the conduct of
+Major-General Willshire in the direction of the operations will not fail
+to elicit the approbation of her Majesty's Government.&mdash;I have, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p class="name">&quot;AUCKLAND.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h5>GENERAL ORDERS,</h5>
+
+<h5><i>By the Governor-General of India.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Camp Doothanee, December 4th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The many outrages and murders committed, in attacks on the followers of
+the army of the Indus, by the plundering tribes in the neighbourhood of
+the Bolan Pass, at the instigation of their chief, Meer Mehrab Khan, of
+Kelat, at a time when he was professing friendship for the British
+Government, and negotiating a treaty with its representatives, having
+compelled the government to direct a detachment of the army to proceed
+to Kelat for the exaction of retribution from that chieftain, and for
+the execution of such arrangements as would establish future security in
+that quarter, a force, under the orders of Major-General Willshire,
+C.B., was employed on this service; and the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General of India having this day received that officer's report
+of the successful accomplishment of the objects entrusted to him, has
+been pleased to direct that the following copy of his despatch, dated
+the 14th ultimo, be published for general information.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor-General is happy to avail himself of this opportunity to
+record his high admiration of the signal gallantry and spirit of the
+troops engaged on this occasion, and offers, on the part of the
+government, his best thanks to Major-General Willshire, and to the
+officers and men who served under him.</p>
+
+<p class="name">By command of the Governor-General,</p>
+<br />
+<p class="name">T.H. MADDOCK,</p>
+<p class="justright">Officiating Secretary to the Government of</p>
+<p class="justright">India, with the Governor-General.</p>
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 45%;" /><a name="Page178"></a>
+<h5>FROM MAJOR-GENERAL SIR THOMAS WILLSHIRE, K.C.B., TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
+OF INDIA.</h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, near Kelat, Nov. 14th. 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY LORD,&mdash;In obedience to the joint instructions furnished to me by his
+Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and the
+Envoy and Minister to his Majesty Shah Shooja, under date Cabool, the
+17th of September, 1839, deputing to me the duty of deposing Mehrab Khan
+of Kelat, in consequence of the avowed hostility of that chief to the
+British nation during the present campaign, I have the honour to report,
+that on my arrival at Quettah, on the 31st ultimo, I communicated with
+Captain Bean, the political agent in Shawl, and arranged with him the
+best means of giving effect to the orders I had received.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of the want of public carriage, and the limited quantity
+of commissariat supplies at Quettah, as well as the reported want of
+forage on the route to Kelat, I was obliged to despatch to Cutch Gundava
+the whole of the cavalry and the greater portion of the artillery,
+taking with me only the troops noted in the margin,<a name="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2"><sup>[B]</sup></a> and leaving
+Quettah on the 3rd instant.</p>
+
+<p>During the march, the communications received from Mehrab Khan were, so
+far from acceding to the terms offered, that he threatened resistance if
+the troops approached his capital. I therefore proceeded, and arrived at
+the village of Giranee, within eight miles of Kelat, on the 12th
+instant.</p>
+
+<p>Marching thence the following morning, a body of horse were perceived on
+the right of the road, which commenced firing on the advanced guard,
+commanded by Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's 17th regiment, as the
+column advanced, and the skirmishing between them continued until we
+came in sight of Kelat, rather less than a mile distant. </p>
+<a name="Page179"></a>
+<p>I now discovered that three heights on the north-west face of the fort,
+and parallel to the north, were covered with infantry, with five guns in
+position, protected by small parapet walls.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Peat, chief engineer, immediately reconnoitered; and having
+reported that nothing could be done until those heights were in our
+possession, I decided upon at once storming them simultaneously, and, if
+practicable, entering the fort with the fugitives, as the gate in the
+northern face was occasionally opened to keep up the communication
+between the fort and the heights.</p>
+
+<p>To effect this object I detached a company from each of the European
+regiments from the advanced guard with Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's
+17th regiment, for the purpose of occupying the gardens and enclosures
+to the north-east of the town, and two more companies in the plain,
+midway between them and the column; at the same time I ordered three
+columns of attack to be formed, composed of four companies from each
+corps, under their respective commanding officers, Major Carruthers, of
+the Queen's, Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, her Majesty's 17th regiment, and
+Major Western, 31st Bengal Native Infantry, the whole under the command
+of Brigadier Baumgardt, the remainder of the regiments forming three
+columns of reserve, under my own direction, to move in support.</p>
+
+<p>A hill being allotted to each column, Brigadier Stevenson, commanding
+the artillery, moved quickly forward in front towards the base of the
+heights, and when within the required range opened fire upon the
+infantry and guns, under cover of which the columns moved steadily on,
+and commenced the ascent for the purpose of carrying the heights,
+exposed to the fire of the enemy's guns, which had commenced while the
+columns of attack were forming.</p>
+
+<p>Before the columns reached their respective summits of the hills, the
+enemy, overpowered by the superior and well-directed fire of our
+artillery, had abandoned them, attempting to carry off their guns, but
+which they were unable to do. At this moment, it appearing to me the
+opportunity offered for the troops to get in with the fugitives, and if
+possible gain possession of the gate of the fortress, I despatched
+orders to the Queen's Royal and 17th Regiments<a name="Page180"></a> to make a rush from the
+heights for that purpose, following myself to the summit of the nearest,
+to observe the result. At this moment, the four companies on my left,
+which had been detached to the gardens and plain, seeing the chance that
+offered of entering the fort, moved rapidly forward from their
+respective points towards the gateway, under a heavy and well-directed
+fire from the walls of the fort and citadel, which were thronged by the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The gate having been closed before the troops moving towards it could
+effect the desired object, and the garrison strengthened by the enemy
+driven from the heights, they were compelled to cover themselves, as far
+as practicable, behind some walls and ruined buildings to the right and
+left of it, while Brigadier Stevenson, having ascended the heights with
+the artillery, opened two guns, under the command of Lieutenant Foster,
+Bombay Horse Artillery, upon the defences above the gate and its
+vicinity, while the fire of two others, commanded by, Lieutenant Cowper,
+Shah's Artillery, was directed against the gate itself; the remaining
+two, with Lieutenant Creed, being sent round to the road on the left
+hand, leading directly up to the gate, and when within two hundred
+yards, commenced fire, for the purpose of completing in blowing it open,
+and after a few rounds, they succeeded in knocking in one half of it. On
+observing this, I rode down the hill towards the gate, pointing to it,
+thereby announcing to the troops it was open. They instantly rose from
+their cover and rushed in. Those under the command of Major Pennycuick,
+being the nearest, were the first to gain the gate, headed by that
+officer, the whole of the storming columns from the three regiments
+rapidly following and gaining an entrance, as quick as it was possible
+to do so, under a heavy fire from the works and from the interior, the
+enemy making a most gallant and determined resistance, disputing every
+inch of ground up to the walls of the inner citadel.</p>
+
+<p>At this time I directed the reserve column to be brought near the gate,
+and detached one company of the 17th Regiment, under Captain Darley, to
+the western side of the fort, followed by a portion of the 31st Bengal
+Native Infantry, commanded by Major Western,<a name="Page181"></a> conducted by Captain
+Outram, acting as my extra Aide-de-Camp, for the purpose of securing the
+heights, under which the southern angle is situated, and intercepting
+any of the garrison escaping from that side; having driven off the enemy
+from the heights above, the united detachments then descended to the
+gate of the fort below, and forced it open before the garrison (who
+closed it as they saw the troops approach) had time to secure it.</p>
+
+<p>When the party was detached by the western face, I also sent two
+companies from the reserve of the 17th, under Major Deshon, and two guns
+of the Shah's artillery, under the command of Lieutenant Creed, Bombay
+Artillery, by the eastern to the southern face, for the purpose of
+blowing open the gate above alluded to, had it been necessary, as well
+as the gate of the inner citadel; the infantry joining the other
+detachments, making their way through the town in the direction of the
+citadel.</p>
+
+<p>After some delay, the troops that held possession of the town at length
+succeeded in forcing an entrance into the citadel, where a desperate
+resistance was made by Mehrab Khan, at the head of his people; he
+himself, with many of his principal chiefs, being killed sword in hand.
+Several others, however, kept up a fire upon our troops from detached
+buildings difficult of access, and it was not until late in the
+afternoon, that those that survived were induced to give themselves up
+on a promise of their lives being spared.</p>
+
+<p>From every account, I have reason to believe the garrison consisted of
+upwards of 2000 fighting men, and that the son of Mehrab Khan had been
+expected to join him from Nerosky, with a further reinforcement; the
+enclosed return will shew the strength of the force under my command
+present at the capture.</p>
+
+<p>The defences of the fort, as in the case of Ghuzni, far exceeded in
+strength what I had been led to suppose from previous report, and the
+towering height of the inner citadel was most formidable, both in
+appearance and reality.</p>
+
+<p>I lament to say that the loss of killed and wounded on our side has been
+severe, as will be seen by the accompanying return; that on the part of
+the enemy must have been great, but the exact number<a name="Page182"></a> I have not been
+able to ascertain. Several hundreds of prisoners were taken, from whom
+the political agent has selected those he considers it necessary for the
+present to retain in confinement; the remainder have been liberated.</p>
+
+<p>It is quite impossible for me sufficiently to express my admiration of
+the gallant and steady conduct of the officers and men upon this
+occasion; but the fact of less than an hour having elapsed from the
+formation of the columns for the attack to the period of the troops
+being within the fort, and this performed in the open day, and in the
+face of an enemy so very superior in numbers, and so perfectly prepared
+for resistance, will, I trust, convince your Lordship how deserving the
+officers and troops are of my warmest thanks, and of the highest praise
+that can be bestowed.</p>
+
+<p>To Brigadier Baumgardt, commanding the storming column, my best thanks
+are due, and he reports that Captain Willie, acting Assistant
+Adjutant-General, and Captain Gilland, his aide-de-camp, ably assisted
+him, and zealously performed their duties; also to Brigadier Stevenson,
+commanding the artillery, and Lieutenants Forster and Cowper,
+respectively in charge of the Bombay and Shah's, artillery. I feel
+greatly indebted for the steady and scientific manner in which the
+service of dislodging the enemy from the heights, and afterwards
+effecting an entrance into the fort, was performed. The Brigadier has
+brought to my notice the assistance he received from Captain Coghlan,
+his brigade major, Lieutenant Woosnam, his aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant
+Creed, when in battery yesterday.</p>
+
+<p>To Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, commanding her Majesty's 17th Regiment;
+Major Carruthers, commanding the Queen's Royals; Major Western,
+commanding the Bengal 31st Native Infantry, I feel highly indebted for
+the manner in which they conducted their respective columns to the
+attack of the heights, and afterwards to the assault of the town, as
+well as to Major Pennycuick, of the 17th, who led the advance-guard
+companies to the same point.</p>
+
+<p>To Captain Peat, chief engineer, and to the officers and men of the
+Engineer Corps, my acknowledgments are due; to Major Neil<a name="Page183"></a> Campbell,
+Acting Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army; to Captain Hagart,
+Acting Deputy Adjutant-General; and to Lieutenant Ramsay, acting
+Assistant Quartermaster-General, my best thanks are due for the able
+assistance afforded me by their services.</p>
+
+<p>From my Aides-de-camp, Captain Robinson and Lieutenant Halket, as well
+as from Captain Outram, who volunteered his services on my personal
+staff, I received the utmost assistance; and to the latter officer I
+fell greatly indebted for the zeal and ability with which he has
+performed various duties that I have required of him, upon other
+occasions, as well as the present.</p>
+
+<p>It is with much pleasure that I state the great assistance I have
+received from Captain Bean in obtaining supplies.</p>
+
+<p class="name">T. WILLSHIRE,</p>
+<p class="justright">Major-Gen., Commanding Bombay Column,</p>
+<p class="justright">Army of the Indus.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Return of Casualties in the army under the command of Major-General
+Willshire, C.B., employed at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839</i>:&mdash;</h5>
+
+<p>1st Troop of Cabool Artillery&mdash;2 rank and file, 6 horses, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Gun Lancers attached to ditto&mdash;1 rank and file, 1 horse, wounded; 1
+corporal, since dead.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment&mdash;1 lieutenant, 21 rank and
+file, killed; 2 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 adjutant, 2 sergeants, 40
+rank and file, 1 horse, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 17th Regiment&mdash;6 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 3
+sergeants, 29 rank and file, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;1 subadar, 2 rank and file,
+killed; 1 captain, 1 ensign, 2 jemadars, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, 14 rank
+and file, 1 bheestie, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Sappers and Miners and Pioneers&mdash;1 sergeant wounded.</p>
+
+<p>4th Bengal Local Horse&mdash;1 rank and file wounded.</p>
+<a name="Page184"></a>
+<p>Total&mdash;1 lieutenant, 1 subadar, 29 rank and file, killed; 4 captains, 2
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 2 jemadars, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer,
+87 rank and file, 1 bheestie, 7 horses, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Total killed and wounded&mdash;138.</p>
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Names of Officers killed and wounded.</i></h5>
+
+<p>Killed&mdash;Her Majesty's 2nd or Queen's Royal Regiment&mdash;Lieutenant T.
+Gravatt.</p>
+
+<p>Wounded&mdash;Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment&mdash;Captain W.M.
+Lyster, Captain T. Sealy, Lieutenant T.W.E. Holdsworth, severely;
+Lieutenant D.J. Dickenson, slightly; Adjutant J.E. Simmons, severely.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 17th Regiment&mdash;Captain L.C. Bourchier, severely.</p>
+
+<p>31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;Captain Saurin, slightly;
+Ensign Hopper, severely.</p>
+
+
+<p class="name">C. HAGART, Captain,</p>
+<p class="justright">Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen Bombay</p>
+<p class="justright">Column, Army of the Indus.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h5><i>State of the Corps engaged at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839, under the command of Major-General Willshire, C.B.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Camp at Kelat, November 13th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>Staff&mdash;1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting
+deputy-adjutant general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1 sub-assistant
+commissary general.</p>
+
+<p>Detachment 3rd Troop Horse Artillery&mdash;2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, 36
+rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>1st Troop Cabool Artillery&mdash;1 lieutenant, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer, 1
+farier, 58 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment&mdash;1 major, 3 captains, 7
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 31 sergeants, 10 drummers, 290 rank
+and file.</p>
+<a name="Page185"></a>
+<p>Her Majesty's 17th Regiment&mdash;1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4
+captains, 13 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 29
+sergeants, 9 drummers, 338 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>31st Regiment Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;1 major, 2 captains, 3
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 12
+native officers, 30 sergeants, 14 drummers, 329 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Sappers and Miners and Pioneers&mdash;1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 assistant
+surgeon, 3 native officers, 1 sub-conductor, 7 sergeants, 3 drummers,
+117 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Total&mdash;1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting deputy
+adjutant-general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1
+sub-assistant-commissary-general, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 4 majors, 10
+captains, 27 lieutenants, 5 ensigns, 2 adjutants, 2 quartermasters, 2
+surgeons, 1 assistant-surgeon, 15 native officers, 1 sub-conductor,
+107 sergeants, 37 drummers, 1 farrier, 1,166 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>The Sappers and Miners and Pioneers were not engaged until the gate was
+taken.</p>
+
+<p class="name">C. HAGART, Captain,</p>
+<p class="justright">Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen., Bombay</p>
+<p class="justright">Column, Army of the Indus.</p>
+
+<p>Note&mdash;Two russalas of the Bengal Local Horse remained in charge of the
+baggage during the attack.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>List of Beloochee Sirdars killed in the assault of Kelat, on the 13th
+of November, 1839</i>:&mdash;</h5>
+
+<p>Meer Mehrab Khan, Chief of Kelat.<br />
+ Meer Wullee Mahomed, the Muengul Sirdar of Wudd.<br />
+ Abdool Kurreem, Ruhsanee Sirdar.<br />
+ Dad Kurreen, Shahwanee Sirdar. <br />
+ Mahomed Ruzza, nephew of the Vizier Mahomed Hoosein. <br />
+ Khysur Khan, Ahsehrie Sirdar.<br />
+ Dewan Bucha Mull, Financial Minister.<br />
+ Noor Mahomed and Taj Mahomed, Shagassa Sirdars.</p>
+<a name="Page186"></a>
+<h5><i>Prisoners.</i></h5>
+
+<p>Mahomed Hoossein, Vizier.<br />
+   Moola Ruheem Dad, ex-Naib of Shawl;<br />
+   with several others of inferior rank.</p>
+
+<p class="name">J.D.D. DEAN, Political Agent.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h4>CAPTURE OF THE FORT AND CITADEL OF KELAT.</h4>
+
+<p class="justright">Political Department Fort William, Dec. 14, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The Hon. the President in Council has much satisfaction in publishing
+the following despatch from Major-General Willshire, C.B., with the
+returns annexed to it, reporting the capture of the fort and citadel of
+Kelat, by storm, on the 13th of November, which brilliant achievement
+was effected by a force consisting of only 1200 men, with the loss, his
+Honour in Council grieves to say, of 138 killed and wounded, including
+amongst the former one officer, Lieutenant Gravatt, of her Majesty's
+2nd, or Queen's Regiment, and amongst the latter, eight officers.</p>
+
+<p>Meer Mehrab Khan himself, and eight other sirdars, were amongst the
+slain of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The general order issued by the Right Hon. the Governor-General, on the
+receipt of this intelligence, is republished, and his Honour in Council
+unites with his Lordship in recording his high admiration of the signal
+gallantry and spirit of the troops engaged, and in offering his thanks
+to Major-General Willshire, and to the officers and men who served under
+him on this occasion.</p>
+
+<p>A royal salute will be fired from the ramparts of Fort William, at noon
+this day, in honour of the event.</p>
+
+<p class="name">By order of the Hon. the President in Council,</p>
+<br />
+<p class="name">H.T. PRINSEP,</p>
+<p class="justright">Secretary to the Government of India.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 60%;" />
+<h4>FOOTNOTES.</h4>
+
+<a name="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1">[A]</a><div class="note"><p> Colonel Arnold was in the 10th Hussars at Waterloo, and
+shot through the body in the charge in which Major Howard, of that
+regiment, was killed.</p></div>
+
+<a name="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2">[B]</a><div class="note"><p> Two guns Bombay Horse Artillery; four guns Shah's ditto;
+two Ressalaghs Local Horse; Queen's Royals; Her Majesty's 17th regiment;
+31st regiment Bengal Native Infantry; Bombay Engineers.</p></div>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12863 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Campaign of the Indus, by T.W.E. Holdsworth
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Campaign of the Indus
+
+Author: T.W.E. Holdsworth
+
+Release Date: July 9, 2004 [EBook #12863]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Asad Razzaki and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team. Produced from images provided by the Million Book Project
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS.
+
+
+CAMPAIGN
+OF
+THE INDUS:
+
+IN
+A SERIES OF LETTERS FROM AN OFFICER OF THE
+BOMBAY DIVISION.
+
+WITH AN INTRODUCTION,
+BY
+A.H. HOLDSWORTH, ESQ.
+
+
+1840.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The circumstance of an English army penetrating into Central Asia,
+through countries which had not been traversed by European troops since
+Alexander the Great led his victorious army from the Hellespont to the
+Jaxartes and Indus, is so strong a feature in our military history, that
+I have determined, at the suggestion of my friends, to print those
+letters received from my son which detail any of the events of the
+campaign. As he was actively engaged with the Bombay division, his
+narrative may be relied upon so far as he had an opportunity of
+witnessing its operations; and it being my intention to have only a few
+copies printed, to give to those friends who may take an interest in his
+letters, I need not apologize for the familiar manner in which they are
+written, as they were intended by him only for his own family, without
+an idea of their being printed. A history, however, may be collected
+from them most honourable to the British soldiers, both Europeans and
+natives of India. They shew the patience with which, for more than
+twelve months, the soldiers bore all their deprivations and fatiguing
+marches through countries until then unknown to them, whether moving
+through arid sands or rocky passes, under a burning sun; or over
+desolate mountains, amidst the most severe frosts, with scarcely an
+interval of repose. Neither was their gallantry less conspicuous than
+their patience, when they had the good fortune to find an enemy who
+ventured to face them. Although the circumstances which his letters
+detail might well deserve a better historian than my son, yet are they
+of that high and honourable character, that they cannot lose any part of
+their value by his familiar manner of narrating them.
+
+When I decided upon printing these letters, it became a matter of
+interest to place before the reader a short account of the countries in
+which the operations of the army were conducted, as well as of the
+native rulers who took part in, or were the cause of them; in order that
+the letters might be more clearly understood by those friends who have
+not felt sufficiently interested in the history of those countries to
+make any inquiries about them. But, before I do so, I shall draw the
+attention of the reader to the army of Alexander, to which I have before
+alluded.
+
+Without entering into the causes which led to his extraordinary
+conquests, predicted by Daniel as the means ordained of God to overthrow
+the Persian empire, then under the government of Darius, certain it is
+that he conquered the whole of those countries which extend from the
+Hellespont to the Indus, when his career was arrested by his own
+soldiers. Having overrun Syria, Egypt, Media, and Parthia, keeping his
+course to the north-east, he not only passed the Oxus, and forced his
+way to the Jaxartes, but, pressed by the Scythians from its opposite
+shore, he crossed that river, and beat them in a decisive battle. From
+the Jaxartes he returned in a southern direction towards the Indus, and
+having suffered the greatest privations, and struggled with the most
+alarming difficulties during the time that he was engaged in the
+conquest of those mountainous districts, he at length reached Cabool,
+making himself master of Afghanistan. Here he appears to have halted for
+a considerable time, to refresh and re-equip his army, which, with the
+addition of 30,000 recruits, amounted to 120,000 men.
+
+At this place, Alexander first came upon the scene of the campaign
+referred to in the following letters. Here he meditated the invasion of
+India, intending to march to the mouth of the Ganges; but the conquest
+of that country was destined for a nation almost unknown in the days of
+Alexander, and lying far more remote from it than Greece; and, until the
+campaign of 1839 drew our armies to the western side of the Indus, the
+Sutlej was alike the boundary of Alexander's conquests to the east, as
+of those of England towards the west.
+
+Alexander having prepared his army for this expedition, moved towards
+the Indus, taking many strong places on his march. Having crossed that
+river, the king of the country offered no resistance, but became the
+ally of Alexander, who expected to have found Porus, whose kingdom was
+on the other side of the Hydaspes, equally ready to submit. But it
+required the utmost skill of Alexander to cross the river, which he
+effected, and conquered Porus, after a most severe struggle, with the
+loss of his renowned charger, Bucephalus, and he was so pleased at the
+magnanimity of Porus that he not only gave him back his kingdom, but
+added several small states to it, making him a sincere ally. Alexander
+then continued his march towards the east, conquering all who opposed
+him, until he reached the banks of the Hyphasis (Sutlej), which he was
+about to cross, when his progress was arrested by murmurs and tumults in
+his camp. His soldiers declared their determination not to extend his
+conquests, and entreated him to return. He then marched back to the
+Acesines, gave the whole country as far as the Hyphasis to Porus, and
+thus made him ruler of the Punjab. Alexander encamped near the Acesines
+until the month of October, when the fleet which he built, consisting of
+800 galleys and boats, being ready, he embarked his army and proceeded
+towards the Indus; but before he reached that river he came to two
+countries possessed by warriors who united their armies to oppose his
+progress. After beating them in many engagements, Alexander attacked the
+city of the Oxydracæ, into which the greater part of those armies had
+retired. Here his rash valour had nearly terminated his career: he was
+severely wounded in the side by an arrow, from the effects of which he
+was with difficulty restored to health. He then descended the river, a
+portion of his army marching on its banks, conquering every nation that
+opposed him. About the month of July he reached Patala (Tatta), where he
+built a citadel and formed a port for his shipping. He then proceeded,
+with part of his fleet, by the western branch of the river, to discover
+the ocean. This he accomplished at great hazard, when he sacrificed to
+the gods (particularly to Neptune), and besought them not to suffer any
+mortal after him to exceed the bounds of his expedition. He then
+returned to join the rest of his fleet and army at Patala, and to make
+arrangements for his march to Babylon. He appointed Nearchus admiral of
+his fleet, and having given him orders to ascend the Persian Gulf to the
+Euphrates, he commenced his march through Beloochistan, leaving Nearchus
+to follow him as soon as the season would permit. Alexander was more
+than sixty days in reaching the frontiers of Persia, during which time
+his army sufficed such dreadful privations from want of food, that the
+soldiers were obliged to eat their own war-horses, and from the sickness
+consequent upon such a state of distress, his army was reduced to less
+than one-half of the number which left Patala. It is not necessary to
+follow him to Babylon, or to describe the voyage of Nearchus, who,
+having sailed up the Persian Gulf, united his forces to those of his
+royal master in the river Pasi-Tigris, near Susa. Enough, however, may
+be learned from this history to convince us that if such an army could
+be conducted 2000 years ago from the Hellespont to the Jaxartes and
+Indus, the march from the southern shores of the Caspian Sea to Cabool
+would require comparatively but very slight exertion, if those who have
+the means should have the desire also to accomplish it.
+
+I can say little of my own knowledge of the political causes which gave
+rise to the war, as I am unacquainted with the affairs of India and the
+motives which actuated its governors; but a brief outline may be
+collected from a book lately published by the Hon. Capt. Osborne,
+military secretary to the Governor-General, to which I shall refer,
+after making some observations upon the countries through which the
+operations of the army were conducted, and particularly on the situation
+of Afghanistan, in reference to those persons who had before been, is
+well as those who were, its rulers, when Shah Shooja was restored by the
+British Government to its throne. These observations I have chiefly
+collected from the valuable work of that enterprising officer Lieut.
+Burnes, which he published after visiting those countries in 1831, 1832,
+and 1833.
+
+The chief portion of the Bombay division of the army engaged in the
+operations to which these letters refer, landed at the Hujamree mouth of
+the Indus, and marching through Lower Sinde, by Tatta, ascended the
+Indus by its western bank. On arriving in Upper Sinde, it was found that
+Shah Shooja with his contingent, as well as the Bengal division of the
+army, had crossed the Indus _en route_ from that Presidency, and had
+advanced towards Afghanistan, and that the Bombay division was to follow
+them. To effect this, the division marched through Cutch Gundava, and
+the Bolan Pass, which is situated in the mountains which divide the
+province of Sarawar, in Beloochistan, as well as Cutch Gundava, from
+Afghanistan. Having made their way through the Bolan Pass, the army
+entered the Shawl district of Afghanistan, and thence proceeded through
+the Ghwozhe Pass to Candahar, Ghuzni, and Cabool; at which
+last-mentioned place Shah Shooja's eldest son joined his father with
+some troops of Runjet Sing's, which had crossed the Indus from the
+Punjab, marching by Peshawur and the Kyber Pass. The division of the
+Bombay troops under General Willshire having remained at Cabool about a
+month, returned to Ghuzni, and thence in a straight direction to
+Quettah, leaving Candahar some distance on the right; Capt. Outram, who
+commanded a body of native horse, preceding the main body of the
+division for the purpose of capturing the forts, or castles, belonging
+to those chiefs who had not submitted to Shah Shooja. From Quettah,
+General Willshire moved with a part of his division upon Kelat, and
+thence through the Gundava Pass and Cutch Gundava to the Indus, where
+these troops were met by the rest of the division, which came from
+Quettah by the Bolan Pass. Hence they descended to Curachee to embark
+for their respective quarters in India. The fate of one of the regiments
+of the division, the 17th, as it is recorded in a Bombay paper, is most
+distressing. They embarked at Curachee for Bombay, and sailed in the
+morning with a fair wind and a fine breeze, but before the night closed
+in upon them the ship was fast aground upon a sandbank, off the Hujamree
+branch of the Indus, scarcely within sight of land. Everything was
+thrown overboard to lighten the ship, but in vain; she became a total
+wreck, and settled down to her main deck in the water. She fortunately,
+however, held together long enough to allow all the men to be taken on
+shore, which occupied three days, but with the loss of everything they
+had taken on board with them. The other regiments, we may hope, have
+been more fortunate, as they were not mentioned in the paper which gave
+this melancholy account of the 17th regiment.
+
+Sinde, the country through which the army first passed, is divided into
+three districts, each governed by an Ameer, the chief of whom resides at
+Hydrabad, the second at Khyrpoor, and the other at Meerpoor; and when
+Lieut. Burnes ascended the Indus, in 1831, the reigning Ameers were
+branches of the Beloochistan tribe of Talpoor. With these the chief of
+Kelat and Gundava, Mehrab Khan (who was related by marriage to the Ameer
+of Hydrabad), was more closely allied than any other prince. Like them,
+he had been formerly tributary to Cabool, and had shaken off the yoke,
+and, possessing a very strong country between Afghanistan and Sinde, he
+became as useful as he had at all times proved himself a faithful ally
+to the Sindeans. Shikarpoor, with the fertile country around it, as well
+as Bukker, had formerly belonged to the Barukzye family of Afghanistan,
+and, although they still possessed Candahar, Cabool, and Peshawar, they
+had in vain endeavoured to withdraw Mehrab Khan from his alliance with
+the Sindeans, or to recover those lost possessions.
+
+To understand the political state of Afghanistan, into which the army
+marched for the purpose of restoring Shah Shooja to its throne, it will
+be necessary to go back to the early part of the last century, when
+Nadir Shah had raised himself to the throne of Persia. His name having
+become formidable as a conqueror, he turned his thoughts to the conquest
+of India, and, assuming sufficient pretexts for breaking the relations
+of amity which he professed for the monarch of that country, he
+determined to invade it, and for that purpose began his march in 1738.
+Taking with him some of the chiefs of Afghanistan, he crossed the Punjab
+and entered Delhi. He there raised enormous contributions, and seized
+upon everything worth taking away; amongst other things the far-famed
+Peacock throne, in which was the renowned diamond called "The Mountain
+of Light." The spoils with which he returned to Persia were valued at
+nearly seventy millions of pounds sterling. It is not necessary to
+follow the history of Nadir; it will be enough to say that, amidst the
+confusion which followed his death, Ahmed Khan obtained possession of
+part of his treasure, amongst which was the great diamond. He escaped
+with it into Khorassan, where he made himself master also of a large sum
+of money which was coming to Nadir from India. Ahmed was a brave and
+intelligent man, had been an officer of rank under the Shah, and, being
+in possession of the treasure necessary for his purpose, he proclaimed
+himself king, and was crowned at Candahar "King of the Afghans." Ahmed
+was of the Suddoozye family, which were but a small tribe; but he was
+greatly assisted by the powerful Barukzye family, whose friendship he
+justly valued and made use of to his advantage: of this latter family
+Hajee Jamel was then the chief. Ahmed knew how to conciliate the
+independent spirit of his Afghan subjects, and by making frequent
+incursions on his neighbours, kept alive that spirit of enterprise which
+was congenial to their feelings; but from the time of his death the
+royal authority began to decline, as Timour, his son and successor, had
+neither the sense nor enterprise necessary to uphold it. Affairs became
+still worse under the sons of Timour. Shah Zumaun was of a cruel
+disposition, and wanted the education necessary to the situation he was
+called upon to fill; his brothers, Mahmood and Shah Shooja, were not
+better disposed; and towards the Barukzye family, who had been so
+instrumental in placing their grandfather, Ahmed, on the throne, they
+conducted themselves not only most imprudently, but with dreadful
+cruelty.
+
+Shah Zumaun was succeeded by Shah Shooja, of whom, although the chief
+person in the present drama, little more need be said of this part of
+his history than that, ignorant of the mode of governing such
+independent tribes as the Afghans, his power was never great, and, after
+the fall of his vizier, and the murder of his comrade, Meer Waeez, it
+gradually declined, until he lost his throne at Neemla, in 1809. He had
+taken the field with a well-appointed army of 15,000 men; but was
+attacked by Futteh Khan, an experienced general, at the head of 2000
+men, before the royal army was formed for battle; Akram Khan, his
+vizier, was slain, and he fled to the Kyber country, leaving the greater
+part of his treasure in the hands of his conquerors. Shah Shooja had
+failed to conciliate the Barukzye family; Futteh Khan, their chief, had
+therefore espoused the cause of the king's brother, Mahmood, and having
+driven Shah Shooja from his throne, he placed Mahmood upon it, and
+accepted for himself the situation of vizier. Under his vigorous
+administration, the whole of the Afghan country, with the exception of
+Cashmere, submitted to the dominion of the new sovereign. The Shah of
+Persia, anxious to possess himself of Herat, sent an army against it,
+but was defeated in his object, and Herat was preserved to Mahmood by
+the successful exertions of Futteh Khan. No sooner, however, was Mahmood
+thus firmly established in his dominions, than his son Kamran became
+jealous of the man who had raised him to the situation, and had secured
+to him the kingdom; he therefore determined to effect the ruin of the
+vizier. The prince was not long in gaining over his father to his views;
+and Futteh Khan being at Herat, Kamran seized on his person and put out
+his eyes. In this state he kept him prisoner for about six months,
+during which time the brothers of the vizier, irritated at the conduct
+of Kamran, began to show signs of disaffection. Mahmood ordered Futteh
+Khan to be brought before him in the court of his palace, and accusing
+the brothers of the vizier of rebellion, directed him to bring them back
+to a state of allegiance. The vizier, in the dreadful condition in which
+he had been reduced, replied to the demand of Mahmood, "What can an old
+and blind man do?" when, by the order of the king, the courtiers cut the
+vizier to pieces, limb after limb: his nose and ears were hacked off;
+neither did he receive his death blow until not a member of his person
+was left upon which they could inflict torture. With the fall of his
+vizier the king's power rapidly declined, and he fled to Herat,
+virtually yielding up the rest of his kingdom. He died in 1829, his son,
+Kamran, succeeding to the limited government of that portion only of his
+former dominions. Upon the flight of Mahmood to Herat, the horrid murder
+of their brother threw the whole of the Barukzye family into open
+revolt, the eldest of whom, Azeem Khan, recalled Shah Shooja from his
+exile. From the time Shah Shooja lost his throne, he had been first a
+captive in the hands of the son of his former vizier, and then a
+pensioner on the bounty of the Maharajah, at Lahore, who in return
+extorted from him the famous diamond, "The Mountain of Light," and other
+jewels, which he had brought away with him when he fled at Neemla. He
+then made his escape from the Maharajah, and found protection and
+support from the British government of India. Upon the summons from
+Azeem Khan, Shah Shooja immediately hastened to Peshawur; where, before
+his benefactor had time to meet him, he practically displayed his ideas
+of royalty so unwisely, and so insulted some of the friends of the
+Barukzye family, that the whole party took offence, and they at once
+rejected him, and placed his brother Eyoob on the throne.
+
+Eyoob was but a puppet king, the tool of the family who raised him to
+the government; Azeem Khan, who was appointed his vizier, being in truth
+the ruler. Several of the young princes who aspired to the throne were
+delivered over to Eyoob, who put them to death.
+
+Shooja, driven from Peshawur, retired to Shikarpoor, which the Ameers of
+Sinde ceded to him; where, in place of conducting himself with prudence,
+he was so addicted to low intrigue with those about him, that his
+enemies availed themselves of this propensity to effect his ruin, and
+drove him from Shikarpoor, when, crossing the Indus, he fled through the
+desert by Juydalmeer, and returned to Loodiana. "The fitness," says
+Lieut. Burnes, "of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk for the station of a sovereign
+seems ever to have been doubtful. His manners and address are highly
+polished, but his judgment does not rise above mediocrity; had the case
+been otherwise, we should not now see him an exile from his country and
+his throne, without a hope of regaining them, after an absence of twenty
+years, and before he has attained the fiftieth year of his age."
+
+The civil wars which had thus so frequently occurred in Afghanistan
+weakened the resources of the country and its means of defence. Runjet
+Sing availed himself of the advantage which this state of affairs
+presented to him, and obtained possession of Cashmere; when, continuing
+his conquests, he crossed the Indus, and made himself master of
+Peshawur, burning its palace, and laying the country under tribute.
+Azeem Khan made a precipitate retreat before the army of the Sikhs
+towards Cabool, without attempting to arrest their progress, and was so
+stung with remorse at the weakness of his conduct that he died on
+reaching that city. With the death of Azeem the royal authority was
+extinguished. The king fled to Lahore, and lived under the protection of
+his conqueror. Herat alone remained in the possession of one of the
+Suddoozye family. The brothers of the late vizier seized his son, and
+deprived him of his treasure and his power. The kingdom was then divided
+between them. Cabool fell into the hands of Dost Mahomed; Peshawur and
+Candahar were held by two of his brothers; the Sindeans threw off their
+yoke, and refused to pay tribute; Balk was annexed to the dominions of
+the King of Bokhara; the richest portion of the provinces having fallen
+into the possession of the Sikhs. In seventy-six years from the time
+that Ahmed Shah was crowned at Candahar, the Dooranee monarchy again
+ceased to exist.
+
+As I have given the character of Shah Shooja, it will be interesting to
+quote that of Dost Mahomed, from the same author. "He is unremitting in
+his attention to business, and attends daily at the courthouse, with the
+Cazee and Moollahs, to decide every cause according to law. Trade has
+received the greatest encouragement from him, and he has derived his own
+reward, since the receipts of the customhouse of the city have increased
+fifty thousand rupees, and furnished him with a net revenue of two lacs
+of rupees per annum. The merchant may travel without a guard or
+protection from one frontier to another, an unheard-of circumstance in
+the time of the kings. The justice of this chief affords a constant
+theme of praise to all classes. The peasant rejoices at the absence of
+tyranny, the citizen at the safety of his home, the merchant at the
+equity of his decisions and the protection of his property, and the
+soldier at the regular manner in which his arrears are discharged." "One
+is struck with the intelligence, knowledge, and curiosity which he
+displays, as well as at his accomplished manners and address."
+
+To this short sketch of Afghanistan, and of the persons connected with
+its political history, I will add some extracts from the work of the
+Hon. Capt. Osborne, because they explain the circumstances which led to
+the campaign of the Indus, and to the restoration of Shah Shooja to the
+throne of Cabool. He says, "In May, 1838, a complimentary deputation was
+sent by Runjet Sing to the Governor-General at Simla, consisting of some
+of the most distinguished Sikh chiefs, who were received with all the
+honours prescribed by oriental etiquette. Shortly afterwards, Lord
+Auckland resolved to send a mission to the court of Lahore, not merely
+to reciprocate the compliments of the Maharajah, but to treat upon all
+the important interests which were involved in the existing state of
+political affairs in that quarter of the world. The recent attempts of
+the Persians on Herat, the ambiguous conduct of Dost Mahomed, and the
+suspicions which had been excited with respect to the proceedings and
+ulterior designs of Russia, rendered it of the greatest importance to
+cement the alliance with Runjet Sing, and engage him to a firm and
+effective co-operation with us in the establishment of general
+tranquillity, the resistance of foreign encroachment, and the extension
+of the benefits of commerce and the blessings of civilization.
+Accordingly, W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., was deputed on the mission to the
+Maharajah, accompanied by Dr. Drummond, Capt. Macgregor, and the Hon. W.
+Osborne, military secretary to the Governor-General.
+
+"The object of the Governor-General's mission to Lahore having been
+accomplished, and the concurrence, and, if necessary, the co-operation
+of Runjet Sing, in the restoration of Shah Shooja, secured, Mr.
+Macnaghten repaired to Loodiana, for the purpose of submitting to the
+Shah the treaties that had been concluded, and announcing to him the
+approaching change in his fortunes. The envoys seem to have been much
+struck with the majestic appearance of the old pretender, especially
+with the flowing honours of a black beard descending to his waist,
+always the most cherished appendage of oriental dignity. He had lived
+for twenty years in undisturbed seclusion, if not 'the world
+forgetting,' certainly 'by the world forgot,' consoling himself for the
+loss of his kingdom in a domestic circle of six hundred wives, but
+always 'sighing his soul' towards the mountains and valleys of
+Afghanistan, and patiently awaiting the _kismet_, or fate, which was to
+restore him to his throne. The preparations thenceforward went rapidly
+on. The contingent raised by the Shah was united (more for form than
+use) to the British force, and in three months the expedition began its
+operations."
+
+But before I conclude this introduction to the letters, which detail the
+results of these treaties with the Maharajah, and the march of Shah
+Shooja to Cabool, as I have spoken of the leading characters of
+Afghanistan, I may be permitted to say a few words about the persons
+through whose exertions the Shah has been restored to the throne of that
+country--the officers of the British army; and I do so the more
+anxiously, because the naval and military glory of our country, which in
+my early days was the theme of every song, is now seldom heard of in
+society, and those gallant services appear to be nearly forgotten, which
+during a long protracted state of warfare, within our own recollection,
+placed England in a position to dictate her own terms of peace to the
+world:--a state of society which encourages a certain class of persons
+the more effectually to abuse the military profession, and to mislead
+their deluded followers, by clamouring about the expense of the army,
+and the aristocratic bearing of its members, that they may the more
+readily carry out their own schemes of personal vanity and demoralizing
+political economy.
+
+It is the peculiar feature of the British army, to which we are indebted
+for its high and honourable bearing, that the sons of the first families
+in the land are ever anxious to bear arms under its standards, looking
+not to pecuniary emolument, but to those honours which military rank and
+professional attainments can procure for them; whilst the first commands
+and the highest stations in the service are filled without distinction
+from every grade in society. It is this happy mixture which induces that
+high sense of honour, so peculiarly characteristic of our service; that
+acknowledged distinction between the officers and the privates; that
+true discipline which, tempered with justice and kindly feeling, wins
+the respect of the soldier, and induces him to place that reliance upon
+his commander everywhere so conspicuous, whether in the camp or field of
+battle. But this high feeling in the army causes no additional expense
+to the country; the charge is altogether a deception. Let the following
+sketch of a young soldier's life of the present day, as applicable to
+others as to himself, answer the charge of these politicians.
+
+He was educated for the highest walk of the legal profession, and had
+nearly prepared himself for the university, when he decided to change
+his course and go into the army. The Commander-in-chief placed his name
+amongst the candidates for commissions, and he went to Hanover, where,
+after he had made himself master of the German language, his Royal
+Highness the Duke of Cambridge kindly gave him a commission in the
+Yagers of the Guard, better known in England, in the Peninsula, and at
+Waterloo, as the Rifles of the German Legion. Being only a volunteer in
+the regiment, he could not receive pay from the government; he was,
+therefore, at very considerable personal expense to keep his proper
+standing with his brother officers; and as soon as he had acquired all
+the military knowledge that he was likely to get in the regiment in time
+of peace, he obtained leave to return to England; and, as he had not any
+immediate expectation of a commission, he visited France, to make
+himself more perfect in the French language. After this, he was allowed
+to purchase a commission in the 2nd regiment, or Queen's Royals; and he
+embarked to join that corps in India. His letters will shew what that
+regiment, in common with others, have endured during a campaign of
+fifteen months in Central Asia, their privations and expenses; and when
+his second commission was paid for, during that campaign, he found
+himself at its close, at the age of twenty-five, a lieutenant on full
+pay, the amount of which, if he was in England, would be far short of
+the interest of the money which has been expended in his commissions and
+education, and with fifteen lieutenants still above him on the roll of
+his regiment.
+
+It will be seen by his letters, and it is confirmed by the official
+despatches of the Commander-in-chief, that the company to which he was
+attached (the light company of the Queen's) led the storming party at
+Ghuzni. He was shot through the arm and through the body, and left for
+dead at the foot of the citadel at Kelat, whilst endeavouring to save
+the lives of some Beloochees who were crying for mercy. And for these
+services he is to be rewarded with a medal, by Shah Shooja; for Ghuzni,
+and for the capture of both places he has the full enjoyment of the
+highest gratification that a soldier can feel--the consciousness that he
+has done his duty to his country, and, let me hope, in the act of mercy
+in which he suffered, his duty to his God as a Christian. But he is not
+a solitary example of such good fortune. No one who was wounded and
+survived may have been nearer death than himself, yet are there others
+who have done more, and suffered more, as the history of the army of
+the Indus would bear ample testimony.
+
+Let me then ask, in behalf of the British officer, when he is lightly
+spoken of as a man, or when the expenses of the army are cavilled at, on
+which side is the debt--on his, or on that of his country?
+
+A.H. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+_Brookhill,--May, 1840._
+
+
+
+[Illustration] It may be right to draw the attention of the reader to a
+circumstance which, at first sight, may appear singular--that the same
+letters frequently contain reports quite contradictory to each other. It
+should therefore be borne in mind that such letters were probably
+written at different times, as the writer found opportunity; who, being
+anxious that his family should know all that passed as well in the camp
+as in the field, preferred leaving each report in the way in which it
+was circulated at the time of his writing it, rather than correct it
+afterwards, as the truth, might turn out. Such letters shew the
+situation in which an army is placed on its landing in a new country,
+where no account of the movements of the inhabitants can be relied upon,
+and the heavy responsibility which attaches to the officers who are
+entrusted with its command.
+
+
+
+
+CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+LETTER I
+
+  On board the ship Syden,
+  Off the mouth of the Indus, Nov. 27th, 1838.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--We left Belgaum on the 22nd of last month, and arrived
+at Bombay on the first of this; and we started from Bombay on the 18th,
+for this place. I had intended to write from Bombay, but everything was
+in such a state of confusion and bustle whilst we were there, that I
+literally could find no time or place for doing so. We are now at anchor
+off one of the mouths of the Indus, and have had a delightful voyage.
+Our ship is a very nice one, of 750 tons, belonging to a Swede, who is
+an excessively good fellow, and has treated us very well.
+
+Sir John Keane is already arrived in the steamer Semiramis and also one
+of the native regiments. Our Bombay force consists of 5500 men, of which
+2000 are Europeans--viz., 500 of the Queen's, and 500 of H.M. 17th
+regiment, one squadron of the 4th Light Dragoons, with foot and horse
+artillery. The rest of the force is composed of native regiments, horse
+and foot. We shall not land, I think, until to-morrow evening, as we are
+almost the only ship that has yet arrived. The infantry are divided into
+two brigades, and the cavalry form another by themselves. Our brigade
+(the first) consists of the Queen's, and the 5th and 19th regiments of
+Native Infantry, commanded by our worthy Colonel, now General Willshire,
+C.B.; the other brigade is commanded by a Company's officer. We have to
+go in boats about thirty miles, it is said, up the river, before we
+finally march. Where it is I am perfectly ignorant; however, some place
+between this and Hydrabad, whence we shall march as far north as
+Shikarpoor, where we are to form a junction with the Bengal troops,
+13,000 in number, under Sir H. Fane. What our destination will be after
+that I know not; whether we shall advance with the Bengalees upon Herat,
+or form a corps of reserve on the Indus.
+
+The country between this and Shikarpoor belongs to the Ameers of Sinde.
+They were very restive at first, when they heard of our intention to
+march through their country, and threatened to oppose our progress; but
+I believe they have since thought better of it; however, I do not think
+that they can do anything against us: time will soon shew. We have been
+excessively crowded on board: twenty-six officers. I have been obliged
+to sleep on the poop every night, which, when the dew was heavy, was by
+no means pleasant. I hope we shall go further than Shikarpoor, as I
+should like very much to see Cabool, Candahar, and all that part of the
+world, which so few Europeans have visited.
+
+What is the cause of all this bustle and war I hardly know myself, and,
+at all events, it is too long to make the subject of a letter; I must
+therefore refer you to the papers for it; but I have heard from old
+officers that for the last twenty years the Company have been anxious to
+establish themselves west and north of the Indus. It is not likely,
+therefore, now that they have such an opportunity, that they will let it
+slip, so that perhaps we may be quartered there for the next two or
+three years. How it will turn out I know no more than the man in the
+moon: a soldier is a mere machine, and is moved by his superiors just as
+a chessman by a chess-player. Should there be any skrimmaging, our men
+are in high spirits, and will, I think, soon make the Ameers put their
+pipes in their pockets. Ours is the first European army that has been on
+the Indus since the time of Alexander.
+
+I was obliged to sell my horses and other things on leaving Belgaum, at
+a dead loss. I intend buying another horse when we land in Sinde, as I
+am told we can get good ones very cheap there. This is a regular case of
+here to-day and there to-morrow: perhaps my next letter may be dated
+from Cashmere--who knows? I felt rather sorry at leaving Belgaum; we
+were all of us excessively rejoiced to get out of Bombay. The report at
+first was, that we were to garrison it for the next two or three years,
+and we were therefore very glad when we found that was not to be the
+case. Now, it is said, there is a chance of our going into Persia; but I
+do not think that we shall. The man waits to lay the cloth on the cuddy
+table, where I am writing, so I must conclude for the present.
+
+_Nov. 28th_.--The regiment is beginning to disembark right in front. The
+Grenadiers are now going into the boats of the natives that are to take
+them up the river. Since I wrote yesterday, I have heard all the news
+relative to our disembarkation. We are to go fifteen miles up the river
+in native boats to a place called Vicur, where we form our first camp
+ground. We are to remain there for a week or ten days, in order to
+collect camels, bullocks, &c., for the transportation of our baggage. We
+have to pass a very dangerous bar in getting to this place, where
+several boats have been wrecked; but we have fine large ones. From all
+accounts, the Ameers are now peaceably disposed, except one fellow, who,
+we hear, is inclined to be rather obstreperous; but I think the sight of
+our force will soon bring him to his senses. There are, however, a set
+of men who live on the mountain borders of Sinde, called Beloochees, the
+eastern inhabitants of Beloochistan, who are a robber, free-and-easy
+kind of people, who may give us some trouble in endeavouring to walk off
+with part of our baggage, &c.
+
+I intend to keep a journal of what occurs, and will write by every
+opportunity. I think I have now mentioned everything that I have heard
+relative to this grand expedition; except, by-the-bye, that Sir Henry
+Fane has denominated the force as "The army of the Indus," and ours, the
+Bombay branch of it, as "The corps d'armée of Sinde." There is a grand
+title for you! I have nothing more to say; and as I must be looking
+after my traps previous to disembarking, I must conclude with best love
+to you, and all at home.
+
+  Your most affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S.--I must trust this to the captain of the vessel, giving him
+instructions to put it into the Bombay post when he returns, so that it
+is equally doubtful when you may receive it. He is an excessively good
+fellow, the captain; and we are going to make him a present of a silver
+goblet, worth 35l., for his attentions to us whilst on board his ship.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER II.
+
+  Perminacote, five miles from Vicur,
+  right bank of the Hujamree,
+  one of the branches of the Indus,
+    December 8th, 1838.
+
+MY DEAR KITTY,--I wrote to my father, about ten days ago, from the ship
+in which we came here, stating what I then knew about this expedition;
+but having since received your letter, and my father's, dated Sept. 4th,
+I cannot think of going on this bloody campaign without first answering
+yours. Things look now a little more warlike. The Ameers have
+endeavoured to cut off everything like a supply from this part of the
+country, and we have to depend in a great measure, at present, on the
+supplies brought by the shipping. We have nothing in the shape of
+conveyance for our baggage. We expected two thousand camels and five
+hundred horses here for sale; but they are not to be seen at present,
+and where they are, or when they will arrive, no one knows. News has
+been received, it is said, from Pottinger, the Company's political agent
+at Hydrabad, the principal town of the Ameers, that they have called in
+their army, consisting of 20,000 Beloochees, as they tell Pottinger,
+"for the purpose of paying them off;" but he says it looks very
+suspicious, and that they are also fortifying the various towns on the
+Indus. He has been expected here for the last two or three days, but has
+not yet arrived. Report also says that he has been fired at in his way
+down.
+
+We are kept in the most strict discipline, and have a great deal to do.
+Out-lying and in-lying pickets every night, the same as if we were in
+the presence of an enemy. This is a very pleasant climate at present,
+though excessively cold at night-time, as we feel to our cost when on
+picket, sleeping in the open air, with nothing but our cloaks to cover
+us; and some nights the dew is excessively heavy, which is very
+unhealthy, and has laid me up for the last few days with an attack of
+rheumatism. However, I hope to be out of the sick list to-day. There is
+such a sharp, cutting, easterly wind, that I can hardly hold my pen. It
+averages from 80 to 84 in the shade during the hottest part of the day,
+but that is only for about two hours. However, in the hot season it is
+worse than India; and we have proof here, even at this time, of the
+power of the sun occasionally; so I hope that we shall push on for
+Shikarpoor, and join the Bengal army, under Sir H. Fane, as quickly as
+possible, as we shall then have some chance of getting to Cabool, which
+is said to be a delightful climate.
+
+We are still totally ignorant of our future proceedings, except what I
+have stated above. We are in great hopes that we have not been brought
+here for nothing, and that we may have a chance of seeing a few hard
+blows given and taken ere long. Hydrabad and _lootè_ is what is most
+talked about at present. It will, however, be a most harassing kind of
+warfare, I expect, as the force of the Ameers consists of Arabs and
+Beloochees; a regular predatory sort of boys, capital horsemen, but not
+able, I should think, to engage in a regular stand-up fight. I think
+their warfare will consist in trying to cut off a picket at night,
+breaking through the chain of sentries, and endeavouring to put the camp
+in confusion, &c. &c.; so that the poor subalterns on picket will have
+anything but a sinecure there; however, it will be a capital way of
+learning one's duty in the field. By-the-bye, I forgot to tell you,
+amongst other rumours of war, that an Ameer was down here a few days ago
+to obtain an interview with Sir J. Keane, who refused to see the Ameer,
+or to have anything to do with him, and told him that he would soon talk
+to him at Hydrabad.
+
+Our force is now nearly all arrived, all except the Bombay grenadier
+regiment, which is to form part of ours, (i.e., the first brigade,) and
+not the 19th regiment, as I told my father. We have now here two
+squadrons of H.M. 4th Light Dragoons, the Queen's, and the 17th
+regiment. The native regiments are, the Grenadiers, the 5th, the 19th,
+and the 24th; there is also a due proportion of horse and foot
+artillery, together with some native cavalry, making in all 5500
+fighting men. We are now about fifteen miles from the sea, and we got up
+quite safe, although there is a very dangerous bar to cross, and all the
+boats were not so lucky as ours, as the horse artillery lost fifteen
+horses; and a boat belonging to a merchant of Bombay went down, in which
+goods to the amount of one thousand rupees (100l.) were lost.
+
+Our camp presents a very gay appearance--so many regiments collected
+together; and altogether I like this sort of campaigning work very well,
+although I expect that we shall be very hard put to it when we march, if
+we do not get more means of conveyance. The wind is blowing such
+intolerable dust into the tent that I can hardly write. The captain of
+the vessel which brought us from Bombay came up here last night, and
+returns to-day about eleven o'clock, and sails this evening for Bombay;
+I shall give him this letter to take, so that you and my father will
+receive my letters at the same time. As long as I keep my health I do
+not care where we go or what we do. The doctor has just come in and put
+me off the sick list. It is getting very near eleven o'clock, and the
+captain will be off directly, so that I must conclude my letter, hoping
+you will, for this reason, excuse its shortness; and with best love,
+&c., to all at home, believe me ever your most affectionate brother,
+
+  T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S. I have not any horse at present, which I find a great
+inconvenience. I sold what I had at Belgaum, before I left it, at a dead
+loss, as I expected to get plenty here on my arrival, but have been
+wofully disappointed. There were some splendid creatures for sale at
+Bombay, which was very tempting, but they asked enormous sums for them.
+I wonder where I shall eat my Christmas dinner! This is the first
+European army that has been on the Indus since the time of Alexander the
+Great.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER III.
+
+  Camp near Tatta, four miles from the Indus,
+    January 1st, 1839.
+
+My DEAR FATHER,--I write to wish you a happy new year on this the first
+day of 1839, which, if it turns out as its opening prognosticates, is
+likely to be a very eventful one for me, if I do not get knocked on the
+head or otherwise disposed of. I wrote to you from the ship Syden, about
+the 28th of November, and to Kate from our last station at Bominacote,
+on the right bank of the Hujamree, about the 12th of last month, both
+which letters will, I expect, leave Bombay to-day by the overland mail
+for England; but as another mail will leave on the 19th, and I thought
+you would be anxious to learn as much of our movements &c. as possible,
+I dare say the present letter will not be amiss.
+
+We remained at our old encampment, Bominacote, until the 26th of last
+month, and I picked up my health very fast there, and was able to enjoy
+myself shooting a great deal, particularly the black partridge, which
+is an uncommonly handsome bird, and much bigger than the English. The
+2nd brigade of infantry, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment, the 19th and
+23rd regiments Native Infantry, under the command of General Gordon, a
+Company's officer, together with the 4th Light Dragoons, a regiment of
+Native Cavalry, and one troop of horse artillery, left the aforesaid
+place on the 24th, with Sir John Keane and his escort; and the first
+brigade, consisting of ourselves, the 1st Grenadiers, and 5th regiment
+Native Infantry, under the command of our chief, General Willshire, left
+on the 26th. I was on out-lying picket the night before, (Christmas
+night,) and a very curious way it was of passing it. The first part of
+the night, till twelve o'clock, was exceedingly fine and beautiful, and,
+as I lay on the cold ground, my thoughts travelled towards poor old
+Devonshire, and I could not help fancying in what a much more
+comfortable way you must be spending it at home, all snug, &c. at
+Brookhill. After twelve, the strong northerly wind, which blows with
+great force at intervals this time of the year in this country, sprung
+up, and it soon got intensely cold. Towards two I forgot myself for
+about half an hour, and nodded on my post, and on awakening I was taken
+with what I am sure must have been a slight attack of cholera. I was
+stone cold, particularly my arms, hands, legs, and feet, and suffered
+excruciating pains in my stomach, till nature relieved me, which she
+was kind enough to do uncommonly frequent. I had luckily some brandy
+with me, of which I drank, I should think, half a bottle down without
+tasting it; but it did me a great deal of good at the time, although I
+have not been well since, and am still very far from being so. Our
+camels, of which I had two, were furnished us by the commissariat, and
+we ought to have had them at four o'clock on the day before; but, like
+everything else, we did not get them till four o'clock the morning we
+marched, about an hour before we turned out. I had to trust entirely to
+Providence with regard to mine, as to whether I should get them or not,
+as I was on outlying picket, and could not attend to them, and I had
+just two minutes, after coming from picket in the morning, to get a
+mouthful of villanous coffee, when I was obliged to fall in with my
+company, which formed the advanced guard of the brigade, and march off
+in double quick time, leaving all to chance. My poor stomach wanted
+something most awfully to stop its proceedings, but it was totally out
+of the question, as General Willshire hurried us off at a slapping pace;
+luckily, the march was only eight miles, so it did not fatigue me much:
+I marched on foot the whole of it, as I could not get my pony in the
+hurry of starting. We got nothing to eat till two o'clock, when part of
+our mess things arrived, and we pitched into whatever we could get. This
+march; though, was by far the most pleasant, as we had a good firm tract
+of country to pass over, and no sand. The "rouse" sounded at five, and
+we marched again at half-past six. This night I was on in-lying picket,
+and was obliged to pass it in harness, and ready to turn out at a
+moment's notice, although awfully tired. We had a very unpleasant march,
+as the north winds got up soon after we started, and blew the dust and
+sand right into our eyes; we had, however, being on the advance guard,
+comparatively easy work, as there were only two sections with each
+officer: the poor column suffered severely. This day, however, was
+paradise compared to the next, which was eighteen miles, through an
+uninhabited sandy desert, with a few tamarisk shrubs and no water,
+except a few stagnant pools, which was the cause of the march being so
+long, there being no place for encampment. General Willshire, however,
+made the best of a bad matter, and sent on the night before to a place
+about half way, and the least unchristian-like spot he could find, half
+the men's rations for the next day, together with the bheesties (or
+water carriers) and the men's grog, &c., with orders for the cooks to
+have these rations cooked and ready for the men as soon as they marched
+in; so that on arriving at the ground we piled arms and formed a curious
+sort of pic-nic in the middle of the desert. We halted here about an
+hour, and lucky it was that the men got the means of recruiting their
+strength in this manner, as the latter part of the march was a terrible
+teaser. We marched off from this place about twelve. Although we had
+found the morning pleasant enough, with a fine bracing breeze, yet in
+the afternoon, about half an hour after starting, the wind went down,
+and the sun shone out terribly; the sand in some parts was half knee
+deep, and although there was no breeze to blow it in our faces, yet it
+rose from the trampling of so many feet in successive dense columns, and
+completely enveloped the whole brigade, almost blinding the men, so that
+they could hardly see the man before them, and getting into their noses
+and mouths so as nearly to suffocate them; however, they bore it
+manfully, and marched straight through it like Britons. Our encampment
+that night was at a place called Golam Shah, on the Buggaur, one of the
+branch streams of the Indus. We found that the second brigade had only
+left it the same morning, having been obliged to halt there the
+preceding day; and General Willshire found a letter from Sir John Keane,
+advising a halt there for the following day, which we accordingly did,
+and a precious comfortable day we had. I got off my pony at the close of
+this day's march with a dreadful headache, and had to wait for an hour
+till Halket's tent and kit, with whom I am doubling up, arrived. His
+servants brought me the delightful intelligence that my camel man had
+bolted with his camels at our last encampment, and that my things were
+all left there on the ground, with my servant, and that it was quite
+uncertain when they would be up; in fact, it seemed exceedingly doubtful
+whether they would arrive at all. However, they did come in at last,
+but very late, on three ponies, two bullocks, and one donkey, which were
+the only things my boy could get, and for which I had to pay
+considerably. I turned in as soon as I could; and the next day, which
+was a most wretched one, I was very unwell. This place, Golam Shah,
+must, I think, be one of the most wretched places in the whole world,
+situated as it is in the heart of a desert, with only one
+recommendation,--viz., the river Buggaur, the water of which is
+excessively sweet and wholesome. The day we passed at it was the coldest
+I remember since leaving England. A strong northerly wind blew the whole
+day, and the clouds of dust and sand that rose in consequence were so
+thick as perfectly to obscure the sun, and all we could do we could not
+keep ourselves warm. Here we had the misfortune also to lose the only
+man that has as yet fallen on the march, an old soldier. He was taken
+with cholera at eight in the morning and died at twelve at night: he was
+buried about six hours afterwards, just as the regiment marched. The
+hospital men had no time to stretch him, and he was laid in the earth in
+the same posture in which he died, with his arms stuck a kimbo, pressing
+upon his stomach, which shews that he must have suffered intense agony.
+Poor fellow! they had not time to dig his grave very deep, and I am
+afraid the jackals will be the only benefiters by his death. We left
+this place the next morning, the 30th, and arrived here (Tatta) about
+eleven o'clock, a twelve-mile march. A great number of the 2nd brigade
+rode out to meet us, and the 4th Light Dragoons very kindly asked us to
+breakfast immediately on our arrival. You may be sure they had not to
+ask us twice!
+
+Tatta is a very ancient town, said to have been built by either
+Alexander, on his march down the Indus, or by one of his generals; the
+ancient name was Patala. At that time the country was in possession of
+Hindoos, or, at least, of the followers of Brahma, who were most
+probably the original possessors of the greater portion of the east.
+Afterwards, on the rise of Mahomet, it was soon in possession of his
+followers, who seem to have held it for a long period, as they have left
+magnificent proofs of their grandeur, both in the city and all round the
+neighbourhood, which is studded with splendid cupolas, domes, temples,
+and tombs; there is one in particular in the town itself an old tomb,
+now used as a caravanserai, which is excessively handsome. When I talk
+of a tomb being turned into a caravanserai, you will of course
+understand that a tomb in this part of the world is very different from
+one in the western part of the globe. This tomb itself would cover as
+much ground as Exeter Cathedral. The inside of the domes are very
+beautifully enamelled in the chastest colours, and with most excellent
+taste, and would put to shame the most handsome drawing-room in London,
+I should think. I have never repented not being able to draw so much as
+I have since I have been in the East, but particularly since I have been
+at this place, where there is so much that would look well in a sketch;
+but I would not give twopence to be able to draw and not draw well,
+particularly when I see the daubs that some men, who fancy they are
+hands at it, produce, after fagging at the simplest thing possible, and
+I believe that if nature does not give you a turn for it, all the trying
+possible would never make a painter, and that what the old Roman proverb
+said of the poet, "Non fit sed nascitur poeta," is equally applicable to
+the painter. I tried it for a short time, at Hanover, but my master told
+me I was the most awkward and stupid pupil he ever had, and advised me
+to cut the concern, and I followed his advice; nor am I sorry that I did
+so, as I should never have been able to draw well, and should have only
+been discontented, and given it up in disgust. We have, however, two
+officers in our regiment who both draw and sketch exceedingly well; and
+I will try to get duplicates from them if possible, so that, if God
+spares my life, and I ever return home, I shall be able to shew you some
+specimens of the country we have passed through.
+
+_Jan. 2nd._--Well, we are to have no fighting, at least at present, it
+appears. This will be cheering news for Kitty, I expect. We were most
+egregiously disappointed in the town or city of Tatta itself. We saw it
+at a great distance on our march, and on arriving on our encamping
+ground, it looked excessively well, and gave us the idea of a very
+handsome place. We saw what we imagined to be high houses, built of
+stone, towers and pillars; but lo! when we rode in to examine it, these
+splendid buildings turned out to be a most miserable collection of white
+mud houses, which had the appearance of stone at a distance. Some of
+them were tolerably high, certainly; but the most wretched-looking
+things possible. This is the case with most towns in the east. Like
+Dartmouth, they all look best à la distance.
+
+I am sorry to say that we have a great many men in the hospital now, and
+four officers on the sick list; two of them very unwell. All the cases
+are bowel complaints, and most of them dysentery. This is the case
+generally. While on the march, soldiers seldom feel it; but when the
+halt afterwards comes, then they get touched up awfully. However, it is
+not to be wondered at, when one considers the quantity of duty which
+they have to perform at present. Out-lying and in-lying pickets, and
+guards, &c.; add to which, the being suddenly transported from the
+climate of India, to which most of them have become inured by a
+residence, on the average, of twelve years, to this comparatively cold
+and changeful climate, is enough of itself to shake them a little. They
+have also done what no Indian troops have done before: in marching in
+India, almost everything is carried for the soldier; he merely carries
+what he does on parade--viz., his firelock and accoutrements. Our
+regiment though, by-the-bye, has always carried a blanket, with a clean
+shirt and stockings and flannel waistcoat wrapped up in it, that they
+may be enabled to change as soon as they have marched in. On this march,
+each man has carried his knapsack, with his kit in it, twenty rounds of
+ammunition, a havresack with his day's rations, and a small round keg
+containing water, the weight of all which is no joke. While at
+Bominacote, we fully expected to have a little fighting after passing
+Tatta, and on our arrival here we heard a report which induced us to
+believe that we should have a brush with the Ameers very shortly; but it
+appears now that the Ameers have seen the folly of such proceedings, and
+have determined to receive us amicably, and to assist our passage
+through their country, and that it was only one of the Ameers that was
+inclined to be restive. He endeavoured to stop our camels, &c., and
+managed to do so for some time, and collected as much of what they call
+an army as he could--about 5000 of these Beloochees, but with no guns,
+or anything of that sort. However, on collecting them, they represented
+to him that the British troops were behaving so well, and the
+inhabitants of the country were getting so much more money for their
+articles of sale than they ever got before, that they considered it was
+more for their profit and advantage that the English should march
+through their country than that they should oppose them, and get licked
+into the bargain, as they were sure they would be. All eastern nations
+have an awful dread of European artillery. It also happened that the
+poor Ameer had unfortunately not the wherewithal to carry on the war,
+and his army made excessively high demands on him, you may be sure. The
+consequence of all which was, that the army dissolved itself as quietly
+as possible, and the poor Ameer found himself solus. The result is, that
+a deputation is now here, with a small force from the head Ameer, at
+Hydrabad, under the command of Nûr Mahomed, another Ameer, and that he
+has made most ample apologies for the conduct of his brother Ameer, and
+offered not only to let us pass through his country, but to assist us in
+so doing to the utmost of his power. It was indeed well for the Ameers
+that they came to this decision, as had they acted contrary we should
+have taken possession of their country to a moral certainty. Now they
+have a chance of keeping half the loaf.
+
+We have here certainly the flower of the Bombay army, and a very
+respectable force in every respect: two of the best European regiments,
+four of the best native, the 4th dragoons, two regiments of light
+cavalry, two troops of horse artillery in prime order, and a battalion
+of foot artillery, together with a splendid band of auxiliary horse from
+Cutch, the finest looking fellows I ever saw: they arrived here on the
+same day as ourselves. I was standing on one of the hills as they wound
+their way round it; I was never struck with anything so much, nor have I
+ever seen anything so orientally military before. They are dressed in
+green garments, edged with gold, and red turbans, tied under the chin,
+like the old Mahratta soldiers; their arms are match-lock, lance,
+scimitar, and pistols, and they appear to be excellent and practical
+riders. They are quite an independent corps, each man finding his own
+horse, arms, accoutrements, &c., and they take good care to be
+excellently mounted. They have a few European officers attached to them
+from the Bombay establishment. Their dress is also uncommonly handsome;
+a green hussar dress, with gold braiding. In addition to all this force,
+we have a subsidiary one nearly as large, coming on directly to follow
+our steps, and occupy Sinde, while we march on with the Bengalees for
+Cabool. This force, they say, is to consist of H.M. 40th regiment from
+Deesa, the 10th, 16th, 22nd, and 24th regiments, 23rd N.I., together
+with H.M. 90th and 61st regiments, and Ceylon Rifle Corps (Malays) from
+Ceylon, so that I expect the government at home will have to send more
+regiments to India as quickly as possible. Sir J. Keane is very likely
+to have the command of the whole force, both Bombay and Bengal, as they
+say Sir H. Fane is gone back to Bengal with half the Bengal force, in
+consequence of the Burmese declaring war; which, as might have been
+expected, they did directly when so many regiments were marched from
+their neighbourhood. This report is, however, contradicted, and they
+say now that Sir H. Fane is going home, and will meet us at Shikarpoor
+or Hydrabad, give up the command to Sir J. Keane, and go down the Indus,
+and thence to England overland. Which is the true version I know not;
+but I am afraid that I have little chance of meeting Colonel Fane, and
+giving him Arthur's letter, which I expected to do when I wrote last. I
+am delighted at the prospect of our going to Cabool: there we may have
+some fighting, and have a chance of being permanently quartered till we
+return to Europe, whenever that may be.
+
+What the original cause of all this was, as I told you before, I hardly
+know; and you are more likely to get at the true version from some of
+the Indian newspapers, or from any friends you may have connected with
+this part of the world, than from me. But, as far as I can learn, this
+appears to be it: Shah Shooja is the rightful heir to the throne of
+Cabool, and Dost Mahomed is what Mr. C. Dickens calls the "wrongful
+one," alias the usurper. Dost Mahomed had possession of the country, and
+the Indian government, from what motives I know not, determined to
+unseat him and replace Shah Shooja. In this matter they are assisted by
+old Runjet Sing, King of Lahore, or, as his oriental title goes, "the
+blind lion of the Punjab." The Persians, on the contrary, took part with
+Dost Mahomed, insulted our resident at their court, and besieged Shah
+Shooja's party in Herat; from which, however, after a siege of long
+duration, they were finally obliged to retire. There was a report at
+first that Russia was concerned in this affair, and that Russian troops
+were present with the Persians at the siege, but these turned out to be
+a regiment or two of Russian renegadoes whom the King of Persia has in
+his pay. There was another report of a letter having been discovered
+from the government of Russia to the King of Persia, which induced the
+belief that the Emperor of Russia was playing a deep game, the object of
+which was to lessen our influence in the East; and many people, I
+believe, are very much of this opinion. How far all this may be true I
+know not; but I have been told by old Indians that for a long time the
+Indian government have been anxious to have a strong footing in Sinde,
+and to command the navigation of the Indus; and that now they have the
+opportunity they are not likely to let it slip. The Afghans are a very
+hardy race of men, and we may have some sharp work with them; but I
+think a gun or two of our horse artillery would have sent the Beloochees
+scampering. They are miserably equipped; but being nearly all robbers,
+they might have annoyed us by a night attack, which would have been
+anything but pleasant, particularly for the poor sub. on out-lying
+picket. Some Bombay native merchants are at present at Tatta; they have
+been here for ten years, and have been afraid to stir for fear of being
+robbed. I have no doubt but that the inhabitants of the country would
+prefer our government considerably to that of the Ameers, as they are
+exceedingly tyrannical, and grind their subjects to the last degree,
+demanding half of everything that is offered for sale. When Burnes
+travelled first in this country, some few years ago, and was received by
+the Ameer in divan, at Hydrabad, an old priest who was present is said
+to have reproved the Ameer for receiving Burnes so civilly, and to have
+told him "that since one Englishman had seen the Indus, it would not be
+long before they would be in possession of it;" and so it seems likely
+to turn out.
+
+Well; as long as I keep my health I care little where we go or what we
+do; but marching in ill health is a great damper to the spirits. The
+stay-at-home soldiers in England little know what service in this
+climate really is. I should like to see ---- of the ---- on out-lying
+picket here; he would not find it quite so pleasant as Almack's. I have
+very little time to add more, as the post goes to Bombay to-day, but to
+wish you all at home a very happy new year, and love to all relations
+and friends, as you may not hear from me again for some time. I will
+endeavour to pick up as many curiosities and things of that description
+as possible for you, if I do not get knocked on the head. I keep a
+journal, and will write by every opportunity. Your next letter to me may
+find me in Cabool. Once more, good bye.
+
+  Ever your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER IV.
+
+  Camp, near Jarruk, on the banks of the Indus,
+  Twenty miles from Hydrabad,
+    January, 31st, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I had fully intended this letter for Kitty, but such a
+dreadful event happened in our regiment yesterday, that I was afraid, if
+she was at all unwell when she received the letter, connecting it, as
+she would, with me, it might throw her into some dreadful fever, or
+something of that sort. I have very little time to write, as the post
+leaves this, by steamer, at three o'clock to-day; and I have a great
+deal to do during the day. I think it my duty, however, to write, as the
+report of the circumstance might get into the papers without mentioning
+names, or giving wrong ones, and you might be needlessly alarmed.
+
+To strike at once _in medias res_, this event is no less than the
+horrible death of three of our officers in a burning shikargur, or large
+thicket, enclosed by the Ameers for the preservation of game. The names
+of the poor, unfortunate fellows are Sparky (whom, by-the-bye, you
+might have seen at Chatham,) Nixon, and Hibbert. The two first, Lieut.
+Sparke, in the Grenadiers, and Nixon, in the Light Company. Hibbert was
+assistant-surgeon. They were three of the finest hearted fellows: Nixon,
+a long time one of my fellow subs in the Light Company. (I can hardly
+write, my hand shakes so.) Poor Hibbert was an exceedingly clever
+fellow, and a great traveller, and one of the most beautiful draughtsmen
+you could meet with any where. They are all three a terrible loss to our
+corps. I will tell you the mournful tale as it happened. We arrived here
+on the 25th. I breakfasted on Tuesday with them at mess, which was the
+last time I ever saw them alive: they were in exceedingly high spirits.
+The success of an enterprise the day before appears to have determined
+them to go upon another expedition on this day, which at first sight did
+not appear half so hazardous as it unfortunately proved to be; this was
+no less than going into a shikargur (of which I have explained the
+meaning above) about four or five miles in the rear of our camp, and
+which was supposed to be well stocked with game. It happened that this
+jungle had been set on fire about two days previously, most likely by
+some of our camel drivers, or other native followers: some said it was
+done by the Beloochees; but this I think very unlikely, as it is dead to
+leeward of our camp. Well, they did not appear in the evening, and we
+began to be rather alarmed on their account: however, we thought they
+would turn up by some chance or other. Next morning (yesterday), when
+the regiment fell in, an hour before daylight, which the whole camp does
+here every morning, as we are supposed to have a hostile force not very
+far from us, they were reported absent. Breakfast came; no tidings of
+them: ten; eleven o'clock; and they began to be the talk of the whole
+camp. However, we speculated that the worst that could have happened to
+them was being taken prisoners by a party of Beloochees, and kept as
+hostages, or something of that sort. At twelve, General Willshire became
+so alarmed and anxious about them that he sent out a troop of the 1st
+Light Cavalry to scour the jungles, and discover what they could of
+them; another officer sent out a party of six natives, with the promise
+of a reward of two hundred rupees if they could find any tidings of
+them. Well; the day went on; and at mess, at six o'clock, nothing had
+been heard relative to their fate, except that a little dog belonging to
+poor Nixon returned to camp about four o'clock. About eight o'clock I
+was in Dickinson's tent, smoking a cheroot, &c., previous to turning in,
+when one of our servants rushed in with the dreadful intelligence that
+the bodies had been found in the jungle by the Light Cavalry. It struck
+us at first so unexpectedly, and as being a thing so dreadful, that we
+would hardly believe it; however, all doubt was soon changed into
+horrible reality by the arrival of the bodies within our lines. I was
+determined not to see them; but there was a horrible fascination which
+drew one along with the rest to the hospital tent, where they were
+lying.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Twelve o'clock.--Well; I am just returned from seeing the last honours
+paid to their remains; it is a melancholy business a military funeral;
+every officer in camp attended; and, after all, they have had the
+satisfaction of a Christian burial, which may not be our luck in a short
+time. I do not know why, but this sad event has made me an old woman
+almost! They lie side by side on a hill just in the rear of our camp;
+"no useless coffin enclosed their corse;" but there they lie together,
+wrapped in their cloaks. Peace to their manes! We intend erecting a
+monument to them, if possible. I learned that some of the staff had been
+to the jungle to investigate it thoroughly to-day, and from various
+circumstances, have come to the conclusion that they had climbed up some
+high trees, which surrounded the place where they fell, in order to
+shoot the game as they came out, and that before they had time to make
+their escape, a breeze came, which brought the smoke, and which most
+likely stifled, or at least rendered them senseless. Let us hope that
+this was the case, as I should think that so their death would not have
+been very painful: the position in which their bodies were lying when
+found seems to warrant this supposition. A porcupine was found close to
+their trees, burnt to a cinder. It blew very hard last night, and I
+passed an almost sleepless night in thinking of these poor fellows. It
+gives a man an awful shake in going through life, seeing the very
+fellows you have lived with for the last two years, in whose proceedings
+you have borne a part, brought suddenly before you in such a state: a
+man in these situations thinks more in two hours than he does in the
+whole course of his natural life under ordinary circumstances. It proves
+what helpless beings we are; how little we can control our own actions:
+truly, "in the midst of life we are in death."
+
+I wrote to you on the new year's day everything that had happened up to
+that time; the letter was to have gone by the overland mail of the 19th.
+I hope you will receive it safe, as I should be sorry you should lose
+anything from me now, as it may be the last you may ever have, so
+precarious are the chances of a soldier's life on actual service.
+Shortly after writing to you, I got ill again, and it ended in a slight
+fever, which cleared me out altogether, since which I have been in
+perfectly good health, thank God. I came off the sick list on the 22nd
+January, the day before we marched from Tatta. I will give you my
+journal from that time to the sad event which has just happened.
+
+_Wednesday, Jan._ 23, 1839.--On this day, at 6 A.M., the corps d'armé of
+Sinde marched out of the encampment near Tatta _en route_ for Hydrabad,
+the Cutch Auxiliary Horse in advance, detaching flankers, &c., then the
+main body in the following order:--The 4th Light Dragoons in front;
+next, one squadron of horse artillery, followed by two squadrons of the
+1st regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry, one company of foot artillery,
+then the first brigade of infantry, under General Willshire, consisting
+of the Queen's Royals, 5th and 1st, or Grenadier regiment, Native
+Infantry, a second squadron of horse artillery, a second company of foot
+artillery; the 2nd infantry brigade, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment,
+the 19th and 23rd regiments Native Infantry; the whole closed by two
+other squadrons of 1st Light Cavalry. We (i.e., the 1st brigade) left
+our ground a quarter before six, and halted on a rising ground close to
+the walls of Tatta, whence we had a very fair view of the cavalry,
+artillery, &c., that were in the advance of us, winding their way
+through a pretty avenue of trees: the whole presented a very animated
+and martial appearance, the different corps marching off with colours
+uncased, band playing, &c. Cunningham's, or the Poonah Auxiliary Horse,
+having only arrived the night before, did not join the main body, but
+came up somewhat later in the day, I believe. The march of the main body
+this day was not more than ten miles; but our brigade was posted two
+miles in advance of the rest of the force, and the Queen's were nearly a
+mile in advance of the other two regiments of the brigade; so that we
+marched about thirteen miles. We encamped in a rather pretty valley
+surrounded by barren rocks, with our right resting on a shikargur (or
+hunting thicket); we had a fine pebbly bottom, which was a great relief
+to our feet after the hot dust of Tatta. My baggage did not make its
+appearance till about five o'clock, my unfortunate young camel having
+proved restive, and flung its load two or three times, thereby
+considerably damaging my cot and table: mess at six,--nothing
+particular.
+
+_Thursday, Jan_. 24.--In consequence of our being so much in advance,
+our "rouse" did not sound till six o'clock this morning, and we did not
+march off our ground till seven. After we had marched about two miles;
+we halted and piled arms, to enable the cavalry, &c., in our rear to
+pass on, and thus we had a very good review of them: they marched in the
+same order as yesterday, except that in addition, and near to the light
+cavalry, came Cunningham's horse from Poonah: this was the first time we
+had seen them; they made a very splendid appearance, about 600 strong,
+and well equipped in every respect; their dress and accoutrements the
+same as the Cutch Horse, (of which I gave you a description in my last,)
+with the difference of wearing yellow and red instead of green and red.
+We had a very pleasant march this day, except the latter part, which was
+exceedingly dusty; some very pretty and romantic scenery, consisting of
+ruined forts, abrupt hills, large rocks, interspersed with some
+beautiful lakes here and there. We reached our encamping ground rather
+late--half-past eleven o'clock--lost my breakfast, owing to my native
+groom, who carried some stock for me, and to whom I had given directions
+to wait by the regiment till they had piled arms and were dismissed,
+having disobeyed my orders, and cut off with my tatter to the river,
+about three miles off: gave chase directly the parade was dismissed, and
+walked through a shikargur to the river, but could not find the rascal.
+I had, however, a good view of the Indus, which does not here appear to
+be very broad: a cruel hot day; and, in addition to my other
+misfortunes, was nearly stifled by the clouds of dust raised by cavalry
+of every description leading their horses to water. On my return to camp
+I luckily found my baggage arrived, and had a good snoose till six
+o'clock, mess time; heard at mess that the Ameers had agreed to all our
+terms, and would do everything to assist our passage through their
+country; that we were to march straight to Shikarpoor, without halting
+at Hydrabad; after remaining at which place for some time, we should
+advance upon Candahar,--all fudge. Our position this halt was about the
+centre of the army,--bad encamping ground,--very dusty.
+
+_Friday, 25th_.--Left our encampment at six, in the same order as
+before; our out-lying picket, under Stisted, joined us near our first
+halt, about three miles. Warlike news,--the Ameers had rejected our
+treaty, and that a force of 10,000 Beloochees had crossed the river; and
+would probably give us some trouble. Stisted had received orders to keep
+a very sharp look-out with his picket, as there was a chance of its
+being attacked: Jephson joined, with news from Sir J. Keane, that there
+was every chance of our being attacked on the line of march; however, we
+were not, although we passed over some very pretty ground for a battle.
+Marched into our encamping ground about half-past ten, near a
+half-ruined village called Jarruk, on the banks of the river; the army
+here took up a rather strong position, on a chain of heights; our
+brigade being, however, pushed on again in advance, on some low and
+jungly ground near the river; the Queen's again on the extreme front.
+News still warlike; the Beloochees, under Meer Mahomet, one of the
+Ameers, and the most restive of them, being supposed to be near us in
+great force, though nobody seemed to know where. All the oot-wallas, or
+camel-drivers, put under charge of sentries, as there was reason to
+suspect they meditated deserting in the night with our camels. Bad
+encamping ground again,--a dusty, half-cultivated field.
+
+_Saturday, 26th_.--Turned out of bed between two and three, A.M., with
+orders to fall in, at a moment's notice, in "light marching order," as
+an attack was strongly expected. Spies had reported that 10,000
+Beloochees were in a shikargur not seven miles from us, and that they
+intended a night attack; everybody in the highest state of excitement,
+pistols loading, &c. Fell in an hour before daylight; cavalry sent out
+in all directions; staff and field-officers galloping about like mad
+fellows; remained under arms till day had fully broke, when we were
+dismissed, but commanded not to stray far from camp: great excitement
+all day; Cunningham's horse sent out to reconnoitre; returned late at
+night, reporting that they had patrolled sixteen miles in advance, had
+closely examined the shikargur in question, and could find no traces of
+the Beloochees,--a strong suspicion, however, remained that there were
+Beloochees in our neighbourhood.
+
+_Sunday, 27th_.--Under arms an hour before daylight; no further news;
+camp quiet. As I was to be on out-lying picket this evening, rode out
+after breakfast to look at my ground, which appeared rather strong,
+intersected with ravines, brushwood; &c., and a good place to hold
+against cavalry. Mounted picket at five o'clock, P.M., fifty-seven rank
+and file, two serjeants, four corporals, and one bugler, a chain of nine
+double sentries, the right resting on the river and the Hydrabad road,
+and the chain running along a dry nullah, till it communicated with the
+sentries of the 5th regiment's picket; a corporal's party of three men
+detached in advance to an old ruin on the left front; a picket of
+cavalry about two miles in advance, with videttes on some high ground. A
+beautiful moonlight night, and not very cold till about one o'clock in
+the morning; lay on the ground and thought of what was going on at
+Brookhill and fancy ball at Torquay; visited my sentries continually;
+the men in high spirits, and very much on the alert; nothing
+extraordinary occurred.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER V.
+
+  Camp Kotree, four miles from Hydrabad,
+    February 6th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I wrote to you a few days ago from Jarruk, informing
+you of the melancholy fate of three of my brother officers; but having
+received your letter since, dated Nov. 20th, containing the bill for 670
+rupees (or 70l.), and informing me of the news of Kate's intended
+marriage, I could not let slip an opportunity which has just occurred,
+by our having got possession of Curachee, of writing to Kitty, and also,
+at the same time, of informing you of what has occurred since. You will
+receive this at the same time as you do the other, since it will arrive
+at Bombay in time to go by the same overland mail.
+
+I wrote to you on the 31st; and on Sunday, the 3rd of February, we
+marched out of Jarruk for this place; we made a two days' march of it,
+both very disgusting; horrible, or rather no roads at all; nothing but
+dust and sand under our feet, which the wind blew into our eyes every
+minute; add to which, small halts every five minutes, on account of the
+artillery in our front, who could not get on through the badness of the
+way: this perpetual halting is the most wearisome thing possible to a
+soldier when once fairly under weigh. Well; we arrived here on the day
+before yes-day; our front is now completely changed, being towards the
+river, and not turned from it, or with our right resting on it, as it
+has been before; our brigade is on the extreme right. Of course, you
+know that we are on the western bank, and that Hydrabad is on the
+eastern, and therefore the opposite one. Since we have been here, we
+have a little relaxed in our discipline, being no longer under arms
+before daylight; but reports are still very various as to whether we are
+to have peace or war with the Ameers, and whether we shall eventually
+have to sack Hydrabad or not. A deputation from thence came over
+yesterday to Sir J. Keane. It appears that the Ameers will agree to our
+treaty, but demur about the money which that treaty obliges them to pay.
+As far as I can learn, though I do not advise you to put much reliance
+on it, as I may very likely be wrong, this seems to be the case. It
+appears that the Ameers have long owed our ally, whom we are going to
+place on the throne of Cabool, Shah Shooja, twenty lacs of rupees; that
+on our declaring war they agreed to pay this sum, with Shah Shooja's
+consent, to our government to meet the expenses of the war, and to give
+us a passage through their country to Shikarpoor. However, from our
+first landing in their country they have played a most underhand game,
+and endeavoured to throw every indirect obstacle in our way, behaving
+friendly to our faces, but behind our backs giving very different
+directions to their satellites: this was found out by means of
+intercepted letters, particularly at our last halt at Jarruk. The
+conduct of our party may not be considered of quite the fairest nature,
+as we are establishing posts in their country by way of communication,
+and reserves at three or four different places. This was, no doubt, part
+of the original plan that sent us here, as these posts are to be
+strongly fortified, consisting, it is supposed, of Shikarpoor, Schwun,
+Tatta, and Curachee, and are to be the posts of defence on our
+north-west frontiers against any incursions from our northern
+neighbours, particularly Russia. The Ameers are particularly indignant
+at this, as I am told it did not form part of the original treaty, and
+they see in it, no doubt with justice, a prelude to our final possession
+of their country. Pottinger, the political agent, had collected, before
+he left Hydrabad, grain for the army to the value of three lacs of
+rupees; this, it is now found out, has either been taken away or
+destroyed, and Sir J. Keane immediately added it to the other twenty
+lacs contained in the treaty. The Ameers say they will pay half the
+whole sum demanded here, and the remaining half on our arrival at
+Shikarpoor. This Sir J. Keane has refused, and told them he will not
+leave this or Hydrabad till he gets every fraction.
+
+We yesterday received news which must, I should think, have an effect on
+the Ameers one way or the other. The admiral on this station, Sir F.
+Maitland, brought up in his 74 (I think the Wellesley) H.M. 40th
+regiment, from Mandivie, in Cutch, to Curachee, a fort on the
+westernmost branch of the Indus. On approaching the fort, the Beloochees
+who garrisoned it, taking it for a common free-trader, had the foolish
+presumption to fire into her; the admiral wore his vessel round, just
+gave one broadside, down came their fort in one second about their
+ears,--you may guess how it astonished them: they sent word to say that
+the English fire a lac of shot in one second. They say the Ameers were
+one year in taking this place, which cost the English one second. I
+think myself that we shall not have any fighting here, and that Hydrabad
+will still remain in the hands of the Ameers.
+
+The report to-day is, that we cross the river to-morrow; if so, I
+suppose with hostile intentions, or at least for intimidation; but this
+I hardly believe. Sir J. Keane, they say, refused to receive the
+deputation from the Ameers yesterday. Should the thing be settled
+peaceably, we shall immediately march for Shikarpoor, and thence most
+likely on Candahar, a new climate. It has been getting gradually hotter
+here; and in the hot season Sinde is dreadful. At Shikarpoor we meet a
+part, if not the whole, of the Bengal force, and Shah Shooja, with his
+and Runjet Sing's contingent, is also there. Runjet himself is very ill:
+part of the agreement between him and us was, that we should preserve
+the throne to his son on his demise. He was excessively civil to Lord
+Auckland, and all the English who have been at Lahore. Sir H. Fane, they
+say, still proceeds with the Bengal army. The drummer is here waiting
+for my letter, as it is very late for the post, so, in haste, good bye.
+Love, &c., and believe me ever,
+
+  Your most affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S. Jephson is post-master to the force.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VI.
+
+  Camp, near Larkhanu,
+    Wednesday, 6th March, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I last wrote to you from Kotree, opposite Hydrabad. We
+are now, as you will see by the date, at Larkhanu, a pretty considerable
+distance from the former place. I see, by my journal, that it was the
+6th of February when I last wrote, exactly one month ago. We were then,
+I believe, rather ignorant of what the Ameers intended; but the fate of
+Curachee, of which I gave you an account; brought them to their senses,
+and the day after I wrote things were settled, and officers had
+permission to visit Hydrabad, merely reporting their names to their
+respective majors of brigade before they did so. In consequence of which
+I went over to that place on the 9th, with Dickenson and Piercy; but
+there was not much to repay us for our ride, under a cruelly hot sun, as
+the fort, the only place worth seeing, was shut up, and no one could get
+a view of the inside except a few of the staff. It did not appear to be
+very strong, although it had a pretty appearance. I think the Ameers
+acted very wisely, as it could easily be taken by escalade. The rest of
+the town consisted of a great straggling bazaar, just the same as is to
+be seen everywhere in India; and it did not appear a bit better than
+that at Belgaum. There were some fine elephants belonging to the Ameers,
+and some pretty ruins on the outskirts of the town. The Beloochees had
+all left, and were nowhere to be seen.
+
+Sunday, the 10th, we marched off our ground at Kotree, and reached
+Lukkee on Saturday, the 16th, after a six days' march, most of them
+fifteen miles. Here we halted four days to allow the pioneers, &c., to
+make a road over the Lukkee Pass for the artillery. We found here some
+excellent sulphur springs and baths, about a mile from our encampment,
+among the Lukkee hills, which, if they could be transported to
+Dartmouth, would make a second Bath of it. The whole of our force were
+bidetizing here all day long. Being so directly under the hills, we
+found it rather warmer than we liked. There were some large lakes here,
+full of wild duck, and capital partridge-shooting, and we were cracking
+away all the time. On the march to this place I had the misfortune to
+lose a very nice little bull-terrier bitch, about a year old, which I
+had from a pup, at Belgaum, and which had followed my fortunes so far.
+It was all her own fault, as she broke from my tent one night, and
+though I used every endeavour I could hear nothing more of her.
+
+The 21st we marched over the Pass to Schwun, the largest place in Sinde
+next to Tatta. The Pass was not half so bad as we expected, so we filed
+over it very easily. On our arrival at Schwun we heard that Sir H. Fane
+had just passed down the river, with his staff, _en route_ for Bombay,
+and was laying at anchor about five miles down the river, where Sir J.
+Keane went to meet him; so that here ended my last chance of meeting
+Col. Fane, and giving him Arthur's letter. Sir H. Fane will remain at
+Bombay, which is to be the head quarters of the Indian army while this
+business lasts. We only halted one day at Schwun; I rode in to look at
+the town, which was nearly desolate, as the inhabitants of every place
+invariably remove with their families on our arrival. There was,
+however, a fine old castle in ruins, which was well worth seeing, and
+must have been a place of some importance in former days; and a very
+superb mosque in the centre of the town, in which was a tame tiger. We
+left Schwun on Saturday, the 23rd, crossing the Arrul river, which flows
+round the town into the Indus, on pontoons, and commenced our first
+march in Upper Sinde. This day's march was delightful, and the only
+tolerable one we have had, all the rest being through a dismal, dusty
+desert, with sometimes no path at all, and the dust generally so thick
+in marching that you cannot see an inch before you. This was, however,
+a grand exception. We marched by the side of a magnificent lake, full of
+wild fowl, the banks of which were carpeted with rich wild clover, and
+over-shadowed with fine trees, the only ones of any size that we have
+yet seen in Sinde; so that you might almost fancy you were going through
+a nobleman's park in England (Kitly, par example.) In fact, this place
+put me more in mind of Old England than, any I have seen in the East.
+From Schwun we marched direct to this place, which we reached on the
+4th, the day before yesterday, without halting once: most of the marches
+fifteen miles, and all terrible teasers, on account of the badness of
+the roads, and the stupidity or wilful ignorance of our guides. One of
+our marches was to have been a short one of ten miles; but for some
+unaccountable reasons our route and encamping ground were changed three
+times. We lost our way in the jungle, and marched fifteen, instead of
+ten, miles before we found ourselves in our proper places; on arrival at
+which we found that half the officers' and men's baggage was gone on to
+our next encamping ground, fifteen miles further, which, owing to the
+variety of places named in orders, our servants supposed to be the right
+one. My baggage was one of the unlucky; but my servant came back with my
+things about five o'clock in the evening; so that my poor camels must
+have gone nearly forty miles that day, with a prospect of another
+fifteen the next morning at five. General Willshire, and, I hear, Sir
+J. Keane also, were among the sufferers. Our poor sick were all lost in
+the jungles for this day, and we saw nothing of half of them till we
+arrived on our next encamping ground. Some of them were upwards of
+twenty-four hours without getting anything to eat, or attendance of any
+sort. Well, we marched to this place on the day before yesterday, after
+ten days' regular hard work. A great number in hospital; though they are
+coming out again now pretty fast.
+
+It is believed we shall halt here about a week; but what we shall do
+then nobody seems to know. The greater part of the force will, it is
+believed, follow the Bengalees to Candahar, who marched from Shikarpoor
+for that purpose, under Sir Willoughby Cotton, on the 22nd, but have
+since been detained, owing to the impracticability of the country. One
+regiment of our brigade (the Grenadier regiment, Native Infantry) is
+under orders for Bukkur, an island fort on the Indus, about twenty-five
+miles from Shikarpoor, which (i.e., Bukkur) is to be our depôt for
+stores, &c., and where all the present unfits, in the shape of sick men,
+are to be sent. No doubt some other troops will be left in Upper Sinde,
+at different places, and I have some fears that the "Queen's" may be
+among the number. Heaven defend us from being quartered in any part of
+this wretched country, particularly from Shikarpoor, which is said to be
+one of the hottest places in existence. In fact, the Persians say,
+"While there is a Shikarpoor, there ought to be no Johannum," or hell.
+What a pity it would be to lose such a capital chance of seeing
+Candahar, and perhaps Cabool, which is said to be a splendid place and a
+delightful climate. The Bolan Pass, a most magnificent and difficult
+one, the key to Afghanistan from Sinde, is said to be now totally
+impassable, from the number of dead cattle, horses, and camels, which
+Shah Shooja's force lost there. This I believe, however, to be mere
+report. We heard, the other day, that Dost Mahomed had occupied it, and
+that we should have to take it at the point of the bayonet. So much do
+reports vary, one knows not what to believe. This pass, said to be
+thirty miles long, and at some places almost impassable, runs through
+and over the large chain of mountains that separates the mountainous
+country of Candahar and Cabool, or, as it is generally called,
+Afghanistan, from the lowland of Sinde; it is not easy to cross it, at
+least before April, as till then the snows are not melted.
+
+I hope and trust my next letter will be dated from Candahar, which is,
+however, a good six weeks' march from this place. We have found the
+weather dreadfully hot for the last few days, averaging generally 106 in
+our tents in the day time, though the nights are cool, and the mornings
+generally very cold. I have not yet been in Larkhanu, though we marched
+through a part of it on our arrival. Our men have been now for three
+days without any dram at all, and their rations are getting worse and
+worse every day; in fact, things are so bad that they have been obliged
+to send to Shikarpoor for part of what was left there by the Bengal
+commissariat, which is said to be excellent, and which has fed their
+army very well, although they have come a much greater distance than we
+have.
+
+I spoke to our paymaster about my bill, and he has shewn it to the
+paymaster-general, who says he will cash it whenever I like, but that I
+must take it in a lump; he will not give it me by instalments. This is a
+great nuisance, as it is very hazardous taking so much money about with
+one; the money, too, takes up a great deal of room and is very heavy; it
+was, however, quite a god-send, as I had no idea how very expensive this
+march would turn out; grain for cattle being exceedingly dear, the
+natives raising the price to about 500 per cent. everywhere, thanks to
+bad management somewhere. At Tatta each officer received a month's pay
+in advance, that he might purchase cattle for his baggage. This is to be
+deducted by three instalments, one from each of the next three issues of
+pay. An ensign's pay for one month will hardly purchase sufficient
+conveyances. The only mode in this country is by camels, and a camel is
+of all animals the most treacherous, or rather precarious lived; they
+get ill suddenly and go off in three hours: a great number have died
+with us. Now an officer losing his camels loses one month's pay, and
+must leave his kit on the ground, as he has nothing wherewith to replace
+his loss. You can, therefore, imagine what a great relief your bill
+proved to me, as I shall always have it to fall back upon. I bought a
+very nice little Cabool horse at Kotree, from one of the Ameers'
+disbanded Beloochees. He is very hardy, and accustomed to this country,
+and not particular as to his food, which is a capital thing, as most of
+the Arab horses that have been brought from India have fallen off
+terribly. He is a very pretty figure, goes well, and leaps capitally,
+which few of the Arabs can. I gave 170 rupees for him, or 17l. In India,
+I am confident he would fetch 500 or 600 rupees (50l. or 60l.)
+
+I am very doubtful as to the time when this letter may reach you; I hope
+it may catch the overland mail on the 25th; but Jephson says it is very
+doubtful, and will depend entirely on the chance of there being a ship
+at Curachee, or off the Hujamree. The heat now, while I am writing, is
+dreadful, and there is a beastly hot wind blowing which I never felt
+before. Heaven send us soon out of Sinde! We are expecting the overland
+mail from England every day; it generally manages to come two days after
+I write home. You will by this time have received the letter I wrote
+from the Syden, and the one I wrote to Kate about the 13th of December
+from Bominacote. Reports vary much as to whether we shall have any
+fighting if we advance into Candahar. I should think Dost Mahomed would
+like to try a brush with us, at least with Shah Shooja.
+
+With love to all at home,
+
+  Believe me your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VII.
+
+
+  Camp, Candahar, June 8th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I begin this letter to you on the 8th of June, 1839,
+though when it will reach you, or whether it ever will, is very
+doubtful. I have not written, I see, since the beginning of March, from
+Larkhanu; there was, however, very little use in so doing, as there was
+very little chance of your ever getting it, our friends the Beloochees,
+Kaukers, &c., having made free with nearly every mail, and destroyed
+them. I am very much afraid that I also have been a sufferer by them,
+and that you must have written to me long ere this, but that our friends
+of the Bolan Pass have made use of the letter to wrap their cabobs in. I
+have not heard from you or from home at all since the 2nd of February,
+when I got your letter, dated November 20th, enclosing the bill on
+government, and informing me of Kate's intended marriage. I have,
+however, long since this heard of my lieutenancy, and seen my name in
+the "Gazette," but have not yet received the confirmation of it from Sir
+H. Fane in this country, so that I have been fighting my way, and am
+likely to continue so, on the rank and pay of a full ensign; however,
+there will be so much the more back pay to receive when it does come; it
+is a great nuisance, however, not having it, as I require it so much in
+this country. You can form no conception of the hopeless expense which
+we have inevitably been obliged to incur. We have had a tolerable share
+of hardships, &c., and the poor marching soldiers have suffered
+terribly. What do you think of our having made a forced march of thirty
+to forty miles, for six hours of it under the hottest sun I can
+recollect, and I have felt a few of them in India? Since we left
+Larkhanu we have met with little but a series of robberies, murders,
+alarms, and skirmishes; in short, everything but an actual stand-up
+fight, which we were all anxious for, as it would settle matters at
+once, and free us from the predatory attacks and cold-blooded murders of
+these barbarous tribes.
+
+To begin from where I left off: we marched from Larkhanu on the 11th
+March, and reached Dadur, about four miles from the entrance to the
+Bolan Pass, the nest of the robber hordes of Kaukers, Tuckers, and
+Beloochees, on the 6th of April, having halted several times at
+intermediate places, and made some terrible marches, fifteen miles being
+the average distance. We often lost our way, and marched thereby a
+great deal further than was necessary, through bad guidance. I must tell
+you, however, that before leaving Larkhanu, Sir J. Keane assumed the
+command of the whole army, both Bengal and Bombay, by which General
+Willshire got command of the Bombay division. The two Bombay brigades
+were broken up, the Grenadiers and 5th regiment of Native Infantry were
+sent to garrison Bukkur, a tolerably strong fort on the Indus, and the
+23rd Native Infantry was sent to Lukkur, a town on the opposite side.
+There also the different regiments that were to go on sent their sick,
+and Bukkur was made a depot for supplies, medical stores, &c. The
+greater part of the foot and some of the horse artillery were sent there
+also. Our regiment and the 17th were then made into one brigade, and
+marched from Larkhanu, as I said before, on the 11th. The cavalry and
+horse artillery, &c., did not march for two days after, with the
+Commander-in-chief, who took with him his pet corps; the 19th Native
+Infantry. They marched by a different route from ourselves on account of
+the scarcity of supplies in that desert country; we halted for them at
+Kochee, which place we reached on the 15th about 3 P.M., after the
+thirty to forty miles' march I before told you of, across the marshy
+desert which seems to divide Sinde from Cutch Gundava. This march ought
+only to have been twenty-six miles; but owing to the stupidity of our
+guide we went a longer and more circuitous route, and also had the
+pleasure of losing our way during the night; in addition to which, on
+arriving at the village where it was intended to halt, our staff found
+out, all of a sudden, that there was not a sufficiency of water for the
+whole force, in consequence of which we were moved to another village
+(Kichee) five miles further on.
+
+It was during this march that I first witnessed the effects of extreme
+thirst on men, however well disciplined. It was, as I have said before,
+the hottest day I ever felt; not a breath of air, and the sun enough to
+knock you down. The men were suffering dreadfully, and falling out by
+sections, when about eleven or twelve o'clock they caught sight of some
+water carriers with their mussacks full, so that they knew water could
+not be far off. All discipline was pitched to the devil in an instant,
+and the men rushed from the ranks for the water more like mad devils
+than anything else--nothing could stop them; the mounted officers
+galloped in amongst them, and threatened, but to no purpose; nothing
+short of cutting them down would have stopped any of them. In the midst
+of this, General Willshire, at the head of the brigade, hearing a row
+and looking round, saw the greater part of the 17th (they being in front
+on this day) scampering across the country like a pack of hounds; not
+knowing what was the matter, he galloped up to the colonel and demanded
+an explanation, when, seeing what was the cause, he made the best of it,
+called a halt, and every one immediately rushed to the wells, the
+scenes at which were most ridiculous, fighting, pushing, knocking down
+&c. I saw one man actually lie down and wallow in a filthy ditch full of
+every description of dirt imaginable. We halted here about two hours,
+and then marched to our ground, about six or seven miles further on, the
+men performing this latter part of the march with great cheerfulness. We
+halted here two days to rest the men, and were joined by the rest of the
+Bombay force, with the Commander-in-chief.
+
+We marched again on the 18th, another night march about twenty miles.
+Here we made another halt for three days, while some of the staff went
+on to get information of the country a-head, about which they were
+ignorant. All the villages we had passed through were deserted, and in
+some places the water was stinking. We looked back upon Sinde as a
+paradise compared to the country we were now in. All the little grain
+that was supplied to the bazaars by the commissariat was sold at the
+most exorbitant price, yet we were obliged to buy it, and as much as we
+could get of it too, and lucky we thought ourselves to get any of it,
+even at this rate, at times, in order to feed our horses and camels,
+which were beginning to knock up terribly. We could not now, as we used
+to do in Sinde, send the latter into the jungle to feed on the small
+brushwood, of which they were so fond, except at the risk of being
+robbed of them, and having the servants who looked after them murdered
+by the bands of Beloochees who hovered about us in every direction.
+Still, notwithstanding these annoyances, the humbugging system of
+conciliation was kept up, and although there was not an inhabitant to be
+seen, we were robbed to our faces very nearly; yet if a poor sub.'s
+horse or camel happened to break his ropes and strayed into a field he
+was immediately pounced upon by a provost-marshal and put into a sort of
+pound, from which he was not released except on the payment of a certain
+sum to be given to the owners of the field! Where were they to be found?
+The loss of camels now was irreparable; even if there were any to be
+sold, the prices asked were so exorbitant that few of us youngsters,
+hampered as we were, could afford to purchase; loss of camels produced
+loss of kit, loss of kit produced loss of health, &c. Yet during the
+whole of this march we were losing camels through robberies and fatigue,
+and no measures taken that we ever heard of to put a stop to it. We
+marched from this place on the 22nd, and came to a halt again at a place
+called Kotrie, close under the Hala mountains, about five miles from the
+Gundava Pass. Here we (i.e., our brigade and the 4th Light Dragoons)
+halted for a week. Sir J. Keane pushed on a-head with two troops of
+Light Cavalry and the left wing of the 19th Native Infantry, in order to
+catch up Sir Willoughby Cotton, who was marching in command of the main
+body of the Bengal division. General Willshire, with the staff,
+artillery, and cavalry, was at Gundava, about eight miles from us. At
+this place, Kotrie, which the inhabitants luckily had not deserted, we
+were better off in point of supplies than we had been since we left
+Larkhanu, and there was plenty of shooting and fishing; but it was
+without exception the hottest place I ever was in. Being close under a
+high range of mountains, we were perfectly screened from any cool
+breezes that might take it into their heads to blow from that quarter;
+add to this, the hills themselves, being composed of granite, or some
+stone of that description, attracted the sun, and reflected the heat
+back again on us, so that we were attacked from two sides at once. By
+this time we had no stronger liquor with us than tea, so that we were
+perfectly eligible to become members of the Tea-total Temperance
+Society; our supplies in the liquor line, which we had sent on from
+Hydrabad to Larkhanu by water, not having reached the latter place in
+time for us to get them. In this respect the men were better off than
+ourselves, they having their dram or two every day. Here the robbers
+began to be more bold, and we did not lose sight of them until we
+reached Candahar. Five mails (one of them an "overland," bringing,
+perhaps, letters from you or some one at home) out of six were robbed
+between this and Shikarpoor; and news was received from Sir J. Keane in
+advance that at the entrance of the Bolan Pass several bodies of sepoys
+of Shah Shooja's army were lying, there having been a grand skrimmage
+there between the sepoys and Beloochees, in which the former, being
+caught napping, were worsted. We stayed at this place, as I said before,
+a week, and started again on the 31st.
+
+On the morning of the 2nd of April, during a severe march of twenty-two
+miles, one of our men, a straggler, who had fallen to the rear with
+dysentery, was murdered by these robbers, and another man of the 17th
+cruelly wounded, but he has since recovered. They were sitting together
+by the side of the road, when of a sudden a party of Beloochees rushed
+out from some low bushes, and, before either had time to rise, fired
+into them. Adams, of the Queen's, received a ball on the outside of his
+right thigh, passing down, and coming out at his knee on the other side,
+and cutting some particular vein or artery, which occasioned his death
+through loss of blood. The 17th man was hit on the right side, the ball
+coasting round his body, and coming out at the other side, without
+touching his tripes or any vital part. Adams had not his firelock with
+him, but the 17th man had his, but unloaded, and, in his struggles to
+keep possession of it, received some desperate sabre cuts; but he has
+since recovered. Of course he was soon overpowered, as Adams could give
+no assistance. The Beloochees then stripped them of everything, except
+their shirt and trowsers, and left them to their fate, till another man
+of the 17th came up, in charge of some of his company's camels, who
+brought in the news to camp; but the apothecary who went out was too
+late to save poor Adams. It was gratifying to know that Cunningham,
+with a party of his horse, having received intelligence that a party of
+these blackguards were encamped in a jungle, beat through it, and
+followed their tracks for fourteen miles, when he came upon them, and
+killed six and took four prisoners; Cunningham having outstripped his
+party, killed two men himself and took another prisoner. These rascals
+were brought into camp, and strictly guarded, or I believe they would
+have been torn to pieces by the European soldiers. One of them was sworn
+to by the wounded 17th man as being one of the murderers, and we were
+all in great hopes of seeing the blackguards dancing the tight rope;
+but, instead of that, they were all brought on (except one, who being
+badly wounded, died on the road) to Dadur, where they were given up to
+one of the political diplomatic gentlemen, who, it is said, actually let
+them go with five rupees to carry them home. Fancy a Beloochee's _home!_
+This was carrying the conciliation principle far with a vengeance!
+
+We started again at half-past twelve, on the night of the 3rd--another
+night-march of nineteen miles. Both the nights we were at this place we
+were alarmed by a supposed attack of Beloochees; but they turned out to
+be nothing more than a loose horse or two of the dragoons, for which one
+of their camp-followers suffered, being taken for a Beloochee, while
+running after one of the horses, and therefore cut down by a dragoon on
+sentry. The night we left this place was one of the most fearful I ever
+remember; it had been threatening all the afternoon, and about eight the
+simoom came on with dreadful violence, blowing for five minutes at a
+time, at intervals of twenty minutes or so, until we got under weigh, at
+half-past twelve. The wind, hot and scorching, like a blast from a
+furnace, rushed over the country with the violence of a hurricane,
+bringing with it perfect clouds of dust and sand, so that it was totally
+impossible to face it, except at the risk of being actually blinded or
+stifled. The baggage was to have gone on before us at nine o'clock, as
+the moon was expected to be up, but the clouds of dust, &c., completely
+hid her from us, and she did not shew her nose the whole night. During
+the blasts it was the most perfect "darkness visible" that you can
+imagine, and at the intervals when it ceased, the sensation of the
+atmosphere was more like standing before a hot fire than anything else.
+I had read of these things before in novels, travels, &c; I now, for the
+first time, experienced the reality. Add to all these little annoyances,
+we were every moment expecting a rush of Beloochees; and if they had had
+the pluck of a hare, they might have considerably crippled our
+proceedings, by rushing in and ham-stringing our camels. The darkness,
+the unavoidable confusion, the awkwardness of the camels themselves, all
+favoured them, and I expected nothing less; if they had been Cossacks
+instead, they would have played the very devil with us altogether. At
+length, at half-past eleven, the baggage got off, and now for the first
+time with a baggage guard, consisting of a troop, or company, from each
+of the three regiments, together with all the irregular horse we
+possessed, with strict orders that any Beloochees shewing themselves at
+all near the baggage were instantly to be cut down or bayoneted. The
+main body followed in another hour, with a strong rear-guard, to pick up
+stragglers, &c. These precautions ought to have been taken before, and
+poor Adams would have been saved. I know very little of this march, as I
+remember I slept through the whole of it, until morning, on horseback,
+being terribly fatigued and worn out. The morning was delightfully cool,
+with a fresh bracing breeze from the north. You may well imagine how we
+enjoyed it, after the terrible relaxation of the night before. We
+reached our ground about seven, at a place called Nonsherah. Here we
+heard some bloody-minded reports of the Beloochees, who had been
+plundering the artillery and left wing of the 19th, which were here the
+day before. They seemed, however, to have made a pretty good
+retaliation, and four Beloochees' heads were stuck upon the walls of the
+town, in proof of the soldiers' vengeance. In consequence of there being
+a good baggage-guard, the Beloochees made themselves tolerably scarce
+during this march, although the ground was very favourable for them.
+However, they now and then took long shots from the nullahs, &c., that
+were near the road, but without doing any damage. At last, a soldier,
+from the baggage-guard company of the 17th, having occasion to fall out,
+and going into a nullah for his purpose, unexpectedly found himself
+cheek by jowl with thirty of these rascals. He was knocked down, but
+bellowing out most lustily, his section came up, and being joined by
+another section of the Queen's, they shot about six of them dead, and
+put the rest to flight, having rescued the 17th man. The robbers at this
+place were _rather_ forward, and actually walked off with some camels
+that were out feeding close to the rear of our encampment, in the middle
+of the day. They were, however, all recovered very soon by the
+Irregulars, and those of the robbers who could not manage to escape,
+managed to get their heads broken by these surwars; and intelligence
+having been received that a whole gang, with their families, were
+encamped near us, a party of fourteen, and one jemadar, of the 1st Light
+Cavalry, were sent out, who coming unexpectedly upon them, the robbers
+advanced to shew fight, when the jemadar gave the word to fire, and each
+trooper brought down his bird. The rest immediately took to their heels,
+and owing to the nature of the ground (it was among the hills) effected
+their escape. The troopers returned to camp with the swords and shields,
+&c., of the fallen. From this place we marched again the next morning,
+and a short and easy march brought us to Dadur.
+
+_June 27th_.--I have not been able to write much lately, as it was
+literally too hot to do so. We have had it from 115 to 120 in our tents
+during the day; for the last week, however, it has been getting cooler,
+and to-day is pleasant enough. I wished also to keep the letter open as
+long as I could; but now, since we march on Sunday next, the 30th, I
+have not much time left, though I have a great deal more to say. I
+received by the mail the confirmation of my lieutenancy, by Sir H. Fane,
+from Bombay. An "overland" arrived again here last night, but no letters
+or anything for me. I see, by the English papers, that there was a
+report at home that we had lost 3000 men already--the greatest lie
+possible. If we had lost that, we should have lost more than half the
+Bombay army. We have not lost more than we generally do in quarters,
+though the men have been, terribly knocked up, and well they may be,
+with the horrible marches they have made. I was very much amused by the
+debates in Parliament, with regard to our "military promenade," as some
+of the papers call it. I wish I could see some of their writers on an
+out-lying picket, with a prospect of a twenty miles' march, I rather
+think they would not talk so much of "promenading." The Bengal army,
+with our cavalry, and most of the artillery, marched this morning for
+Cabool. Shah Shooja goes to-morrow or next day, and we bring up the
+rear, as I said before, on Sunday. However, we will talk of that anon,
+or I shall forget where I left off. On looking back, I find that I have
+brought the force up as far as Dadur. Well; we halted there till the
+12th. The 17th, artillery and Irregular Horse, however, marched before
+us, on the 9th. While there, the rascally Beloochees and Kaukers kept
+hovering about us, and walked off with some camels and a horse or two.
+They generally, however, paid very dearly for them, as the cavalry that
+were sent after them on these occasions made a terrible example of them.
+
+While here we heard of a shocking murder at Curachee. A Captain Hand, of
+the 1st Bombay Grenadier Regiment, was taking his morning's ride, when,
+on turning a corner on the top of a hill, he unexpectedly found himself
+in the midst of about thirty Beloochees. They talked to him very
+civilly, and he allowed them to get round his horse, not suspecting
+anything, when one rascal behind him gave him a terrible wipe on the
+back of his head with his sword, which knocked him off his horse, and
+the others rushed in, and cut him to pieces. A Lieut. Clarke, of the
+same corps, happened to be riding this way, and seeing these Beloochees,
+asked them if they had seen a Latich pass that way, meaning Hand; to
+which they replied by a volley from their matchlocks, a ball from one of
+which struck Clarke on the leg, and he galloped for camp as fast as he
+could, and fell off his horse exhausted before the quarter-guard of H.M.
+40th regiment. A party was immediately sent out, and they found the
+body of poor Hand horribly mutilated. A good number of these rascals
+have been since taken, and, I suppose, hanged; unless the conciliation
+principle lets these rascals off also. They belong to different bands,
+under different robber-chiefs, among the hills. These robber Khans have
+strongholds on the almost inaccessible mountains that run up the whole
+west frontier of Sinde, and divide it from Beloochistan. All merchandize
+and travellers passing through Sinde to the west of the Indus are
+obliged to pay a sort of black mail to these Khans to be allowed to pass
+through; but so bad is their name for treachery, ferocity, &c., that
+few, if any, of the traders between India and Central Asia go this
+route. They do not care a farthing for the Ameers, who also secretly
+connive at their proceedings, in order to draw recruits from them on any
+emergency.
+
+Well; we got the steam up again on the 12th, and, together with the 4th
+Light Dragoons, and about sixty Irregulars, started for the celebrated
+Bolan Pass, with a great quantity of commissariat stores from Bukkur,
+for the army in advance, under our charge. This celebrated Pass would be
+the best line of communication between the countries of Central Asia and
+Sinde; and as far as the Pass is concerned itself, it is quite guiltless
+of the bad character it holds. It is merely the bed of a winter torrent,
+and is an easy ascent the whole way through; and during the greater
+part of the year quite passable for any description, of conveyance; but
+in consequence of the great number of robbers, from all parts of
+Beloochistan and Sinde, who infest it, no one thinks of travelling this
+route, unless with a very strong escort. A great number, therefore, of
+native merchants, &c., took advantage of the opportunities offered by
+the passage of it by the different divisions of our army. We had with us
+a native horse-dealer, who had travelled the same way down the year
+before, with horses for the Bombay market, and, as he considered, with a
+sufficient escort; but they were suddenly attacked, his brother killed,
+and he only saved himself by the swiftness of his horse. These robbers
+are several degrees more savage than even their brother Beloochees in
+the south of Sinde. There are two clans of them. The Kaukers and
+Tuckers; of these, the Kaukers are by far the worst. They are
+represented as being regular barbarians, and are even said to be
+cannibals, though perhaps that is a little too melodramatic. They
+possess few fire-arms, but roll down large pieces of rock in the narrow
+passes, and rush out from the small recesses of the rocks, leading God
+knows where, which abound in every part. They never spare any one, and
+cut and hack about the bodies of their victims in the most frightful
+manner. With all this they are the greatest cowards possible; a few
+determined men would be a match for the greatest odds; but the very name
+of Kauker seems to convey terror in it to a traveller. I saw the head
+of one of these rascals lying about at Dadur, and it was the most
+frightful face I ever beheld, more like a wild beast's than a human
+being's. On entering the Pass, which we did as if expecting an enemy,
+with skirmishers, flanking parties, &c., we were nearly stifled by the
+horrible smell arising from the number of dead camels which were lying
+on the ground, in every degree of putrefaction. We soon, however, came
+to bodies of a different sort; for on the banks of a small rivulet, and
+in the water, most in the long reeds, some in the middle of the road,
+were about twenty or thirty dead Sepoys and followers. They were in
+every kind of shape and contortion that could indicate a violent death.
+Some were in a tolerable state of preservation, but others, again, had
+been sadly mauled; tripes torn out by jackals, and one or two were
+perfect skeletons. We kept on coming also upon an arm or a leg, or an
+ugly-looking skull; but the most disgusting sight was an arm and leg,
+protruding out of the centre of the stream, washed to the consistency of
+a washer-woman's hand after a hard day's washing. If you can fancy all
+this on a dark, sluggish-looking stream, surrounded by high and barren
+rocks, you may, perhaps, guess what feelings of disgust it excited in
+us. However, before reaching Candahar we were pretty well accustomed to
+these sights, and got rather callous on the subject, as there was a fair
+sprinkling of them to be met with all the way to that town. Well; we
+made five marches through this delightful Pass, and debouched on a fine
+wide plain on the 17th. Not a stick, not a particle of forage, except
+some high rank grass, was to be got in all this time, and we had been
+obliged to take on supplies for our camels and horses from Dadur; so
+there was a new expense, and new carriage to be provided. The robbers
+did not attempt any attack upon us at all (though, if they had had the
+slightest pluck, they might have crippled us pretty considerably) except
+in the last march, but then we fired on them first. My company was on
+baggage-guard this day, which was sent on in advance of the column; and
+Halket, seeing some of the rascals on the hills, had a crack at them
+with his double-barrel, which produced a reply of three shots from them;
+but a soldier of the company taking a beautiful aim at one of them, at a
+distance I am afraid to mention, and nearly knocking a fellow's head
+off, the rest took to their heels, and we saw no more of them. Our
+Grenadiers, however, who were bringing up the rear, had a slight
+skrimmage with them, and killed five or six, without any of their shots
+taking effect, although one man's firelock and another man's belt were
+cut in half by a bullet. They fired on the column which came on
+afterwards, and wounded one trooper of the Light Dragoons, and a few
+native followers, and killed three horses. Most of us lost a deal of kit
+in this Pass, owing to the camels' feet knocking up, from the sharpness
+of the stones; and the very moment the column was off the ground the
+rascals would be down and fighting for what was left behind. I was on
+rear-guard the second day's march, and the very moment we cleared the
+ground it was most amusing to see the rascals popping out of the holes
+in the rocks in every direction.
+
+On the 18th, we reached Siriab, where we halted for one day. This was a
+rather pretty valley, with some fruit gardens, but the fruit not ripe.
+Here I was taken unwell, and obliged to go on the sick-list; I had been
+ailing some time; the doctor, however, put me off the list again on the
+24th; but owing to the fatigue &c. I underwent on 25th, in going through
+the Ghwozhe Pass, I caught a violent fever, and the next day was laid on
+my beam ends, and did not get round again till the middle of last month.
+In the Ghwozhe Pass our company was on baggage guard. We left our last
+encamping ground at 3 A.M. on the 25th; we had only four miles to the
+Pass, and the Pass was five more, when we reached our new ground, so it
+was not more than nine miles altogether, yet it was 10 o'clock at night
+before the rear-guard, bringing up the fag end of the baggage, came in.
+For nearly the whole of this day I was exposed to an infernally hot sun,
+and the stench arising from the dead cattle was really frightful. I was
+also literally twenty-six hours without getting a morsel to eat or a
+drop to drink, and but the day before on the sick-list. No wonder I was
+laid up! This Ghwozhe Pass was a great deal worse than any part of the
+Bolan. It was nothing but a succession of the most difficult ascents
+and precipitous descents; the most trying kind of ground for the poor
+camels, who fell down in great numbers, and in some parts the path lay
+between two high rocks, and was only four feet wide; how the artillery
+got over it I cannot imagine. A handful of determined men could, I
+should think, defend it against an army. We were on the _qui vive_ the
+whole time, expecting an attack on the baggage, but we only lost a few
+camels. Here we caught up the 17th and artillery, which left Dadur
+before us. If our toils had been great, those of the 17th and artillery
+were twice as much, as it took them two days and two nights to get the
+guns through, and they were obliged to bivouack in the Pass, and were
+attacked once or twice by the Ghiljees; whom, however, one section or so
+easily drove off. I must now tell you that on leaving the Bolan Pass the
+Kaukers &c. made their bows to us, but handed us at the same time over
+to the care of their intimate friends the Ghiljees. These are a kind of
+half-civilized robbers, a large clan, and abound throughout the whole of
+Afghanistan. Their chief is a friend of Dost Mahomed. They gave us a
+little annoyance on the road, but whenever they did so they managed to
+get the worst of it. They murdered a few poor camp followers. At one
+place they fired on some grass-cutters belonging to the 4th Light
+Dragoons, after coming among them and talking with them in a friendly
+manner, as is their usual custom, in order to ascertain what might be
+the chance of an attack. A troop of that corps was immediately sent out,
+with nearly all the officers. Some villagers who had been bringing
+things to our camp joined the robbers, but the 4th played the d--l with
+them, killing or wounding about forty, and only one horse belonging to
+the 4th was wounded. Major Daly, who commands the corps, killed four men
+himself with a simple bamboo hunting spear, used for killing boars. Sir
+J. Keane had fourteen of them shot that had been caught stealing camels
+at Quittah, one march from Siriab, where we left our sick: a brigade of
+the Bengal army is quartered there.
+
+Well; in spite of Ghiljees, Kaukers, Passes, &c., we reached Candahar on
+the 4th of May, having only halted two days since we left Dadur,--pretty
+good work! We were very much disappointed in the country, which is
+little better than a desert, and the weather cruelly hot. I remember
+very little of what occurred after I was on the sick-list, except that
+on arriving at our ground at one place, after a march of eighteen miles,
+we found that the natives had destroyed the well which was to have
+supplied us with water,--pleasant news for a man laid up with fever; in
+consequence of which they made a good profit by bringing it in for sale.
+About as much as would fill two moderate-sized pitchers was sold for
+half a rupee, about 14d. My European servant came and begged to be
+allowed to drink the water in my basin with which I had just washed
+myself, and before I could say anything, drank down the whole of it with
+a zest as if it had been champagne.
+
+We reached Candahar on the 4th, and on the 8th his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk was crowned, after which there was a review of all the
+troops that were here by his Majesty, a grand "tomasha;" but such, I am
+told, was the unpopularity of the Shah that out of the whole population
+of Candahar very few persons were looking on, though the Easterns are
+devoted sight-hunters. On the -- he held a levee, where every officer
+had the honour of making his leg to his Majesty. I was not present at
+either of these grand occasions, being at the time still on the
+sick-list. I, however, had a glimpse of his Majesty the other morning as
+he was taking his airing. He is a fine-looking man, with a splendid
+black beard. I am told that he is a very accomplished man, but an
+exceedingly bad ruler. He has written his own life, which is said to be
+very interesting: I should think it must be so, as few men have
+experienced so many changes of fortune as he has. You will find a very
+good description of him, as well as of Cabool and Sinde, in "Burnes'
+Travels in Bokhara," the present Sir Alexander Burnes, who is second in
+command to Macnaghten, and a great deal with the Shah. I read also an
+excellent article on this country &c. in the last December or January
+number of "Blackwood's Magazine."
+
+Another horrible murder, somewhat similar to that of Capt. Hand,
+occurred here about the middle of last month. Two officers of the 16th
+Lancers, Inverarity and Wilmer, went one day on a fishing excursion to a
+small river about seven miles from this; several parties had been there
+before on pic-nic excursions, as it was much cooler, and there were some
+beautiful gardens, with lots of fruit, on the banks of the stream. There
+is a slight hill to be crossed in getting to it, at the top of which is
+a cut-throat narrow pass, formed out of the rock; you must pass through
+it in single file, and the bottom being of rock is so slippery and rough
+that it is with difficulty a horse can keep his footing on it. They were
+returning home about half-past eight o'clock, when Wilmer, being rather
+wrong in his stomach, got off his horse for a short time, and Inverarity
+said he would walk to the top of the hill to look at the view by
+moonlight; Wilmer followed in a few minutes on foot, his ghorewalla
+following with his horse. On coming near the top of the hill before
+mentioned, he was somewhat astonished at a large stone whizzing by his
+head, and immediately afterwards about six or seven men jumped on him
+out of the rocks. He had time to draw back, and received two different
+cuts on his walking stick, which cut it through, and slightly wounded
+him on the forehead. He managed to draw back from another, which was
+made at him with such strength that the fellow fell with the force of
+his own blow. Wilmer then thought it as time to cut and run, and bolted
+as fast as he could with these chaps after him. They luckily, however,
+stopped to rob his and Inverarity's bangies, containing their kit, which
+they met his servant carrying, &c. Wilmer did not stop till he reached a
+detachment of the Shah's force which is stationed there, he returned
+with a party from them, and on reaching the other side of the hill found
+poor Inverarity lying on the ground dreadfully mutilated; he was not
+quite dead when they came up, and Wilmer says he can never forget the
+convulsive shudder he gave on their arrival, taking them for the
+murderers returning to finish him. He died, however, almost immediately,
+merely saying, "For God's sake, look at my hands! I am afraid I am very
+badly wounded." Thus fell another victim, as we all feel, to the
+conciliation principle! Neither Inverarity's horse nor anything of then
+kit has been since seen, though Wilmer has recovered his horse. This
+will give you a pretty idea of the country we are living in. The next
+day there was an order out from Sir J. Keane, in which, after giving an
+account of the murder, he begged all officers never to go out into the
+country on sporting expeditions unless in large parties and well armed.
+The Shah and Sir John were also on the point of burning down the village
+near which the murder occurred, but the political department would not
+allow it. Seven or eight men were, however, taken up, though nothing
+certain has been proved. They are still in chains in the town; what will
+be done with them I don't know. I always have my holster pipes, and
+pistols loaded, whenever I ride out, as there is nothing like being
+prepared.
+
+I have little to say of Candahar, which appears to me to be just the
+same as every other town I have seen in the East, very dirty, &c. It
+stands in a tolerably fertile plain, with hills scattered all round it.
+It is a perfect square, each side of which is nearly a mile in length;
+two streets, one from north to south, the other from east to west, run
+through it, and bisect each other in the centre: in these are the
+different bazaars. The rest of the town, as it appeared to me as I rode
+round the walls the other day, is perfectly deserted. There are double
+walls to the town, entire all the way round, but I should think it could
+be easily taken. A great number of the inhabitants have left it on
+account of the dearness of provisions, occasioned by the hungry mouths
+of so large a force as ours, and also because, on his first arrival, the
+Shah wished to play some of his old arbitrary acts over again.
+
+The Ghiljees have been at their old tricks lately, robbing some supplies
+for the army, which came up by the Bolan Pass about a week ago, and
+which they followed nearly into our camp. The caravan, however, was
+under the charge of a right sort of fellow, the Rajah of Buhawulpoor,
+who was bringing up a contingent to the Shah's force, and if any of his
+camels were taken away he took two for one from the first village he
+arrived at. The Ghiljees got more bold afterwards, and actually
+endeavoured to walk off with the camels of the Bengal army, and five or
+six were taken prisoners by some Sepoys, and one blown from a gun in the
+town. They, however, killed one, and severely wounded two other unarmed
+soldiers of H.M. 13th Light Infantry, who were out with the camels of
+their regiment, the guard for the camels having very quietly gone to
+sleep in a house. The poor fellows made a desperate fight, defending
+themselves with their shoes; and one of them pulled a mounted Ghiljee
+off his horse, but had his arm cut through before he could get the
+fellow's sword from him: they lost a great many camels.
+
+_June 29th_.--Well, to-morrow we are off for Cabool; I hope the country
+may improve as we advance. Everybody speaks very highly of Cabool
+itself--a fine climate, 6000 feet above the sea. It has been very hot
+the whole time we have been here. They say there is plenty of grain to
+be had on the road; I hope this may be true, and that we shall not have
+a repetition of what took place before in regard to expense. I was
+congratulating myself, a day or two since, on the prospect of getting my
+back pay, but now I hear that I shall not only be minus that, but that
+we are not to get any more pay for three months, owing to some
+mismanagement or other; consequently, we shall be obliged to get into
+debt, with a nice little interest to pay off. I wish, therefore, that
+next year you would give me credit for another 60l. I do not wish you
+to send it out to me, but that you would let me draw upon you as far as
+that sum, in case I should find it necessary, as this campaign has sadly
+crippled me. Your last 60l. is nearly gone, and yet I have not spent a
+farthing that I could help: this irregular way of paying troops is very
+disgusting to them.
+
+The report is now that we are not likely to have any regular fighting,
+as it is pretty generally believed that Dost Mahomed has agreed to our
+terms; the "on dit" is, that he is at Peshawur, and awaits our arrival
+in Cabool, to give himself up to the British government. Colonel Wade,
+one of the political diplomatic line, is near Peshawur with a part of
+Runjet's army, but Dost Mahomed will not surrender himself to him, nor
+will Colonel Wade cross the Punjab frontiers, on account of the great
+enmity which exists between the Afghans and Sikhs: however, all this is
+to be proved. I wish we could have one good brush with them, as we
+should then have plain sailing; as it is, I suppose we shall be annoyed
+by these rascally Ghiljees all the way up: out-lying pickets to take
+care of camels, &c. With regard to the climate of this country I can say
+little, as we have only been here during the hot weather, and hot we
+have found it with a vengeance; but then we have been living in tents.
+One man of ours has died by a coup de soleil; he was one of the camel
+guard. I do not consider the climate an unhealthy one. It is a very
+lucky thing for us that we were not left in Sinde: the troops left there
+have suffered terribly. Sinde is one of the hottest places in the
+world, and very unhealthy; in fact, I consider it to be about one of the
+most disgusting countries in the world. The 17th regiment lost an
+officer there under very melancholy circumstances. He was coming up to
+join his regiment, having been only lately appointed to it, and lost his
+way in that dreadful desert I told you of, where he wandered in a
+wretched state for two days, during which time the simoom came on, and
+he died from its effects a short time after reaching his tent; the
+simoom was still so violent that his servants were obliged to dig his
+grave inside his tent: his body turned black immediately after death.
+
+We have had excellent European fruit here, and the gardens about the
+place are very large and beautiful--peaches, apricots, cherries, apples,
+grapes, and mulberries. I never tasted anything more delicious than the
+melons here. You cannot imagine, in your temperate climate, how
+refreshing they are on a hot day; but, then, they are said to be very
+dangerous. The vegetables, too, are good, particularly to those who had
+been without them so long as we had. There are peas, beans, salad,
+cucumber, but, unfortunately, no potatoes; what would we not give for a
+nice mealy murphy! we have not tasted one for four months; however, in
+all these respects Cabool is much superior. What we shall do when we
+reach that place I cannot imagine,--one thing, the Hindoo Koosh,
+prevents our marching further. The report is, that if everything goes
+smooth we shall go back again this year; but this I do not believe, as
+I hardly think it probable that the government would be at such expense
+in marching us such a distance just to keep us at Cabool for a month,
+and if we overstay that it will be too late, and the snow and severity
+of the climate will hinder our returning. Moreover, Runjet Sing is very
+ill, and, they say, is likely to kick, in which case there will, I take
+it, be a regular shindy in the Punjab; and John Company, when he has
+once put his foot into a country, does not withdraw it very soon.
+Besides, there is Herat and Persia to be looked to. For my part, I have
+no objection to a winter in Cabool; and if we can only get up our
+supplies in the liquor line, we shall, I have no doubt, make ourselves
+very comfortable. The 16th Lancers have an excellent pack of foxhounds
+with them, and horses are very cheap. There are to be races &c. on a
+grand scale also when we get there; and if we can get our supplies up by
+that time, we may look forward to spending a merry Christmas even in
+such a distant country. How curious all this must sound to you in your
+quiet, lovely home of Brookhill. I have often thought of you all during
+this campaign, particularly the other day, when I had the fever; and I
+hope and trust my life maybe spared that I may see you all once more,
+particularly as I have never seen you at Brookhill.
+
+With regard to myself, my health, with the exception of the fever, has
+been much better than I could have expected, considering what we have
+gone through. I have, however, been sadly bothered the whole time I
+have been in the country with rheumatism; at times, during the march, I
+was so bad with it that I could not walk ten minutes at a time. I have
+also had terrible pains in the joints of my arms, and have them still,
+and it is with difficulty I can get a gun to my shoulder. I can walk
+pretty well now, but running is totally out of the question; so that I
+am afraid I should come off poorly in a hand-to-hand encounter with
+these rascals. I applied to the doctor for some medicine, but he said
+"he could give me none;" in fact, they will not give an officer any
+medicine now unless he is very seriously ill, as they are very short of
+medical stores.
+
+I hope you may be able to get through this letter; the blue paper I have
+been writing on is Russian, and bought in Candahar. I do not think I
+have anything more to say. I will write again when I reach Cabool. Tell
+Kate I will write to her too: I hope she got my letter which I wrote in
+January last under cover to you.
+
+With best love to all at home,
+
+  Believe me your very affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S.--By-the-bye, there is an officer here in H.M. 13th Light Infantry,
+with the Bengal force, who knows Arthur very well, in fact, I think a
+great deal better than I do myself. His name is Wood; he is a
+Canterbury man, and seems to know Mr. Baylay and everybody else there.
+He was in the 48th when Arthur was at Canterbury with the 4th Drag.
+Guards. He desired to be kindly remembered to Arthur when I wrote. I
+hope Eliza's hooping-cough is well. I was very sorry to hear of poor
+Sluman's death: as far back as I can recollect he is always associated
+in my mind with home. I hope Ghiljee, Kauker, Beloochee, and Co., will
+let this pass.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VIII.
+
+
+  Camp, near Ghuzni, July 24th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--You must put down yesterday, the 23rd of July, in your
+memorandum book as a memorable day for your son Tom, and, I may say, for
+the British army. Ghuzni, the strongest fortress in Afghanistan, was
+taken by assault in three-quarters of an hour, by the four European
+regiments of the army--viz., the Queen's, 13th Light Infantry, 17th
+regiment, and Bengal European regiment. The storming party, or forlorn
+hope, consisted of the Light Companies of the four regiments. The whole
+right in front--ergo, our company (the Light Company of the Queen's) was
+the first in. I may well remember it, as it was the first time I smelt
+gunpowder and saw blows given in real earnest. It is the most splendid
+thing for us that could have happened: if we had failed, we should have
+had the whole country down upon us in a few days; now, they say, the
+country is ours.
+
+It is reported that Sir J. Keane was so very anxious about it, that when
+he heard our first cheers, after entering the gate of the town, he
+actually cried, it was such a relief to his mind; and that he told
+Brigadier Sale, lieutenant-colonel of the 13th Light Infantry, who
+commanded on the occasion, that it was very likely that the fate of
+India depended on our taking this place. Ghuzni was considered Dost
+Mahomed's principal fortress; his son commanded in it, and it was
+garrisoned by 3000 Afghans. Young Dost expected to hold it out for a
+fortnight; and his father was to have come to his relief in a day or
+two, when we should have had a difficult part to perform, as we should
+have been surrounded in this valley by armed parties on all sides; so
+that it would have been really a ticklish job. They had collected
+provisions in the town for three months, and arms and ammunition; in
+fact, it was the regular depôt for their army. They had also about four
+or five lacs of rupees; but that will not give us much prize money. Our
+loss was very trifling, owing to the daring and sudden nature of the
+attack, as they were taken totally by surprise. Our regiment suffered
+the most, and we have thirty-seven killed and wounded, including
+officers, of whom six out of eighteen were wounded--one-third of the
+whole,--however, none of the latter dangerously, thank God, though two
+of them are returned severely wounded. Five men of our regiment were
+killed outright on the spot, and I am afraid we shall lose some more in
+a few days from the effects of their wounds. Of the enemy, about 500
+were killed, and more than 1500 made prisoners; and of the remainder,
+who made their escape over the walls, the greater part were cut down by
+the Dragoons, or spifflicated by the Lancers. Among the prisoners is
+young Dost himself, the greatest prize of all. More than a thousand
+magnificent horses have also been taken, besides pack-horses, camels,
+and grain in abundance. However, I never can tell a story without going
+back to the very commencement.
+
+I finished my last letter to you the day before we left Candahar. Well;
+we started on Sunday, the 30th of June, and made seven marches to
+Belanti Ghiljee, where we caught up the Shah's army, with a Bengal
+division. Here Sir John Keane had first come in sight of young Dost's
+army, who, however, retired very quickly, though there was some talk of
+their holding out at this place, and we were pushed on rapidly in
+consequence. They shewed their sense in not holding out there, as it
+would not have taken us long to dislodge them. We halted here a day, and
+then marched on by very short and easy marches, halting every third or
+fourth day, and taking things very easy, although we were constantly
+annoyed by the Ghiljees, who murdered several of our camp followers, and
+tried to rob us whenever they could find an opportunity, until we were
+within five good marches of Ghuzni, when General Willshire received an
+order to push on by forced marches, and to make these five into three.
+After making two out of these three, (and precious long ones they were,)
+we found out that we were still upwards of twenty miles from Ghuzni,
+with the men so fatigued that it was nearly impossible for them to do
+it, and that we should therefore be obliged to make two of it. The
+event, however, proved the contrary; for, about seven o'clock in the
+evening, a dispatch came from General Willshire, and about eight, just
+as we were preparing to turn in, the orders were out to strike our
+tents, and march in an hour's time, and catch up Sir John Keane and the
+Shah, who were halted about nine miles in advance of us. Sir John was
+anxious to have the whole force concentrated before marching on Ghuzni.
+Nothing, however, was certain; and we were all in a high state of
+excitement, not knowing what to expect: this was the evening of the
+20th. We made quick work of this march, and reached Sir John Keane about
+half-past twelve. Here we heard that Sir John Keane was in expectation
+of a night attack. He had fallen in that morning with the advance of the
+enemy, who had, however, upon the appearance of the British force,
+retired upon Ghuzni. We bivouacked on our ground, after throwing out
+strong pickets, and marched again at 5 A.M., Sir John Keane, the
+Bengalees, and cavalry in advance, then the Shah, and then our small
+party. We, however, sent our artillery to join Sir John. About eight
+o'clock, when within about three miles of Ghuzni, we heard the first
+symptoms that the game of war was beginning: our batteries were firing
+on the place, and the garrison were returning it with good effect; it
+served as a sort of overture to the opera in which we knew we must soon
+be actors.
+
+In consequence of the great quantity of baggage, now the whole army was
+joined, we were halted for a couple of hours to protect it, and the
+whole of the cavalry was sent back for that purpose; and well it was
+that they were, as a part of the enemy's cavalry made a demonstration
+for attacking it, but withdrew on seeing ours. We were at length marched
+on, and took up our ground a little to the S.W. of the fort, but out of
+harm's way, when we heard a more definite account of what had been done.
+The advance of the Bengal column, H.M. 13th Light Infantry and the 16th
+Native Infantry, had some little work in driving the enemy out of the
+gardens and old buildings that surround the town. This, however, they
+accomplished with a trifling loss; our guns then opened on the place,
+but as they were light ones (the heaviest being still in the rear), with
+little effect. This desultory fire on both sides was, however, kept up
+for about three hours: little execution being done, and a few casualties
+having occurred among the artillery, Sir John Keane ordered the guns to
+be withdrawn. We had not been on our ground more than three hours when
+we were ordered once more on the march, and to march by a circuitous
+route across the mountains, in order to avoid the fire of the town, and
+take up our ground on the other side of it. We reached our new ground
+about nine, after a fatiguing march of seven miles, crossing the river,
+and, by an infernal path, through the hills. Here we bivouacked again
+for the night, as little of our baggage had arrived.
+
+The enemy took this move of ours as a defeat, and concluded that we had
+marched on to Cabool, despairing of taking their fort: the event proved
+how wofully they were mistaken! They wasted a good deal of powder in
+firing for joy, and young Dost sent a dispatch from the place to his
+father, apprizing him of the fact, and begging him to come down upon us
+immediately, while he would follow upon our rear. He also sent to a
+Ghiljee chieftain near us, telling him to collect as many followers and
+country people as he could to make an attack upon our baggage, as he had
+only to come down and take it. We sold this fellow a bargain, however,
+the next day. Well; the first thing we heard the next morning was from
+young Keane, and to this effect, that we were to rest for that day, and
+that the four European corps were to storm the place the next morning
+before daylight, as the state of the country was such that Sir John
+could not waste time in breaching it; and, moreover, it was doubtful
+whether, from the nature of the walls, it could be breached at all. We
+did not, however, learn the final dispositions till the evening.
+
+That day, the 22nd, I shall never forget; it was a very dismal one; much
+more so than the next. There was a nervous irritability and excitement
+about us the whole day; constantly looking at the place through
+spy-glasses, &c.; and then fellows began to make their wills, and tell
+each other what they wished to have done in case they fell; altogether
+it was not at all pleasant, and every one longed most heartily for the
+morrow, and to have it over. I felt as I used to do when I was a child,
+and knew I must take a black dose or have a tooth drawn the next
+morning. About twelve o'clock a great deal of firing took place on our
+left; this we soon ascertained to be the Ghiljee chief I have before
+mentioned, coming down with the amiable purpose of lootzing our camp. A
+part of the Shah's Afghan cavalry, a few guns of the Horse Artillery,
+and a squadron of Lancers, were ordered out, who soon sent them to the
+right-about. The chief, when he saw that it was not such an easy job as
+he expected, cut his stick the first, with his horsemen, about 2000,
+leaving the poor footpads, about 1000, to shift for themselves. They
+were terribly mauled, and a great number of prisoners taken, whose heads
+the Shah struck off immediately. Well; evening came at last! and then we
+heard the morning's news confirmed; that the Light Companies of the
+four corps were to form the storming party, that an Engineer officer,
+with some Sappers, each carrying a bag of gunpowder (in all 300lbs.),
+was to advance to the Cabool gate, and place it there, in order to blow
+it down; that immediately upon the gates falling we were to rush in and
+take possession of the town, &c. At the same time a false attack was to
+be made by the 16th Bengal Native Infantry on the Candahar gate, in
+order to divert the enemy's attention. Brigadier Sale, lieut.-colonel of
+the 13th, was to command the whole, and Col. Dennie, of the same corps,
+the storming party. Three regiments of Native Infantry were to be in
+reserve, under Sir Willoughby Cotton; and the cavalry were to be
+stationed so as best to intercept the flight of those who might manage
+to make their escape from the place. We were to be formed ready for the
+attack at two o'clock in the morning, close to a high pillar, about half
+a mile from the fort; we were to advance under cover of the Artillery,
+who were to fire over and clear the walls for us. I laid down in my
+cloak directly after mess, and, being dreadfully tired, never slept more
+soundly than I did the night before the storming of Ghuzni.
+
+At one o'clock we turned out; I took a cup of tea and a couple of ginger
+biscuits, and joined my company: in a quarter of an hour we were on our
+march to the pillar, where we were to be formed. Here we found Col. Sale
+and the Engineer officers, &c. Col. Sale called out the officers, and
+told them the plan of the attack, which was to be the same as mentioned
+before, except that the 13th Light Infantry were to line the ditch
+outside the town, and fire on the ramparts, while we advanced. The
+storming party, Queen's and Bengal European regiments, were, after
+entering the gate, to move along a street to the left, clearing the
+houses, &c., and on arriving at the end to mount the ramparts, and to
+return by them. Our object in doing this was to drive as many men as
+possible into the citadel, and having obtained this object, a signal was
+to be given, and the artillery were to fire shells into the citadel,
+which, particularly as their powder magazine was there, it was expected
+would soon make them cut and run. The 17th and 13th regiments being
+nearest, were then to rush up and take possession of the citadel, and
+the Native regiments, being in reserve, were to assist them. Col. Sale
+then said a few words of encouragement, and concluded by hoping "we
+should all have luck"--on the whole a very neat and appropriate speech.
+We then piled arms, and officers fell out. I never saw fellows more
+merry than most of us were while we were waiting there; in fact, if we
+had been going to the most delightful place in the world, we could not
+have appeared in better spirits; and this put me strongly in mind of a
+scene I had read in a book called "The Subaltern," where the feelings of
+the officers, waiting for an attack, are described as being just the
+same. At length, "bang" went a gun from our batteries. Col. Sale said,
+"Ah, there goes the signal; we had better be starting:" just as if one
+was to get ready to take a ride to Brixham or elsewhere. Well; we fell
+in, and in about a quarter of an hour off we went. The enemy returned
+the fire from our batteries in good style, and there was a regular row.
+They pointed their "Long Tom," a fifty-two pounder, towards us, and sent
+the shot over our heads and a little to our left. The ball made a
+terrific row rushing over us. Whilst we were marching down to the attack
+the fire on both sides was at its height. The noise was fearful, and the
+whole scene the grandest and, at the same time, the most awful I ever
+witnessed. I caught myself, once or twice, trying to make myself as
+small as I could. As we got nearer the gate it grew worse, and the
+enemy, from their loop-holes, began to pepper us with matchlocks and
+arrows. The scene now was splendid. The enemy, at the commencement of
+the firing, threw out blue lights in several places, which looked
+beautiful, and the flames of their and our artillery, together with the
+smaller flashes from the matchlock men, added to the roar of their big
+guns, the sharp cracking of the matchlocks, the whizzing of their cannon
+balls and ours, (the latter of which, by-the-bye, went much nearer our
+heads than the enemy's, as our artillery fired beautifully, and sent
+their shot close over our heads, on the ramparts,) the singing of the
+bullets, and the whizzing of their arrows, all combined, made up as
+pretty a little row as one would wish to hear. Add to this, that it was
+as dark as pitch, and you may judge of the effect. We made a rush over
+the bridge, which the enemy had not destroyed, and continuing it up a
+slight ascent, we found ourselves of a sudden close to the gate. Here
+there was a check. Although the gate was blown down, still the remains
+of it, and the barricade on the inside, rendered it a difficult place to
+get over, particularly as it wanted at least half an hour of daylight,
+and was perfectly dark. The two first sections were therefore a long
+time getting through, during which the two last, to which I belonged,
+were standing still outside, exposed to a cross fire from two round
+towers, which flanked the entrance. Our men, however, kept up such a
+smart fire upon every hole and opening that no man dared shew his nose,
+and their fire was therefore rendered harmless. At length we moved in,
+and found that, besides what I have mentioned above, there was a large
+hole in the roof of the portico over the gate, through which the enemy
+were pitching earth, beams of wood, stones, &c.; one of these beams
+knocked over my European servant, who was next to me, and dislocated his
+arm, and, taking me in the flank, made me bite the dust also; however, I
+had no further hurt than a slight bruise, and was up again immediately,
+as I heard one of the soldiers say, "Oh! there is poor Mr. Holdsworth:
+he's down!"
+
+On getting within the gate a few volleys cleared the opening of the
+street. Robinson, (our captain,) Col. Sale, with Kershaw and Wood of
+the 13th, Sale's staff, (the latter the man who knew Arthur at
+Canterbury,) were the first in. Poor Col. Sale got a cut in the mouth,
+and fell upon Kershaw, who went down with him; on rising, an Afghan was
+lifting his sword to cut down Sale when Kershaw seized the hilt of his
+sword, and ran his own into him. Robinson also got a terrible cut on the
+side of his head, which would have done his business for him if he had
+not had on a cap padded with cotton, which deadened the weight of the
+blow. All the companies of the storming party, however, got in well,
+except the last, the light company of the Bengal European regiment, and
+they had a desperate fight, the enemy having returned to the gate in
+great numbers, and twenty-seven men of the company were laid low in no
+time. After this every company that came in had a shindy at the gate;
+the fact was, that the enemy took every company for the last, and
+therefore made a desperate attempt to escape through it. Our company,
+with the advance, pushed through the town, clearing the tops of the
+houses. We only lost one man of our company; we thought he was done for
+at first, but he is still alive, and, I am glad to say, likely lo do
+well; he was shot right through the breastplate, and the ball went round
+his body and was taken out of his back; he is to wear the same
+breastplate in future. On coming to the end of the town we halted, and
+were agreeably surprised, shortly after, to see the British flag waving
+on the top of the citadel: the fact of the matter was, that the enemy
+never thought of retiring to the citadel at all, but endeavoured to make
+their escape directly they found we were inside the gates; the 17th and
+13th, therefore, quietly marched up and took possession of it.
+
+We now returned by the ramparts, taking a great number of prisoners, and
+on reaching the large street where the horses were, the scene was
+perfectly ridiculous; the horses were loose, and running and charging
+about in all directions, kicking, fighting, &c. On getting near the gate
+we entered by, the effects of our fight became more apparent, as dying
+and dead Afghans testified. There were eight lying at one particular
+spot, where a tumbril had blown up, and their bodies were still burning
+from the effects. I never saw finer men than some of these Afghans--they
+were perfect models. The plunder now began, though to little purpose, as
+prize agents were at the gates and made most of us refund. I managed,
+however, to get through a rather handsome spear, which I took from
+before the tent of one of the chiefs. If the carelessness of my servants
+will allow it I mean to keep it till we get back whenever that may be,
+and send it home by some trusty person, when perhaps you may think it
+worthy of a place among your curiosities at Brookhill. The 13th and
+17th, however, had the best of it in the citadel, which was also the
+palace, and where all young Dost's women were. I hear that the soldiers
+have possession of some very handsome articles which they boned there I
+believe. After this, young Dost, or, to give him his right name, Hyder
+Khan, was found in a large hole near the citadel, with about twenty
+followers; they had some work, however, in securing him. About this time
+I saw the Shah, with the diplomatic people, Sir J. Keane, and Sir W.
+Cotton, enter the fort and proceed to the citadel. The old Shah was
+mightily delighted, as well he might be, and expressed himself in
+raptures with the European soldiery. I was back again to breakfast at
+mess by eight o'clock. Several of our men were wounded by arrows. One
+soldier swore "that a fellow had shot his ramrod into him." Stisted had
+an arrow through the calf of his leg, but his wound is not considered of
+any importance.
+
+_July 30th_.--Sir J. Keane, with the greater part of the army, marched
+this morning for Cabool; ours (the Bombay division) march to-morrow.
+Although the greater part of the town was taken in the way I have
+described, still a party of about 100 men, under Dost Mahomed's
+standard-bearer, (a great man, of course,) held out till the next day,
+when they were all taken, and soon afterwards shot. They certainly must
+have been assisted by some Europeans, as their powder was made up in a
+very scientific manner, and their grape was exceedingly well put
+together. Young Dost cannot imagine how the gate was blown down; he
+thinks, I hear, that we shot two men inside the fort from a big gun, who
+opened the door for us. He was sleeping over it at the time; the
+explosion must have "astonished him a few, I guess." He says some of his
+father's best soldiers have fallen there; and one man in particular, a
+great chief, said to be the best swordsman between Cabool and Candahar.
+I have been in the fort since, and I am glad we took it in the dark, as
+it is not at all a nice looking place by daylight. The rooms in the
+citadel are very fine, particularly where the women were, the ceilings
+of which are inlaid with gold work. All our sick and wounded are to be
+left here: we only leave one officer behind, poor Young, who was shot
+through the thigh very near the groin.
+
+Reports have been very various since the fall of Ghuzni whether Dost
+himself will fight or not. It seems to be generally expected that we
+shall have another shindy before we get to Cabool, though a great number
+of chiefs have lately come in to the Shah, among the principal of whom
+is Hadjee Khan Kauker, the governor of Bamian, a man of great influence
+in the country, and a great intriguer, formerly a great friend of Dost
+Mahomed's. He came in to us about three hours after the place had
+fallen: he had been waiting on the top of a hill to see the result, and
+was prepared to join whichever side was victorious. I must tell you,
+also, that on the 21st, the day we marched upon Ghuzni, another son of
+Dost was waiting outside the town to attack us with about three thousand
+men; but on seeing the size of our army he thought better of it, and cut
+for Cabool as fast as he could; he was deserted on the way by most of
+his army, and reached Cabool with scarcely a follower: his father was
+exceedingly enraged, and is said to have put him in prison.
+
+_Sunday, 28th_.--The day before yesterday, Dost Mahomed's brother, a man
+who has always favoured the English, and advised Dost to have nothing to
+do with the Persians, &c., but who lives quite retired, and has very
+little to do with politics, came into our camp to endeavour to make
+terms for his brother; but, it is said, neither party was satisfied:
+they say that he was disgusted at our proposals, and replied, "that Dost
+would rather lose his life than accept them." Dost wants to be made the
+Shah's vizier; but that, of course, could not be allowed. How it will
+end no one knows: however, a few days will shew. We have had several
+deserters from Dost's army; they say he is encamped, and has thrown up
+strong entrenchments about three miles in front of Cabool. I should
+hardly, however, think that the people of Cabool will allow his doing
+so, as there are several rich people in it who would not like to see
+Ghuzni reacted at their own door. There would be lots of prize money for
+us. Talking of prize money, I am afraid there will not be very much,
+though the things that were taken sold remarkably well, as did also the
+horses, &c. I managed to buy, though for much beyond its value, a rather
+pretty coverlet for a bed, which was taken in the fort, which perhaps
+belonged to some of the young ladies of the harem; it is of shawl
+velvet, and said to be made in Cashmere. I intend to send it home with
+the spear, and give it to Kate; though what use she can put it to I
+hardly know, as I am sure it will not be large enough for her bed;
+still, when one considers whence it was taken, it may possess some
+little interest. Young Dost is left behind in the fort, which is to be
+strongly garrisoned, and where we leave all our sick and wounded.
+
+The climate of this place is delightful; it is about 6000 feet above the
+level of the sea; and although this is the hottest month in the year,
+still we do not find it at all unpleasant, living in tents: a delightful
+change from Candahar. There is the most beautiful clover here I ever
+saw, and lots of fruit.
+
+We have just received intelligence of Runjet Sing's death; he has been
+reported dead several times before; but they say this time it is really
+the case; if so, we are still only at the beginning of our work, as we
+shall most likely have something to do in the Punjab. The government, it
+is said, have guaranteed the succession of Runjet's son, who is little
+better than a natural idiot. The chiefs of the Sikhs, who are very
+warlike people, and have often licked the Afghans, say they will not
+consent to be ruled by such a person,--thereon hangs the matter. A large
+force has been gradually concentrating at Delhi, Meerut, Loodiana, and
+all the north-west stations in Bengal, ready to march into the Punjab in
+case of Runjet's death, which has been long expected; and we very likely
+shall make an advance by the line of the Cabool river to Peshawur, and
+Attock, on the Indus. It is rather late to begin a campaign after
+marching more than a thousand miles, and not meeting an enemy except
+robbers. If I ever do get home safe and sound after all this work, I
+shall consider myself very lucky.
+
+_July 31st_.--Here we are, our first day's march to Cabool. Reports
+still flying about as to whether Dost means to fight. I wore the pistols
+you gave me in London at the storming,--they are a capital pair! The
+post goes directly, so I must conclude, with best love to all, your very
+affectionate son,
+
+  T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S.--They say Shah Shooja will give us all medals when everything is
+settled; those for the officers to be a small gold one, with an
+impression of the Fort of Ghuzni; those for the soldiers to be silver,
+and the same pattern. If you look into the military papers when this
+reaches you, I dare say you will find further accounts of the business.
+
+     NOTE.--"It was arranged that an explosion party, consisting of
+     three officers of engineers (Capt. Peat, Lieuts. Durand and
+     M'Leod), three Serjeants and eighteen men of the sappers in
+     working dresses, carrying three hundred pounds of powder in
+     twelve sand bags, with a hose seventy-two feet long, should be
+     ready to move down to the gateway at break of day.
+
+     "So quickly was the operation performed, and so little was the
+     enemy aware of the nature of it, that not a man of the party
+     was hurt."--_From Memoranda of Capt. Thompson, R.E., Chief
+     Engineer, Army of Indus_.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER IX.
+
+MEMORANDUM.--I have lost this letter, which I regret the more, because
+it gave a very full account both, of Cabool and its environs, as well as
+of many interesting circumstances which took place during the time the
+Bombay division of the army remained there.
+
+As far as I remember its contents, it began with the march of the army
+from Ghuzni to Cabool, the desertion of the troops of Dost Mahomed, and
+his flight from the capital. It described his pursuit by a party of
+officers and cavalry, volunteers from the British army, commanded by
+Captain Outram, who accompanied Hadjee Khan Kauker, the principal chief
+of the country, with a body of 2000 Afghans, who had joined Shah Shooja
+at Ghuzni.
+
+It stated, that after a few days had expired, the party had nearly
+reached the fugitive, when Hadjee Khan refused to proceed, stating,
+amongst other excuses, that his men had dispersed to plunder, and that
+he had not any means of preventing it; and Captain Outram was obliged to
+proceed without him. It had been supposed by Shah Shooja, that Hadjee
+Khan had been so committed with Dost Mahomed that he might be safely
+trusted upon this occasion; but there is not the least doubt but that he
+was engaged in correspondence with him during the whole time, and that
+Dost Mahomed was thus enabled to effect his escape with his family,
+although Captain Outram with his party pursued him as far as Bamian. If
+Hadjee Khan had not acted in this most treacherous way, there could not
+be a doubt but that Dost Mahomed must have fallen into the hands of
+Captain Outram. Thus Hadjee Khan proved his double treachery; for which,
+on his return to Cabool, it was understood the Shah would have put him
+to death, but for the presence of the English, upon whose interference
+his sentence was changed to perpetual confinement in one of the state
+prisons.
+
+It described, also, the arrival of the eldest son of Shah Shooja, with
+the contingent from Runjet Sing; his meeting with his youngest brother
+on the road, near the city, who went out for that purpose upon an
+elephant, richly caparisoned, attended by a suitable cortège; his
+reception by the British army, and afterwards by his father, at the Bala
+Hissar, where my son mixed with the troops of the Shah, who filled the
+palace yard, and was thus enabled to witness the first interview, which
+was anything but that which might have been expected when the eldest son
+arrived at the palace to congratulate his father on his restoration to
+his throne. The King was seated alone in an open balcony, slightly
+raised above the court, where his officers of state were ranged on
+either side, on the ground. The Prince advanced through a line of troops
+and public officers, but did not raise his eyes from the ground. When he
+came near his father, he prostrated himself in submission to the King,
+who called to him "that he was welcome;" after which the son ascended to
+the balcony, where he again made a prostration, when his father raised
+him up, and seated him near him. The peculiarly careful conduct of the
+son on his approach appears to have arisen from a consciousness of his
+father's jealous and suspicious temper, and a fear lest even a smile
+interchanged with a friend at the court might be construed into hidden
+treachery. Soon after this, the chief persons of the court made their
+salutations to the King, to each of whom he said a few words, and the
+ceremony was ended.
+
+My son added, that he little expected when he was at the levee of his
+late Majesty King William, before he left England, that the next
+ceremony of the sort at which he should be present would be that of the
+King of Afghanistan, in Central Asia, a person with whose name and
+country he had not then the slightest acquaintance.
+
+The youngest son of Shah Shooja, whom I have mentioned, is described as
+a beautiful boy, under twelve years of age, ruddy and fair as an English
+child. He is a great favourite with his father at present, and usually
+accompanies the Shah wherever he goes. His childhood probably protects
+him from suspicion of treachery or intrigue.
+
+My son appeared to have mixed occasionally with the inhabitants of
+Cabool, and, through the introduction of the Persian interpreter, to
+have become personally acquainted with some of the leading persons of
+the city. They are described by him as being particularly affable and
+civil to the officers of our army, with, some of whom he paid a visit to
+a man of rank, at his country-house, and with whom they dined. Nothing
+could exceed the attention of their host. He shewed them his stud
+consisting of more than fifty horses, and every other thing that he
+possessed, (except his women,) and the hospitality and good fare was
+unbounded. Neither was the curiosity of these persons less in inquiring
+minutely into everything they saw when they visited the officers in the
+camp, than their desire to please in their own houses; and he appeared
+to have left the place with a most favourable impression of the upper
+ranks of the city.
+
+Of the city itself, its magnificent bazaar, filled with the richest
+manufactures of the East, its gardens abounding with the finest fruits
+in the world, and the fertile country that surrounds it, his
+description is the same as that which will be found much more at length
+in the Travels of Lieut. Burnes, in 1832.
+
+Cricket and horse-racing appeared to be the chief recreation of the army
+during the time it remained inactive; and the two divisions having
+fortunately come from different Presidencies, the same spirit of rivalry
+amongst the officers, in the sports of the camp, was as naturally
+excited at Cabool as in any of the counties or garrisons of their native
+land.
+
+The evening before they left their ground, two miles from Cabool, he was
+sent with a subaltern's party to search through all the worst parts of
+the city for men who were missing from the camp, but after spending many
+hours, he returned without finding any. They had been paid the day
+before, and had got away to the liquor-shops; but all turned up in the
+morning except one, whose body was found murdered, near the camp.
+
+  A.H. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER X.
+
+  Camp at Kotree, in Cutch Gundava,
+    December 8th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER--As I am now tolerably recovered and my wounds nearly
+healed, I take the first opportunity (as my arm is losing its stiffness)
+of writing to you, as I have no doubt you will be very anxious to hear
+how I am going on. I desired Stisted, the day after the taking of Kelat,
+to write, as I was myself then unable. I have no doubt but that he did
+so; yet I know you must have been anxious before you heard the final
+result; and I am now happy to inform you that I am getting rapidly well,
+and expect in a short time to be out of the "sick list." My wound was
+esteemed a rather ugly one at first; and I must consider it one of the
+most fortunate cases of Providence that the bullet took the direction it
+did, as had it swerved in the least degree it must have gone through my
+lungs, or downward through my liver; and in either case would most
+likely have done my business completely. As the man who fired at me was
+so very close, the ball went clear through, and so saved me from the
+unpleasant process of having it extracted by the doctor, &c. I had my
+right flank exposed to the man who pinked me, and so the ball passed
+through my right arm into my right side, and passing downwards to the
+rear, came out at my back, about an inch from the back-bone. Had it
+passed to the front instead of to the rear, I should have most assuredly
+left my bones at Kelat: as it was, from my coughing up a tolerable
+quantity of blood when I was first hit, the doctor imagined that my
+lungs had been affected, and for a couple of days, as I have since
+heard, was very doubtful as to my eventual recovery. However I may now,
+I believe, consider myself completely out of the wood.
+
+I find I have not written since the last day I was at Cabool; and I have
+had few opportunities of doing so, as we have been on the move ever
+since, and until we reached Kelat there was very little to write about.
+We broke ground and marched to the other side of Cabool on Monday, the
+16th of September, and halted on the 17th for a grand tomasha at the
+Bala Hissar, or Shah's Palace, being no less than the investiture of the
+order of the Doorannee Pearl, which was conferred by Shah Shooja on the
+big-wigs of the army. Sir John Keane, Sir Willoughby Cotton, and Mr.
+Macnaghten get the first order; generals of divisions and brigadiers,
+the second; and all field officers engaged at Ghuzni and heads of
+departments, the third; for the rest, all officers engaged at Ghuzni get
+a gold medal, and the soldiers a silver one: however, all this depends
+on the will and sanction of Queen Victoria.
+
+On Wednesday, the 18th, we took our final leave of Cabool and its
+beautiful environs, and reached Ghuzni on the 26th, where we halted two
+days, and then struck off in a new direction, straight across country to
+Quettah, by a new road, and very little known, leaving Candahar to our
+right, and thereby cutting off a considerable angle. Our object in doing
+this was, besides saving distance, to afford assistance, if required, to
+Captain Outram, who had preceded us by about a week, and was gone with
+some of the Shah's force into the Ghiljee country, and was employed in
+destroying the forts, &c., of some of the refractory Ghiljee chiefs. He
+captured one fort in which were found forty or fifty fellows who were
+identified as being the same men who had murdered so many camp followers
+and some of our officers during our march through the country. I saw
+them at Ghuzni, where they were under confinement, and about to be
+executed in a few days, as I was told. About eight marches from Ghuzni,
+Outram sent to General Willshire for assistance, as his force was not
+sufficient; he was then before the largest of these hill forts,
+belonging to one of the most influential and refractory of the chiefs,
+and who had given us a great deal of annoyance in our way up. A wing of
+the 19th Native Infantry, some Artillery, and the Light Companies were
+therefore sent to his assistance; but they made a miserable failure as
+the chief, putting himself at the head of about a hundred faithful
+followers, dashed through their pickets at night, and made his escape
+with all his valuables, and without losing a man. We marched at an easy
+pace, detaching a force now and then to take a fort, which was
+invariably found, deserted on our approach. Nevertheless, we had hard
+work of it, as our route lay through and over high and barren mountains
+with scarcely an inhabitant or village to be seen, and nothing to be got
+for our cattle. For three days my horse, and those of most of us, lived
+on bushes and rank grass that we found occasionally. We had to depend on
+our commissariat for everything; and they found it difficult to supply
+grain for the staff and field officers' horses, so, of course, ours were
+quite left out of the question. Guns, powder, and shot were in great
+requisition; and, luckily, hares and Khorassan partridges were tolerably
+abundant. At times, even our guides confessed themselves at fault, so
+difficult was it to make our way through such a country. However, one
+thing was greatly in our favour--we had a splendid, bracing climate the
+whole way, the nights and mornings being "_rayther_" too cold, the
+thermometer ranging at that time between 20 and 30 degrees. The poor
+Sepoys and camp-followers, however, suffered severely. We experienced
+scarcely the slightest annoyance from the inhabitants although we passed
+through the most disaffected part of the country--viz., the Ghiljee
+country, and latterly through the heart of the Kauker country, whose
+chief, Hadjee Khan Kauker, is a prisoner at Cabool, as I told you in my
+former letter.
+
+At length, on the 31st of October, we reached Quettah, where we were
+delighted to find a few Parsee merchants, who had come up from Bombay,
+and from whom we were enabled to get a few European comforts, in the
+shape of brandy, gin, wine, tea, pickles, &c., which we had long been
+without; even milk and butter were luxuries to us.
+
+General Willshire now ordered the 31st Bengal Native Infantry, which had
+been left here in our march up, together with H.M. 17th, and a small
+detail of Artillery, to proceed to Kelat, under Colonel Baumgardt, our
+Brigadier. The 31st were to garrison it; and the 17th were sent because
+Mehrab Khan, the Kelat chief, had declared that "he would not surrender
+to any but European troops, and see the Sepoys d--d first, if they came
+alone." However, no resistance was expected, as Mehrab had been offered
+very liberal terms, which he had apparently accepted. The rest of the
+force was to go down by the Bolan Pass, and wait at Bukkur, or somewhere
+in Upper Sinde, till joined by the 17th. However, the next day a new
+order came out, and the Queen's, together with a stronger detail of
+Artillery, were ordered to reinforce the detachment to Kelat.
+
+Well; we marched on the 5th of November; and the next day, after we had
+readied our ground, when we had just sat down to breakfast, great was
+our surprise to see General Willshire himself ride into camp with a few
+of his staff. All we could learn on the subject was, that on that
+morning, which was the day fixed for the rest of the division to begin
+their march down the Bolan Pass, and just as they were about to start,
+the General sent for his Adjutant and Quarter-master-general, and,
+taking them and his Aides with him, started for our camp. Things now
+looked a little more warlike; still we experienced no annoyance during
+the whole march; few of us but thought that on our approach Mehrab Khan
+would give in.
+
+We halted a day at Mostrong, which was about half way, and here General
+Willshire and the political agent communicated with the Khan, who
+replied, that "as to the terms, he was willing to meet General Willshire
+half way, with a small escort, and there talk them over; but that if we
+advanced against him with an army, he should shut his gates, and we
+should find him at the door of his citadel with his drawn sword." There
+was "no mistake about that 'ere," as Sam Weller would say. However, most
+of us thought it was merely bravado, as our progress was not molested
+at all; this, however, was afterwards accounted for by the Khan's having
+called in all his fighting-men to his standard.
+
+The last three days before arriving at Kelat we marched in order of
+battle, and had strong pickets at night, the whole force sleeping on
+their arms, and ready to fall in at a moment's notice.
+
+On the 12th we were within eight miles of the fort; and on our arriving
+on our ground a few horsemen were observed reconnoitring us, who fired
+on our advance, but retired leisurely on the approach of the column. By
+that hour the next day "Kelat was prize money." We strongly expected to
+be attacked that night, and were all ready for a shindy; the artillery
+loaded with grape, and port-fires lighted, &c. However, it passed over
+very quietly; but we had hardly marched a mile from our encampment the
+next morning, when, in an opening through the hill to our right, we
+observed a large cloud of dust, which we soon discovered to be raised by
+a strong body of horsemen. They were about a mile and a half from our
+flank, and kept moving on in a parallel line with our column. However,
+at a point where the road took a turn towards the hills they halted, at
+about 150 yards from the advance guard, and deliberately fired into them
+with their matchlocks, but at too great a distance to do much harm. One
+company from the advance was sent to dislodge them; upon which they
+moved quickly down towards the main body, and taking up a position at
+about the same distance from us as before from the advance, gave us the
+same salute as they had before treated those in front to. Their balls
+came whistling in upon us on all sides, and knocked up the dust like
+drops of rain, but no damage was done; they then galloped off. It was a
+great pity we had no more cavalry with us; only fifty Bengal, or
+Irregular Horse, and their cattle were so done up that they were
+perfectly useless. The enemy laughed at the advance companies that were
+now sent out to skirmish with them. The ground consisted of undulating
+hills, and rather rough, over which our skirmishers, encumbered as they
+were with knapsacks and other absurdities, "selon les regles," found it
+very difficult to move quickly, and the enemy, riding their sure-footed
+horses to the top of one of those hills, would fire down, and wheel
+round, and be under cover of the other side of the hill before our men
+could return the compliment effectually. If we had had a squadron of
+Dragoons with us, lightly equipped, the result would have been very
+different. But, unfortunately, the only time during nearly the whole
+campaign when cavalry would have been of important service to us we were
+without them. However, very little blood is ever shed in desultory
+affairs of this sort, and they only wounded about three or four of our
+men; and at one place, a party of them coming unexpectedly upon the
+reserve of the skirmishers, two sections opened a fire upon them,
+emptied a few saddles, and sent the rest flying. We with the main body
+had a very good view of the whole affair, and a very animating scene it
+was. Our road had hitherto lain through a valley, about four miles
+broad; but when within about three miles and a half from Kelat, it takes
+a sudden turn to the right, and leads, for the next mile and a half,
+through a narrow and straight pass, after penetrating which, and
+arriving at the debouche, the fortress of Kelat appeared before us,
+frowning defiance. The first sight of it had certainly a very pretty
+effect: the sun had just burst out, and was lighting the half-cultivated
+valley beneath us, interspersed with fields, gardens, ruinous mosques,
+houses, &c.; while Kelat, being under the lee of some high hills, was
+still in the shade; so that, while all around presented a smiling and
+inviting appearance, as if hailing our approach with gladness, the
+fortress above seemed to maintain a dark and gloomy reserve, in high
+contrast with the rest of the picture; nor was the effect diminished
+when a thin cloud of smoke was seen spouting forth and curling over its
+battlements, followed, in a short interval, by the report of a large
+gun, which came booming over the hills towards us. "Hurrah! they have
+fired the first shot," was the exclamation of some of us, "and Kelat is
+prize-money!" On looking more minutely at it, however, it had rather an
+ugly appearance, and seemed, at that distance, much more formidable than
+Ghuzni did at the first view. We could only see the citadel, which was
+much more commanding and difficult of access than that of Ghuzni. The
+outworks, however, as we afterwards found, were not half so strong;
+these were, however, hidden from our view by two hills, rather
+formidable in appearance, covering the approach to the fortress, on each
+of which a redoubt was erected, and which we could perceive covered with
+men. Beneath us in the valley the advance companies were seen pushing on
+to occupy the gardens and other inclosures, while nearer the fort we
+could observe the body of cavalry we had been before engaged with drawn
+up, as if waiting our approach, under cover of the redoubts on the
+hills. Half way down the road leading into the valley was our Artillery,
+consisting of four six-pounders, field-pieces belonging to the Shah, and
+two nine-inch howitzers, with our Horse Artillery. Here, also, was
+General Willshire and staff, who now ordered one of the guns to open on
+the horsemen, in order to cover the movements of the advance companies,
+who were driving the enemy's matchlock men before them out of the
+inclosures in good style. The first shot struck wide of them, the second
+kicked up a dust rather too close to be pleasant, and the third went
+slap in among them, knocking over a horse or two, when these gallant
+cavaliers cut their sticks, and we saw no more of them. We soon moved
+into the valley, and halted for a considerable time at the foot of the
+hill. We were here within three-quarters of a mile of the nearest
+redoubt, and about a mile and half from Kelat itself. General Willshire
+now made a reconnaissance, and the men from the different baggage guards
+came in and joined their respective regiments. After halting here about
+an hour, (the guns from the nearest redoubt every now and then pitching
+a shot rather close to us,) the brigade-major made his appearance with
+orders for the three regiments to form in quarter distance column of
+companies, to attack the two redoubts, each leaving one company with the
+colours to form the reserve. The 17th were to attack the nearest
+redoubt, and the 31st Bengal Native Infantry to turn its right, while we
+were to push on and carry the other, which was the nearest to the fort.
+At the same time, our artillery were brought into position, and covered
+our advance.
+
+The plot now began to thicken, and altogether the whole affair was the
+most exciting thing I ever experienced, and beat Ghuzni out of the pit.
+We moved steadily on, the guns from the redoubts blazing at us as fast
+as they could load them; but they were very inferior workmen, and only
+two shots struck near us, one knocking up the dust close to us, and
+bounding over our heads, and the other whizzing close over our leading
+company; however, they kept their ground till we arrived at the foot of
+the hills, when our artillery having unshipped one of their guns, and
+otherwise deranged their redoubts, they exploded their powder, and
+retired, some leisurely, but most in the greatest disorder. Here, again,
+we had occasion to regret having no cavalry, as a troop or two would
+have effectually cut off or dispersed them. On reaching the top of the
+hill which they had abandoned, we found ourselves within a quarter of a
+mile of the lower end of the town, with the Beloochees making the best
+of their way towards the gate, which was open to admit them. Captain
+Outram here rode up to us, and cried out, "On men, and take the gate
+before they can all get in." This acted like magic on the men. All order
+was lost, and we rushed madly down the hill on the flying enemy, more
+like hounds with the chase in view than disciplined soldiers. The
+consequence was, we were exposed to a most galling fire from the
+ramparts, by which several of our best men were put _hors de combat_;
+the fugitives were too quick for us, and suddenly the cry was raised by
+our leading men, "The gate is shut." All was now the greatest confusion,
+and shelter was sought for wherever it could be found. Unluckily a rush
+was made by the greatest part of the regiment to an old shell of a
+house, which could scarcely afford cover to twenty men, much less to the
+numbers who thronged into it, and who were so closely jammed that they
+could not move; and so the outside portion were exposed to the fire from
+the left bastion of the town, which completely out-flanked them, and
+from which the matchlock-men kept pouring in a cool and most destructive
+fire upon this dense mass with the utmost impunity; while a wide,
+broken-down doorway in the centre exposed them to a fire from another
+bastion in their front, if ever they shewed their nose for an instant to
+see how matters were going on, or to return their fire. Poor fellows!
+you may guess their situation was anything but pleasant. The
+consequences soon began to shew themselves--eight men and one officer
+(poor Gravatt) were shot dead, and several more were severely wounded,
+and had the artillery been less expeditious in knocking down the gate,
+the greatest part of them would have been annihilated. The other part of
+the regiment (myself among the rest) were more fortunate. Seeing so many
+rushing to one place, I made for another shelter, about twenty paces to
+the rear, which consisted of a long wall, about five feet high, and
+which afforded ample cover to us all. It was within seventy yards of the
+bastion that proved so fatal to the other party, and from which they
+kept up a pretty good fire upon us whenever we exposed ourselves.
+However, I was so excited that nothing would do but I must see the whole
+affair; this, however, was rather foolish, as every now and then they
+would direct their attention to us, and send in a volley, which would
+sing over us and knock up the dust and the old wall about us in good
+style. Simmons's horse (the Adjutant's) was foolishly brought down, and
+had not been a second there when it was shot slap through the hind-leg.
+The ground behind us was raised a little, so that the horse's leg was in
+a line with and nearly touching my head as I stood looking over the
+wall; on reaching the cover we found four or five poor fellows who had
+been wounded in the rush down the hill, and who had crawled in here as
+well as they could.
+
+I had an excellent view of the further proceedings from this place.
+Right above us on the redoubt, from which we had driven the enemy, our
+artillery had now established themselves, and were slapping away as hard
+as they could at the gate. I could see every shot as it struck: they
+made some very clever shots, sending the balls all about the gate, and
+sometimes knocking down a portion of the bastion over it, considerably
+deranging the operations of the matchlock-men who were in it; but still
+the old gate would not fall. In the mean time, the advance companies,
+which had been in quiet possession of the gardens, inclosures, &c.,
+since the beginning of the affair, were now ordered up to a wall about
+thirty yards in front of the doorway. They had to run over about three
+hundred yards of open country before they could get to it, exposed to a
+fire from the bastion over the door. I saw them make a splendid rush,
+but three poor fellows and a native water-bearer fell, whom I saw crawl
+under cover afterwards. All this time the artillery were banging away,
+but as they made so slight an impression on the gate, two guns of the
+Shah's were moved down the hill a little to our left, and within about
+one hundred and fifty yards of the gate. They fired two shots; the first
+made the old gate shake; the second was more fortunate, and took it
+about the middle, and brought it completely down. Our men gave a general
+hurrah; and Outram galloping down the hill at full speed, gave the word,
+"Forward;" and General Willshire came up to us at his best pace, waving
+his hat, "Forward, Queen's," he sung out, "or the 17th will be in before
+you." On we rushed again for the gate as hard as we could; the enemy
+treated us to one more volley, by which they did some execution, and
+Dickenson was wounded in his leg, and then abandoning the lower defences
+of the town, retreated to the citadel.
+
+However, on entering the gate, we found matters not so easy as we
+expected. The streets were very narrow and so intricate that they formed
+a perfect labyrinth, and it was very difficult to make any progress
+through them. The men, therefore, soon got scattered about and broken
+into small parties; and some, I am afraid, thought of loot, or plunder,
+more than of endeavouring to find their way to the citadel. I forgot to
+mention that during the time we were under cover, the 17th and 31st
+Native Infantry had moved round the hill and taken up a position on our
+right. These two regiments were ordered forward and into the town and at
+the same time and the same gate as we were. The whole force, therefore,
+entered the town nearly together. I followed with a party of our men,
+and we pushed along as well as we could through streets, by-ways, &c.
+This was rather nervous work, as we never could tell what we had to
+expect before us; there was no open enemy to be seen, but whenever we
+came to an opening exposed to the citadel, a few bullets invariably came
+whizzing in about us, and knocked over a man or two; moreover, having
+the recollection of Ghuzni fresh in our minds, we expected every moment
+a rush of some desperate fellows from the narrow holes we passed
+through. After groping my way through narrow passages and all sorts of
+agreeable places, I found myself in the exact spot I had started
+from--viz., the gate by which we had entered. Here a man of our Light
+Company came and told me that he had discovered a way to the citadel,
+and begged me to put myself at the head of a few men there collected. Of
+course I did so, and in a short time we found ourselves in a large
+courtyard, with stables, &c., full of horses and Beloochees; right under
+the windows of the citadel. These men cried out for "aman," or "mercy;"
+but the soldiers recollecting the treachery that had been practised at
+Ghuzni in a similar case were going to shoot the whole kit of them. Not
+liking to see this done, I stopped their fire, and endeavoured to make
+the Beloochees come out of their holes and give themselves up. I was
+standing at this time in the centre of the court, and had heard a few
+shots whizzing rather close over my head, when I suddenly received a
+shock, which made me think at the moment I was smashed to bits, by a
+ball from a ginjall, or native wall piece. I was knocked senseless to
+the ground, in which state I suppose I lay for a few minutes, and when I
+came to myself I found myself kicking away, and coughing up globules of
+clotted blood at a great pace. I thought at first I was as good as done
+for; however, on regaining a little strength, I looked around, and
+seeing none of our men in the place, and thinking it more than probable,
+from what I knew of their character, that the very men whom I had been
+endeavouring to save might take it into their heads to give me the
+"_coup de grace_" now I was left alone, I made a desperate effort, got
+on my legs, and managed to hobble out, when I soon found some of our
+men, who supported me until a dooly could be brought, into which I was
+placed, and was soon on my way to the doctor.
+
+You may imagine my feelings all this time to be anything but pleasant. I
+still continued coughing up blood, which was flowing also pretty freely
+from my side. The idea that you may probably have only a few hours
+longer to exist, with the many recollections that crowd into your mind
+at such a time, is anything but a delightful one; and the being so
+suddenly reduced from a state of vigorous activity to the sick, faintish
+feeling that came over me, by no means added to the _agremens_ of my
+situation.
+
+I well recollect being carried through the gate, where General Willshire
+with his staff and the officers who had been left with the reserve
+companies were, and who all pressed forward to see who the unfortunate
+fellow in the dooly was, when the low exclamation of "Poor Holdsworth!"
+and the mysterious and mournful shaking of heads which passed among
+them, by no means tended to enliven my spirits. I soon reached the place
+where the doctors, with their understrappers, were busily employed among
+the wounded, dying, and dead. I was immediately stripped and examined,
+and then, for the first time, heard that the ball had passed through and
+out of my body. I also now discovered that it had struck and gone
+through my arm as well. Being very anxious, I begged Hunter, the doctor,
+to let me know the worst. He shook his head, and told me "he thought it
+a rather dangerous case, principally from my having spit so much blood."
+He had not time, however, to waste many words with me, as he had plenty
+of others to attend. Dickenson, also, I found here; having been wounded,
+as I before told you. He did all he could to keep my spirits up, but, as
+you may suppose, I felt still very far from being comfortable. Nor were
+the various objects that met my eye of a consolatory nature: men lying,
+some dead, others at their last gasp, while the agonizing groans of
+those who were undergoing operations at the hands of the hospital
+assistants, added to the horror of the scene. I may now say that I have
+seen, on a small scale, every different feature of a fight.
+
+In the meantime, there had been sharp fighting in the citadel. Our men,
+after forcing their way through numerous dark passages, in sonic places
+so narrow and low that they were forced to crawl singly on their hands
+and knees, at length arrived there; but as there were a great number of
+approaches to this their last place of refuge, our men got broken up
+into small detached parties, and entered it at different places. One
+party reached the place where Mehrab Khan, at the head of the chiefs who
+had joined his standard, was sitting with his sword drawn, &c. The
+others seemed inclined to surrender themselves, and raised the cry of
+"Aman!" but the Khan, springing on his feel, cried, "Aman, nag!"
+equivalent to "Mercy be d--d," and blew his match; but all in vain, as
+he immediately received about three shots, which completely did his
+business; the one that gave him the "_coup de grace_," and which went
+through his breast, being fired by a man of our regiment, named Maxwell.
+So fell Mehrab Khan, having fulfilled his promise to General Willshire,
+and died game, with his sword in his hand, in his own citadel.
+
+Other parties, however, were not so fortunate, as each being too weak,
+the enemy generally offered a determined resistance, and several, after
+giving themselves up, finding the numbers to whom they had surrendered
+smaller than they had at first appeared, turned upon them suddenly; for
+which, however, they suffered in the long-run, as the soldiers, at
+last, maddened by this conduct, refused quarter, and fired at once into
+whatever party they met, without asking any questions.
+
+At length the few survivors, being driven to their last stronghold at
+the very top of the citadel, surrendered on condition of their lives
+being granted to them; when one loud and general "hurrah!" proclaimed
+around that Kelat was ours. The greatest part of the garrison had,
+however, before this managed to make their escape over the hills.
+Dickenson, while he was lying wounded by my side, saw quantities of them
+letting themselves down the walls of the citadel by means of ropes,
+shawls, &c.
+
+Dooly, the most faithful of his chiefs and followers, remained by Mehrab
+Khan to the last. These were all either taken prisoners or killed.
+Besides the Khan himself, the Dadur chief, who had been the cause of
+great annoyance to us in our way up, and the Governor of the Shawl
+district, were among the slain. The only two men of his council of any
+note among the survivors are at present prisoners in our camp, on their
+way to Bengal.
+
+Thus ended this short, but decisive affair, which I consider to be a
+much more gallant one than that of Ghuzni, both in regard to the numbers
+engaged on each side and the manner in which it was taken. We merely
+halted for an hour, and then went slap at it, as if it was merely a
+continuation of our morning's march. General Willshire was exceedingly
+pleased with the result, as well he might be, and issued a very
+complimentary address to the force engaged, the next day. I hope and
+conclude his fortune will be made by it.
+
+The loss on our side at Kelat was, in proportion, a great deal greater
+than at Ghuzni. We had altogether about 1100 bayonets engaged, and the
+loss was 140, being about one in seven; of this loss, the Queen's bear a
+proportion equal to that of the other two regiments together, having
+returned about seventy in the butcher's bill out of 280, which was the
+number we brought into the field, being about one in four. Out of
+thirteen officers, we had one killed, four severely, and one slightly,
+wounded; twenty-three men were killed, and forty-one wounded, of whom
+some have died since, and most will feel the effect of their wounds till
+their dying day, as the greatest portion are body wounds.
+
+With regard to prize-money, I have no doubt that had things been even
+tolerably well managed, there would have been plenty of it, but we did
+not stay there long enough to search the place thoroughly. I hear also
+that the other part of the force that went down by the Bolan Pass claim
+to share with us, which we do not allow; so that, perhaps, it may get
+into the lawyers' hands, and then good-bye to it altogether, I do not
+expect, under any circumstances, more than 100l. Some of the rooms of
+the citadel were very handsomely fitted up, particularly one in the old
+fellow's harem, which was one entire mirror, both sides and ceiling.
+
+We remained at Kelat till the 21st of November, and then marched by the
+Gundava Pass on this place. During the week that we remained there, my
+wounds continued doing very well, and I had very little fever; and on
+the third and fourth days after I was hit, the doctor considered me "all
+right." On the two first days of our march, however, I caught a low
+fever, which left me on the third, and I have continued to grow
+gradually better ever since. We found the Gundava a much longer and more
+difficult pass than that of the Bolan, and could get very little grain
+or supplies either for ourselves or our cattle. Our march was perfectly
+unmolested, as by that time the new Khan had arrived at Kelat, and most
+of the principal chiefs had acknowledged him. I do not know, however,
+what has become of Mehrab Khan's eldest son, a lad of fifteen years old,
+who was bringing up a reinforcement to his father in our rear, while we
+were marching on Kelat, but did not arrive in the neighbourhood until
+after the place was taken. He, however, threatened us with a night
+attack while we were lying in front of it, so that we were on the alert,
+every one sleeping on his arms during the whole time we were there.
+
+  "We laid not by our harness bright,
+   Neither by day nor yet by night."
+
+During the whole of this time the weather set in dreadfully cold, colder
+than I ever experienced it anywhere in my life; sharp frosts, &c.
+
+Well; to cut the matter short, yesterday, the 7th of December, we
+arrived at this place, which is the same that we halted at for a week in
+our march up. Here, at length, we are in the land of plenty, and enjoy
+such luxuries as fresh eggs, butter, milk, vegetables, &c., with a goût
+that those only can feel who have been so long without them as we have.
+We find the climate, however, very hot, and I am sorry to say that we
+are losing many fine fellows from the effect of the change. It is very
+painful to witness these poor fellows going off in this miserable
+manner, after surviving the chances of fire and steel, and all the
+harassing duties they have had to perform during the campaign, now when
+they have arrived at nearly the very end of it.
+
+_Larkhanu, Dec. 24th_.--I have delayed sending this till our arrival
+here, as the communication between this and Bombay is perfectly open,
+which might not have been the case at Kotra. We have been here about a
+week, and report says that we are to finish our marching here, and drop
+down the river to Curachee in boats. I hope this may prove the case, as
+I am sure we have had marching enough for one campaign. Another report,
+however, says, that there is a kick-up in the Punjab, and that we shall
+be detained in this country in consequence; but I do not think it
+likely.
+
+That part of our force which was not employed at Kelat went down by the
+Bolan Pass, and have suffered considerably from cholera, which luckily
+we have as yet escaped. The men that we have lost since our arrival in
+this low country have all died from complaints of the lungs, from which
+they were perfectly free in the cold country above the hills. Since
+writing the former part of this letter, I have received a letter from
+Kate, dated September 10th, which I will answer as soon I have finished
+this letter to you.
+
+_December 25th, Christmas day_.--I hope to spend this evening more
+comfortably than I did last year, when I was on out-lying picket, the
+night before we commenced our first march. Now, I trust, we have
+finished our last. We have luckily met all our mess supplies here, which
+have been waiting for us about six months, having never managed to get
+further than Bukkur. So now it is a regular case of--
+
+  "Who so merry as we in camp?
+     Danger over,
+     Live in clover," &c.
+
+I have just heard that the order is out for our marching the day after
+to-morrow to the banks of the river, there to remain till the boats are
+ready. Now the campaign is so near its close, I feel very glad that I
+have been on it, as it is a thing that a man does not see every day of
+his life in these times; and I consider it to be more lucky than
+otherwise that I have four holes in my body as a remembrance of it; but
+I cannot say that I relish a longer sojourn in India, unless we have the
+luck to be sent to China, which I should like very much, (fancy sacking
+Pekin, and kicking the Celestial Emperor from his throne,) as I do not
+think the climate has done me any good, but on the contrary.
+
+I do not know whether these wounds of mine will give me any claim;--and,
+talking about that, I would wish you to inquire whether or not I am
+entitled to any gratuity for them. I hear that officers returned
+"wounded" on the list in the Peninsular Campaign, no matter how slight
+the wound might have been, received a gratuity of one year's pay as a
+compensation; and this, I think, was called "blood-money." I do not know
+how far this may be the case at present, but I do not think that 120l.
+ought to be lost sight of for want of a little inquiry.
+
+By-the-bye, I had nearly forgotten to say that I have received two
+letters from Eliza, which I will answer as soon as possible; but I do
+not think it safe to keep this open any longer, as I may lose the mail
+to Bombay; so must conclude, with best love to all at home,
+
+  Your very affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XI.
+
+
+  Camp Larkanu, Dec. 26th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR ELIZA,--I finished and sent off a letter to my father yesterday,
+giving an account of the storming of Kelat, and the wounds I received in
+the skrimmage, and telling him of everything that had happened since I
+wrote before, which was the day we left Cabool. You can see his letter,
+which gives a pretty full account of all our proceedings up to the
+present time.
+
+I have now to make many apologies for not having answered your two
+letters, one dated May 29th, giving an account of Kate's wedding, and
+the other, dated the 29th of July, from Bristol, and likewise for having
+forgotten to thank you for the money you were kind enough to send out
+with my father's, last year. I can assure you never came money more
+acceptable, as no one can imagine what expenses we have unavoidably been
+obliged to incur in this campaign, which I suppose has cost officers
+more than any other campaign that ever was undertaken. I think there are
+few of us who have come off under 100l. besides our pay; and yet this
+was merely for the common necessaries of life,--just sufficient to keep
+body and soul together. I can assure you I feel very much obliged for
+your present, as also for the two letters which I received while on the
+march. I have often thought of Brookhill during the many dreary marches
+that we have made, and on the solitary out-lying pickets, with no one to
+speak to, and deplored my unlucky fate, in being obliged to leave home
+just as you seem to be comfortably settled there. Still I have hope that
+I may yet return, some day or other.
+
+I can now give you more definite intelligence with regard to our
+movements than I did in my father's letter; since sending off which
+orders have come out, and the campaign, as far as our regiment is
+concerned, is decidedly brought to a close. H.M. 17th, with Gen.
+Willshire, Baumgardt, and Head-quarter Staff, marched this morning for
+Bukkur, where they are to remain for four or five months, so report
+says, and longer than that I suppose, if their services are required.
+The Queen's, and the 4th Light Dragoons, are to return to Bombay as soon
+as the necessary arrangements for their transportation thither &c. are
+completed. We march from this to-morrow for the banks of the river,
+about twelve miles, and shall probably remain there for three weeks or
+so, until the shipping is got ready in Bombay, when we shall drop down
+the Indus in boats, and embark from Curachee for the Presidencies: would
+it were for England. Most of our married officers have obtained leave to
+precede the regiment, and are off in a day or two.
+
+I hope to see Lieutenant-Colonel Fane when we arrive at Bombay. His
+father, Sir H. Fane, has publicly and officially resigned the
+commander-in-chief-ship in favour of Sir Jasper Nicolls. Sir Henry has
+been dangerously unwell at Bombay; but report says he is now getting
+better. He intends sailing as soon as possible, I believe, and so will
+most likely be gone before we arrive there. Sir J. Keane has also
+resigned, and is to be succeded by Sir Thomas M'Mahon. It is not quite
+certain that we shall go to Bombay, as some say that we shall land at
+Cambay, and go up to Deesa, and others that we shall return to Belgaum.
+Last night we received Bombay papers, giving an account of the taking of
+Kelat. They have buttered us up pretty well, and seem to think it a much
+more gallant affair than that of Ghuzni--in this last particular they
+are only doing us justice.
+
+_Dec. 30th, Camp, Taggur Bundur; Banks of the Indus_.--We arrived here
+the day before yesterday, and are likely to remain, I believe, a
+fortnight or so. We muster rather small, as most of the married officers
+are off to-day and yesterday. As to my wounds, I have only one hole
+still open--namely, the one through which the bullet took its final
+departure, and that, I think, will be closed in a day or two. I am
+sorry to say that since arriving here I have caught a "cruel cold," from
+which I am suffering severely at present.
+
+By-the-bye, there are a few incidents connected with the taking of Kelat
+which I forgot to mention in my letter to my father. Mehrab Khan, the
+chief of Kelat, managed to send away all his harem and family on the
+morning of the fight, directly we were seen approaching, but his other
+chiefs were not so fortunate, and the greater part of them deliberately
+cut the throats of all the females belonging to their establishments,
+including wives, mothers, and daughters, as soon as we established
+ourselves within the town, rather than suffer them to fall into the
+hands of us infidels. I forgot, I think, also, to mention that I managed
+to procure rather a handsome Koran, which was found in the citadel, and
+also an excellent Damascus blade, both of which I intend giving to my
+father, and a few articles of native costume, which would go far to make
+up a neat fancy dress, but it is not quite complete. A great number of
+handsome articles were stolen by the camp followers and other rascals,
+worse luck for us poor wounded officers, who could not help ourselves.
+We were rather surprised at finding some excellent European articles in
+the shape of double-barrelled guns, pistols, beautiful French musical
+boxes, prints, looking-glasses, and pier-glasses, &c., in the rooms of
+the citadel. Where Mehrab Khan could have picked them up I cannot
+think, unless they were the result of some successful foray on some
+unfortunate caravan.
+
+The day after the fight, Captain Outram, of whom I have so often spoken
+in my letters to my father, volunteered to take the dispatches to
+Bombay, and started for that purpose straight across country to Someanee
+Bay, on the sea-coast, a distance of 350 miles, and across the barren
+mountains that compose the greatest part of Beloochistan. This route had
+up to that time never been traversed by any European, except Pottinger,
+who passed through all these countries twenty years ago, disguised as a
+native. It was attempted last year by Captain Harris, of the Bombay
+Engineers, author of the "African Excursions," a very enterprising
+officer, and who landed at Someanee Bay for that purpose; but after
+getting about twenty miles into the interior, reported the route as
+impracticable. When this is taken into consideration, with the great
+chance there was of Captain Outram's falling into the hands of the many
+straggling fugitives from Kelat, and the well-known character of these
+_gentlemen_, now smarting under the painful feeling of being driven from
+their homes, &c., it must be confessed that it required no little pluck
+to undertake it. The plan proved, however, perfectly successful. He
+travelled in the disguise of an Afghan Peer or holy man, under the
+guidance of two Afghan Seyds, a race of men much looked up to and
+respected in all Mahomedan countries, on account of their obtaining,
+[whether true or not, I know not] a pure descent from the Prophet.
+Outram and his party fell in with several bands of fugitives, and
+actually came up and were obliged to travel a day or two with the harem
+and escort of Mehrab Khan's brother. As there was a chance of Outram's
+being discovered by this party, the Seyd introduced him in the character
+of a Peer, which holy disguise he had to support during the whole
+journey; and after some extraordinary escapes he arrived at Someanee Bay
+in seven or eight days.
+
+Our sick and wounded have been left behind at Kelat, under the charge of
+an officer of the 17th, since which things have gone on very smoothly
+there. The new Khan has been very accommodating, and has given fêtes,
+&c., to the officers left behind, in honour of our gallantry. He has
+also written to General Willshire to say that he intends giving us all a
+medal each, whether we are allowed to wear it or not, as he does not see
+why, if the Shah did it for Ghuzni, he might not do it also for Kelat.
+Lord Auckland has published an order that all regiments belonging to the
+Company that went beyond the Bolan Pass shall wear Afghanistan on their
+colours and appointments, and all engaged at Ghuzni that name also; and
+has written to the Queen for permission for Queen's regiments employed
+in like manner to bear the same. I suppose we shall get Kelat in
+addition.
+
+There is one other point which, in my hurry to get my letter off in
+time for the January mail, I totally forgot to mention--viz., about
+drawing some money on my father. I have before mentioned the great
+expense we have been put to in this campaign; in addition to this, when
+we were ordered from Quettah to take Kelat, we were also under orders to
+return to Quettah after having taken the place. A sergeant was therefore
+left behind at Quettah to take charge of whatever effects any person
+might leave, and officers were strongly advised to leave the greater
+part of their kit at this place. I, as well as most of my brother
+officers, was foolish enough to follow this advice, and brought only a
+bundle of linen; consequently now I am almost minus everything;
+dress-coat, appointments, are all left behind, as General Willshire,
+after the taking of Kelat, instead of returning to Quettah, proceeded
+into Cutch Gundava by the Gundava Pass. Nothing has been since heard of
+what we have left behind, except that the sergeant could not get camels
+or carriage sufficient to bring them down. Moreover, it is unsafe to go
+through the Bolan Pass without a tolerably strong escort; so, taking all
+things into consideration, I do not think there is much chance of our
+ever seeing anything of them again. The consequences will be, that, on
+our arrival at Bombay, I shall be obliged to get an entire new fit out,
+and as the campaign has drained me dry, I shall be obliged to draw upon
+my father for it; however, I will repay him by the end of the year, as
+by that time the Company will have given us half a year's full batta,
+which they intend doing as a sort of indemnification for the losses we
+have sustained on the campaign; my batta will be about 72l.
+
+I do not think I have any more to say, and as the January overland sails
+on the 25th, I hope this letter will reach Bombay in time to go by it,
+as well as my father's. By-the-bye, how is old Nelly? If she has any
+good pups, I wish you would manage to keep one for me, as I expect the
+old girl will be either dead or very old by the time I return. I am
+longing to get out of the "Sick-list," as the thickets here near the
+river are full of partridges and hares, and the climate, at this time of
+the year, is very cool and pleasant. My rheumatism is much better since
+I was wounded; but I still have it in my left arm. Well, no more; but
+wishing you, and all, a happy new year.
+
+  Believe me ever your very affectionate brother,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XII.
+
+  Camp, Curachee, Feb. 14th, 1840.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--You will see, by my date, that our share of the
+campaign is ended; in fact, we are only waiting here for shipping, which
+is on its way from Bombay, to take us from this place to Mandavie, in
+Cutch, where we land, and then march immediately to Deesa, in Guzerat;
+so that, after all our toilsome marches, &c., we have yet another, still
+more toilsome, before us of 240 miles. The climate of Cutch and Guzerat
+during the period of year that we shall be occupied in marching is so
+hot that no changes of station are ever made even by native corps, and
+Europeans are never allowed to march in Guzerat except during the cold
+months. It is sharp work on our poor men; many of whom appear very unfit
+for it; but they are now so accustomed to hard work, that they will get
+well through it I have little doubt.
+
+We left Tuggur Bandur, from which place I wrote to Eliza and Kate, on
+the 13th of January, and drifted quietly down the river in boats,
+pulling up and coming to an anchor every evening at sunset. We reached
+Tatta Bundur, about five miles from the town, on the 21st, and after
+staying there a few days, started again for this place, which we reached
+in five marches, on the 31st. We were immediately most hospitably
+entertained by the officers of H.M. 40th, which is an excellent
+regiment. Here we have been ever since, living on the fat of the land,
+and enjoying ourselves very much, after all our toils. This is now a
+rather considerable station: one Queen's and one Company's regiment, and
+detail of foot artillery, and plenty of European supplies brought by the
+Bombay merchants. It is a very decent climate; and would make a very
+good station. I wish they would leave us here in place of sending us to
+Deesa, at this time of the year. Sir John Keane, General Willshire, and
+the Bombay staff are expected here in a day or two. Sir John is bringing
+down with him Hyder Khan, Dost Mahomed's son, who commanded at Ghuzni
+when it was taken. He is to be brought to Bombay, and as he is of a very
+quiet, amiable disposition, will, so report says, be eventually allowed
+to join his father. Poor Dost, they say, is in a very bad way, deserted
+by nearly all his followers; but there still seems to be mischief
+brewing in the north-west. All accounts say that Bokhara is very much
+inclined to the Russian interest, and Shah Kamran's vizier at Herat has
+been carrying on a correspondence with the Persians, the object of which
+is said to be the delivery of Herat into their hands. The Punjab is also
+in a very unsettled state; so there are plenty of materials for getting
+up another row in these countries before long. War is most positively
+said to be decided on with China, and seven regiments, to be followed by
+a reserve of equal number, together with a considerable naval force, are
+to be sent there as soon as possible. Lord Auckland, we are told, has
+had _carte blanche_ from the Home government to act as he thinks fit
+with regard to China, and that he has determined upon a hostile movement
+as soon as this campaign is regularly finished, which it may be said to
+be; so there will be glorious fun there. It is not yet known here what
+regiments will go. I am afraid there is little chance for the Queen's.
+
+The 4th Light Dragoons have arrived here, having come down by land; they
+are to return to their old quarters at Kickee, near Poonah. The 17th may
+also be expected in a few days; they are to occupy our old quarters at
+Belgaum. The 18th (Royal Irish) have come on from Ceylon, and are to go
+to Poonah; and the 6th go home (to England) as soon as possible. This is
+understood to be the destination of each regiment, but this affair with
+China may cause an alteration.
+
+I am very sorry to mention the unfortunate death of poor little Halkett,
+one of my best friends, and the son of General Halkett, of Hanover, who
+was so very civil to me while I was there, and nephew of Sir Colin
+Halkett.
+
+Since we have been here, I have received your letter, dated November
+2nd, by which it appears that you had just then heard of the taking of
+Ghuzni. You mentioned, also, in it that you had received my letter from
+Candahar, which I am very glad to hear, as I was very much afraid, from
+the state of the country, that it would never reach its destination. As
+you mention nothing about it, I suppose you had not received the letter
+I wrote from Ghuzni almost immediately after the capture. I know many
+letters were lost about that time, and mine, I am afraid, among the
+number. There is a report here (but I think, too good to be true) that
+all officers with the advance, or storming, party at Ghuzni, consisting
+of the light companies of the European regiments, were to get brevet
+rank. In that case, as the company to which I belong--viz, the
+Light--was one of the number, and, in fact, headed the assault, Capt
+Holdsworth would be my future rank. Tell Eliza that I got her letter
+which was enclosed in yours, and was very much surprised at its
+contents.
+
+I do not know what to say about Deesa as station, reports are so various
+on the subject. The heat, I believe is awful in the hot weather the
+thermometer rising to 120 in the houses; and the worst part of the
+business is, that this heat, which is occasioned by the hot winds, lasts
+all night through; so that the night is nearly as hot as the day. At
+other times of the year, I believe, the climate is very pleasant. The
+40th give a very good account of it. There is a great quantity of game
+there, and some of the best hog-hunting in India. Mount Aboo, called the
+Parnassus of India, is within fifty miles of it, and is a great place of
+resort during the hot weather.
+
+Should this expedition to China take place, which seems decided upon at
+present, what an immense power the English will eventually have in the
+East. In a few years, I have no doubt it may extend from Herat to the
+most eastern parts of China, including all the islands in the adjacent
+seas. Like the Romans, England seems to be extending her dominion
+everywhere--"super et Garamantes et Indos, proferet imperium," and yet
+what a row she kicks up about Russia. The French papers seem to be
+rather jealous about Ghuzni. How the English papers butter it up! and
+yet it was not half so brilliant an affair as Kelat, nor so hardly
+contested; but very little is said about the latter.
+
+Enclosed, I send you a view of the north front of Kelat, shewing the
+gate by which we entered. It gives you a pretty good idea of the place,
+and was drawn by Lieutenant Creed, of the Engineers.
+
+I went yesterday to see a tank, about seven miles from this place, in
+which are a great quantity of alligators, half tame. The tank in which
+they are belongs to a Mahomedan temple, which is considered a very holy
+one, and much resorted to, and these animals are kept there by the
+priests of the establishment, in order to induce a greater number of
+visitors. A calf was killed and thrown in among the scaly gentlemen, who
+very soon demolished it. I never saw anything so loathesome and
+repulsive as these monsters.
+
+This letter goes by the "Hannah" packet, which sails this evening for
+Bombay, and will, I hope, reach that place in time to go by the
+"overland packet." I suppose you know that this is classic ground, and
+the place from which Nearchus, Alexander's admiral, started on his
+return to the Euphrates. I have no time for more. So, with love to all
+at home,
+
+  Believe me your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XIII.
+
+  Deesa, April 21st, 1840.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I received your letter, dated January 18th, about the
+beginning of this month, while on our march from Mandavie to this place.
+I see by the papers that the news of the taking of Kelat had readied
+England, as I find my name mentioned in the "Western Luminary," which
+came out in this overland. I wrote you last from Curachee, about the
+beginning or middle of February. We stayed there till the 20th. A few
+days before we left, Lord Keane and suite arrived, bringing with him
+Hyder Khan, the captured chief of Ghuzni. While there, Lord Keane
+presented new colours to the 40th regiment, which we had an opportunity
+of witnessing. He and all his party have since gone home.
+
+On the 20th, I, with my company under my command, embarked for Mandavie,
+in Cutch, where we arrived in two days, in Patamars, and waited till the
+whole regiment came down, which they did by companies, so that it was
+the 10th of March before we were able to start for this place.
+
+We arrived here on the 4th of this month, pushing on as fast as we
+could, as the commanding officer was anxious to get the men under cover,
+on account of the great heat. There was excellent shooting the whole way
+up; and if it had been the cold season, I should have enjoyed the march
+amazingly; but it was too hot to venture out. On arrival here we found
+about three hundred recruits, who had arrived since we went on service,
+and about fifty of the men we left behind us; also seven new officers.
+As I have a company under my command I have scarcely had a moment to
+myself since I have been here; what with fitting and getting the
+recruits in order, and new clothing the old hands, you have no
+conception what tedious work it is getting into quarters.
+
+I have bought a very comfortable little bungalo for four hundred rupees.
+We were promised our full batta on our arrival here; but, although the
+Bengalees, it is said, received theirs some time ago, yet there is a
+screw loose, I fear, somewhere in the Bombay, and that it may be some
+time before we get ours, and that it will not be as much as the
+Bengalees: so much for being in an inferior Presidency. This is a great
+disappointment, after our losses on the campaign.
+
+With regard to this place, I have not been long enough in it to form an
+opinion. Its appearance is decidedly against it, the soil being nothing
+but a barren sandy desert, with the low hills of the Aravulles to the
+eastward, running north to the mountain Aboo, the Parnassus of
+Hindostan. The last week has been oppressive, and hot in the extreme;
+and this is but the commencement of the hot weather, which I am told
+will last about six weeks longer, when a very slight monsoon comes on,
+and lasts at intervals till the end of October, when the cold season
+commences, which is said to be very pleasant. There is a lot of game
+here of every description, including lions; and it is one of the best
+hog-hunting stations in India.
+
+Our men, to the surprise of everybody, were very healthy in the march
+up; and since they have been here, and not having their knapsacks to
+carry, knocked off their work in grand style. The men we have brought
+back with us are well-seasoned, hardy fellows, and I would back them to
+march against any soldiers in the world.
+
+I suppose you have long ere this received Stisted's letter and mine
+about Kelat. Colonel Arnold[A] died at Cabool whilst we were there, and
+was buried with a magnificent military funeral in the Armenian
+burial-ground.
+
+[Footnote A: Colonel Arnold was in the 10th Hussars at Waterloo, and
+shot through the body in the charge in which Major Howard, of that
+regiment, was killed.]
+
+I am sorry to say that, as I predicted, the spear which I took at the
+storming of Ghuzni has been broken to pieces through the carelessness of
+my servants. I have, however, the Koran and sword from Kelat; and I
+think I shall be able to get a matchlock taken at that place,--a very
+good specimen of the sort of thing I was wounded by; perhaps it may be
+the identical one. The sword I left in Cutch, in my way up from
+Mandavie, to be put to rights, as the workmen of that country are the
+best in India, I will try if I can get another weapon, as a remembrance
+of Ghuzni. I brought down from Cabool as far as Quettah a very good
+specimen of the Kyber knife, a very cut-throat sort of instrument, with
+which every Afghan is armed. I sent it down with my other things through
+the Bolan Pass, when we turned off to Kelat, and I am sorry to say it
+was stolen.
+
+You write about old ----: did I never mention him to you? He is here;
+but was not with us on the campaign, being too unwell when we started.
+Though not an old man, he is a very old soldier for an Indian, and is
+nearly worn out: he is anxious to get his discharge at the end of the
+year, when he will have served his twenty-one years, and be entitled to
+a decent pension. He is a very straight-forward, blunt, honest old
+fellow, and when he first joined was a very powerful man, and the best
+wrestler in the regiment, thereby proving his South Devon blood. He was
+----'s servant when I joined, and I was delighted at hearing the South
+Devon dialect again, which he speaks with so much truth and native
+elegance that you would imagine he had but just left his native village.
+There were a great many Devonshire men in the regiment; we lost one, a
+very fine young man in the Grenadiers, in coming down from Kelat to
+Cutch Gundava, by the same chest complaint that carried off so many: he
+was a native of Tiverton.
+
+Well; it is twelve o'clock, and I am afraid I shall be too late for the
+post; so good bye.
+
+  Your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+FALL OF GHUZNI, & ENTRANCE OF THE BRITISH ARMY INTO CABOOL.
+
+_(From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of August 29th,
+1839.)_
+
+
+SECRET DEPARTMENT.
+
+Bombay Castle, Aug 29th, 1839.
+
+The Honourable the Governor in Council has the highest satisfaction in
+republishing the following notification issued by the Right Honourable
+the Governor-General, announcing the capture by storm of the town and
+fortress of Ghuzni, as also the general order issued on the occasion by
+his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H.,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus. By order of the Honourable
+the Governor in Council,
+
+  L.R. REID, Acting Chief Secretary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOTIFICATION.--SECRET DEPARTMENT.
+
+Simla, August 18th, 1839.
+
+The Right Hon. the Governor-General of India has great gratification in
+publishing, for general information, a copy of a report this day
+received from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, announcing the capture, by
+storm, on the 23d ult., of the important fortress of Ghuzni.
+
+A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies. By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,
+
+  (Signed)  T.H. MADDOCK,
+    Officiating Secretary to the Government of
+    India, with the Governor-General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.
+
+MY LORD,--I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship that the
+army under my command have succeeded in performing one of the most
+brilliant acts it has ever been my lot to witness during my service of
+forty-five years in the four quarters of the globe, in the capture, by
+storm, of the strong and important fortress and citadel of Ghuzni
+yesterday.
+
+It is not only that the Afghan nation, and, I understand, Asia generally
+have looked upon it as impregnable; but it is in reality a place of
+great strength, both by nature and art, far more so than I had reason to
+suppose from any description that I had received of it, although some
+are from others in our own service who had seen it in their travels.
+
+I was surprised to find a high rampart in good repair, built on a
+scarped mound about thirty-five feet high, flanked by numerous towers,
+and surrounded by a fausse brayze and a wet ditch, whilst the height of
+the citadel covered the interior from the commanding fire of the hills
+from the north, rendering it nugatory. In addition to this, screen walls
+had been built before the gates, the ditch was filled with water, and
+unfordable, and an outwork built on the right bank of the river so as to
+command the bed of it.
+
+It is therefore the more honourable to the troops, and must appear to
+the enemy out of all calculation extraordinary, that a fortress and
+citadel to the strength of which, for the last thirty years, they had
+been adding something each year, and which had a garrison of 3500 Afghan
+soldiers, commanded by Prince Mahomed Hyder, the son of Dost Mahomed
+Khan, the ruler of the country, with a commanding number of guns, and
+abundance of ammunition, and other stores, provisions, &c., for regular
+siege, should have been taken by British science and British valour in
+less than two hours from the time the attack was made, and the whole,
+including the governor and garrison, should fall into our hands.
+
+My dispatch of the 20th instant, from Nanee, will have made known to
+your Lordship that the camps of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+of Major-General Willshire, with the Bombay troops, had there joined me
+in accordance with my desire, and the following morning we made our
+march of twelve miles to Ghuzni, the line of march being over a fine
+plain. The troops were disposed in a manner that would have enabled me
+at any moment, had we been attacked, as was probable, from the large
+bodies of troops moving on each side of us, to have placed them in
+position to receive the enemy. They did not, however, appear; but on our
+coming within range of the guns of the citadel and fortress of Ghuzni, a
+sharp cannonade was opened on our leading column, together with a heavy
+fire of musketry from behind garden walls, and temporary field-works
+thrown up, as well as the strong outwork I have already alluded to,
+which commanded the bed of the river from all but the outwork. The enemy
+were driven in under the walls of the fort in a spirited manner by
+parties thrown forward by Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, of the
+16th and 48th Bengal Native Infantry, and her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, under Brigadier Sale. I ordered forward three troops of horse
+artillery, the camel battery, and one foot battery, to open upon the
+citadel and fortress, by throwing shrapnel shells, which was done in a
+masterly style under the direction of Brigadier Stephenson. My object in
+this was to make the enemy shew their strength in guns, and in other
+respects, which completely succeeded, and our shells must have done
+great execution, and occasioned great consternation. Being perfectly
+satisfied on the point of their strength in the course of half an hour,
+I ordered the fire to cease, and placed the troops in bivouac. A close
+reconnoissance of the place all around was then undertaken by Captain
+Thomson, the chief engineer, and Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+accompanied by Major Garden, the Deputy Quartermaster-General of the
+Bombay army, supported by a strong party of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+and one from her Majesty's 18th Light Infantry. On this party a steady
+fire was kept up, and some casualties occurred. Captain Thomson's report
+was very clear, he found the fortifications equally strong all round;
+and, as my own opinion coincided with him, I did not hesitate a moment
+as to the manner in which our approach and attack upon the place should
+be made. Notwithstanding the march the troops had performed in the
+morning, and then having been a considerable time engaged with the
+enemy, I ordered the whole to move across the river (which runs close
+under the fort wall) in columns, to the right and left of the town, and
+they were placed in opposition on the north side on more commanding
+ground, and securing the Cabool road. I had information that a night
+attack upon the camp was intended from without. Mahomed Ubzul Khan, the
+eldest son of Dost Mahomed Khan, had been sent by his father with a
+strong body of troops from Cabool to the brother's assistance at Ghuzni,
+and was encamped outside the walls, but abandoned his position on our
+approach, keeping, however, at the distance of a few miles from us. The
+two rebel chiefs of the Ghiljee tribe, men of great influence--viz.,
+Abdool Rhuman and Gool Mahomed Khan, had joined him with 1500 horse, and
+also a body of about 3000 Ghazees from Zeimat, under a mixture of chiefs
+and mollahs, carrying banners, and who had been assembled on the cry of
+a religious war. In short, we were in all directions surrounded by
+enemies. These last actually came down the hills on the 22nd, and
+attacked the part of the camp occupied by his Majesty Shah Shooja and
+his own troops, but were driven back with considerable loss, and banners
+taken.
+
+At daylight on the 22nd I reconnoitered Ghuzni, in company with the
+chief engineer and the brigadier commanding the artillery, with the
+adjutant and quartermaster-general of the Bengal army, for the purpose
+of making all arrangements for carrying the place by storm, and these
+were completed in the course of the day. Instead of the tedious process
+of breaching, (for which we were ill prepared,) Captain Thomson
+undertook, with the assistance of Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+Lieutenants Durand and Macleod, of the Bengal Engineers, and other
+officers under him, (Captain Thomson,) to blow in the Cabool gate, the
+weakest point, with gunpowder; and so much faith did I place on the
+success of this operation that my plans for the assault were immediately
+laid down and the orders given.
+
+The different troops of horse artillery, the camel and foot batteries,
+moved off their ground at twelve o'clock that night, without the
+slightest noise, as had been directed, and in the most correct manner
+took up the position assigned them, about 250 yards from the walls. In
+like manner, and with the same silence, the infantry soon after moved
+from their ground, and all were at their post at the proper time. A few
+minutes before three o'clock in the morning the explosion took place,
+and proved completely successful. Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+was thrown down and stunned by it, but shortly after recovered his
+senses and feeling. On hearing the advance sounded by the bugle, (being
+the signal for the gate having been blown in,) the artillery, under the
+able directions of Brigadier Stevenson, consisting of Captain Grant's
+troop of Bengal Horse Artillery, the camel battery, under Captain
+Abbott, both superintended by Major Pew, Captains Martin and Cotgrave's
+troops of Bombay Horse Artillery, and Captain Lloyd's battery of Bombay
+Foot Artillery, all opened a terrific fire upon the citadel and ramparts
+of the fort, and, in a certain degree, paralysed the enemy.
+
+Under the guidance of Captain Thomson, of The Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of the department, Colonel Dennie of her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, commanding the advance, consisting of the light companies of
+her Majesty's 2nd and 17th regiments of Foot, and of the Bengal European
+regiment, with one company, of her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+proceeded to the gate, and with great difficulty, from the rubbish
+thrown down, and determined opposition offered by the enemy, effected an
+entrance, and established themselves within the gateway closely followed
+by the main column, led in a spirit of great gallantry by Brigadier
+Sale, to whom I had entrusted the important post of commanding the
+storming party, consisting (with the advance above-mentioned) of her
+Majesty's 2nd Foot, under Major Carruthers; the Bengal European
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, under Major Thomson; and her Majesty's 17th
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. The struggle within the fort
+was desperate for a considerable time. In addition to the heavy file
+kept up, our troops were assailed by the enemy sword in hand, and with
+daggers, pistols, &c.; but British courage, perseverance, and fortitude,
+overcame all opposition, and the fire of the enemy in the lower area of
+the fort being nearly silenced, Brigadier Sale turned towards the
+citadel, from which could now be seen men abandoning the guns, running
+in all directions, throwing themselves down from immense heights,
+endeavouring to make their escape; and on reaching the gate with her
+Majesty's 17th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, followed by the 13th,
+forced it open at five o'clock in the morning. The colours of her
+Majesty's 13th and 17th were planted on the citadel of Ghuzni amidst the
+cheers of all ranks. Instant protection was granted to the women found
+in the citadel, (among whom were those of Mahomed Hyder, the governor)
+and sentries placed over the magazine for its security. Brigadier Sale
+reports having received much assistance from Captain Kershaw, of her
+Majesty's 13th Light Infantry, throughout the whole of the service of
+the storming.
+
+Major General Sir Willoughby Cotton executed in a manner much to my
+satisfaction the orders he had received. The Major General followed
+closely the assaulting party into the fort with the reserve--namely,
+Brigadier Roberts, with the only available regiment of his brigade; the
+35th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; part of
+Brigadier Sale's brigade, the 16th Native Infantry, under Major
+Maclaren; and 48th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler;
+and they immediately occupied the ramparts, putting down opposition
+whenever they met any, and making prisoners, until the place was
+completely in our possession A desultory fire was kept up in the town
+long after the citadel was in our hands, from those who had taken
+shelter in houses, and in desperation kept firing on all that approached
+them. In this way several of our men were wounded, and some killed, but
+the aggressors paid dearly for their bad conduct in not surrendering
+when the place was completely ours. I must not omit to mention that
+three companies of the 35th Native Infantry, under Captain Hay, ordered
+to the south side of the fort to begin with a false attack, to attract
+attention on that side, performed that service at the proper time, and
+greatly to my satisfaction.
+
+As we were threatened with an attack for the relief of the garrison, I
+ordered the 19th Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant
+Colonel Stalker, to guard the Cabool road, and to be in support of the
+cavalry division. This might have proved an important position to
+occupy, but as it was, no enemy appeared.
+
+The cavalry division, under Major-General Thackwell, in addition to
+watching the approach of an enemy, had directions to surround Ghuzni,
+and to sweep the plain, preventing the escape of runaways from the
+garrison. Brigadier Arnold's brigade--the Brigadier himself, I deeply
+regret to say, was labouring under very severe illness, having shortly
+before burst a blood-vessel internally, which rendered it wholly
+impossible for him to mount a horse that day--consisting of her
+Majesty's 16th Lancers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Persse, temporarily
+commanding the brigade, and Major Mac Dowell, the junior major of the
+regiment, (the senior major of the 16th Lancers Major Cureton, an
+officer of great merit, being actively engaged in the execution of his
+duties as Assistant Adjutant-General to the cavalry division,) the 2nd
+Cavalry, under Major Salter, and the 3rd, under Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith, were ordered to watch the south and west sides. Brigadier Scott's
+brigade were placed on the Cabool road, consisting of her Majesty's 4th
+Light Dragoons, under Major Daly, and of the 1st Bombay Cavalry under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Sandwith, to watch the north and east sides: this
+duty was performed in a manner greatly to my satisfaction.
+
+After the storming, and that quiet was in some degree restored within, I
+conducted his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and the British Envoy and
+Minister, Mr. Macnaghten, round the citadel and a great part of the
+fortress. The king was perfectly astonished at our having made ourselves
+masters of a place conceited to be impregnable, when defended, in the
+short space of two hours, and in less than forty-eight hours after we
+came before it. His Majesty was, of course, greatly delighted at the
+result. When I afterwards, in the course of the day, took Mahomed Hyder
+Khan, the governor, first to the British Minister, and then to the King,
+to make his submission, I informed his Majesty that I had made a promise
+that his life should not be touched, and the King, in very handsome
+terms, assented, and informed Mahomed Hyder, in my presence, that
+although he and his family had been rebels, yet he was willing to forget
+and forgive all.
+
+Prince Mahomed Hyder, the Governor of Ghuzni, is a prisoner of war in my
+camp, and under the surveillance of Sir Alexander Burnes, an arrangement
+very agreeable to the former.
+
+From Major General Sir W. Cotton, commanding the 1st infantry division,
+(of the Bengal army,) I have invariably received the strongest support;
+and on this occasion his exertions were manifest in support of the
+honour of the profession and of our country.
+
+I have likewise, at all times, received able assistance from
+Major-General Willshire, commanding the 2nd infantry division, (of the
+Bombay army,) which it was found expedient on that day to break up, some
+for the storming party, and some for other duties. The Major-General, as
+directed, was in attendance upon myself.
+
+To Brigadier Sale I feel deeply indebted for the gallant and soldierlike
+manner in which he conducted the responsible and arduous duty entrusted
+to him in command of the storming party, and for the arrangements he
+made in the citadel immediately after taking possession of it. The sabre
+wound which he received in the face did not prevent his continuing to
+direct his column until everything was secure; and I am happy in the
+opportunity of bringing to your Lordship's notice the excellent conduct
+of Brigadier Sale on this occasion.
+
+Brigadier Stevenson, in command of the Artillery, was all I could wish;
+and he reports that Brigade-Majors Backhouse and Coghlan ably assisted
+him. His arrangements were good; and the execution done by the arm he
+commands, was such as cannot be forgotten by those of the enemy who have
+witnessed and survived it.
+
+To Brigadier Roberts, to Colonel Dennie, who commanded the advance, and
+to the different officers commanding regiments already mentioned, as
+well is to the other officers, and gallant soldiers under them, who so
+nobly maintained the honour and reputation of our country, my best
+acknowledgments are due.
+
+To Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the chief of the department
+with me, much of the credit of the success of this brilliant
+_coup-de-main_ is due. A place of the same strength, and by such simple
+means as this highly-talented and scientific officer recommended to be
+tried, has, perhaps, never before been taken; and I feel I cannot do
+sufficient justice to Captain Thomson's merits for his conduct
+throughout. In the execution he was ably supported by the officers
+already mentioned; and so eager were the other officers of the Engineers
+of both Presidencies for the honour of carrying the powder bags, that
+the point could only be decided by seniority, which shews the fine
+feeling by which they were animated.
+
+I must now inform your Lordship, that since I joined the Bengal column
+in the Valley of Shawl, I have continued my march with it in the
+advance; and it has been my good fortune to have had the assistance of
+two most efficient staff-officers in Major Craigie, Deputy
+Adjutant-General, and Major Garden, Deputy Quartermaster-General. It is
+but justice to those officers that I should state to your Lordship the
+high satisfaction I have derived from the manner in which all then
+duties have been performed up to this day, and that I look upon them as
+promising officers to fill the higher ranks. To the other officers of
+both departments I am also much indebted for the correct performance of
+all duties appertaining to their situations.
+
+To Major Keith, the Deputy Adjutant-General, and Major Campbell, the
+Deputy Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army, and to all the other
+officers of both departments under them, my acknowledgments are also
+due, for the manner in which their duties have been performed during
+this campaign.
+
+Captain Alexander, commanding the 4th Bengal Local Horse, and Major
+Cunningham, commanding the Poona Auxiliary Horse, with the men under
+their orders, have been of essential service to the army in this
+campaign.
+
+The arrangements made by Superintending-Surgeons Kennedy and Atkinson
+previous to the storming, for affording assistance and comfort to the
+wounded, met with my approval.
+
+Major Parsons, the Deputy Commissary-General, in charge of the
+department in the field, has been unremitting in his attention to keep
+the troops supplied, although much difficulty is experienced, and he is
+occasionally thwarted by the nature of the country and its inhabitants.
+
+I have throughout this service received the utmost assistance I could
+derive from Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonald, my officiating military
+secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-General of her Majesty's Forces, Bombay;
+from Captain Powell, my Persian interpreter, and the other officers of
+my personal staff. The nature of the country in which we are serving,
+prevents the possibility of my sending a single staff-officer to
+deliver this to your Lordship, otherwise I should have asked my
+aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Keane, to proceed to Simla, to deliver this
+despatch into your hands, and to have afforded any further information
+that your Lordship could have desired.
+
+The brilliant triumph we have obtained, the cool courage displayed, and
+the gallant bearing of the troops I have the honour to command, will
+have taught such a lesson to our enemies in the Afghan nation as will
+make them hereafter respect the name of a British soldier.
+
+Our loss is wonderfully small considering the occasion, the casualties
+in killed and wounded amount to about 200.
+
+The loss of the enemy is immense; we have already buried of their dead
+nearly 500, together with an immense number of horses.
+
+I enclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. I am happy to say
+that, although the wounds of some of the officers are severe, they are
+all doing well.
+
+It is my intention, after selecting a garrison for this place, and
+establishing a general hospital, to continue my march to Cabool
+forthwith--I have, &c.,
+
+  (Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General.
+
+No. 1.
+
+_List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, before Ghuzni, on the 21st of July_,
+1839:--
+
+2nd Troop Bengal Horse Artillery--3 horses wounded.
+
+3rd Troop Bombay--2 rank and file, 2 horses, wounded.
+
+4th Troop Bombay--1 horse killed.
+
+2nd Regiment Bengal Cavalry--1 horse killed, 1 rank and file wounded.
+
+4th Bengal Local Horse--1 rank and file and 1 horse missing.
+
+Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry--1 rank and file killed.
+
+16th Bengal Native Infantry--1 captain wounded.
+
+48th Bengal Native Infantry--1 lieutenant, and 2 rank and file wounded.
+
+Total killed--1 rank and file, and two horses.
+
+Total wounded--1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 5 rank and file, and 6 horses.
+
+Total missing--1 rank and file, and 1 horse.
+
+
+_Names of Officers wounded._
+
+Captain Graves, 16th Bengal Native Infantry, severely.
+
+Lieutenant Vanhomrigh, 48th Bengal Native Infantry, slightly.
+
+  (Signed)  R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
+    Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to
+    her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
+
+
+No. 2.
+
+
+_List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., in the assault and
+capture of the fortress and citadel of Ghuzni, on the 23rd of July,
+1839_:--
+
+General Staff--1 colonel, 1 major, wounded.
+
+3rd Troop Bombay Horse Artillery--1 rank and file wounded.
+
+4th Troop Bombay Horse Artillery--1 rank and file and 1 horse wounded.
+
+Bengal Engineers--3 rank and file killed, 2 rank and file wounded, 1
+rank and file missing.
+
+Bombay Engineers--1 lieutenant, 1 rank and file, wounded.
+
+2nd Bengal Light Cavalry--1 rank and file wounded.
+
+1st Bombay Light Cavalry--1 havildar killed, 5 rank and file and 7
+horses wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd Foot (or Queen's Royals)--4 rank and file killed; 2
+captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, and 26 rank and file wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry--1 rank and file killed; 3 sergeants
+and 27 rank and file wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Foot--6 rank and file wounded.
+
+Bengal European Regiment--1 rank and file killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel,
+1 major, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 sergeant, 51 rank and
+file wounded.
+
+16th Bengal N.I.--1 havildar, 6 rank and file, wounded.
+
+35th Bengal N.I.--5 rank and file killed; I havildar and 8 rank and file
+wounded.
+
+48th Bengal N.I.--2 havildars killed, 5 rank and file wounded.
+
+Total killed--3 sergeants or havildars, 14 rank and file.
+
+Total wounded--1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4 captains, 8
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 7 sergeants or havildars, 140 rank and file, 8
+horses.
+
+Total missing--1 rank and file.
+
+Grand total on the 21st and 23rd of July, killed, wounded, and
+missing--191 officers and men, and 16 horses.
+
+
+_Names of Officers killed wounded, and missing._
+
+General Staff--Brigadier Sale, her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+slightly; Major Parsons, Deputy Commissary-General, slightly.
+
+Bombay Engineers--Second Lieutenant Marriott, slightly.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd (or Queen's Royals)--Captain Raitt, slightly; Captain
+Robinson, severely; Lieutenant Yonge, severely; Lieut. Stisted,
+slightly; Adjutant Simmons, slightly; Quartermaster Hadley, slightly.
+
+Bengal European Regiment--Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, slightly; Major
+Warren, severely; Captains Hay and Taylor, slightly; Lieutenant
+Broadfoot, slightly; Lieutenant Haslewood, severely; Lieutenants Fagan
+and Magnay, slightly; Ensign Jacob, slightly.
+
+
+  (Signed)    R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
+    Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to
+    her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
+
+
+GENERAL ORDER,
+
+
+_By his Excellency Lieutenant-Gen. Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of
+the Army of the Indus._
+
+Head-Quarters, Camp, Ghuzni, July 23rd, 1839
+
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane most heartily congratulates the army
+he has the honour to command, on the signal triumph they have this day
+obtained in the capture by storm of the strong and important fortress of
+Ghuzni. His Excellency feels that he can hardly do justice to the
+gallantry of the troops.
+
+The scientific and successful manner in which the Cabool gate (of great
+strength) was blown up by Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of that department with this army, in which he reports having been
+most ably assisted by Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers, and
+Lieutenants Durand and MacLeod, of the Bengal Engineers, in the daring
+and dangerous enterprise of laying down powder in the face of the enemy,
+and the strong fire kept up on them, reflects the highest credit on
+their skill and cool courage, and his Excellency begs Captain Thomson
+and officers named will accept his cordial thanks. His acknowledgments
+are also due to the other officers of the Engineers of both
+Presidencies, and to the valuable corps of Sappers and Miners under
+them. This opening having been made, although it was a difficult one to
+enter by, from the rubbish in the way, the leading column, in a spirit
+of true gallantry, directed and led by Brigadier Sale, gained a footing
+inside the fortress, although opposed by the Afghan soldiers in very
+great strength, and in the most desperate manner, with every kind of
+weapon.
+
+The advance, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dennie, of her Majesty's 13th,
+consisting of the light companies of her Majesty's 2nd and 17th, and of
+the Bengal European Regiment, with one company of her Majesty's 13th;
+and the leading column, consisting of her Majesty's 2nd Queen's, under
+Major Carruthers, and the Bengal European Regiment, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, as they collected from the duty of skirmishing, which they
+were directed to begin with, and by her Majesty's 17th, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. To all these officers, and to the other
+officers and gallant soldiers under their orders, his Excellency's best
+thanks are tendered; but, in particular, he feels deeptly indebted to
+Brigadier Sale, for the manner in which he conducted the arduous duty
+entrusted to him in the command of the storming party. His Excellency
+will not fail to bring it to the notice of his Lordship the
+Governor-General, and he trusts the wound which Brigadier Sale has
+received is not of that severe nature long to deprive this army of his
+services. Brigadier Sale reports that Captain Kershaw, of her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, rendered important assistance to him and to the
+service in the storming.
+
+Sir John Keane was happy, on this proud occasion, to have the assistance
+of his old comrade, Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, who, in command
+of the reserve, ably executed the instructions he had received, and was
+at the gate ready to enter after the storming party had established
+themselves inside, when he moved through it to sweep the ramparts, and
+to complete the subjugation of the place with the 16th Bengal Native
+Infantry, under Major M'Laren; Brigadier Roberts, with the 35th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; and the 48th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler. His arrangements afterwards,
+in continuation of those Brigadier Sale had made for the security of the
+magazine and other public stores, were such as meet his Excellency's
+high approval.
+
+The Commander-in-Chief acknowledges the services rendered by Captain
+Hay, of the 35th Native Infantry, in command of three companies of that
+regiment sent to the south side of the fortress to begin with a false
+attack, and which was executed at the proper time, and in a manner
+highly satisfactory to his Excellency.
+
+Nothing could be more judicious than the manner in which Brigadier
+Stevenson placed the artillery in position. Captain Grant's troop of
+Bengal Artillery, and the camel battery, under Captain Abbott, both
+superintended by Major Pew; the two troops of Bombay Horse Artillery,
+commanded by Captains Martin and Cotgrave; and Captain Lloyd's battery
+of Bombay Foot Artillery, all opened upon the citadel and fortress in a
+manner which shook the enemy, and did such execution as completely to
+paralyse and to strike terror into them; and his Excellency begs
+Brigadier Stevenson, the officers, and men of that arm, will accept his
+thanks for their good service.
+
+The 19th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of
+Lieutenant-Colonel Stalker, having been placed in position to watch any
+enemy that might appear on the Cabool road, or approach to attack the
+camp, had an important post assigned to them, although, as it happened,
+no enemy made an attack upon them.
+
+In sieges and stormings it does not fall to the lot of cavalry to bear
+the same conspicuous part as to the other two arms of the profession. On
+this occasion, Sir John Keane is happy to have an opportunity of
+thanking Major-General Thackwell, and the officers and men of the
+cavalry divisions under his orders, for having successfully executed the
+directions given, to sweep the plain, and to intercept fugitives of the
+enemy attempting to escape from the fort in any direction around it; and
+had an enemy appeared for the relief of the place during the storming,
+his Excellency is fully satisfied that the different regiments of this
+fine arm would have distinguished themselves, and that the opportunity
+alone was wanting.
+
+Major-General Willshire's division having been broken up for the day, to
+be distributed as it was, the Major-General was desired to be in
+attendance upon the Commander-in-Chief. To him and to the officers of
+the Assistant Quartermaster-General's department of the Bengal and
+Bombay army, his Excellency returns his warmest thanks for the
+assistance they have afforded him.
+
+The Commander-in-Chief feels--and in which feeling he is sure he will be
+joined by the troops composing the Army of the Indus--that, after the
+long and harassing marches they have had, and the privations they have
+endured, this glorious achievement, and the brilliant manner in which
+the troops have met and conquered the enemy, reward them for it all. His
+Excellency will only add, that no army that has ever been engaged in a
+campaign deserves more credit than this which he has the honour to
+command, for patient, orderly, and correct conduct, under all
+circumstances, and Sir John Keane is proud to have the opportunity of
+thus publicly acknowledging it.
+
+By order of his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus.
+
+  (Signed)  R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
+    Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. of
+    her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ENTRANCE INTO CABOOL.
+
+(_From the Delhi Gazette Extraordinary, of Thursday, Aug. 29_.)
+
+NOTIFICATION.--SECRET DEPARTMENT.
+
+Simla, August 26th, 1839.
+
+The Governor-General of India publishes for general information, the
+subjoined copy and extracts of despatches from his Excellency the
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and from the Envoy and
+Minister at the Court of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, announcing
+the triumphant entry of the Shah into Cabool, on the 7th instant.
+
+In issuing this notification, the Governor-General cannot omit the
+opportunity of offering to the officers and men composing the army of
+the Indus, and to the distinguished leader by whom they have been
+commanded, the cordial congratulations of the government upon the happy
+result of a campaign, which, on the sole occasion when resistance was
+opposed to them, has been gloriously marked by victory, and in all the
+many difficulties of which the character of a British army for
+gallantry, good conduct, and discipline has been nobly maintained.
+
+A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies.
+
+By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,
+
+    T.H. MADDOCK,
+  Officiating Secretary to the Government of
+  India, with the Governor-General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+(Copy.)
+
+TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.
+
+MY LORD,--We have the honour to acquaint your Lordship that the army
+marched from Ghuzni, _en route_ to Cabool, in two columns, on the 30th
+and 31st ult., his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, with his own troops,
+forming part of the second column.
+
+On the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief with the first column, at Hyde
+Khail, on the 1st inst., information reached him, and the same reached
+the Envoy and Minister at Huft Assaya, that Dost Mahomed, with his army
+and artillery, were advancing from Cabool, and would probably take up a
+position at Urghundee or Midan, (the former twenty-four, the latter
+thirty-six miles from Cabool.) Upon this it was arranged that his
+Majesty, with the second column, under Major General Willshire, should
+join the first column here, and advance together to attack Dost Mahomed,
+whose son, Mahomed Akhbar, had been recalled from Jellahabad, with the
+troops guarding the Khyber Pass, and had formed a junction with his
+father; their joint forces, according to our information, amounting to
+about 13,000 men.
+
+Every arrangement was made for the King and the army marching in a body
+from here to-morrow; but in the course of the night, messengers arrived,
+and since (this morning) a great many chiefs and their followers,
+announcing the dissolution of Dost Mahomed's army, by the refusal of a
+great part to advance against us with him, and that he had in
+consequence fled, with a party of 300 horsemen, in the direction of
+Bamian, leaving his guns behind him, in position, as they were placed at
+Urghundee.
+
+His Majesty Shah Shooja has sent forward a confidential officer, with
+whom has been associated Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+taking with him a party of 200 men and an officer of artillery, to
+proceed direct to take possession of those guns, and afterwards such
+other guns and public stores as may be found in Cabool and the Balla
+Hissar, in the name of, and for his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+the King's order will be carried by his own officer with this party, for
+preserving the tranquillity of the city of Cabool.
+
+A strong party has been detached in pursuit of Dost Mahomed, under some
+of our most active officers. We continue our march upon Cabool
+to-morrow, and will reach it on the third day.
+
+We have, &c.,
+
+  (Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General,
+           Commander-in-Chief.
+
+  (Signed) W.H. MACNAGHTEN,
+           Envoy and Minister.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Extract from a Letter from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John
+Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., dated Head-Quarters, Camp, Cabool, August 8th,
+1839_:--
+
+
+"It gives me infinite pleasure to be able to address my despatch to your
+Lordship from this capital, the vicinity of which his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk and the army under my command reached the day before
+yesterday. The King entered his capital yesterday afternoon, accompanied
+by the British Envoy and Minister and the gentlemen of the mission, and
+by myself, the general and staff officers of this army, and escorted by
+a squadron of her Majesty's 4th Light Dragoons, and one of her Majesty's
+16th Lancers, with Captain Martin's troop of Horse Artillery. His
+Majesty had expressed a wish that British troops should be present on
+the occasion, and a very small party only of his own Hindostanee and
+Afghan troops. After the animating scene of traversing the streets, and
+reaching the palace in the Bala Hissar, a royal salute was fired, and an
+additional salvo in the Afghan style, from small guns, resembling
+wall-pieces, named gingalls, and carried on camels. We heartily
+congratulated his Majesty on being in possession of the throne and
+kingdom of his ancestors, and upon the overthrow of his enemies; and
+after taking leave of his Majesty, we returned to our camp.
+
+"I trust we have thus accomplished all the objects which your Lordship
+had in contemplation when you planned and formed the army of the Indus,
+and the expedition into Afghanistan.
+
+"The conduct of the army both European and native, which your Lordship
+did me the honour to place under my orders, has been admirable
+throughout, and, notwithstanding the severe marching and privations they
+have gone through, their appearance and discipline have suffered
+nothing, and the opportunity afforded them at Ghuzni of meeting and
+conquering their enemy has added greatly to their good spirits.
+
+"The joint despatch addressed by Mr Macnaghten and myself to your
+Lordship, on the 3rd instant, from Shikarbad, will have informed you
+that at the moment we had made every preparation to attack (on the
+following day) Dost Mahomed Khan, in his position at Urghundee, where,
+after his son, Mahomed Akhbar, had joined him from Jellahabad, he had an
+army amounting to 13,000 men, well armed and appointed, and thirty
+pieces of artillery, we suddenly learned that he abandoned them all, and
+fled, with a party of horsemen, on the road to Bamian, leaving his guns
+in position, as he had placed them to receive our attack.
+
+"It appears that a great part of his army, which was hourly becoming
+disorganized, refused to stand by him in the position to receive our
+attack, and that it soon became in a state of dissolution. The great
+bulk immediately came over to Shah Shooja, tendering their allegiance,
+and I believe his Majesty will take most of them into his pay.
+
+"It seems that the news of the quick and determined manner in which we
+took their stronghold, Ghuzni, had such an effect upon the population of
+Cabool, and perhaps also upon the enemy's army, that Dost Mahomed from
+that moment began to lose hope of retaining his rule, for even a short
+time longer, and sent off his family and valuable property towards
+Bamian; but marched out of Cabool, with his army and artillery, keeping
+a bold front towards us until the evening of the 2nd, when all his hopes
+were at an end by a division in his own camp, and one part of his army
+abandoning him. So precipitate was his flight, that be left in position
+his guns, with their ammunition and wagons, and the greater part of the
+cattle by which they were drawn. Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th
+Lancers, with his party of 200 men, pushed forward, of the 3rd, and took
+possession of those guns, &c. There were twenty-three brass guns in
+position, and loaded; two more at a little distance, which they
+attempted to take away; and since then, three more abandoned, still
+further off on the Bamian road; thus leaving in our possession
+twenty-eight pieces of cannon, with all the materiel belonging to them,
+which are now handed over to Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Extract from a Letter from W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., Envoy and Minister to
+the Court of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, dated Cabool, 9th of August,
+1839_:--
+
+"By a letter signed jointly by his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir
+John Keane and myself, dated the 3rd inst., the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General was apprised of the flight of Dost Mahomed Khan.
+
+"The ex-chief was not accompanied by any person of consequence, and his
+followers are said to have been reduced to below the number of 100 on
+the day of his departure. In the progress of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk
+towards Cabool, his Majesty was joined by every person of rank and
+influence in the country, and he made his triumphal entry into the city
+on the evening of the 7th instant. His Majesty has taken up his
+residence in the Bala Hissar, where he has required the British mission
+to remain for the present."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+(_From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of August 29th._)
+
+
+Simla, August 26th, 1839.
+
+A letter from Shikarbad, of August 3rd, states--
+
+"The chiefs with their military followers are flocking in by thousands.
+No better commentary on the feeling regarding Dost Mahomed Khan could be
+given than the fact of his having been able to induce only 300 out of
+12,000 men to accompany him; Capt. Outram and seven other officers
+accompany the pursuing party."
+
+The dates from the army at Cabool are to August the 9th. The letters
+from thence give the following intelligence:--
+
+"The Shah's reception at this place was equally gratifying as at
+Candahar, though the enthusiasm was not so boisterous.
+
+"We arrived here yesterday, and, I am happy to say, with a sufficient
+stock of supplies in our Godown to render us quite independent of any
+foreign purchases for the next ten days, which will keep down prices,
+and save us from the extravagant rates which we were obliged to purchase
+at when we reached Candahar. I have not been to the city yet, but am
+told it is far superior to Candahar. Our people are now very well off;
+for the increased rations, and abundance and cheapness of grain as we
+came along, have left them nothing to want or wish for."
+
+Extract of a further letter from Shikarbad, August 3rd:--
+
+"The Afghans have not yet recovered from their astonishment at the
+rapidity with which Ghuzni fell into our hands, nor up to this moment
+will they believe how it was effected.
+
+"This morning we received intelligence of Dost Mahomed's flight towards
+Bamian; for several days past many of his former adherents had been
+joining the King. Since this morning, thousands of Afghans have been
+coming in to tender their allegiance to his Majesty, who is in the
+greatest spirits at this pacific termination to the campaign, and says
+that God has now granted all his wishes, --Cabool is at hand!
+
+"We are all delighted at it. Few armies have made so long a march in the
+same time that the army of the Indus has done. The country is every day
+improving. The road to Candahar from where we are now encamped lies in a
+continued valley seldom stretching in width above two miles; cultivation
+on each side of the road, and numberless villages nestling under the
+hills. Since we left Ghuzni, the fruits have assumed a very fine
+appearance; the grapes, plums, and apples have become very large, like
+their brethren of Europe. The climate now is very fine. The rapid
+Loghurd river is flowing close to our encampments, and the European
+soldiers and officers are amusing themselves with fishing in it. We are
+beginning to get vegetables again. I passed this morning through fields
+of beans, but only in flower. Our attention must be turned to the
+cultivation of potatoes; they grow in quantities in Persia, and this
+seems to be just the country for them. To revert from small things to
+great: a party has just been detached towards Bamian with a view of
+cutting off Dost Mahomed. It would be a great thing to catch him. The
+party consists chiefly of Afghans, headed by Hajee Khan Kaukur, and
+about eight or ten British officers have been sent with it, to prevent
+the Afghans from committing excesses."
+
+
+FROM THE
+
+LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY,
+
+_Thursday, Feb. 13th._
+
+
+INDIA BOARD, FEB. 13TH.
+
+A despatch has been this day received at the East India House, addressed
+by the Governor-General of India to the Select Committee of the East
+India Company, of which the following is a copy:--
+
+"Camp at Bhurtpore, Dec. 12th, 1839.
+
+"I do myself the honour to forward copies of the despatches noted in the
+margin, relative to the assault and capture of the fort of Kelat.
+
+"2. The decision, the great military skill, and excellent dispositions,
+of Major-General Willshire, in conducting the operations against Kelat,
+appear to me deserving the highest commendation. The gallantry,
+steadiness, and soldier-like bearing of the troops under his command
+rendered his plans of action completely successful, thereby again
+crowning our arms across the Indus with signal victory.
+
+"3. I need not expatiate on the importance of this achievement, from
+which the best effects must be derived, not only in the vindication of
+our national honour, but also in confirming the security of intercourse
+between Sinde and Afghanistan, and in promoting the safety and
+tranquillity of the restored monarchy; but I would not omit to point out
+that the conduct on this occasion of Major-General Willshire, and of the
+officers and men under his command, (including the 31st regiment of
+Bengal Native Infantry, which had not been employed in the previous
+active operations of the campaign,) have entitled them to more prominent
+notice that I was able to give them in my general order of November
+18th; and in recommending these valuable services to the applause of
+the committee, I trust that I shall not be considered as going beyond my
+proper province in stating an earnest hope that the conduct of
+Major-General Willshire in the direction of the operations will not fail
+to elicit the approbation of her Majesty's Government.--I have, &c.
+
+  "AUCKLAND."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GENERAL ORDERS,
+
+_By the Governor-General of India._
+
+Camp Doothanee, December 4th, 1839.
+
+The many outrages and murders committed, in attacks on the followers of
+the army of the Indus, by the plundering tribes in the neighbourhood of
+the Bolan Pass, at the instigation of their chief, Meer Mehrab Khan, of
+Kelat, at a time when he was professing friendship for the British
+Government, and negotiating a treaty with its representatives, having
+compelled the government to direct a detachment of the army to proceed
+to Kelat for the exaction of retribution from that chieftain, and for
+the execution of such arrangements as would establish future security in
+that quarter, a force, under the orders of Major-General Willshire,
+C.B., was employed on this service; and the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General of India having this day received that officer's report
+of the successful accomplishment of the objects entrusted to him, has
+been pleased to direct that the following copy of his despatch, dated
+the 14th ultimo, be published for general information.
+
+The Governor-General is happy to avail himself of this opportunity to
+record his high admiration of the signal gallantry and spirit of the
+troops engaged on this occasion, and offers, on the part of the
+government, his best thanks to Major-General Willshire, and to the
+officers and men who served under him.
+
+  By command of the Governor-General,
+
+    T.H. MADDOCK,
+  Officiating Secretary to the Government of
+  India, with the Governor-General.
+
+
+FROM MAJOR-GENERAL SIR THOMAS WILLSHIRE, K.C.B., TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
+OF INDIA.
+
+Camp, near Kelat, Nov. 14th. 1839.
+
+MY LORD,--In obedience to the joint instructions furnished to me by his
+Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and the
+Envoy and Minister to his Majesty Shah Shooja, under date Cabool, the
+17th of September, 1839, deputing to me the duty of deposing Mehrab Khan
+of Kelat, in consequence of the avowed hostility of that chief to the
+British nation during the present campaign, I have the honour to report,
+that on my arrival at Quettah, on the 31st ultimo, I communicated with
+Captain Bean, the political agent in Shawl, and arranged with him the
+best means of giving effect to the orders I had received.
+
+In consequence of the want of public carriage, and the limited quantity
+of commissariat supplies at Quettah, as well as the reported want of
+forage on the route to Kelat, I was obliged to despatch to Cutch Gundava
+the whole of the cavalry and the greater portion of the artillery,
+taking with me only the troops noted in the margin,[B] and leaving
+Quettah on the 3rd instant.
+
+[Footnote B: Two guns Bombay Horse Artillery; four guns Shah's ditto;
+two Ressalaghs Local Horse; Queen's Royals; Her Majesty's 17th regiment;
+31st regiment Bengal Native Infantry; Bombay Engineers.]
+
+During the march, the communications received from Mehrab Khan were, so
+far from acceding to the terms offered, that he threatened resistance if
+the troops approached his capital. I therefore proceeded, and arrived at
+the village of Giranee, within eight miles of Kelat, on the 12th
+instant.
+
+Marching thence the following morning, a body of horse were perceived on
+the right of the road, which commenced firing on the advanced guard,
+commanded by Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's 17th regiment, as the
+column advanced, and the skirmishing between them continued until we
+came in sight of Kelat, rather less than a mile distant.
+
+I now discovered that three heights on the north-west face of the fort,
+and parallel to the north, were covered with infantry, with five guns in
+position, protected by small parapet walls.
+
+Captain Peat, chief engineer, immediately reconnoitered; and having
+reported that nothing could be done until those heights were in our
+possession, I decided upon at once storming them simultaneously, and, if
+practicable, entering the fort with the fugitives, as the gate in the
+northern face was occasionally opened to keep up the communication
+between the fort and the heights.
+
+To effect this object I detached a company from each of the European
+regiments from the advanced guard with Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's
+17th regiment, for the purpose of occupying the gardens and enclosures
+to the north-east of the town, and two more companies in the plain,
+midway between them and the column; at the same time I ordered three
+columns of attack to be formed, composed of four companies from each
+corps, under their respective commanding officers, Major Carruthers, of
+the Queen's, Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, her Majesty's 17th regiment, and
+Major Western, 31st Bengal Native Infantry, the whole under the command
+of Brigadier Baumgardt, the remainder of the regiments forming three
+columns of reserve, under my own direction, to move in support.
+
+A hill being allotted to each column, Brigadier Stevenson, commanding
+the artillery, moved quickly forward in front towards the base of the
+heights, and when within the required range opened fire upon the
+infantry and guns, under cover of which the columns moved steadily on,
+and commenced the ascent for the purpose of carrying the heights,
+exposed to the fire of the enemy's guns, which had commenced while the
+columns of attack were forming.
+
+Before the columns reached their respective summits of the hills, the
+enemy, overpowered by the superior and well-directed fire of our
+artillery, had abandoned them, attempting to carry off their guns, but
+which they were unable to do. At this moment, it appearing to me the
+opportunity offered for the troops to get in with the fugitives, and if
+possible gain possession of the gate of the fortress, I despatched
+orders to the Queen's Royal and 17th Regiments to make a rush from the
+heights for that purpose, following myself to the summit of the nearest,
+to observe the result. At this moment, the four companies on my left,
+which had been detached to the gardens and plain, seeing the chance that
+offered of entering the fort, moved rapidly forward from their
+respective points towards the gateway, under a heavy and well-directed
+fire from the walls of the fort and citadel, which were thronged by the
+enemy.
+
+The gate having been closed before the troops moving towards it could
+effect the desired object, and the garrison strengthened by the enemy
+driven from the heights, they were compelled to cover themselves, as far
+as practicable, behind some walls and ruined buildings to the right and
+left of it, while Brigadier Stevenson, having ascended the heights with
+the artillery, opened two guns, under the command of Lieutenant Foster,
+Bombay Horse Artillery, upon the defences above the gate and its
+vicinity, while the fire of two others, commanded by, Lieutenant Cowper,
+Shah's Artillery, was directed against the gate itself; the remaining
+two, with Lieutenant Creed, being sent round to the road on the left
+hand, leading directly up to the gate, and when within two hundred
+yards, commenced fire, for the purpose of completing in blowing it open,
+and after a few rounds, they succeeded in knocking in one half of it. On
+observing this, I rode down the hill towards the gate, pointing to it,
+thereby announcing to the troops it was open. They instantly rose from
+their cover and rushed in. Those under the command of Major Pennycuick,
+being the nearest, were the first to gain the gate, headed by that
+officer, the whole of the storming columns from the three regiments
+rapidly following and gaining an entrance, as quick as it was possible
+to do so, under a heavy fire from the works and from the interior, the
+enemy making a most gallant and determined resistance, disputing every
+inch of ground up to the walls of the inner citadel.
+
+At this time I directed the reserve column to be brought near the gate,
+and detached one company of the 17th Regiment, under Captain Darley, to
+the western side of the fort, followed by a portion of the 31st Bengal
+Native Infantry, commanded by Major Western, conducted by Captain
+Outram, acting as my extra Aide-de-Camp, for the purpose of securing the
+heights, under which the southern angle is situated, and intercepting
+any of the garrison escaping from that side; having driven off the enemy
+from the heights above, the united detachments then descended to the
+gate of the fort below, and forced it open before the garrison (who
+closed it as they saw the troops approach) had time to secure it.
+
+When the party was detached by the western face, I also sent two
+companies from the reserve of the 17th, under Major Deshon, and two guns
+of the Shah's artillery, under the command of Lieutenant Creed, Bombay
+Artillery, by the eastern to the southern face, for the purpose of
+blowing open the gate above alluded to, had it been necessary, as well
+as the gate of the inner citadel; the infantry joining the other
+detachments, making their way through the town in the direction of the
+citadel.
+
+After some delay, the troops that held possession of the town at length
+succeeded in forcing an entrance into the citadel, where a desperate
+resistance was made by Mehrab Khan, at the head of his people; he
+himself, with many of his principal chiefs, being killed sword in hand.
+Several others, however, kept up a fire upon our troops from detached
+buildings difficult of access, and it was not until late in the
+afternoon, that those that survived were induced to give themselves up
+on a promise of their lives being spared.
+
+From every account, I have reason to believe the garrison consisted of
+upwards of 2000 fighting men, and that the son of Mehrab Khan had been
+expected to join him from Nerosky, with a further reinforcement; the
+enclosed return will shew the strength of the force under my command
+present at the capture.
+
+The defences of the fort, as in the case of Ghuzni, far exceeded in
+strength what I had been led to suppose from previous report, and the
+towering height of the inner citadel was most formidable, both in
+appearance and reality.
+
+I lament to say that the loss of killed and wounded on our side has been
+severe, as will be seen by the accompanying return; that on the part of
+the enemy must have been great, but the exact number I have not been
+able to ascertain. Several hundreds of prisoners were taken, from whom
+the political agent has selected those he considers it necessary for the
+present to retain in confinement; the remainder have been liberated.
+
+It is quite impossible for me sufficiently to express my admiration of
+the gallant and steady conduct of the officers and men upon this
+occasion; but the fact of less than an hour having elapsed from the
+formation of the columns for the attack to the period of the troops
+being within the fort, and this performed in the open day, and in the
+face of an enemy so very superior in numbers, and so perfectly prepared
+for resistance, will, I trust, convince your Lordship how deserving the
+officers and troops are of my warmest thanks, and of the highest praise
+that can be bestowed.
+
+To Brigadier Baumgardt, commanding the storming column, my best thanks
+are due, and he reports that Captain Willie, acting Assistant
+Adjutant-General, and Captain Gilland, his aide-de-camp, ably assisted
+him, and zealously performed their duties; also to Brigadier Stevenson,
+commanding the artillery, and Lieutenants Forster and Cowper,
+respectively in charge of the Bombay and Shah's, artillery. I feel
+greatly indebted for the steady and scientific manner in which the
+service of dislodging the enemy from the heights, and afterwards
+effecting an entrance into the fort, was performed. The Brigadier has
+brought to my notice the assistance he received from Captain Coghlan,
+his brigade major, Lieutenant Woosnam, his aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant
+Creed, when in battery yesterday.
+
+To Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, commanding her Majesty's 17th Regiment;
+Major Carruthers, commanding the Queen's Royals; Major Western,
+commanding the Bengal 31st Native Infantry, I feel highly indebted for
+the manner in which they conducted their respective columns to the
+attack of the heights, and afterwards to the assault of the town, as
+well as to Major Pennycuick, of the 17th, who led the advance-guard
+companies to the same point.
+
+To Captain Peat, chief engineer, and to the officers and men of the
+Engineer Corps, my acknowledgments are due; to Major Neil Campbell,
+Acting Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army; to Captain Hagart,
+Acting Deputy Adjutant-General; and to Lieutenant Ramsay, acting
+Assistant Quartermaster-General, my best thanks are due for the able
+assistance afforded me by their services.
+
+From my Aides-de-camp, Captain Robinson and Lieutenant Halket, as well
+as from Captain Outram, who volunteered his services on my personal
+staff, I received the utmost assistance; and to the latter officer I
+fell greatly indebted for the zeal and ability with which he has
+performed various duties that I have required of him, upon other
+occasions, as well as the present.
+
+It is with much pleasure that I state the great assistance I have
+received from Captain Bean in obtaining supplies.
+
+    T. WILLSHIRE,
+  Major-Gen., Commanding Bombay Column,
+  Army of the Indus.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Return of Casualties in the army under the command of Major-General
+Willshire, C.B., employed at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839_:--
+
+1st Troop of Cabool Artillery--2 rank and file, 6 horses, wounded.
+
+Gun Lancers attached to ditto--1 rank and file, 1 horse, wounded; 1
+corporal, since dead.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment--1 lieutenant, 21 rank and
+file, killed; 2 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 adjutant, 2 sergeants, 40
+rank and file, 1 horse, wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Regiment--6 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 3
+sergeants, 29 rank and file, wounded.
+
+31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry--1 subadar, 2 rank and file,
+killed; 1 captain, 1 ensign, 2 jemadars, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, 14 rank
+and file, 1 bheestie, wounded.
+
+Sappers and Miners and Pioneers--1 sergeant wounded.
+
+4th Bengal Local Horse--1 rank and file wounded.
+
+Total--1 lieutenant, 1 subadar, 29 rank and file, killed; 4 captains, 2
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 2 jemadars, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer,
+87 rank and file, 1 bheestie, 7 horses, wounded.
+
+Total killed and wounded--138.
+
+
+_Names of Officers killed and wounded._
+
+Killed--Her Majesty's 2nd or Queen's Royal Regiment--Lieutenant T.
+Gravatt.
+
+Wounded--Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment--Captain W.M.
+Lyster, Captain T. Sealy, Lieutenant T.W.E. Holdsworth, severely;
+Lieutenant D.J. Dickenson, slightly; Adjutant J.E. Simmons, severely.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Regiment--Captain L.C. Bourchier, severely.
+
+31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry--Captain Saurin, slightly;
+Ensign Hopper, severely.
+
+
+    C. HAGART, Captain,
+  Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen Bombay
+  Column, Army of the Indus.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_State of the Corps engaged at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839, under the command of Major-General Willshire, C.B._
+
+Camp at Kelat, November 13th, 1839.
+
+Staff--1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting
+deputy-adjutant general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1 sub-assistant
+commissary general.
+
+Detachment 3rd Troop Horse Artillery--2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, 36
+rank and file.
+
+1st Troop Cabool Artillery--1 lieutenant, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer, 1
+farier, 58 rank and file.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment--1 major, 3 captains, 7
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 31 sergeants, 10 drummers, 290 rank
+and file.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Regiment--1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4
+captains, 13 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 29
+sergeants, 9 drummers, 338 rank and file.
+
+31st Regiment Bengal Native Infantry--1 major, 2 captains, 3
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 12
+native officers, 30 sergeants, 14 drummers, 329 rank and file.
+
+Sappers and Miners and Pioneers--1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 assistant
+surgeon, 3 native officers, 1 sub-conductor, 7 sergeants, 3 drummers,
+117 rank and file.
+
+Total--1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting deputy
+adjutant-general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1
+sub-assistant-commissary-general, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 4 majors, 10
+captains, 27 lieutenants, 5 ensigns, 2 adjutants, 2 quartermasters, 2
+surgeons, 1 assistant-surgeon, 15 native officers, 1 sub-conductor,
+107 sergeants, 37 drummers, 1 farrier, 1,166 rank and file.
+
+The Sappers and Miners and Pioneers were not engaged until the gate was
+taken.
+
+    C. HAGART, Captain,
+  Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen., Bombay
+  Column, Army of the Indus.
+
+Note--Two russalas of the Bengal Local Horse remained in charge of the
+baggage during the attack.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_List of Beloochee Sirdars killed in the assault of Kelat, on the 13th
+of November, 1839_:--
+
+Meer Mehrab Khan, Chief of Kelat. Meer Wullee Mahomed, the Muengul
+Sirdar of Wudd. Abdool Kurreem, Ruhsanee Sirdar. Dad Kurreen, Shahwanee
+Sirdar. Mahomed Ruzza, nephew of the Vizier Mahomed Hoosein. Khysur
+Khan, Ahsehrie Sirdar. Dewan Bucha Mull, Financial Minister. Noor
+Mahomed and Taj Mahomed, Shagassa Sirdars.
+
+_Prisoners._
+
+Mahomed Hoossein, Vizier. Moola Ruheem Dad, ex-Naib of Shawl; with
+several others of inferior rank.
+
+  J.D.D. DEAN, Political Agent.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAPTURE OF THE FORT AND CITADEL OF KELAT.
+
+Political Department Fort William, Dec. 14, 1839.
+
+The Hon. the President in Council has much satisfaction in publishing
+the following despatch from Major-General Willshire, C.B., with the
+returns annexed to it, reporting the capture of the fort and citadel of
+Kelat, by storm, on the 13th of November, which brilliant achievement
+was effected by a force consisting of only 1200 men, with the loss, his
+Honour in Council grieves to say, of 138 killed and wounded, including
+amongst the former one officer, Lieutenant Gravatt, of her Majesty's
+2nd, or Queen's Regiment, and amongst the latter, eight officers.
+
+Meer Mehrab Khan himself, and eight other sirdars, were amongst the
+slain of the enemy.
+
+The general order issued by the Right Hon. the Governor-General, on the
+receipt of this intelligence, is republished, and his Honour in Council
+unites with his Lordship in recording his high admiration of the signal
+gallantry and spirit of the troops engaged, and in offering his thanks
+to Major-General Willshire, and to the officers and men who served under
+him on this occasion.
+
+A royal salute will be fired from the ramparts of Fort William, at noon
+this day, in honour of the event.
+
+  By order of the Hon. the President in Council,
+
+    H.T. PRINSEP,
+  Secretary to the Government of India.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Campaign of the Indus, by T.W.E. Holdsworth
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+Title: Campaign of the Indus
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+Author: T.W.E. Holdsworth
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+
+<h1>CAMPAIGN<br />
+ OF<br />
+ THE INDUS.</h1>
+<br />
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h1>CAMPAIGN</h1>
+<h3> OF</h3>
+<h1> THE INDUS:</h1>
+
+<h3>IN</h3>
+<h4>A SERIES OF LETTERS FROM AN OFFICER OF THE<br />
+BOMBAY DIVISION.</h4>
+
+<h4>WITH AN INTRODUCTION,</h4>
+<h4>BY</h4>
+<h2>A. H. HOLDSWORTH, ESQ.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<h4>1840.</h4>
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+ <a href="#INTRODUCTION"><b>INTRODUCTION.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_I"><b>LETTER I</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_II"><b>LETTER II.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_III"><b>LETTER III.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_IV"><b>LETTER IV.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_V"><b>LETTER V.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_VI"><b>LETTER VI.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_VII"><b>LETTER VII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_VIII"><b>LETTER VIII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_IX"><b>LETTER IX.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_X"><b>LETTER X.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_XI"><b>LETTER XI.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_XII"><b>LETTER XII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#LETTER_XIII"><b>LETTER XIII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href="#APPENDIX"><b>APPENDIX.</b></a><br />
+
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br />
+<a name="INTRODUCTION"></a><h2>INTRODUCTION.</h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The circumstance of an English army penetrating into Central Asia,
+through countries which had not been traversed by European troops since
+Alexander the Great led his victorious army from the Hellespont to the
+Jaxartes and Indus, is so strong a feature in our military history, that
+I have determined, at the suggestion of my friends, to print those
+letters received from my son which detail any of the events of the
+campaign. As he was actively engaged with the Bombay division, his
+narrative may be relied upon so far as he had an opportunity of
+witnessing its operations; and it being my intention to have only a few
+copies printed, to give to those friends who may take an interest in his
+letters, I need not apologize for the familiar manner in which they are
+written, as they were intended by him only for his own family, without
+an idea of their being printed. A history, however, may be collected
+from them most honourable to the British soldiers, both Europeans and
+natives of India. They shew the patience with which, for more than
+twelve months, the soldiers bore all their deprivations and fatiguing
+marches through countries until then unknown to them, whether moving
+through arid sands or rocky passes, under a burning sun; or over
+desolate mountains, amidst the most severe frosts, with scarcely an
+interval of repose. Neither was their gallantry less conspicuous than
+their patience, when they had the good fortune to find an enemy who
+ventured to face them. Although the circumstances which his letters
+detail might well deserve a better historian than my son, yet are they
+of that high and honourable character, that they cannot lose any part of
+their value by his familiar manner of narrating them.</p>
+
+<p>When I decided upon printing these letters, it became a matter of
+interest to place before the reader a short account of the countries in
+which the operations of the army were conducted, as well as of the
+native rulers who took part in, or were the cause of them; in order that
+the letters might be more clearly understood by those friends who have
+not felt sufficiently interested in the history of those countries to
+make any inquiries about them. But, before I do so, I shall draw the
+attention of the reader to the army of Alexander, to which I have before
+alluded.</p>
+
+<p>Without entering into the causes which led to his extraordinary
+conquests, predicted by Daniel as the means ordained of God to overthrow
+the Persian empire, then under the government of Darius, certain it is
+that he conquered the whole of those countries which extend from the
+Hellespont to the Indus, when his career was arrested by his own
+soldiers. Having overrun Syria, Egypt, Media, and Parthia, keeping his
+course to the north-east, he not only passed the Oxus, and forced his
+way to the Jaxartes, but, pressed by the Scythians from its opposite
+shore, he crossed that river, and beat them in a decisive battle. From
+the Jaxartes he returned in a southern direction towards the Indus, and
+having suffered the greatest privations, and struggled with the most
+alarming difficulties during the time that he was engaged in the
+conquest of those mountainous districts, he at length reached Cabool,
+making himself master of Afghanistan. Here he appears to have halted for
+a considerable time, to refresh and re-equip his army, which, with the
+addition of 30,000 recruits, amounted to 120,000 men.</p>
+
+<p>At this place, Alexander first came upon the scene of the campaign
+referred to in the following letters. Here he meditated the invasion of
+India, intending to march to the mouth of the Ganges; but the conquest
+of that country was destined for a nation almost unknown in the days of
+Alexander, and lying far more remote from it than Greece; and, until the
+campaign of 1839 drew our armies to the western side of the Indus, the
+Sutlej was alike the boundary of Alexander's conquests to the east, as
+of those of England towards the west.</p>
+
+<p>Alexander having prepared his army for this expedition, moved towards
+the Indus, taking many strong places on his march. Having crossed that
+river, the king of the country offered no resistance, but became the
+ally of Alexander, who expected to have found Porus, whose kingdom was
+on the other side of the Hydaspes, equally ready to submit. But it
+required the utmost skill of Alexander to cross the river, which he
+effected, and conquered Porus, after a most severe struggle, with the
+loss of his renowned charger, Bucephalus, and he was so pleased at the
+magnanimity of Porus that he not only gave him back his kingdom, but
+added several small states to it, making him a sincere ally. Alexander
+then continued his march towards the east, conquering all who opposed
+him, until he reached the banks of the Hyphasis (Sutlej), which he was
+about to cross, when his progress was arrested by murmurs and tumults in
+his camp. His soldiers declared their determination not to extend his
+conquests, and entreated him to return. He then marched back to the
+Acesines, gave the whole country as far as the Hyphasis to Porus, and
+thus made him ruler of the Punjab. Alexander encamped near the Acesines
+until the month of October, when the fleet which he built, consisting of
+800 galleys and boats, being ready, he embarked his army and proceeded
+towards the Indus; but before he reached that river he came to two
+countries possessed by warriors who united their armies to oppose his
+progress. After beating them in many engagements, Alexander attacked the
+city of the Oxydrac&aelig;, into which the greater part of those armies had
+retired. Here his rash valour had nearly terminated his career: he was
+severely wounded in the side by an arrow, from the effects of which he
+was with difficulty restored to health. He then descended the river, a
+portion of his army marching on its banks, conquering every nation that
+opposed him. About the month of July he reached Patala (Tatta), where he
+built a citadel and formed a port for his shipping. He then proceeded,
+with part of his fleet, by the western branch of the river, to discover
+the ocean. This he accomplished at great hazard, when he sacrificed to
+the gods (particularly to Neptune), and besought them not to suffer any
+mortal after him to exceed the bounds of his expedition. He then
+returned to join the rest of his fleet and army at Patala, and to make
+arrangements for his march to Babylon. He appointed Nearchus admiral of
+his fleet, and having given him orders to ascend the Persian Gulf to the
+Euphrates, he commenced his march through Beloochistan, leaving Nearchus
+to follow him as soon as the season would permit. Alexander was more
+than sixty days in reaching the frontiers of Persia, during which time
+his army sufficed such dreadful privations from want of food, that the
+soldiers were obliged to eat their own war-horses, and from the sickness
+consequent upon such a state of distress, his army was reduced to less
+than one-half of the number which left Patala. It is not necessary to
+follow him to Babylon, or to describe the voyage of Nearchus, who,
+having sailed up the Persian Gulf, united his forces to those of his
+royal master in the river Pasi-Tigris, near Susa. Enough, however, may
+be learned from this history to convince us that if such an army could
+be conducted 2000 years ago from the Hellespont to the Jaxartes and
+Indus, the march from the southern shores of the Caspian Sea to Cabool
+would require comparatively but very slight exertion, if those who have
+the means should have the desire also to accomplish it.</p>
+
+<p>I can say little of my own knowledge of the political causes which gave
+rise to the war, as I am unacquainted with the affairs of India and the
+motives which actuated its governors; but a brief outline may be
+collected from a book lately published by the Hon. Capt. Osborne,
+military secretary to the Governor-General, to which I shall refer,
+after making some observations upon the countries through which the
+operations of the army were conducted, and particularly on the situation
+of Afghanistan, in reference to those persons who had before been, is
+well as those who were, its rulers, when Shah Shooja was restored by the
+British Government to its throne. These observations I have chiefly
+collected from the valuable work of that enterprising officer Lieut.
+Burnes, which he published after visiting those countries in 1831, 1832,
+and 1833.</p>
+
+<p>The chief portion of the Bombay division of the army engaged in the
+operations to which these letters refer, landed at the Hujamree mouth of
+the Indus, and marching through Lower Sinde, by Tatta, ascended the
+Indus by its western bank. On arriving in Upper Sinde, it was found that
+Shah Shooja with his contingent, as well as the Bengal division of the
+army, had crossed the Indus <i>en route</i> from that Presidency, and had
+advanced towards Afghanistan, and that the Bombay division was to follow
+them. To effect this, the division marched through Cutch Gundava, and
+the Bolan Pass, which is situated in the mountains which divide the
+province of Sarawar, in Beloochistan, as well as Cutch Gundava, from
+Afghanistan. Having made their way through the Bolan Pass, the army
+entered the Shawl district of Afghanistan, and thence proceeded through
+the Ghwozhe Pass to Candahar, Ghuzni, and Cabool; at which
+last-mentioned place Shah Shooja's eldest son joined his father with
+some troops of Runjet Sing's, which had crossed the Indus from the
+Punjab, marching by Peshawur and the Kyber Pass. The division of the
+Bombay troops under General Willshire having remained at Cabool about a
+month, returned to Ghuzni, and thence in a straight direction to
+Quettah, leaving Candahar some distance on the right; Capt. Outram, who
+commanded a body of native horse, preceding the main body of the
+division for the purpose of capturing the forts, or castles, belonging
+to those chiefs who had not submitted to Shah Shooja. From Quettah,
+General Willshire moved with a part of his division upon Kelat, and
+thence through the Gundava Pass and Cutch Gundava to the Indus, where
+these troops were met by the rest of the division, which came from
+Quettah by the Bolan Pass. Hence they descended to Curachee to embark
+for their respective quarters in India. The fate of one of the regiments
+of the division, the 17th, as it is recorded in a Bombay paper, is most
+distressing. They embarked at Curachee for Bombay, and sailed in the
+morning with a fair wind and a fine breeze, but before the night closed
+in upon them the ship was fast aground upon a sandbank, off the Hujamree
+branch of the Indus, scarcely within sight of land. Everything was
+thrown overboard to lighten the ship, but in vain; she became a total
+wreck, and settled down to her main deck in the water. She fortunately,
+however, held together long enough to allow all the men to be taken on
+shore, which occupied three days, but with the loss of everything they
+had taken on board with them. The other regiments, we may hope, have
+been more fortunate, as they were not mentioned in the paper which gave
+this melancholy account of the 17th regiment.</p>
+
+<p>Sinde, the country through which the army first passed, is divided into
+three districts, each governed by an Ameer, the chief of whom resides at
+Hydrabad, the second at Khyrpoor, and the other at Meerpoor; and when
+Lieut. Burnes ascended the Indus, in 1831, the reigning Ameers were
+branches of the Beloochistan tribe of Talpoor. With these the chief of
+Kelat and Gundava, Mehrab Khan (who was related by marriage to the Ameer
+of Hydrabad), was more closely allied than any other prince. Like them,
+he had been formerly tributary to Cabool, and had shaken off the yoke,
+and, possessing a very strong country between Afghanistan and Sinde, he
+became as useful as he had at all times proved himself a faithful ally
+to the Sindeans. Shikarpoor, with the fertile country around it, as well
+as Bukker, had formerly belonged to the Barukzye family of Afghanistan,
+and, although they still possessed Candahar, Cabool, and Peshawar, they
+had in vain endeavoured to withdraw Mehrab Khan from his alliance with
+the Sindeans, or to recover those lost possessions.</p>
+
+<p>To understand the political state of Afghanistan, into which the army
+marched for the purpose of restoring Shah Shooja to its throne, it will
+be necessary to go back to the early part of the last century, when
+Nadir Shah had raised himself to the throne of Persia. His name having
+become formidable as a conqueror, he turned his thoughts to the conquest
+of India, and, assuming sufficient pretexts for breaking the relations
+of amity which he professed for the monarch of that country, he
+determined to invade it, and for that purpose began his march in 1738.
+Taking with him some of the chiefs of Afghanistan, he crossed the Punjab
+and entered Delhi. He there raised enormous contributions, and seized
+upon everything worth taking away; amongst other things the far-famed
+Peacock throne, in which was the renowned diamond called &quot;The Mountain
+of Light.&quot; The spoils with which he returned to Persia were valued at
+nearly seventy millions of pounds sterling. It is not necessary to
+follow the history of Nadir; it will be enough to say that, amidst the
+confusion which followed his death, Ahmed Khan obtained possession of
+part of his treasure, amongst which was the great diamond. He escaped
+with it into Khorassan, where he made himself master also of a large sum
+of money which was coming to Nadir from India. Ahmed was a brave and
+intelligent man, had been an officer of rank under the Shah, and, being
+in possession of the treasure necessary for his purpose, he proclaimed
+himself king, and was crowned at Candahar &quot;King of the Afghans.&quot; Ahmed
+was of the Suddoozye family, which were but a small tribe; but he was
+greatly assisted by the powerful Barukzye family, whose friendship he
+justly valued and made use of to his advantage: of this latter family
+Hajee Jamel was then the chief. Ahmed knew how to conciliate the
+independent spirit of his Afghan subjects, and by making frequent
+incursions on his neighbours, kept alive that spirit of enterprise which
+was congenial to their feelings; but from the time of his death the
+royal authority began to decline, as Timour, his son and successor, had
+neither the sense nor enterprise necessary to uphold it. Affairs became
+still worse under the sons of Timour. Shah Zumaun was of a cruel
+disposition, and wanted the education necessary to the situation he was
+called upon to fill; his brothers, Mahmood and Shah Shooja, were not
+better disposed; and towards the Barukzye family, who had been so
+instrumental in placing their grandfather, Ahmed, on the throne, they
+conducted themselves not only most imprudently, but with dreadful
+cruelty.</p>
+
+<p>Shah Zumaun was succeeded by Shah Shooja, of whom, although the chief
+person in the present drama, little more need be said of this part of
+his history than that, ignorant of the mode of governing such
+independent tribes as the Afghans, his power was never great, and, after
+the fall of his vizier, and the murder of his comrade, Meer Waeez, it
+gradually declined, until he lost his throne at Neemla, in 1809. He had
+taken the field with a well-appointed army of 15,000 men; but was
+attacked by Futteh Khan, an experienced general, at the head of 2000
+men, before the royal army was formed for battle; Akram Khan, his
+vizier, was slain, and he fled to the Kyber country, leaving the greater
+part of his treasure in the hands of his conquerors. Shah Shooja had
+failed to conciliate the Barukzye family; Futteh Khan, their chief, had
+therefore espoused the cause of the king's brother, Mahmood, and having
+driven Shah Shooja from his throne, he placed Mahmood upon it, and
+accepted for himself the situation of vizier. Under his vigorous
+administration, the whole of the Afghan country, with the exception of
+Cashmere, submitted to the dominion of the new sovereign. The Shah of
+Persia, anxious to possess himself of Herat, sent an army against it,
+but was defeated in his object, and Herat was preserved to Mahmood by
+the successful exertions of Futteh Khan. No sooner, however, was Mahmood
+thus firmly established in his dominions, than his son Kamran became
+jealous of the man who had raised him to the situation, and had secured
+to him the kingdom; he therefore determined to effect the ruin of the
+vizier. The prince was not long in gaining over his father to his views;
+and Futteh Khan being at Herat, Kamran seized on his person and put out
+his eyes. In this state he kept him prisoner for about six months,
+during which time the brothers of the vizier, irritated at the conduct
+of Kamran, began to show signs of disaffection. Mahmood ordered Futteh
+Khan to be brought before him in the court of his palace, and accusing
+the brothers of the vizier of rebellion, directed him to bring them back
+to a state of allegiance. The vizier, in the dreadful condition in which
+he had been reduced, replied to the demand of Mahmood, &quot;What can an old
+and blind man do?&quot; when, by the order of the king, the courtiers cut the
+vizier to pieces, limb after limb: his nose and ears were hacked off;
+neither did he receive his death blow until not a member of his person
+was left upon which they could inflict torture. With the fall of his
+vizier the king's power rapidly declined, and he fled to Herat,
+virtually yielding up the rest of his kingdom. He died in 1829, his son,
+Kamran, succeeding to the limited government of that portion only of his
+former dominions. Upon the flight of Mahmood to Herat, the horrid murder
+of their brother threw the whole of the Barukzye family into open
+revolt, the eldest of whom, Azeem Khan, recalled Shah Shooja from his
+exile. From the time Shah Shooja lost his throne, he had been first a
+captive in the hands of the son of his former vizier, and then a
+pensioner on the bounty of the Maharajah, at Lahore, who in return
+extorted from him the famous diamond, &quot;The Mountain of Light,&quot; and other
+jewels, which he had brought away with him when he fled at Neemla. He
+then made his escape from the Maharajah, and found protection and
+support from the British government of India. Upon the summons from
+Azeem Khan, Shah Shooja immediately hastened to Peshawur; where, before
+his benefactor had time to meet him, he practically displayed his ideas
+of royalty so unwisely, and so insulted some of the friends of the
+Barukzye family, that the whole party took offence, and they at once
+rejected him, and placed his brother Eyoob on the throne.</p>
+
+<p>Eyoob was but a puppet king, the tool of the family who raised him to
+the government; Azeem Khan, who was appointed his vizier, being in truth
+the ruler. Several of the young princes who aspired to the throne were
+delivered over to Eyoob, who put them to death.</p>
+
+<p>Shooja, driven from Peshawur, retired to Shikarpoor, which the Ameers of
+Sinde ceded to him; where, in place of conducting himself with prudence,
+he was so addicted to low intrigue with those about him, that his
+enemies availed themselves of this propensity to effect his ruin, and
+drove him from Shikarpoor, when, crossing the Indus, he fled through the
+desert by Juydalmeer, and returned to Loodiana. &quot;The fitness,&quot; says
+Lieut. Burnes, &quot;of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk for the station of a sovereign
+seems ever to have been doubtful. His manners and address are highly
+polished, but his judgment does not rise above mediocrity; had the case
+been otherwise, we should not now see him an exile from his country and
+his throne, without a hope of regaining them, after an absence of twenty
+years, and before he has attained the fiftieth year of his age.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The civil wars which had thus so frequently occurred in Afghanistan
+weakened the resources of the country and its means of defence. Runjet
+Sing availed himself of the advantage which this state of affairs
+presented to him, and obtained possession of Cashmere; when, continuing
+his conquests, he crossed the Indus, and made himself master of
+Peshawur, burning its palace, and laying the country under tribute.
+Azeem Khan made a precipitate retreat before the army of the Sikhs
+towards Cabool, without attempting to arrest their progress, and was so
+stung with remorse at the weakness of his conduct that he died on
+reaching that city. With the death of Azeem the royal authority was
+extinguished. The king fled to Lahore, and lived under the protection of
+his conqueror. Herat alone remained in the possession of one of the
+Suddoozye family. The brothers of the late vizier seized his son, and
+deprived him of his treasure and his power. The kingdom was then divided
+between them. Cabool fell into the hands of Dost Mahomed; Peshawur and
+Candahar were held by two of his brothers; the Sindeans threw off their
+yoke, and refused to pay tribute; Balk was annexed to the dominions of
+the King of Bokhara; the richest portion of the provinces having fallen
+into the possession of the Sikhs. In seventy-six years from the time
+that Ahmed Shah was crowned at Candahar, the Dooranee monarchy again
+ceased to exist.</p>
+
+<p>As I have given the character of Shah Shooja, it will be interesting to
+quote that of Dost Mahomed, from the same author. &quot;He is unremitting in
+his attention to business, and attends daily at the courthouse, with the
+Cazee and Moollahs, to decide every cause according to law. Trade has
+received the greatest encouragement from him, and he has derived his own
+reward, since the receipts of the customhouse of the city have increased
+fifty thousand rupees, and furnished him with a net revenue of two lacs
+of rupees per annum. The merchant may travel without a guard or
+protection from one frontier to another, an unheard-of circumstance in
+the time of the kings. The justice of this chief affords a constant
+theme of praise to all classes. The peasant rejoices at the absence of
+tyranny, the citizen at the safety of his home, the merchant at the
+equity of his decisions and the protection of his property, and the
+soldier at the regular manner in which his arrears are discharged.&quot; &quot;One
+is struck with the intelligence, knowledge, and curiosity which he
+displays, as well as at his accomplished manners and address.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>To this short sketch of Afghanistan, and of the persons connected with
+its political history, I will add some extracts from the work of the
+Hon. Capt. Osborne, because they explain the circumstances which led to
+the campaign of the Indus, and to the restoration of Shah Shooja to the
+throne of Cabool. He says, &quot;In May, 1838, a complimentary deputation was
+sent by Runjet Sing to the Governor-General at Simla, consisting of some
+of the most distinguished Sikh chiefs, who were received with all the
+honours prescribed by oriental etiquette. Shortly afterwards, Lord
+Auckland resolved to send a mission to the court of Lahore, not merely
+to reciprocate the compliments of the Maharajah, but to treat upon all
+the important interests which were involved in the existing state of
+political affairs in that quarter of the world. The recent attempts of
+the Persians on Herat, the ambiguous conduct of Dost Mahomed, and the
+suspicions which had been excited with respect to the proceedings and
+ulterior designs of Russia, rendered it of the greatest importance to
+cement the alliance with Runjet Sing, and engage him to a firm and
+effective co-operation with us in the establishment of general
+tranquillity, the resistance of foreign encroachment, and the extension
+of the benefits of commerce and the blessings of civilization.
+Accordingly, W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., was deputed on the mission to the
+Maharajah, accompanied by Dr. Drummond, Capt. Macgregor, and the Hon. W.
+Osborne, military secretary to the Governor-General.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The object of the Governor-General's mission to Lahore having been
+accomplished, and the concurrence, and, if necessary, the co-operation
+of Runjet Sing, in the restoration of Shah Shooja, secured, Mr.
+Macnaghten repaired to Loodiana, for the purpose of submitting to the
+Shah the treaties that had been concluded, and announcing to him the
+approaching change in his fortunes. The envoys seem to have been much
+struck with the majestic appearance of the old pretender, especially
+with the flowing honours of a black beard descending to his waist,
+always the most cherished appendage of oriental dignity. He had lived
+for twenty years in undisturbed seclusion, if not 'the world
+forgetting,' certainly 'by the world forgot,' consoling himself for the
+loss of his kingdom in a domestic circle of six hundred wives, but
+always 'sighing his soul' towards the mountains and valleys of
+Afghanistan, and patiently awaiting the <i>kismet</i>, or fate, which was to
+restore him to his throne. The preparations thenceforward went rapidly
+on. The contingent raised by the Shah was united (more for form than
+use) to the British force, and in three months the expedition began its
+operations.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But before I conclude this introduction to the letters, which detail the
+results of these treaties with the Maharajah, and the march of Shah
+Shooja to Cabool, as I have spoken of the leading characters of
+Afghanistan, I may be permitted to say a few words about the persons
+through whose exertions the Shah has been restored to the throne of that
+country&mdash;the officers of the British army; and I do so the more
+anxiously, because the naval and military glory of our country, which in
+my early days was the theme of every song, is now seldom heard of in
+society, and those gallant services appear to be nearly forgotten, which
+during a long protracted state of warfare, within our own recollection,
+placed England in a position to dictate her own terms of peace to the
+world:&mdash;a state of society which encourages a certain class of persons
+the more effectually to abuse the military profession, and to mislead
+their deluded followers, by clamouring about the expense of the army,
+and the aristocratic bearing of its members, that they may the more
+readily carry out their own schemes of personal vanity and demoralizing
+political economy.</p>
+
+<p>It is the peculiar feature of the British army, to which we are indebted
+for its high and honourable bearing, that the sons of the first families
+in the land are ever anxious to bear arms under its standards, looking
+not to pecuniary emolument, but to those honours which military rank and
+professional attainments can procure for them; whilst the first commands
+and the highest stations in the service are filled without distinction
+from every grade in society. It is this happy mixture which induces that
+high sense of honour, so peculiarly characteristic of our service; that
+acknowledged distinction between the officers and the privates; that
+true discipline which, tempered with justice and kindly feeling, wins
+the respect of the soldier, and induces him to place that reliance upon
+his commander everywhere so conspicuous, whether in the camp or field of
+battle. But this high feeling in the army causes no additional expense
+to the country; the charge is altogether a deception. Let the following
+sketch of a young soldier's life of the present day, as applicable to
+others as to himself, answer the charge of these politicians.</p>
+
+<p>He was educated for the highest walk of the legal profession, and had
+nearly prepared himself for the university, when he decided to change
+his course and go into the army. The Commander-in-chief placed his name
+amongst the candidates for commissions, and he went to Hanover, where,
+after he had made himself master of the German language, his Royal
+Highness the Duke of Cambridge kindly gave him a commission in the
+Yagers of the Guard, better known in England, in the Peninsula, and at
+Waterloo, as the Rifles of the German Legion. Being only a volunteer in
+the regiment, he could not receive pay from the government; he was,
+therefore, at very considerable personal expense to keep his proper
+standing with his brother officers; and as soon as he had acquired all
+the military knowledge that he was likely to get in the regiment in time
+of peace, he obtained leave to return to England; and, as he had not any
+immediate expectation of a commission, he visited France, to make
+himself more perfect in the French language. After this, he was allowed
+to purchase a commission in the 2nd regiment, or Queen's Royals; and he
+embarked to join that corps in India. His letters will shew what that
+regiment, in common with others, have endured during a campaign of
+fifteen months in Central Asia, their privations and expenses; and when
+his second commission was paid for, during that campaign, he found
+himself at its close, at the age of twenty-five, a lieutenant on full
+pay, the amount of which, if he was in England, would be far short of
+the interest of the money which has been expended in his commissions and
+education, and with fifteen lieutenants still above him on the roll of
+his regiment.</p>
+
+<p>It will be seen by his letters, and it is confirmed by the official
+despatches of the Commander-in-chief, that the company to which he was
+attached (the light company of the Queen's) led the storming party at
+Ghuzni. He was shot through the arm and through the body, and left for
+dead at the foot of the citadel at Kelat, whilst endeavouring to save
+the lives of some Beloochees who were crying for mercy. And for these
+services he is to be rewarded with a medal, by Shah Shooja; for Ghuzni,
+and for the capture of both places he has the full enjoyment of the
+highest gratification that a soldier can feel&mdash;the consciousness that he
+has done his duty to his country, and, let me hope, in the act of mercy
+in which he suffered, his duty to his God as a Christian. But he is not
+a solitary example of such good fortune. No one who was wounded and
+survived may have been nearer death than himself, yet are there others
+who have done more, and suffered more, as the history of the army of
+the Indus would bear ample testimony.</p>
+
+<p>Let me then ask, in behalf of the British officer, when he is lightly
+spoken of as a man, or when the expenses of the army are cavilled at, on
+which side is the debt&mdash;on his, or on that of his country?</p>
+
+<p class="name">A.H. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p><i>Brookhill,&mdash;May, 1840.</i></p>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>It may be right to draw the attention of the reader to a
+circumstance which, at first sight, may appear singular&mdash;that the same
+letters frequently contain reports quite contradictory to each other. It
+should therefore be borne in mind that such letters were probably
+written at different times, as the writer found opportunity; who, being
+anxious that his family should know all that passed as well in the camp
+as in the field, preferred leaving each report in the way in which it
+was circulated at the time of his writing it, rather than correct it
+afterwards, as the truth, might turn out. Such letters shew the
+situation in which an army is placed on its landing in a new country,
+where no account of the movements of the inhabitants can be relied upon,
+and the heavy responsibility which attaches to the officers who are
+entrusted with its command.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br />
+<a name="Page1"></a>
+<a name="CAMPAIGN_OF_THE_INDUS"></a><h2>CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS.</h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" /><br />
+
+<a name="LETTER_I"></a><h2>LETTER I</h2>
+
+<p class="justright">On board the ship Syden,<br />
+Off the mouth of the Indus, Nov. 27th, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;We left Belgaum on the 22nd of last month, and arrived
+at Bombay on the first of this; and we started from Bombay on the 18th,
+for this place. I had intended to write from Bombay, but everything was
+in such a state of confusion and bustle whilst we were there, that I
+literally could find no time or place for doing so. We are now at anchor
+off one of the mouths of the Indus, and have had a delightful voyage.
+Our ship is a very nice one, of 750 tons, belonging to a Swede, who is
+an excessively good fellow, and has treated us very well.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John Keane is already arrived in the steamer Semiramis and also one
+of the native regiments. Our Bombay force consists of 5500 men, of which
+2000 are Europeans&mdash;viz., 500 of the Queen's, and 500 of <a name="Page2"></a>H.M. 17th
+regiment, one squadron of the 4th Light Dragoons, with foot and horse
+artillery. The rest of the force is composed of native regiments, horse
+and foot. We shall not land, I think, until to-morrow evening, as we are
+almost the only ship that has yet arrived. The infantry are divided into
+two brigades, and the cavalry form another by themselves. Our brigade
+(the first) consists of the Queen's, and the 5th and 19th regiments of
+Native Infantry, commanded by our worthy Colonel, now General Willshire,
+C.B.; the other brigade is commanded by a Company's officer. We have to
+go in boats about thirty miles, it is said, up the river, before we
+finally march. Where it is I am perfectly ignorant; however, some place
+between this and Hydrabad, whence we shall march as far north as
+Shikarpoor, where we are to form a junction with the Bengal troops,
+13,000 in number, under Sir H. Fane. What our destination will be after
+that I know not; whether we shall advance with the Bengalees upon Herat,
+or form a corps of reserve on the Indus.</p>
+
+<p>The country between this and Shikarpoor belongs to the Ameers of Sinde.
+They were very restive at first, when they heard of our intention to
+march through their country, and threatened to oppose our progress; but
+I believe they have since thought better of it; however, I do not think
+that they can do anything against us: time will soon shew. We have been
+excessively crowded on board: twenty-six officers.<a name="Page3"></a> I have been obliged
+to sleep on the poop every night, which, when the dew was heavy, was by
+no means pleasant. I hope we shall go further than Shikarpoor, as I
+should like very much to see Cabool, Candahar, and all that part of the
+world, which so few Europeans have visited.</p>
+
+<p>What is the cause of all this bustle and war I hardly know myself, and,
+at all events, it is too long to make the subject of a letter; I must
+therefore refer you to the papers for it; but I have heard from old
+officers that for the last twenty years the Company have been anxious to
+establish themselves west and north of the Indus. It is not likely,
+therefore, now that they have such an opportunity, that they will let it
+slip, so that perhaps we may be quartered there for the next two or
+three years. How it will turn out I know no more than the man in the
+moon: a soldier is a mere machine, and is moved by his superiors just as
+a chessman by a chess-player. Should there be any skrimmaging, our men
+are in high spirits, and will, I think, soon make the Ameers put their
+pipes in their pockets. Ours is the first European army that has been on
+the Indus since the time of Alexander.</p>
+
+<p>I was obliged to sell my horses and other things on leaving Belgaum, at
+a dead loss. I intend buying another horse when we land in Sinde, as I
+am told we can get good ones very cheap there. This is a regular case of
+here to-day and there to-morrow: perhaps my next letter may be dated
+from Cashmere&mdash;<a name="Page4"></a>who knows? I felt rather sorry at leaving Belgaum; we
+were all of us excessively rejoiced to get out of Bombay. The report at
+first was, that we were to garrison it for the next two or three years,
+and we were therefore very glad when we found that was not to be the
+case. Now, it is said, there is a chance of our going into Persia; but I
+do not think that we shall. The man waits to lay the cloth on the cuddy
+table, where I am writing, so I must conclude for the present.</p>
+
+<p><i>Nov. 28th</i>.&mdash;The regiment is beginning to disembark right in front. The
+Grenadiers are now going into the boats of the natives that are to take
+them up the river. Since I wrote yesterday, I have heard all the news
+relative to our disembarkation. We are to go fifteen miles up the river
+in native boats to a place called Vicur, where we form our first camp
+ground. We are to remain there for a week or ten days, in order to
+collect camels, bullocks, &amp;c., for the transportation of our baggage. We
+have to pass a very dangerous bar in getting to this place, where
+several boats have been wrecked; but we have fine large ones. From all
+accounts, the Ameers are now peaceably disposed, except one fellow, who,
+we hear, is inclined to be rather obstreperous; but I think the sight of
+our force will soon bring him to his senses. There are, however, a set
+of men who live on the mountain borders of Sinde, called Beloochees, the
+eastern inhabitants of Beloochistan, who are a <a name="Page5"></a>robber, free-and-easy
+kind of people, who may give us some trouble in endeavouring to walk off
+with part of our baggage, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>I intend to keep a journal of what occurs, and will write by every
+opportunity. I think I have now mentioned everything that I have heard
+relative to this grand expedition; except, by-the-bye, that Sir Henry
+Fane has denominated the force as &quot;The army of the Indus,&quot; and ours, the
+Bombay branch of it, as &quot;The corps d'arm&eacute;e of Sinde.&quot; There is a grand
+title for you! I have nothing more to say; and as I must be looking
+after my traps previous to disembarking, I must conclude with best love
+to you, and all at home.</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Your most affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S.&mdash;I must trust this to the captain of the vessel, giving him
+instructions to put it into the Bombay post when he returns, so that it
+is equally doubtful when you may receive it. He is an excessively good
+fellow, the captain; and we are going to make him a present of a silver
+goblet, worth 35l., for his attentions to us whilst on board his ship.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page6"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_II"></a><h2>LETTER II.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Perminacote, five miles from Vicur,<br />
+right bank of the Hujamree,<br />
+one of the branches of the Indus,<br />
+December 8th, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR KITTY,&mdash;I wrote to my father, about ten days ago, from the ship
+in which we came here, stating what I then knew about this expedition;
+but having since received your letter, and my father's, dated Sept. 4th,
+I cannot think of going on this bloody campaign without first answering
+yours. Things look now a little more warlike. The Ameers have
+endeavoured to cut off everything like a supply from this part of the
+country, and we have to depend in a great measure, at present, on the
+supplies brought by the shipping. We have nothing in the shape of
+conveyance for our baggage. We expected two thousand camels and five
+hundred horses here for sale; but they are not to be seen at present,
+and where they are, or when they will arrive, no one knows. News has
+been received, it is said, from Pottinger, the Company's political agent
+at Hydrabad, the principal town<a name="Page7"></a> of the Ameers, that they have called in
+their army, consisting of 20,000 Beloochees, as they tell Pottinger,
+&quot;for the purpose of paying them off;&quot; but he says it looks very
+suspicious, and that they are also fortifying the various towns on the
+Indus. He has been expected here for the last two or three days, but has
+not yet arrived. Report also says that he has been fired at in his way
+down.</p>
+
+<p>We are kept in the most strict discipline, and have a great deal to do.
+Out-lying and in-lying pickets every night, the same as if we were in
+the presence of an enemy. This is a very pleasant climate at present,
+though excessively cold at night-time, as we feel to our cost when on
+picket, sleeping in the open air, with nothing but our cloaks to cover
+us; and some nights the dew is excessively heavy, which is very
+unhealthy, and has laid me up for the last few days with an attack of
+rheumatism. However, I hope to be out of the sick list to-day. There is
+such a sharp, cutting, easterly wind, that I can hardly hold my pen. It
+averages from 80 to 84 in the shade during the hottest part of the day,
+but that is only for about two hours. However, in the hot season it is
+worse than India; and we have proof here, even at this time, of the
+power of the sun occasionally; so I hope that we shall push on for
+Shikarpoor, and join the Bengal army, under Sir H. Fane, as quickly as
+possible, as we shall then have some chance of getting to Cabool, which
+is said to be a delightful climate.</p>
+<a name="Page8"></a>
+<p>We are still totally ignorant of our future proceedings, except what I
+have stated above. We are in great hopes that we have not been brought
+here for nothing, and that we may have a chance of seeing a few hard
+blows given and taken ere long. Hydrabad and <i>loot&egrave;</i> is what is most
+talked about at present. It will, however, be a most harassing kind of
+warfare, I expect, as the force of the Ameers consists of Arabs and
+Beloochees; a regular predatory sort of boys, capital horsemen, but not
+able, I should think, to engage in a regular stand-up fight. I think
+their warfare will consist in trying to cut off a picket at night,
+breaking through the chain of sentries, and endeavouring to put the camp
+in confusion, &amp;c. &amp;c.; so that the poor subalterns on picket will have
+anything but a sinecure there; however, it will be a capital way of
+learning one's duty in the field. By-the-bye, I forgot to tell you,
+amongst other rumours of war, that an Ameer was down here a few days ago
+to obtain an interview with Sir J. Keane, who refused to see the Ameer,
+or to have anything to do with him, and told him that he would soon talk
+to him at Hydrabad.</p>
+
+<p>Our force is now nearly all arrived, all except the Bombay grenadier
+regiment, which is to form part of ours, (i.e., the first brigade,) and
+not the 19th regiment, as I told my father. We have now here two
+squadrons of H.M. 4th Light Dragoons, the Queen's, and the 17th
+regiment. The native regiments are,<a name="Page9"></a> the Grenadiers, the 5th, the 19th,
+and the 24th; there is also a due proportion of horse and foot
+artillery, together with some native cavalry, making in all 5500
+fighting men. We are now about fifteen miles from the sea, and we got up
+quite safe, although there is a very dangerous bar to cross, and all the
+boats were not so lucky as ours, as the horse artillery lost fifteen
+horses; and a boat belonging to a merchant of Bombay went down, in which
+goods to the amount of one thousand rupees (100l.) were lost.</p>
+
+<p>Our camp presents a very gay appearance&mdash;so many regiments collected
+together; and altogether I like this sort of campaigning work very well,
+although I expect that we shall be very hard put to it when we march, if
+we do not get more means of conveyance. The wind is blowing such
+intolerable dust into the tent that I can hardly write. The captain of
+the vessel which brought us from Bombay came up here last night, and
+returns to-day about eleven o'clock, and sails this evening for Bombay;
+I shall give him this letter to take, so that you and my father will
+receive my letters at the same time. As long as I keep my health I do
+not care where we go or what we do. The doctor has just come in and put
+me off the sick list. It is getting very near eleven o'clock, and the
+captain will be off directly, so that I must conclude my letter, hoping
+you will, for this reason, excuse its<a name="Page10"></a> shortness; and with best love,
+&amp;c., to all at home, believe me ever your most affectionate brother,</p>
+
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S. I have not any horse at present, which I find a great
+inconvenience. I sold what I had at Belgaum, before I left it, at a dead
+loss, as I expected to get plenty here on my arrival, but have been
+wofully disappointed. There were some splendid creatures for sale at
+Bombay, which was very tempting, but they asked enormous sums for them.
+I wonder where I shall eat my Christmas dinner! This is the first
+European army that has been on the Indus since the time of Alexander the
+Great.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page11"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_III"></a><h2>LETTER III.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp near Tatta, four miles from the Indus,<br />
+January 1st, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I write to wish you a happy new year on this the first
+day of 1839, which, if it turns out as its opening prognosticates, is
+likely to be a very eventful one for me, if I do not get knocked on the
+head or otherwise disposed of. I wrote to you from the ship Syden, about
+the 28th of November, and to Kate from our last station at Bominacote,
+on the right bank of the Hujamree, about the 12th of last month, both
+which letters will, I expect, leave Bombay to-day by the overland mail
+for England; but as another mail will leave on the 19th, and I thought
+you would be anxious to learn as much of our movements &amp;c. as possible,
+I dare say the present letter will not be amiss.</p>
+
+<p>We remained at our old encampment, Bominacote, until the 26th of last
+month, and I picked up my health very fast there, and was able to enjoy
+myself<a name="Page12"></a> shooting a great deal, particularly the black partridge, which
+is an uncommonly handsome bird, and much bigger than the English. The
+2nd brigade of infantry, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment, the 19th and
+23rd regiments Native Infantry, under the command of General Gordon, a
+Company's officer, together with the 4th Light Dragoons, a regiment of
+Native Cavalry, and one troop of horse artillery, left the aforesaid
+place on the 24th, with Sir John Keane and his escort; and the first
+brigade, consisting of ourselves, the 1st Grenadiers, and 5th regiment
+Native Infantry, under the command of our chief, General Willshire, left
+on the 26th. I was on out-lying picket the night before, (Christmas
+night,) and a very curious way it was of passing it. The first part of
+the night, till twelve o'clock, was exceedingly fine and beautiful, and,
+as I lay on the cold ground, my thoughts travelled towards poor old
+Devonshire, and I could not help fancying in what a much more
+comfortable way you must be spending it at home, all snug, &amp;c. at
+Brookhill. After twelve, the strong northerly wind, which blows with
+great force at intervals this time of the year in this country, sprung
+up, and it soon got intensely cold. Towards two I forgot myself for
+about half an hour, and nodded on my post, and on awakening I was taken
+with what I am sure must have been a slight attack of cholera. I was
+stone cold, particularly my arms, hands, legs, and feet, and suffered
+excruciating pains in my stomach, till nature relieved<a name="Page13"></a> me, which she
+was kind enough to do uncommonly frequent. I had luckily some brandy
+with me, of which I drank, I should think, half a bottle down without
+tasting it; but it did me a great deal of good at the time, although I
+have not been well since, and am still very far from being so. Our
+camels, of which I had two, were furnished us by the commissariat, and
+we ought to have had them at four o'clock on the day before; but, like
+everything else, we did not get them till four o'clock the morning we
+marched, about an hour before we turned out. I had to trust entirely to
+Providence with regard to mine, as to whether I should get them or not,
+as I was on outlying picket, and could not attend to them, and I had
+just two minutes, after coming from picket in the morning, to get a
+mouthful of villanous coffee, when I was obliged to fall in with my
+company, which formed the advanced guard of the brigade, and march off
+in double quick time, leaving all to chance. My poor stomach wanted
+something most awfully to stop its proceedings, but it was totally out
+of the question, as General Willshire hurried us off at a slapping pace;
+luckily, the march was only eight miles, so it did not fatigue me much:
+I marched on foot the whole of it, as I could not get my pony in the
+hurry of starting. We got nothing to eat till two o'clock, when part of
+our mess things arrived, and we pitched into whatever we could get. This
+march; though, was by far the most pleasant, as we had a good firm tract
+of country to pass over, and no<a name="Page14"></a> sand. The &quot;rouse&quot; sounded at five, and
+we marched again at half-past six. This night I was on in-lying picket,
+and was obliged to pass it in harness, and ready to turn out at a
+moment's notice, although awfully tired. We had a very unpleasant march,
+as the north winds got up soon after we started, and blew the dust and
+sand right into our eyes; we had, however, being on the advance guard,
+comparatively easy work, as there were only two sections with each
+officer: the poor column suffered severely. This day, however, was
+paradise compared to the next, which was eighteen miles, through an
+uninhabited sandy desert, with a few tamarisk shrubs and no water,
+except a few stagnant pools, which was the cause of the march being so
+long, there being no place for encampment. General Willshire, however,
+made the best of a bad matter, and sent on the night before to a place
+about half way, and the least unchristian-like spot he could find, half
+the men's rations for the next day, together with the bheesties (or
+water carriers) and the men's grog, &amp;c., with orders for the cooks to
+have these rations cooked and ready for the men as soon as they marched
+in; so that on arriving at the ground we piled arms and formed a curious
+sort of pic-nic in the middle of the desert. We halted here about an
+hour, and lucky it was that the men got the means of recruiting their
+strength in this manner, as the latter part of the march was a terrible
+teaser. We marched off from this place about twelve. Although we had
+<a name="Page15"></a>found the morning pleasant enough, with a fine bracing breeze, yet in
+the afternoon, about half an hour after starting, the wind went down,
+and the sun shone out terribly; the sand in some parts was half knee
+deep, and although there was no breeze to blow it in our faces, yet it
+rose from the trampling of so many feet in successive dense columns, and
+completely enveloped the whole brigade, almost blinding the men, so that
+they could hardly see the man before them, and getting into their noses
+and mouths so as nearly to suffocate them; however, they bore it
+manfully, and marched straight through it like Britons. Our encampment
+that night was at a place called Golam Shah, on the Buggaur, one of the
+branch streams of the Indus. We found that the second brigade had only
+left it the same morning, having been obliged to halt there the
+preceding day; and General Willshire found a letter from Sir John Keane,
+advising a halt there for the following day, which we accordingly did,
+and a precious comfortable day we had. I got off my pony at the close of
+this day's march with a dreadful headache, and had to wait for an hour
+till Halket's tent and kit, with whom I am doubling up, arrived. His
+servants brought me the delightful intelligence that my camel man had
+bolted with his camels at our last encampment, and that my things were
+all left there on the ground, with my servant, and that it was quite
+uncertain when they would be up; in fact, it seemed exceedingly doubtful
+whether they would arrive at all.<a name="Page16"></a> However, they did come in at last,
+but very late, on three ponies, two bullocks, and one donkey, which were
+the only things my boy could get, and for which I had to pay
+considerably. I turned in as soon as I could; and the next day, which
+was a most wretched one, I was very unwell. This place, Golam Shah,
+must, I think, be one of the most wretched places in the whole world,
+situated as it is in the heart of a desert, with only one
+recommendation,&mdash;viz., the river Buggaur, the water of which is
+excessively sweet and wholesome. The day we passed at it was the coldest
+I remember since leaving England. A strong northerly wind blew the whole
+day, and the clouds of dust and sand that rose in consequence were so
+thick as perfectly to obscure the sun, and all we could do we could not
+keep ourselves warm. Here we had the misfortune also to lose the only
+man that has as yet fallen on the march, an old soldier. He was taken
+with cholera at eight in the morning and died at twelve at night: he was
+buried about six hours afterwards, just as the regiment marched. The
+hospital men had no time to stretch him, and he was laid in the earth in
+the same posture in which he died, with his arms stuck a kimbo, pressing
+upon his stomach, which shews that he must have suffered intense agony.
+Poor fellow! they had not time to dig his grave very deep, and I am
+afraid the jackals will be the only benefiters by his death. We left
+this place the next morning, the 30th, and arrived here<a name="Page17"></a> (Tatta) about
+eleven o'clock, a twelve-mile march. A great number of the 2nd brigade
+rode out to meet us, and the 4th Light Dragoons very kindly asked us to
+breakfast immediately on our arrival. You may be sure they had not to
+ask us twice!</p>
+
+<p>Tatta is a very ancient town, said to have been built by either
+Alexander, on his march down the Indus, or by one of his generals; the
+ancient name was Patala. At that time the country was in possession of
+Hindoos, or, at least, of the followers of Brahma, who were most
+probably the original possessors of the greater portion of the east.
+Afterwards, on the rise of Mahomet, it was soon in possession of his
+followers, who seem to have held it for a long period, as they have left
+magnificent proofs of their grandeur, both in the city and all round the
+neighbourhood, which is studded with splendid cupolas, domes, temples,
+and tombs; there is one in particular in the town itself an old tomb,
+now used as a caravanserai, which is excessively handsome. When I talk
+of a tomb being turned into a caravanserai, you will of course
+understand that a tomb in this part of the world is very different from
+one in the western part of the globe. This tomb itself would cover as
+much ground as Exeter Cathedral. The inside of the domes are very
+beautifully enamelled in the chastest colours, and with most excellent
+taste, and would put to shame the most handsome drawing-room in London,
+I should think. I have never repented not being able to draw so much<a name="Page18"></a> as
+I have since I have been in the East, but particularly since I have been
+at this place, where there is so much that would look well in a sketch;
+but I would not give twopence to be able to draw and not draw well,
+particularly when I see the daubs that some men, who fancy they are
+hands at it, produce, after fagging at the simplest thing possible, and
+I believe that if nature does not give you a turn for it, all the trying
+possible would never make a painter, and that what the old Roman proverb
+said of the poet, &quot;Non fit sed nascitur poeta,&quot; is equally applicable to
+the painter. I tried it for a short time, at Hanover, but my master told
+me I was the most awkward and stupid pupil he ever had, and advised me
+to cut the concern, and I followed his advice; nor am I sorry that I did
+so, as I should never have been able to draw well, and should have only
+been discontented, and given it up in disgust. We have, however, two
+officers in our regiment who both draw and sketch exceedingly well; and
+I will try to get duplicates from them if possible, so that, if God
+spares my life, and I ever return home, I shall be able to shew you some
+specimens of the country we have passed through.</p>
+
+<p><i>Jan. 2nd.</i>&mdash;Well, we are to have no fighting, at least at present, it
+appears. This will be cheering news for Kitty, I expect. We were most
+egregiously disappointed in the town or city of Tatta itself. We saw it
+at a great distance on our march, and on arriving on our encamping
+ground, it looked excessively<a name="Page19"></a> well, and gave us the idea of a very
+handsome place. We saw what we imagined to be high houses, built of
+stone, towers and pillars; but lo! when we rode in to examine it, these
+splendid buildings turned out to be a most miserable collection of white
+mud houses, which had the appearance of stone at a distance. Some of
+them were tolerably high, certainly; but the most wretched-looking
+things possible. This is the case with most towns in the east. Like
+Dartmouth, they all look best &agrave; la distance.</p>
+
+<p>I am sorry to say that we have a great many men in the hospital now, and
+four officers on the sick list; two of them very unwell. All the cases
+are bowel complaints, and most of them dysentery. This is the case
+generally. While on the march, soldiers seldom feel it; but when the
+halt afterwards comes, then they get touched up awfully. However, it is
+not to be wondered at, when one considers the quantity of duty which
+they have to perform at present. Out-lying and in-lying pickets, and
+guards, &amp;c.; add to which, the being suddenly transported from the
+climate of India, to which most of them have become inured by a
+residence, on the average, of twelve years, to this comparatively cold
+and changeful climate, is enough of itself to shake them a little. They
+have also done what no Indian troops have done before: in marching in
+India, almost everything is carried for the soldier; he merely carries
+what he does on parade&mdash;viz., his firelock and accoutrements. Our
+regiment though, by-the-bye, has<a name="Page20"></a> always carried a blanket, with a clean
+shirt and stockings and flannel waistcoat wrapped up in it, that they
+may be enabled to change as soon as they have marched in. On this march,
+each man has carried his knapsack, with his kit in it, twenty rounds of
+ammunition, a havresack with his day's rations, and a small round keg
+containing water, the weight of all which is no joke. While at
+Bominacote, we fully expected to have a little fighting after passing
+Tatta, and on our arrival here we heard a report which induced us to
+believe that we should have a brush with the Ameers very shortly; but it
+appears now that the Ameers have seen the folly of such proceedings, and
+have determined to receive us amicably, and to assist our passage
+through their country, and that it was only one of the Ameers that was
+inclined to be restive. He endeavoured to stop our camels, &amp;c., and
+managed to do so for some time, and collected as much of what they call
+an army as he could&mdash;about 5000 of these Beloochees, but with no guns,
+or anything of that sort. However, on collecting them, they represented
+to him that the British troops were behaving so well, and the
+inhabitants of the country were getting so much more money for their
+articles of sale than they ever got before, that they considered it was
+more for their profit and advantage that the English should march
+through their country than that they should oppose them, and get licked
+into the bargain, as they were sure they would be. All eastern nations
+have an<a name="Page21"></a> awful dread of European artillery. It also happened that the
+poor Ameer had unfortunately not the wherewithal to carry on the war,
+and his army made excessively high demands on him, you may be sure. The
+consequence of all which was, that the army dissolved itself as quietly
+as possible, and the poor Ameer found himself solus. The result is, that
+a deputation is now here, with a small force from the head Ameer, at
+Hydrabad, under the command of N&ucirc;r Mahomed, another Ameer, and that he
+has made most ample apologies for the conduct of his brother Ameer, and
+offered not only to let us pass through his country, but to assist us in
+so doing to the utmost of his power. It was indeed well for the Ameers
+that they came to this decision, as had they acted contrary we should
+have taken possession of their country to a moral certainty. Now they
+have a chance of keeping half the loaf.</p>
+
+<p>We have here certainly the flower of the Bombay army, and a very
+respectable force in every respect: two of the best European regiments,
+four of the best native, the 4th dragoons, two regiments of light
+cavalry, two troops of horse artillery in prime order, and a battalion
+of foot artillery, together with a splendid band of auxiliary horse from
+Cutch, the finest looking fellows I ever saw: they arrived here on the
+same day as ourselves. I was standing on one of the hills as they wound
+their way round it; I was never struck with anything so much, nor have I
+ever<a name="Page22"></a> seen anything so orientally military before. They are dressed in
+green garments, edged with gold, and red turbans, tied under the chin,
+like the old Mahratta soldiers; their arms are match-lock, lance,
+scimitar, and pistols, and they appear to be excellent and practical
+riders. They are quite an independent corps, each man finding his own
+horse, arms, accoutrements, &amp;c., and they take good care to be
+excellently mounted. They have a few European officers attached to them
+from the Bombay establishment. Their dress is also uncommonly handsome;
+a green hussar dress, with gold braiding. In addition to all this force,
+we have a subsidiary one nearly as large, coming on directly to follow
+our steps, and occupy Sinde, while we march on with the Bengalees for
+Cabool. This force, they say, is to consist of H.M. 40th regiment from
+Deesa, the 10th, 16th, 22nd, and 24th regiments, 23rd N.I., together
+with H.M. 90th and 61st regiments, and Ceylon Rifle Corps (Malays) from
+Ceylon, so that I expect the government at home will have to send more
+regiments to India as quickly as possible. Sir J. Keane is very likely
+to have the command of the whole force, both Bombay and Bengal, as they
+say Sir H. Fane is gone back to Bengal with half the Bengal force, in
+consequence of the Burmese declaring war; which, as might have been
+expected, they did directly when so many regiments were marched from
+their neighbourhood. This report is, however, contradicted, and<a name="Page23"></a> they
+say now that Sir H. Fane is going home, and will meet us at Shikarpoor
+or Hydrabad, give up the command to Sir J. Keane, and go down the Indus,
+and thence to England overland. Which is the true version I know not;
+but I am afraid that I have little chance of meeting Colonel Fane, and
+giving him Arthur's letter, which I expected to do when I wrote last. I
+am delighted at the prospect of our going to Cabool: there we may have
+some fighting, and have a chance of being permanently quartered till we
+return to Europe, whenever that may be.</p>
+
+<p>What the original cause of all this was, as I told you before, I hardly
+know; and you are more likely to get at the true version from some of
+the Indian newspapers, or from any friends you may have connected with
+this part of the world, than from me. But, as far as I can learn, this
+appears to be it: Shah Shooja is the rightful heir to the throne of
+Cabool, and Dost Mahomed is what Mr. C. Dickens calls the &quot;wrongful
+one,&quot; alias the usurper. Dost Mahomed had possession of the country, and
+the Indian government, from what motives I know not, determined to
+unseat him and replace Shah Shooja. In this matter they are assisted by
+old Runjet Sing, King of Lahore, or, as his oriental title goes, &quot;the
+blind lion of the Punjab.&quot; The Persians, on the contrary, took part with
+Dost Mahomed, insulted our resident at their court, and besieged Shah
+Shooja's party in Herat; from which, however, after a siege of<a name="Page24"></a> long
+duration, they were finally obliged to retire. There was a report at
+first that Russia was concerned in this affair, and that Russian troops
+were present with the Persians at the siege, but these turned out to be
+a regiment or two of Russian renegadoes whom the King of Persia has in
+his pay. There was another report of a letter having been discovered
+from the government of Russia to the King of Persia, which induced the
+belief that the Emperor of Russia was playing a deep game, the object of
+which was to lessen our influence in the East; and many people, I
+believe, are very much of this opinion. How far all this may be true I
+know not; but I have been told by old Indians that for a long time the
+Indian government have been anxious to have a strong footing in Sinde,
+and to command the navigation of the Indus; and that now they have the
+opportunity they are not likely to let it slip. The Afghans are a very
+hardy race of men, and we may have some sharp work with them; but I
+think a gun or two of our horse artillery would have sent the Beloochees
+scampering. They are miserably equipped; but being nearly all robbers,
+they might have annoyed us by a night attack, which would have been
+anything but pleasant, particularly for the poor sub. on out-lying
+picket. Some Bombay native merchants are at present at Tatta; they have
+been here for ten years, and have been afraid to stir for fear of being
+robbed. I have no doubt but that the inhabitants of the country would
+prefer our government<a name="Page25"></a> considerably to that of the Ameers, as they are
+exceedingly tyrannical, and grind their subjects to the last degree,
+demanding half of everything that is offered for sale. When Burnes
+travelled first in this country, some few years ago, and was received by
+the Ameer in divan, at Hydrabad, an old priest who was present is said
+to have reproved the Ameer for receiving Burnes so civilly, and to have
+told him &quot;that since one Englishman had seen the Indus, it would not be
+long before they would be in possession of it;&quot; and so it seems likely
+to turn out.</p>
+
+<p>Well; as long as I keep my health I care little where we go or what we
+do; but marching in ill health is a great damper to the spirits. The
+stay-at-home soldiers in England little know what service in this
+climate really is. I should like to see &mdash;&mdash; of the &mdash;&mdash; on out-lying
+picket here; he would not find it quite so pleasant as Almack's. I have
+very little time to add more, as the post goes to Bombay to-day, but to
+wish you all at home a very happy new year, and love to all relations
+and friends, as you may not hear from me again for some time. I will
+endeavour to pick up as many curiosities and things of that description
+as possible for you, if I do not get knocked on the head. I keep a
+journal, and will write by every opportunity. Your next letter to me may
+find me in Cabool. Once more, good bye.</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Ever your affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page26"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_IV"></a><h2>LETTER IV.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, near Jarruk, on the banks of the Indus,<br />
+Twenty miles from Hydrabad,<br />
+January, 31st, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I had fully intended this letter for Kitty, but such a
+dreadful event happened in our regiment yesterday, that I was afraid, if
+she was at all unwell when she received the letter, connecting it, as
+she would, with me, it might throw her into some dreadful fever, or
+something of that sort. I have very little time to write, as the post
+leaves this, by steamer, at three o'clock to-day; and I have a great
+deal to do during the day. I think it my duty, however, to write, as the
+report of the circumstance might get into the papers without mentioning
+names, or giving wrong ones, and you might be needlessly alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>To strike at once <i>in medias res</i>, this event is no less than the
+horrible death of three of our officers in a burning shikargur, or large
+thicket, enclosed by the Ameers for the preservation of game. The names
+of the poor,<a name="Page27"></a> unfortunate fellows are Sparky (whom, by-the-bye, you
+might have seen at Chatham,) Nixon, and Hibbert. The two first, Lieut.
+Sparke, in the Grenadiers, and Nixon, in the Light Company. Hibbert was
+assistant-surgeon. They were three of the finest hearted fellows: Nixon,
+a long time one of my fellow subs in the Light Company. (I can hardly
+write, my hand shakes so.) Poor Hibbert was an exceedingly clever
+fellow, and a great traveller, and one of the most beautiful draughtsmen
+you could meet with any where. They are all three a terrible loss to our
+corps. I will tell you the mournful tale as it happened. We arrived here
+on the 25th. I breakfasted on Tuesday with them at mess, which was the
+last time I ever saw them alive: they were in exceedingly high spirits.
+The success of an enterprise the day before appears to have determined
+them to go upon another expedition on this day, which at first sight did
+not appear half so hazardous as it unfortunately proved to be; this was
+no less than going into a shikargur (of which I have explained the
+meaning above) about four or five miles in the rear of our camp, and
+which was supposed to be well stocked with game. It happened that this
+jungle had been set on fire about two days previously, most likely by
+some of our camel drivers, or other native followers: some said it was
+done by the Beloochees; but this I think very unlikely, as it is dead to
+leeward of our camp. Well, they did not appear in the evening, and we
+began to be rather<a name="Page28"></a> alarmed on their account: however, we thought they
+would turn up by some chance or other. Next morning (yesterday), when
+the regiment fell in, an hour before daylight, which the whole camp does
+here every morning, as we are supposed to have a hostile force not very
+far from us, they were reported absent. Breakfast came; no tidings of
+them: ten; eleven o'clock; and they began to be the talk of the whole
+camp. However, we speculated that the worst that could have happened to
+them was being taken prisoners by a party of Beloochees, and kept as
+hostages, or something of that sort. At twelve, General Willshire became
+so alarmed and anxious about them that he sent out a troop of the 1st
+Light Cavalry to scour the jungles, and discover what they could of
+them; another officer sent out a party of six natives, with the promise
+of a reward of two hundred rupees if they could find any tidings of
+them. Well; the day went on; and at mess, at six o'clock, nothing had
+been heard relative to their fate, except that a little dog belonging to
+poor Nixon returned to camp about four o'clock. About eight o'clock I
+was in Dickinson's tent, smoking a cheroot, &amp;c., previous to turning in,
+when one of our servants rushed in with the dreadful intelligence that
+the bodies had been found in the jungle by the Light Cavalry. It struck
+us at first so unexpectedly, and as being a thing so dreadful, that we
+would hardly believe it; however, all doubt was soon changed into
+horrible reality by the arrival of<a name="Page29"></a> the bodies within our lines. I was
+determined not to see them; but there was a horrible fascination which
+drew one along with the rest to the hospital tent, where they were
+lying.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Twelve o'clock.&mdash;Well; I am just returned from seeing the last honours
+paid to their remains; it is a melancholy business a military funeral;
+every officer in camp attended; and, after all, they have had the
+satisfaction of a Christian burial, which may not be our luck in a short
+time. I do not know why, but this sad event has made me an old woman
+almost! They lie side by side on a hill just in the rear of our camp;
+&quot;no useless coffin enclosed their corse;&quot; but there they lie together,
+wrapped in their cloaks. Peace to their manes! We intend erecting a
+monument to them, if possible. I learned that some of the staff had been
+to the jungle to investigate it thoroughly to-day, and from various
+circumstances, have come to the conclusion that they had climbed up some
+high trees, which surrounded the place where they fell, in order to
+shoot the game as they came out, and that before they had time to make
+their escape, a breeze came, which brought the smoke, and which most
+likely stifled, or at least rendered them senseless. Let us hope that
+this was the case, as I should think that so their death would not have
+been very painful: the position in which their bodies were lying when
+found seems to warrant this supposition. A porcupine was found close to
+their trees, burnt to a cinder. It blew very<a name="Page30"></a> hard last night, and I
+passed an almost sleepless night in thinking of these poor fellows. It
+gives a man an awful shake in going through life, seeing the very
+fellows you have lived with for the last two years, in whose proceedings
+you have borne a part, brought suddenly before you in such a state: a
+man in these situations thinks more in two hours than he does in the
+whole course of his natural life under ordinary circumstances. It proves
+what helpless beings we are; how little we can control our own actions:
+truly, &quot;in the midst of life we are in death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>I wrote to you on the new year's day everything that had happened up to
+that time; the letter was to have gone by the overland mail of the 19th.
+I hope you will receive it safe, as I should be sorry you should lose
+anything from me now, as it may be the last you may ever have, so
+precarious are the chances of a soldier's life on actual service.
+Shortly after writing to you, I got ill again, and it ended in a slight
+fever, which cleared me out altogether, since which I have been in
+perfectly good health, thank God. I came off the sick list on the 22nd
+January, the day before we marched from Tatta. I will give you my
+journal from that time to the sad event which has just happened.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wednesday, Jan.</i> 23, 1839.&mdash;On this day, at 6 A.M., the corps d'arm&eacute; of
+Sinde marched out of the encampment near Tatta <i>en route</i> for Hydrabad,
+the Cutch Auxiliary Horse in advance, detaching flankers,<a name="Page"></a> &amp;c., then the
+main body in the following order:&mdash;The 4th Light Dragoons in front;
+next, one squadron of horse artillery, followed by two squadrons of the
+1st regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry, one company of foot artillery,
+then the first brigade of infantry, under General Willshire, consisting
+of the Queen's Royals, 5th and 1st, or Grenadier regiment, Native
+Infantry, a second squadron of horse artillery, a second company of foot
+artillery; the 2nd infantry brigade, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment,
+the 19th and 23rd regiments Native Infantry; the whole closed by two
+other squadrons of 1st Light Cavalry. We (i.e., the 1st brigade) left
+our ground a quarter before six, and halted on a rising ground close to
+the walls of Tatta, whence we had a very fair view of the cavalry,
+artillery, &amp;c., that were in the advance of us, winding their way
+through a pretty avenue of trees: the whole presented a very animated
+and martial appearance, the different corps marching off with colours
+uncased, band playing, &amp;c. Cunningham's, or the Poonah Auxiliary Horse,
+having only arrived the night before, did not join the main body, but
+came up somewhat later in the day, I believe. The march of the main body
+this day was not more than ten miles; but our brigade was posted two
+miles in advance of the rest of the force, and the Queen's were nearly a
+mile in advance of the other two regiments of the brigade; so that we
+marched about thirteen miles. We encamped in a rather pretty valley
+surrounded by barren rocks,<a name="Page32"></a> with our right resting on a shikargur (or
+hunting thicket); we had a fine pebbly bottom, which was a great relief
+to our feet after the hot dust of Tatta. My baggage did not make its
+appearance till about five o'clock, my unfortunate young camel having
+proved restive, and flung its load two or three times, thereby
+considerably damaging my cot and table: mess at six,&mdash;nothing
+particular.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thursday, Jan</i>. 24.&mdash;In consequence of our being so much in advance,
+our &quot;rouse&quot; did not sound till six o'clock this morning, and we did not
+march off our ground till seven. After we had marched about two miles;
+we halted and piled arms, to enable the cavalry, &amp;c., in our rear to
+pass on, and thus we had a very good review of them: they marched in the
+same order as yesterday, except that in addition, and near to the light
+cavalry, came Cunningham's horse from Poonah: this was the first time we
+had seen them; they made a very splendid appearance, about 600 strong,
+and well equipped in every respect; their dress and accoutrements the
+same as the Cutch Horse, (of which I gave you a description in my last,)
+with the difference of wearing yellow and red instead of green and red.
+We had a very pleasant march this day, except the latter part, which was
+exceedingly dusty; some very pretty and romantic scenery, consisting of
+ruined forts, abrupt hills, large rocks, interspersed with some
+beautiful lakes here and there. We reached our encamping ground rather
+late&mdash;half-past eleven o'clock&mdash;<a name="Page33"></a>lost my breakfast, owing to my native
+groom, who carried some stock for me, and to whom I had given directions
+to wait by the regiment till they had piled arms and were dismissed,
+having disobeyed my orders, and cut off with my tatter to the river,
+about three miles off: gave chase directly the parade was dismissed, and
+walked through a shikargur to the river, but could not find the rascal.
+I had, however, a good view of the Indus, which does not here appear to
+be very broad: a cruel hot day; and, in addition to my other
+misfortunes, was nearly stifled by the clouds of dust raised by cavalry
+of every description leading their horses to water. On my return to camp
+I luckily found my baggage arrived, and had a good snoose till six
+o'clock, mess time; heard at mess that the Ameers had agreed to all our
+terms, and would do everything to assist our passage through their
+country; that we were to march straight to Shikarpoor, without halting
+at Hydrabad; after remaining at which place for some time, we should
+advance upon Candahar,&mdash;all fudge. Our position this halt was about the
+centre of the army,&mdash;bad encamping ground,&mdash;very dusty.</p>
+
+<p><i>Friday, 25th</i>.&mdash;Left our encampment at six, in the same order as
+before; our out-lying picket, under Stisted, joined us near our first
+halt, about three miles. Warlike news,&mdash;the Ameers had rejected our
+treaty, and that a force of 10,000 Beloochees had crossed the river; and
+would probably give us some trouble. Stisted had received orders to keep
+a very sharp look-out<a name="Page34"></a> with his picket, as there was a chance of its
+being attacked: Jephson joined, with news from Sir J. Keane, that there
+was every chance of our being attacked on the line of march; however, we
+were not, although we passed over some very pretty ground for a battle.
+Marched into our encamping ground about half-past ten, near a
+half-ruined village called Jarruk, on the banks of the river; the army
+here took up a rather strong position, on a chain of heights; our
+brigade being, however, pushed on again in advance, on some low and
+jungly ground near the river; the Queen's again on the extreme front.
+News still warlike; the Beloochees, under Meer Mahomet, one of the
+Ameers, and the most restive of them, being supposed to be near us in
+great force, though nobody seemed to know where. All the oot-wallas, or
+camel-drivers, put under charge of sentries, as there was reason to
+suspect they meditated deserting in the night with our camels. Bad
+encamping ground again,&mdash;a dusty, half-cultivated field.</p>
+
+<p><i>Saturday, 26th</i>.&mdash;Turned out of bed between two and three, A.M., with
+orders to fall in, at a moment's notice, in &quot;light marching order,&quot; as
+an attack was strongly expected. Spies had reported that 10,000
+Beloochees were in a shikargur not seven miles from us, and that they
+intended a night attack; everybody in the highest state of excitement,
+pistols loading, &amp;c. Fell in an hour before daylight; cavalry sent out
+in all directions; staff and field-officers galloping about like<a name="Page35"></a> mad
+fellows; remained under arms till day had fully broke, when we were
+dismissed, but commanded not to stray far from camp: great excitement
+all day; Cunningham's horse sent out to reconnoitre; returned late at
+night, reporting that they had patrolled sixteen miles in advance, had
+closely examined the shikargur in question, and could find no traces of
+the Beloochees,&mdash;a strong suspicion, however, remained that there were
+Beloochees in our neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sunday, 27th</i>.&mdash;Under arms an hour before daylight; no further news;
+camp quiet. As I was to be on out-lying picket this evening, rode out
+after breakfast to look at my ground, which appeared rather strong,
+intersected with ravines, brushwood; &amp;c., and a good place to hold
+against cavalry. Mounted picket at five o'clock, P.M., fifty-seven rank
+and file, two serjeants, four corporals, and one bugler, a chain of nine
+double sentries, the right resting on the river and the Hydrabad road,
+and the chain running along a dry nullah, till it communicated with the
+sentries of the 5th regiment's picket; a corporal's party of three men
+detached in advance to an old ruin on the left front; a picket of
+cavalry about two miles in advance, with videttes on some high ground. A
+beautiful moonlight night, and not very cold till about one o'clock in
+the morning; lay on the ground and thought of what was going on at
+Brookhill and fancy ball at Torquay; visited my sentries continually;
+the men in high spirits, and very much on the alert; nothing
+extraordinary occurred.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page38"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_V"></a><h2>LETTER V.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp Kotree, four miles from Hydrabad,<br />
+February 6th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I wrote to you a few days ago from Jarruk, informing
+you of the melancholy fate of three of my brother officers; but having
+received your letter since, dated Nov. 20th, containing the bill for 670
+rupees (or 70l.), and informing me of the news of Kate's intended
+marriage, I could not let slip an opportunity which has just occurred,
+by our having got possession of Curachee, of writing to Kitty, and also,
+at the same time, of informing you of what has occurred since. You will
+receive this at the same time as you do the other, since it will arrive
+at Bombay in time to go by the same overland mail.</p>
+
+<p>I wrote to you on the 31st; and on Sunday, the 3rd of February, we
+marched out of Jarruk for this place; we made a two days' march of it,
+both very disgusting; horrible, or rather no roads at all; nothing but
+dust and sand under our feet, which the wind blew<a name="Page39"></a> into our eyes every
+minute; add to which, small halts every five minutes, on account of the
+artillery in our front, who could not get on through the badness of the
+way: this perpetual halting is the most wearisome thing possible to a
+soldier when once fairly under weigh. Well; we arrived here on the day
+before yes-day; our front is now completely changed, being towards the
+river, and not turned from it, or with our right resting on it, as it
+has been before; our brigade is on the extreme right. Of course, you
+know that we are on the western bank, and that Hydrabad is on the
+eastern, and therefore the opposite one. Since we have been here, we
+have a little relaxed in our discipline, being no longer under arms
+before daylight; but reports are still very various as to whether we are
+to have peace or war with the Ameers, and whether we shall eventually
+have to sack Hydrabad or not. A deputation from thence came over
+yesterday to Sir J. Keane. It appears that the Ameers will agree to our
+treaty, but demur about the money which that treaty obliges them to pay.
+As far as I can learn, though I do not advise you to put much reliance
+on it, as I may very likely be wrong, this seems to be the case. It
+appears that the Ameers have long owed our ally, whom we are going to
+place on the throne of Cabool, Shah Shooja, twenty lacs of rupees; that
+on our declaring war they agreed to pay this sum, with Shah Shooja's
+consent, to our government to meet the expenses of the war, and to<a name="Page40"></a> give
+us a passage through their country to Shikarpoor. However, from our
+first landing in their country they have played a most underhand game,
+and endeavoured to throw every indirect obstacle in our way, behaving
+friendly to our faces, but behind our backs giving very different
+directions to their satellites: this was found out by means of
+intercepted letters, particularly at our last halt at Jarruk. The
+conduct of our party may not be considered of quite the fairest nature,
+as we are establishing posts in their country by way of communication,
+and reserves at three or four different places. This was, no doubt, part
+of the original plan that sent us here, as these posts are to be
+strongly fortified, consisting, it is supposed, of Shikarpoor, Schwun,
+Tatta, and Curachee, and are to be the posts of defence on our
+north-west frontiers against any incursions from our northern
+neighbours, particularly Russia. The Ameers are particularly indignant
+at this, as I am told it did not form part of the original treaty, and
+they see in it, no doubt with justice, a prelude to our final possession
+of their country. Pottinger, the political agent, had collected, before
+he left Hydrabad, grain for the army to the value of three lacs of
+rupees; this, it is now found out, has either been taken away or
+destroyed, and Sir J. Keane immediately added it to the other twenty
+lacs contained in the treaty. The Ameers say they will pay half the
+whole sum demanded here, and the remaining half on our arrival at
+Shikarpoor.<a name="Page41"></a> This Sir J. Keane has refused, and told them he will not
+leave this or Hydrabad till he gets every fraction.</p>
+
+<p>We yesterday received news which must, I should think, have an effect on
+the Ameers one way or the other. The admiral on this station, Sir F.
+Maitland, brought up in his 74 (I think the Wellesley) H.M. 40th
+regiment, from Mandivie, in Cutch, to Curachee, a fort on the
+westernmost branch of the Indus. On approaching the fort, the Beloochees
+who garrisoned it, taking it for a common free-trader, had the foolish
+presumption to fire into her; the admiral wore his vessel round, just
+gave one broadside, down came their fort in one second about their
+ears,&mdash;you may guess how it astonished them: they sent word to say that
+the English fire a lac of shot in one second. They say the Ameers were
+one year in taking this place, which cost the English one second. I
+think myself that we shall not have any fighting here, and that Hydrabad
+will still remain in the hands of the Ameers.</p>
+
+<p>The report to-day is, that we cross the river to-morrow; if so, I
+suppose with hostile intentions, or at least for intimidation; but this
+I hardly believe. Sir J. Keane, they say, refused to receive the
+deputation from the Ameers yesterday. Should the thing be settled
+peaceably, we shall immediately march for Shikarpoor, and thence most
+likely on Candahar, a new climate. It has been getting gradually hotter
+here; and in the hot season Sinde is dreadful.<a name="Page42"></a> At Shikarpoor we meet a
+part, if not the whole, of the Bengal force, and Shah Shooja, with his
+and Runjet Sing's contingent, is also there. Runjet himself is very ill:
+part of the agreement between him and us was, that we should preserve
+the throne to his son on his demise. He was excessively civil to Lord
+Auckland, and all the English who have been at Lahore. Sir H. Fane, they
+say, still proceeds with the Bengal army. The drummer is here waiting
+for my letter, as it is very late for the post, so, in haste, good bye.
+Love, &amp;c., and believe me ever,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Your most affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S. Jephson is post-master to the force.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page43"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_VI"></a><h2>LETTER VI.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, near Larkhanu,<br />
+Wednesday, 6th March, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I last wrote to you from Kotree, opposite Hydrabad. We
+are now, as you will see by the date, at Larkhanu, a pretty considerable
+distance from the former place. I see, by my journal, that it was the
+6th of February when I last wrote, exactly one month ago. We were then,
+I believe, rather ignorant of what the Ameers intended; but the fate of
+Curachee, of which I gave you an account; brought them to their senses,
+and the day after I wrote things were settled, and officers had
+permission to visit Hydrabad, merely reporting their names to their
+respective majors of brigade before they did so. In consequence of which
+I went over to that place on the 9th, with Dickenson and Piercy; but
+there was not much to repay us for our ride, under a cruelly hot sun, as
+the fort, the only place worth seeing, was shut up, and no one could get
+a view of<a name="Page44"></a> the inside except a few of the staff. It did not appear to be
+very strong, although it had a pretty appearance. I think the Ameers
+acted very wisely, as it could easily be taken by escalade. The rest of
+the town consisted of a great straggling bazaar, just the same as is to
+be seen everywhere in India; and it did not appear a bit better than
+that at Belgaum. There were some fine elephants belonging to the Ameers,
+and some pretty ruins on the outskirts of the town. The Beloochees had
+all left, and were nowhere to be seen.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday, the 10th, we marched off our ground at Kotree, and reached
+Lukkee on Saturday, the 16th, after a six days' march, most of them
+fifteen miles. Here we halted four days to allow the pioneers, &amp;c., to
+make a road over the Lukkee Pass for the artillery. We found here some
+excellent sulphur springs and baths, about a mile from our encampment,
+among the Lukkee hills, which, if they could be transported to
+Dartmouth, would make a second Bath of it. The whole of our force were
+bidetizing here all day long. Being so directly under the hills, we
+found it rather warmer than we liked. There were some large lakes here,
+full of wild duck, and capital partridge-shooting, and we were cracking
+away all the time. On the march to this place I had the misfortune to
+lose a very nice little bull-terrier bitch, about a year old, which I
+had from a pup, at Belgaum, and which had followed my fortunes so far.
+It was all her own fault, as she broke<a name="Page45"></a> from my tent one night, and
+though I used every endeavour I could hear nothing more of her.</p>
+
+<p>The 21st we marched over the Pass to Schwun, the largest place in Sinde
+next to Tatta. The Pass was not half so bad as we expected, so we filed
+over it very easily. On our arrival at Schwun we heard that Sir H. Fane
+had just passed down the river, with his staff, <i>en route</i> for Bombay,
+and was laying at anchor about five miles down the river, where Sir J.
+Keane went to meet him; so that here ended my last chance of meeting
+Col. Fane, and giving him Arthur's letter. Sir H. Fane will remain at
+Bombay, which is to be the head quarters of the Indian army while this
+business lasts. We only halted one day at Schwun; I rode in to look at
+the town, which was nearly desolate, as the inhabitants of every place
+invariably remove with their families on our arrival. There was,
+however, a fine old castle in ruins, which was well worth seeing, and
+must have been a place of some importance in former days; and a very
+superb mosque in the centre of the town, in which was a tame tiger. We
+left Schwun on Saturday, the 23rd, crossing the Arrul river, which flows
+round the town into the Indus, on pontoons, and commenced our first
+march in Upper Sinde. This day's march was delightful, and the only
+tolerable one we have had, all the rest being through a dismal, dusty
+desert, with sometimes no path at all, and the dust generally so thick
+in marching that you cannot see an inch before you. This<a name="Page46"></a> was, however,
+a grand exception. We marched by the side of a magnificent lake, full of
+wild fowl, the banks of which were carpeted with rich wild clover, and
+over-shadowed with fine trees, the only ones of any size that we have
+yet seen in Sinde; so that you might almost fancy you were going through
+a nobleman's park in England (Kitly, par example.) In fact, this place
+put me more in mind of Old England than, any I have seen in the East.
+From Schwun we marched direct to this place, which we reached on the
+4th, the day before yesterday, without halting once: most of the marches
+fifteen miles, and all terrible teasers, on account of the badness of
+the roads, and the stupidity or wilful ignorance of our guides. One of
+our marches was to have been a short one of ten miles; but for some
+unaccountable reasons our route and encamping ground were changed three
+times. We lost our way in the jungle, and marched fifteen, instead of
+ten, miles before we found ourselves in our proper places; on arrival at
+which we found that half the officers' and men's baggage was gone on to
+our next encamping ground, fifteen miles further, which, owing to the
+variety of places named in orders, our servants supposed to be the right
+one. My baggage was one of the unlucky; but my servant came back with my
+things about five o'clock in the evening; so that my poor camels must
+have gone nearly forty miles that day, with a prospect of another
+fifteen the next morning at five. General Willshire, and, I hear,<a name="Page47"></a> Sir
+J. Keane also, were among the sufferers. Our poor sick were all lost in
+the jungles for this day, and we saw nothing of half of them till we
+arrived on our next encamping ground. Some of them were upwards of
+twenty-four hours without getting anything to eat, or attendance of any
+sort. Well, we marched to this place on the day before yesterday, after
+ten days' regular hard work. A great number in hospital; though they are
+coming out again now pretty fast.</p>
+
+<p>It is believed we shall halt here about a week; but what we shall do
+then nobody seems to know. The greater part of the force will, it is
+believed, follow the Bengalees to Candahar, who marched from Shikarpoor
+for that purpose, under Sir Willoughby Cotton, on the 22nd, but have
+since been detained, owing to the impracticability of the country. One
+regiment of our brigade (the Grenadier regiment, Native Infantry) is
+under orders for Bukkur, an island fort on the Indus, about twenty-five
+miles from Shikarpoor, which (i.e., Bukkur) is to be our dep&ocirc;t for
+stores, &amp;c., and where all the present unfits, in the shape of sick men,
+are to be sent. No doubt some other troops will be left in Upper Sinde,
+at different places, and I have some fears that the &quot;Queen's&quot; may be
+among the number. Heaven defend us from being quartered in any part of
+this wretched country, particularly from Shikarpoor, which is said to be
+one of the hottest places in existence. In fact, the Persians say,<a name="Page48"></a>
+&quot;While there is a Shikarpoor, there ought to be no Johannum,&quot; or hell.
+What a pity it would be to lose such a capital chance of seeing
+Candahar, and perhaps Cabool, which is said to be a splendid place and a
+delightful climate. The Bolan Pass, a most magnificent and difficult
+one, the key to Afghanistan from Sinde, is said to be now totally
+impassable, from the number of dead cattle, horses, and camels, which
+Shah Shooja's force lost there. This I believe, however, to be mere
+report. We heard, the other day, that Dost Mahomed had occupied it, and
+that we should have to take it at the point of the bayonet. So much do
+reports vary, one knows not what to believe. This pass, said to be
+thirty miles long, and at some places almost impassable, runs through
+and over the large chain of mountains that separates the mountainous
+country of Candahar and Cabool, or, as it is generally called,
+Afghanistan, from the lowland of Sinde; it is not easy to cross it, at
+least before April, as till then the snows are not melted.</p>
+
+<p>I hope and trust my next letter will be dated from Candahar, which is,
+however, a good six weeks' march from this place. We have found the
+weather dreadfully hot for the last few days, averaging generally 106 in
+our tents in the day time, though the nights are cool, and the mornings
+generally very cold. I have not yet been in Larkhanu, though we marched
+through a part of it on our arrival. Our<a name="Page49"></a> men have been now for three
+days without any dram at all, and their rations are getting worse and
+worse every day; in fact, things are so bad that they have been obliged
+to send to Shikarpoor for part of what was left there by the Bengal
+commissariat, which is said to be excellent, and which has fed their
+army very well, although they have come a much greater distance than we
+have.</p>
+
+<p>I spoke to our paymaster about my bill, and he has shewn it to the
+paymaster-general, who says he will cash it whenever I like, but that I
+must take it in a lump; he will not give it me by instalments. This is a
+great nuisance, as it is very hazardous taking so much money about with
+one; the money, too, takes up a great deal of room and is very heavy; it
+was, however, quite a god-send, as I had no idea how very expensive this
+march would turn out; grain for cattle being exceedingly dear, the
+natives raising the price to about 500 per cent. everywhere, thanks to
+bad management somewhere. At Tatta each officer received a month's pay
+in advance, that he might purchase cattle for his baggage. This is to be
+deducted by three instalments, one from each of the next three issues of
+pay. An ensign's pay for one month will hardly purchase sufficient
+conveyances. The only mode in this country is by camels, and a camel is
+of all animals the most treacherous, or rather precarious lived; they
+get ill suddenly and go off in three hours: a<a name="Page50"></a> great number have died
+with us. Now an officer losing his camels loses one month's pay, and
+must leave his kit on the ground, as he has nothing wherewith to replace
+his loss. You can, therefore, imagine what a great relief your bill
+proved to me, as I shall always have it to fall back upon. I bought a
+very nice little Cabool horse at Kotree, from one of the Ameers'
+disbanded Beloochees. He is very hardy, and accustomed to this country,
+and not particular as to his food, which is a capital thing, as most of
+the Arab horses that have been brought from India have fallen off
+terribly. He is a very pretty figure, goes well, and leaps capitally,
+which few of the Arabs can. I gave 170 rupees for him, or 17l. In India,
+I am confident he would fetch 500 or 600 rupees (50l. or 60l.)</p>
+
+<p>I am very doubtful as to the time when this letter may reach you; I hope
+it may catch the overland mail on the 25th; but Jephson says it is very
+doubtful, and will depend entirely on the chance of there being a ship
+at Curachee, or off the Hujamree. The heat now, while I am writing, is
+dreadful, and there is a beastly hot wind blowing which I never felt
+before. Heaven send us soon out of Sinde! We are expecting the overland
+mail from England every day; it generally manages to come two days after
+I write home. You will by this time have received the letter I wrote
+from the Syden, and the one<a name="Page51"></a> I wrote to Kate about the 13th of December
+from Bominacote. Reports vary much as to whether we shall have any
+fighting if we advance into Candahar. I should think Dost Mahomed would
+like to try a brush with us, at least with Shah Shooja.</p>
+
+<p>With love to all at home,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Believe me your affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page52"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_VII"></a><h2>LETTER VII.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, Candahar, June 8th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I begin this letter to you on the 8th of June, 1839,
+though when it will reach you, or whether it ever will, is very
+doubtful. I have not written, I see, since the beginning of March, from
+Larkhanu; there was, however, very little use in so doing, as there was
+very little chance of your ever getting it, our friends the Beloochees,
+Kaukers, &amp;c., having made free with nearly every mail, and destroyed
+them. I am very much afraid that I also have been a sufferer by them,
+and that you must have written to me long ere this, but that our friends
+of the Bolan Pass have made use of the letter to wrap their cabobs in. I
+have not heard from you or from home at all since the 2nd of February,
+when I got your letter, dated November 20th, enclosing the bill on
+government, and informing me of Kate's intended marriage. I have,
+however, long since this heard of my lieutenancy,<a name="Page53"></a> and seen my name in
+the &quot;Gazette,&quot; but have not yet received the confirmation of it from Sir
+H. Fane in this country, so that I have been fighting my way, and am
+likely to continue so, on the rank and pay of a full ensign; however,
+there will be so much the more back pay to receive when it does come; it
+is a great nuisance, however, not having it, as I require it so much in
+this country. You can form no conception of the hopeless expense which
+we have inevitably been obliged to incur. We have had a tolerable share
+of hardships, &amp;c., and the poor marching soldiers have suffered
+terribly. What do you think of our having made a forced march of thirty
+to forty miles, for six hours of it under the hottest sun I can
+recollect, and I have felt a few of them in India? Since we left
+Larkhanu we have met with little but a series of robberies, murders,
+alarms, and skirmishes; in short, everything but an actual stand-up
+fight, which we were all anxious for, as it would settle matters at
+once, and free us from the predatory attacks and cold-blooded murders of
+these barbarous tribes.</p>
+
+<p>To begin from where I left off: we marched from Larkhanu on the 11th
+March, and reached Dadur, about four miles from the entrance to the
+Bolan Pass, the nest of the robber hordes of Kaukers, Tuckers, and
+Beloochees, on the 6th of April, having halted several times at
+intermediate places, and made some terrible marches, fifteen miles being
+the average distance. We often lost our way, and marched thereby<a name="Page54"></a> a
+great deal further than was necessary, through bad guidance. I must tell
+you, however, that before leaving Larkhanu, Sir J. Keane assumed the
+command of the whole army, both Bengal and Bombay, by which General
+Willshire got command of the Bombay division. The two Bombay brigades
+were broken up, the Grenadiers and 5th regiment of Native Infantry were
+sent to garrison Bukkur, a tolerably strong fort on the Indus, and the
+23rd Native Infantry was sent to Lukkur, a town on the opposite side.
+There also the different regiments that were to go on sent their sick,
+and Bukkur was made a depot for supplies, medical stores, &amp;c. The
+greater part of the foot and some of the horse artillery were sent there
+also. Our regiment and the 17th were then made into one brigade, and
+marched from Larkhanu, as I said before, on the 11th. The cavalry and
+horse artillery, &amp;c., did not march for two days after, with the
+Commander-in-chief, who took with him his pet corps; the 19th Native
+Infantry. They marched by a different route from ourselves on account of
+the scarcity of supplies in that desert country; we halted for them at
+Kochee, which place we reached on the 15th about 3 P.M., after the
+thirty to forty miles' march I before told you of, across the marshy
+desert which seems to divide Sinde from Cutch Gundava. This march ought
+only to have been twenty-six miles; but owing to the stupidity of our
+guide we went a longer and more circuitous route, and also had the<a name="Page55"></a>
+pleasure of losing our way during the night; in addition to which, on
+arriving at the village where it was intended to halt, our staff found
+out, all of a sudden, that there was not a sufficiency of water for the
+whole force, in consequence of which we were moved to another village
+(Kichee) five miles further on.</p>
+
+<p>It was during this march that I first witnessed the effects of extreme
+thirst on men, however well disciplined. It was, as I have said before,
+the hottest day I ever felt; not a breath of air, and the sun enough to
+knock you down. The men were suffering dreadfully, and falling out by
+sections, when about eleven or twelve o'clock they caught sight of some
+water carriers with their mussacks full, so that they knew water could
+not be far off. All discipline was pitched to the devil in an instant,
+and the men rushed from the ranks for the water more like mad devils
+than anything else&mdash;nothing could stop them; the mounted officers
+galloped in amongst them, and threatened, but to no purpose; nothing
+short of cutting them down would have stopped any of them. In the midst
+of this, General Willshire, at the head of the brigade, hearing a row
+and looking round, saw the greater part of the 17th (they being in front
+on this day) scampering across the country like a pack of hounds; not
+knowing what was the matter, he galloped up to the colonel and demanded
+an explanation, when, seeing what was the cause, he made the best of it,
+called a halt, and every one immediately rushed to the<a name="Page56"></a> wells, the
+scenes at which were most ridiculous, fighting, pushing, knocking down
+&amp;c. I saw one man actually lie down and wallow in a filthy ditch full of
+every description of dirt imaginable. We halted here about two hours,
+and then marched to our ground, about six or seven miles further on, the
+men performing this latter part of the march with great cheerfulness. We
+halted here two days to rest the men, and were joined by the rest of the
+Bombay force, with the Commander-in-chief.</p>
+
+<p>We marched again on the 18th, another night march about twenty miles.
+Here we made another halt for three days, while some of the staff went
+on to get information of the country a-head, about which they were
+ignorant. All the villages we had passed through were deserted, and in
+some places the water was stinking. We looked back upon Sinde as a
+paradise compared to the country we were now in. All the little grain
+that was supplied to the bazaars by the commissariat was sold at the
+most exorbitant price, yet we were obliged to buy it, and as much as we
+could get of it too, and lucky we thought ourselves to get any of it,
+even at this rate, at times, in order to feed our horses and camels,
+which were beginning to knock up terribly. We could not now, as we used
+to do in Sinde, send the latter into the jungle to feed on the small
+brushwood, of which they were so fond, except at the risk of being
+robbed of them, and having the servants who looked after them murdered<a name="Page57"></a>
+by the bands of Beloochees who hovered about us in every direction.
+Still, notwithstanding these annoyances, the humbugging system of
+conciliation was kept up, and although there was not an inhabitant to be
+seen, we were robbed to our faces very nearly; yet if a poor sub.'s
+horse or camel happened to break his ropes and strayed into a field he
+was immediately pounced upon by a provost-marshal and put into a sort of
+pound, from which he was not released except on the payment of a certain
+sum to be given to the owners of the field! Where were they to be found?
+The loss of camels now was irreparable; even if there were any to be
+sold, the prices asked were so exorbitant that few of us youngsters,
+hampered as we were, could afford to purchase; loss of camels produced
+loss of kit, loss of kit produced loss of health, &amp;c. Yet during the
+whole of this march we were losing camels through robberies and fatigue,
+and no measures taken that we ever heard of to put a stop to it. We
+marched from this place on the 22nd, and came to a halt again at a place
+called Kotrie, close under the Hala mountains, about five miles from the
+Gundava Pass. Here we (i.e., our brigade and the 4th Light Dragoons)
+halted for a week. Sir J. Keane pushed on a-head with two troops of
+Light Cavalry and the left wing of the 19th Native Infantry, in order to
+catch up Sir Willoughby Cotton, who was marching in command of the main
+body of the Bengal division. General Willshire, with the staff,
+artillery, and cavalry, was at Gundava,<a name="Page58"></a> about eight miles from us. At
+this place, Kotrie, which the inhabitants luckily had not deserted, we
+were better off in point of supplies than we had been since we left
+Larkhanu, and there was plenty of shooting and fishing; but it was
+without exception the hottest place I ever was in. Being close under a
+high range of mountains, we were perfectly screened from any cool
+breezes that might take it into their heads to blow from that quarter;
+add to this, the hills themselves, being composed of granite, or some
+stone of that description, attracted the sun, and reflected the heat
+back again on us, so that we were attacked from two sides at once. By
+this time we had no stronger liquor with us than tea, so that we were
+perfectly eligible to become members of the Tea-total Temperance
+Society; our supplies in the liquor line, which we had sent on from
+Hydrabad to Larkhanu by water, not having reached the latter place in
+time for us to get them. In this respect the men were better off than
+ourselves, they having their dram or two every day. Here the robbers
+began to be more bold, and we did not lose sight of them until we
+reached Candahar. Five mails (one of them an &quot;overland,&quot; bringing,
+perhaps, letters from you or some one at home) out of six were robbed
+between this and Shikarpoor; and news was received from Sir J. Keane in
+advance that at the entrance of the Bolan Pass several bodies of sepoys
+of Shah Shooja's army were lying, there having been a grand skrimmage
+there between the sepoys and Beloochees,<a name="Page59"></a> in which the former, being
+caught napping, were worsted. We stayed at this place, as I said before,
+a week, and started again on the 31st.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 2nd of April, during a severe march of twenty-two
+miles, one of our men, a straggler, who had fallen to the rear with
+dysentery, was murdered by these robbers, and another man of the 17th
+cruelly wounded, but he has since recovered. They were sitting together
+by the side of the road, when of a sudden a party of Beloochees rushed
+out from some low bushes, and, before either had time to rise, fired
+into them. Adams, of the Queen's, received a ball on the outside of his
+right thigh, passing down, and coming out at his knee on the other side,
+and cutting some particular vein or artery, which occasioned his death
+through loss of blood. The 17th man was hit on the right side, the ball
+coasting round his body, and coming out at the other side, without
+touching his tripes or any vital part. Adams had not his firelock with
+him, but the 17th man had his, but unloaded, and, in his struggles to
+keep possession of it, received some desperate sabre cuts; but he has
+since recovered. Of course he was soon overpowered, as Adams could give
+no assistance. The Beloochees then stripped them of everything, except
+their shirt and trowsers, and left them to their fate, till another man
+of the 17th came up, in charge of some of his company's camels, who
+brought in the news to camp; but the apothecary who went out was too
+late to save<a name="Page60"></a> poor Adams. It was gratifying to know that Cunningham,
+with a party of his horse, having received intelligence that a party of
+these blackguards were encamped in a jungle, beat through it, and
+followed their tracks for fourteen miles, when he came upon them, and
+killed six and took four prisoners; Cunningham having outstripped his
+party, killed two men himself and took another prisoner. These rascals
+were brought into camp, and strictly guarded, or I believe they would
+have been torn to pieces by the European soldiers. One of them was sworn
+to by the wounded 17th man as being one of the murderers, and we were
+all in great hopes of seeing the blackguards dancing the tight rope;
+but, instead of that, they were all brought on (except one, who being
+badly wounded, died on the road) to Dadur, where they were given up to
+one of the political diplomatic gentlemen, who, it is said, actually let
+them go with five rupees to carry them home. Fancy a Beloochee's <i>home!</i>
+This was carrying the conciliation principle far with a vengeance!</p>
+
+<p>We started again at half-past twelve, on the night of the 3rd&mdash;another
+night-march of nineteen miles. Both the nights we were at this place we
+were alarmed by a supposed attack of Beloochees; but they turned out to
+be nothing more than a loose horse or two of the dragoons, for which one
+of their camp-followers suffered, being taken for a Beloochee, while
+running after one of the horses, and therefore cut<a name="Page61"></a> down by a dragoon on
+sentry. The night we left this place was one of the most fearful I ever
+remember; it had been threatening all the afternoon, and about eight the
+simoom came on with dreadful violence, blowing for five minutes at a
+time, at intervals of twenty minutes or so, until we got under weigh, at
+half-past twelve. The wind, hot and scorching, like a blast from a
+furnace, rushed over the country with the violence of a hurricane,
+bringing with it perfect clouds of dust and sand, so that it was totally
+impossible to face it, except at the risk of being actually blinded or
+stifled. The baggage was to have gone on before us at nine o'clock, as
+the moon was expected to be up, but the clouds of dust, &amp;c., completely
+hid her from us, and she did not shew her nose the whole night. During
+the blasts it was the most perfect &quot;darkness visible&quot; that you can
+imagine, and at the intervals when it ceased, the sensation of the
+atmosphere was more like standing before a hot fire than anything else.
+I had read of these things before in novels, travels, &amp;c; I now, for the
+first time, experienced the reality. Add to all these little annoyances,
+we were every moment expecting a rush of Beloochees; and if they had had
+the pluck of a hare, they might have considerably crippled our
+proceedings, by rushing in and ham-stringing our camels. The darkness,
+the unavoidable confusion, the awkwardness of the camels themselves, all
+favoured them, and I expected nothing less; if they had been Cossacks<a name="Page62"></a>
+instead, they would have played the very devil with us altogether. At
+length, at half-past eleven, the baggage got off, and now for the first
+time with a baggage guard, consisting of a troop, or company, from each
+of the three regiments, together with all the irregular horse we
+possessed, with strict orders that any Beloochees shewing themselves at
+all near the baggage were instantly to be cut down or bayoneted. The
+main body followed in another hour, with a strong rear-guard, to pick up
+stragglers, &amp;c. These precautions ought to have been taken before, and
+poor Adams would have been saved. I know very little of this march, as I
+remember I slept through the whole of it, until morning, on horseback,
+being terribly fatigued and worn out. The morning was delightfully cool,
+with a fresh bracing breeze from the north. You may well imagine how we
+enjoyed it, after the terrible relaxation of the night before. We
+reached our ground about seven, at a place called Nonsherah. Here we
+heard some bloody-minded reports of the Beloochees, who had been
+plundering the artillery and left wing of the 19th, which were here the
+day before. They seemed, however, to have made a pretty good
+retaliation, and four Beloochees' heads were stuck upon the walls of the
+town, in proof of the soldiers' vengeance. In consequence of there being
+a good baggage-guard, the Beloochees made themselves tolerably scarce
+during this march, although the ground was very favourable for them.
+However, they now and then took<a name="Page63"></a> long shots from the nullahs, &amp;c., that
+were near the road, but without doing any damage. At last, a soldier,
+from the baggage-guard company of the 17th, having occasion to fall out,
+and going into a nullah for his purpose, unexpectedly found himself
+cheek by jowl with thirty of these rascals. He was knocked down, but
+bellowing out most lustily, his section came up, and being joined by
+another section of the Queen's, they shot about six of them dead, and
+put the rest to flight, having rescued the 17th man. The robbers at this
+place were <i>rather</i> forward, and actually walked off with some camels
+that were out feeding close to the rear of our encampment, in the middle
+of the day. They were, however, all recovered very soon by the
+Irregulars, and those of the robbers who could not manage to escape,
+managed to get their heads broken by these surwars; and intelligence
+having been received that a whole gang, with their families, were
+encamped near us, a party of fourteen, and one jemadar, of the 1st Light
+Cavalry, were sent out, who coming unexpectedly upon them, the robbers
+advanced to shew fight, when the jemadar gave the word to fire, and each
+trooper brought down his bird. The rest immediately took to their heels,
+and owing to the nature of the ground (it was among the hills) effected
+their escape. The troopers returned to camp with the swords and shields,
+&amp;c., of the fallen. From this place we marched again the next morning,
+and a short and easy march brought us to Dadur.</p>
+<a name="Page64"></a>
+<p><i>June 27th</i>.&mdash;I have not been able to write much lately, as it was
+literally too hot to do so. We have had it from 115 to 120 in our tents
+during the day; for the last week, however, it has been getting cooler,
+and to-day is pleasant enough. I wished also to keep the letter open as
+long as I could; but now, since we march on Sunday next, the 30th, I
+have not much time left, though I have a great deal more to say. I
+received by the mail the confirmation of my lieutenancy, by Sir H. Fane,
+from Bombay. An &quot;overland&quot; arrived again here last night, but no letters
+or anything for me. I see, by the English papers, that there was a
+report at home that we had lost 3000 men already&mdash;the greatest lie
+possible. If we had lost that, we should have lost more than half the
+Bombay army. We have not lost more than we generally do in quarters,
+though the men have been, terribly knocked up, and well they may be,
+with the horrible marches they have made. I was very much amused by the
+debates in Parliament, with regard to our &quot;military promenade,&quot; as some
+of the papers call it. I wish I could see some of their writers on an
+out-lying picket, with a prospect of a twenty miles' march, I rather
+think they would not talk so much of &quot;promenading.&quot; The Bengal army,
+with our cavalry, and most of the artillery, marched this morning for
+Cabool. Shah Shooja goes to-morrow or next day, and we bring up the
+rear, as I said before, on Sunday. However, we will talk of that anon,
+or I shall forget where<a name="Page65"></a> I left off. On looking back, I find that I have
+brought the force up as far as Dadur. Well; we halted there till the
+12th. The 17th, artillery and Irregular Horse, however, marched before
+us, on the 9th. While there, the rascally Beloochees and Kaukers kept
+hovering about us, and walked off with some camels and a horse or two.
+They generally, however, paid very dearly for them, as the cavalry that
+were sent after them on these occasions made a terrible example of them.</p>
+
+<p>While here we heard of a shocking murder at Curachee. A Captain Hand, of
+the 1st Bombay Grenadier Regiment, was taking his morning's ride, when,
+on turning a corner on the top of a hill, he unexpectedly found himself
+in the midst of about thirty Beloochees. They talked to him very
+civilly, and he allowed them to get round his horse, not suspecting
+anything, when one rascal behind him gave him a terrible wipe on the
+back of his head with his sword, which knocked him off his horse, and
+the others rushed in, and cut him to pieces. A Lieut. Clarke, of the
+same corps, happened to be riding this way, and seeing these Beloochees,
+asked them if they had seen a Latich pass that way, meaning Hand; to
+which they replied by a volley from their matchlocks, a ball from one of
+which struck Clarke on the leg, and he galloped for camp as fast as he
+could, and fell off his horse exhausted before the quarter-guard of H.M.
+40th regiment. A party was immediately<a name="Page66"></a> sent out, and they found the
+body of poor Hand horribly mutilated. A good number of these rascals
+have been since taken, and, I suppose, hanged; unless the conciliation
+principle lets these rascals off also. They belong to different bands,
+under different robber-chiefs, among the hills. These robber Khans have
+strongholds on the almost inaccessible mountains that run up the whole
+west frontier of Sinde, and divide it from Beloochistan. All merchandize
+and travellers passing through Sinde to the west of the Indus are
+obliged to pay a sort of black mail to these Khans to be allowed to pass
+through; but so bad is their name for treachery, ferocity, &amp;c., that
+few, if any, of the traders between India and Central Asia go this
+route. They do not care a farthing for the Ameers, who also secretly
+connive at their proceedings, in order to draw recruits from them on any
+emergency.</p>
+
+<p>Well; we got the steam up again on the 12th, and, together with the 4th
+Light Dragoons, and about sixty Irregulars, started for the celebrated
+Bolan Pass, with a great quantity of commissariat stores from Bukkur,
+for the army in advance, under our charge. This celebrated Pass would be
+the best line of communication between the countries of Central Asia and
+Sinde; and as far as the Pass is concerned itself, it is quite guiltless
+of the bad character it holds. It is merely the bed of a winter torrent,
+and is an easy ascent the whole way through; and during the greater<a name="Page67"></a>
+part of the year quite passable for any description, of conveyance; but
+in consequence of the great number of robbers, from all parts of
+Beloochistan and Sinde, who infest it, no one thinks of travelling this
+route, unless with a very strong escort. A great number, therefore, of
+native merchants, &amp;c., took advantage of the opportunities offered by
+the passage of it by the different divisions of our army. We had with us
+a native horse-dealer, who had travelled the same way down the year
+before, with horses for the Bombay market, and, as he considered, with a
+sufficient escort; but they were suddenly attacked, his brother killed,
+and he only saved himself by the swiftness of his horse. These robbers
+are several degrees more savage than even their brother Beloochees in
+the south of Sinde. There are two clans of them. The Kaukers and
+Tuckers; of these, the Kaukers are by far the worst. They are
+represented as being regular barbarians, and are even said to be
+cannibals, though perhaps that is a little too melodramatic. They
+possess few fire-arms, but roll down large pieces of rock in the narrow
+passes, and rush out from the small recesses of the rocks, leading God
+knows where, which abound in every part. They never spare any one, and
+cut and hack about the bodies of their victims in the most frightful
+manner. With all this they are the greatest cowards possible; a few
+determined men would be a match for the greatest odds; but the very name
+of Kauker seems to convey terror in it to a traveller. I<a name="Page68"></a> saw the head
+of one of these rascals lying about at Dadur, and it was the most
+frightful face I ever beheld, more like a wild beast's than a human
+being's. On entering the Pass, which we did as if expecting an enemy,
+with skirmishers, flanking parties, &amp;c., we were nearly stifled by the
+horrible smell arising from the number of dead camels which were lying
+on the ground, in every degree of putrefaction. We soon, however, came
+to bodies of a different sort; for on the banks of a small rivulet, and
+in the water, most in the long reeds, some in the middle of the road,
+were about twenty or thirty dead Sepoys and followers. They were in
+every kind of shape and contortion that could indicate a violent death.
+Some were in a tolerable state of preservation, but others, again, had
+been sadly mauled; tripes torn out by jackals, and one or two were
+perfect skeletons. We kept on coming also upon an arm or a leg, or an
+ugly-looking skull; but the most disgusting sight was an arm and leg,
+protruding out of the centre of the stream, washed to the consistency of
+a washer-woman's hand after a hard day's washing. If you can fancy all
+this on a dark, sluggish-looking stream, surrounded by high and barren
+rocks, you may, perhaps, guess what feelings of disgust it excited in
+us. However, before reaching Candahar we were pretty well accustomed to
+these sights, and got rather callous on the subject, as there was a fair
+sprinkling of them to be met with all the way to that town. Well; we
+made five marches through<a name="Page69"></a> this delightful Pass, and debouched on a fine
+wide plain on the 17th. Not a stick, not a particle of forage, except
+some high rank grass, was to be got in all this time, and we had been
+obliged to take on supplies for our camels and horses from Dadur; so
+there was a new expense, and new carriage to be provided. The robbers
+did not attempt any attack upon us at all (though, if they had had the
+slightest pluck, they might have crippled us pretty considerably) except
+in the last march, but then we fired on them first. My company was on
+baggage-guard this day, which was sent on in advance of the column; and
+Halket, seeing some of the rascals on the hills, had a crack at them
+with his double-barrel, which produced a reply of three shots from them;
+but a soldier of the company taking a beautiful aim at one of them, at a
+distance I am afraid to mention, and nearly knocking a fellow's head
+off, the rest took to their heels, and we saw no more of them. Our
+Grenadiers, however, who were bringing up the rear, had a slight
+skrimmage with them, and killed five or six, without any of their shots
+taking effect, although one man's firelock and another man's belt were
+cut in half by a bullet. They fired on the column which came on
+afterwards, and wounded one trooper of the Light Dragoons, and a few
+native followers, and killed three horses. Most of us lost a deal of kit
+in this Pass, owing to the camels' feet knocking up, from the sharpness
+of the stones; and the very moment the column was off the ground the<a name="Page70"></a>
+rascals would be down and fighting for what was left behind. I was on
+rear-guard the second day's march, and the very moment we cleared the
+ground it was most amusing to see the rascals popping out of the holes
+in the rocks in every direction.</p>
+
+<p>On the 18th, we reached Siriab, where we halted for one day. This was a
+rather pretty valley, with some fruit gardens, but the fruit not ripe.
+Here I was taken unwell, and obliged to go on the sick-list; I had been
+ailing some time; the doctor, however, put me off the list again on the
+24th; but owing to the fatigue &amp;c. I underwent on 25th, in going through
+the Ghwozhe Pass, I caught a violent fever, and the next day was laid on
+my beam ends, and did not get round again till the middle of last month.
+In the Ghwozhe Pass our company was on baggage guard. We left our last
+encamping ground at 3 A.M. on the 25th; we had only four miles to the
+Pass, and the Pass was five more, when we reached our new ground, so it
+was not more than nine miles altogether, yet it was 10 o'clock at night
+before the rear-guard, bringing up the fag end of the baggage, came in.
+For nearly the whole of this day I was exposed to an infernally hot sun,
+and the stench arising from the dead cattle was really frightful. I was
+also literally twenty-six hours without getting a morsel to eat or a
+drop to drink, and but the day before on the sick-list. No wonder I was
+laid up! This Ghwozhe Pass was a great deal worse than any part of the
+Bolan. It was nothing but a succession of<a name="Page71"></a> the most difficult ascents
+and precipitous descents; the most trying kind of ground for the poor
+camels, who fell down in great numbers, and in some parts the path lay
+between two high rocks, and was only four feet wide; how the artillery
+got over it I cannot imagine. A handful of determined men could, I
+should think, defend it against an army. We were on the <i>qui vive</i> the
+whole time, expecting an attack on the baggage, but we only lost a few
+camels. Here we caught up the 17th and artillery, which left Dadur
+before us. If our toils had been great, those of the 17th and artillery
+were twice as much, as it took them two days and two nights to get the
+guns through, and they were obliged to bivouack in the Pass, and were
+attacked once or twice by the Ghiljees; whom, however, one section or so
+easily drove off. I must now tell you that on leaving the Bolan Pass the
+Kaukers &amp;c. made their bows to us, but handed us at the same time over
+to the care of their intimate friends the Ghiljees. These are a kind of
+half-civilized robbers, a large clan, and abound throughout the whole of
+Afghanistan. Their chief is a friend of Dost Mahomed. They gave us a
+little annoyance on the road, but whenever they did so they managed to
+get the worst of it. They murdered a few poor camp followers. At one
+place they fired on some grass-cutters belonging to the 4th Light
+Dragoons, after coming among them and talking with them in a friendly
+manner, as is their usual custom, in order to<a name="Page72"></a> ascertain what might be
+the chance of an attack. A troop of that corps was immediately sent out,
+with nearly all the officers. Some villagers who had been bringing
+things to our camp joined the robbers, but the 4th played the d&mdash;l with
+them, killing or wounding about forty, and only one horse belonging to
+the 4th was wounded. Major Daly, who commands the corps, killed four men
+himself with a simple bamboo hunting spear, used for killing boars. Sir
+J. Keane had fourteen of them shot that had been caught stealing camels
+at Quittah, one march from Siriab, where we left our sick: a brigade of
+the Bengal army is quartered there.</p>
+
+<p>Well; in spite of Ghiljees, Kaukers, Passes, &amp;c., we reached Candahar on
+the 4th of May, having only halted two days since we left Dadur,&mdash;pretty
+good work! We were very much disappointed in the country, which is
+little better than a desert, and the weather cruelly hot. I remember
+very little of what occurred after I was on the sick-list, except that
+on arriving at our ground at one place, after a march of eighteen miles,
+we found that the natives had destroyed the well which was to have
+supplied us with water,&mdash;pleasant news for a man laid up with fever; in
+consequence of which they made a good profit by bringing it in for sale.
+About as much as would fill two moderate-sized pitchers was sold for
+half a rupee, about 14d. My European servant came and begged to be
+allowed to drink the water<a name="Page73"></a> in my basin with which I had just washed
+myself, and before I could say anything, drank down the whole of it with
+a zest as if it had been champagne.</p>
+
+<p>We reached Candahar on the 4th, and on the 8th his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk was crowned, after which there was a review of all the
+troops that were here by his Majesty, a grand &quot;tomasha;&quot; but such, I am
+told, was the unpopularity of the Shah that out of the whole population
+of Candahar very few persons were looking on, though the Easterns are
+devoted sight-hunters. On the &mdash; he held a levee, where every officer
+had the honour of making his leg to his Majesty. I was not present at
+either of these grand occasions, being at the time still on the
+sick-list. I, however, had a glimpse of his Majesty the other morning as
+he was taking his airing. He is a fine-looking man, with a splendid
+black beard. I am told that he is a very accomplished man, but an
+exceedingly bad ruler. He has written his own life, which is said to be
+very interesting: I should think it must be so, as few men have
+experienced so many changes of fortune as he has. You will find a very
+good description of him, as well as of Cabool and Sinde, in &quot;Burnes'
+Travels in Bokhara,&quot; the present Sir Alexander Burnes, who is second in
+command to Macnaghten, and a great deal with the Shah. I read also an
+excellent article on this country &amp;c. in the last December or January
+number of &quot;Blackwood's Magazine.&quot;</p>
+<a name="Page74"></a>
+<p>Another horrible murder, somewhat similar to that of Capt. Hand,
+occurred here about the middle of last month. Two officers of the 16th
+Lancers, Inverarity and Wilmer, went one day on a fishing excursion to a
+small river about seven miles from this; several parties had been there
+before on pic-nic excursions, as it was much cooler, and there were some
+beautiful gardens, with lots of fruit, on the banks of the stream. There
+is a slight hill to be crossed in getting to it, at the top of which is
+a cut-throat narrow pass, formed out of the rock; you must pass through
+it in single file, and the bottom being of rock is so slippery and rough
+that it is with difficulty a horse can keep his footing on it. They were
+returning home about half-past eight o'clock, when Wilmer, being rather
+wrong in his stomach, got off his horse for a short time, and Inverarity
+said he would walk to the top of the hill to look at the view by
+moonlight; Wilmer followed in a few minutes on foot, his ghorewalla
+following with his horse. On coming near the top of the hill before
+mentioned, he was somewhat astonished at a large stone whizzing by his
+head, and immediately afterwards about six or seven men jumped on him
+out of the rocks. He had time to draw back, and received two different
+cuts on his walking stick, which cut it through, and slightly wounded
+him on the forehead. He managed to draw back from another, which was
+made at him with such strength that the fellow fell with the force<a name="Page75"></a> of
+his own blow. Wilmer then thought it as time to cut and run, and bolted
+as fast as he could with these chaps after him. They luckily, however,
+stopped to rob his and Inverarity's bangies, containing their kit, which
+they met his servant carrying, &amp;c. Wilmer did not stop till he reached a
+detachment of the Shah's force which is stationed there, he returned
+with a party from them, and on reaching the other side of the hill found
+poor Inverarity lying on the ground dreadfully mutilated; he was not
+quite dead when they came up, and Wilmer says he can never forget the
+convulsive shudder he gave on their arrival, taking them for the
+murderers returning to finish him. He died, however, almost immediately,
+merely saying, &quot;For God's sake, look at my hands! I am afraid I am very
+badly wounded.&quot; Thus fell another victim, as we all feel, to the
+conciliation principle! Neither Inverarity's horse nor anything of then
+kit has been since seen, though Wilmer has recovered his horse. This
+will give you a pretty idea of the country we are living in. The next
+day there was an order out from Sir J. Keane, in which, after giving an
+account of the murder, he begged all officers never to go out into the
+country on sporting expeditions unless in large parties and well armed.
+The Shah and Sir John were also on the point of burning down the village
+near which the murder occurred, but the political department would not
+allow it. Seven or eight men were, however, taken up,<a name="Page76"></a> though nothing
+certain has been proved. They are still in chains in the town; what will
+be done with them I don't know. I always have my holster pipes, and
+pistols loaded, whenever I ride out, as there is nothing like being
+prepared.</p>
+
+<p>I have little to say of Candahar, which appears to me to be just the
+same as every other town I have seen in the East, very dirty, &amp;c. It
+stands in a tolerably fertile plain, with hills scattered all round it.
+It is a perfect square, each side of which is nearly a mile in length;
+two streets, one from north to south, the other from east to west, run
+through it, and bisect each other in the centre: in these are the
+different bazaars. The rest of the town, as it appeared to me as I rode
+round the walls the other day, is perfectly deserted. There are double
+walls to the town, entire all the way round, but I should think it could
+be easily taken. A great number of the inhabitants have left it on
+account of the dearness of provisions, occasioned by the hungry mouths
+of so large a force as ours, and also because, on his first arrival, the
+Shah wished to play some of his old arbitrary acts over again.</p>
+
+<p>The Ghiljees have been at their old tricks lately, robbing some supplies
+for the army, which came up by the Bolan Pass about a week ago, and
+which they followed nearly into our camp. The caravan, however, was
+under the charge of a right sort of fellow, the Rajah of Buhawulpoor,
+who was bringing up a contingent to the Shah's force, and if any of his
+camels<a name="Page77"></a> were taken away he took two for one from the first village he
+arrived at. The Ghiljees got more bold afterwards, and actually
+endeavoured to walk off with the camels of the Bengal army, and five or
+six were taken prisoners by some Sepoys, and one blown from a gun in the
+town. They, however, killed one, and severely wounded two other unarmed
+soldiers of H.M. 13th Light Infantry, who were out with the camels of
+their regiment, the guard for the camels having very quietly gone to
+sleep in a house. The poor fellows made a desperate fight, defending
+themselves with their shoes; and one of them pulled a mounted Ghiljee
+off his horse, but had his arm cut through before he could get the
+fellow's sword from him: they lost a great many camels.</p>
+
+<p><i>June 29th</i>.&mdash;Well, to-morrow we are off for Cabool; I hope the country
+may improve as we advance. Everybody speaks very highly of Cabool
+itself&mdash;a fine climate, 6000 feet above the sea. It has been very hot
+the whole time we have been here. They say there is plenty of grain to
+be had on the road; I hope this may be true, and that we shall not have
+a repetition of what took place before in regard to expense. I was
+congratulating myself, a day or two since, on the prospect of getting my
+back pay, but now I hear that I shall not only be minus that, but that
+we are not to get any more pay for three months, owing to some
+mismanagement or other; consequently, we shall be obliged to get into
+debt, with a nice little interest to pay off. I wish, therefore, that
+next year you would<a name="Page78"></a> give me credit for another 60l. I do not wish you
+to send it out to me, but that you would let me draw upon you as far as
+that sum, in case I should find it necessary, as this campaign has sadly
+crippled me. Your last 60l. is nearly gone, and yet I have not spent a
+farthing that I could help: this irregular way of paying troops is very
+disgusting to them.</p>
+
+<p>The report is now that we are not likely to have any regular fighting,
+as it is pretty generally believed that Dost Mahomed has agreed to our
+terms; the &quot;on dit&quot; is, that he is at Peshawur, and awaits our arrival
+in Cabool, to give himself up to the British government. Colonel Wade,
+one of the political diplomatic line, is near Peshawur with a part of
+Runjet's army, but Dost Mahomed will not surrender himself to him, nor
+will Colonel Wade cross the Punjab frontiers, on account of the great
+enmity which exists between the Afghans and Sikhs: however, all this is
+to be proved. I wish we could have one good brush with them, as we
+should then have plain sailing; as it is, I suppose we shall be annoyed
+by these rascally Ghiljees all the way up: out-lying pickets to take
+care of camels, &amp;c. With regard to the climate of this country I can say
+little, as we have only been here during the hot weather, and hot we
+have found it with a vengeance; but then we have been living in tents.
+One man of ours has died by a coup de soleil; he was one of the camel
+guard. I do not consider the climate an unhealthy one. It is a very
+lucky thing for us that we were not left in Sinde: the troops left there
+have suffered terribly. Sinde is one of<a name="Page79"></a> the hottest places in the
+world, and very unhealthy; in fact, I consider it to be about one of the
+most disgusting countries in the world. The 17th regiment lost an
+officer there under very melancholy circumstances. He was coming up to
+join his regiment, having been only lately appointed to it, and lost his
+way in that dreadful desert I told you of, where he wandered in a
+wretched state for two days, during which time the simoom came on, and
+he died from its effects a short time after reaching his tent; the
+simoom was still so violent that his servants were obliged to dig his
+grave inside his tent: his body turned black immediately after death.</p>
+
+<p>We have had excellent European fruit here, and the gardens about the
+place are very large and beautiful&mdash;peaches, apricots, cherries, apples,
+grapes, and mulberries. I never tasted anything more delicious than the
+melons here. You cannot imagine, in your temperate climate, how
+refreshing they are on a hot day; but, then, they are said to be very
+dangerous. The vegetables, too, are good, particularly to those who had
+been without them so long as we had. There are peas, beans, salad,
+cucumber, but, unfortunately, no potatoes; what would we not give for a
+nice mealy murphy! we have not tasted one for four months; however, in
+all these respects Cabool is much superior. What we shall do when we
+reach that place I cannot imagine,&mdash;one thing, the Hindoo Koosh,
+prevents our marching further. The report is, that if everything goes
+smooth we shall go back again this year;<a name="Page80"></a> but this I do not believe, as
+I hardly think it probable that the government would be at such expense
+in marching us such a distance just to keep us at Cabool for a month,
+and if we overstay that it will be too late, and the snow and severity
+of the climate will hinder our returning. Moreover, Runjet Sing is very
+ill, and, they say, is likely to kick, in which case there will, I take
+it, be a regular shindy in the Punjab; and John Company, when he has
+once put his foot into a country, does not withdraw it very soon.
+Besides, there is Herat and Persia to be looked to. For my part, I have
+no objection to a winter in Cabool; and if we can only get up our
+supplies in the liquor line, we shall, I have no doubt, make ourselves
+very comfortable. The 16th Lancers have an excellent pack of foxhounds
+with them, and horses are very cheap. There are to be races &amp;c. on a
+grand scale also when we get there; and if we can get our supplies up by
+that time, we may look forward to spending a merry Christmas even in
+such a distant country. How curious all this must sound to you in your
+quiet, lovely home of Brookhill. I have often thought of you all during
+this campaign, particularly the other day, when I had the fever; and I
+hope and trust my life maybe spared that I may see you all once more,
+particularly as I have never seen you at Brookhill.</p>
+
+<p>With regard to myself, my health, with the exception of the fever, has
+been much better than I could have expected, considering what we have
+gone through. I have, however, been sadly bothered the whole time<a name="Page81"></a> I
+have been in the country with rheumatism; at times, during the march, I
+was so bad with it that I could not walk ten minutes at a time. I have
+also had terrible pains in the joints of my arms, and have them still,
+and it is with difficulty I can get a gun to my shoulder. I can walk
+pretty well now, but running is totally out of the question; so that I
+am afraid I should come off poorly in a hand-to-hand encounter with
+these rascals. I applied to the doctor for some medicine, but he said
+&quot;he could give me none;&quot; in fact, they will not give an officer any
+medicine now unless he is very seriously ill, as they are very short of
+medical stores.</p>
+
+<p>I hope you may be able to get through this letter; the blue paper I have
+been writing on is Russian, and bought in Candahar. I do not think I
+have anything more to say. I will write again when I reach Cabool. Tell
+Kate I will write to her too: I hope she got my letter which I wrote in
+January last under cover to you.</p>
+
+<p>With best love to all at home,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Believe me your very affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S.&mdash;By-the-bye, there is an officer here in H.M. 13th Light Infantry,
+with the Bengal force, who knows Arthur very well, in fact, I think a
+great deal better than I do myself. His name is Wood; he is<a name="Page82"></a> a
+Canterbury man, and seems to know Mr. Baylay and everybody else there.
+He was in the 48th when Arthur was at Canterbury with the 4th Drag.
+Guards. He desired to be kindly remembered to Arthur when I wrote. I
+hope Eliza's hooping-cough is well. I was very sorry to hear of poor
+Sluman's death: as far back as I can recollect he is always associated
+in my mind with home. I hope Ghiljee, Kauker, Beloochee, and Co., will
+let this pass.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page83"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_VIII"></a><h2>LETTER VIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, near Ghuzni, July 24th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;You must put down yesterday, the 23rd of July, in your
+memorandum book as a memorable day for your son Tom, and, I may say, for
+the British army. Ghuzni, the strongest fortress in Afghanistan, was
+taken by assault in three-quarters of an hour, by the four European
+regiments of the army&mdash;viz., the Queen's, 13th Light Infantry, 17th
+regiment, and Bengal European regiment. The storming party, or forlorn
+hope, consisted of the Light Companies of the four regiments. The whole
+right in front&mdash;ergo, our company (the Light Company of the Queen's) was
+the first in. I may well remember it, as it was the first time I smelt
+gunpowder and saw blows given in real earnest. It is the most splendid
+thing for us that could have happened: if we had failed, we should have
+had the whole<a name="Page84"></a> country down upon us in a few days; now, they say, the
+country is ours.</p>
+
+<p>It is reported that Sir J. Keane was so very anxious about it, that when
+he heard our first cheers, after entering the gate of the town, he
+actually cried, it was such a relief to his mind; and that he told
+Brigadier Sale, lieutenant-colonel of the 13th Light Infantry, who
+commanded on the occasion, that it was very likely that the fate of
+India depended on our taking this place. Ghuzni was considered Dost
+Mahomed's principal fortress; his son commanded in it, and it was
+garrisoned by 3000 Afghans. Young Dost expected to hold it out for a
+fortnight; and his father was to have come to his relief in a day or
+two, when we should have had a difficult part to perform, as we should
+have been surrounded in this valley by armed parties on all sides; so
+that it would have been really a ticklish job. They had collected
+provisions in the town for three months, and arms and ammunition; in
+fact, it was the regular dep&ocirc;t for their army. They had also about four
+or five lacs of rupees; but that will not give us much prize money. Our
+loss was very trifling, owing to the daring and sudden nature of the
+attack, as they were taken totally by surprise. Our regiment suffered
+the most, and we have thirty-seven killed and wounded, including
+officers, of whom six out of eighteen were wounded&mdash;one-third of the
+whole,&mdash;however, none of the latter dangerously, thank God, though two
+of them are returned<a name="Page85"></a> severely wounded. Five men of our regiment were
+killed outright on the spot, and I am afraid we shall lose some more in
+a few days from the effects of their wounds. Of the enemy, about 500
+were killed, and more than 1500 made prisoners; and of the remainder,
+who made their escape over the walls, the greater part were cut down by
+the Dragoons, or spifflicated by the Lancers. Among the prisoners is
+young Dost himself, the greatest prize of all. More than a thousand
+magnificent horses have also been taken, besides pack-horses, camels,
+and grain in abundance. However, I never can tell a story without going
+back to the very commencement.</p>
+
+<p>I finished my last letter to you the day before we left Candahar. Well;
+we started on Sunday, the 30th of June, and made seven marches to
+Belanti Ghiljee, where we caught up the Shah's army, with a Bengal
+division. Here Sir John Keane had first come in sight of young Dost's
+army, who, however, retired very quickly, though there was some talk of
+their holding out at this place, and we were pushed on rapidly in
+consequence. They shewed their sense in not holding out there, as it
+would not have taken us long to dislodge them. We halted here a day, and
+then marched on by very short and easy marches, halting every third or
+fourth day, and taking things very easy, although we were constantly
+annoyed by the Ghiljees, who murdered several of our camp followers, and
+tried to rob us whenever they<a name="Page86"></a> could find an opportunity, until we were
+within five good marches of Ghuzni, when General Willshire received an
+order to push on by forced marches, and to make these five into three.
+After making two out of these three, (and precious long ones they were,)
+we found out that we were still upwards of twenty miles from Ghuzni,
+with the men so fatigued that it was nearly impossible for them to do
+it, and that we should therefore be obliged to make two of it. The
+event, however, proved the contrary; for, about seven o'clock in the
+evening, a dispatch came from General Willshire, and about eight, just
+as we were preparing to turn in, the orders were out to strike our
+tents, and march in an hour's time, and catch up Sir John Keane and the
+Shah, who were halted about nine miles in advance of us. Sir John was
+anxious to have the whole force concentrated before marching on Ghuzni.
+Nothing, however, was certain; and we were all in a high state of
+excitement, not knowing what to expect: this was the evening of the
+20th. We made quick work of this march, and reached Sir John Keane about
+half-past twelve. Here we heard that Sir John Keane was in expectation
+of a night attack. He had fallen in that morning with the advance of the
+enemy, who had, however, upon the appearance of the British force,
+retired upon Ghuzni. We bivouacked on our ground, after throwing out
+strong pickets, and marched again at 5 A.M., Sir John Keane, the
+Bengalees, and cavalry in advance, then<a name="Page87"></a> the Shah, and then our small
+party. We, however, sent our artillery to join Sir John. About eight
+o'clock, when within about three miles of Ghuzni, we heard the first
+symptoms that the game of war was beginning: our batteries were firing
+on the place, and the garrison were returning it with good effect; it
+served as a sort of overture to the opera in which we knew we must soon
+be actors.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of the great quantity of baggage, now the whole army was
+joined, we were halted for a couple of hours to protect it, and the
+whole of the cavalry was sent back for that purpose; and well it was
+that they were, as a part of the enemy's cavalry made a demonstration
+for attacking it, but withdrew on seeing ours. We were at length marched
+on, and took up our ground a little to the S.W. of the fort, but out of
+harm's way, when we heard a more definite account of what had been done.
+The advance of the Bengal column, H.M. 13th Light Infantry and the 16th
+Native Infantry, had some little work in driving the enemy out of the
+gardens and old buildings that surround the town. This, however, they
+accomplished with a trifling loss; our guns then opened on the place,
+but as they were light ones (the heaviest being still in the rear), with
+little effect. This desultory fire on both sides was, however, kept up
+for about three hours: little execution being done, and a few casualties
+having occurred among the artillery, Sir John Keane ordered the guns to
+be withdrawn. We<a name="Page88"></a> had not been on our ground more than three hours when
+we were ordered once more on the march, and to march by a circuitous
+route across the mountains, in order to avoid the fire of the town, and
+take up our ground on the other side of it. We reached our new ground
+about nine, after a fatiguing march of seven miles, crossing the river,
+and, by an infernal path, through the hills. Here we bivouacked again
+for the night, as little of our baggage had arrived.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy took this move of ours as a defeat, and concluded that we had
+marched on to Cabool, despairing of taking their fort: the event proved
+how wofully they were mistaken! They wasted a good deal of powder in
+firing for joy, and young Dost sent a dispatch from the place to his
+father, apprizing him of the fact, and begging him to come down upon us
+immediately, while he would follow upon our rear. He also sent to a
+Ghiljee chieftain near us, telling him to collect as many followers and
+country people as he could to make an attack upon our baggage, as he had
+only to come down and take it. We sold this fellow a bargain, however,
+the next day. Well; the first thing we heard the next morning was from
+young Keane, and to this effect, that we were to rest for that day, and
+that the four European corps were to storm the place the next morning
+before daylight, as the state of the country was such that Sir John
+could not waste time in breaching it; and, moreover, it was doubtful
+whether, from the nature<a name="Page89"></a> of the walls, it could be breached at all. We
+did not, however, learn the final dispositions till the evening.</p>
+
+<p>That day, the 22nd, I shall never forget; it was a very dismal one; much
+more so than the next. There was a nervous irritability and excitement
+about us the whole day; constantly looking at the place through
+spy-glasses, &amp;c.; and then fellows began to make their wills, and tell
+each other what they wished to have done in case they fell; altogether
+it was not at all pleasant, and every one longed most heartily for the
+morrow, and to have it over. I felt as I used to do when I was a child,
+and knew I must take a black dose or have a tooth drawn the next
+morning. About twelve o'clock a great deal of firing took place on our
+left; this we soon ascertained to be the Ghiljee chief I have before
+mentioned, coming down with the amiable purpose of lootzing our camp. A
+part of the Shah's Afghan cavalry, a few guns of the Horse Artillery,
+and a squadron of Lancers, were ordered out, who soon sent them to the
+right-about. The chief, when he saw that it was not such an easy job as
+he expected, cut his stick the first, with his horsemen, about 2000,
+leaving the poor footpads, about 1000, to shift for themselves. They
+were terribly mauled, and a great number of prisoners taken, whose heads
+the Shah struck off immediately. Well; evening came at last! and then we
+heard the morning's news confirmed; that the Light Companies<a name="Page90"></a> of the
+four corps were to form the storming party, that an Engineer officer,
+with some Sappers, each carrying a bag of gunpowder (in all 300lbs.),
+was to advance to the Cabool gate, and place it there, in order to blow
+it down; that immediately upon the gates falling we were to rush in and
+take possession of the town, &amp;c. At the same time a false attack was to
+be made by the 16th Bengal Native Infantry on the Candahar gate, in
+order to divert the enemy's attention. Brigadier Sale, lieut.-colonel of
+the 13th, was to command the whole, and Col. Dennie, of the same corps,
+the storming party. Three regiments of Native Infantry were to be in
+reserve, under Sir Willoughby Cotton; and the cavalry were to be
+stationed so as best to intercept the flight of those who might manage
+to make their escape from the place. We were to be formed ready for the
+attack at two o'clock in the morning, close to a high pillar, about half
+a mile from the fort; we were to advance under cover of the Artillery,
+who were to fire over and clear the walls for us. I laid down in my
+cloak directly after mess, and, being dreadfully tired, never slept more
+soundly than I did the night before the storming of Ghuzni.</p>
+
+<p>At one o'clock we turned out; I took a cup of tea and a couple of ginger
+biscuits, and joined my company: in a quarter of an hour we were on our
+march to the pillar, where we were to be formed. Here we found Col. Sale
+and the Engineer officers, &amp;c. Col. Sale called out the officers, and
+told them the plan of<a name="Page91"></a> the attack, which was to be the same as mentioned
+before, except that the 13th Light Infantry were to line the ditch
+outside the town, and fire on the ramparts, while we advanced. The
+storming party, Queen's and Bengal European regiments, were, after
+entering the gate, to move along a street to the left, clearing the
+houses, &amp;c., and on arriving at the end to mount the ramparts, and to
+return by them. Our object in doing this was to drive as many men as
+possible into the citadel, and having obtained this object, a signal was
+to be given, and the artillery were to fire shells into the citadel,
+which, particularly as their powder magazine was there, it was expected
+would soon make them cut and run. The 17th and 13th regiments being
+nearest, were then to rush up and take possession of the citadel, and
+the Native regiments, being in reserve, were to assist them. Col. Sale
+then said a few words of encouragement, and concluded by hoping &quot;we
+should all have luck&quot;&mdash;on the whole a very neat and appropriate speech.
+We then piled arms, and officers fell out. I never saw fellows more
+merry than most of us were while we were waiting there; in fact, if we
+had been going to the most delightful place in the world, we could not
+have appeared in better spirits; and this put me strongly in mind of a
+scene I had read in a book called &quot;The Subaltern,&quot; where the feelings of
+the officers, waiting for an attack, are described as being just the
+same. At length, &quot;bang&quot; went a gun from our batteries. Col. Sale said,
+&quot;Ah,<a name="Page92"></a> there goes the signal; we had better be starting:&quot; just as if one
+was to get ready to take a ride to Brixham or elsewhere. Well; we fell
+in, and in about a quarter of an hour off we went. The enemy returned
+the fire from our batteries in good style, and there was a regular row.
+They pointed their &quot;Long Tom,&quot; a fifty-two pounder, towards us, and sent
+the shot over our heads and a little to our left. The ball made a
+terrific row rushing over us. Whilst we were marching down to the attack
+the fire on both sides was at its height. The noise was fearful, and the
+whole scene the grandest and, at the same time, the most awful I ever
+witnessed. I caught myself, once or twice, trying to make myself as
+small as I could. As we got nearer the gate it grew worse, and the
+enemy, from their loop-holes, began to pepper us with matchlocks and
+arrows. The scene now was splendid. The enemy, at the commencement of
+the firing, threw out blue lights in several places, which looked
+beautiful, and the flames of their and our artillery, together with the
+smaller flashes from the matchlock men, added to the roar of their big
+guns, the sharp cracking of the matchlocks, the whizzing of their cannon
+balls and ours, (the latter of which, by-the-bye, went much nearer our
+heads than the enemy's, as our artillery fired beautifully, and sent
+their shot close over our heads, on the ramparts,) the singing of the
+bullets, and the whizzing of their arrows, all combined, made up as
+pretty a little row as one<a name="Page93"></a> would wish to hear. Add to this, that it was
+as dark as pitch, and you may judge of the effect. We made a rush over
+the bridge, which the enemy had not destroyed, and continuing it up a
+slight ascent, we found ourselves of a sudden close to the gate. Here
+there was a check. Although the gate was blown down, still the remains
+of it, and the barricade on the inside, rendered it a difficult place to
+get over, particularly as it wanted at least half an hour of daylight,
+and was perfectly dark. The two first sections were therefore a long
+time getting through, during which the two last, to which I belonged,
+were standing still outside, exposed to a cross fire from two round
+towers, which flanked the entrance. Our men, however, kept up such a
+smart fire upon every hole and opening that no man dared shew his nose,
+and their fire was therefore rendered harmless. At length we moved in,
+and found that, besides what I have mentioned above, there was a large
+hole in the roof of the portico over the gate, through which the enemy
+were pitching earth, beams of wood, stones, &amp;c.; one of these beams
+knocked over my European servant, who was next to me, and dislocated his
+arm, and, taking me in the flank, made me bite the dust also; however, I
+had no further hurt than a slight bruise, and was up again immediately,
+as I heard one of the soldiers say, &quot;Oh! there is poor Mr. Holdsworth:
+he's down!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>On getting within the gate a few volleys cleared the opening of the
+street. Robinson, (our captain,) Col.<a name="Page94"></a> Sale, with Kershaw and Wood of
+the 13th, Sale's staff, (the latter the man who knew Arthur at
+Canterbury,) were the first in. Poor Col. Sale got a cut in the mouth,
+and fell upon Kershaw, who went down with him; on rising, an Afghan was
+lifting his sword to cut down Sale when Kershaw seized the hilt of his
+sword, and ran his own into him. Robinson also got a terrible cut on the
+side of his head, which would have done his business for him if he had
+not had on a cap padded with cotton, which deadened the weight of the
+blow. All the companies of the storming party, however, got in well,
+except the last, the light company of the Bengal European regiment, and
+they had a desperate fight, the enemy having returned to the gate in
+great numbers, and twenty-seven men of the company were laid low in no
+time. After this every company that came in had a shindy at the gate;
+the fact was, that the enemy took every company for the last, and
+therefore made a desperate attempt to escape through it. Our company,
+with the advance, pushed through the town, clearing the tops of the
+houses. We only lost one man of our company; we thought he was done for
+at first, but he is still alive, and, I am glad to say, likely lo do
+well; he was shot right through the breastplate, and the ball went round
+his body and was taken out of his back; he is to wear the same
+breastplate in future. On coming to the end of the town we halted, and
+were agreeably surprised, shortly after, to see the British flag waving
+on the top of the citadel:<a name="Page95"></a> the fact of the matter was, that the enemy
+never thought of retiring to the citadel at all, but endeavoured to make
+their escape directly they found we were inside the gates; the 17th and
+13th, therefore, quietly marched up and took possession of it.</p>
+
+<p>We now returned by the ramparts, taking a great number of prisoners, and
+on reaching the large street where the horses were, the scene was
+perfectly ridiculous; the horses were loose, and running and charging
+about in all directions, kicking, fighting, &amp;c. On getting near the gate
+we entered by, the effects of our fight became more apparent, as dying
+and dead Afghans testified. There were eight lying at one particular
+spot, where a tumbril had blown up, and their bodies were still burning
+from the effects. I never saw finer men than some of these Afghans&mdash;they
+were perfect models. The plunder now began, though to little purpose, as
+prize agents were at the gates and made most of us refund. I managed,
+however, to get through a rather handsome spear, which I took from
+before the tent of one of the chiefs. If the carelessness of my servants
+will allow it I mean to keep it till we get back whenever that may be,
+and send it home by some trusty person, when perhaps you may think it
+worthy of a place among your curiosities at Brookhill. The 13th and
+17th, however, had the best of it in the citadel, which was also the
+palace, and where all young Dost's women were. I hear that the soldiers
+have possession of some very handsome articles<a name="Page96"></a> which they boned there I
+believe. After this, young Dost, or, to give him his right name, Hyder
+Khan, was found in a large hole near the citadel, with about twenty
+followers; they had some work, however, in securing him. About this time
+I saw the Shah, with the diplomatic people, Sir J. Keane, and Sir W.
+Cotton, enter the fort and proceed to the citadel. The old Shah was
+mightily delighted, as well he might be, and expressed himself in
+raptures with the European soldiery. I was back again to breakfast at
+mess by eight o'clock. Several of our men were wounded by arrows. One
+soldier swore &quot;that a fellow had shot his ramrod into him.&quot; Stisted had
+an arrow through the calf of his leg, but his wound is not considered of
+any importance.</p>
+
+<p><i>July 30th</i>.&mdash;Sir J. Keane, with the greater part of the army, marched
+this morning for Cabool; ours (the Bombay division) march to-morrow.
+Although the greater part of the town was taken in the way I have
+described, still a party of about 100 men, under Dost Mahomed's
+standard-bearer, (a great man, of course,) held out till the next day,
+when they were all taken, and soon afterwards shot. They certainly must
+have been assisted by some Europeans, as their powder was made up in a
+very scientific manner, and their grape was exceedingly well put
+together. Young Dost cannot imagine how the gate was blown down; he
+thinks, I hear, that we shot two men inside the fort from a big gun, who
+opened the door for us. He was sleeping<a name="Page97"></a> over it at the time; the
+explosion must have &quot;astonished him a few, I guess.&quot; He says some of his
+father's best soldiers have fallen there; and one man in particular, a
+great chief, said to be the best swordsman between Cabool and Candahar.
+I have been in the fort since, and I am glad we took it in the dark, as
+it is not at all a nice looking place by daylight. The rooms in the
+citadel are very fine, particularly where the women were, the ceilings
+of which are inlaid with gold work. All our sick and wounded are to be
+left here: we only leave one officer behind, poor Young, who was shot
+through the thigh very near the groin.</p>
+
+<p>Reports have been very various since the fall of Ghuzni whether Dost
+himself will fight or not. It seems to be generally expected that we
+shall have another shindy before we get to Cabool, though a great number
+of chiefs have lately come in to the Shah, among the principal of whom
+is Hadjee Khan Kauker, the governor of Bamian, a man of great influence
+in the country, and a great intriguer, formerly a great friend of Dost
+Mahomed's. He came in to us about three hours after the place had
+fallen: he had been waiting on the top of a hill to see the result, and
+was prepared to join whichever side was victorious. I must tell you,
+also, that on the 21st, the day we marched upon Ghuzni, another son of
+Dost was waiting outside the town to attack us with about three thousand
+men; but on seeing the size of our army he thought better of it, and cut
+for Cabool as fast as he could; he was deserted on the way by most of
+his army, and<a name="Page98"></a> reached Cabool with scarcely a follower: his father was
+exceedingly enraged, and is said to have put him in prison.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sunday, 28th</i>.&mdash;The day before yesterday, Dost Mahomed's brother, a man
+who has always favoured the English, and advised Dost to have nothing to
+do with the Persians, &amp;c., but who lives quite retired, and has very
+little to do with politics, came into our camp to endeavour to make
+terms for his brother; but, it is said, neither party was satisfied:
+they say that he was disgusted at our proposals, and replied, &quot;that Dost
+would rather lose his life than accept them.&quot; Dost wants to be made the
+Shah's vizier; but that, of course, could not be allowed. How it will
+end no one knows: however, a few days will shew. We have had several
+deserters from Dost's army; they say he is encamped, and has thrown up
+strong entrenchments about three miles in front of Cabool. I should
+hardly, however, think that the people of Cabool will allow his doing
+so, as there are several rich people in it who would not like to see
+Ghuzni reacted at their own door. There would be lots of prize money for
+us. Talking of prize money, I am afraid there will not be very much,
+though the things that were taken sold remarkably well, as did also the
+horses, &amp;c. I managed to buy, though for much beyond its value, a rather
+pretty coverlet for a bed, which was taken in the fort, which perhaps
+belonged to some of the young ladies of the harem; it is of shawl
+velvet, and said to be made in Cashmere. I intend to send it home with
+the<a name="Page99"></a> spear, and give it to Kate; though what use she can put it to I
+hardly know, as I am sure it will not be large enough for her bed;
+still, when one considers whence it was taken, it may possess some
+little interest. Young Dost is left behind in the fort, which is to be
+strongly garrisoned, and where we leave all our sick and wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The climate of this place is delightful; it is about 6000 feet above the
+level of the sea; and although this is the hottest month in the year,
+still we do not find it at all unpleasant, living in tents: a delightful
+change from Candahar. There is the most beautiful clover here I ever
+saw, and lots of fruit.</p>
+
+<p>We have just received intelligence of Runjet Sing's death; he has been
+reported dead several times before; but they say this time it is really
+the case; if so, we are still only at the beginning of our work, as we
+shall most likely have something to do in the Punjab. The government, it
+is said, have guaranteed the succession of Runjet's son, who is little
+better than a natural idiot. The chiefs of the Sikhs, who are very
+warlike people, and have often licked the Afghans, say they will not
+consent to be ruled by such a person,&mdash;thereon hangs the matter. A large
+force has been gradually concentrating at Delhi, Meerut, Loodiana, and
+all the north-west stations in Bengal, ready to march into the Punjab in
+case of Runjet's death, which has been long expected; and we very likely
+shall make an advance by the line of the Cabool river<a name="Page100"></a> to Peshawur, and
+Attock, on the Indus. It is rather late to begin a campaign after
+marching more than a thousand miles, and not meeting an enemy except
+robbers. If I ever do get home safe and sound after all this work, I
+shall consider myself very lucky.</p>
+
+<p><i>July 31st</i>.&mdash;Here we are, our first day's march to Cabool. Reports
+still flying about as to whether Dost means to fight. I wore the pistols
+you gave me in London at the storming,&mdash;they are a capital pair! The
+post goes directly, so I must conclude, with best love to all, your very
+affectionate son,</p>
+
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<p>P.S.&mdash;They say Shah Shooja will give us all medals when everything is
+settled; those for the officers to be a small gold one, with an
+impression of the Fort of Ghuzni; those for the soldiers to be silver,
+and the same pattern. If you look into the military papers when this
+reaches you, I dare say you will find further accounts of the business.</p>
+
+<div class="blkquot"><p>NOTE.&mdash;&quot;It was arranged that an explosion party, consisting of
+     three officers of engineers (Capt. Peat, Lieuts. Durand and
+     M'Leod), three Serjeants and eighteen men of the sappers in
+     working dresses, carrying three hundred pounds of powder in
+     twelve sand bags, with a hose seventy-two feet long, should be
+     ready to move down to the gateway at break of day.</p>
+
+<p>     &quot;So quickly was the operation performed, and so little was the
+     enemy aware of the nature of it, that not a man of the party
+     was hurt.&quot;&mdash;<i>From Memoranda of Capt. Thompson, R.E., Chief
+     Engineer, Army of Indus</i>.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page101"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_IX"></a><h2>LETTER IX.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>MEMORANDUM.&mdash;I have lost this letter, which I regret the more, because
+it gave a very full account both, of Cabool and its environs, as well as
+of many interesting circumstances which took place during the time the
+Bombay division of the army remained there.</p>
+
+<p>As far as I remember its contents, it began with the march of the army
+from Ghuzni to Cabool, the desertion of the troops of Dost Mahomed, and
+his flight from the capital. It described his pursuit by a party of
+officers and cavalry, volunteers from the British army, commanded by
+Captain Outram, who accompanied Hadjee Khan Kauker, the principal chief
+of the country, with a body of 2000 Afghans, who had joined Shah Shooja
+at Ghuzni.</p>
+
+<p>It stated, that after a few days had expired, the party had nearly
+reached the fugitive, when Hadjee Khan refused to proceed, stating,
+amongst other<a name="Page102"></a> excuses, that his men had dispersed to plunder, and that
+he had not any means of preventing it; and Captain Outram was obliged to
+proceed without him. It had been supposed by Shah Shooja, that Hadjee
+Khan had been so committed with Dost Mahomed that he might be safely
+trusted upon this occasion; but there is not the least doubt but that he
+was engaged in correspondence with him during the whole time, and that
+Dost Mahomed was thus enabled to effect his escape with his family,
+although Captain Outram with his party pursued him as far as Bamian. If
+Hadjee Khan had not acted in this most treacherous way, there could not
+be a doubt but that Dost Mahomed must have fallen into the hands of
+Captain Outram. Thus Hadjee Khan proved his double treachery; for which,
+on his return to Cabool, it was understood the Shah would have put him
+to death, but for the presence of the English, upon whose interference
+his sentence was changed to perpetual confinement in one of the state
+prisons.</p>
+
+<p>It described, also, the arrival of the eldest son of Shah Shooja, with
+the contingent from Runjet Sing; his meeting with his youngest brother
+on the road, near the city, who went out for that purpose upon an
+elephant, richly caparisoned, attended by a suitable cort&egrave;ge; his
+reception by the British army, and afterwards by his father, at the Bala
+Hissar, where my son mixed with the troops of the Shah, who filled the
+palace yard, and was thus enabled to witness the<a name="Page103"></a> first interview, which
+was anything but that which might have been expected when the eldest son
+arrived at the palace to congratulate his father on his restoration to
+his throne. The King was seated alone in an open balcony, slightly
+raised above the court, where his officers of state were ranged on
+either side, on the ground. The Prince advanced through a line of troops
+and public officers, but did not raise his eyes from the ground. When he
+came near his father, he prostrated himself in submission to the King,
+who called to him &quot;that he was welcome;&quot; after which the son ascended to
+the balcony, where he again made a prostration, when his father raised
+him up, and seated him near him. The peculiarly careful conduct of the
+son on his approach appears to have arisen from a consciousness of his
+father's jealous and suspicious temper, and a fear lest even a smile
+interchanged with a friend at the court might be construed into hidden
+treachery. Soon after this, the chief persons of the court made their
+salutations to the King, to each of whom he said a few words, and the
+ceremony was ended.</p>
+
+<p>My son added, that he little expected when he was at the levee of his
+late Majesty King William, before he left England, that the next
+ceremony of the sort at which he should be present would be that of the
+King of Afghanistan, in Central Asia, a person with whose name and
+country he had not then the slightest acquaintance.</p>
+<a name="Page104"></a>
+<p>The youngest son of Shah Shooja, whom I have mentioned, is described as
+a beautiful boy, under twelve years of age, ruddy and fair as an English
+child. He is a great favourite with his father at present, and usually
+accompanies the Shah wherever he goes. His childhood probably protects
+him from suspicion of treachery or intrigue.</p>
+
+<p>My son appeared to have mixed occasionally with the inhabitants of
+Cabool, and, through the introduction of the Persian interpreter, to
+have become personally acquainted with some of the leading persons of
+the city. They are described by him as being particularly affable and
+civil to the officers of our army, with, some of whom he paid a visit to
+a man of rank, at his country-house, and with whom they dined. Nothing
+could exceed the attention of their host. He shewed them his stud
+consisting of more than fifty horses, and every other thing that he
+possessed, (except his women,) and the hospitality and good fare was
+unbounded. Neither was the curiosity of these persons less in inquiring
+minutely into everything they saw when they visited the officers in the
+camp, than their desire to please in their own houses; and he appeared
+to have left the place with a most favourable impression of the upper
+ranks of the city.</p>
+
+<p>Of the city itself, its magnificent bazaar, filled with the richest
+manufactures of the East, its gardens abounding with the finest fruits
+in the world, and the<a name="Page105"></a> fertile country that surrounds it, his
+description is the same as that which will be found much more at length
+in the Travels of Lieut. Burnes, in 1832.</p>
+
+<p>Cricket and horse-racing appeared to be the chief recreation of the army
+during the time it remained inactive; and the two divisions having
+fortunately come from different Presidencies, the same spirit of rivalry
+amongst the officers, in the sports of the camp, was as naturally
+excited at Cabool as in any of the counties or garrisons of their native
+land.</p>
+
+<p>The evening before they left their ground, two miles from Cabool, he was
+sent with a subaltern's party to search through all the worst parts of
+the city for men who were missing from the camp, but after spending many
+hours, he returned without finding any. They had been paid the day
+before, and had got away to the liquor-shops; but all turned up in the
+morning except one, whose body was found murdered, near the camp.</p>
+
+<p class="name">A.H. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page106"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_X"></a><h2>LETTER X.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp at Kotree, in Cutch Gundava,<br />
+December 8th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER&mdash;As I am now tolerably recovered and my wounds nearly
+healed, I take the first opportunity (as my arm is losing its stiffness)
+of writing to you, as I have no doubt you will be very anxious to hear
+how I am going on. I desired Stisted, the day after the taking of Kelat,
+to write, as I was myself then unable. I have no doubt but that he did
+so; yet I know you must have been anxious before you heard the final
+result; and I am now happy to inform you that I am getting rapidly well,
+and expect in a short time to be out of the &quot;sick list.&quot; My wound was
+esteemed a rather ugly one at first; and I must consider it one of the
+most fortunate cases of Providence that the bullet took the direction it
+did, as had it swerved in the least degree it must have gone through my
+lungs, or<a name="Page107"></a> downward through my liver; and in either case would most
+likely have done my business completely. As the man who fired at me was
+so very close, the ball went clear through, and so saved me from the
+unpleasant process of having it extracted by the doctor, &amp;c. I had my
+right flank exposed to the man who pinked me, and so the ball passed
+through my right arm into my right side, and passing downwards to the
+rear, came out at my back, about an inch from the back-bone. Had it
+passed to the front instead of to the rear, I should have most assuredly
+left my bones at Kelat: as it was, from my coughing up a tolerable
+quantity of blood when I was first hit, the doctor imagined that my
+lungs had been affected, and for a couple of days, as I have since
+heard, was very doubtful as to my eventual recovery. However I may now,
+I believe, consider myself completely out of the wood.</p>
+
+<p>I find I have not written since the last day I was at Cabool; and I have
+had few opportunities of doing so, as we have been on the move ever
+since, and until we reached Kelat there was very little to write about.
+We broke ground and marched to the other side of Cabool on Monday, the
+16th of September, and halted on the 17th for a grand tomasha at the
+Bala Hissar, or Shah's Palace, being no less than the investiture of the
+order of the Doorannee Pearl, which was conferred by Shah Shooja on the
+big-wigs of the army. Sir John Keane, Sir Willoughby Cotton,<a name="Page108"></a> and Mr.
+Macnaghten get the first order; generals of divisions and brigadiers,
+the second; and all field officers engaged at Ghuzni and heads of
+departments, the third; for the rest, all officers engaged at Ghuzni get
+a gold medal, and the soldiers a silver one: however, all this depends
+on the will and sanction of Queen Victoria.</p>
+
+<p>On Wednesday, the 18th, we took our final leave of Cabool and its
+beautiful environs, and reached Ghuzni on the 26th, where we halted two
+days, and then struck off in a new direction, straight across country to
+Quettah, by a new road, and very little known, leaving Candahar to our
+right, and thereby cutting off a considerable angle. Our object in doing
+this was, besides saving distance, to afford assistance, if required, to
+Captain Outram, who had preceded us by about a week, and was gone with
+some of the Shah's force into the Ghiljee country, and was employed in
+destroying the forts, &amp;c., of some of the refractory Ghiljee chiefs. He
+captured one fort in which were found forty or fifty fellows who were
+identified as being the same men who had murdered so many camp followers
+and some of our officers during our march through the country. I saw
+them at Ghuzni, where they were under confinement, and about to be
+executed in a few days, as I was told. About eight marches from Ghuzni,
+Outram sent to General Willshire for assistance, as his force was not
+sufficient; he was then before the largest of these hill forts,
+belonging to one<a name="Page109"></a> of the most influential and refractory of the chiefs,
+and who had given us a great deal of annoyance in our way up. A wing of
+the 19th Native Infantry, some Artillery, and the Light Companies were
+therefore sent to his assistance; but they made a miserable failure as
+the chief, putting himself at the head of about a hundred faithful
+followers, dashed through their pickets at night, and made his escape
+with all his valuables, and without losing a man. We marched at an easy
+pace, detaching a force now and then to take a fort, which was
+invariably found, deserted on our approach. Nevertheless, we had hard
+work of it, as our route lay through and over high and barren mountains
+with scarcely an inhabitant or village to be seen, and nothing to be got
+for our cattle. For three days my horse, and those of most of us, lived
+on bushes and rank grass that we found occasionally. We had to depend on
+our commissariat for everything; and they found it difficult to supply
+grain for the staff and field officers' horses, so, of course, ours were
+quite left out of the question. Guns, powder, and shot were in great
+requisition; and, luckily, hares and Khorassan partridges were tolerably
+abundant. At times, even our guides confessed themselves at fault, so
+difficult was it to make our way through such a country. However, one
+thing was greatly in our favour&mdash;we had a splendid, bracing climate the
+whole way, the nights and mornings being &quot;<i>rayther</i>&quot; too cold, the
+thermometer ranging at that time between<a name="Page110"></a> 20 and 30 degrees. The poor
+Sepoys and camp-followers, however, suffered severely. We experienced
+scarcely the slightest annoyance from the inhabitants although we passed
+through the most disaffected part of the country&mdash;viz., the Ghiljee
+country, and latterly through the heart of the Kauker country, whose
+chief, Hadjee Khan Kauker, is a prisoner at Cabool, as I told you in my
+former letter.</p>
+
+<p>At length, on the 31st of October, we reached Quettah, where we were
+delighted to find a few Parsee merchants, who had come up from Bombay,
+and from whom we were enabled to get a few European comforts, in the
+shape of brandy, gin, wine, tea, pickles, &amp;c., which we had long been
+without; even milk and butter were luxuries to us.</p>
+
+<p>General Willshire now ordered the 31st Bengal Native Infantry, which had
+been left here in our march up, together with H.M. 17th, and a small
+detail of Artillery, to proceed to Kelat, under Colonel Baumgardt, our
+Brigadier. The 31st were to garrison it; and the 17th were sent because
+Mehrab Khan, the Kelat chief, had declared that &quot;he would not surrender
+to any but European troops, and see the Sepoys d&mdash;d first, if they came
+alone.&quot; However, no resistance was expected, as Mehrab had been offered
+very liberal terms, which he had apparently accepted. The rest of the
+force was to go down by the Bolan Pass, and wait at Bukkur, or somewhere
+in Upper Sinde, till joined by the 17th. However, the next<a name="Page111"></a> day a new
+order came out, and the Queen's, together with a stronger detail of
+Artillery, were ordered to reinforce the detachment to Kelat.</p>
+
+<p>Well; we marched on the 5th of November; and the next day, after we had
+readied our ground, when we had just sat down to breakfast, great was
+our surprise to see General Willshire himself ride into camp with a few
+of his staff. All we could learn on the subject was, that on that
+morning, which was the day fixed for the rest of the division to begin
+their march down the Bolan Pass, and just as they were about to start,
+the General sent for his Adjutant and Quarter-master-general, and,
+taking them and his Aides with him, started for our camp. Things now
+looked a little more warlike; still we experienced no annoyance during
+the whole march; few of us but thought that on our approach Mehrab Khan
+would give in.</p>
+
+<p>We halted a day at Mostrong, which was about half way, and here General
+Willshire and the political agent communicated with the Khan, who
+replied, that &quot;as to the terms, he was willing to meet General Willshire
+half way, with a small escort, and there talk them over; but that if we
+advanced against him with an army, he should shut his gates, and we
+should find him at the door of his citadel with his drawn sword.&quot; There
+was &quot;no mistake about that 'ere,&quot; as Sam Weller would say. However, most
+of us thought it was merely bravado, as our progress was<a name="Page112"></a> not molested
+at all; this, however, was afterwards accounted for by the Khan's having
+called in all his fighting-men to his standard.</p>
+
+<p>The last three days before arriving at Kelat we marched in order of
+battle, and had strong pickets at night, the whole force sleeping on
+their arms, and ready to fall in at a moment's notice.</p>
+
+<p>On the 12th we were within eight miles of the fort; and on our arriving
+on our ground a few horsemen were observed reconnoitring us, who fired
+on our advance, but retired leisurely on the approach of the column. By
+that hour the next day &quot;Kelat was prize money.&quot; We strongly expected to
+be attacked that night, and were all ready for a shindy; the artillery
+loaded with grape, and port-fires lighted, &amp;c. However, it passed over
+very quietly; but we had hardly marched a mile from our encampment the
+next morning, when, in an opening through the hill to our right, we
+observed a large cloud of dust, which we soon discovered to be raised by
+a strong body of horsemen. They were about a mile and a half from our
+flank, and kept moving on in a parallel line with our column. However,
+at a point where the road took a turn towards the hills they halted, at
+about 150 yards from the advance guard, and deliberately fired into them
+with their matchlocks, but at too great a distance to do much harm. One
+company from the advance was sent to dislodge them; upon which they
+moved quickly down towards the main body, and<a name="Page113"></a> taking up a position at
+about the same distance from us as before from the advance, gave us the
+same salute as they had before treated those in front to. Their balls
+came whistling in upon us on all sides, and knocked up the dust like
+drops of rain, but no damage was done; they then galloped off. It was a
+great pity we had no more cavalry with us; only fifty Bengal, or
+Irregular Horse, and their cattle were so done up that they were
+perfectly useless. The enemy laughed at the advance companies that were
+now sent out to skirmish with them. The ground consisted of undulating
+hills, and rather rough, over which our skirmishers, encumbered as they
+were with knapsacks and other absurdities, &quot;selon les regles,&quot; found it
+very difficult to move quickly, and the enemy, riding their sure-footed
+horses to the top of one of those hills, would fire down, and wheel
+round, and be under cover of the other side of the hill before our men
+could return the compliment effectually. If we had had a squadron of
+Dragoons with us, lightly equipped, the result would have been very
+different. But, unfortunately, the only time during nearly the whole
+campaign when cavalry would have been of important service to us we were
+without them. However, very little blood is ever shed in desultory
+affairs of this sort, and they only wounded about three or four of our
+men; and at one place, a party of them coming unexpectedly upon the
+reserve of the skirmishers, two sections opened a fire upon them,
+emptied<a name="Page114"></a> a few saddles, and sent the rest flying. We with the main body
+had a very good view of the whole affair, and a very animating scene it
+was. Our road had hitherto lain through a valley, about four miles
+broad; but when within about three miles and a half from Kelat, it takes
+a sudden turn to the right, and leads, for the next mile and a half,
+through a narrow and straight pass, after penetrating which, and
+arriving at the debouche, the fortress of Kelat appeared before us,
+frowning defiance. The first sight of it had certainly a very pretty
+effect: the sun had just burst out, and was lighting the half-cultivated
+valley beneath us, interspersed with fields, gardens, ruinous mosques,
+houses, &amp;c.; while Kelat, being under the lee of some high hills, was
+still in the shade; so that, while all around presented a smiling and
+inviting appearance, as if hailing our approach with gladness, the
+fortress above seemed to maintain a dark and gloomy reserve, in high
+contrast with the rest of the picture; nor was the effect diminished
+when a thin cloud of smoke was seen spouting forth and curling over its
+battlements, followed, in a short interval, by the report of a large
+gun, which came booming over the hills towards us. &quot;Hurrah! they have
+fired the first shot,&quot; was the exclamation of some of us, &quot;and Kelat is
+prize-money!&quot; On looking more minutely at it, however, it had rather an
+ugly appearance, and seemed, at that distance, much more formidable than
+Ghuzni did at the first view. We could only see the citadel, which<a name="Page115"></a> was
+much more commanding and difficult of access than that of Ghuzni. The
+outworks, however, as we afterwards found, were not half so strong;
+these were, however, hidden from our view by two hills, rather
+formidable in appearance, covering the approach to the fortress, on each
+of which a redoubt was erected, and which we could perceive covered with
+men. Beneath us in the valley the advance companies were seen pushing on
+to occupy the gardens and other inclosures, while nearer the fort we
+could observe the body of cavalry we had been before engaged with drawn
+up, as if waiting our approach, under cover of the redoubts on the
+hills. Half way down the road leading into the valley was our Artillery,
+consisting of four six-pounders, field-pieces belonging to the Shah, and
+two nine-inch howitzers, with our Horse Artillery. Here, also, was
+General Willshire and staff, who now ordered one of the guns to open on
+the horsemen, in order to cover the movements of the advance companies,
+who were driving the enemy's matchlock men before them out of the
+inclosures in good style. The first shot struck wide of them, the second
+kicked up a dust rather too close to be pleasant, and the third went
+slap in among them, knocking over a horse or two, when these gallant
+cavaliers cut their sticks, and we saw no more of them. We soon moved
+into the valley, and halted for a considerable time at the foot of the
+hill. We were here within three-quarters of a mile of the nearest
+redoubt, and about a mile and<a name="Page116"></a> half from Kelat itself. General Willshire
+now made a reconnaissance, and the men from the different baggage guards
+came in and joined their respective regiments. After halting here about
+an hour, (the guns from the nearest redoubt every now and then pitching
+a shot rather close to us,) the brigade-major made his appearance with
+orders for the three regiments to form in quarter distance column of
+companies, to attack the two redoubts, each leaving one company with the
+colours to form the reserve. The 17th were to attack the nearest
+redoubt, and the 31st Bengal Native Infantry to turn its right, while we
+were to push on and carry the other, which was the nearest to the fort.
+At the same time, our artillery were brought into position, and covered
+our advance.</p>
+
+<p>The plot now began to thicken, and altogether the whole affair was the
+most exciting thing I ever experienced, and beat Ghuzni out of the pit.
+We moved steadily on, the guns from the redoubts blazing at us as fast
+as they could load them; but they were very inferior workmen, and only
+two shots struck near us, one knocking up the dust close to us, and
+bounding over our heads, and the other whizzing close over our leading
+company; however, they kept their ground till we arrived at the foot of
+the hills, when our artillery having unshipped one of their guns, and
+otherwise deranged their redoubts, they exploded their powder, and
+retired, some leisurely, but most in the greatest disorder. Here, again,
+we had occasion<a name="Page117"></a> to regret having no cavalry, as a troop or two would
+have effectually cut off or dispersed them. On reaching the top of the
+hill which they had abandoned, we found ourselves within a quarter of a
+mile of the lower end of the town, with the Beloochees making the best
+of their way towards the gate, which was open to admit them. Captain
+Outram here rode up to us, and cried out, &quot;On men, and take the gate
+before they can all get in.&quot; This acted like magic on the men. All order
+was lost, and we rushed madly down the hill on the flying enemy, more
+like hounds with the chase in view than disciplined soldiers. The
+consequence was, we were exposed to a most galling fire from the
+ramparts, by which several of our best men were put <i>hors de combat</i>;
+the fugitives were too quick for us, and suddenly the cry was raised by
+our leading men, &quot;The gate is shut.&quot; All was now the greatest confusion,
+and shelter was sought for wherever it could be found. Unluckily a rush
+was made by the greatest part of the regiment to an old shell of a
+house, which could scarcely afford cover to twenty men, much less to the
+numbers who thronged into it, and who were so closely jammed that they
+could not move; and so the outside portion were exposed to the fire from
+the left bastion of the town, which completely out-flanked them, and
+from which the matchlock-men kept pouring in a cool and most destructive
+fire upon this dense mass with the utmost impunity; while a wide,
+broken-down doorway in<a name="Page118"></a> the centre exposed them to a fire from another
+bastion in their front, if ever they shewed their nose for an instant to
+see how matters were going on, or to return their fire. Poor fellows!
+you may guess their situation was anything but pleasant. The
+consequences soon began to shew themselves&mdash;eight men and one officer
+(poor Gravatt) were shot dead, and several more were severely wounded,
+and had the artillery been less expeditious in knocking down the gate,
+the greatest part of them would have been annihilated. The other part of
+the regiment (myself among the rest) were more fortunate. Seeing so many
+rushing to one place, I made for another shelter, about twenty paces to
+the rear, which consisted of a long wall, about five feet high, and
+which afforded ample cover to us all. It was within seventy yards of the
+bastion that proved so fatal to the other party, and from which they
+kept up a pretty good fire upon us whenever we exposed ourselves.
+However, I was so excited that nothing would do but I must see the whole
+affair; this, however, was rather foolish, as every now and then they
+would direct their attention to us, and send in a volley, which would
+sing over us and knock up the dust and the old wall about us in good
+style. Simmons's horse (the Adjutant's) was foolishly brought down, and
+had not been a second there when it was shot slap through the hind-leg.
+The ground behind us was raised a little, so that the horse's leg was in
+a line with and nearly touching my<a name="Page119"></a> head as I stood looking over the
+wall; on reaching the cover we found four or five poor fellows who had
+been wounded in the rush down the hill, and who had crawled in here as
+well as they could.</p>
+
+<p>I had an excellent view of the further proceedings from this place.
+Right above us on the redoubt, from which we had driven the enemy, our
+artillery had now established themselves, and were slapping away as hard
+as they could at the gate. I could see every shot as it struck: they
+made some very clever shots, sending the balls all about the gate, and
+sometimes knocking down a portion of the bastion over it, considerably
+deranging the operations of the matchlock-men who were in it; but still
+the old gate would not fall. In the mean time, the advance companies,
+which had been in quiet possession of the gardens, inclosures, &amp;c.,
+since the beginning of the affair, were now ordered up to a wall about
+thirty yards in front of the doorway. They had to run over about three
+hundred yards of open country before they could get to it, exposed to a
+fire from the bastion over the door. I saw them make a splendid rush,
+but three poor fellows and a native water-bearer fell, whom I saw crawl
+under cover afterwards. All this time the artillery were banging away,
+but as they made so slight an impression on the gate, two guns of the
+Shah's were moved down the hill a little to our left, and within about
+one hundred and fifty yards of the gate. They fired two shots; the first
+made the old gate<a name="Page120"></a> shake; the second was more fortunate, and took it
+about the middle, and brought it completely down. Our men gave a general
+hurrah; and Outram galloping down the hill at full speed, gave the word,
+&quot;Forward;&quot; and General Willshire came up to us at his best pace, waving
+his hat, &quot;Forward, Queen's,&quot; he sung out, &quot;or the 17th will be in before
+you.&quot; On we rushed again for the gate as hard as we could; the enemy
+treated us to one more volley, by which they did some execution, and
+Dickenson was wounded in his leg, and then abandoning the lower defences
+of the town, retreated to the citadel.</p>
+
+<p>However, on entering the gate, we found matters not so easy as we
+expected. The streets were very narrow and so intricate that they formed
+a perfect labyrinth, and it was very difficult to make any progress
+through them. The men, therefore, soon got scattered about and broken
+into small parties; and some, I am afraid, thought of loot, or plunder,
+more than of endeavouring to find their way to the citadel. I forgot to
+mention that during the time we were under cover, the 17th and 31st
+Native Infantry had moved round the hill and taken up a position on our
+right. These two regiments were ordered forward and into the town and at
+the same time and the same gate as we were. The whole force, therefore,
+entered the town nearly together. I followed with a party of our men,
+and we pushed along as well as we could through streets, by-ways, &amp;c.<a name="Page121"></a>
+This was rather nervous work, as we never could tell what we had to
+expect before us; there was no open enemy to be seen, but whenever we
+came to an opening exposed to the citadel, a few bullets invariably came
+whizzing in about us, and knocked over a man or two; moreover, having
+the recollection of Ghuzni fresh in our minds, we expected every moment
+a rush of some desperate fellows from the narrow holes we passed
+through. After groping my way through narrow passages and all sorts of
+agreeable places, I found myself in the exact spot I had started
+from&mdash;viz., the gate by which we had entered. Here a man of our Light
+Company came and told me that he had discovered a way to the citadel,
+and begged me to put myself at the head of a few men there collected. Of
+course I did so, and in a short time we found ourselves in a large
+courtyard, with stables, &amp;c., full of horses and Beloochees; right under
+the windows of the citadel. These men cried out for &quot;aman,&quot; or &quot;mercy;&quot;
+but the soldiers recollecting the treachery that had been practised at
+Ghuzni in a similar case were going to shoot the whole kit of them. Not
+liking to see this done, I stopped their fire, and endeavoured to make
+the Beloochees come out of their holes and give themselves up. I was
+standing at this time in the centre of the court, and had heard a few
+shots whizzing rather close over my head, when I suddenly received a
+shock, which made me think at the moment I was smashed to bits, by a
+ball<a name="Page122"></a> from a ginjall, or native wall piece. I was knocked senseless to
+the ground, in which state I suppose I lay for a few minutes, and when I
+came to myself I found myself kicking away, and coughing up globules of
+clotted blood at a great pace. I thought at first I was as good as done
+for; however, on regaining a little strength, I looked around, and
+seeing none of our men in the place, and thinking it more than probable,
+from what I knew of their character, that the very men whom I had been
+endeavouring to save might take it into their heads to give me the
+&quot;<i>coup de grace</i>&quot; now I was left alone, I made a desperate effort, got
+on my legs, and managed to hobble out, when I soon found some of our
+men, who supported me until a dooly could be brought, into which I was
+placed, and was soon on my way to the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>You may imagine my feelings all this time to be anything but pleasant. I
+still continued coughing up blood, which was flowing also pretty freely
+from my side. The idea that you may probably have only a few hours
+longer to exist, with the many recollections that crowd into your mind
+at such a time, is anything but a delightful one; and the being so
+suddenly reduced from a state of vigorous activity to the sick, faintish
+feeling that came over me, by no means added to the <i>agremens</i> of my
+situation.</p>
+
+<p>I well recollect being carried through the gate, where General Willshire
+with his staff and the officers who had been left with the reserve
+companies<a name="Page123"></a> were, and who all pressed forward to see who the unfortunate
+fellow in the dooly was, when the low exclamation of &quot;Poor Holdsworth!&quot;
+and the mysterious and mournful shaking of heads which passed among
+them, by no means tended to enliven my spirits. I soon reached the place
+where the doctors, with their understrappers, were busily employed among
+the wounded, dying, and dead. I was immediately stripped and examined,
+and then, for the first time, heard that the ball had passed through and
+out of my body. I also now discovered that it had struck and gone
+through my arm as well. Being very anxious, I begged Hunter, the doctor,
+to let me know the worst. He shook his head, and told me &quot;he thought it
+a rather dangerous case, principally from my having spit so much blood.&quot;
+He had not time, however, to waste many words with me, as he had plenty
+of others to attend. Dickenson, also, I found here; having been wounded,
+as I before told you. He did all he could to keep my spirits up, but, as
+you may suppose, I felt still very far from being comfortable. Nor were
+the various objects that met my eye of a consolatory nature: men lying,
+some dead, others at their last gasp, while the agonizing groans of
+those who were undergoing operations at the hands of the hospital
+assistants, added to the horror of the scene. I may now say that I have
+seen, on a small scale, every different feature of a fight.</p>
+<a name="Page124"></a>
+<p>In the meantime, there had been sharp fighting in the citadel. Our men,
+after forcing their way through numerous dark passages, in sonic places
+so narrow and low that they were forced to crawl singly on their hands
+and knees, at length arrived there; but as there were a great number of
+approaches to this their last place of refuge, our men got broken up
+into small detached parties, and entered it at different places. One
+party reached the place where Mehrab Khan, at the head of the chiefs who
+had joined his standard, was sitting with his sword drawn, &amp;c. The
+others seemed inclined to surrender themselves, and raised the cry of
+&quot;Aman!&quot; but the Khan, springing on his feel, cried, &quot;Aman, nag!&quot;
+equivalent to &quot;Mercy be d&mdash;d,&quot; and blew his match; but all in vain, as
+he immediately received about three shots, which completely did his
+business; the one that gave him the &quot;<i>coup de grace</i>,&quot; and which went
+through his breast, being fired by a man of our regiment, named Maxwell.
+So fell Mehrab Khan, having fulfilled his promise to General Willshire,
+and died game, with his sword in his hand, in his own citadel.</p>
+
+<p>Other parties, however, were not so fortunate, as each being too weak,
+the enemy generally offered a determined resistance, and several, after
+giving themselves up, finding the numbers to whom they had surrendered
+smaller than they had at first appeared, turned upon them suddenly; for
+which, however, they<a name="Page125"></a> suffered in the long-run, as the soldiers, at
+last, maddened by this conduct, refused quarter, and fired at once into
+whatever party they met, without asking any questions.</p>
+
+<p>At length the few survivors, being driven to their last stronghold at
+the very top of the citadel, surrendered on condition of their lives
+being granted to them; when one loud and general &quot;hurrah!&quot; proclaimed
+around that Kelat was ours. The greatest part of the garrison had,
+however, before this managed to make their escape over the hills.
+Dickenson, while he was lying wounded by my side, saw quantities of them
+letting themselves down the walls of the citadel by means of ropes,
+shawls, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Dooly, the most faithful of his chiefs and followers, remained by Mehrab
+Khan to the last. These were all either taken prisoners or killed.
+Besides the Khan himself, the Dadur chief, who had been the cause of
+great annoyance to us in our way up, and the Governor of the Shawl
+district, were among the slain. The only two men of his council of any
+note among the survivors are at present prisoners in our camp, on their
+way to Bengal.</p>
+
+<p>Thus ended this short, but decisive affair, which I consider to be a
+much more gallant one than that of Ghuzni, both in regard to the numbers
+engaged on each side and the manner in which it was taken. We merely
+halted for an hour, and then went slap at it,<a name="Page126"></a> as if it was merely a
+continuation of our morning's march. General Willshire was exceedingly
+pleased with the result, as well he might be, and issued a very
+complimentary address to the force engaged, the next day. I hope and
+conclude his fortune will be made by it.</p>
+
+<p>The loss on our side at Kelat was, in proportion, a great deal greater
+than at Ghuzni. We had altogether about 1100 bayonets engaged, and the
+loss was 140, being about one in seven; of this loss, the Queen's bear a
+proportion equal to that of the other two regiments together, having
+returned about seventy in the butcher's bill out of 280, which was the
+number we brought into the field, being about one in four. Out of
+thirteen officers, we had one killed, four severely, and one slightly,
+wounded; twenty-three men were killed, and forty-one wounded, of whom
+some have died since, and most will feel the effect of their wounds till
+their dying day, as the greatest portion are body wounds.</p>
+
+<p>With regard to prize-money, I have no doubt that had things been even
+tolerably well managed, there would have been plenty of it, but we did
+not stay there long enough to search the place thoroughly. I hear also
+that the other part of the force that went down by the Bolan Pass claim
+to share with us, which we do not allow; so that, perhaps, it may get
+into the lawyers' hands, and then good-bye to it altogether, I<a name="Page127"></a> do not
+expect, under any circumstances, more than 100l. Some of the rooms of
+the citadel were very handsomely fitted up, particularly one in the old
+fellow's harem, which was one entire mirror, both sides and ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>We remained at Kelat till the 21st of November, and then marched by the
+Gundava Pass on this place. During the week that we remained there, my
+wounds continued doing very well, and I had very little fever; and on
+the third and fourth days after I was hit, the doctor considered me &quot;all
+right.&quot; On the two first days of our march, however, I caught a low
+fever, which left me on the third, and I have continued to grow
+gradually better ever since. We found the Gundava a much longer and more
+difficult pass than that of the Bolan, and could get very little grain
+or supplies either for ourselves or our cattle. Our march was perfectly
+unmolested, as by that time the new Khan had arrived at Kelat, and most
+of the principal chiefs had acknowledged him. I do not know, however,
+what has become of Mehrab Khan's eldest son, a lad of fifteen years old,
+who was bringing up a reinforcement to his father in our rear, while we
+were marching on Kelat, but did not arrive in the neighbourhood until
+after the place was taken. He, however, threatened us with a night
+attack while we were lying in front of it, so that we were on the alert,
+every one sleeping on his arms during the whole time we were there.</p>
+<a name="Page128"></a>
+<div class="poem">&quot;We laid not by our harness bright,</div>
+<div class="poem">&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither by day nor yet by night.&quot;</div>
+
+<p>During the whole of this time the weather set in dreadfully cold, colder
+than I ever experienced it anywhere in my life; sharp frosts, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Well; to cut the matter short, yesterday, the 7th of December, we
+arrived at this place, which is the same that we halted at for a week in
+our march up. Here, at length, we are in the land of plenty, and enjoy
+such luxuries as fresh eggs, butter, milk, vegetables, &amp;c., with a go&ucirc;t
+that those only can feel who have been so long without them as we have.
+We find the climate, however, very hot, and I am sorry to say that we
+are losing many fine fellows from the effect of the change. It is very
+painful to witness these poor fellows going off in this miserable
+manner, after surviving the chances of fire and steel, and all the
+harassing duties they have had to perform during the campaign, now when
+they have arrived at nearly the very end of it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Larkhanu, Dec. 24th</i>.&mdash;I have delayed sending this till our arrival
+here, as the communication between this and Bombay is perfectly open,
+which might not have been the case at Kotra. We have been here about a
+week, and report says that we are to finish our marching here, and drop
+down the river to Curachee in boats. I hope this may prove the case, as
+I am sure we have had marching enough for one campaign. Another report,
+however, says, that there is a<a name="Page129"></a> kick-up in the Punjab, and that we shall
+be detained in this country in consequence; but I do not think it
+likely.</p>
+
+<p>That part of our force which was not employed at Kelat went down by the
+Bolan Pass, and have suffered considerably from cholera, which luckily
+we have as yet escaped. The men that we have lost since our arrival in
+this low country have all died from complaints of the lungs, from which
+they were perfectly free in the cold country above the hills. Since
+writing the former part of this letter, I have received a letter from
+Kate, dated September 10th, which I will answer as soon I have finished
+this letter to you.</p>
+
+<p><i>December 25th, Christmas day</i>.&mdash;I hope to spend this evening more
+comfortably than I did last year, when I was on out-lying picket, the
+night before we commenced our first march. Now, I trust, we have
+finished our last. We have luckily met all our mess supplies here, which
+have been waiting for us about six months, having never managed to get
+further than Bukkur. So now it is a regular case of&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem">&quot;Who so merry as we in camp?</div>
+<div class="poem">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Danger over,</div>
+<div class="poem">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Live in clover,&quot; &amp;c.</div>
+
+<p>I have just heard that the order is out for our marching the day after
+to-morrow to the banks of the river, there to remain till the boats are
+ready. Now the campaign is so near its close, I feel very glad that<a name="Page130"></a> I
+have been on it, as it is a thing that a man does not see every day of
+his life in these times; and I consider it to be more lucky than
+otherwise that I have four holes in my body as a remembrance of it; but
+I cannot say that I relish a longer sojourn in India, unless we have the
+luck to be sent to China, which I should like very much, (fancy sacking
+Pekin, and kicking the Celestial Emperor from his throne,) as I do not
+think the climate has done me any good, but on the contrary.</p>
+
+<p>I do not know whether these wounds of mine will give me any claim;&mdash;and,
+talking about that, I would wish you to inquire whether or not I am
+entitled to any gratuity for them. I hear that officers returned
+&quot;wounded&quot; on the list in the Peninsular Campaign, no matter how slight
+the wound might have been, received a gratuity of one year's pay as a
+compensation; and this, I think, was called &quot;blood-money.&quot; I do not know
+how far this may be the case at present, but I do not think that 120l.
+ought to be lost sight of for want of a little inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>By-the-bye, I had nearly forgotten to say that I have received two
+letters from Eliza, which I will answer as soon as possible; but I do
+not think it safe to keep this open any longer, as I may lose the mail
+to Bombay; so must conclude, with best love to all at home,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Your very affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page131"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_XI"></a><h2>LETTER XI.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp Larkanu, Dec. 26th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR ELIZA,&mdash;I finished and sent off a letter to my father yesterday,
+giving an account of the storming of Kelat, and the wounds I received in
+the skrimmage, and telling him of everything that had happened since I
+wrote before, which was the day we left Cabool. You can see his letter,
+which gives a pretty full account of all our proceedings up to the
+present time.</p>
+
+<p>I have now to make many apologies for not having answered your two
+letters, one dated May 29th, giving an account of Kate's wedding, and
+the other, dated the 29th of July, from Bristol, and likewise for having
+forgotten to thank you for the money you were kind enough to send out
+with my father's, last year. I can assure you never came money more
+acceptable, as no one can imagine what expenses we have unavoidably been
+obliged to incur in this campaign,<a name="Page132"></a> which I suppose has cost officers
+more than any other campaign that ever was undertaken. I think there are
+few of us who have come off under 100l. besides our pay; and yet this
+was merely for the common necessaries of life,&mdash;just sufficient to keep
+body and soul together. I can assure you I feel very much obliged for
+your present, as also for the two letters which I received while on the
+march. I have often thought of Brookhill during the many dreary marches
+that we have made, and on the solitary out-lying pickets, with no one to
+speak to, and deplored my unlucky fate, in being obliged to leave home
+just as you seem to be comfortably settled there. Still I have hope that
+I may yet return, some day or other.</p>
+
+<p>I can now give you more definite intelligence with regard to our
+movements than I did in my father's letter; since sending off which
+orders have come out, and the campaign, as far as our regiment is
+concerned, is decidedly brought to a close. H.M. 17th, with Gen.
+Willshire, Baumgardt, and Head-quarter Staff, marched this morning for
+Bukkur, where they are to remain for four or five months, so report
+says, and longer than that I suppose, if their services are required.
+The Queen's, and the 4th Light Dragoons, are to return to Bombay as soon
+as the necessary arrangements for their transportation thither &amp;c. are
+completed. We march from this to-morrow for the banks of the river,
+about twelve miles, and shall probably remain there for three weeks or
+so, until the<a name="Page133"></a> shipping is got ready in Bombay, when we shall drop down
+the Indus in boats, and embark from Curachee for the Presidencies: would
+it were for England. Most of our married officers have obtained leave to
+precede the regiment, and are off in a day or two.</p>
+
+<p>I hope to see Lieutenant-Colonel Fane when we arrive at Bombay. His
+father, Sir H. Fane, has publicly and officially resigned the
+commander-in-chief-ship in favour of Sir Jasper Nicolls. Sir Henry has
+been dangerously unwell at Bombay; but report says he is now getting
+better. He intends sailing as soon as possible, I believe, and so will
+most likely be gone before we arrive there. Sir J. Keane has also
+resigned, and is to be succeded by Sir Thomas M'Mahon. It is not quite
+certain that we shall go to Bombay, as some say that we shall land at
+Cambay, and go up to Deesa, and others that we shall return to Belgaum.
+Last night we received Bombay papers, giving an account of the taking of
+Kelat. They have buttered us up pretty well, and seem to think it a much
+more gallant affair than that of Ghuzni&mdash;in this last particular they
+are only doing us justice.</p>
+
+<p><i>Dec. 30th, Camp, Taggur Bundur; Banks of the Indus</i>.&mdash;We arrived here
+the day before yesterday, and are likely to remain, I believe, a
+fortnight or so. We muster rather small, as most of the married officers
+are off to-day and yesterday. As to my wounds, I have only one hole
+still open&mdash;namely, the one through which the bullet took its final
+departure,<a name="Page134"></a> and that, I think, will be closed in a day or two. I am
+sorry to say that since arriving here I have caught a &quot;cruel cold,&quot; from
+which I am suffering severely at present.</p>
+
+<p>By-the-bye, there are a few incidents connected with the taking of Kelat
+which I forgot to mention in my letter to my father. Mehrab Khan, the
+chief of Kelat, managed to send away all his harem and family on the
+morning of the fight, directly we were seen approaching, but his other
+chiefs were not so fortunate, and the greater part of them deliberately
+cut the throats of all the females belonging to their establishments,
+including wives, mothers, and daughters, as soon as we established
+ourselves within the town, rather than suffer them to fall into the
+hands of us infidels. I forgot, I think, also, to mention that I managed
+to procure rather a handsome Koran, which was found in the citadel, and
+also an excellent Damascus blade, both of which I intend giving to my
+father, and a few articles of native costume, which would go far to make
+up a neat fancy dress, but it is not quite complete. A great number of
+handsome articles were stolen by the camp followers and other rascals,
+worse luck for us poor wounded officers, who could not help ourselves.
+We were rather surprised at finding some excellent European articles in
+the shape of double-barrelled guns, pistols, beautiful French musical
+boxes, prints, looking-glasses, and pier-glasses, &amp;c., in the rooms of
+the citadel. Where Mehrab Khan could have picked them up I cannot<a name="Page135"></a>
+think, unless they were the result of some successful foray on some
+unfortunate caravan.</p>
+
+<p>The day after the fight, Captain Outram, of whom I have so often spoken
+in my letters to my father, volunteered to take the dispatches to
+Bombay, and started for that purpose straight across country to Someanee
+Bay, on the sea-coast, a distance of 350 miles, and across the barren
+mountains that compose the greatest part of Beloochistan. This route had
+up to that time never been traversed by any European, except Pottinger,
+who passed through all these countries twenty years ago, disguised as a
+native. It was attempted last year by Captain Harris, of the Bombay
+Engineers, author of the &quot;African Excursions,&quot; a very enterprising
+officer, and who landed at Someanee Bay for that purpose; but after
+getting about twenty miles into the interior, reported the route as
+impracticable. When this is taken into consideration, with the great
+chance there was of Captain Outram's falling into the hands of the many
+straggling fugitives from Kelat, and the well-known character of these
+<i>gentlemen</i>, now smarting under the painful feeling of being driven from
+their homes, &amp;c., it must be confessed that it required no little pluck
+to undertake it. The plan proved, however, perfectly successful. He
+travelled in the disguise of an Afghan Peer or holy man, under the
+guidance of two Afghan Seyds, a race of men much looked up to and
+respected in all Mahomedan countries, on account of their obtaining,<a name="Page136"></a>
+[whether true or not, I know not] a pure descent from the Prophet.
+Outram and his party fell in with several bands of fugitives, and
+actually came up and were obliged to travel a day or two with the harem
+and escort of Mehrab Khan's brother. As there was a chance of Outram's
+being discovered by this party, the Seyd introduced him in the character
+of a Peer, which holy disguise he had to support during the whole
+journey; and after some extraordinary escapes he arrived at Someanee Bay
+in seven or eight days.</p>
+
+<p>Our sick and wounded have been left behind at Kelat, under the charge of
+an officer of the 17th, since which things have gone on very smoothly
+there. The new Khan has been very accommodating, and has given f&ecirc;tes,
+&amp;c., to the officers left behind, in honour of our gallantry. He has
+also written to General Willshire to say that he intends giving us all a
+medal each, whether we are allowed to wear it or not, as he does not see
+why, if the Shah did it for Ghuzni, he might not do it also for Kelat.
+Lord Auckland has published an order that all regiments belonging to the
+Company that went beyond the Bolan Pass shall wear Afghanistan on their
+colours and appointments, and all engaged at Ghuzni that name also; and
+has written to the Queen for permission for Queen's regiments employed
+in like manner to bear the same. I suppose we shall get Kelat in
+addition.</p>
+
+<p>There is one other point which, in my hurry to get<a name="Page137"></a> my letter off in
+time for the January mail, I totally forgot to mention&mdash;viz., about
+drawing some money on my father. I have before mentioned the great
+expense we have been put to in this campaign; in addition to this, when
+we were ordered from Quettah to take Kelat, we were also under orders to
+return to Quettah after having taken the place. A sergeant was therefore
+left behind at Quettah to take charge of whatever effects any person
+might leave, and officers were strongly advised to leave the greater
+part of their kit at this place. I, as well as most of my brother
+officers, was foolish enough to follow this advice, and brought only a
+bundle of linen; consequently now I am almost minus everything;
+dress-coat, appointments, are all left behind, as General Willshire,
+after the taking of Kelat, instead of returning to Quettah, proceeded
+into Cutch Gundava by the Gundava Pass. Nothing has been since heard of
+what we have left behind, except that the sergeant could not get camels
+or carriage sufficient to bring them down. Moreover, it is unsafe to go
+through the Bolan Pass without a tolerably strong escort; so, taking all
+things into consideration, I do not think there is much chance of our
+ever seeing anything of them again. The consequences will be, that, on
+our arrival at Bombay, I shall be obliged to get an entire new fit out,
+and as the campaign has drained me dry, I shall be obliged to draw upon
+my father for it; however, I will repay him by the end of the year, as
+by that time<a name="Page138"></a> the Company will have given us half a year's full batta,
+which they intend doing as a sort of indemnification for the losses we
+have sustained on the campaign; my batta will be about 72l.</p>
+
+<p>I do not think I have any more to say, and as the January overland sails
+on the 25th, I hope this letter will reach Bombay in time to go by it,
+as well as my father's. By-the-bye, how is old Nelly? If she has any
+good pups, I wish you would manage to keep one for me, as I expect the
+old girl will be either dead or very old by the time I return. I am
+longing to get out of the &quot;Sick-list,&quot; as the thickets here near the
+river are full of partridges and hares, and the climate, at this time of
+the year, is very cool and pleasant. My rheumatism is much better since
+I was wounded; but I still have it in my left arm. Well, no more; but
+wishing you, and all, a happy new year.</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Believe me ever your very affectionate brother,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page139"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_XII"></a><h2>LETTER XII.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, Curachee, Feb. 14th, 1840.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;You will see, by my date, that our share of the
+campaign is ended; in fact, we are only waiting here for shipping, which
+is on its way from Bombay, to take us from this place to Mandavie, in
+Cutch, where we land, and then march immediately to Deesa, in Guzerat;
+so that, after all our toilsome marches, &amp;c., we have yet another, still
+more toilsome, before us of 240 miles. The climate of Cutch and Guzerat
+during the period of year that we shall be occupied in marching is so
+hot that no changes of station are ever made even by native corps, and
+Europeans are never allowed to march in Guzerat except during the cold
+months. It is sharp work on our poor men; many of whom appear very unfit
+for it; but they are now so accustomed to hard work, that they will get
+well through it I have little doubt.</p>
+<a name="Page140"></a>
+<p>We left Tuggur Bandur, from which place I wrote to Eliza and Kate, on
+the 13th of January, and drifted quietly down the river in boats,
+pulling up and coming to an anchor every evening at sunset. We reached
+Tatta Bundur, about five miles from the town, on the 21st, and after
+staying there a few days, started again for this place, which we reached
+in five marches, on the 31st. We were immediately most hospitably
+entertained by the officers of H.M. 40th, which is an excellent
+regiment. Here we have been ever since, living on the fat of the land,
+and enjoying ourselves very much, after all our toils. This is now a
+rather considerable station: one Queen's and one Company's regiment, and
+detail of foot artillery, and plenty of European supplies brought by the
+Bombay merchants. It is a very decent climate; and would make a very
+good station. I wish they would leave us here in place of sending us to
+Deesa, at this time of the year. Sir John Keane, General Willshire, and
+the Bombay staff are expected here in a day or two. Sir John is bringing
+down with him Hyder Khan, Dost Mahomed's son, who commanded at Ghuzni
+when it was taken. He is to be brought to Bombay, and as he is of a very
+quiet, amiable disposition, will, so report says, be eventually allowed
+to join his father. Poor Dost, they say, is in a very bad way, deserted
+by nearly all his followers; but there still seems to be mischief
+brewing in the north-west. All accounts say that Bokhara is very much<a name="Page141"></a>
+inclined to the Russian interest, and Shah Kamran's vizier at Herat has
+been carrying on a correspondence with the Persians, the object of which
+is said to be the delivery of Herat into their hands. The Punjab is also
+in a very unsettled state; so there are plenty of materials for getting
+up another row in these countries before long. War is most positively
+said to be decided on with China, and seven regiments, to be followed by
+a reserve of equal number, together with a considerable naval force, are
+to be sent there as soon as possible. Lord Auckland, we are told, has
+had <i>carte blanche</i> from the Home government to act as he thinks fit
+with regard to China, and that he has determined upon a hostile movement
+as soon as this campaign is regularly finished, which it may be said to
+be; so there will be glorious fun there. It is not yet known here what
+regiments will go. I am afraid there is little chance for the Queen's.</p>
+
+<p>The 4th Light Dragoons have arrived here, having come down by land; they
+are to return to their old quarters at Kickee, near Poonah. The 17th may
+also be expected in a few days; they are to occupy our old quarters at
+Belgaum. The 18th (Royal Irish) have come on from Ceylon, and are to go
+to Poonah; and the 6th go home (to England) as soon as possible. This is
+understood to be the destination of each regiment, but this affair with
+China may cause an alteration.</p>
+<a name="Page142"></a>
+<p>I am very sorry to mention the unfortunate death of poor little Halkett,
+one of my best friends, and the son of General Halkett, of Hanover, who
+was so very civil to me while I was there, and nephew of Sir Colin
+Halkett.</p>
+
+<p>Since we have been here, I have received your letter, dated November
+2nd, by which it appears that you had just then heard of the taking of
+Ghuzni. You mentioned, also, in it that you had received my letter from
+Candahar, which I am very glad to hear, as I was very much afraid, from
+the state of the country, that it would never reach its destination. As
+you mention nothing about it, I suppose you had not received the letter
+I wrote from Ghuzni almost immediately after the capture. I know many
+letters were lost about that time, and mine, I am afraid, among the
+number. There is a report here (but I think, too good to be true) that
+all officers with the advance, or storming, party at Ghuzni, consisting
+of the light companies of the European regiments, were to get brevet
+rank. In that case, as the company to which I belong&mdash;viz, the
+Light&mdash;was one of the number, and, in fact, headed the assault, Capt
+Holdsworth would be my future rank. Tell Eliza that I got her letter
+which was enclosed in yours, and was very much surprised at its
+contents.</p>
+
+<p>I do not know what to say about Deesa as station, reports are so various
+on the subject. The heat, I believe is awful in the hot weather the
+thermometer<a name="Page143"></a> rising to 120 in the houses; and the worst part of the
+business is, that this heat, which is occasioned by the hot winds, lasts
+all night through; so that the night is nearly as hot as the day. At
+other times of the year, I believe, the climate is very pleasant. The
+40th give a very good account of it. There is a great quantity of game
+there, and some of the best hog-hunting in India. Mount Aboo, called the
+Parnassus of India, is within fifty miles of it, and is a great place of
+resort during the hot weather.</p>
+
+<p>Should this expedition to China take place, which seems decided upon at
+present, what an immense power the English will eventually have in the
+East. In a few years, I have no doubt it may extend from Herat to the
+most eastern parts of China, including all the islands in the adjacent
+seas. Like the Romans, England seems to be extending her dominion
+everywhere&mdash;&quot;super et Garamantes et Indos, proferet imperium,&quot; and yet
+what a row she kicks up about Russia. The French papers seem to be
+rather jealous about Ghuzni. How the English papers butter it up! and
+yet it was not half so brilliant an affair as Kelat, nor so hardly
+contested; but very little is said about the latter.</p>
+
+<p>Enclosed, I send you a view of the north front of Kelat, shewing the
+gate by which we entered. It gives you a pretty good idea of the place,
+and was drawn by Lieutenant Creed, of the Engineers.</p>
+
+<p>I went yesterday to see a tank, about seven miles<a name="Page144"></a> from this place, in
+which are a great quantity of alligators, half tame. The tank in which
+they are belongs to a Mahomedan temple, which is considered a very holy
+one, and much resorted to, and these animals are kept there by the
+priests of the establishment, in order to induce a greater number of
+visitors. A calf was killed and thrown in among the scaly gentlemen, who
+very soon demolished it. I never saw anything so loathesome and
+repulsive as these monsters.</p>
+
+<p>This letter goes by the &quot;Hannah&quot; packet, which sails this evening for
+Bombay, and will, I hope, reach that place in time to go by the
+&quot;overland packet.&quot; I suppose you know that this is classic ground, and
+the place from which Nearchus, Alexander's admiral, started on his
+return to the Euphrates. I have no time for more. So, with love to all
+at home,</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Believe me your affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page145"></a>
+<a name="LETTER_XIII"></a><h2>LETTER XIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="justright">Deesa, April 21st, 1840.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR FATHER,&mdash;I received your letter, dated January 18th, about the
+beginning of this month, while on our march from Mandavie to this place.
+I see by the papers that the news of the taking of Kelat had readied
+England, as I find my name mentioned in the &quot;Western Luminary,&quot; which
+came out in this overland. I wrote you last from Curachee, about the
+beginning or middle of February. We stayed there till the 20th. A few
+days before we left, Lord Keane and suite arrived, bringing with him
+Hyder Khan, the captured chief of Ghuzni. While there, Lord Keane
+presented new colours to the 40th regiment, which we had an opportunity
+of witnessing. He and all his party have since gone home.</p>
+
+<p>On the 20th, I, with my company under my command, embarked for Mandavie,
+in Cutch, where we arrived in two days, in Patamars, and waited till the<a name="Page146"></a>
+whole regiment came down, which they did by companies, so that it was
+the 10th of March before we were able to start for this place.</p>
+
+<p>We arrived here on the 4th of this month, pushing on as fast as we
+could, as the commanding officer was anxious to get the men under cover,
+on account of the great heat. There was excellent shooting the whole way
+up; and if it had been the cold season, I should have enjoyed the march
+amazingly; but it was too hot to venture out. On arrival here we found
+about three hundred recruits, who had arrived since we went on service,
+and about fifty of the men we left behind us; also seven new officers.
+As I have a company under my command I have scarcely had a moment to
+myself since I have been here; what with fitting and getting the
+recruits in order, and new clothing the old hands, you have no
+conception what tedious work it is getting into quarters.</p>
+
+<p>I have bought a very comfortable little bungalo for four hundred rupees.
+We were promised our full batta on our arrival here; but, although the
+Bengalees, it is said, received theirs some time ago, yet there is a
+screw loose, I fear, somewhere in the Bombay, and that it may be some
+time before we get ours, and that it will not be as much as the
+Bengalees: so much for being in an inferior Presidency. This is a great
+disappointment, after our losses on the campaign.</p>
+
+<p>With regard to this place, I have not been long<a name="Page147"></a> enough in it to form an
+opinion. Its appearance is decidedly against it, the soil being nothing
+but a barren sandy desert, with the low hills of the Aravulles to the
+eastward, running north to the mountain Aboo, the Parnassus of
+Hindostan. The last week has been oppressive, and hot in the extreme;
+and this is but the commencement of the hot weather, which I am told
+will last about six weeks longer, when a very slight monsoon comes on,
+and lasts at intervals till the end of October, when the cold season
+commences, which is said to be very pleasant. There is a lot of game
+here of every description, including lions; and it is one of the best
+hog-hunting stations in India.</p>
+
+<p>Our men, to the surprise of everybody, were very healthy in the march
+up; and since they have been here, and not having their knapsacks to
+carry, knocked off their work in grand style. The men we have brought
+back with us are well-seasoned, hardy fellows, and I would back them to
+march against any soldiers in the world.</p>
+
+<p>I suppose you have long ere this received Stisted's letter and mine
+about Kelat. Colonel Arnold<a name="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1"><sup>[A]</sup></a> died at Cabool whilst we were there, and
+was buried with a magnificent military funeral in the Armenian
+burial-ground.</p>
+<a name="Page148"></a>
+<p>I am sorry to say that, as I predicted, the spear which I took at the
+storming of Ghuzni has been broken to pieces through the carelessness of
+my servants. I have, however, the Koran and sword from Kelat; and I
+think I shall be able to get a matchlock taken at that place,&mdash;a very
+good specimen of the sort of thing I was wounded by; perhaps it may be
+the identical one. The sword I left in Cutch, in my way up from
+Mandavie, to be put to rights, as the workmen of that country are the
+best in India, I will try if I can get another weapon, as a remembrance
+of Ghuzni. I brought down from Cabool as far as Quettah a very good
+specimen of the Kyber knife, a very cut-throat sort of instrument, with
+which every Afghan is armed. I sent it down with my other things through
+the Bolan Pass, when we turned off to Kelat, and I am sorry to say it
+was stolen.</p>
+
+<p>You write about old &mdash;&mdash;: did I never mention him to you? He is here;
+but was not with us on the campaign, being too unwell when we started.
+Though not an old man, he is a very old soldier for an Indian, and is
+nearly worn out: he is anxious to get his discharge at the end of the
+year, when he will have served his twenty-one years, and be entitled to
+a decent pension. He is a very straight-forward, blunt, honest old
+fellow, and when he first joined was a very powerful man, and the best
+wrestler in the regiment, thereby proving his South Devon blood. He<a name="Page149"></a> was
+----'s servant when I joined, and I was delighted at hearing the South
+Devon dialect again, which he speaks with so much truth and native
+elegance that you would imagine he had but just left his native village.
+There were a great many Devonshire men in the regiment; we lost one, a
+very fine young man in the Grenadiers, in coming down from Kelat to
+Cutch Gundava, by the same chest complaint that carried off so many: he
+was a native of Tiverton.</p>
+
+<p>Well; it is twelve o'clock, and I am afraid I shall be too late for the
+post; so good bye.</p>
+
+<p class="salute">Your affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="name">T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /><a name="Page150"></a><a name="Page151"></a>
+<a name="Page152"></a><a name="Page153"></a>
+<a name="APPENDIX"></a><h2>APPENDIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>FALL OF GHUZNI, &amp; ENTRANCE OF THE BRITISH<br />
+ARMY INTO CABOOL.</h3>
+
+<h5><i>(From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of<br />
+ August 29th, 1839.)</i></h5>
+<br />
+
+<h4>SECRET DEPARTMENT.</h4>
+
+<p class="justright">Bombay Castle, Aug 29th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The Honourable the Governor in Council has the highest satisfaction in
+republishing the following notification issued by the Right Honourable
+the Governor-General, announcing the capture by storm of the town and
+fortress of Ghuzni, as also the general order issued on the occasion by
+his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H.,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus. By order of the Honourable
+the Governor in Council,</p>
+
+<p class="name">L.R. REID, Acting Chief Secretary.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h4>NOTIFICATION.&mdash;SECRET DEPARTMENT.</h4>
+
+<p class="justright">Simla, August 18th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The Right Hon. the Governor-General of India has great gratification in
+publishing, for general information, a copy of a report this<a name="Page154"></a> day
+received from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, announcing the capture, by
+storm, on the 23d ult., of the important fortress of Ghuzni.</p>
+
+<p>A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies. By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed)&nbsp; T.H. MADDOCK,</p>
+<p class="justright">Officiating Secretary to the Government of</p>
+<p class="justright">India, with the Governor-General.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h4>TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.</h4>
+
+<p>MY LORD,&mdash;I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship that the
+army under my command have succeeded in performing one of the most
+brilliant acts it has ever been my lot to witness during my service of
+forty-five years in the four quarters of the globe, in the capture, by
+storm, of the strong and important fortress and citadel of Ghuzni
+yesterday.</p>
+
+<p>It is not only that the Afghan nation, and, I understand, Asia generally
+have looked upon it as impregnable; but it is in reality a place of
+great strength, both by nature and art, far more so than I had reason to
+suppose from any description that I had received of it, although some
+are from others in our own service who had seen it in their travels.</p>
+
+<p>I was surprised to find a high rampart in good repair, built on a
+scarped mound about thirty-five feet high, flanked by numerous towers,
+and surrounded by a fausse brayze and a wet ditch, whilst the height of
+the citadel covered the interior from the commanding fire of the hills
+from the north, rendering it nugatory. In addition to this, screen walls
+had been built before the gates, the ditch was filled with water, and
+unfordable, and an outwork built on the right bank of the river so as to
+command the bed of it.</p>
+<a name="Page155"></a>
+<p>It is therefore the more honourable to the troops, and must appear to
+the enemy out of all calculation extraordinary, that a fortress and
+citadel to the strength of which, for the last thirty years, they had
+been adding something each year, and which had a garrison of 3500 Afghan
+soldiers, commanded by Prince Mahomed Hyder, the son of Dost Mahomed
+Khan, the ruler of the country, with a commanding number of guns, and
+abundance of ammunition, and other stores, provisions, &amp;c., for regular
+siege, should have been taken by British science and British valour in
+less than two hours from the time the attack was made, and the whole,
+including the governor and garrison, should fall into our hands.</p>
+
+<p>My dispatch of the 20th instant, from Nanee, will have made known to
+your Lordship that the camps of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+of Major-General Willshire, with the Bombay troops, had there joined me
+in accordance with my desire, and the following morning we made our
+march of twelve miles to Ghuzni, the line of march being over a fine
+plain. The troops were disposed in a manner that would have enabled me
+at any moment, had we been attacked, as was probable, from the large
+bodies of troops moving on each side of us, to have placed them in
+position to receive the enemy. They did not, however, appear; but on our
+coming within range of the guns of the citadel and fortress of Ghuzni, a
+sharp cannonade was opened on our leading column, together with a heavy
+fire of musketry from behind garden walls, and temporary field-works
+thrown up, as well as the strong outwork I have already alluded to,
+which commanded the bed of the river from all but the outwork. The enemy
+were driven in under the walls of the fort in a spirited manner by
+parties thrown forward by Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, of the
+16th and 48th Bengal Native Infantry, and her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, under Brigadier Sale. I ordered forward three troops of horse
+artillery, the camel battery, and one foot battery, to open upon the
+citadel and fortress, by throwing shrapnel shells, which was done in a
+masterly style under the direction of Brigadier Stephenson. My object in
+this was to make<a name="Page156"></a> the enemy shew their strength in guns, and in other
+respects, which completely succeeded, and our shells must have done
+great execution, and occasioned great consternation. Being perfectly
+satisfied on the point of their strength in the course of half an hour,
+I ordered the fire to cease, and placed the troops in bivouac. A close
+reconnoissance of the place all around was then undertaken by Captain
+Thomson, the chief engineer, and Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+accompanied by Major Garden, the Deputy Quartermaster-General of the
+Bombay army, supported by a strong party of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+and one from her Majesty's 18th Light Infantry. On this party a steady
+fire was kept up, and some casualties occurred. Captain Thomson's report
+was very clear, he found the fortifications equally strong all round;
+and, as my own opinion coincided with him, I did not hesitate a moment
+as to the manner in which our approach and attack upon the place should
+be made. Notwithstanding the march the troops had performed in the
+morning, and then having been a considerable time engaged with the
+enemy, I ordered the whole to move across the river (which runs close
+under the fort wall) in columns, to the right and left of the town, and
+they were placed in opposition on the north side on more commanding
+ground, and securing the Cabool road. I had information that a night
+attack upon the camp was intended from without. Mahomed Ubzul Khan, the
+eldest son of Dost Mahomed Khan, had been sent by his father with a
+strong body of troops from Cabool to the brother's assistance at Ghuzni,
+and was encamped outside the walls, but abandoned his position on our
+approach, keeping, however, at the distance of a few miles from us. The
+two rebel chiefs of the Ghiljee tribe, men of great influence&mdash;viz.,
+Abdool Rhuman and Gool Mahomed Khan, had joined him with 1500 horse, and
+also a body of about 3000 Ghazees from Zeimat, under a mixture of chiefs
+and mollahs, carrying banners, and who had been assembled on the cry of
+a religious war. In short, we were in all directions surrounded by
+enemies. These last actually came down the hills on the 22nd, and
+attacked the part of<a name="Page157"></a> the camp occupied by his Majesty Shah Shooja and
+his own troops, but were driven back with considerable loss, and banners
+taken.</p>
+
+<p>At daylight on the 22nd I reconnoitered Ghuzni, in company with the
+chief engineer and the brigadier commanding the artillery, with the
+adjutant and quartermaster-general of the Bengal army, for the purpose
+of making all arrangements for carrying the place by storm, and these
+were completed in the course of the day. Instead of the tedious process
+of breaching, (for which we were ill prepared,) Captain Thomson
+undertook, with the assistance of Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+Lieutenants Durand and Macleod, of the Bengal Engineers, and other
+officers under him, (Captain Thomson,) to blow in the Cabool gate, the
+weakest point, with gunpowder; and so much faith did I place on the
+success of this operation that my plans for the assault were immediately
+laid down and the orders given.</p>
+
+<p>The different troops of horse artillery, the camel and foot batteries,
+moved off their ground at twelve o'clock that night, without the
+slightest noise, as had been directed, and in the most correct manner
+took up the position assigned them, about 250 yards from the walls. In
+like manner, and with the same silence, the infantry soon after moved
+from their ground, and all were at their post at the proper time. A few
+minutes before three o'clock in the morning the explosion took place,
+and proved completely successful. Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+was thrown down and stunned by it, but shortly after recovered his
+senses and feeling. On hearing the advance sounded by the bugle, (being
+the signal for the gate having been blown in,) the artillery, under the
+able directions of Brigadier Stevenson, consisting of Captain Grant's
+troop of Bengal Horse Artillery, the camel battery, under Captain
+Abbott, both superintended by Major Pew, Captains Martin and Cotgrave's
+troops of Bombay Horse Artillery, and Captain Lloyd's battery of Bombay
+Foot Artillery, all opened a terrific fire upon the citadel and ramparts
+of the fort, and, in a certain degree, paralysed the enemy.</p>
+<a name="Page158"></a>
+<p>Under the guidance of Captain Thomson, of The Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of the department, Colonel Dennie of her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, commanding the advance, consisting of the light companies of
+her Majesty's 2nd and 17th regiments of Foot, and of the Bengal European
+regiment, with one company, of her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+proceeded to the gate, and with great difficulty, from the rubbish
+thrown down, and determined opposition offered by the enemy, effected an
+entrance, and established themselves within the gateway closely followed
+by the main column, led in a spirit of great gallantry by Brigadier
+Sale, to whom I had entrusted the important post of commanding the
+storming party, consisting (with the advance above-mentioned) of her
+Majesty's 2nd Foot, under Major Carruthers; the Bengal European
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, under Major Thomson; and her Majesty's 17th
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. The struggle within the fort
+was desperate for a considerable time. In addition to the heavy file
+kept up, our troops were assailed by the enemy sword in hand, and with
+daggers, pistols, &amp;c.; but British courage, perseverance, and fortitude,
+overcame all opposition, and the fire of the enemy in the lower area of
+the fort being nearly silenced, Brigadier Sale turned towards the
+citadel, from which could now be seen men abandoning the guns, running
+in all directions, throwing themselves down from immense heights,
+endeavouring to make their escape; and on reaching the gate with her
+Majesty's 17th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, followed by the 13th,
+forced it open at five o'clock in the morning. The colours of her
+Majesty's 13th and 17th were planted on the citadel of Ghuzni amidst the
+cheers of all ranks. Instant protection was granted to the women found
+in the citadel, (among whom were those of Mahomed Hyder, the governor)
+and sentries placed over the magazine for its security. Brigadier Sale
+reports having received much assistance from Captain Kershaw, of her
+Majesty's 13th Light Infantry, throughout the whole of the service of
+the storming. </p>
+<a name="Page159"></a>
+<p>Major General Sir Willoughby Cotton executed in a manner much to my
+satisfaction the orders he had received. The Major General followed
+closely the assaulting party into the fort with the reserve&mdash;namely,
+Brigadier Roberts, with the only available regiment of his brigade; the
+35th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; part of
+Brigadier Sale's brigade, the 16th Native Infantry, under Major
+Maclaren; and 48th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler;
+and they immediately occupied the ramparts, putting down opposition
+whenever they met any, and making prisoners, until the place was
+completely in our possession A desultory fire was kept up in the town
+long after the citadel was in our hands, from those who had taken
+shelter in houses, and in desperation kept firing on all that approached
+them. In this way several of our men were wounded, and some killed, but
+the aggressors paid dearly for their bad conduct in not surrendering
+when the place was completely ours. I must not omit to mention that
+three companies of the 35th Native Infantry, under Captain Hay, ordered
+to the south side of the fort to begin with a false attack, to attract
+attention on that side, performed that service at the proper time, and
+greatly to my satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>As we were threatened with an attack for the relief of the garrison, I
+ordered the 19th Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant
+Colonel Stalker, to guard the Cabool road, and to be in support of the
+cavalry division. This might have proved an important position to
+occupy, but as it was, no enemy appeared.</p>
+
+<p>The cavalry division, under Major-General Thackwell, in addition to
+watching the approach of an enemy, had directions to surround Ghuzni,
+and to sweep the plain, preventing the escape of runaways from the
+garrison. Brigadier Arnold's brigade&mdash;the Brigadier himself, I deeply
+regret to say, was labouring under very severe illness, having shortly
+before burst a blood-vessel internally, which rendered it wholly
+impossible for him to mount a horse that day&mdash;consisting of her
+Majesty's 16th Lancers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Persse, temporarily
+commanding the brigade, and Major<a name="Page160"></a> Mac Dowell, the junior major of the
+regiment, (the senior major of the 16th Lancers Major Cureton, an
+officer of great merit, being actively engaged in the execution of his
+duties as Assistant Adjutant-General to the cavalry division,) the 2nd
+Cavalry, under Major Salter, and the 3rd, under Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith, were ordered to watch the south and west sides. Brigadier Scott's
+brigade were placed on the Cabool road, consisting of her Majesty's 4th
+Light Dragoons, under Major Daly, and of the 1st Bombay Cavalry under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Sandwith, to watch the north and east sides: this
+duty was performed in a manner greatly to my satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>After the storming, and that quiet was in some degree restored within, I
+conducted his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and the British Envoy and
+Minister, Mr. Macnaghten, round the citadel and a great part of the
+fortress. The king was perfectly astonished at our having made ourselves
+masters of a place conceited to be impregnable, when defended, in the
+short space of two hours, and in less than forty-eight hours after we
+came before it. His Majesty was, of course, greatly delighted at the
+result. When I afterwards, in the course of the day, took Mahomed Hyder
+Khan, the governor, first to the British Minister, and then to the King,
+to make his submission, I informed his Majesty that I had made a promise
+that his life should not be touched, and the King, in very handsome
+terms, assented, and informed Mahomed Hyder, in my presence, that
+although he and his family had been rebels, yet he was willing to forget
+and forgive all.</p>
+
+<p>Prince Mahomed Hyder, the Governor of Ghuzni, is a prisoner of war in my
+camp, and under the surveillance of Sir Alexander Burnes, an arrangement
+very agreeable to the former.</p>
+
+<p>From Major General Sir W. Cotton, commanding the 1st infantry division,
+(of the Bengal army,) I have invariably received the strongest support;
+and on this occasion his exertions were manifest in support of the
+honour of the profession and of our country.</p>
+
+<p>I have likewise, at all times, received able assistance from
+Major-General<a name="Page161"></a> Willshire, commanding the 2nd infantry division, (of the
+Bombay army,) which it was found expedient on that day to break up, some
+for the storming party, and some for other duties. The Major-General, as
+directed, was in attendance upon myself.</p>
+
+<p>To Brigadier Sale I feel deeply indebted for the gallant and soldierlike
+manner in which he conducted the responsible and arduous duty entrusted
+to him in command of the storming party, and for the arrangements he
+made in the citadel immediately after taking possession of it. The sabre
+wound which he received in the face did not prevent his continuing to
+direct his column until everything was secure; and I am happy in the
+opportunity of bringing to your Lordship's notice the excellent conduct
+of Brigadier Sale on this occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Brigadier Stevenson, in command of the Artillery, was all I could wish;
+and he reports that Brigade-Majors Backhouse and Coghlan ably assisted
+him. His arrangements were good; and the execution done by the arm he
+commands, was such as cannot be forgotten by those of the enemy who have
+witnessed and survived it.</p>
+
+<p>To Brigadier Roberts, to Colonel Dennie, who commanded the advance, and
+to the different officers commanding regiments already mentioned, as
+well is to the other officers, and gallant soldiers under them, who so
+nobly maintained the honour and reputation of our country, my best
+acknowledgments are due.</p>
+
+<p>To Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the chief of the department
+with me, much of the credit of the success of this brilliant
+<i>coup-de-main</i> is due. A place of the same strength, and by such simple
+means as this highly-talented and scientific officer recommended to be
+tried, has, perhaps, never before been taken; and I feel I cannot do
+sufficient justice to Captain Thomson's merits for his conduct
+throughout. In the execution he was ably supported by the officers
+already mentioned; and so eager were the other officers of the Engineers
+of both Presidencies for the honour of carrying the powder bags, that
+the point could only be decided by seniority, which shews the fine
+feeling by which they were animated.</p>
+<a name="Page162"></a>
+<p>I must now inform your Lordship, that since I joined the Bengal column
+in the Valley of Shawl, I have continued my march with it in the
+advance; and it has been my good fortune to have had the assistance of
+two most efficient staff-officers in Major Craigie, Deputy
+Adjutant-General, and Major Garden, Deputy Quartermaster-General. It is
+but justice to those officers that I should state to your Lordship the
+high satisfaction I have derived from the manner in which all then
+duties have been performed up to this day, and that I look upon them as
+promising officers to fill the higher ranks. To the other officers of
+both departments I am also much indebted for the correct performance of
+all duties appertaining to their situations.</p>
+
+<p>To Major Keith, the Deputy Adjutant-General, and Major Campbell, the
+Deputy Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army, and to all the other
+officers of both departments under them, my acknowledgments are also
+due, for the manner in which their duties have been performed during
+this campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Alexander, commanding the 4th Bengal Local Horse, and Major
+Cunningham, commanding the Poona Auxiliary Horse, with the men under
+their orders, have been of essential service to the army in this
+campaign.</p>
+
+<p>The arrangements made by Superintending-Surgeons Kennedy and Atkinson
+previous to the storming, for affording assistance and comfort to the
+wounded, met with my approval.</p>
+
+<p>Major Parsons, the Deputy Commissary-General, in charge of the
+department in the field, has been unremitting in his attention to keep
+the troops supplied, although much difficulty is experienced, and he is
+occasionally thwarted by the nature of the country and its inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>I have throughout this service received the utmost assistance I could
+derive from Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonald, my officiating military
+secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-General of her Majesty's Forces, Bombay;
+from Captain Powell, my Persian interpreter, and the other officers of
+my personal staff. The nature of the country in which we are serving,
+prevents the possibility of my<a name="Page163"></a> sending a single staff-officer to
+deliver this to your Lordship, otherwise I should have asked my
+aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Keane, to proceed to Simla, to deliver this
+despatch into your hands, and to have afforded any further information
+that your Lordship could have desired.</p>
+
+<p>The brilliant triumph we have obtained, the cool courage displayed, and
+the gallant bearing of the troops I have the honour to command, will
+have taught such a lesson to our enemies in the Afghan nation as will
+make them hereafter respect the name of a British soldier.</p>
+
+<p>Our loss is wonderfully small considering the occasion, the casualties
+in killed and wounded amount to about 200.</p>
+
+<p>The loss of the enemy is immense; we have already buried of their dead
+nearly 500, together with an immense number of horses.</p>
+
+<p>I enclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. I am happy to say
+that, although the wounds of some of the officers are severe, they are
+all doing well.</p>
+
+<p>It is my intention, after selecting a garrison for this place, and
+establishing a general hospital, to continue my march to Cabool
+forthwith&mdash;I have, &amp;c.,</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General.</p>
+
+<h5>No. 1.</h5>
+
+<p><i>List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, before Ghuzni, on the 21st of July,
+1839</i>:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>2nd Troop Bengal Horse Artillery&mdash;3 horses wounded.</p>
+
+<p>3rd Troop Bombay&mdash;2 rank and file, 2 horses, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>4th Troop Bombay&mdash;1 horse killed.</p>
+
+<p>2nd Regiment Bengal Cavalry&mdash;1 horse killed, 1 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>4th Bengal Local Horse&mdash;1 rank and file and 1 horse missing.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry&mdash;1 rank and file killed.</p>
+<a name="Page164"></a>
+<p>16th Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;1 captain wounded.</p>
+
+<p>48th Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;1 lieutenant, and 2 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Total killed&mdash;1 rank and file, and two horses.</p>
+
+<p>Total wounded&mdash;1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 5 rank and file, and 6 horses.</p>
+
+<p>Total missing&mdash;1 rank and file, and 1 horse.</p>
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Names of Officers wounded.</i></h5>
+
+<p>Captain Graves, 16th Bengal Native Infantry, severely.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Vanhomrigh, 48th Bengal Native Infantry, slightly.</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed)&nbsp; R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,</p>
+<p class="justright">Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to</p>
+<p class="justright">her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.</p>
+<br />
+
+<h5>No. 2.</h5>
+<br />
+
+<p><i>List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., in the assault and
+capture of the fortress and citadel of Ghuzni, on the 23rd of July,
+1839</i>:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>General Staff&mdash;1 colonel, 1 major, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>3rd Troop Bombay Horse Artillery&mdash;1 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>4th Troop Bombay Horse Artillery&mdash;1 rank and file and 1 horse wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Bengal Engineers&mdash;3 rank and file killed, 2 rank and file wounded, 1
+rank and file missing.</p>
+
+<p>Bombay Engineers&mdash;1 lieutenant, 1 rank and file, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>2nd Bengal Light Cavalry&mdash;1 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>1st Bombay Light Cavalry&mdash;1 havildar killed, 5 rank and file and 7
+horses wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 2nd Foot (or Queen's Royals)&mdash;4 rank and file killed; 2
+captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, and 26 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry&mdash;1 rank and file killed; 3 sergeants
+and 27 rank and file wounded.</p>
+<a name="Page165"></a>
+<p>Her Majesty's 17th Foot&mdash;6 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Bengal European Regiment&mdash;1 rank and file killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel,
+1 major, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 sergeant, 51 rank and
+file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>16th Bengal N.I.&mdash;1 havildar, 6 rank and file, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>35th Bengal N.I.&mdash;5 rank and file killed; I havildar and 8 rank and file
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>48th Bengal N.I.&mdash;2 havildars killed, 5 rank and file wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Total killed&mdash;3 sergeants or havildars, 14 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Total wounded&mdash;1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4 captains, 8
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 7 sergeants or havildars, 140 rank and file, 8
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>Total missing&mdash;1 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Grand total on the 21st and 23rd of July, killed, wounded, and
+missing&mdash;191 officers and men, and 16 horses.</p>
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Names of Officers killed wounded, and missing.</i></h5>
+
+<p>General Staff&mdash;Brigadier Sale, her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+slightly; Major Parsons, Deputy Commissary-General, slightly.</p>
+
+<p>Bombay Engineers&mdash;Second Lieutenant Marriott, slightly.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 2nd (or Queen's Royals)&mdash;Captain Raitt, slightly; Captain
+Robinson, severely; Lieutenant Yonge, severely; Lieut. Stisted,
+slightly; Adjutant Simmons, slightly; Quartermaster Hadley, slightly.</p>
+
+<p>Bengal European Regiment&mdash;Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, slightly; Major
+Warren, severely; Captains Hay and Taylor, slightly; Lieutenant
+Broadfoot, slightly; Lieutenant Haslewood, severely; Lieutenants Fagan
+and Magnay, slightly; Ensign Jacob, slightly.</p>
+
+
+<p class="name">(Signed)&nbsp; &nbsp; R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,</p>
+<p class="justright">Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to</p>
+<p class="justright">her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.</p>
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 45%;" /><a name="Page166"></a>
+<h4>GENERAL ORDER,</h4>
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>By his Excellency Lieutenant-Gen. Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of
+the Army of the Indus.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Head-Quarters, Camp, Ghuzni, July 23rd, 1839</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane most heartily congratulates the army
+he has the honour to command, on the signal triumph they have this day
+obtained in the capture by storm of the strong and important fortress of
+Ghuzni. His Excellency feels that he can hardly do justice to the
+gallantry of the troops.</p>
+
+<p>The scientific and successful manner in which the Cabool gate (of great
+strength) was blown up by Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of that department with this army, in which he reports having been
+most ably assisted by Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers, and
+Lieutenants Durand and MacLeod, of the Bengal Engineers, in the daring
+and dangerous enterprise of laying down powder in the face of the enemy,
+and the strong fire kept up on them, reflects the highest credit on
+their skill and cool courage, and his Excellency begs Captain Thomson
+and officers named will accept his cordial thanks. His acknowledgments
+are also due to the other officers of the Engineers of both
+Presidencies, and to the valuable corps of Sappers and Miners under
+them. This opening having been made, although it was a difficult one to
+enter by, from the rubbish in the way, the leading column, in a spirit
+of true gallantry, directed and led by Brigadier Sale, gained a footing
+inside the fortress, although opposed by the Afghan soldiers in very
+great strength, and in the most desperate manner, with every kind of
+weapon.</p>
+
+<p>The advance, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dennie, of her Majesty's 13th,
+consisting of the light companies of her Majesty's 2nd and 17th, and of
+the Bengal European Regiment, with one company of her Majesty's 13th;
+and the leading column, consisting of her Majesty's 2nd Queen's, under
+Major Carruthers, and the Bengal<a name="Page167"></a> European Regiment, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, as they collected from the duty of skirmishing, which they
+were directed to begin with, and by her Majesty's 17th, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. To all these officers, and to the other
+officers and gallant soldiers under their orders, his Excellency's best
+thanks are tendered; but, in particular, he feels deeptly indebted to
+Brigadier Sale, for the manner in which he conducted the arduous duty
+entrusted to him in the command of the storming party. His Excellency
+will not fail to bring it to the notice of his Lordship the
+Governor-General, and he trusts the wound which Brigadier Sale has
+received is not of that severe nature long to deprive this army of his
+services. Brigadier Sale reports that Captain Kershaw, of her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, rendered important assistance to him and to the
+service in the storming.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John Keane was happy, on this proud occasion, to have the assistance
+of his old comrade, Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, who, in command
+of the reserve, ably executed the instructions he had received, and was
+at the gate ready to enter after the storming party had established
+themselves inside, when he moved through it to sweep the ramparts, and
+to complete the subjugation of the place with the 16th Bengal Native
+Infantry, under Major M'Laren; Brigadier Roberts, with the 35th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; and the 48th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler. His arrangements afterwards,
+in continuation of those Brigadier Sale had made for the security of the
+magazine and other public stores, were such as meet his Excellency's
+high approval.</p>
+
+<p>The Commander-in-Chief acknowledges the services rendered by Captain
+Hay, of the 35th Native Infantry, in command of three companies of that
+regiment sent to the south side of the fortress to begin with a false
+attack, and which was executed at the proper time, and in a manner
+highly satisfactory to his Excellency.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more judicious than the manner in which Brigadier<a name="Page168"></a>
+Stevenson placed the artillery in position. Captain Grant's troop of
+Bengal Artillery, and the camel battery, under Captain Abbott, both
+superintended by Major Pew; the two troops of Bombay Horse Artillery,
+commanded by Captains Martin and Cotgrave; and Captain Lloyd's battery
+of Bombay Foot Artillery, all opened upon the citadel and fortress in a
+manner which shook the enemy, and did such execution as completely to
+paralyse and to strike terror into them; and his Excellency begs
+Brigadier Stevenson, the officers, and men of that arm, will accept his
+thanks for their good service.</p>
+
+<p>The 19th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of
+Lieutenant-Colonel Stalker, having been placed in position to watch any
+enemy that might appear on the Cabool road, or approach to attack the
+camp, had an important post assigned to them, although, as it happened,
+no enemy made an attack upon them.</p>
+
+<p>In sieges and stormings it does not fall to the lot of cavalry to bear
+the same conspicuous part as to the other two arms of the profession. On
+this occasion, Sir John Keane is happy to have an opportunity of
+thanking Major-General Thackwell, and the officers and men of the
+cavalry divisions under his orders, for having successfully executed the
+directions given, to sweep the plain, and to intercept fugitives of the
+enemy attempting to escape from the fort in any direction around it; and
+had an enemy appeared for the relief of the place during the storming,
+his Excellency is fully satisfied that the different regiments of this
+fine arm would have distinguished themselves, and that the opportunity
+alone was wanting.</p>
+
+<p>Major-General Willshire's division having been broken up for the day, to
+be distributed as it was, the Major-General was desired to be in
+attendance upon the Commander-in-Chief. To him and to the officers of
+the Assistant Quartermaster-General's department of the Bengal and
+Bombay army, his Excellency returns his warmest thanks for the
+assistance they have afforded him.</p>
+
+<p>The Commander-in-Chief feels&mdash;and in which feeling he is sure he will be
+joined by the troops composing the Army of the Indus&mdash;<a name="Page169"></a>that, after the
+long and harassing marches they have had, and the privations they have
+endured, this glorious achievement, and the brilliant manner in which
+the troops have met and conquered the enemy, reward them for it all. His
+Excellency will only add, that no army that has ever been engaged in a
+campaign deserves more credit than this which he has the honour to
+command, for patient, orderly, and correct conduct, under all
+circumstances, and Sir John Keane is proud to have the opportunity of
+thus publicly acknowledging it.</p>
+
+<p>By order of his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus.</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed)&nbsp; R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,</p>
+<p class="justright">Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. of</p>
+<p class="justright">her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h4>ENTRANCE INTO CABOOL.</h4>
+
+<h5>(<i>From the Delhi Gazette Extraordinary, of Thursday, Aug. 29</i>.)</h5>
+
+<h5>NOTIFICATION.&mdash;SECRET DEPARTMENT.</h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Simla, August 26th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor-General of India publishes for general information, the
+subjoined copy and extracts of despatches from his Excellency the
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and from the Envoy and
+Minister at the Court of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, announcing
+the triumphant entry of the Shah into Cabool, on the 7th instant.</p>
+
+<p>In issuing this notification, the Governor-General cannot omit the
+opportunity of offering to the officers and men composing the army of
+the Indus, and to the distinguished leader by whom they have been
+commanded, the cordial congratulations of the government upon the happy
+result of a campaign, which, on the sole occasion when resistance was
+opposed to them, has been gloriously marked by victory, and in all the
+many difficulties of which the<a name="Page170"></a> character of a British army for
+gallantry, good conduct, and discipline has been nobly maintained.</p>
+
+<p>A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies.</p>
+
+<p>By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,</p>
+
+<p class="name">T.H. MADDOCK,</p>
+<p class="justright">Officiating Secretary to the Government of</p>
+<p class="justright">India, with the Governor-General.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h5>(Copy.)</h5>
+
+<h5>TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.</h5>
+
+<p>MY LORD,&mdash;We have the honour to acquaint your Lordship that the army
+marched from Ghuzni, <i>en route</i> to Cabool, in two columns, on the 30th
+and 31st ult., his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, with his own troops,
+forming part of the second column.</p>
+
+<p>On the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief with the first column, at Hyde
+Khail, on the 1st inst., information reached him, and the same reached
+the Envoy and Minister at Huft Assaya, that Dost Mahomed, with his army
+and artillery, were advancing from Cabool, and would probably take up a
+position at Urghundee or Midan, (the former twenty-four, the latter
+thirty-six miles from Cabool.) Upon this it was arranged that his
+Majesty, with the second column, under Major General Willshire, should
+join the first column here, and advance together to attack Dost Mahomed,
+whose son, Mahomed Akhbar, had been recalled from Jellahabad, with the
+troops guarding the Khyber Pass, and had formed a junction with his
+father; their joint forces, according to our information, amounting to
+about 13,000 men.</p>
+
+<p>Every arrangement was made for the King and the army marching in a body
+from here to-morrow; but in the course of the night, messengers arrived,
+and since (this morning) a great many chiefs<a name="Page171"></a> and their followers,
+announcing the dissolution of Dost Mahomed's army, by the refusal of a
+great part to advance against us with him, and that he had in
+consequence fled, with a party of 300 horsemen, in the direction of
+Bamian, leaving his guns behind him, in position, as they were placed at
+Urghundee.</p>
+
+<p>His Majesty Shah Shooja has sent forward a confidential officer, with
+whom has been associated Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+taking with him a party of 200 men and an officer of artillery, to
+proceed direct to take possession of those guns, and afterwards such
+other guns and public stores as may be found in Cabool and the Balla
+Hissar, in the name of, and for his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+the King's order will be carried by his own officer with this party, for
+preserving the tranquillity of the city of Cabool.</p>
+
+<p>A strong party has been detached in pursuit of Dost Mahomed, under some
+of our most active officers. We continue our march upon Cabool
+to-morrow, and will reach it on the third day.</p>
+
+<p class="name">We have, &amp;c.,</p>
+
+<p class="name">(Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General,</p>
+<p class="justright">Commander-in-Chief.</p>
+<br />
+<p class="name">(Signed) W.H. MACNAGHTEN,</p>
+<p class="justright">Envoy and Minister.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Extract from a Letter from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John
+Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., dated Head-Quarters, Camp, Cabool, August 8th,
+1839</i>:&mdash;</h5>
+<br />
+
+<p>&quot;It gives me infinite pleasure to be able to address my despatch to your
+Lordship from this capital, the vicinity of which his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk and the army under my command reached the day before
+yesterday. The King entered his capital yesterday afternoon, accompanied
+by the British Envoy and Minister and the gentlemen of the mission, and
+by myself, the general and staff<a name="Page172"></a> officers of this army, and escorted by
+a squadron of her Majesty's 4th Light Dragoons, and one of her Majesty's
+16th Lancers, with Captain Martin's troop of Horse Artillery. His
+Majesty had expressed a wish that British troops should be present on
+the occasion, and a very small party only of his own Hindostanee and
+Afghan troops. After the animating scene of traversing the streets, and
+reaching the palace in the Bala Hissar, a royal salute was fired, and an
+additional salvo in the Afghan style, from small guns, resembling
+wall-pieces, named gingalls, and carried on camels. We heartily
+congratulated his Majesty on being in possession of the throne and
+kingdom of his ancestors, and upon the overthrow of his enemies; and
+after taking leave of his Majesty, we returned to our camp.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I trust we have thus accomplished all the objects which your Lordship
+had in contemplation when you planned and formed the army of the Indus,
+and the expedition into Afghanistan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The conduct of the army both European and native, which your Lordship
+did me the honour to place under my orders, has been admirable
+throughout, and, notwithstanding the severe marching and privations they
+have gone through, their appearance and discipline have suffered
+nothing, and the opportunity afforded them at Ghuzni of meeting and
+conquering their enemy has added greatly to their good spirits.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The joint despatch addressed by Mr Macnaghten and myself to your
+Lordship, on the 3rd instant, from Shikarbad, will have informed you
+that at the moment we had made every preparation to attack (on the
+following day) Dost Mahomed Khan, in his position at Urghundee, where,
+after his son, Mahomed Akhbar, had joined him from Jellahabad, he had an
+army amounting to 13,000 men, well armed and appointed, and thirty
+pieces of artillery, we suddenly learned that he abandoned them all, and
+fled, with a party of horsemen, on the road to Bamian, leaving his guns
+in position, as he had placed them to receive our attack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It appears that a great part of his army, which was hourly<a name="Page173"></a> becoming
+disorganized, refused to stand by him in the position to receive our
+attack, and that it soon became in a state of dissolution. The great
+bulk immediately came over to Shah Shooja, tendering their allegiance,
+and I believe his Majesty will take most of them into his pay.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It seems that the news of the quick and determined manner in which we
+took their stronghold, Ghuzni, had such an effect upon the population of
+Cabool, and perhaps also upon the enemy's army, that Dost Mahomed from
+that moment began to lose hope of retaining his rule, for even a short
+time longer, and sent off his family and valuable property towards
+Bamian; but marched out of Cabool, with his army and artillery, keeping
+a bold front towards us until the evening of the 2nd, when all his hopes
+were at an end by a division in his own camp, and one part of his army
+abandoning him. So precipitate was his flight, that be left in position
+his guns, with their ammunition and wagons, and the greater part of the
+cattle by which they were drawn. Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th
+Lancers, with his party of 200 men, pushed forward, of the 3rd, and took
+possession of those guns, &amp;c. There were twenty-three brass guns in
+position, and loaded; two more at a little distance, which they
+attempted to take away; and since then, three more abandoned, still
+further off on the Bamian road; thus leaving in our possession
+twenty-eight pieces of cannon, with all the materiel belonging to them,
+which are now handed over to Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h5><i>Extract from a Letter from W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., Envoy and Minister to
+the Court of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, dated Cabool, 9th of August,
+1839</i>:&mdash;</h5>
+
+<p>&quot;By a letter signed jointly by his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir
+John Keane and myself, dated the 3rd inst., the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General was apprised of the flight of Dost Mahomed Khan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The ex-chief was not accompanied by any person of consequence,<a name="Page174"></a> and his
+followers are said to have been reduced to below the number of 100 on
+the day of his departure. In the progress of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk
+towards Cabool, his Majesty was joined by every person of rank and
+influence in the country, and he made his triumphal entry into the city
+on the evening of the 7th instant. His Majesty has taken up his
+residence in the Bala Hissar, where he has required the British mission
+to remain for the present.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h5>(<i>From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of August 29th.</i>)</h5>
+<br />
+
+<p class="justright">Simla, August 26th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>A letter from Shikarbad, of August 3rd, states&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The chiefs with their military followers are flocking in by thousands.
+No better commentary on the feeling regarding Dost Mahomed Khan could be
+given than the fact of his having been able to induce only 300 out of
+12,000 men to accompany him; Capt. Outram and seven other officers
+accompany the pursuing party.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The dates from the army at Cabool are to August the 9th. The letters
+from thence give the following intelligence:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Shah's reception at this place was equally gratifying as at
+Candahar, though the enthusiasm was not so boisterous.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We arrived here yesterday, and, I am happy to say, with a sufficient
+stock of supplies in our Godown to render us quite independent of any
+foreign purchases for the next ten days, which will keep down prices,
+and save us from the extravagant rates which we were obliged to purchase
+at when we reached Candahar. I have not been to the city yet, but am
+told it is far superior to Candahar. Our people are now very well off;
+for the increased rations, and abundance and cheapness of grain as we
+came along, have left them nothing to want or wish for.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Extract of a further letter from Shikarbad, August 3rd:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Afghans have not yet recovered from their astonishment at the
+rapidity with which Ghuzni fell into our hands, nor up to this moment
+will they believe how it was effected.</p>
+<a name="Page175"></a>
+<p>&quot;This morning we received intelligence of Dost Mahomed's flight towards
+Bamian; for several days past many of his former adherents had been
+joining the King. Since this morning, thousands of Afghans have been
+coming in to tender their allegiance to his Majesty, who is in the
+greatest spirits at this pacific termination to the campaign, and says
+that God has now granted all his wishes, &mdash;Cabool is at hand!</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We are all delighted at it. Few armies have made so long a march in the
+same time that the army of the Indus has done. The country is every day
+improving. The road to Candahar from where we are now encamped lies in a
+continued valley seldom stretching in width above two miles; cultivation
+on each side of the road, and numberless villages nestling under the
+hills. Since we left Ghuzni, the fruits have assumed a very fine
+appearance; the grapes, plums, and apples have become very large, like
+their brethren of Europe. The climate now is very fine. The rapid
+Loghurd river is flowing close to our encampments, and the European
+soldiers and officers are amusing themselves with fishing in it. We are
+beginning to get vegetables again. I passed this morning through fields
+of beans, but only in flower. Our attention must be turned to the
+cultivation of potatoes; they grow in quantities in Persia, and this
+seems to be just the country for them. To revert from small things to
+great: a party has just been detached towards Bamian with a view of
+cutting off Dost Mahomed. It would be a great thing to catch him. The
+party consists chiefly of Afghans, headed by Hajee Khan Kaukur, and
+about eight or ten British officers have been sent with it, to prevent
+the Afghans from committing excesses.&quot;</p>
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 45%;" /><a name="Page176"></a>
+<h5>FROM THE</h5>
+
+<h3>LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY,</h3>
+
+<h5><i>Thursday, Feb. 13th.</i></h5>
+<br />
+
+<h4>INDIA BOARD, FEB. 13TH.</h4>
+
+<p>A despatch has been this day received at the East India House, addressed
+by the Governor-General of India to the Select Committee of the East
+India Company, of which the following is a copy:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Camp at Bhurtpore, Dec. 12th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do myself the honour to forward copies of the despatches noted in the
+margin, relative to the assault and capture of the fort of Kelat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;2. The decision, the great military skill, and excellent dispositions,
+of Major-General Willshire, in conducting the operations against Kelat,
+appear to me deserving the highest commendation. The gallantry,
+steadiness, and soldier-like bearing of the troops under his command
+rendered his plans of action completely successful, thereby again
+crowning our arms across the Indus with signal victory.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;3. I need not expatiate on the importance of this achievement, from
+which the best effects must be derived, not only in the vindication of
+our national honour, but also in confirming the security of intercourse
+between Sinde and Afghanistan, and in promoting the safety and
+tranquillity of the restored monarchy; but I would not omit to point out
+that the conduct on this occasion of Major-General Willshire, and of the
+officers and men under his command, (including the 31st regiment of
+Bengal Native Infantry, which had not been employed in the previous
+active operations of the campaign,) have entitled them to more prominent
+notice that I was able to give them in my general order of November
+18th; and in recommending<a name="Page177"></a> these valuable services to the applause of
+the committee, I trust that I shall not be considered as going beyond my
+proper province in stating an earnest hope that the conduct of
+Major-General Willshire in the direction of the operations will not fail
+to elicit the approbation of her Majesty's Government.&mdash;I have, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p class="name">&quot;AUCKLAND.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h5>GENERAL ORDERS,</h5>
+
+<h5><i>By the Governor-General of India.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Camp Doothanee, December 4th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The many outrages and murders committed, in attacks on the followers of
+the army of the Indus, by the plundering tribes in the neighbourhood of
+the Bolan Pass, at the instigation of their chief, Meer Mehrab Khan, of
+Kelat, at a time when he was professing friendship for the British
+Government, and negotiating a treaty with its representatives, having
+compelled the government to direct a detachment of the army to proceed
+to Kelat for the exaction of retribution from that chieftain, and for
+the execution of such arrangements as would establish future security in
+that quarter, a force, under the orders of Major-General Willshire,
+C.B., was employed on this service; and the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General of India having this day received that officer's report
+of the successful accomplishment of the objects entrusted to him, has
+been pleased to direct that the following copy of his despatch, dated
+the 14th ultimo, be published for general information.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor-General is happy to avail himself of this opportunity to
+record his high admiration of the signal gallantry and spirit of the
+troops engaged on this occasion, and offers, on the part of the
+government, his best thanks to Major-General Willshire, and to the
+officers and men who served under him.</p>
+
+<p class="name">By command of the Governor-General,</p>
+<br />
+<p class="name">T.H. MADDOCK,</p>
+<p class="justright">Officiating Secretary to the Government of</p>
+<p class="justright">India, with the Governor-General.</p>
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 45%;" /><a name="Page178"></a>
+<h5>FROM MAJOR-GENERAL SIR THOMAS WILLSHIRE, K.C.B., TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
+OF INDIA.</h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Camp, near Kelat, Nov. 14th. 1839.</p>
+
+<p>MY LORD,&mdash;In obedience to the joint instructions furnished to me by his
+Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and the
+Envoy and Minister to his Majesty Shah Shooja, under date Cabool, the
+17th of September, 1839, deputing to me the duty of deposing Mehrab Khan
+of Kelat, in consequence of the avowed hostility of that chief to the
+British nation during the present campaign, I have the honour to report,
+that on my arrival at Quettah, on the 31st ultimo, I communicated with
+Captain Bean, the political agent in Shawl, and arranged with him the
+best means of giving effect to the orders I had received.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of the want of public carriage, and the limited quantity
+of commissariat supplies at Quettah, as well as the reported want of
+forage on the route to Kelat, I was obliged to despatch to Cutch Gundava
+the whole of the cavalry and the greater portion of the artillery,
+taking with me only the troops noted in the margin,<a name="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2"><sup>[B]</sup></a> and leaving
+Quettah on the 3rd instant.</p>
+
+<p>During the march, the communications received from Mehrab Khan were, so
+far from acceding to the terms offered, that he threatened resistance if
+the troops approached his capital. I therefore proceeded, and arrived at
+the village of Giranee, within eight miles of Kelat, on the 12th
+instant.</p>
+
+<p>Marching thence the following morning, a body of horse were perceived on
+the right of the road, which commenced firing on the advanced guard,
+commanded by Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's 17th regiment, as the
+column advanced, and the skirmishing between them continued until we
+came in sight of Kelat, rather less than a mile distant. </p>
+<a name="Page179"></a>
+<p>I now discovered that three heights on the north-west face of the fort,
+and parallel to the north, were covered with infantry, with five guns in
+position, protected by small parapet walls.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Peat, chief engineer, immediately reconnoitered; and having
+reported that nothing could be done until those heights were in our
+possession, I decided upon at once storming them simultaneously, and, if
+practicable, entering the fort with the fugitives, as the gate in the
+northern face was occasionally opened to keep up the communication
+between the fort and the heights.</p>
+
+<p>To effect this object I detached a company from each of the European
+regiments from the advanced guard with Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's
+17th regiment, for the purpose of occupying the gardens and enclosures
+to the north-east of the town, and two more companies in the plain,
+midway between them and the column; at the same time I ordered three
+columns of attack to be formed, composed of four companies from each
+corps, under their respective commanding officers, Major Carruthers, of
+the Queen's, Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, her Majesty's 17th regiment, and
+Major Western, 31st Bengal Native Infantry, the whole under the command
+of Brigadier Baumgardt, the remainder of the regiments forming three
+columns of reserve, under my own direction, to move in support.</p>
+
+<p>A hill being allotted to each column, Brigadier Stevenson, commanding
+the artillery, moved quickly forward in front towards the base of the
+heights, and when within the required range opened fire upon the
+infantry and guns, under cover of which the columns moved steadily on,
+and commenced the ascent for the purpose of carrying the heights,
+exposed to the fire of the enemy's guns, which had commenced while the
+columns of attack were forming.</p>
+
+<p>Before the columns reached their respective summits of the hills, the
+enemy, overpowered by the superior and well-directed fire of our
+artillery, had abandoned them, attempting to carry off their guns, but
+which they were unable to do. At this moment, it appearing to me the
+opportunity offered for the troops to get in with the fugitives, and if
+possible gain possession of the gate of the fortress, I despatched
+orders to the Queen's Royal and 17th Regiments<a name="Page180"></a> to make a rush from the
+heights for that purpose, following myself to the summit of the nearest,
+to observe the result. At this moment, the four companies on my left,
+which had been detached to the gardens and plain, seeing the chance that
+offered of entering the fort, moved rapidly forward from their
+respective points towards the gateway, under a heavy and well-directed
+fire from the walls of the fort and citadel, which were thronged by the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The gate having been closed before the troops moving towards it could
+effect the desired object, and the garrison strengthened by the enemy
+driven from the heights, they were compelled to cover themselves, as far
+as practicable, behind some walls and ruined buildings to the right and
+left of it, while Brigadier Stevenson, having ascended the heights with
+the artillery, opened two guns, under the command of Lieutenant Foster,
+Bombay Horse Artillery, upon the defences above the gate and its
+vicinity, while the fire of two others, commanded by, Lieutenant Cowper,
+Shah's Artillery, was directed against the gate itself; the remaining
+two, with Lieutenant Creed, being sent round to the road on the left
+hand, leading directly up to the gate, and when within two hundred
+yards, commenced fire, for the purpose of completing in blowing it open,
+and after a few rounds, they succeeded in knocking in one half of it. On
+observing this, I rode down the hill towards the gate, pointing to it,
+thereby announcing to the troops it was open. They instantly rose from
+their cover and rushed in. Those under the command of Major Pennycuick,
+being the nearest, were the first to gain the gate, headed by that
+officer, the whole of the storming columns from the three regiments
+rapidly following and gaining an entrance, as quick as it was possible
+to do so, under a heavy fire from the works and from the interior, the
+enemy making a most gallant and determined resistance, disputing every
+inch of ground up to the walls of the inner citadel.</p>
+
+<p>At this time I directed the reserve column to be brought near the gate,
+and detached one company of the 17th Regiment, under Captain Darley, to
+the western side of the fort, followed by a portion of the 31st Bengal
+Native Infantry, commanded by Major Western,<a name="Page181"></a> conducted by Captain
+Outram, acting as my extra Aide-de-Camp, for the purpose of securing the
+heights, under which the southern angle is situated, and intercepting
+any of the garrison escaping from that side; having driven off the enemy
+from the heights above, the united detachments then descended to the
+gate of the fort below, and forced it open before the garrison (who
+closed it as they saw the troops approach) had time to secure it.</p>
+
+<p>When the party was detached by the western face, I also sent two
+companies from the reserve of the 17th, under Major Deshon, and two guns
+of the Shah's artillery, under the command of Lieutenant Creed, Bombay
+Artillery, by the eastern to the southern face, for the purpose of
+blowing open the gate above alluded to, had it been necessary, as well
+as the gate of the inner citadel; the infantry joining the other
+detachments, making their way through the town in the direction of the
+citadel.</p>
+
+<p>After some delay, the troops that held possession of the town at length
+succeeded in forcing an entrance into the citadel, where a desperate
+resistance was made by Mehrab Khan, at the head of his people; he
+himself, with many of his principal chiefs, being killed sword in hand.
+Several others, however, kept up a fire upon our troops from detached
+buildings difficult of access, and it was not until late in the
+afternoon, that those that survived were induced to give themselves up
+on a promise of their lives being spared.</p>
+
+<p>From every account, I have reason to believe the garrison consisted of
+upwards of 2000 fighting men, and that the son of Mehrab Khan had been
+expected to join him from Nerosky, with a further reinforcement; the
+enclosed return will shew the strength of the force under my command
+present at the capture.</p>
+
+<p>The defences of the fort, as in the case of Ghuzni, far exceeded in
+strength what I had been led to suppose from previous report, and the
+towering height of the inner citadel was most formidable, both in
+appearance and reality.</p>
+
+<p>I lament to say that the loss of killed and wounded on our side has been
+severe, as will be seen by the accompanying return; that on the part of
+the enemy must have been great, but the exact number<a name="Page182"></a> I have not been
+able to ascertain. Several hundreds of prisoners were taken, from whom
+the political agent has selected those he considers it necessary for the
+present to retain in confinement; the remainder have been liberated.</p>
+
+<p>It is quite impossible for me sufficiently to express my admiration of
+the gallant and steady conduct of the officers and men upon this
+occasion; but the fact of less than an hour having elapsed from the
+formation of the columns for the attack to the period of the troops
+being within the fort, and this performed in the open day, and in the
+face of an enemy so very superior in numbers, and so perfectly prepared
+for resistance, will, I trust, convince your Lordship how deserving the
+officers and troops are of my warmest thanks, and of the highest praise
+that can be bestowed.</p>
+
+<p>To Brigadier Baumgardt, commanding the storming column, my best thanks
+are due, and he reports that Captain Willie, acting Assistant
+Adjutant-General, and Captain Gilland, his aide-de-camp, ably assisted
+him, and zealously performed their duties; also to Brigadier Stevenson,
+commanding the artillery, and Lieutenants Forster and Cowper,
+respectively in charge of the Bombay and Shah's, artillery. I feel
+greatly indebted for the steady and scientific manner in which the
+service of dislodging the enemy from the heights, and afterwards
+effecting an entrance into the fort, was performed. The Brigadier has
+brought to my notice the assistance he received from Captain Coghlan,
+his brigade major, Lieutenant Woosnam, his aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant
+Creed, when in battery yesterday.</p>
+
+<p>To Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, commanding her Majesty's 17th Regiment;
+Major Carruthers, commanding the Queen's Royals; Major Western,
+commanding the Bengal 31st Native Infantry, I feel highly indebted for
+the manner in which they conducted their respective columns to the
+attack of the heights, and afterwards to the assault of the town, as
+well as to Major Pennycuick, of the 17th, who led the advance-guard
+companies to the same point.</p>
+
+<p>To Captain Peat, chief engineer, and to the officers and men of the
+Engineer Corps, my acknowledgments are due; to Major Neil<a name="Page183"></a> Campbell,
+Acting Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army; to Captain Hagart,
+Acting Deputy Adjutant-General; and to Lieutenant Ramsay, acting
+Assistant Quartermaster-General, my best thanks are due for the able
+assistance afforded me by their services.</p>
+
+<p>From my Aides-de-camp, Captain Robinson and Lieutenant Halket, as well
+as from Captain Outram, who volunteered his services on my personal
+staff, I received the utmost assistance; and to the latter officer I
+fell greatly indebted for the zeal and ability with which he has
+performed various duties that I have required of him, upon other
+occasions, as well as the present.</p>
+
+<p>It is with much pleasure that I state the great assistance I have
+received from Captain Bean in obtaining supplies.</p>
+
+<p class="name">T. WILLSHIRE,</p>
+<p class="justright">Major-Gen., Commanding Bombay Column,</p>
+<p class="justright">Army of the Indus.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Return of Casualties in the army under the command of Major-General
+Willshire, C.B., employed at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839</i>:&mdash;</h5>
+
+<p>1st Troop of Cabool Artillery&mdash;2 rank and file, 6 horses, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Gun Lancers attached to ditto&mdash;1 rank and file, 1 horse, wounded; 1
+corporal, since dead.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment&mdash;1 lieutenant, 21 rank and
+file, killed; 2 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 adjutant, 2 sergeants, 40
+rank and file, 1 horse, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 17th Regiment&mdash;6 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 3
+sergeants, 29 rank and file, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;1 subadar, 2 rank and file,
+killed; 1 captain, 1 ensign, 2 jemadars, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, 14 rank
+and file, 1 bheestie, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Sappers and Miners and Pioneers&mdash;1 sergeant wounded.</p>
+
+<p>4th Bengal Local Horse&mdash;1 rank and file wounded.</p>
+<a name="Page184"></a>
+<p>Total&mdash;1 lieutenant, 1 subadar, 29 rank and file, killed; 4 captains, 2
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 2 jemadars, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer,
+87 rank and file, 1 bheestie, 7 horses, wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Total killed and wounded&mdash;138.</p>
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>Names of Officers killed and wounded.</i></h5>
+
+<p>Killed&mdash;Her Majesty's 2nd or Queen's Royal Regiment&mdash;Lieutenant T.
+Gravatt.</p>
+
+<p>Wounded&mdash;Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment&mdash;Captain W.M.
+Lyster, Captain T. Sealy, Lieutenant T.W.E. Holdsworth, severely;
+Lieutenant D.J. Dickenson, slightly; Adjutant J.E. Simmons, severely.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 17th Regiment&mdash;Captain L.C. Bourchier, severely.</p>
+
+<p>31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;Captain Saurin, slightly;
+Ensign Hopper, severely.</p>
+
+
+<p class="name">C. HAGART, Captain,</p>
+<p class="justright">Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen Bombay</p>
+<p class="justright">Column, Army of the Indus.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h5><i>State of the Corps engaged at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839, under the command of Major-General Willshire, C.B.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="justright">Camp at Kelat, November 13th, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>Staff&mdash;1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting
+deputy-adjutant general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1 sub-assistant
+commissary general.</p>
+
+<p>Detachment 3rd Troop Horse Artillery&mdash;2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, 36
+rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>1st Troop Cabool Artillery&mdash;1 lieutenant, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer, 1
+farier, 58 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment&mdash;1 major, 3 captains, 7
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 31 sergeants, 10 drummers, 290 rank
+and file.</p>
+<a name="Page185"></a>
+<p>Her Majesty's 17th Regiment&mdash;1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4
+captains, 13 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 29
+sergeants, 9 drummers, 338 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>31st Regiment Bengal Native Infantry&mdash;1 major, 2 captains, 3
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 12
+native officers, 30 sergeants, 14 drummers, 329 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Sappers and Miners and Pioneers&mdash;1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 assistant
+surgeon, 3 native officers, 1 sub-conductor, 7 sergeants, 3 drummers,
+117 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>Total&mdash;1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting deputy
+adjutant-general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1
+sub-assistant-commissary-general, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 4 majors, 10
+captains, 27 lieutenants, 5 ensigns, 2 adjutants, 2 quartermasters, 2
+surgeons, 1 assistant-surgeon, 15 native officers, 1 sub-conductor,
+107 sergeants, 37 drummers, 1 farrier, 1,166 rank and file.</p>
+
+<p>The Sappers and Miners and Pioneers were not engaged until the gate was
+taken.</p>
+
+<p class="name">C. HAGART, Captain,</p>
+<p class="justright">Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen., Bombay</p>
+<p class="justright">Column, Army of the Indus.</p>
+
+<p>Note&mdash;Two russalas of the Bengal Local Horse remained in charge of the
+baggage during the attack.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h5><i>List of Beloochee Sirdars killed in the assault of Kelat, on the 13th
+of November, 1839</i>:&mdash;</h5>
+
+<p>Meer Mehrab Khan, Chief of Kelat.<br />
+ Meer Wullee Mahomed, the Muengul Sirdar of Wudd.<br />
+ Abdool Kurreem, Ruhsanee Sirdar.<br />
+ Dad Kurreen, Shahwanee Sirdar. <br />
+ Mahomed Ruzza, nephew of the Vizier Mahomed Hoosein. <br />
+ Khysur Khan, Ahsehrie Sirdar.<br />
+ Dewan Bucha Mull, Financial Minister.<br />
+ Noor Mahomed and Taj Mahomed, Shagassa Sirdars.</p>
+<a name="Page186"></a>
+<h5><i>Prisoners.</i></h5>
+
+<p>Mahomed Hoossein, Vizier.<br />
+   Moola Ruheem Dad, ex-Naib of Shawl;<br />
+   with several others of inferior rank.</p>
+
+<p class="name">J.D.D. DEAN, Political Agent.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h4>CAPTURE OF THE FORT AND CITADEL OF KELAT.</h4>
+
+<p class="justright">Political Department Fort William, Dec. 14, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>The Hon. the President in Council has much satisfaction in publishing
+the following despatch from Major-General Willshire, C.B., with the
+returns annexed to it, reporting the capture of the fort and citadel of
+Kelat, by storm, on the 13th of November, which brilliant achievement
+was effected by a force consisting of only 1200 men, with the loss, his
+Honour in Council grieves to say, of 138 killed and wounded, including
+amongst the former one officer, Lieutenant Gravatt, of her Majesty's
+2nd, or Queen's Regiment, and amongst the latter, eight officers.</p>
+
+<p>Meer Mehrab Khan himself, and eight other sirdars, were amongst the
+slain of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The general order issued by the Right Hon. the Governor-General, on the
+receipt of this intelligence, is republished, and his Honour in Council
+unites with his Lordship in recording his high admiration of the signal
+gallantry and spirit of the troops engaged, and in offering his thanks
+to Major-General Willshire, and to the officers and men who served under
+him on this occasion.</p>
+
+<p>A royal salute will be fired from the ramparts of Fort William, at noon
+this day, in honour of the event.</p>
+
+<p class="name">By order of the Hon. the President in Council,</p>
+<br />
+<p class="name">H.T. PRINSEP,</p>
+<p class="justright">Secretary to the Government of India.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 60%;" />
+<h4>FOOTNOTES.</h4>
+
+<a name="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1">[A]</a><div class="note"><p> Colonel Arnold was in the 10th Hussars at Waterloo, and
+shot through the body in the charge in which Major Howard, of that
+regiment, was killed.</p></div>
+
+<a name="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2">[B]</a><div class="note"><p> Two guns Bombay Horse Artillery; four guns Shah's ditto;
+two Ressalaghs Local Horse; Queen's Royals; Her Majesty's 17th regiment;
+31st regiment Bengal Native Infantry; Bombay Engineers.</p></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Campaign of the Indus, by T.W.E. Holdsworth
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Campaign of the Indus, by T.W.E. Holdsworth
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Campaign of the Indus
+
+Author: T.W.E. Holdsworth
+
+Release Date: July 9, 2004 [EBook #12863]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS ***
+
+
+
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+Produced by Asad Razzaki and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team. Produced from images provided by the Million Book Project
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+
+
+CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS.
+
+
+CAMPAIGN
+OF
+THE INDUS:
+
+IN
+A SERIES OF LETTERS FROM AN OFFICER OF THE
+BOMBAY DIVISION.
+
+WITH AN INTRODUCTION,
+BY
+A.H. HOLDSWORTH, ESQ.
+
+
+1840.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The circumstance of an English army penetrating into Central Asia,
+through countries which had not been traversed by European troops since
+Alexander the Great led his victorious army from the Hellespont to the
+Jaxartes and Indus, is so strong a feature in our military history, that
+I have determined, at the suggestion of my friends, to print those
+letters received from my son which detail any of the events of the
+campaign. As he was actively engaged with the Bombay division, his
+narrative may be relied upon so far as he had an opportunity of
+witnessing its operations; and it being my intention to have only a few
+copies printed, to give to those friends who may take an interest in his
+letters, I need not apologize for the familiar manner in which they are
+written, as they were intended by him only for his own family, without
+an idea of their being printed. A history, however, may be collected
+from them most honourable to the British soldiers, both Europeans and
+natives of India. They shew the patience with which, for more than
+twelve months, the soldiers bore all their deprivations and fatiguing
+marches through countries until then unknown to them, whether moving
+through arid sands or rocky passes, under a burning sun; or over
+desolate mountains, amidst the most severe frosts, with scarcely an
+interval of repose. Neither was their gallantry less conspicuous than
+their patience, when they had the good fortune to find an enemy who
+ventured to face them. Although the circumstances which his letters
+detail might well deserve a better historian than my son, yet are they
+of that high and honourable character, that they cannot lose any part of
+their value by his familiar manner of narrating them.
+
+When I decided upon printing these letters, it became a matter of
+interest to place before the reader a short account of the countries in
+which the operations of the army were conducted, as well as of the
+native rulers who took part in, or were the cause of them; in order that
+the letters might be more clearly understood by those friends who have
+not felt sufficiently interested in the history of those countries to
+make any inquiries about them. But, before I do so, I shall draw the
+attention of the reader to the army of Alexander, to which I have before
+alluded.
+
+Without entering into the causes which led to his extraordinary
+conquests, predicted by Daniel as the means ordained of God to overthrow
+the Persian empire, then under the government of Darius, certain it is
+that he conquered the whole of those countries which extend from the
+Hellespont to the Indus, when his career was arrested by his own
+soldiers. Having overrun Syria, Egypt, Media, and Parthia, keeping his
+course to the north-east, he not only passed the Oxus, and forced his
+way to the Jaxartes, but, pressed by the Scythians from its opposite
+shore, he crossed that river, and beat them in a decisive battle. From
+the Jaxartes he returned in a southern direction towards the Indus, and
+having suffered the greatest privations, and struggled with the most
+alarming difficulties during the time that he was engaged in the
+conquest of those mountainous districts, he at length reached Cabool,
+making himself master of Afghanistan. Here he appears to have halted for
+a considerable time, to refresh and re-equip his army, which, with the
+addition of 30,000 recruits, amounted to 120,000 men.
+
+At this place, Alexander first came upon the scene of the campaign
+referred to in the following letters. Here he meditated the invasion of
+India, intending to march to the mouth of the Ganges; but the conquest
+of that country was destined for a nation almost unknown in the days of
+Alexander, and lying far more remote from it than Greece; and, until the
+campaign of 1839 drew our armies to the western side of the Indus, the
+Sutlej was alike the boundary of Alexander's conquests to the east, as
+of those of England towards the west.
+
+Alexander having prepared his army for this expedition, moved towards
+the Indus, taking many strong places on his march. Having crossed that
+river, the king of the country offered no resistance, but became the
+ally of Alexander, who expected to have found Porus, whose kingdom was
+on the other side of the Hydaspes, equally ready to submit. But it
+required the utmost skill of Alexander to cross the river, which he
+effected, and conquered Porus, after a most severe struggle, with the
+loss of his renowned charger, Bucephalus, and he was so pleased at the
+magnanimity of Porus that he not only gave him back his kingdom, but
+added several small states to it, making him a sincere ally. Alexander
+then continued his march towards the east, conquering all who opposed
+him, until he reached the banks of the Hyphasis (Sutlej), which he was
+about to cross, when his progress was arrested by murmurs and tumults in
+his camp. His soldiers declared their determination not to extend his
+conquests, and entreated him to return. He then marched back to the
+Acesines, gave the whole country as far as the Hyphasis to Porus, and
+thus made him ruler of the Punjab. Alexander encamped near the Acesines
+until the month of October, when the fleet which he built, consisting of
+800 galleys and boats, being ready, he embarked his army and proceeded
+towards the Indus; but before he reached that river he came to two
+countries possessed by warriors who united their armies to oppose his
+progress. After beating them in many engagements, Alexander attacked the
+city of the Oxydracae, into which the greater part of those armies had
+retired. Here his rash valour had nearly terminated his career: he was
+severely wounded in the side by an arrow, from the effects of which he
+was with difficulty restored to health. He then descended the river, a
+portion of his army marching on its banks, conquering every nation that
+opposed him. About the month of July he reached Patala (Tatta), where he
+built a citadel and formed a port for his shipping. He then proceeded,
+with part of his fleet, by the western branch of the river, to discover
+the ocean. This he accomplished at great hazard, when he sacrificed to
+the gods (particularly to Neptune), and besought them not to suffer any
+mortal after him to exceed the bounds of his expedition. He then
+returned to join the rest of his fleet and army at Patala, and to make
+arrangements for his march to Babylon. He appointed Nearchus admiral of
+his fleet, and having given him orders to ascend the Persian Gulf to the
+Euphrates, he commenced his march through Beloochistan, leaving Nearchus
+to follow him as soon as the season would permit. Alexander was more
+than sixty days in reaching the frontiers of Persia, during which time
+his army sufficed such dreadful privations from want of food, that the
+soldiers were obliged to eat their own war-horses, and from the sickness
+consequent upon such a state of distress, his army was reduced to less
+than one-half of the number which left Patala. It is not necessary to
+follow him to Babylon, or to describe the voyage of Nearchus, who,
+having sailed up the Persian Gulf, united his forces to those of his
+royal master in the river Pasi-Tigris, near Susa. Enough, however, may
+be learned from this history to convince us that if such an army could
+be conducted 2000 years ago from the Hellespont to the Jaxartes and
+Indus, the march from the southern shores of the Caspian Sea to Cabool
+would require comparatively but very slight exertion, if those who have
+the means should have the desire also to accomplish it.
+
+I can say little of my own knowledge of the political causes which gave
+rise to the war, as I am unacquainted with the affairs of India and the
+motives which actuated its governors; but a brief outline may be
+collected from a book lately published by the Hon. Capt. Osborne,
+military secretary to the Governor-General, to which I shall refer,
+after making some observations upon the countries through which the
+operations of the army were conducted, and particularly on the situation
+of Afghanistan, in reference to those persons who had before been, is
+well as those who were, its rulers, when Shah Shooja was restored by the
+British Government to its throne. These observations I have chiefly
+collected from the valuable work of that enterprising officer Lieut.
+Burnes, which he published after visiting those countries in 1831, 1832,
+and 1833.
+
+The chief portion of the Bombay division of the army engaged in the
+operations to which these letters refer, landed at the Hujamree mouth of
+the Indus, and marching through Lower Sinde, by Tatta, ascended the
+Indus by its western bank. On arriving in Upper Sinde, it was found that
+Shah Shooja with his contingent, as well as the Bengal division of the
+army, had crossed the Indus _en route_ from that Presidency, and had
+advanced towards Afghanistan, and that the Bombay division was to follow
+them. To effect this, the division marched through Cutch Gundava, and
+the Bolan Pass, which is situated in the mountains which divide the
+province of Sarawar, in Beloochistan, as well as Cutch Gundava, from
+Afghanistan. Having made their way through the Bolan Pass, the army
+entered the Shawl district of Afghanistan, and thence proceeded through
+the Ghwozhe Pass to Candahar, Ghuzni, and Cabool; at which
+last-mentioned place Shah Shooja's eldest son joined his father with
+some troops of Runjet Sing's, which had crossed the Indus from the
+Punjab, marching by Peshawur and the Kyber Pass. The division of the
+Bombay troops under General Willshire having remained at Cabool about a
+month, returned to Ghuzni, and thence in a straight direction to
+Quettah, leaving Candahar some distance on the right; Capt. Outram, who
+commanded a body of native horse, preceding the main body of the
+division for the purpose of capturing the forts, or castles, belonging
+to those chiefs who had not submitted to Shah Shooja. From Quettah,
+General Willshire moved with a part of his division upon Kelat, and
+thence through the Gundava Pass and Cutch Gundava to the Indus, where
+these troops were met by the rest of the division, which came from
+Quettah by the Bolan Pass. Hence they descended to Curachee to embark
+for their respective quarters in India. The fate of one of the regiments
+of the division, the 17th, as it is recorded in a Bombay paper, is most
+distressing. They embarked at Curachee for Bombay, and sailed in the
+morning with a fair wind and a fine breeze, but before the night closed
+in upon them the ship was fast aground upon a sandbank, off the Hujamree
+branch of the Indus, scarcely within sight of land. Everything was
+thrown overboard to lighten the ship, but in vain; she became a total
+wreck, and settled down to her main deck in the water. She fortunately,
+however, held together long enough to allow all the men to be taken on
+shore, which occupied three days, but with the loss of everything they
+had taken on board with them. The other regiments, we may hope, have
+been more fortunate, as they were not mentioned in the paper which gave
+this melancholy account of the 17th regiment.
+
+Sinde, the country through which the army first passed, is divided into
+three districts, each governed by an Ameer, the chief of whom resides at
+Hydrabad, the second at Khyrpoor, and the other at Meerpoor; and when
+Lieut. Burnes ascended the Indus, in 1831, the reigning Ameers were
+branches of the Beloochistan tribe of Talpoor. With these the chief of
+Kelat and Gundava, Mehrab Khan (who was related by marriage to the Ameer
+of Hydrabad), was more closely allied than any other prince. Like them,
+he had been formerly tributary to Cabool, and had shaken off the yoke,
+and, possessing a very strong country between Afghanistan and Sinde, he
+became as useful as he had at all times proved himself a faithful ally
+to the Sindeans. Shikarpoor, with the fertile country around it, as well
+as Bukker, had formerly belonged to the Barukzye family of Afghanistan,
+and, although they still possessed Candahar, Cabool, and Peshawar, they
+had in vain endeavoured to withdraw Mehrab Khan from his alliance with
+the Sindeans, or to recover those lost possessions.
+
+To understand the political state of Afghanistan, into which the army
+marched for the purpose of restoring Shah Shooja to its throne, it will
+be necessary to go back to the early part of the last century, when
+Nadir Shah had raised himself to the throne of Persia. His name having
+become formidable as a conqueror, he turned his thoughts to the conquest
+of India, and, assuming sufficient pretexts for breaking the relations
+of amity which he professed for the monarch of that country, he
+determined to invade it, and for that purpose began his march in 1738.
+Taking with him some of the chiefs of Afghanistan, he crossed the Punjab
+and entered Delhi. He there raised enormous contributions, and seized
+upon everything worth taking away; amongst other things the far-famed
+Peacock throne, in which was the renowned diamond called "The Mountain
+of Light." The spoils with which he returned to Persia were valued at
+nearly seventy millions of pounds sterling. It is not necessary to
+follow the history of Nadir; it will be enough to say that, amidst the
+confusion which followed his death, Ahmed Khan obtained possession of
+part of his treasure, amongst which was the great diamond. He escaped
+with it into Khorassan, where he made himself master also of a large sum
+of money which was coming to Nadir from India. Ahmed was a brave and
+intelligent man, had been an officer of rank under the Shah, and, being
+in possession of the treasure necessary for his purpose, he proclaimed
+himself king, and was crowned at Candahar "King of the Afghans." Ahmed
+was of the Suddoozye family, which were but a small tribe; but he was
+greatly assisted by the powerful Barukzye family, whose friendship he
+justly valued and made use of to his advantage: of this latter family
+Hajee Jamel was then the chief. Ahmed knew how to conciliate the
+independent spirit of his Afghan subjects, and by making frequent
+incursions on his neighbours, kept alive that spirit of enterprise which
+was congenial to their feelings; but from the time of his death the
+royal authority began to decline, as Timour, his son and successor, had
+neither the sense nor enterprise necessary to uphold it. Affairs became
+still worse under the sons of Timour. Shah Zumaun was of a cruel
+disposition, and wanted the education necessary to the situation he was
+called upon to fill; his brothers, Mahmood and Shah Shooja, were not
+better disposed; and towards the Barukzye family, who had been so
+instrumental in placing their grandfather, Ahmed, on the throne, they
+conducted themselves not only most imprudently, but with dreadful
+cruelty.
+
+Shah Zumaun was succeeded by Shah Shooja, of whom, although the chief
+person in the present drama, little more need be said of this part of
+his history than that, ignorant of the mode of governing such
+independent tribes as the Afghans, his power was never great, and, after
+the fall of his vizier, and the murder of his comrade, Meer Waeez, it
+gradually declined, until he lost his throne at Neemla, in 1809. He had
+taken the field with a well-appointed army of 15,000 men; but was
+attacked by Futteh Khan, an experienced general, at the head of 2000
+men, before the royal army was formed for battle; Akram Khan, his
+vizier, was slain, and he fled to the Kyber country, leaving the greater
+part of his treasure in the hands of his conquerors. Shah Shooja had
+failed to conciliate the Barukzye family; Futteh Khan, their chief, had
+therefore espoused the cause of the king's brother, Mahmood, and having
+driven Shah Shooja from his throne, he placed Mahmood upon it, and
+accepted for himself the situation of vizier. Under his vigorous
+administration, the whole of the Afghan country, with the exception of
+Cashmere, submitted to the dominion of the new sovereign. The Shah of
+Persia, anxious to possess himself of Herat, sent an army against it,
+but was defeated in his object, and Herat was preserved to Mahmood by
+the successful exertions of Futteh Khan. No sooner, however, was Mahmood
+thus firmly established in his dominions, than his son Kamran became
+jealous of the man who had raised him to the situation, and had secured
+to him the kingdom; he therefore determined to effect the ruin of the
+vizier. The prince was not long in gaining over his father to his views;
+and Futteh Khan being at Herat, Kamran seized on his person and put out
+his eyes. In this state he kept him prisoner for about six months,
+during which time the brothers of the vizier, irritated at the conduct
+of Kamran, began to show signs of disaffection. Mahmood ordered Futteh
+Khan to be brought before him in the court of his palace, and accusing
+the brothers of the vizier of rebellion, directed him to bring them back
+to a state of allegiance. The vizier, in the dreadful condition in which
+he had been reduced, replied to the demand of Mahmood, "What can an old
+and blind man do?" when, by the order of the king, the courtiers cut the
+vizier to pieces, limb after limb: his nose and ears were hacked off;
+neither did he receive his death blow until not a member of his person
+was left upon which they could inflict torture. With the fall of his
+vizier the king's power rapidly declined, and he fled to Herat,
+virtually yielding up the rest of his kingdom. He died in 1829, his son,
+Kamran, succeeding to the limited government of that portion only of his
+former dominions. Upon the flight of Mahmood to Herat, the horrid murder
+of their brother threw the whole of the Barukzye family into open
+revolt, the eldest of whom, Azeem Khan, recalled Shah Shooja from his
+exile. From the time Shah Shooja lost his throne, he had been first a
+captive in the hands of the son of his former vizier, and then a
+pensioner on the bounty of the Maharajah, at Lahore, who in return
+extorted from him the famous diamond, "The Mountain of Light," and other
+jewels, which he had brought away with him when he fled at Neemla. He
+then made his escape from the Maharajah, and found protection and
+support from the British government of India. Upon the summons from
+Azeem Khan, Shah Shooja immediately hastened to Peshawur; where, before
+his benefactor had time to meet him, he practically displayed his ideas
+of royalty so unwisely, and so insulted some of the friends of the
+Barukzye family, that the whole party took offence, and they at once
+rejected him, and placed his brother Eyoob on the throne.
+
+Eyoob was but a puppet king, the tool of the family who raised him to
+the government; Azeem Khan, who was appointed his vizier, being in truth
+the ruler. Several of the young princes who aspired to the throne were
+delivered over to Eyoob, who put them to death.
+
+Shooja, driven from Peshawur, retired to Shikarpoor, which the Ameers of
+Sinde ceded to him; where, in place of conducting himself with prudence,
+he was so addicted to low intrigue with those about him, that his
+enemies availed themselves of this propensity to effect his ruin, and
+drove him from Shikarpoor, when, crossing the Indus, he fled through the
+desert by Juydalmeer, and returned to Loodiana. "The fitness," says
+Lieut. Burnes, "of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk for the station of a sovereign
+seems ever to have been doubtful. His manners and address are highly
+polished, but his judgment does not rise above mediocrity; had the case
+been otherwise, we should not now see him an exile from his country and
+his throne, without a hope of regaining them, after an absence of twenty
+years, and before he has attained the fiftieth year of his age."
+
+The civil wars which had thus so frequently occurred in Afghanistan
+weakened the resources of the country and its means of defence. Runjet
+Sing availed himself of the advantage which this state of affairs
+presented to him, and obtained possession of Cashmere; when, continuing
+his conquests, he crossed the Indus, and made himself master of
+Peshawur, burning its palace, and laying the country under tribute.
+Azeem Khan made a precipitate retreat before the army of the Sikhs
+towards Cabool, without attempting to arrest their progress, and was so
+stung with remorse at the weakness of his conduct that he died on
+reaching that city. With the death of Azeem the royal authority was
+extinguished. The king fled to Lahore, and lived under the protection of
+his conqueror. Herat alone remained in the possession of one of the
+Suddoozye family. The brothers of the late vizier seized his son, and
+deprived him of his treasure and his power. The kingdom was then divided
+between them. Cabool fell into the hands of Dost Mahomed; Peshawur and
+Candahar were held by two of his brothers; the Sindeans threw off their
+yoke, and refused to pay tribute; Balk was annexed to the dominions of
+the King of Bokhara; the richest portion of the provinces having fallen
+into the possession of the Sikhs. In seventy-six years from the time
+that Ahmed Shah was crowned at Candahar, the Dooranee monarchy again
+ceased to exist.
+
+As I have given the character of Shah Shooja, it will be interesting to
+quote that of Dost Mahomed, from the same author. "He is unremitting in
+his attention to business, and attends daily at the courthouse, with the
+Cazee and Moollahs, to decide every cause according to law. Trade has
+received the greatest encouragement from him, and he has derived his own
+reward, since the receipts of the customhouse of the city have increased
+fifty thousand rupees, and furnished him with a net revenue of two lacs
+of rupees per annum. The merchant may travel without a guard or
+protection from one frontier to another, an unheard-of circumstance in
+the time of the kings. The justice of this chief affords a constant
+theme of praise to all classes. The peasant rejoices at the absence of
+tyranny, the citizen at the safety of his home, the merchant at the
+equity of his decisions and the protection of his property, and the
+soldier at the regular manner in which his arrears are discharged." "One
+is struck with the intelligence, knowledge, and curiosity which he
+displays, as well as at his accomplished manners and address."
+
+To this short sketch of Afghanistan, and of the persons connected with
+its political history, I will add some extracts from the work of the
+Hon. Capt. Osborne, because they explain the circumstances which led to
+the campaign of the Indus, and to the restoration of Shah Shooja to the
+throne of Cabool. He says, "In May, 1838, a complimentary deputation was
+sent by Runjet Sing to the Governor-General at Simla, consisting of some
+of the most distinguished Sikh chiefs, who were received with all the
+honours prescribed by oriental etiquette. Shortly afterwards, Lord
+Auckland resolved to send a mission to the court of Lahore, not merely
+to reciprocate the compliments of the Maharajah, but to treat upon all
+the important interests which were involved in the existing state of
+political affairs in that quarter of the world. The recent attempts of
+the Persians on Herat, the ambiguous conduct of Dost Mahomed, and the
+suspicions which had been excited with respect to the proceedings and
+ulterior designs of Russia, rendered it of the greatest importance to
+cement the alliance with Runjet Sing, and engage him to a firm and
+effective co-operation with us in the establishment of general
+tranquillity, the resistance of foreign encroachment, and the extension
+of the benefits of commerce and the blessings of civilization.
+Accordingly, W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., was deputed on the mission to the
+Maharajah, accompanied by Dr. Drummond, Capt. Macgregor, and the Hon. W.
+Osborne, military secretary to the Governor-General.
+
+"The object of the Governor-General's mission to Lahore having been
+accomplished, and the concurrence, and, if necessary, the co-operation
+of Runjet Sing, in the restoration of Shah Shooja, secured, Mr.
+Macnaghten repaired to Loodiana, for the purpose of submitting to the
+Shah the treaties that had been concluded, and announcing to him the
+approaching change in his fortunes. The envoys seem to have been much
+struck with the majestic appearance of the old pretender, especially
+with the flowing honours of a black beard descending to his waist,
+always the most cherished appendage of oriental dignity. He had lived
+for twenty years in undisturbed seclusion, if not 'the world
+forgetting,' certainly 'by the world forgot,' consoling himself for the
+loss of his kingdom in a domestic circle of six hundred wives, but
+always 'sighing his soul' towards the mountains and valleys of
+Afghanistan, and patiently awaiting the _kismet_, or fate, which was to
+restore him to his throne. The preparations thenceforward went rapidly
+on. The contingent raised by the Shah was united (more for form than
+use) to the British force, and in three months the expedition began its
+operations."
+
+But before I conclude this introduction to the letters, which detail the
+results of these treaties with the Maharajah, and the march of Shah
+Shooja to Cabool, as I have spoken of the leading characters of
+Afghanistan, I may be permitted to say a few words about the persons
+through whose exertions the Shah has been restored to the throne of that
+country--the officers of the British army; and I do so the more
+anxiously, because the naval and military glory of our country, which in
+my early days was the theme of every song, is now seldom heard of in
+society, and those gallant services appear to be nearly forgotten, which
+during a long protracted state of warfare, within our own recollection,
+placed England in a position to dictate her own terms of peace to the
+world:--a state of society which encourages a certain class of persons
+the more effectually to abuse the military profession, and to mislead
+their deluded followers, by clamouring about the expense of the army,
+and the aristocratic bearing of its members, that they may the more
+readily carry out their own schemes of personal vanity and demoralizing
+political economy.
+
+It is the peculiar feature of the British army, to which we are indebted
+for its high and honourable bearing, that the sons of the first families
+in the land are ever anxious to bear arms under its standards, looking
+not to pecuniary emolument, but to those honours which military rank and
+professional attainments can procure for them; whilst the first commands
+and the highest stations in the service are filled without distinction
+from every grade in society. It is this happy mixture which induces that
+high sense of honour, so peculiarly characteristic of our service; that
+acknowledged distinction between the officers and the privates; that
+true discipline which, tempered with justice and kindly feeling, wins
+the respect of the soldier, and induces him to place that reliance upon
+his commander everywhere so conspicuous, whether in the camp or field of
+battle. But this high feeling in the army causes no additional expense
+to the country; the charge is altogether a deception. Let the following
+sketch of a young soldier's life of the present day, as applicable to
+others as to himself, answer the charge of these politicians.
+
+He was educated for the highest walk of the legal profession, and had
+nearly prepared himself for the university, when he decided to change
+his course and go into the army. The Commander-in-chief placed his name
+amongst the candidates for commissions, and he went to Hanover, where,
+after he had made himself master of the German language, his Royal
+Highness the Duke of Cambridge kindly gave him a commission in the
+Yagers of the Guard, better known in England, in the Peninsula, and at
+Waterloo, as the Rifles of the German Legion. Being only a volunteer in
+the regiment, he could not receive pay from the government; he was,
+therefore, at very considerable personal expense to keep his proper
+standing with his brother officers; and as soon as he had acquired all
+the military knowledge that he was likely to get in the regiment in time
+of peace, he obtained leave to return to England; and, as he had not any
+immediate expectation of a commission, he visited France, to make
+himself more perfect in the French language. After this, he was allowed
+to purchase a commission in the 2nd regiment, or Queen's Royals; and he
+embarked to join that corps in India. His letters will shew what that
+regiment, in common with others, have endured during a campaign of
+fifteen months in Central Asia, their privations and expenses; and when
+his second commission was paid for, during that campaign, he found
+himself at its close, at the age of twenty-five, a lieutenant on full
+pay, the amount of which, if he was in England, would be far short of
+the interest of the money which has been expended in his commissions and
+education, and with fifteen lieutenants still above him on the roll of
+his regiment.
+
+It will be seen by his letters, and it is confirmed by the official
+despatches of the Commander-in-chief, that the company to which he was
+attached (the light company of the Queen's) led the storming party at
+Ghuzni. He was shot through the arm and through the body, and left for
+dead at the foot of the citadel at Kelat, whilst endeavouring to save
+the lives of some Beloochees who were crying for mercy. And for these
+services he is to be rewarded with a medal, by Shah Shooja; for Ghuzni,
+and for the capture of both places he has the full enjoyment of the
+highest gratification that a soldier can feel--the consciousness that he
+has done his duty to his country, and, let me hope, in the act of mercy
+in which he suffered, his duty to his God as a Christian. But he is not
+a solitary example of such good fortune. No one who was wounded and
+survived may have been nearer death than himself, yet are there others
+who have done more, and suffered more, as the history of the army of
+the Indus would bear ample testimony.
+
+Let me then ask, in behalf of the British officer, when he is lightly
+spoken of as a man, or when the expenses of the army are cavilled at, on
+which side is the debt--on his, or on that of his country?
+
+A.H. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+_Brookhill,--May, 1840._
+
+
+
+[Illustration] It may be right to draw the attention of the reader to a
+circumstance which, at first sight, may appear singular--that the same
+letters frequently contain reports quite contradictory to each other. It
+should therefore be borne in mind that such letters were probably
+written at different times, as the writer found opportunity; who, being
+anxious that his family should know all that passed as well in the camp
+as in the field, preferred leaving each report in the way in which it
+was circulated at the time of his writing it, rather than correct it
+afterwards, as the truth, might turn out. Such letters shew the
+situation in which an army is placed on its landing in a new country,
+where no account of the movements of the inhabitants can be relied upon,
+and the heavy responsibility which attaches to the officers who are
+entrusted with its command.
+
+
+
+
+CAMPAIGN OF THE INDUS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+LETTER I
+
+  On board the ship Syden,
+  Off the mouth of the Indus, Nov. 27th, 1838.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--We left Belgaum on the 22nd of last month, and arrived
+at Bombay on the first of this; and we started from Bombay on the 18th,
+for this place. I had intended to write from Bombay, but everything was
+in such a state of confusion and bustle whilst we were there, that I
+literally could find no time or place for doing so. We are now at anchor
+off one of the mouths of the Indus, and have had a delightful voyage.
+Our ship is a very nice one, of 750 tons, belonging to a Swede, who is
+an excessively good fellow, and has treated us very well.
+
+Sir John Keane is already arrived in the steamer Semiramis and also one
+of the native regiments. Our Bombay force consists of 5500 men, of which
+2000 are Europeans--viz., 500 of the Queen's, and 500 of H.M. 17th
+regiment, one squadron of the 4th Light Dragoons, with foot and horse
+artillery. The rest of the force is composed of native regiments, horse
+and foot. We shall not land, I think, until to-morrow evening, as we are
+almost the only ship that has yet arrived. The infantry are divided into
+two brigades, and the cavalry form another by themselves. Our brigade
+(the first) consists of the Queen's, and the 5th and 19th regiments of
+Native Infantry, commanded by our worthy Colonel, now General Willshire,
+C.B.; the other brigade is commanded by a Company's officer. We have to
+go in boats about thirty miles, it is said, up the river, before we
+finally march. Where it is I am perfectly ignorant; however, some place
+between this and Hydrabad, whence we shall march as far north as
+Shikarpoor, where we are to form a junction with the Bengal troops,
+13,000 in number, under Sir H. Fane. What our destination will be after
+that I know not; whether we shall advance with the Bengalees upon Herat,
+or form a corps of reserve on the Indus.
+
+The country between this and Shikarpoor belongs to the Ameers of Sinde.
+They were very restive at first, when they heard of our intention to
+march through their country, and threatened to oppose our progress; but
+I believe they have since thought better of it; however, I do not think
+that they can do anything against us: time will soon shew. We have been
+excessively crowded on board: twenty-six officers. I have been obliged
+to sleep on the poop every night, which, when the dew was heavy, was by
+no means pleasant. I hope we shall go further than Shikarpoor, as I
+should like very much to see Cabool, Candahar, and all that part of the
+world, which so few Europeans have visited.
+
+What is the cause of all this bustle and war I hardly know myself, and,
+at all events, it is too long to make the subject of a letter; I must
+therefore refer you to the papers for it; but I have heard from old
+officers that for the last twenty years the Company have been anxious to
+establish themselves west and north of the Indus. It is not likely,
+therefore, now that they have such an opportunity, that they will let it
+slip, so that perhaps we may be quartered there for the next two or
+three years. How it will turn out I know no more than the man in the
+moon: a soldier is a mere machine, and is moved by his superiors just as
+a chessman by a chess-player. Should there be any skrimmaging, our men
+are in high spirits, and will, I think, soon make the Ameers put their
+pipes in their pockets. Ours is the first European army that has been on
+the Indus since the time of Alexander.
+
+I was obliged to sell my horses and other things on leaving Belgaum, at
+a dead loss. I intend buying another horse when we land in Sinde, as I
+am told we can get good ones very cheap there. This is a regular case of
+here to-day and there to-morrow: perhaps my next letter may be dated
+from Cashmere--who knows? I felt rather sorry at leaving Belgaum; we
+were all of us excessively rejoiced to get out of Bombay. The report at
+first was, that we were to garrison it for the next two or three years,
+and we were therefore very glad when we found that was not to be the
+case. Now, it is said, there is a chance of our going into Persia; but I
+do not think that we shall. The man waits to lay the cloth on the cuddy
+table, where I am writing, so I must conclude for the present.
+
+_Nov. 28th_.--The regiment is beginning to disembark right in front. The
+Grenadiers are now going into the boats of the natives that are to take
+them up the river. Since I wrote yesterday, I have heard all the news
+relative to our disembarkation. We are to go fifteen miles up the river
+in native boats to a place called Vicur, where we form our first camp
+ground. We are to remain there for a week or ten days, in order to
+collect camels, bullocks, &c., for the transportation of our baggage. We
+have to pass a very dangerous bar in getting to this place, where
+several boats have been wrecked; but we have fine large ones. From all
+accounts, the Ameers are now peaceably disposed, except one fellow, who,
+we hear, is inclined to be rather obstreperous; but I think the sight of
+our force will soon bring him to his senses. There are, however, a set
+of men who live on the mountain borders of Sinde, called Beloochees, the
+eastern inhabitants of Beloochistan, who are a robber, free-and-easy
+kind of people, who may give us some trouble in endeavouring to walk off
+with part of our baggage, &c.
+
+I intend to keep a journal of what occurs, and will write by every
+opportunity. I think I have now mentioned everything that I have heard
+relative to this grand expedition; except, by-the-bye, that Sir Henry
+Fane has denominated the force as "The army of the Indus," and ours, the
+Bombay branch of it, as "The corps d'armee of Sinde." There is a grand
+title for you! I have nothing more to say; and as I must be looking
+after my traps previous to disembarking, I must conclude with best love
+to you, and all at home.
+
+  Your most affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S.--I must trust this to the captain of the vessel, giving him
+instructions to put it into the Bombay post when he returns, so that it
+is equally doubtful when you may receive it. He is an excessively good
+fellow, the captain; and we are going to make him a present of a silver
+goblet, worth 35l., for his attentions to us whilst on board his ship.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER II.
+
+  Perminacote, five miles from Vicur,
+  right bank of the Hujamree,
+  one of the branches of the Indus,
+    December 8th, 1838.
+
+MY DEAR KITTY,--I wrote to my father, about ten days ago, from the ship
+in which we came here, stating what I then knew about this expedition;
+but having since received your letter, and my father's, dated Sept. 4th,
+I cannot think of going on this bloody campaign without first answering
+yours. Things look now a little more warlike. The Ameers have
+endeavoured to cut off everything like a supply from this part of the
+country, and we have to depend in a great measure, at present, on the
+supplies brought by the shipping. We have nothing in the shape of
+conveyance for our baggage. We expected two thousand camels and five
+hundred horses here for sale; but they are not to be seen at present,
+and where they are, or when they will arrive, no one knows. News has
+been received, it is said, from Pottinger, the Company's political agent
+at Hydrabad, the principal town of the Ameers, that they have called in
+their army, consisting of 20,000 Beloochees, as they tell Pottinger,
+"for the purpose of paying them off;" but he says it looks very
+suspicious, and that they are also fortifying the various towns on the
+Indus. He has been expected here for the last two or three days, but has
+not yet arrived. Report also says that he has been fired at in his way
+down.
+
+We are kept in the most strict discipline, and have a great deal to do.
+Out-lying and in-lying pickets every night, the same as if we were in
+the presence of an enemy. This is a very pleasant climate at present,
+though excessively cold at night-time, as we feel to our cost when on
+picket, sleeping in the open air, with nothing but our cloaks to cover
+us; and some nights the dew is excessively heavy, which is very
+unhealthy, and has laid me up for the last few days with an attack of
+rheumatism. However, I hope to be out of the sick list to-day. There is
+such a sharp, cutting, easterly wind, that I can hardly hold my pen. It
+averages from 80 to 84 in the shade during the hottest part of the day,
+but that is only for about two hours. However, in the hot season it is
+worse than India; and we have proof here, even at this time, of the
+power of the sun occasionally; so I hope that we shall push on for
+Shikarpoor, and join the Bengal army, under Sir H. Fane, as quickly as
+possible, as we shall then have some chance of getting to Cabool, which
+is said to be a delightful climate.
+
+We are still totally ignorant of our future proceedings, except what I
+have stated above. We are in great hopes that we have not been brought
+here for nothing, and that we may have a chance of seeing a few hard
+blows given and taken ere long. Hydrabad and _loote_ is what is most
+talked about at present. It will, however, be a most harassing kind of
+warfare, I expect, as the force of the Ameers consists of Arabs and
+Beloochees; a regular predatory sort of boys, capital horsemen, but not
+able, I should think, to engage in a regular stand-up fight. I think
+their warfare will consist in trying to cut off a picket at night,
+breaking through the chain of sentries, and endeavouring to put the camp
+in confusion, &c. &c.; so that the poor subalterns on picket will have
+anything but a sinecure there; however, it will be a capital way of
+learning one's duty in the field. By-the-bye, I forgot to tell you,
+amongst other rumours of war, that an Ameer was down here a few days ago
+to obtain an interview with Sir J. Keane, who refused to see the Ameer,
+or to have anything to do with him, and told him that he would soon talk
+to him at Hydrabad.
+
+Our force is now nearly all arrived, all except the Bombay grenadier
+regiment, which is to form part of ours, (i.e., the first brigade,) and
+not the 19th regiment, as I told my father. We have now here two
+squadrons of H.M. 4th Light Dragoons, the Queen's, and the 17th
+regiment. The native regiments are, the Grenadiers, the 5th, the 19th,
+and the 24th; there is also a due proportion of horse and foot
+artillery, together with some native cavalry, making in all 5500
+fighting men. We are now about fifteen miles from the sea, and we got up
+quite safe, although there is a very dangerous bar to cross, and all the
+boats were not so lucky as ours, as the horse artillery lost fifteen
+horses; and a boat belonging to a merchant of Bombay went down, in which
+goods to the amount of one thousand rupees (100l.) were lost.
+
+Our camp presents a very gay appearance--so many regiments collected
+together; and altogether I like this sort of campaigning work very well,
+although I expect that we shall be very hard put to it when we march, if
+we do not get more means of conveyance. The wind is blowing such
+intolerable dust into the tent that I can hardly write. The captain of
+the vessel which brought us from Bombay came up here last night, and
+returns to-day about eleven o'clock, and sails this evening for Bombay;
+I shall give him this letter to take, so that you and my father will
+receive my letters at the same time. As long as I keep my health I do
+not care where we go or what we do. The doctor has just come in and put
+me off the sick list. It is getting very near eleven o'clock, and the
+captain will be off directly, so that I must conclude my letter, hoping
+you will, for this reason, excuse its shortness; and with best love,
+&c., to all at home, believe me ever your most affectionate brother,
+
+  T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S. I have not any horse at present, which I find a great
+inconvenience. I sold what I had at Belgaum, before I left it, at a dead
+loss, as I expected to get plenty here on my arrival, but have been
+wofully disappointed. There were some splendid creatures for sale at
+Bombay, which was very tempting, but they asked enormous sums for them.
+I wonder where I shall eat my Christmas dinner! This is the first
+European army that has been on the Indus since the time of Alexander the
+Great.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER III.
+
+  Camp near Tatta, four miles from the Indus,
+    January 1st, 1839.
+
+My DEAR FATHER,--I write to wish you a happy new year on this the first
+day of 1839, which, if it turns out as its opening prognosticates, is
+likely to be a very eventful one for me, if I do not get knocked on the
+head or otherwise disposed of. I wrote to you from the ship Syden, about
+the 28th of November, and to Kate from our last station at Bominacote,
+on the right bank of the Hujamree, about the 12th of last month, both
+which letters will, I expect, leave Bombay to-day by the overland mail
+for England; but as another mail will leave on the 19th, and I thought
+you would be anxious to learn as much of our movements &c. as possible,
+I dare say the present letter will not be amiss.
+
+We remained at our old encampment, Bominacote, until the 26th of last
+month, and I picked up my health very fast there, and was able to enjoy
+myself shooting a great deal, particularly the black partridge, which
+is an uncommonly handsome bird, and much bigger than the English. The
+2nd brigade of infantry, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment, the 19th and
+23rd regiments Native Infantry, under the command of General Gordon, a
+Company's officer, together with the 4th Light Dragoons, a regiment of
+Native Cavalry, and one troop of horse artillery, left the aforesaid
+place on the 24th, with Sir John Keane and his escort; and the first
+brigade, consisting of ourselves, the 1st Grenadiers, and 5th regiment
+Native Infantry, under the command of our chief, General Willshire, left
+on the 26th. I was on out-lying picket the night before, (Christmas
+night,) and a very curious way it was of passing it. The first part of
+the night, till twelve o'clock, was exceedingly fine and beautiful, and,
+as I lay on the cold ground, my thoughts travelled towards poor old
+Devonshire, and I could not help fancying in what a much more
+comfortable way you must be spending it at home, all snug, &c. at
+Brookhill. After twelve, the strong northerly wind, which blows with
+great force at intervals this time of the year in this country, sprung
+up, and it soon got intensely cold. Towards two I forgot myself for
+about half an hour, and nodded on my post, and on awakening I was taken
+with what I am sure must have been a slight attack of cholera. I was
+stone cold, particularly my arms, hands, legs, and feet, and suffered
+excruciating pains in my stomach, till nature relieved me, which she
+was kind enough to do uncommonly frequent. I had luckily some brandy
+with me, of which I drank, I should think, half a bottle down without
+tasting it; but it did me a great deal of good at the time, although I
+have not been well since, and am still very far from being so. Our
+camels, of which I had two, were furnished us by the commissariat, and
+we ought to have had them at four o'clock on the day before; but, like
+everything else, we did not get them till four o'clock the morning we
+marched, about an hour before we turned out. I had to trust entirely to
+Providence with regard to mine, as to whether I should get them or not,
+as I was on outlying picket, and could not attend to them, and I had
+just two minutes, after coming from picket in the morning, to get a
+mouthful of villanous coffee, when I was obliged to fall in with my
+company, which formed the advanced guard of the brigade, and march off
+in double quick time, leaving all to chance. My poor stomach wanted
+something most awfully to stop its proceedings, but it was totally out
+of the question, as General Willshire hurried us off at a slapping pace;
+luckily, the march was only eight miles, so it did not fatigue me much:
+I marched on foot the whole of it, as I could not get my pony in the
+hurry of starting. We got nothing to eat till two o'clock, when part of
+our mess things arrived, and we pitched into whatever we could get. This
+march; though, was by far the most pleasant, as we had a good firm tract
+of country to pass over, and no sand. The "rouse" sounded at five, and
+we marched again at half-past six. This night I was on in-lying picket,
+and was obliged to pass it in harness, and ready to turn out at a
+moment's notice, although awfully tired. We had a very unpleasant march,
+as the north winds got up soon after we started, and blew the dust and
+sand right into our eyes; we had, however, being on the advance guard,
+comparatively easy work, as there were only two sections with each
+officer: the poor column suffered severely. This day, however, was
+paradise compared to the next, which was eighteen miles, through an
+uninhabited sandy desert, with a few tamarisk shrubs and no water,
+except a few stagnant pools, which was the cause of the march being so
+long, there being no place for encampment. General Willshire, however,
+made the best of a bad matter, and sent on the night before to a place
+about half way, and the least unchristian-like spot he could find, half
+the men's rations for the next day, together with the bheesties (or
+water carriers) and the men's grog, &c., with orders for the cooks to
+have these rations cooked and ready for the men as soon as they marched
+in; so that on arriving at the ground we piled arms and formed a curious
+sort of pic-nic in the middle of the desert. We halted here about an
+hour, and lucky it was that the men got the means of recruiting their
+strength in this manner, as the latter part of the march was a terrible
+teaser. We marched off from this place about twelve. Although we had
+found the morning pleasant enough, with a fine bracing breeze, yet in
+the afternoon, about half an hour after starting, the wind went down,
+and the sun shone out terribly; the sand in some parts was half knee
+deep, and although there was no breeze to blow it in our faces, yet it
+rose from the trampling of so many feet in successive dense columns, and
+completely enveloped the whole brigade, almost blinding the men, so that
+they could hardly see the man before them, and getting into their noses
+and mouths so as nearly to suffocate them; however, they bore it
+manfully, and marched straight through it like Britons. Our encampment
+that night was at a place called Golam Shah, on the Buggaur, one of the
+branch streams of the Indus. We found that the second brigade had only
+left it the same morning, having been obliged to halt there the
+preceding day; and General Willshire found a letter from Sir John Keane,
+advising a halt there for the following day, which we accordingly did,
+and a precious comfortable day we had. I got off my pony at the close of
+this day's march with a dreadful headache, and had to wait for an hour
+till Halket's tent and kit, with whom I am doubling up, arrived. His
+servants brought me the delightful intelligence that my camel man had
+bolted with his camels at our last encampment, and that my things were
+all left there on the ground, with my servant, and that it was quite
+uncertain when they would be up; in fact, it seemed exceedingly doubtful
+whether they would arrive at all. However, they did come in at last,
+but very late, on three ponies, two bullocks, and one donkey, which were
+the only things my boy could get, and for which I had to pay
+considerably. I turned in as soon as I could; and the next day, which
+was a most wretched one, I was very unwell. This place, Golam Shah,
+must, I think, be one of the most wretched places in the whole world,
+situated as it is in the heart of a desert, with only one
+recommendation,--viz., the river Buggaur, the water of which is
+excessively sweet and wholesome. The day we passed at it was the coldest
+I remember since leaving England. A strong northerly wind blew the whole
+day, and the clouds of dust and sand that rose in consequence were so
+thick as perfectly to obscure the sun, and all we could do we could not
+keep ourselves warm. Here we had the misfortune also to lose the only
+man that has as yet fallen on the march, an old soldier. He was taken
+with cholera at eight in the morning and died at twelve at night: he was
+buried about six hours afterwards, just as the regiment marched. The
+hospital men had no time to stretch him, and he was laid in the earth in
+the same posture in which he died, with his arms stuck a kimbo, pressing
+upon his stomach, which shews that he must have suffered intense agony.
+Poor fellow! they had not time to dig his grave very deep, and I am
+afraid the jackals will be the only benefiters by his death. We left
+this place the next morning, the 30th, and arrived here (Tatta) about
+eleven o'clock, a twelve-mile march. A great number of the 2nd brigade
+rode out to meet us, and the 4th Light Dragoons very kindly asked us to
+breakfast immediately on our arrival. You may be sure they had not to
+ask us twice!
+
+Tatta is a very ancient town, said to have been built by either
+Alexander, on his march down the Indus, or by one of his generals; the
+ancient name was Patala. At that time the country was in possession of
+Hindoos, or, at least, of the followers of Brahma, who were most
+probably the original possessors of the greater portion of the east.
+Afterwards, on the rise of Mahomet, it was soon in possession of his
+followers, who seem to have held it for a long period, as they have left
+magnificent proofs of their grandeur, both in the city and all round the
+neighbourhood, which is studded with splendid cupolas, domes, temples,
+and tombs; there is one in particular in the town itself an old tomb,
+now used as a caravanserai, which is excessively handsome. When I talk
+of a tomb being turned into a caravanserai, you will of course
+understand that a tomb in this part of the world is very different from
+one in the western part of the globe. This tomb itself would cover as
+much ground as Exeter Cathedral. The inside of the domes are very
+beautifully enamelled in the chastest colours, and with most excellent
+taste, and would put to shame the most handsome drawing-room in London,
+I should think. I have never repented not being able to draw so much as
+I have since I have been in the East, but particularly since I have been
+at this place, where there is so much that would look well in a sketch;
+but I would not give twopence to be able to draw and not draw well,
+particularly when I see the daubs that some men, who fancy they are
+hands at it, produce, after fagging at the simplest thing possible, and
+I believe that if nature does not give you a turn for it, all the trying
+possible would never make a painter, and that what the old Roman proverb
+said of the poet, "Non fit sed nascitur poeta," is equally applicable to
+the painter. I tried it for a short time, at Hanover, but my master told
+me I was the most awkward and stupid pupil he ever had, and advised me
+to cut the concern, and I followed his advice; nor am I sorry that I did
+so, as I should never have been able to draw well, and should have only
+been discontented, and given it up in disgust. We have, however, two
+officers in our regiment who both draw and sketch exceedingly well; and
+I will try to get duplicates from them if possible, so that, if God
+spares my life, and I ever return home, I shall be able to shew you some
+specimens of the country we have passed through.
+
+_Jan. 2nd._--Well, we are to have no fighting, at least at present, it
+appears. This will be cheering news for Kitty, I expect. We were most
+egregiously disappointed in the town or city of Tatta itself. We saw it
+at a great distance on our march, and on arriving on our encamping
+ground, it looked excessively well, and gave us the idea of a very
+handsome place. We saw what we imagined to be high houses, built of
+stone, towers and pillars; but lo! when we rode in to examine it, these
+splendid buildings turned out to be a most miserable collection of white
+mud houses, which had the appearance of stone at a distance. Some of
+them were tolerably high, certainly; but the most wretched-looking
+things possible. This is the case with most towns in the east. Like
+Dartmouth, they all look best a la distance.
+
+I am sorry to say that we have a great many men in the hospital now, and
+four officers on the sick list; two of them very unwell. All the cases
+are bowel complaints, and most of them dysentery. This is the case
+generally. While on the march, soldiers seldom feel it; but when the
+halt afterwards comes, then they get touched up awfully. However, it is
+not to be wondered at, when one considers the quantity of duty which
+they have to perform at present. Out-lying and in-lying pickets, and
+guards, &c.; add to which, the being suddenly transported from the
+climate of India, to which most of them have become inured by a
+residence, on the average, of twelve years, to this comparatively cold
+and changeful climate, is enough of itself to shake them a little. They
+have also done what no Indian troops have done before: in marching in
+India, almost everything is carried for the soldier; he merely carries
+what he does on parade--viz., his firelock and accoutrements. Our
+regiment though, by-the-bye, has always carried a blanket, with a clean
+shirt and stockings and flannel waistcoat wrapped up in it, that they
+may be enabled to change as soon as they have marched in. On this march,
+each man has carried his knapsack, with his kit in it, twenty rounds of
+ammunition, a havresack with his day's rations, and a small round keg
+containing water, the weight of all which is no joke. While at
+Bominacote, we fully expected to have a little fighting after passing
+Tatta, and on our arrival here we heard a report which induced us to
+believe that we should have a brush with the Ameers very shortly; but it
+appears now that the Ameers have seen the folly of such proceedings, and
+have determined to receive us amicably, and to assist our passage
+through their country, and that it was only one of the Ameers that was
+inclined to be restive. He endeavoured to stop our camels, &c., and
+managed to do so for some time, and collected as much of what they call
+an army as he could--about 5000 of these Beloochees, but with no guns,
+or anything of that sort. However, on collecting them, they represented
+to him that the British troops were behaving so well, and the
+inhabitants of the country were getting so much more money for their
+articles of sale than they ever got before, that they considered it was
+more for their profit and advantage that the English should march
+through their country than that they should oppose them, and get licked
+into the bargain, as they were sure they would be. All eastern nations
+have an awful dread of European artillery. It also happened that the
+poor Ameer had unfortunately not the wherewithal to carry on the war,
+and his army made excessively high demands on him, you may be sure. The
+consequence of all which was, that the army dissolved itself as quietly
+as possible, and the poor Ameer found himself solus. The result is, that
+a deputation is now here, with a small force from the head Ameer, at
+Hydrabad, under the command of Nur Mahomed, another Ameer, and that he
+has made most ample apologies for the conduct of his brother Ameer, and
+offered not only to let us pass through his country, but to assist us in
+so doing to the utmost of his power. It was indeed well for the Ameers
+that they came to this decision, as had they acted contrary we should
+have taken possession of their country to a moral certainty. Now they
+have a chance of keeping half the loaf.
+
+We have here certainly the flower of the Bombay army, and a very
+respectable force in every respect: two of the best European regiments,
+four of the best native, the 4th dragoons, two regiments of light
+cavalry, two troops of horse artillery in prime order, and a battalion
+of foot artillery, together with a splendid band of auxiliary horse from
+Cutch, the finest looking fellows I ever saw: they arrived here on the
+same day as ourselves. I was standing on one of the hills as they wound
+their way round it; I was never struck with anything so much, nor have I
+ever seen anything so orientally military before. They are dressed in
+green garments, edged with gold, and red turbans, tied under the chin,
+like the old Mahratta soldiers; their arms are match-lock, lance,
+scimitar, and pistols, and they appear to be excellent and practical
+riders. They are quite an independent corps, each man finding his own
+horse, arms, accoutrements, &c., and they take good care to be
+excellently mounted. They have a few European officers attached to them
+from the Bombay establishment. Their dress is also uncommonly handsome;
+a green hussar dress, with gold braiding. In addition to all this force,
+we have a subsidiary one nearly as large, coming on directly to follow
+our steps, and occupy Sinde, while we march on with the Bengalees for
+Cabool. This force, they say, is to consist of H.M. 40th regiment from
+Deesa, the 10th, 16th, 22nd, and 24th regiments, 23rd N.I., together
+with H.M. 90th and 61st regiments, and Ceylon Rifle Corps (Malays) from
+Ceylon, so that I expect the government at home will have to send more
+regiments to India as quickly as possible. Sir J. Keane is very likely
+to have the command of the whole force, both Bombay and Bengal, as they
+say Sir H. Fane is gone back to Bengal with half the Bengal force, in
+consequence of the Burmese declaring war; which, as might have been
+expected, they did directly when so many regiments were marched from
+their neighbourhood. This report is, however, contradicted, and they
+say now that Sir H. Fane is going home, and will meet us at Shikarpoor
+or Hydrabad, give up the command to Sir J. Keane, and go down the Indus,
+and thence to England overland. Which is the true version I know not;
+but I am afraid that I have little chance of meeting Colonel Fane, and
+giving him Arthur's letter, which I expected to do when I wrote last. I
+am delighted at the prospect of our going to Cabool: there we may have
+some fighting, and have a chance of being permanently quartered till we
+return to Europe, whenever that may be.
+
+What the original cause of all this was, as I told you before, I hardly
+know; and you are more likely to get at the true version from some of
+the Indian newspapers, or from any friends you may have connected with
+this part of the world, than from me. But, as far as I can learn, this
+appears to be it: Shah Shooja is the rightful heir to the throne of
+Cabool, and Dost Mahomed is what Mr. C. Dickens calls the "wrongful
+one," alias the usurper. Dost Mahomed had possession of the country, and
+the Indian government, from what motives I know not, determined to
+unseat him and replace Shah Shooja. In this matter they are assisted by
+old Runjet Sing, King of Lahore, or, as his oriental title goes, "the
+blind lion of the Punjab." The Persians, on the contrary, took part with
+Dost Mahomed, insulted our resident at their court, and besieged Shah
+Shooja's party in Herat; from which, however, after a siege of long
+duration, they were finally obliged to retire. There was a report at
+first that Russia was concerned in this affair, and that Russian troops
+were present with the Persians at the siege, but these turned out to be
+a regiment or two of Russian renegadoes whom the King of Persia has in
+his pay. There was another report of a letter having been discovered
+from the government of Russia to the King of Persia, which induced the
+belief that the Emperor of Russia was playing a deep game, the object of
+which was to lessen our influence in the East; and many people, I
+believe, are very much of this opinion. How far all this may be true I
+know not; but I have been told by old Indians that for a long time the
+Indian government have been anxious to have a strong footing in Sinde,
+and to command the navigation of the Indus; and that now they have the
+opportunity they are not likely to let it slip. The Afghans are a very
+hardy race of men, and we may have some sharp work with them; but I
+think a gun or two of our horse artillery would have sent the Beloochees
+scampering. They are miserably equipped; but being nearly all robbers,
+they might have annoyed us by a night attack, which would have been
+anything but pleasant, particularly for the poor sub. on out-lying
+picket. Some Bombay native merchants are at present at Tatta; they have
+been here for ten years, and have been afraid to stir for fear of being
+robbed. I have no doubt but that the inhabitants of the country would
+prefer our government considerably to that of the Ameers, as they are
+exceedingly tyrannical, and grind their subjects to the last degree,
+demanding half of everything that is offered for sale. When Burnes
+travelled first in this country, some few years ago, and was received by
+the Ameer in divan, at Hydrabad, an old priest who was present is said
+to have reproved the Ameer for receiving Burnes so civilly, and to have
+told him "that since one Englishman had seen the Indus, it would not be
+long before they would be in possession of it;" and so it seems likely
+to turn out.
+
+Well; as long as I keep my health I care little where we go or what we
+do; but marching in ill health is a great damper to the spirits. The
+stay-at-home soldiers in England little know what service in this
+climate really is. I should like to see ---- of the ---- on out-lying
+picket here; he would not find it quite so pleasant as Almack's. I have
+very little time to add more, as the post goes to Bombay to-day, but to
+wish you all at home a very happy new year, and love to all relations
+and friends, as you may not hear from me again for some time. I will
+endeavour to pick up as many curiosities and things of that description
+as possible for you, if I do not get knocked on the head. I keep a
+journal, and will write by every opportunity. Your next letter to me may
+find me in Cabool. Once more, good bye.
+
+  Ever your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER IV.
+
+  Camp, near Jarruk, on the banks of the Indus,
+  Twenty miles from Hydrabad,
+    January, 31st, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I had fully intended this letter for Kitty, but such a
+dreadful event happened in our regiment yesterday, that I was afraid, if
+she was at all unwell when she received the letter, connecting it, as
+she would, with me, it might throw her into some dreadful fever, or
+something of that sort. I have very little time to write, as the post
+leaves this, by steamer, at three o'clock to-day; and I have a great
+deal to do during the day. I think it my duty, however, to write, as the
+report of the circumstance might get into the papers without mentioning
+names, or giving wrong ones, and you might be needlessly alarmed.
+
+To strike at once _in medias res_, this event is no less than the
+horrible death of three of our officers in a burning shikargur, or large
+thicket, enclosed by the Ameers for the preservation of game. The names
+of the poor, unfortunate fellows are Sparky (whom, by-the-bye, you
+might have seen at Chatham,) Nixon, and Hibbert. The two first, Lieut.
+Sparke, in the Grenadiers, and Nixon, in the Light Company. Hibbert was
+assistant-surgeon. They were three of the finest hearted fellows: Nixon,
+a long time one of my fellow subs in the Light Company. (I can hardly
+write, my hand shakes so.) Poor Hibbert was an exceedingly clever
+fellow, and a great traveller, and one of the most beautiful draughtsmen
+you could meet with any where. They are all three a terrible loss to our
+corps. I will tell you the mournful tale as it happened. We arrived here
+on the 25th. I breakfasted on Tuesday with them at mess, which was the
+last time I ever saw them alive: they were in exceedingly high spirits.
+The success of an enterprise the day before appears to have determined
+them to go upon another expedition on this day, which at first sight did
+not appear half so hazardous as it unfortunately proved to be; this was
+no less than going into a shikargur (of which I have explained the
+meaning above) about four or five miles in the rear of our camp, and
+which was supposed to be well stocked with game. It happened that this
+jungle had been set on fire about two days previously, most likely by
+some of our camel drivers, or other native followers: some said it was
+done by the Beloochees; but this I think very unlikely, as it is dead to
+leeward of our camp. Well, they did not appear in the evening, and we
+began to be rather alarmed on their account: however, we thought they
+would turn up by some chance or other. Next morning (yesterday), when
+the regiment fell in, an hour before daylight, which the whole camp does
+here every morning, as we are supposed to have a hostile force not very
+far from us, they were reported absent. Breakfast came; no tidings of
+them: ten; eleven o'clock; and they began to be the talk of the whole
+camp. However, we speculated that the worst that could have happened to
+them was being taken prisoners by a party of Beloochees, and kept as
+hostages, or something of that sort. At twelve, General Willshire became
+so alarmed and anxious about them that he sent out a troop of the 1st
+Light Cavalry to scour the jungles, and discover what they could of
+them; another officer sent out a party of six natives, with the promise
+of a reward of two hundred rupees if they could find any tidings of
+them. Well; the day went on; and at mess, at six o'clock, nothing had
+been heard relative to their fate, except that a little dog belonging to
+poor Nixon returned to camp about four o'clock. About eight o'clock I
+was in Dickinson's tent, smoking a cheroot, &c., previous to turning in,
+when one of our servants rushed in with the dreadful intelligence that
+the bodies had been found in the jungle by the Light Cavalry. It struck
+us at first so unexpectedly, and as being a thing so dreadful, that we
+would hardly believe it; however, all doubt was soon changed into
+horrible reality by the arrival of the bodies within our lines. I was
+determined not to see them; but there was a horrible fascination which
+drew one along with the rest to the hospital tent, where they were
+lying.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Twelve o'clock.--Well; I am just returned from seeing the last honours
+paid to their remains; it is a melancholy business a military funeral;
+every officer in camp attended; and, after all, they have had the
+satisfaction of a Christian burial, which may not be our luck in a short
+time. I do not know why, but this sad event has made me an old woman
+almost! They lie side by side on a hill just in the rear of our camp;
+"no useless coffin enclosed their corse;" but there they lie together,
+wrapped in their cloaks. Peace to their manes! We intend erecting a
+monument to them, if possible. I learned that some of the staff had been
+to the jungle to investigate it thoroughly to-day, and from various
+circumstances, have come to the conclusion that they had climbed up some
+high trees, which surrounded the place where they fell, in order to
+shoot the game as they came out, and that before they had time to make
+their escape, a breeze came, which brought the smoke, and which most
+likely stifled, or at least rendered them senseless. Let us hope that
+this was the case, as I should think that so their death would not have
+been very painful: the position in which their bodies were lying when
+found seems to warrant this supposition. A porcupine was found close to
+their trees, burnt to a cinder. It blew very hard last night, and I
+passed an almost sleepless night in thinking of these poor fellows. It
+gives a man an awful shake in going through life, seeing the very
+fellows you have lived with for the last two years, in whose proceedings
+you have borne a part, brought suddenly before you in such a state: a
+man in these situations thinks more in two hours than he does in the
+whole course of his natural life under ordinary circumstances. It proves
+what helpless beings we are; how little we can control our own actions:
+truly, "in the midst of life we are in death."
+
+I wrote to you on the new year's day everything that had happened up to
+that time; the letter was to have gone by the overland mail of the 19th.
+I hope you will receive it safe, as I should be sorry you should lose
+anything from me now, as it may be the last you may ever have, so
+precarious are the chances of a soldier's life on actual service.
+Shortly after writing to you, I got ill again, and it ended in a slight
+fever, which cleared me out altogether, since which I have been in
+perfectly good health, thank God. I came off the sick list on the 22nd
+January, the day before we marched from Tatta. I will give you my
+journal from that time to the sad event which has just happened.
+
+_Wednesday, Jan._ 23, 1839.--On this day, at 6 A.M., the corps d'arme of
+Sinde marched out of the encampment near Tatta _en route_ for Hydrabad,
+the Cutch Auxiliary Horse in advance, detaching flankers, &c., then the
+main body in the following order:--The 4th Light Dragoons in front;
+next, one squadron of horse artillery, followed by two squadrons of the
+1st regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry, one company of foot artillery,
+then the first brigade of infantry, under General Willshire, consisting
+of the Queen's Royals, 5th and 1st, or Grenadier regiment, Native
+Infantry, a second squadron of horse artillery, a second company of foot
+artillery; the 2nd infantry brigade, consisting of H.M. 17th regiment,
+the 19th and 23rd regiments Native Infantry; the whole closed by two
+other squadrons of 1st Light Cavalry. We (i.e., the 1st brigade) left
+our ground a quarter before six, and halted on a rising ground close to
+the walls of Tatta, whence we had a very fair view of the cavalry,
+artillery, &c., that were in the advance of us, winding their way
+through a pretty avenue of trees: the whole presented a very animated
+and martial appearance, the different corps marching off with colours
+uncased, band playing, &c. Cunningham's, or the Poonah Auxiliary Horse,
+having only arrived the night before, did not join the main body, but
+came up somewhat later in the day, I believe. The march of the main body
+this day was not more than ten miles; but our brigade was posted two
+miles in advance of the rest of the force, and the Queen's were nearly a
+mile in advance of the other two regiments of the brigade; so that we
+marched about thirteen miles. We encamped in a rather pretty valley
+surrounded by barren rocks, with our right resting on a shikargur (or
+hunting thicket); we had a fine pebbly bottom, which was a great relief
+to our feet after the hot dust of Tatta. My baggage did not make its
+appearance till about five o'clock, my unfortunate young camel having
+proved restive, and flung its load two or three times, thereby
+considerably damaging my cot and table: mess at six,--nothing
+particular.
+
+_Thursday, Jan_. 24.--In consequence of our being so much in advance,
+our "rouse" did not sound till six o'clock this morning, and we did not
+march off our ground till seven. After we had marched about two miles;
+we halted and piled arms, to enable the cavalry, &c., in our rear to
+pass on, and thus we had a very good review of them: they marched in the
+same order as yesterday, except that in addition, and near to the light
+cavalry, came Cunningham's horse from Poonah: this was the first time we
+had seen them; they made a very splendid appearance, about 600 strong,
+and well equipped in every respect; their dress and accoutrements the
+same as the Cutch Horse, (of which I gave you a description in my last,)
+with the difference of wearing yellow and red instead of green and red.
+We had a very pleasant march this day, except the latter part, which was
+exceedingly dusty; some very pretty and romantic scenery, consisting of
+ruined forts, abrupt hills, large rocks, interspersed with some
+beautiful lakes here and there. We reached our encamping ground rather
+late--half-past eleven o'clock--lost my breakfast, owing to my native
+groom, who carried some stock for me, and to whom I had given directions
+to wait by the regiment till they had piled arms and were dismissed,
+having disobeyed my orders, and cut off with my tatter to the river,
+about three miles off: gave chase directly the parade was dismissed, and
+walked through a shikargur to the river, but could not find the rascal.
+I had, however, a good view of the Indus, which does not here appear to
+be very broad: a cruel hot day; and, in addition to my other
+misfortunes, was nearly stifled by the clouds of dust raised by cavalry
+of every description leading their horses to water. On my return to camp
+I luckily found my baggage arrived, and had a good snoose till six
+o'clock, mess time; heard at mess that the Ameers had agreed to all our
+terms, and would do everything to assist our passage through their
+country; that we were to march straight to Shikarpoor, without halting
+at Hydrabad; after remaining at which place for some time, we should
+advance upon Candahar,--all fudge. Our position this halt was about the
+centre of the army,--bad encamping ground,--very dusty.
+
+_Friday, 25th_.--Left our encampment at six, in the same order as
+before; our out-lying picket, under Stisted, joined us near our first
+halt, about three miles. Warlike news,--the Ameers had rejected our
+treaty, and that a force of 10,000 Beloochees had crossed the river; and
+would probably give us some trouble. Stisted had received orders to keep
+a very sharp look-out with his picket, as there was a chance of its
+being attacked: Jephson joined, with news from Sir J. Keane, that there
+was every chance of our being attacked on the line of march; however, we
+were not, although we passed over some very pretty ground for a battle.
+Marched into our encamping ground about half-past ten, near a
+half-ruined village called Jarruk, on the banks of the river; the army
+here took up a rather strong position, on a chain of heights; our
+brigade being, however, pushed on again in advance, on some low and
+jungly ground near the river; the Queen's again on the extreme front.
+News still warlike; the Beloochees, under Meer Mahomet, one of the
+Ameers, and the most restive of them, being supposed to be near us in
+great force, though nobody seemed to know where. All the oot-wallas, or
+camel-drivers, put under charge of sentries, as there was reason to
+suspect they meditated deserting in the night with our camels. Bad
+encamping ground again,--a dusty, half-cultivated field.
+
+_Saturday, 26th_.--Turned out of bed between two and three, A.M., with
+orders to fall in, at a moment's notice, in "light marching order," as
+an attack was strongly expected. Spies had reported that 10,000
+Beloochees were in a shikargur not seven miles from us, and that they
+intended a night attack; everybody in the highest state of excitement,
+pistols loading, &c. Fell in an hour before daylight; cavalry sent out
+in all directions; staff and field-officers galloping about like mad
+fellows; remained under arms till day had fully broke, when we were
+dismissed, but commanded not to stray far from camp: great excitement
+all day; Cunningham's horse sent out to reconnoitre; returned late at
+night, reporting that they had patrolled sixteen miles in advance, had
+closely examined the shikargur in question, and could find no traces of
+the Beloochees,--a strong suspicion, however, remained that there were
+Beloochees in our neighbourhood.
+
+_Sunday, 27th_.--Under arms an hour before daylight; no further news;
+camp quiet. As I was to be on out-lying picket this evening, rode out
+after breakfast to look at my ground, which appeared rather strong,
+intersected with ravines, brushwood; &c., and a good place to hold
+against cavalry. Mounted picket at five o'clock, P.M., fifty-seven rank
+and file, two serjeants, four corporals, and one bugler, a chain of nine
+double sentries, the right resting on the river and the Hydrabad road,
+and the chain running along a dry nullah, till it communicated with the
+sentries of the 5th regiment's picket; a corporal's party of three men
+detached in advance to an old ruin on the left front; a picket of
+cavalry about two miles in advance, with videttes on some high ground. A
+beautiful moonlight night, and not very cold till about one o'clock in
+the morning; lay on the ground and thought of what was going on at
+Brookhill and fancy ball at Torquay; visited my sentries continually;
+the men in high spirits, and very much on the alert; nothing
+extraordinary occurred.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER V.
+
+  Camp Kotree, four miles from Hydrabad,
+    February 6th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I wrote to you a few days ago from Jarruk, informing
+you of the melancholy fate of three of my brother officers; but having
+received your letter since, dated Nov. 20th, containing the bill for 670
+rupees (or 70l.), and informing me of the news of Kate's intended
+marriage, I could not let slip an opportunity which has just occurred,
+by our having got possession of Curachee, of writing to Kitty, and also,
+at the same time, of informing you of what has occurred since. You will
+receive this at the same time as you do the other, since it will arrive
+at Bombay in time to go by the same overland mail.
+
+I wrote to you on the 31st; and on Sunday, the 3rd of February, we
+marched out of Jarruk for this place; we made a two days' march of it,
+both very disgusting; horrible, or rather no roads at all; nothing but
+dust and sand under our feet, which the wind blew into our eyes every
+minute; add to which, small halts every five minutes, on account of the
+artillery in our front, who could not get on through the badness of the
+way: this perpetual halting is the most wearisome thing possible to a
+soldier when once fairly under weigh. Well; we arrived here on the day
+before yes-day; our front is now completely changed, being towards the
+river, and not turned from it, or with our right resting on it, as it
+has been before; our brigade is on the extreme right. Of course, you
+know that we are on the western bank, and that Hydrabad is on the
+eastern, and therefore the opposite one. Since we have been here, we
+have a little relaxed in our discipline, being no longer under arms
+before daylight; but reports are still very various as to whether we are
+to have peace or war with the Ameers, and whether we shall eventually
+have to sack Hydrabad or not. A deputation from thence came over
+yesterday to Sir J. Keane. It appears that the Ameers will agree to our
+treaty, but demur about the money which that treaty obliges them to pay.
+As far as I can learn, though I do not advise you to put much reliance
+on it, as I may very likely be wrong, this seems to be the case. It
+appears that the Ameers have long owed our ally, whom we are going to
+place on the throne of Cabool, Shah Shooja, twenty lacs of rupees; that
+on our declaring war they agreed to pay this sum, with Shah Shooja's
+consent, to our government to meet the expenses of the war, and to give
+us a passage through their country to Shikarpoor. However, from our
+first landing in their country they have played a most underhand game,
+and endeavoured to throw every indirect obstacle in our way, behaving
+friendly to our faces, but behind our backs giving very different
+directions to their satellites: this was found out by means of
+intercepted letters, particularly at our last halt at Jarruk. The
+conduct of our party may not be considered of quite the fairest nature,
+as we are establishing posts in their country by way of communication,
+and reserves at three or four different places. This was, no doubt, part
+of the original plan that sent us here, as these posts are to be
+strongly fortified, consisting, it is supposed, of Shikarpoor, Schwun,
+Tatta, and Curachee, and are to be the posts of defence on our
+north-west frontiers against any incursions from our northern
+neighbours, particularly Russia. The Ameers are particularly indignant
+at this, as I am told it did not form part of the original treaty, and
+they see in it, no doubt with justice, a prelude to our final possession
+of their country. Pottinger, the political agent, had collected, before
+he left Hydrabad, grain for the army to the value of three lacs of
+rupees; this, it is now found out, has either been taken away or
+destroyed, and Sir J. Keane immediately added it to the other twenty
+lacs contained in the treaty. The Ameers say they will pay half the
+whole sum demanded here, and the remaining half on our arrival at
+Shikarpoor. This Sir J. Keane has refused, and told them he will not
+leave this or Hydrabad till he gets every fraction.
+
+We yesterday received news which must, I should think, have an effect on
+the Ameers one way or the other. The admiral on this station, Sir F.
+Maitland, brought up in his 74 (I think the Wellesley) H.M. 40th
+regiment, from Mandivie, in Cutch, to Curachee, a fort on the
+westernmost branch of the Indus. On approaching the fort, the Beloochees
+who garrisoned it, taking it for a common free-trader, had the foolish
+presumption to fire into her; the admiral wore his vessel round, just
+gave one broadside, down came their fort in one second about their
+ears,--you may guess how it astonished them: they sent word to say that
+the English fire a lac of shot in one second. They say the Ameers were
+one year in taking this place, which cost the English one second. I
+think myself that we shall not have any fighting here, and that Hydrabad
+will still remain in the hands of the Ameers.
+
+The report to-day is, that we cross the river to-morrow; if so, I
+suppose with hostile intentions, or at least for intimidation; but this
+I hardly believe. Sir J. Keane, they say, refused to receive the
+deputation from the Ameers yesterday. Should the thing be settled
+peaceably, we shall immediately march for Shikarpoor, and thence most
+likely on Candahar, a new climate. It has been getting gradually hotter
+here; and in the hot season Sinde is dreadful. At Shikarpoor we meet a
+part, if not the whole, of the Bengal force, and Shah Shooja, with his
+and Runjet Sing's contingent, is also there. Runjet himself is very ill:
+part of the agreement between him and us was, that we should preserve
+the throne to his son on his demise. He was excessively civil to Lord
+Auckland, and all the English who have been at Lahore. Sir H. Fane, they
+say, still proceeds with the Bengal army. The drummer is here waiting
+for my letter, as it is very late for the post, so, in haste, good bye.
+Love, &c., and believe me ever,
+
+  Your most affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S. Jephson is post-master to the force.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VI.
+
+  Camp, near Larkhanu,
+    Wednesday, 6th March, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I last wrote to you from Kotree, opposite Hydrabad. We
+are now, as you will see by the date, at Larkhanu, a pretty considerable
+distance from the former place. I see, by my journal, that it was the
+6th of February when I last wrote, exactly one month ago. We were then,
+I believe, rather ignorant of what the Ameers intended; but the fate of
+Curachee, of which I gave you an account; brought them to their senses,
+and the day after I wrote things were settled, and officers had
+permission to visit Hydrabad, merely reporting their names to their
+respective majors of brigade before they did so. In consequence of which
+I went over to that place on the 9th, with Dickenson and Piercy; but
+there was not much to repay us for our ride, under a cruelly hot sun, as
+the fort, the only place worth seeing, was shut up, and no one could get
+a view of the inside except a few of the staff. It did not appear to be
+very strong, although it had a pretty appearance. I think the Ameers
+acted very wisely, as it could easily be taken by escalade. The rest of
+the town consisted of a great straggling bazaar, just the same as is to
+be seen everywhere in India; and it did not appear a bit better than
+that at Belgaum. There were some fine elephants belonging to the Ameers,
+and some pretty ruins on the outskirts of the town. The Beloochees had
+all left, and were nowhere to be seen.
+
+Sunday, the 10th, we marched off our ground at Kotree, and reached
+Lukkee on Saturday, the 16th, after a six days' march, most of them
+fifteen miles. Here we halted four days to allow the pioneers, &c., to
+make a road over the Lukkee Pass for the artillery. We found here some
+excellent sulphur springs and baths, about a mile from our encampment,
+among the Lukkee hills, which, if they could be transported to
+Dartmouth, would make a second Bath of it. The whole of our force were
+bidetizing here all day long. Being so directly under the hills, we
+found it rather warmer than we liked. There were some large lakes here,
+full of wild duck, and capital partridge-shooting, and we were cracking
+away all the time. On the march to this place I had the misfortune to
+lose a very nice little bull-terrier bitch, about a year old, which I
+had from a pup, at Belgaum, and which had followed my fortunes so far.
+It was all her own fault, as she broke from my tent one night, and
+though I used every endeavour I could hear nothing more of her.
+
+The 21st we marched over the Pass to Schwun, the largest place in Sinde
+next to Tatta. The Pass was not half so bad as we expected, so we filed
+over it very easily. On our arrival at Schwun we heard that Sir H. Fane
+had just passed down the river, with his staff, _en route_ for Bombay,
+and was laying at anchor about five miles down the river, where Sir J.
+Keane went to meet him; so that here ended my last chance of meeting
+Col. Fane, and giving him Arthur's letter. Sir H. Fane will remain at
+Bombay, which is to be the head quarters of the Indian army while this
+business lasts. We only halted one day at Schwun; I rode in to look at
+the town, which was nearly desolate, as the inhabitants of every place
+invariably remove with their families on our arrival. There was,
+however, a fine old castle in ruins, which was well worth seeing, and
+must have been a place of some importance in former days; and a very
+superb mosque in the centre of the town, in which was a tame tiger. We
+left Schwun on Saturday, the 23rd, crossing the Arrul river, which flows
+round the town into the Indus, on pontoons, and commenced our first
+march in Upper Sinde. This day's march was delightful, and the only
+tolerable one we have had, all the rest being through a dismal, dusty
+desert, with sometimes no path at all, and the dust generally so thick
+in marching that you cannot see an inch before you. This was, however,
+a grand exception. We marched by the side of a magnificent lake, full of
+wild fowl, the banks of which were carpeted with rich wild clover, and
+over-shadowed with fine trees, the only ones of any size that we have
+yet seen in Sinde; so that you might almost fancy you were going through
+a nobleman's park in England (Kitly, par example.) In fact, this place
+put me more in mind of Old England than, any I have seen in the East.
+From Schwun we marched direct to this place, which we reached on the
+4th, the day before yesterday, without halting once: most of the marches
+fifteen miles, and all terrible teasers, on account of the badness of
+the roads, and the stupidity or wilful ignorance of our guides. One of
+our marches was to have been a short one of ten miles; but for some
+unaccountable reasons our route and encamping ground were changed three
+times. We lost our way in the jungle, and marched fifteen, instead of
+ten, miles before we found ourselves in our proper places; on arrival at
+which we found that half the officers' and men's baggage was gone on to
+our next encamping ground, fifteen miles further, which, owing to the
+variety of places named in orders, our servants supposed to be the right
+one. My baggage was one of the unlucky; but my servant came back with my
+things about five o'clock in the evening; so that my poor camels must
+have gone nearly forty miles that day, with a prospect of another
+fifteen the next morning at five. General Willshire, and, I hear, Sir
+J. Keane also, were among the sufferers. Our poor sick were all lost in
+the jungles for this day, and we saw nothing of half of them till we
+arrived on our next encamping ground. Some of them were upwards of
+twenty-four hours without getting anything to eat, or attendance of any
+sort. Well, we marched to this place on the day before yesterday, after
+ten days' regular hard work. A great number in hospital; though they are
+coming out again now pretty fast.
+
+It is believed we shall halt here about a week; but what we shall do
+then nobody seems to know. The greater part of the force will, it is
+believed, follow the Bengalees to Candahar, who marched from Shikarpoor
+for that purpose, under Sir Willoughby Cotton, on the 22nd, but have
+since been detained, owing to the impracticability of the country. One
+regiment of our brigade (the Grenadier regiment, Native Infantry) is
+under orders for Bukkur, an island fort on the Indus, about twenty-five
+miles from Shikarpoor, which (i.e., Bukkur) is to be our depot for
+stores, &c., and where all the present unfits, in the shape of sick men,
+are to be sent. No doubt some other troops will be left in Upper Sinde,
+at different places, and I have some fears that the "Queen's" may be
+among the number. Heaven defend us from being quartered in any part of
+this wretched country, particularly from Shikarpoor, which is said to be
+one of the hottest places in existence. In fact, the Persians say,
+"While there is a Shikarpoor, there ought to be no Johannum," or hell.
+What a pity it would be to lose such a capital chance of seeing
+Candahar, and perhaps Cabool, which is said to be a splendid place and a
+delightful climate. The Bolan Pass, a most magnificent and difficult
+one, the key to Afghanistan from Sinde, is said to be now totally
+impassable, from the number of dead cattle, horses, and camels, which
+Shah Shooja's force lost there. This I believe, however, to be mere
+report. We heard, the other day, that Dost Mahomed had occupied it, and
+that we should have to take it at the point of the bayonet. So much do
+reports vary, one knows not what to believe. This pass, said to be
+thirty miles long, and at some places almost impassable, runs through
+and over the large chain of mountains that separates the mountainous
+country of Candahar and Cabool, or, as it is generally called,
+Afghanistan, from the lowland of Sinde; it is not easy to cross it, at
+least before April, as till then the snows are not melted.
+
+I hope and trust my next letter will be dated from Candahar, which is,
+however, a good six weeks' march from this place. We have found the
+weather dreadfully hot for the last few days, averaging generally 106 in
+our tents in the day time, though the nights are cool, and the mornings
+generally very cold. I have not yet been in Larkhanu, though we marched
+through a part of it on our arrival. Our men have been now for three
+days without any dram at all, and their rations are getting worse and
+worse every day; in fact, things are so bad that they have been obliged
+to send to Shikarpoor for part of what was left there by the Bengal
+commissariat, which is said to be excellent, and which has fed their
+army very well, although they have come a much greater distance than we
+have.
+
+I spoke to our paymaster about my bill, and he has shewn it to the
+paymaster-general, who says he will cash it whenever I like, but that I
+must take it in a lump; he will not give it me by instalments. This is a
+great nuisance, as it is very hazardous taking so much money about with
+one; the money, too, takes up a great deal of room and is very heavy; it
+was, however, quite a god-send, as I had no idea how very expensive this
+march would turn out; grain for cattle being exceedingly dear, the
+natives raising the price to about 500 per cent. everywhere, thanks to
+bad management somewhere. At Tatta each officer received a month's pay
+in advance, that he might purchase cattle for his baggage. This is to be
+deducted by three instalments, one from each of the next three issues of
+pay. An ensign's pay for one month will hardly purchase sufficient
+conveyances. The only mode in this country is by camels, and a camel is
+of all animals the most treacherous, or rather precarious lived; they
+get ill suddenly and go off in three hours: a great number have died
+with us. Now an officer losing his camels loses one month's pay, and
+must leave his kit on the ground, as he has nothing wherewith to replace
+his loss. You can, therefore, imagine what a great relief your bill
+proved to me, as I shall always have it to fall back upon. I bought a
+very nice little Cabool horse at Kotree, from one of the Ameers'
+disbanded Beloochees. He is very hardy, and accustomed to this country,
+and not particular as to his food, which is a capital thing, as most of
+the Arab horses that have been brought from India have fallen off
+terribly. He is a very pretty figure, goes well, and leaps capitally,
+which few of the Arabs can. I gave 170 rupees for him, or 17l. In India,
+I am confident he would fetch 500 or 600 rupees (50l. or 60l.)
+
+I am very doubtful as to the time when this letter may reach you; I hope
+it may catch the overland mail on the 25th; but Jephson says it is very
+doubtful, and will depend entirely on the chance of there being a ship
+at Curachee, or off the Hujamree. The heat now, while I am writing, is
+dreadful, and there is a beastly hot wind blowing which I never felt
+before. Heaven send us soon out of Sinde! We are expecting the overland
+mail from England every day; it generally manages to come two days after
+I write home. You will by this time have received the letter I wrote
+from the Syden, and the one I wrote to Kate about the 13th of December
+from Bominacote. Reports vary much as to whether we shall have any
+fighting if we advance into Candahar. I should think Dost Mahomed would
+like to try a brush with us, at least with Shah Shooja.
+
+With love to all at home,
+
+  Believe me your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VII.
+
+
+  Camp, Candahar, June 8th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I begin this letter to you on the 8th of June, 1839,
+though when it will reach you, or whether it ever will, is very
+doubtful. I have not written, I see, since the beginning of March, from
+Larkhanu; there was, however, very little use in so doing, as there was
+very little chance of your ever getting it, our friends the Beloochees,
+Kaukers, &c., having made free with nearly every mail, and destroyed
+them. I am very much afraid that I also have been a sufferer by them,
+and that you must have written to me long ere this, but that our friends
+of the Bolan Pass have made use of the letter to wrap their cabobs in. I
+have not heard from you or from home at all since the 2nd of February,
+when I got your letter, dated November 20th, enclosing the bill on
+government, and informing me of Kate's intended marriage. I have,
+however, long since this heard of my lieutenancy, and seen my name in
+the "Gazette," but have not yet received the confirmation of it from Sir
+H. Fane in this country, so that I have been fighting my way, and am
+likely to continue so, on the rank and pay of a full ensign; however,
+there will be so much the more back pay to receive when it does come; it
+is a great nuisance, however, not having it, as I require it so much in
+this country. You can form no conception of the hopeless expense which
+we have inevitably been obliged to incur. We have had a tolerable share
+of hardships, &c., and the poor marching soldiers have suffered
+terribly. What do you think of our having made a forced march of thirty
+to forty miles, for six hours of it under the hottest sun I can
+recollect, and I have felt a few of them in India? Since we left
+Larkhanu we have met with little but a series of robberies, murders,
+alarms, and skirmishes; in short, everything but an actual stand-up
+fight, which we were all anxious for, as it would settle matters at
+once, and free us from the predatory attacks and cold-blooded murders of
+these barbarous tribes.
+
+To begin from where I left off: we marched from Larkhanu on the 11th
+March, and reached Dadur, about four miles from the entrance to the
+Bolan Pass, the nest of the robber hordes of Kaukers, Tuckers, and
+Beloochees, on the 6th of April, having halted several times at
+intermediate places, and made some terrible marches, fifteen miles being
+the average distance. We often lost our way, and marched thereby a
+great deal further than was necessary, through bad guidance. I must tell
+you, however, that before leaving Larkhanu, Sir J. Keane assumed the
+command of the whole army, both Bengal and Bombay, by which General
+Willshire got command of the Bombay division. The two Bombay brigades
+were broken up, the Grenadiers and 5th regiment of Native Infantry were
+sent to garrison Bukkur, a tolerably strong fort on the Indus, and the
+23rd Native Infantry was sent to Lukkur, a town on the opposite side.
+There also the different regiments that were to go on sent their sick,
+and Bukkur was made a depot for supplies, medical stores, &c. The
+greater part of the foot and some of the horse artillery were sent there
+also. Our regiment and the 17th were then made into one brigade, and
+marched from Larkhanu, as I said before, on the 11th. The cavalry and
+horse artillery, &c., did not march for two days after, with the
+Commander-in-chief, who took with him his pet corps; the 19th Native
+Infantry. They marched by a different route from ourselves on account of
+the scarcity of supplies in that desert country; we halted for them at
+Kochee, which place we reached on the 15th about 3 P.M., after the
+thirty to forty miles' march I before told you of, across the marshy
+desert which seems to divide Sinde from Cutch Gundava. This march ought
+only to have been twenty-six miles; but owing to the stupidity of our
+guide we went a longer and more circuitous route, and also had the
+pleasure of losing our way during the night; in addition to which, on
+arriving at the village where it was intended to halt, our staff found
+out, all of a sudden, that there was not a sufficiency of water for the
+whole force, in consequence of which we were moved to another village
+(Kichee) five miles further on.
+
+It was during this march that I first witnessed the effects of extreme
+thirst on men, however well disciplined. It was, as I have said before,
+the hottest day I ever felt; not a breath of air, and the sun enough to
+knock you down. The men were suffering dreadfully, and falling out by
+sections, when about eleven or twelve o'clock they caught sight of some
+water carriers with their mussacks full, so that they knew water could
+not be far off. All discipline was pitched to the devil in an instant,
+and the men rushed from the ranks for the water more like mad devils
+than anything else--nothing could stop them; the mounted officers
+galloped in amongst them, and threatened, but to no purpose; nothing
+short of cutting them down would have stopped any of them. In the midst
+of this, General Willshire, at the head of the brigade, hearing a row
+and looking round, saw the greater part of the 17th (they being in front
+on this day) scampering across the country like a pack of hounds; not
+knowing what was the matter, he galloped up to the colonel and demanded
+an explanation, when, seeing what was the cause, he made the best of it,
+called a halt, and every one immediately rushed to the wells, the
+scenes at which were most ridiculous, fighting, pushing, knocking down
+&c. I saw one man actually lie down and wallow in a filthy ditch full of
+every description of dirt imaginable. We halted here about two hours,
+and then marched to our ground, about six or seven miles further on, the
+men performing this latter part of the march with great cheerfulness. We
+halted here two days to rest the men, and were joined by the rest of the
+Bombay force, with the Commander-in-chief.
+
+We marched again on the 18th, another night march about twenty miles.
+Here we made another halt for three days, while some of the staff went
+on to get information of the country a-head, about which they were
+ignorant. All the villages we had passed through were deserted, and in
+some places the water was stinking. We looked back upon Sinde as a
+paradise compared to the country we were now in. All the little grain
+that was supplied to the bazaars by the commissariat was sold at the
+most exorbitant price, yet we were obliged to buy it, and as much as we
+could get of it too, and lucky we thought ourselves to get any of it,
+even at this rate, at times, in order to feed our horses and camels,
+which were beginning to knock up terribly. We could not now, as we used
+to do in Sinde, send the latter into the jungle to feed on the small
+brushwood, of which they were so fond, except at the risk of being
+robbed of them, and having the servants who looked after them murdered
+by the bands of Beloochees who hovered about us in every direction.
+Still, notwithstanding these annoyances, the humbugging system of
+conciliation was kept up, and although there was not an inhabitant to be
+seen, we were robbed to our faces very nearly; yet if a poor sub.'s
+horse or camel happened to break his ropes and strayed into a field he
+was immediately pounced upon by a provost-marshal and put into a sort of
+pound, from which he was not released except on the payment of a certain
+sum to be given to the owners of the field! Where were they to be found?
+The loss of camels now was irreparable; even if there were any to be
+sold, the prices asked were so exorbitant that few of us youngsters,
+hampered as we were, could afford to purchase; loss of camels produced
+loss of kit, loss of kit produced loss of health, &c. Yet during the
+whole of this march we were losing camels through robberies and fatigue,
+and no measures taken that we ever heard of to put a stop to it. We
+marched from this place on the 22nd, and came to a halt again at a place
+called Kotrie, close under the Hala mountains, about five miles from the
+Gundava Pass. Here we (i.e., our brigade and the 4th Light Dragoons)
+halted for a week. Sir J. Keane pushed on a-head with two troops of
+Light Cavalry and the left wing of the 19th Native Infantry, in order to
+catch up Sir Willoughby Cotton, who was marching in command of the main
+body of the Bengal division. General Willshire, with the staff,
+artillery, and cavalry, was at Gundava, about eight miles from us. At
+this place, Kotrie, which the inhabitants luckily had not deserted, we
+were better off in point of supplies than we had been since we left
+Larkhanu, and there was plenty of shooting and fishing; but it was
+without exception the hottest place I ever was in. Being close under a
+high range of mountains, we were perfectly screened from any cool
+breezes that might take it into their heads to blow from that quarter;
+add to this, the hills themselves, being composed of granite, or some
+stone of that description, attracted the sun, and reflected the heat
+back again on us, so that we were attacked from two sides at once. By
+this time we had no stronger liquor with us than tea, so that we were
+perfectly eligible to become members of the Tea-total Temperance
+Society; our supplies in the liquor line, which we had sent on from
+Hydrabad to Larkhanu by water, not having reached the latter place in
+time for us to get them. In this respect the men were better off than
+ourselves, they having their dram or two every day. Here the robbers
+began to be more bold, and we did not lose sight of them until we
+reached Candahar. Five mails (one of them an "overland," bringing,
+perhaps, letters from you or some one at home) out of six were robbed
+between this and Shikarpoor; and news was received from Sir J. Keane in
+advance that at the entrance of the Bolan Pass several bodies of sepoys
+of Shah Shooja's army were lying, there having been a grand skrimmage
+there between the sepoys and Beloochees, in which the former, being
+caught napping, were worsted. We stayed at this place, as I said before,
+a week, and started again on the 31st.
+
+On the morning of the 2nd of April, during a severe march of twenty-two
+miles, one of our men, a straggler, who had fallen to the rear with
+dysentery, was murdered by these robbers, and another man of the 17th
+cruelly wounded, but he has since recovered. They were sitting together
+by the side of the road, when of a sudden a party of Beloochees rushed
+out from some low bushes, and, before either had time to rise, fired
+into them. Adams, of the Queen's, received a ball on the outside of his
+right thigh, passing down, and coming out at his knee on the other side,
+and cutting some particular vein or artery, which occasioned his death
+through loss of blood. The 17th man was hit on the right side, the ball
+coasting round his body, and coming out at the other side, without
+touching his tripes or any vital part. Adams had not his firelock with
+him, but the 17th man had his, but unloaded, and, in his struggles to
+keep possession of it, received some desperate sabre cuts; but he has
+since recovered. Of course he was soon overpowered, as Adams could give
+no assistance. The Beloochees then stripped them of everything, except
+their shirt and trowsers, and left them to their fate, till another man
+of the 17th came up, in charge of some of his company's camels, who
+brought in the news to camp; but the apothecary who went out was too
+late to save poor Adams. It was gratifying to know that Cunningham,
+with a party of his horse, having received intelligence that a party of
+these blackguards were encamped in a jungle, beat through it, and
+followed their tracks for fourteen miles, when he came upon them, and
+killed six and took four prisoners; Cunningham having outstripped his
+party, killed two men himself and took another prisoner. These rascals
+were brought into camp, and strictly guarded, or I believe they would
+have been torn to pieces by the European soldiers. One of them was sworn
+to by the wounded 17th man as being one of the murderers, and we were
+all in great hopes of seeing the blackguards dancing the tight rope;
+but, instead of that, they were all brought on (except one, who being
+badly wounded, died on the road) to Dadur, where they were given up to
+one of the political diplomatic gentlemen, who, it is said, actually let
+them go with five rupees to carry them home. Fancy a Beloochee's _home!_
+This was carrying the conciliation principle far with a vengeance!
+
+We started again at half-past twelve, on the night of the 3rd--another
+night-march of nineteen miles. Both the nights we were at this place we
+were alarmed by a supposed attack of Beloochees; but they turned out to
+be nothing more than a loose horse or two of the dragoons, for which one
+of their camp-followers suffered, being taken for a Beloochee, while
+running after one of the horses, and therefore cut down by a dragoon on
+sentry. The night we left this place was one of the most fearful I ever
+remember; it had been threatening all the afternoon, and about eight the
+simoom came on with dreadful violence, blowing for five minutes at a
+time, at intervals of twenty minutes or so, until we got under weigh, at
+half-past twelve. The wind, hot and scorching, like a blast from a
+furnace, rushed over the country with the violence of a hurricane,
+bringing with it perfect clouds of dust and sand, so that it was totally
+impossible to face it, except at the risk of being actually blinded or
+stifled. The baggage was to have gone on before us at nine o'clock, as
+the moon was expected to be up, but the clouds of dust, &c., completely
+hid her from us, and she did not shew her nose the whole night. During
+the blasts it was the most perfect "darkness visible" that you can
+imagine, and at the intervals when it ceased, the sensation of the
+atmosphere was more like standing before a hot fire than anything else.
+I had read of these things before in novels, travels, &c; I now, for the
+first time, experienced the reality. Add to all these little annoyances,
+we were every moment expecting a rush of Beloochees; and if they had had
+the pluck of a hare, they might have considerably crippled our
+proceedings, by rushing in and ham-stringing our camels. The darkness,
+the unavoidable confusion, the awkwardness of the camels themselves, all
+favoured them, and I expected nothing less; if they had been Cossacks
+instead, they would have played the very devil with us altogether. At
+length, at half-past eleven, the baggage got off, and now for the first
+time with a baggage guard, consisting of a troop, or company, from each
+of the three regiments, together with all the irregular horse we
+possessed, with strict orders that any Beloochees shewing themselves at
+all near the baggage were instantly to be cut down or bayoneted. The
+main body followed in another hour, with a strong rear-guard, to pick up
+stragglers, &c. These precautions ought to have been taken before, and
+poor Adams would have been saved. I know very little of this march, as I
+remember I slept through the whole of it, until morning, on horseback,
+being terribly fatigued and worn out. The morning was delightfully cool,
+with a fresh bracing breeze from the north. You may well imagine how we
+enjoyed it, after the terrible relaxation of the night before. We
+reached our ground about seven, at a place called Nonsherah. Here we
+heard some bloody-minded reports of the Beloochees, who had been
+plundering the artillery and left wing of the 19th, which were here the
+day before. They seemed, however, to have made a pretty good
+retaliation, and four Beloochees' heads were stuck upon the walls of the
+town, in proof of the soldiers' vengeance. In consequence of there being
+a good baggage-guard, the Beloochees made themselves tolerably scarce
+during this march, although the ground was very favourable for them.
+However, they now and then took long shots from the nullahs, &c., that
+were near the road, but without doing any damage. At last, a soldier,
+from the baggage-guard company of the 17th, having occasion to fall out,
+and going into a nullah for his purpose, unexpectedly found himself
+cheek by jowl with thirty of these rascals. He was knocked down, but
+bellowing out most lustily, his section came up, and being joined by
+another section of the Queen's, they shot about six of them dead, and
+put the rest to flight, having rescued the 17th man. The robbers at this
+place were _rather_ forward, and actually walked off with some camels
+that were out feeding close to the rear of our encampment, in the middle
+of the day. They were, however, all recovered very soon by the
+Irregulars, and those of the robbers who could not manage to escape,
+managed to get their heads broken by these surwars; and intelligence
+having been received that a whole gang, with their families, were
+encamped near us, a party of fourteen, and one jemadar, of the 1st Light
+Cavalry, were sent out, who coming unexpectedly upon them, the robbers
+advanced to shew fight, when the jemadar gave the word to fire, and each
+trooper brought down his bird. The rest immediately took to their heels,
+and owing to the nature of the ground (it was among the hills) effected
+their escape. The troopers returned to camp with the swords and shields,
+&c., of the fallen. From this place we marched again the next morning,
+and a short and easy march brought us to Dadur.
+
+_June 27th_.--I have not been able to write much lately, as it was
+literally too hot to do so. We have had it from 115 to 120 in our tents
+during the day; for the last week, however, it has been getting cooler,
+and to-day is pleasant enough. I wished also to keep the letter open as
+long as I could; but now, since we march on Sunday next, the 30th, I
+have not much time left, though I have a great deal more to say. I
+received by the mail the confirmation of my lieutenancy, by Sir H. Fane,
+from Bombay. An "overland" arrived again here last night, but no letters
+or anything for me. I see, by the English papers, that there was a
+report at home that we had lost 3000 men already--the greatest lie
+possible. If we had lost that, we should have lost more than half the
+Bombay army. We have not lost more than we generally do in quarters,
+though the men have been, terribly knocked up, and well they may be,
+with the horrible marches they have made. I was very much amused by the
+debates in Parliament, with regard to our "military promenade," as some
+of the papers call it. I wish I could see some of their writers on an
+out-lying picket, with a prospect of a twenty miles' march, I rather
+think they would not talk so much of "promenading." The Bengal army,
+with our cavalry, and most of the artillery, marched this morning for
+Cabool. Shah Shooja goes to-morrow or next day, and we bring up the
+rear, as I said before, on Sunday. However, we will talk of that anon,
+or I shall forget where I left off. On looking back, I find that I have
+brought the force up as far as Dadur. Well; we halted there till the
+12th. The 17th, artillery and Irregular Horse, however, marched before
+us, on the 9th. While there, the rascally Beloochees and Kaukers kept
+hovering about us, and walked off with some camels and a horse or two.
+They generally, however, paid very dearly for them, as the cavalry that
+were sent after them on these occasions made a terrible example of them.
+
+While here we heard of a shocking murder at Curachee. A Captain Hand, of
+the 1st Bombay Grenadier Regiment, was taking his morning's ride, when,
+on turning a corner on the top of a hill, he unexpectedly found himself
+in the midst of about thirty Beloochees. They talked to him very
+civilly, and he allowed them to get round his horse, not suspecting
+anything, when one rascal behind him gave him a terrible wipe on the
+back of his head with his sword, which knocked him off his horse, and
+the others rushed in, and cut him to pieces. A Lieut. Clarke, of the
+same corps, happened to be riding this way, and seeing these Beloochees,
+asked them if they had seen a Latich pass that way, meaning Hand; to
+which they replied by a volley from their matchlocks, a ball from one of
+which struck Clarke on the leg, and he galloped for camp as fast as he
+could, and fell off his horse exhausted before the quarter-guard of H.M.
+40th regiment. A party was immediately sent out, and they found the
+body of poor Hand horribly mutilated. A good number of these rascals
+have been since taken, and, I suppose, hanged; unless the conciliation
+principle lets these rascals off also. They belong to different bands,
+under different robber-chiefs, among the hills. These robber Khans have
+strongholds on the almost inaccessible mountains that run up the whole
+west frontier of Sinde, and divide it from Beloochistan. All merchandize
+and travellers passing through Sinde to the west of the Indus are
+obliged to pay a sort of black mail to these Khans to be allowed to pass
+through; but so bad is their name for treachery, ferocity, &c., that
+few, if any, of the traders between India and Central Asia go this
+route. They do not care a farthing for the Ameers, who also secretly
+connive at their proceedings, in order to draw recruits from them on any
+emergency.
+
+Well; we got the steam up again on the 12th, and, together with the 4th
+Light Dragoons, and about sixty Irregulars, started for the celebrated
+Bolan Pass, with a great quantity of commissariat stores from Bukkur,
+for the army in advance, under our charge. This celebrated Pass would be
+the best line of communication between the countries of Central Asia and
+Sinde; and as far as the Pass is concerned itself, it is quite guiltless
+of the bad character it holds. It is merely the bed of a winter torrent,
+and is an easy ascent the whole way through; and during the greater
+part of the year quite passable for any description, of conveyance; but
+in consequence of the great number of robbers, from all parts of
+Beloochistan and Sinde, who infest it, no one thinks of travelling this
+route, unless with a very strong escort. A great number, therefore, of
+native merchants, &c., took advantage of the opportunities offered by
+the passage of it by the different divisions of our army. We had with us
+a native horse-dealer, who had travelled the same way down the year
+before, with horses for the Bombay market, and, as he considered, with a
+sufficient escort; but they were suddenly attacked, his brother killed,
+and he only saved himself by the swiftness of his horse. These robbers
+are several degrees more savage than even their brother Beloochees in
+the south of Sinde. There are two clans of them. The Kaukers and
+Tuckers; of these, the Kaukers are by far the worst. They are
+represented as being regular barbarians, and are even said to be
+cannibals, though perhaps that is a little too melodramatic. They
+possess few fire-arms, but roll down large pieces of rock in the narrow
+passes, and rush out from the small recesses of the rocks, leading God
+knows where, which abound in every part. They never spare any one, and
+cut and hack about the bodies of their victims in the most frightful
+manner. With all this they are the greatest cowards possible; a few
+determined men would be a match for the greatest odds; but the very name
+of Kauker seems to convey terror in it to a traveller. I saw the head
+of one of these rascals lying about at Dadur, and it was the most
+frightful face I ever beheld, more like a wild beast's than a human
+being's. On entering the Pass, which we did as if expecting an enemy,
+with skirmishers, flanking parties, &c., we were nearly stifled by the
+horrible smell arising from the number of dead camels which were lying
+on the ground, in every degree of putrefaction. We soon, however, came
+to bodies of a different sort; for on the banks of a small rivulet, and
+in the water, most in the long reeds, some in the middle of the road,
+were about twenty or thirty dead Sepoys and followers. They were in
+every kind of shape and contortion that could indicate a violent death.
+Some were in a tolerable state of preservation, but others, again, had
+been sadly mauled; tripes torn out by jackals, and one or two were
+perfect skeletons. We kept on coming also upon an arm or a leg, or an
+ugly-looking skull; but the most disgusting sight was an arm and leg,
+protruding out of the centre of the stream, washed to the consistency of
+a washer-woman's hand after a hard day's washing. If you can fancy all
+this on a dark, sluggish-looking stream, surrounded by high and barren
+rocks, you may, perhaps, guess what feelings of disgust it excited in
+us. However, before reaching Candahar we were pretty well accustomed to
+these sights, and got rather callous on the subject, as there was a fair
+sprinkling of them to be met with all the way to that town. Well; we
+made five marches through this delightful Pass, and debouched on a fine
+wide plain on the 17th. Not a stick, not a particle of forage, except
+some high rank grass, was to be got in all this time, and we had been
+obliged to take on supplies for our camels and horses from Dadur; so
+there was a new expense, and new carriage to be provided. The robbers
+did not attempt any attack upon us at all (though, if they had had the
+slightest pluck, they might have crippled us pretty considerably) except
+in the last march, but then we fired on them first. My company was on
+baggage-guard this day, which was sent on in advance of the column; and
+Halket, seeing some of the rascals on the hills, had a crack at them
+with his double-barrel, which produced a reply of three shots from them;
+but a soldier of the company taking a beautiful aim at one of them, at a
+distance I am afraid to mention, and nearly knocking a fellow's head
+off, the rest took to their heels, and we saw no more of them. Our
+Grenadiers, however, who were bringing up the rear, had a slight
+skrimmage with them, and killed five or six, without any of their shots
+taking effect, although one man's firelock and another man's belt were
+cut in half by a bullet. They fired on the column which came on
+afterwards, and wounded one trooper of the Light Dragoons, and a few
+native followers, and killed three horses. Most of us lost a deal of kit
+in this Pass, owing to the camels' feet knocking up, from the sharpness
+of the stones; and the very moment the column was off the ground the
+rascals would be down and fighting for what was left behind. I was on
+rear-guard the second day's march, and the very moment we cleared the
+ground it was most amusing to see the rascals popping out of the holes
+in the rocks in every direction.
+
+On the 18th, we reached Siriab, where we halted for one day. This was a
+rather pretty valley, with some fruit gardens, but the fruit not ripe.
+Here I was taken unwell, and obliged to go on the sick-list; I had been
+ailing some time; the doctor, however, put me off the list again on the
+24th; but owing to the fatigue &c. I underwent on 25th, in going through
+the Ghwozhe Pass, I caught a violent fever, and the next day was laid on
+my beam ends, and did not get round again till the middle of last month.
+In the Ghwozhe Pass our company was on baggage guard. We left our last
+encamping ground at 3 A.M. on the 25th; we had only four miles to the
+Pass, and the Pass was five more, when we reached our new ground, so it
+was not more than nine miles altogether, yet it was 10 o'clock at night
+before the rear-guard, bringing up the fag end of the baggage, came in.
+For nearly the whole of this day I was exposed to an infernally hot sun,
+and the stench arising from the dead cattle was really frightful. I was
+also literally twenty-six hours without getting a morsel to eat or a
+drop to drink, and but the day before on the sick-list. No wonder I was
+laid up! This Ghwozhe Pass was a great deal worse than any part of the
+Bolan. It was nothing but a succession of the most difficult ascents
+and precipitous descents; the most trying kind of ground for the poor
+camels, who fell down in great numbers, and in some parts the path lay
+between two high rocks, and was only four feet wide; how the artillery
+got over it I cannot imagine. A handful of determined men could, I
+should think, defend it against an army. We were on the _qui vive_ the
+whole time, expecting an attack on the baggage, but we only lost a few
+camels. Here we caught up the 17th and artillery, which left Dadur
+before us. If our toils had been great, those of the 17th and artillery
+were twice as much, as it took them two days and two nights to get the
+guns through, and they were obliged to bivouack in the Pass, and were
+attacked once or twice by the Ghiljees; whom, however, one section or so
+easily drove off. I must now tell you that on leaving the Bolan Pass the
+Kaukers &c. made their bows to us, but handed us at the same time over
+to the care of their intimate friends the Ghiljees. These are a kind of
+half-civilized robbers, a large clan, and abound throughout the whole of
+Afghanistan. Their chief is a friend of Dost Mahomed. They gave us a
+little annoyance on the road, but whenever they did so they managed to
+get the worst of it. They murdered a few poor camp followers. At one
+place they fired on some grass-cutters belonging to the 4th Light
+Dragoons, after coming among them and talking with them in a friendly
+manner, as is their usual custom, in order to ascertain what might be
+the chance of an attack. A troop of that corps was immediately sent out,
+with nearly all the officers. Some villagers who had been bringing
+things to our camp joined the robbers, but the 4th played the d--l with
+them, killing or wounding about forty, and only one horse belonging to
+the 4th was wounded. Major Daly, who commands the corps, killed four men
+himself with a simple bamboo hunting spear, used for killing boars. Sir
+J. Keane had fourteen of them shot that had been caught stealing camels
+at Quittah, one march from Siriab, where we left our sick: a brigade of
+the Bengal army is quartered there.
+
+Well; in spite of Ghiljees, Kaukers, Passes, &c., we reached Candahar on
+the 4th of May, having only halted two days since we left Dadur,--pretty
+good work! We were very much disappointed in the country, which is
+little better than a desert, and the weather cruelly hot. I remember
+very little of what occurred after I was on the sick-list, except that
+on arriving at our ground at one place, after a march of eighteen miles,
+we found that the natives had destroyed the well which was to have
+supplied us with water,--pleasant news for a man laid up with fever; in
+consequence of which they made a good profit by bringing it in for sale.
+About as much as would fill two moderate-sized pitchers was sold for
+half a rupee, about 14d. My European servant came and begged to be
+allowed to drink the water in my basin with which I had just washed
+myself, and before I could say anything, drank down the whole of it with
+a zest as if it had been champagne.
+
+We reached Candahar on the 4th, and on the 8th his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk was crowned, after which there was a review of all the
+troops that were here by his Majesty, a grand "tomasha;" but such, I am
+told, was the unpopularity of the Shah that out of the whole population
+of Candahar very few persons were looking on, though the Easterns are
+devoted sight-hunters. On the -- he held a levee, where every officer
+had the honour of making his leg to his Majesty. I was not present at
+either of these grand occasions, being at the time still on the
+sick-list. I, however, had a glimpse of his Majesty the other morning as
+he was taking his airing. He is a fine-looking man, with a splendid
+black beard. I am told that he is a very accomplished man, but an
+exceedingly bad ruler. He has written his own life, which is said to be
+very interesting: I should think it must be so, as few men have
+experienced so many changes of fortune as he has. You will find a very
+good description of him, as well as of Cabool and Sinde, in "Burnes'
+Travels in Bokhara," the present Sir Alexander Burnes, who is second in
+command to Macnaghten, and a great deal with the Shah. I read also an
+excellent article on this country &c. in the last December or January
+number of "Blackwood's Magazine."
+
+Another horrible murder, somewhat similar to that of Capt. Hand,
+occurred here about the middle of last month. Two officers of the 16th
+Lancers, Inverarity and Wilmer, went one day on a fishing excursion to a
+small river about seven miles from this; several parties had been there
+before on pic-nic excursions, as it was much cooler, and there were some
+beautiful gardens, with lots of fruit, on the banks of the stream. There
+is a slight hill to be crossed in getting to it, at the top of which is
+a cut-throat narrow pass, formed out of the rock; you must pass through
+it in single file, and the bottom being of rock is so slippery and rough
+that it is with difficulty a horse can keep his footing on it. They were
+returning home about half-past eight o'clock, when Wilmer, being rather
+wrong in his stomach, got off his horse for a short time, and Inverarity
+said he would walk to the top of the hill to look at the view by
+moonlight; Wilmer followed in a few minutes on foot, his ghorewalla
+following with his horse. On coming near the top of the hill before
+mentioned, he was somewhat astonished at a large stone whizzing by his
+head, and immediately afterwards about six or seven men jumped on him
+out of the rocks. He had time to draw back, and received two different
+cuts on his walking stick, which cut it through, and slightly wounded
+him on the forehead. He managed to draw back from another, which was
+made at him with such strength that the fellow fell with the force of
+his own blow. Wilmer then thought it as time to cut and run, and bolted
+as fast as he could with these chaps after him. They luckily, however,
+stopped to rob his and Inverarity's bangies, containing their kit, which
+they met his servant carrying, &c. Wilmer did not stop till he reached a
+detachment of the Shah's force which is stationed there, he returned
+with a party from them, and on reaching the other side of the hill found
+poor Inverarity lying on the ground dreadfully mutilated; he was not
+quite dead when they came up, and Wilmer says he can never forget the
+convulsive shudder he gave on their arrival, taking them for the
+murderers returning to finish him. He died, however, almost immediately,
+merely saying, "For God's sake, look at my hands! I am afraid I am very
+badly wounded." Thus fell another victim, as we all feel, to the
+conciliation principle! Neither Inverarity's horse nor anything of then
+kit has been since seen, though Wilmer has recovered his horse. This
+will give you a pretty idea of the country we are living in. The next
+day there was an order out from Sir J. Keane, in which, after giving an
+account of the murder, he begged all officers never to go out into the
+country on sporting expeditions unless in large parties and well armed.
+The Shah and Sir John were also on the point of burning down the village
+near which the murder occurred, but the political department would not
+allow it. Seven or eight men were, however, taken up, though nothing
+certain has been proved. They are still in chains in the town; what will
+be done with them I don't know. I always have my holster pipes, and
+pistols loaded, whenever I ride out, as there is nothing like being
+prepared.
+
+I have little to say of Candahar, which appears to me to be just the
+same as every other town I have seen in the East, very dirty, &c. It
+stands in a tolerably fertile plain, with hills scattered all round it.
+It is a perfect square, each side of which is nearly a mile in length;
+two streets, one from north to south, the other from east to west, run
+through it, and bisect each other in the centre: in these are the
+different bazaars. The rest of the town, as it appeared to me as I rode
+round the walls the other day, is perfectly deserted. There are double
+walls to the town, entire all the way round, but I should think it could
+be easily taken. A great number of the inhabitants have left it on
+account of the dearness of provisions, occasioned by the hungry mouths
+of so large a force as ours, and also because, on his first arrival, the
+Shah wished to play some of his old arbitrary acts over again.
+
+The Ghiljees have been at their old tricks lately, robbing some supplies
+for the army, which came up by the Bolan Pass about a week ago, and
+which they followed nearly into our camp. The caravan, however, was
+under the charge of a right sort of fellow, the Rajah of Buhawulpoor,
+who was bringing up a contingent to the Shah's force, and if any of his
+camels were taken away he took two for one from the first village he
+arrived at. The Ghiljees got more bold afterwards, and actually
+endeavoured to walk off with the camels of the Bengal army, and five or
+six were taken prisoners by some Sepoys, and one blown from a gun in the
+town. They, however, killed one, and severely wounded two other unarmed
+soldiers of H.M. 13th Light Infantry, who were out with the camels of
+their regiment, the guard for the camels having very quietly gone to
+sleep in a house. The poor fellows made a desperate fight, defending
+themselves with their shoes; and one of them pulled a mounted Ghiljee
+off his horse, but had his arm cut through before he could get the
+fellow's sword from him: they lost a great many camels.
+
+_June 29th_.--Well, to-morrow we are off for Cabool; I hope the country
+may improve as we advance. Everybody speaks very highly of Cabool
+itself--a fine climate, 6000 feet above the sea. It has been very hot
+the whole time we have been here. They say there is plenty of grain to
+be had on the road; I hope this may be true, and that we shall not have
+a repetition of what took place before in regard to expense. I was
+congratulating myself, a day or two since, on the prospect of getting my
+back pay, but now I hear that I shall not only be minus that, but that
+we are not to get any more pay for three months, owing to some
+mismanagement or other; consequently, we shall be obliged to get into
+debt, with a nice little interest to pay off. I wish, therefore, that
+next year you would give me credit for another 60l. I do not wish you
+to send it out to me, but that you would let me draw upon you as far as
+that sum, in case I should find it necessary, as this campaign has sadly
+crippled me. Your last 60l. is nearly gone, and yet I have not spent a
+farthing that I could help: this irregular way of paying troops is very
+disgusting to them.
+
+The report is now that we are not likely to have any regular fighting,
+as it is pretty generally believed that Dost Mahomed has agreed to our
+terms; the "on dit" is, that he is at Peshawur, and awaits our arrival
+in Cabool, to give himself up to the British government. Colonel Wade,
+one of the political diplomatic line, is near Peshawur with a part of
+Runjet's army, but Dost Mahomed will not surrender himself to him, nor
+will Colonel Wade cross the Punjab frontiers, on account of the great
+enmity which exists between the Afghans and Sikhs: however, all this is
+to be proved. I wish we could have one good brush with them, as we
+should then have plain sailing; as it is, I suppose we shall be annoyed
+by these rascally Ghiljees all the way up: out-lying pickets to take
+care of camels, &c. With regard to the climate of this country I can say
+little, as we have only been here during the hot weather, and hot we
+have found it with a vengeance; but then we have been living in tents.
+One man of ours has died by a coup de soleil; he was one of the camel
+guard. I do not consider the climate an unhealthy one. It is a very
+lucky thing for us that we were not left in Sinde: the troops left there
+have suffered terribly. Sinde is one of the hottest places in the
+world, and very unhealthy; in fact, I consider it to be about one of the
+most disgusting countries in the world. The 17th regiment lost an
+officer there under very melancholy circumstances. He was coming up to
+join his regiment, having been only lately appointed to it, and lost his
+way in that dreadful desert I told you of, where he wandered in a
+wretched state for two days, during which time the simoom came on, and
+he died from its effects a short time after reaching his tent; the
+simoom was still so violent that his servants were obliged to dig his
+grave inside his tent: his body turned black immediately after death.
+
+We have had excellent European fruit here, and the gardens about the
+place are very large and beautiful--peaches, apricots, cherries, apples,
+grapes, and mulberries. I never tasted anything more delicious than the
+melons here. You cannot imagine, in your temperate climate, how
+refreshing they are on a hot day; but, then, they are said to be very
+dangerous. The vegetables, too, are good, particularly to those who had
+been without them so long as we had. There are peas, beans, salad,
+cucumber, but, unfortunately, no potatoes; what would we not give for a
+nice mealy murphy! we have not tasted one for four months; however, in
+all these respects Cabool is much superior. What we shall do when we
+reach that place I cannot imagine,--one thing, the Hindoo Koosh,
+prevents our marching further. The report is, that if everything goes
+smooth we shall go back again this year; but this I do not believe, as
+I hardly think it probable that the government would be at such expense
+in marching us such a distance just to keep us at Cabool for a month,
+and if we overstay that it will be too late, and the snow and severity
+of the climate will hinder our returning. Moreover, Runjet Sing is very
+ill, and, they say, is likely to kick, in which case there will, I take
+it, be a regular shindy in the Punjab; and John Company, when he has
+once put his foot into a country, does not withdraw it very soon.
+Besides, there is Herat and Persia to be looked to. For my part, I have
+no objection to a winter in Cabool; and if we can only get up our
+supplies in the liquor line, we shall, I have no doubt, make ourselves
+very comfortable. The 16th Lancers have an excellent pack of foxhounds
+with them, and horses are very cheap. There are to be races &c. on a
+grand scale also when we get there; and if we can get our supplies up by
+that time, we may look forward to spending a merry Christmas even in
+such a distant country. How curious all this must sound to you in your
+quiet, lovely home of Brookhill. I have often thought of you all during
+this campaign, particularly the other day, when I had the fever; and I
+hope and trust my life maybe spared that I may see you all once more,
+particularly as I have never seen you at Brookhill.
+
+With regard to myself, my health, with the exception of the fever, has
+been much better than I could have expected, considering what we have
+gone through. I have, however, been sadly bothered the whole time I
+have been in the country with rheumatism; at times, during the march, I
+was so bad with it that I could not walk ten minutes at a time. I have
+also had terrible pains in the joints of my arms, and have them still,
+and it is with difficulty I can get a gun to my shoulder. I can walk
+pretty well now, but running is totally out of the question; so that I
+am afraid I should come off poorly in a hand-to-hand encounter with
+these rascals. I applied to the doctor for some medicine, but he said
+"he could give me none;" in fact, they will not give an officer any
+medicine now unless he is very seriously ill, as they are very short of
+medical stores.
+
+I hope you may be able to get through this letter; the blue paper I have
+been writing on is Russian, and bought in Candahar. I do not think I
+have anything more to say. I will write again when I reach Cabool. Tell
+Kate I will write to her too: I hope she got my letter which I wrote in
+January last under cover to you.
+
+With best love to all at home,
+
+  Believe me your very affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S.--By-the-bye, there is an officer here in H.M. 13th Light Infantry,
+with the Bengal force, who knows Arthur very well, in fact, I think a
+great deal better than I do myself. His name is Wood; he is a
+Canterbury man, and seems to know Mr. Baylay and everybody else there.
+He was in the 48th when Arthur was at Canterbury with the 4th Drag.
+Guards. He desired to be kindly remembered to Arthur when I wrote. I
+hope Eliza's hooping-cough is well. I was very sorry to hear of poor
+Sluman's death: as far back as I can recollect he is always associated
+in my mind with home. I hope Ghiljee, Kauker, Beloochee, and Co., will
+let this pass.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VIII.
+
+
+  Camp, near Ghuzni, July 24th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--You must put down yesterday, the 23rd of July, in your
+memorandum book as a memorable day for your son Tom, and, I may say, for
+the British army. Ghuzni, the strongest fortress in Afghanistan, was
+taken by assault in three-quarters of an hour, by the four European
+regiments of the army--viz., the Queen's, 13th Light Infantry, 17th
+regiment, and Bengal European regiment. The storming party, or forlorn
+hope, consisted of the Light Companies of the four regiments. The whole
+right in front--ergo, our company (the Light Company of the Queen's) was
+the first in. I may well remember it, as it was the first time I smelt
+gunpowder and saw blows given in real earnest. It is the most splendid
+thing for us that could have happened: if we had failed, we should have
+had the whole country down upon us in a few days; now, they say, the
+country is ours.
+
+It is reported that Sir J. Keane was so very anxious about it, that when
+he heard our first cheers, after entering the gate of the town, he
+actually cried, it was such a relief to his mind; and that he told
+Brigadier Sale, lieutenant-colonel of the 13th Light Infantry, who
+commanded on the occasion, that it was very likely that the fate of
+India depended on our taking this place. Ghuzni was considered Dost
+Mahomed's principal fortress; his son commanded in it, and it was
+garrisoned by 3000 Afghans. Young Dost expected to hold it out for a
+fortnight; and his father was to have come to his relief in a day or
+two, when we should have had a difficult part to perform, as we should
+have been surrounded in this valley by armed parties on all sides; so
+that it would have been really a ticklish job. They had collected
+provisions in the town for three months, and arms and ammunition; in
+fact, it was the regular depot for their army. They had also about four
+or five lacs of rupees; but that will not give us much prize money. Our
+loss was very trifling, owing to the daring and sudden nature of the
+attack, as they were taken totally by surprise. Our regiment suffered
+the most, and we have thirty-seven killed and wounded, including
+officers, of whom six out of eighteen were wounded--one-third of the
+whole,--however, none of the latter dangerously, thank God, though two
+of them are returned severely wounded. Five men of our regiment were
+killed outright on the spot, and I am afraid we shall lose some more in
+a few days from the effects of their wounds. Of the enemy, about 500
+were killed, and more than 1500 made prisoners; and of the remainder,
+who made their escape over the walls, the greater part were cut down by
+the Dragoons, or spifflicated by the Lancers. Among the prisoners is
+young Dost himself, the greatest prize of all. More than a thousand
+magnificent horses have also been taken, besides pack-horses, camels,
+and grain in abundance. However, I never can tell a story without going
+back to the very commencement.
+
+I finished my last letter to you the day before we left Candahar. Well;
+we started on Sunday, the 30th of June, and made seven marches to
+Belanti Ghiljee, where we caught up the Shah's army, with a Bengal
+division. Here Sir John Keane had first come in sight of young Dost's
+army, who, however, retired very quickly, though there was some talk of
+their holding out at this place, and we were pushed on rapidly in
+consequence. They shewed their sense in not holding out there, as it
+would not have taken us long to dislodge them. We halted here a day, and
+then marched on by very short and easy marches, halting every third or
+fourth day, and taking things very easy, although we were constantly
+annoyed by the Ghiljees, who murdered several of our camp followers, and
+tried to rob us whenever they could find an opportunity, until we were
+within five good marches of Ghuzni, when General Willshire received an
+order to push on by forced marches, and to make these five into three.
+After making two out of these three, (and precious long ones they were,)
+we found out that we were still upwards of twenty miles from Ghuzni,
+with the men so fatigued that it was nearly impossible for them to do
+it, and that we should therefore be obliged to make two of it. The
+event, however, proved the contrary; for, about seven o'clock in the
+evening, a dispatch came from General Willshire, and about eight, just
+as we were preparing to turn in, the orders were out to strike our
+tents, and march in an hour's time, and catch up Sir John Keane and the
+Shah, who were halted about nine miles in advance of us. Sir John was
+anxious to have the whole force concentrated before marching on Ghuzni.
+Nothing, however, was certain; and we were all in a high state of
+excitement, not knowing what to expect: this was the evening of the
+20th. We made quick work of this march, and reached Sir John Keane about
+half-past twelve. Here we heard that Sir John Keane was in expectation
+of a night attack. He had fallen in that morning with the advance of the
+enemy, who had, however, upon the appearance of the British force,
+retired upon Ghuzni. We bivouacked on our ground, after throwing out
+strong pickets, and marched again at 5 A.M., Sir John Keane, the
+Bengalees, and cavalry in advance, then the Shah, and then our small
+party. We, however, sent our artillery to join Sir John. About eight
+o'clock, when within about three miles of Ghuzni, we heard the first
+symptoms that the game of war was beginning: our batteries were firing
+on the place, and the garrison were returning it with good effect; it
+served as a sort of overture to the opera in which we knew we must soon
+be actors.
+
+In consequence of the great quantity of baggage, now the whole army was
+joined, we were halted for a couple of hours to protect it, and the
+whole of the cavalry was sent back for that purpose; and well it was
+that they were, as a part of the enemy's cavalry made a demonstration
+for attacking it, but withdrew on seeing ours. We were at length marched
+on, and took up our ground a little to the S.W. of the fort, but out of
+harm's way, when we heard a more definite account of what had been done.
+The advance of the Bengal column, H.M. 13th Light Infantry and the 16th
+Native Infantry, had some little work in driving the enemy out of the
+gardens and old buildings that surround the town. This, however, they
+accomplished with a trifling loss; our guns then opened on the place,
+but as they were light ones (the heaviest being still in the rear), with
+little effect. This desultory fire on both sides was, however, kept up
+for about three hours: little execution being done, and a few casualties
+having occurred among the artillery, Sir John Keane ordered the guns to
+be withdrawn. We had not been on our ground more than three hours when
+we were ordered once more on the march, and to march by a circuitous
+route across the mountains, in order to avoid the fire of the town, and
+take up our ground on the other side of it. We reached our new ground
+about nine, after a fatiguing march of seven miles, crossing the river,
+and, by an infernal path, through the hills. Here we bivouacked again
+for the night, as little of our baggage had arrived.
+
+The enemy took this move of ours as a defeat, and concluded that we had
+marched on to Cabool, despairing of taking their fort: the event proved
+how wofully they were mistaken! They wasted a good deal of powder in
+firing for joy, and young Dost sent a dispatch from the place to his
+father, apprizing him of the fact, and begging him to come down upon us
+immediately, while he would follow upon our rear. He also sent to a
+Ghiljee chieftain near us, telling him to collect as many followers and
+country people as he could to make an attack upon our baggage, as he had
+only to come down and take it. We sold this fellow a bargain, however,
+the next day. Well; the first thing we heard the next morning was from
+young Keane, and to this effect, that we were to rest for that day, and
+that the four European corps were to storm the place the next morning
+before daylight, as the state of the country was such that Sir John
+could not waste time in breaching it; and, moreover, it was doubtful
+whether, from the nature of the walls, it could be breached at all. We
+did not, however, learn the final dispositions till the evening.
+
+That day, the 22nd, I shall never forget; it was a very dismal one; much
+more so than the next. There was a nervous irritability and excitement
+about us the whole day; constantly looking at the place through
+spy-glasses, &c.; and then fellows began to make their wills, and tell
+each other what they wished to have done in case they fell; altogether
+it was not at all pleasant, and every one longed most heartily for the
+morrow, and to have it over. I felt as I used to do when I was a child,
+and knew I must take a black dose or have a tooth drawn the next
+morning. About twelve o'clock a great deal of firing took place on our
+left; this we soon ascertained to be the Ghiljee chief I have before
+mentioned, coming down with the amiable purpose of lootzing our camp. A
+part of the Shah's Afghan cavalry, a few guns of the Horse Artillery,
+and a squadron of Lancers, were ordered out, who soon sent them to the
+right-about. The chief, when he saw that it was not such an easy job as
+he expected, cut his stick the first, with his horsemen, about 2000,
+leaving the poor footpads, about 1000, to shift for themselves. They
+were terribly mauled, and a great number of prisoners taken, whose heads
+the Shah struck off immediately. Well; evening came at last! and then we
+heard the morning's news confirmed; that the Light Companies of the
+four corps were to form the storming party, that an Engineer officer,
+with some Sappers, each carrying a bag of gunpowder (in all 300lbs.),
+was to advance to the Cabool gate, and place it there, in order to blow
+it down; that immediately upon the gates falling we were to rush in and
+take possession of the town, &c. At the same time a false attack was to
+be made by the 16th Bengal Native Infantry on the Candahar gate, in
+order to divert the enemy's attention. Brigadier Sale, lieut.-colonel of
+the 13th, was to command the whole, and Col. Dennie, of the same corps,
+the storming party. Three regiments of Native Infantry were to be in
+reserve, under Sir Willoughby Cotton; and the cavalry were to be
+stationed so as best to intercept the flight of those who might manage
+to make their escape from the place. We were to be formed ready for the
+attack at two o'clock in the morning, close to a high pillar, about half
+a mile from the fort; we were to advance under cover of the Artillery,
+who were to fire over and clear the walls for us. I laid down in my
+cloak directly after mess, and, being dreadfully tired, never slept more
+soundly than I did the night before the storming of Ghuzni.
+
+At one o'clock we turned out; I took a cup of tea and a couple of ginger
+biscuits, and joined my company: in a quarter of an hour we were on our
+march to the pillar, where we were to be formed. Here we found Col. Sale
+and the Engineer officers, &c. Col. Sale called out the officers, and
+told them the plan of the attack, which was to be the same as mentioned
+before, except that the 13th Light Infantry were to line the ditch
+outside the town, and fire on the ramparts, while we advanced. The
+storming party, Queen's and Bengal European regiments, were, after
+entering the gate, to move along a street to the left, clearing the
+houses, &c., and on arriving at the end to mount the ramparts, and to
+return by them. Our object in doing this was to drive as many men as
+possible into the citadel, and having obtained this object, a signal was
+to be given, and the artillery were to fire shells into the citadel,
+which, particularly as their powder magazine was there, it was expected
+would soon make them cut and run. The 17th and 13th regiments being
+nearest, were then to rush up and take possession of the citadel, and
+the Native regiments, being in reserve, were to assist them. Col. Sale
+then said a few words of encouragement, and concluded by hoping "we
+should all have luck"--on the whole a very neat and appropriate speech.
+We then piled arms, and officers fell out. I never saw fellows more
+merry than most of us were while we were waiting there; in fact, if we
+had been going to the most delightful place in the world, we could not
+have appeared in better spirits; and this put me strongly in mind of a
+scene I had read in a book called "The Subaltern," where the feelings of
+the officers, waiting for an attack, are described as being just the
+same. At length, "bang" went a gun from our batteries. Col. Sale said,
+"Ah, there goes the signal; we had better be starting:" just as if one
+was to get ready to take a ride to Brixham or elsewhere. Well; we fell
+in, and in about a quarter of an hour off we went. The enemy returned
+the fire from our batteries in good style, and there was a regular row.
+They pointed their "Long Tom," a fifty-two pounder, towards us, and sent
+the shot over our heads and a little to our left. The ball made a
+terrific row rushing over us. Whilst we were marching down to the attack
+the fire on both sides was at its height. The noise was fearful, and the
+whole scene the grandest and, at the same time, the most awful I ever
+witnessed. I caught myself, once or twice, trying to make myself as
+small as I could. As we got nearer the gate it grew worse, and the
+enemy, from their loop-holes, began to pepper us with matchlocks and
+arrows. The scene now was splendid. The enemy, at the commencement of
+the firing, threw out blue lights in several places, which looked
+beautiful, and the flames of their and our artillery, together with the
+smaller flashes from the matchlock men, added to the roar of their big
+guns, the sharp cracking of the matchlocks, the whizzing of their cannon
+balls and ours, (the latter of which, by-the-bye, went much nearer our
+heads than the enemy's, as our artillery fired beautifully, and sent
+their shot close over our heads, on the ramparts,) the singing of the
+bullets, and the whizzing of their arrows, all combined, made up as
+pretty a little row as one would wish to hear. Add to this, that it was
+as dark as pitch, and you may judge of the effect. We made a rush over
+the bridge, which the enemy had not destroyed, and continuing it up a
+slight ascent, we found ourselves of a sudden close to the gate. Here
+there was a check. Although the gate was blown down, still the remains
+of it, and the barricade on the inside, rendered it a difficult place to
+get over, particularly as it wanted at least half an hour of daylight,
+and was perfectly dark. The two first sections were therefore a long
+time getting through, during which the two last, to which I belonged,
+were standing still outside, exposed to a cross fire from two round
+towers, which flanked the entrance. Our men, however, kept up such a
+smart fire upon every hole and opening that no man dared shew his nose,
+and their fire was therefore rendered harmless. At length we moved in,
+and found that, besides what I have mentioned above, there was a large
+hole in the roof of the portico over the gate, through which the enemy
+were pitching earth, beams of wood, stones, &c.; one of these beams
+knocked over my European servant, who was next to me, and dislocated his
+arm, and, taking me in the flank, made me bite the dust also; however, I
+had no further hurt than a slight bruise, and was up again immediately,
+as I heard one of the soldiers say, "Oh! there is poor Mr. Holdsworth:
+he's down!"
+
+On getting within the gate a few volleys cleared the opening of the
+street. Robinson, (our captain,) Col. Sale, with Kershaw and Wood of
+the 13th, Sale's staff, (the latter the man who knew Arthur at
+Canterbury,) were the first in. Poor Col. Sale got a cut in the mouth,
+and fell upon Kershaw, who went down with him; on rising, an Afghan was
+lifting his sword to cut down Sale when Kershaw seized the hilt of his
+sword, and ran his own into him. Robinson also got a terrible cut on the
+side of his head, which would have done his business for him if he had
+not had on a cap padded with cotton, which deadened the weight of the
+blow. All the companies of the storming party, however, got in well,
+except the last, the light company of the Bengal European regiment, and
+they had a desperate fight, the enemy having returned to the gate in
+great numbers, and twenty-seven men of the company were laid low in no
+time. After this every company that came in had a shindy at the gate;
+the fact was, that the enemy took every company for the last, and
+therefore made a desperate attempt to escape through it. Our company,
+with the advance, pushed through the town, clearing the tops of the
+houses. We only lost one man of our company; we thought he was done for
+at first, but he is still alive, and, I am glad to say, likely lo do
+well; he was shot right through the breastplate, and the ball went round
+his body and was taken out of his back; he is to wear the same
+breastplate in future. On coming to the end of the town we halted, and
+were agreeably surprised, shortly after, to see the British flag waving
+on the top of the citadel: the fact of the matter was, that the enemy
+never thought of retiring to the citadel at all, but endeavoured to make
+their escape directly they found we were inside the gates; the 17th and
+13th, therefore, quietly marched up and took possession of it.
+
+We now returned by the ramparts, taking a great number of prisoners, and
+on reaching the large street where the horses were, the scene was
+perfectly ridiculous; the horses were loose, and running and charging
+about in all directions, kicking, fighting, &c. On getting near the gate
+we entered by, the effects of our fight became more apparent, as dying
+and dead Afghans testified. There were eight lying at one particular
+spot, where a tumbril had blown up, and their bodies were still burning
+from the effects. I never saw finer men than some of these Afghans--they
+were perfect models. The plunder now began, though to little purpose, as
+prize agents were at the gates and made most of us refund. I managed,
+however, to get through a rather handsome spear, which I took from
+before the tent of one of the chiefs. If the carelessness of my servants
+will allow it I mean to keep it till we get back whenever that may be,
+and send it home by some trusty person, when perhaps you may think it
+worthy of a place among your curiosities at Brookhill. The 13th and
+17th, however, had the best of it in the citadel, which was also the
+palace, and where all young Dost's women were. I hear that the soldiers
+have possession of some very handsome articles which they boned there I
+believe. After this, young Dost, or, to give him his right name, Hyder
+Khan, was found in a large hole near the citadel, with about twenty
+followers; they had some work, however, in securing him. About this time
+I saw the Shah, with the diplomatic people, Sir J. Keane, and Sir W.
+Cotton, enter the fort and proceed to the citadel. The old Shah was
+mightily delighted, as well he might be, and expressed himself in
+raptures with the European soldiery. I was back again to breakfast at
+mess by eight o'clock. Several of our men were wounded by arrows. One
+soldier swore "that a fellow had shot his ramrod into him." Stisted had
+an arrow through the calf of his leg, but his wound is not considered of
+any importance.
+
+_July 30th_.--Sir J. Keane, with the greater part of the army, marched
+this morning for Cabool; ours (the Bombay division) march to-morrow.
+Although the greater part of the town was taken in the way I have
+described, still a party of about 100 men, under Dost Mahomed's
+standard-bearer, (a great man, of course,) held out till the next day,
+when they were all taken, and soon afterwards shot. They certainly must
+have been assisted by some Europeans, as their powder was made up in a
+very scientific manner, and their grape was exceedingly well put
+together. Young Dost cannot imagine how the gate was blown down; he
+thinks, I hear, that we shot two men inside the fort from a big gun, who
+opened the door for us. He was sleeping over it at the time; the
+explosion must have "astonished him a few, I guess." He says some of his
+father's best soldiers have fallen there; and one man in particular, a
+great chief, said to be the best swordsman between Cabool and Candahar.
+I have been in the fort since, and I am glad we took it in the dark, as
+it is not at all a nice looking place by daylight. The rooms in the
+citadel are very fine, particularly where the women were, the ceilings
+of which are inlaid with gold work. All our sick and wounded are to be
+left here: we only leave one officer behind, poor Young, who was shot
+through the thigh very near the groin.
+
+Reports have been very various since the fall of Ghuzni whether Dost
+himself will fight or not. It seems to be generally expected that we
+shall have another shindy before we get to Cabool, though a great number
+of chiefs have lately come in to the Shah, among the principal of whom
+is Hadjee Khan Kauker, the governor of Bamian, a man of great influence
+in the country, and a great intriguer, formerly a great friend of Dost
+Mahomed's. He came in to us about three hours after the place had
+fallen: he had been waiting on the top of a hill to see the result, and
+was prepared to join whichever side was victorious. I must tell you,
+also, that on the 21st, the day we marched upon Ghuzni, another son of
+Dost was waiting outside the town to attack us with about three thousand
+men; but on seeing the size of our army he thought better of it, and cut
+for Cabool as fast as he could; he was deserted on the way by most of
+his army, and reached Cabool with scarcely a follower: his father was
+exceedingly enraged, and is said to have put him in prison.
+
+_Sunday, 28th_.--The day before yesterday, Dost Mahomed's brother, a man
+who has always favoured the English, and advised Dost to have nothing to
+do with the Persians, &c., but who lives quite retired, and has very
+little to do with politics, came into our camp to endeavour to make
+terms for his brother; but, it is said, neither party was satisfied:
+they say that he was disgusted at our proposals, and replied, "that Dost
+would rather lose his life than accept them." Dost wants to be made the
+Shah's vizier; but that, of course, could not be allowed. How it will
+end no one knows: however, a few days will shew. We have had several
+deserters from Dost's army; they say he is encamped, and has thrown up
+strong entrenchments about three miles in front of Cabool. I should
+hardly, however, think that the people of Cabool will allow his doing
+so, as there are several rich people in it who would not like to see
+Ghuzni reacted at their own door. There would be lots of prize money for
+us. Talking of prize money, I am afraid there will not be very much,
+though the things that were taken sold remarkably well, as did also the
+horses, &c. I managed to buy, though for much beyond its value, a rather
+pretty coverlet for a bed, which was taken in the fort, which perhaps
+belonged to some of the young ladies of the harem; it is of shawl
+velvet, and said to be made in Cashmere. I intend to send it home with
+the spear, and give it to Kate; though what use she can put it to I
+hardly know, as I am sure it will not be large enough for her bed;
+still, when one considers whence it was taken, it may possess some
+little interest. Young Dost is left behind in the fort, which is to be
+strongly garrisoned, and where we leave all our sick and wounded.
+
+The climate of this place is delightful; it is about 6000 feet above the
+level of the sea; and although this is the hottest month in the year,
+still we do not find it at all unpleasant, living in tents: a delightful
+change from Candahar. There is the most beautiful clover here I ever
+saw, and lots of fruit.
+
+We have just received intelligence of Runjet Sing's death; he has been
+reported dead several times before; but they say this time it is really
+the case; if so, we are still only at the beginning of our work, as we
+shall most likely have something to do in the Punjab. The government, it
+is said, have guaranteed the succession of Runjet's son, who is little
+better than a natural idiot. The chiefs of the Sikhs, who are very
+warlike people, and have often licked the Afghans, say they will not
+consent to be ruled by such a person,--thereon hangs the matter. A large
+force has been gradually concentrating at Delhi, Meerut, Loodiana, and
+all the north-west stations in Bengal, ready to march into the Punjab in
+case of Runjet's death, which has been long expected; and we very likely
+shall make an advance by the line of the Cabool river to Peshawur, and
+Attock, on the Indus. It is rather late to begin a campaign after
+marching more than a thousand miles, and not meeting an enemy except
+robbers. If I ever do get home safe and sound after all this work, I
+shall consider myself very lucky.
+
+_July 31st_.--Here we are, our first day's march to Cabool. Reports
+still flying about as to whether Dost means to fight. I wore the pistols
+you gave me in London at the storming,--they are a capital pair! The
+post goes directly, so I must conclude, with best love to all, your very
+affectionate son,
+
+  T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+P.S.--They say Shah Shooja will give us all medals when everything is
+settled; those for the officers to be a small gold one, with an
+impression of the Fort of Ghuzni; those for the soldiers to be silver,
+and the same pattern. If you look into the military papers when this
+reaches you, I dare say you will find further accounts of the business.
+
+     NOTE.--"It was arranged that an explosion party, consisting of
+     three officers of engineers (Capt. Peat, Lieuts. Durand and
+     M'Leod), three Serjeants and eighteen men of the sappers in
+     working dresses, carrying three hundred pounds of powder in
+     twelve sand bags, with a hose seventy-two feet long, should be
+     ready to move down to the gateway at break of day.
+
+     "So quickly was the operation performed, and so little was the
+     enemy aware of the nature of it, that not a man of the party
+     was hurt."--_From Memoranda of Capt. Thompson, R.E., Chief
+     Engineer, Army of Indus_.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER IX.
+
+MEMORANDUM.--I have lost this letter, which I regret the more, because
+it gave a very full account both, of Cabool and its environs, as well as
+of many interesting circumstances which took place during the time the
+Bombay division of the army remained there.
+
+As far as I remember its contents, it began with the march of the army
+from Ghuzni to Cabool, the desertion of the troops of Dost Mahomed, and
+his flight from the capital. It described his pursuit by a party of
+officers and cavalry, volunteers from the British army, commanded by
+Captain Outram, who accompanied Hadjee Khan Kauker, the principal chief
+of the country, with a body of 2000 Afghans, who had joined Shah Shooja
+at Ghuzni.
+
+It stated, that after a few days had expired, the party had nearly
+reached the fugitive, when Hadjee Khan refused to proceed, stating,
+amongst other excuses, that his men had dispersed to plunder, and that
+he had not any means of preventing it; and Captain Outram was obliged to
+proceed without him. It had been supposed by Shah Shooja, that Hadjee
+Khan had been so committed with Dost Mahomed that he might be safely
+trusted upon this occasion; but there is not the least doubt but that he
+was engaged in correspondence with him during the whole time, and that
+Dost Mahomed was thus enabled to effect his escape with his family,
+although Captain Outram with his party pursued him as far as Bamian. If
+Hadjee Khan had not acted in this most treacherous way, there could not
+be a doubt but that Dost Mahomed must have fallen into the hands of
+Captain Outram. Thus Hadjee Khan proved his double treachery; for which,
+on his return to Cabool, it was understood the Shah would have put him
+to death, but for the presence of the English, upon whose interference
+his sentence was changed to perpetual confinement in one of the state
+prisons.
+
+It described, also, the arrival of the eldest son of Shah Shooja, with
+the contingent from Runjet Sing; his meeting with his youngest brother
+on the road, near the city, who went out for that purpose upon an
+elephant, richly caparisoned, attended by a suitable cortege; his
+reception by the British army, and afterwards by his father, at the Bala
+Hissar, where my son mixed with the troops of the Shah, who filled the
+palace yard, and was thus enabled to witness the first interview, which
+was anything but that which might have been expected when the eldest son
+arrived at the palace to congratulate his father on his restoration to
+his throne. The King was seated alone in an open balcony, slightly
+raised above the court, where his officers of state were ranged on
+either side, on the ground. The Prince advanced through a line of troops
+and public officers, but did not raise his eyes from the ground. When he
+came near his father, he prostrated himself in submission to the King,
+who called to him "that he was welcome;" after which the son ascended to
+the balcony, where he again made a prostration, when his father raised
+him up, and seated him near him. The peculiarly careful conduct of the
+son on his approach appears to have arisen from a consciousness of his
+father's jealous and suspicious temper, and a fear lest even a smile
+interchanged with a friend at the court might be construed into hidden
+treachery. Soon after this, the chief persons of the court made their
+salutations to the King, to each of whom he said a few words, and the
+ceremony was ended.
+
+My son added, that he little expected when he was at the levee of his
+late Majesty King William, before he left England, that the next
+ceremony of the sort at which he should be present would be that of the
+King of Afghanistan, in Central Asia, a person with whose name and
+country he had not then the slightest acquaintance.
+
+The youngest son of Shah Shooja, whom I have mentioned, is described as
+a beautiful boy, under twelve years of age, ruddy and fair as an English
+child. He is a great favourite with his father at present, and usually
+accompanies the Shah wherever he goes. His childhood probably protects
+him from suspicion of treachery or intrigue.
+
+My son appeared to have mixed occasionally with the inhabitants of
+Cabool, and, through the introduction of the Persian interpreter, to
+have become personally acquainted with some of the leading persons of
+the city. They are described by him as being particularly affable and
+civil to the officers of our army, with, some of whom he paid a visit to
+a man of rank, at his country-house, and with whom they dined. Nothing
+could exceed the attention of their host. He shewed them his stud
+consisting of more than fifty horses, and every other thing that he
+possessed, (except his women,) and the hospitality and good fare was
+unbounded. Neither was the curiosity of these persons less in inquiring
+minutely into everything they saw when they visited the officers in the
+camp, than their desire to please in their own houses; and he appeared
+to have left the place with a most favourable impression of the upper
+ranks of the city.
+
+Of the city itself, its magnificent bazaar, filled with the richest
+manufactures of the East, its gardens abounding with the finest fruits
+in the world, and the fertile country that surrounds it, his
+description is the same as that which will be found much more at length
+in the Travels of Lieut. Burnes, in 1832.
+
+Cricket and horse-racing appeared to be the chief recreation of the army
+during the time it remained inactive; and the two divisions having
+fortunately come from different Presidencies, the same spirit of rivalry
+amongst the officers, in the sports of the camp, was as naturally
+excited at Cabool as in any of the counties or garrisons of their native
+land.
+
+The evening before they left their ground, two miles from Cabool, he was
+sent with a subaltern's party to search through all the worst parts of
+the city for men who were missing from the camp, but after spending many
+hours, he returned without finding any. They had been paid the day
+before, and had got away to the liquor-shops; but all turned up in the
+morning except one, whose body was found murdered, near the camp.
+
+  A.H. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER X.
+
+  Camp at Kotree, in Cutch Gundava,
+    December 8th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER--As I am now tolerably recovered and my wounds nearly
+healed, I take the first opportunity (as my arm is losing its stiffness)
+of writing to you, as I have no doubt you will be very anxious to hear
+how I am going on. I desired Stisted, the day after the taking of Kelat,
+to write, as I was myself then unable. I have no doubt but that he did
+so; yet I know you must have been anxious before you heard the final
+result; and I am now happy to inform you that I am getting rapidly well,
+and expect in a short time to be out of the "sick list." My wound was
+esteemed a rather ugly one at first; and I must consider it one of the
+most fortunate cases of Providence that the bullet took the direction it
+did, as had it swerved in the least degree it must have gone through my
+lungs, or downward through my liver; and in either case would most
+likely have done my business completely. As the man who fired at me was
+so very close, the ball went clear through, and so saved me from the
+unpleasant process of having it extracted by the doctor, &c. I had my
+right flank exposed to the man who pinked me, and so the ball passed
+through my right arm into my right side, and passing downwards to the
+rear, came out at my back, about an inch from the back-bone. Had it
+passed to the front instead of to the rear, I should have most assuredly
+left my bones at Kelat: as it was, from my coughing up a tolerable
+quantity of blood when I was first hit, the doctor imagined that my
+lungs had been affected, and for a couple of days, as I have since
+heard, was very doubtful as to my eventual recovery. However I may now,
+I believe, consider myself completely out of the wood.
+
+I find I have not written since the last day I was at Cabool; and I have
+had few opportunities of doing so, as we have been on the move ever
+since, and until we reached Kelat there was very little to write about.
+We broke ground and marched to the other side of Cabool on Monday, the
+16th of September, and halted on the 17th for a grand tomasha at the
+Bala Hissar, or Shah's Palace, being no less than the investiture of the
+order of the Doorannee Pearl, which was conferred by Shah Shooja on the
+big-wigs of the army. Sir John Keane, Sir Willoughby Cotton, and Mr.
+Macnaghten get the first order; generals of divisions and brigadiers,
+the second; and all field officers engaged at Ghuzni and heads of
+departments, the third; for the rest, all officers engaged at Ghuzni get
+a gold medal, and the soldiers a silver one: however, all this depends
+on the will and sanction of Queen Victoria.
+
+On Wednesday, the 18th, we took our final leave of Cabool and its
+beautiful environs, and reached Ghuzni on the 26th, where we halted two
+days, and then struck off in a new direction, straight across country to
+Quettah, by a new road, and very little known, leaving Candahar to our
+right, and thereby cutting off a considerable angle. Our object in doing
+this was, besides saving distance, to afford assistance, if required, to
+Captain Outram, who had preceded us by about a week, and was gone with
+some of the Shah's force into the Ghiljee country, and was employed in
+destroying the forts, &c., of some of the refractory Ghiljee chiefs. He
+captured one fort in which were found forty or fifty fellows who were
+identified as being the same men who had murdered so many camp followers
+and some of our officers during our march through the country. I saw
+them at Ghuzni, where they were under confinement, and about to be
+executed in a few days, as I was told. About eight marches from Ghuzni,
+Outram sent to General Willshire for assistance, as his force was not
+sufficient; he was then before the largest of these hill forts,
+belonging to one of the most influential and refractory of the chiefs,
+and who had given us a great deal of annoyance in our way up. A wing of
+the 19th Native Infantry, some Artillery, and the Light Companies were
+therefore sent to his assistance; but they made a miserable failure as
+the chief, putting himself at the head of about a hundred faithful
+followers, dashed through their pickets at night, and made his escape
+with all his valuables, and without losing a man. We marched at an easy
+pace, detaching a force now and then to take a fort, which was
+invariably found, deserted on our approach. Nevertheless, we had hard
+work of it, as our route lay through and over high and barren mountains
+with scarcely an inhabitant or village to be seen, and nothing to be got
+for our cattle. For three days my horse, and those of most of us, lived
+on bushes and rank grass that we found occasionally. We had to depend on
+our commissariat for everything; and they found it difficult to supply
+grain for the staff and field officers' horses, so, of course, ours were
+quite left out of the question. Guns, powder, and shot were in great
+requisition; and, luckily, hares and Khorassan partridges were tolerably
+abundant. At times, even our guides confessed themselves at fault, so
+difficult was it to make our way through such a country. However, one
+thing was greatly in our favour--we had a splendid, bracing climate the
+whole way, the nights and mornings being "_rayther_" too cold, the
+thermometer ranging at that time between 20 and 30 degrees. The poor
+Sepoys and camp-followers, however, suffered severely. We experienced
+scarcely the slightest annoyance from the inhabitants although we passed
+through the most disaffected part of the country--viz., the Ghiljee
+country, and latterly through the heart of the Kauker country, whose
+chief, Hadjee Khan Kauker, is a prisoner at Cabool, as I told you in my
+former letter.
+
+At length, on the 31st of October, we reached Quettah, where we were
+delighted to find a few Parsee merchants, who had come up from Bombay,
+and from whom we were enabled to get a few European comforts, in the
+shape of brandy, gin, wine, tea, pickles, &c., which we had long been
+without; even milk and butter were luxuries to us.
+
+General Willshire now ordered the 31st Bengal Native Infantry, which had
+been left here in our march up, together with H.M. 17th, and a small
+detail of Artillery, to proceed to Kelat, under Colonel Baumgardt, our
+Brigadier. The 31st were to garrison it; and the 17th were sent because
+Mehrab Khan, the Kelat chief, had declared that "he would not surrender
+to any but European troops, and see the Sepoys d--d first, if they came
+alone." However, no resistance was expected, as Mehrab had been offered
+very liberal terms, which he had apparently accepted. The rest of the
+force was to go down by the Bolan Pass, and wait at Bukkur, or somewhere
+in Upper Sinde, till joined by the 17th. However, the next day a new
+order came out, and the Queen's, together with a stronger detail of
+Artillery, were ordered to reinforce the detachment to Kelat.
+
+Well; we marched on the 5th of November; and the next day, after we had
+readied our ground, when we had just sat down to breakfast, great was
+our surprise to see General Willshire himself ride into camp with a few
+of his staff. All we could learn on the subject was, that on that
+morning, which was the day fixed for the rest of the division to begin
+their march down the Bolan Pass, and just as they were about to start,
+the General sent for his Adjutant and Quarter-master-general, and,
+taking them and his Aides with him, started for our camp. Things now
+looked a little more warlike; still we experienced no annoyance during
+the whole march; few of us but thought that on our approach Mehrab Khan
+would give in.
+
+We halted a day at Mostrong, which was about half way, and here General
+Willshire and the political agent communicated with the Khan, who
+replied, that "as to the terms, he was willing to meet General Willshire
+half way, with a small escort, and there talk them over; but that if we
+advanced against him with an army, he should shut his gates, and we
+should find him at the door of his citadel with his drawn sword." There
+was "no mistake about that 'ere," as Sam Weller would say. However, most
+of us thought it was merely bravado, as our progress was not molested
+at all; this, however, was afterwards accounted for by the Khan's having
+called in all his fighting-men to his standard.
+
+The last three days before arriving at Kelat we marched in order of
+battle, and had strong pickets at night, the whole force sleeping on
+their arms, and ready to fall in at a moment's notice.
+
+On the 12th we were within eight miles of the fort; and on our arriving
+on our ground a few horsemen were observed reconnoitring us, who fired
+on our advance, but retired leisurely on the approach of the column. By
+that hour the next day "Kelat was prize money." We strongly expected to
+be attacked that night, and were all ready for a shindy; the artillery
+loaded with grape, and port-fires lighted, &c. However, it passed over
+very quietly; but we had hardly marched a mile from our encampment the
+next morning, when, in an opening through the hill to our right, we
+observed a large cloud of dust, which we soon discovered to be raised by
+a strong body of horsemen. They were about a mile and a half from our
+flank, and kept moving on in a parallel line with our column. However,
+at a point where the road took a turn towards the hills they halted, at
+about 150 yards from the advance guard, and deliberately fired into them
+with their matchlocks, but at too great a distance to do much harm. One
+company from the advance was sent to dislodge them; upon which they
+moved quickly down towards the main body, and taking up a position at
+about the same distance from us as before from the advance, gave us the
+same salute as they had before treated those in front to. Their balls
+came whistling in upon us on all sides, and knocked up the dust like
+drops of rain, but no damage was done; they then galloped off. It was a
+great pity we had no more cavalry with us; only fifty Bengal, or
+Irregular Horse, and their cattle were so done up that they were
+perfectly useless. The enemy laughed at the advance companies that were
+now sent out to skirmish with them. The ground consisted of undulating
+hills, and rather rough, over which our skirmishers, encumbered as they
+were with knapsacks and other absurdities, "selon les regles," found it
+very difficult to move quickly, and the enemy, riding their sure-footed
+horses to the top of one of those hills, would fire down, and wheel
+round, and be under cover of the other side of the hill before our men
+could return the compliment effectually. If we had had a squadron of
+Dragoons with us, lightly equipped, the result would have been very
+different. But, unfortunately, the only time during nearly the whole
+campaign when cavalry would have been of important service to us we were
+without them. However, very little blood is ever shed in desultory
+affairs of this sort, and they only wounded about three or four of our
+men; and at one place, a party of them coming unexpectedly upon the
+reserve of the skirmishers, two sections opened a fire upon them,
+emptied a few saddles, and sent the rest flying. We with the main body
+had a very good view of the whole affair, and a very animating scene it
+was. Our road had hitherto lain through a valley, about four miles
+broad; but when within about three miles and a half from Kelat, it takes
+a sudden turn to the right, and leads, for the next mile and a half,
+through a narrow and straight pass, after penetrating which, and
+arriving at the debouche, the fortress of Kelat appeared before us,
+frowning defiance. The first sight of it had certainly a very pretty
+effect: the sun had just burst out, and was lighting the half-cultivated
+valley beneath us, interspersed with fields, gardens, ruinous mosques,
+houses, &c.; while Kelat, being under the lee of some high hills, was
+still in the shade; so that, while all around presented a smiling and
+inviting appearance, as if hailing our approach with gladness, the
+fortress above seemed to maintain a dark and gloomy reserve, in high
+contrast with the rest of the picture; nor was the effect diminished
+when a thin cloud of smoke was seen spouting forth and curling over its
+battlements, followed, in a short interval, by the report of a large
+gun, which came booming over the hills towards us. "Hurrah! they have
+fired the first shot," was the exclamation of some of us, "and Kelat is
+prize-money!" On looking more minutely at it, however, it had rather an
+ugly appearance, and seemed, at that distance, much more formidable than
+Ghuzni did at the first view. We could only see the citadel, which was
+much more commanding and difficult of access than that of Ghuzni. The
+outworks, however, as we afterwards found, were not half so strong;
+these were, however, hidden from our view by two hills, rather
+formidable in appearance, covering the approach to the fortress, on each
+of which a redoubt was erected, and which we could perceive covered with
+men. Beneath us in the valley the advance companies were seen pushing on
+to occupy the gardens and other inclosures, while nearer the fort we
+could observe the body of cavalry we had been before engaged with drawn
+up, as if waiting our approach, under cover of the redoubts on the
+hills. Half way down the road leading into the valley was our Artillery,
+consisting of four six-pounders, field-pieces belonging to the Shah, and
+two nine-inch howitzers, with our Horse Artillery. Here, also, was
+General Willshire and staff, who now ordered one of the guns to open on
+the horsemen, in order to cover the movements of the advance companies,
+who were driving the enemy's matchlock men before them out of the
+inclosures in good style. The first shot struck wide of them, the second
+kicked up a dust rather too close to be pleasant, and the third went
+slap in among them, knocking over a horse or two, when these gallant
+cavaliers cut their sticks, and we saw no more of them. We soon moved
+into the valley, and halted for a considerable time at the foot of the
+hill. We were here within three-quarters of a mile of the nearest
+redoubt, and about a mile and half from Kelat itself. General Willshire
+now made a reconnaissance, and the men from the different baggage guards
+came in and joined their respective regiments. After halting here about
+an hour, (the guns from the nearest redoubt every now and then pitching
+a shot rather close to us,) the brigade-major made his appearance with
+orders for the three regiments to form in quarter distance column of
+companies, to attack the two redoubts, each leaving one company with the
+colours to form the reserve. The 17th were to attack the nearest
+redoubt, and the 31st Bengal Native Infantry to turn its right, while we
+were to push on and carry the other, which was the nearest to the fort.
+At the same time, our artillery were brought into position, and covered
+our advance.
+
+The plot now began to thicken, and altogether the whole affair was the
+most exciting thing I ever experienced, and beat Ghuzni out of the pit.
+We moved steadily on, the guns from the redoubts blazing at us as fast
+as they could load them; but they were very inferior workmen, and only
+two shots struck near us, one knocking up the dust close to us, and
+bounding over our heads, and the other whizzing close over our leading
+company; however, they kept their ground till we arrived at the foot of
+the hills, when our artillery having unshipped one of their guns, and
+otherwise deranged their redoubts, they exploded their powder, and
+retired, some leisurely, but most in the greatest disorder. Here, again,
+we had occasion to regret having no cavalry, as a troop or two would
+have effectually cut off or dispersed them. On reaching the top of the
+hill which they had abandoned, we found ourselves within a quarter of a
+mile of the lower end of the town, with the Beloochees making the best
+of their way towards the gate, which was open to admit them. Captain
+Outram here rode up to us, and cried out, "On men, and take the gate
+before they can all get in." This acted like magic on the men. All order
+was lost, and we rushed madly down the hill on the flying enemy, more
+like hounds with the chase in view than disciplined soldiers. The
+consequence was, we were exposed to a most galling fire from the
+ramparts, by which several of our best men were put _hors de combat_;
+the fugitives were too quick for us, and suddenly the cry was raised by
+our leading men, "The gate is shut." All was now the greatest confusion,
+and shelter was sought for wherever it could be found. Unluckily a rush
+was made by the greatest part of the regiment to an old shell of a
+house, which could scarcely afford cover to twenty men, much less to the
+numbers who thronged into it, and who were so closely jammed that they
+could not move; and so the outside portion were exposed to the fire from
+the left bastion of the town, which completely out-flanked them, and
+from which the matchlock-men kept pouring in a cool and most destructive
+fire upon this dense mass with the utmost impunity; while a wide,
+broken-down doorway in the centre exposed them to a fire from another
+bastion in their front, if ever they shewed their nose for an instant to
+see how matters were going on, or to return their fire. Poor fellows!
+you may guess their situation was anything but pleasant. The
+consequences soon began to shew themselves--eight men and one officer
+(poor Gravatt) were shot dead, and several more were severely wounded,
+and had the artillery been less expeditious in knocking down the gate,
+the greatest part of them would have been annihilated. The other part of
+the regiment (myself among the rest) were more fortunate. Seeing so many
+rushing to one place, I made for another shelter, about twenty paces to
+the rear, which consisted of a long wall, about five feet high, and
+which afforded ample cover to us all. It was within seventy yards of the
+bastion that proved so fatal to the other party, and from which they
+kept up a pretty good fire upon us whenever we exposed ourselves.
+However, I was so excited that nothing would do but I must see the whole
+affair; this, however, was rather foolish, as every now and then they
+would direct their attention to us, and send in a volley, which would
+sing over us and knock up the dust and the old wall about us in good
+style. Simmons's horse (the Adjutant's) was foolishly brought down, and
+had not been a second there when it was shot slap through the hind-leg.
+The ground behind us was raised a little, so that the horse's leg was in
+a line with and nearly touching my head as I stood looking over the
+wall; on reaching the cover we found four or five poor fellows who had
+been wounded in the rush down the hill, and who had crawled in here as
+well as they could.
+
+I had an excellent view of the further proceedings from this place.
+Right above us on the redoubt, from which we had driven the enemy, our
+artillery had now established themselves, and were slapping away as hard
+as they could at the gate. I could see every shot as it struck: they
+made some very clever shots, sending the balls all about the gate, and
+sometimes knocking down a portion of the bastion over it, considerably
+deranging the operations of the matchlock-men who were in it; but still
+the old gate would not fall. In the mean time, the advance companies,
+which had been in quiet possession of the gardens, inclosures, &c.,
+since the beginning of the affair, were now ordered up to a wall about
+thirty yards in front of the doorway. They had to run over about three
+hundred yards of open country before they could get to it, exposed to a
+fire from the bastion over the door. I saw them make a splendid rush,
+but three poor fellows and a native water-bearer fell, whom I saw crawl
+under cover afterwards. All this time the artillery were banging away,
+but as they made so slight an impression on the gate, two guns of the
+Shah's were moved down the hill a little to our left, and within about
+one hundred and fifty yards of the gate. They fired two shots; the first
+made the old gate shake; the second was more fortunate, and took it
+about the middle, and brought it completely down. Our men gave a general
+hurrah; and Outram galloping down the hill at full speed, gave the word,
+"Forward;" and General Willshire came up to us at his best pace, waving
+his hat, "Forward, Queen's," he sung out, "or the 17th will be in before
+you." On we rushed again for the gate as hard as we could; the enemy
+treated us to one more volley, by which they did some execution, and
+Dickenson was wounded in his leg, and then abandoning the lower defences
+of the town, retreated to the citadel.
+
+However, on entering the gate, we found matters not so easy as we
+expected. The streets were very narrow and so intricate that they formed
+a perfect labyrinth, and it was very difficult to make any progress
+through them. The men, therefore, soon got scattered about and broken
+into small parties; and some, I am afraid, thought of loot, or plunder,
+more than of endeavouring to find their way to the citadel. I forgot to
+mention that during the time we were under cover, the 17th and 31st
+Native Infantry had moved round the hill and taken up a position on our
+right. These two regiments were ordered forward and into the town and at
+the same time and the same gate as we were. The whole force, therefore,
+entered the town nearly together. I followed with a party of our men,
+and we pushed along as well as we could through streets, by-ways, &c.
+This was rather nervous work, as we never could tell what we had to
+expect before us; there was no open enemy to be seen, but whenever we
+came to an opening exposed to the citadel, a few bullets invariably came
+whizzing in about us, and knocked over a man or two; moreover, having
+the recollection of Ghuzni fresh in our minds, we expected every moment
+a rush of some desperate fellows from the narrow holes we passed
+through. After groping my way through narrow passages and all sorts of
+agreeable places, I found myself in the exact spot I had started
+from--viz., the gate by which we had entered. Here a man of our Light
+Company came and told me that he had discovered a way to the citadel,
+and begged me to put myself at the head of a few men there collected. Of
+course I did so, and in a short time we found ourselves in a large
+courtyard, with stables, &c., full of horses and Beloochees; right under
+the windows of the citadel. These men cried out for "aman," or "mercy;"
+but the soldiers recollecting the treachery that had been practised at
+Ghuzni in a similar case were going to shoot the whole kit of them. Not
+liking to see this done, I stopped their fire, and endeavoured to make
+the Beloochees come out of their holes and give themselves up. I was
+standing at this time in the centre of the court, and had heard a few
+shots whizzing rather close over my head, when I suddenly received a
+shock, which made me think at the moment I was smashed to bits, by a
+ball from a ginjall, or native wall piece. I was knocked senseless to
+the ground, in which state I suppose I lay for a few minutes, and when I
+came to myself I found myself kicking away, and coughing up globules of
+clotted blood at a great pace. I thought at first I was as good as done
+for; however, on regaining a little strength, I looked around, and
+seeing none of our men in the place, and thinking it more than probable,
+from what I knew of their character, that the very men whom I had been
+endeavouring to save might take it into their heads to give me the
+"_coup de grace_" now I was left alone, I made a desperate effort, got
+on my legs, and managed to hobble out, when I soon found some of our
+men, who supported me until a dooly could be brought, into which I was
+placed, and was soon on my way to the doctor.
+
+You may imagine my feelings all this time to be anything but pleasant. I
+still continued coughing up blood, which was flowing also pretty freely
+from my side. The idea that you may probably have only a few hours
+longer to exist, with the many recollections that crowd into your mind
+at such a time, is anything but a delightful one; and the being so
+suddenly reduced from a state of vigorous activity to the sick, faintish
+feeling that came over me, by no means added to the _agremens_ of my
+situation.
+
+I well recollect being carried through the gate, where General Willshire
+with his staff and the officers who had been left with the reserve
+companies were, and who all pressed forward to see who the unfortunate
+fellow in the dooly was, when the low exclamation of "Poor Holdsworth!"
+and the mysterious and mournful shaking of heads which passed among
+them, by no means tended to enliven my spirits. I soon reached the place
+where the doctors, with their understrappers, were busily employed among
+the wounded, dying, and dead. I was immediately stripped and examined,
+and then, for the first time, heard that the ball had passed through and
+out of my body. I also now discovered that it had struck and gone
+through my arm as well. Being very anxious, I begged Hunter, the doctor,
+to let me know the worst. He shook his head, and told me "he thought it
+a rather dangerous case, principally from my having spit so much blood."
+He had not time, however, to waste many words with me, as he had plenty
+of others to attend. Dickenson, also, I found here; having been wounded,
+as I before told you. He did all he could to keep my spirits up, but, as
+you may suppose, I felt still very far from being comfortable. Nor were
+the various objects that met my eye of a consolatory nature: men lying,
+some dead, others at their last gasp, while the agonizing groans of
+those who were undergoing operations at the hands of the hospital
+assistants, added to the horror of the scene. I may now say that I have
+seen, on a small scale, every different feature of a fight.
+
+In the meantime, there had been sharp fighting in the citadel. Our men,
+after forcing their way through numerous dark passages, in sonic places
+so narrow and low that they were forced to crawl singly on their hands
+and knees, at length arrived there; but as there were a great number of
+approaches to this their last place of refuge, our men got broken up
+into small detached parties, and entered it at different places. One
+party reached the place where Mehrab Khan, at the head of the chiefs who
+had joined his standard, was sitting with his sword drawn, &c. The
+others seemed inclined to surrender themselves, and raised the cry of
+"Aman!" but the Khan, springing on his feel, cried, "Aman, nag!"
+equivalent to "Mercy be d--d," and blew his match; but all in vain, as
+he immediately received about three shots, which completely did his
+business; the one that gave him the "_coup de grace_," and which went
+through his breast, being fired by a man of our regiment, named Maxwell.
+So fell Mehrab Khan, having fulfilled his promise to General Willshire,
+and died game, with his sword in his hand, in his own citadel.
+
+Other parties, however, were not so fortunate, as each being too weak,
+the enemy generally offered a determined resistance, and several, after
+giving themselves up, finding the numbers to whom they had surrendered
+smaller than they had at first appeared, turned upon them suddenly; for
+which, however, they suffered in the long-run, as the soldiers, at
+last, maddened by this conduct, refused quarter, and fired at once into
+whatever party they met, without asking any questions.
+
+At length the few survivors, being driven to their last stronghold at
+the very top of the citadel, surrendered on condition of their lives
+being granted to them; when one loud and general "hurrah!" proclaimed
+around that Kelat was ours. The greatest part of the garrison had,
+however, before this managed to make their escape over the hills.
+Dickenson, while he was lying wounded by my side, saw quantities of them
+letting themselves down the walls of the citadel by means of ropes,
+shawls, &c.
+
+Dooly, the most faithful of his chiefs and followers, remained by Mehrab
+Khan to the last. These were all either taken prisoners or killed.
+Besides the Khan himself, the Dadur chief, who had been the cause of
+great annoyance to us in our way up, and the Governor of the Shawl
+district, were among the slain. The only two men of his council of any
+note among the survivors are at present prisoners in our camp, on their
+way to Bengal.
+
+Thus ended this short, but decisive affair, which I consider to be a
+much more gallant one than that of Ghuzni, both in regard to the numbers
+engaged on each side and the manner in which it was taken. We merely
+halted for an hour, and then went slap at it, as if it was merely a
+continuation of our morning's march. General Willshire was exceedingly
+pleased with the result, as well he might be, and issued a very
+complimentary address to the force engaged, the next day. I hope and
+conclude his fortune will be made by it.
+
+The loss on our side at Kelat was, in proportion, a great deal greater
+than at Ghuzni. We had altogether about 1100 bayonets engaged, and the
+loss was 140, being about one in seven; of this loss, the Queen's bear a
+proportion equal to that of the other two regiments together, having
+returned about seventy in the butcher's bill out of 280, which was the
+number we brought into the field, being about one in four. Out of
+thirteen officers, we had one killed, four severely, and one slightly,
+wounded; twenty-three men were killed, and forty-one wounded, of whom
+some have died since, and most will feel the effect of their wounds till
+their dying day, as the greatest portion are body wounds.
+
+With regard to prize-money, I have no doubt that had things been even
+tolerably well managed, there would have been plenty of it, but we did
+not stay there long enough to search the place thoroughly. I hear also
+that the other part of the force that went down by the Bolan Pass claim
+to share with us, which we do not allow; so that, perhaps, it may get
+into the lawyers' hands, and then good-bye to it altogether, I do not
+expect, under any circumstances, more than 100l. Some of the rooms of
+the citadel were very handsomely fitted up, particularly one in the old
+fellow's harem, which was one entire mirror, both sides and ceiling.
+
+We remained at Kelat till the 21st of November, and then marched by the
+Gundava Pass on this place. During the week that we remained there, my
+wounds continued doing very well, and I had very little fever; and on
+the third and fourth days after I was hit, the doctor considered me "all
+right." On the two first days of our march, however, I caught a low
+fever, which left me on the third, and I have continued to grow
+gradually better ever since. We found the Gundava a much longer and more
+difficult pass than that of the Bolan, and could get very little grain
+or supplies either for ourselves or our cattle. Our march was perfectly
+unmolested, as by that time the new Khan had arrived at Kelat, and most
+of the principal chiefs had acknowledged him. I do not know, however,
+what has become of Mehrab Khan's eldest son, a lad of fifteen years old,
+who was bringing up a reinforcement to his father in our rear, while we
+were marching on Kelat, but did not arrive in the neighbourhood until
+after the place was taken. He, however, threatened us with a night
+attack while we were lying in front of it, so that we were on the alert,
+every one sleeping on his arms during the whole time we were there.
+
+  "We laid not by our harness bright,
+   Neither by day nor yet by night."
+
+During the whole of this time the weather set in dreadfully cold, colder
+than I ever experienced it anywhere in my life; sharp frosts, &c.
+
+Well; to cut the matter short, yesterday, the 7th of December, we
+arrived at this place, which is the same that we halted at for a week in
+our march up. Here, at length, we are in the land of plenty, and enjoy
+such luxuries as fresh eggs, butter, milk, vegetables, &c., with a gout
+that those only can feel who have been so long without them as we have.
+We find the climate, however, very hot, and I am sorry to say that we
+are losing many fine fellows from the effect of the change. It is very
+painful to witness these poor fellows going off in this miserable
+manner, after surviving the chances of fire and steel, and all the
+harassing duties they have had to perform during the campaign, now when
+they have arrived at nearly the very end of it.
+
+_Larkhanu, Dec. 24th_.--I have delayed sending this till our arrival
+here, as the communication between this and Bombay is perfectly open,
+which might not have been the case at Kotra. We have been here about a
+week, and report says that we are to finish our marching here, and drop
+down the river to Curachee in boats. I hope this may prove the case, as
+I am sure we have had marching enough for one campaign. Another report,
+however, says, that there is a kick-up in the Punjab, and that we shall
+be detained in this country in consequence; but I do not think it
+likely.
+
+That part of our force which was not employed at Kelat went down by the
+Bolan Pass, and have suffered considerably from cholera, which luckily
+we have as yet escaped. The men that we have lost since our arrival in
+this low country have all died from complaints of the lungs, from which
+they were perfectly free in the cold country above the hills. Since
+writing the former part of this letter, I have received a letter from
+Kate, dated September 10th, which I will answer as soon I have finished
+this letter to you.
+
+_December 25th, Christmas day_.--I hope to spend this evening more
+comfortably than I did last year, when I was on out-lying picket, the
+night before we commenced our first march. Now, I trust, we have
+finished our last. We have luckily met all our mess supplies here, which
+have been waiting for us about six months, having never managed to get
+further than Bukkur. So now it is a regular case of--
+
+  "Who so merry as we in camp?
+     Danger over,
+     Live in clover," &c.
+
+I have just heard that the order is out for our marching the day after
+to-morrow to the banks of the river, there to remain till the boats are
+ready. Now the campaign is so near its close, I feel very glad that I
+have been on it, as it is a thing that a man does not see every day of
+his life in these times; and I consider it to be more lucky than
+otherwise that I have four holes in my body as a remembrance of it; but
+I cannot say that I relish a longer sojourn in India, unless we have the
+luck to be sent to China, which I should like very much, (fancy sacking
+Pekin, and kicking the Celestial Emperor from his throne,) as I do not
+think the climate has done me any good, but on the contrary.
+
+I do not know whether these wounds of mine will give me any claim;--and,
+talking about that, I would wish you to inquire whether or not I am
+entitled to any gratuity for them. I hear that officers returned
+"wounded" on the list in the Peninsular Campaign, no matter how slight
+the wound might have been, received a gratuity of one year's pay as a
+compensation; and this, I think, was called "blood-money." I do not know
+how far this may be the case at present, but I do not think that 120l.
+ought to be lost sight of for want of a little inquiry.
+
+By-the-bye, I had nearly forgotten to say that I have received two
+letters from Eliza, which I will answer as soon as possible; but I do
+not think it safe to keep this open any longer, as I may lose the mail
+to Bombay; so must conclude, with best love to all at home,
+
+  Your very affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XI.
+
+
+  Camp Larkanu, Dec. 26th, 1839.
+
+MY DEAR ELIZA,--I finished and sent off a letter to my father yesterday,
+giving an account of the storming of Kelat, and the wounds I received in
+the skrimmage, and telling him of everything that had happened since I
+wrote before, which was the day we left Cabool. You can see his letter,
+which gives a pretty full account of all our proceedings up to the
+present time.
+
+I have now to make many apologies for not having answered your two
+letters, one dated May 29th, giving an account of Kate's wedding, and
+the other, dated the 29th of July, from Bristol, and likewise for having
+forgotten to thank you for the money you were kind enough to send out
+with my father's, last year. I can assure you never came money more
+acceptable, as no one can imagine what expenses we have unavoidably been
+obliged to incur in this campaign, which I suppose has cost officers
+more than any other campaign that ever was undertaken. I think there are
+few of us who have come off under 100l. besides our pay; and yet this
+was merely for the common necessaries of life,--just sufficient to keep
+body and soul together. I can assure you I feel very much obliged for
+your present, as also for the two letters which I received while on the
+march. I have often thought of Brookhill during the many dreary marches
+that we have made, and on the solitary out-lying pickets, with no one to
+speak to, and deplored my unlucky fate, in being obliged to leave home
+just as you seem to be comfortably settled there. Still I have hope that
+I may yet return, some day or other.
+
+I can now give you more definite intelligence with regard to our
+movements than I did in my father's letter; since sending off which
+orders have come out, and the campaign, as far as our regiment is
+concerned, is decidedly brought to a close. H.M. 17th, with Gen.
+Willshire, Baumgardt, and Head-quarter Staff, marched this morning for
+Bukkur, where they are to remain for four or five months, so report
+says, and longer than that I suppose, if their services are required.
+The Queen's, and the 4th Light Dragoons, are to return to Bombay as soon
+as the necessary arrangements for their transportation thither &c. are
+completed. We march from this to-morrow for the banks of the river,
+about twelve miles, and shall probably remain there for three weeks or
+so, until the shipping is got ready in Bombay, when we shall drop down
+the Indus in boats, and embark from Curachee for the Presidencies: would
+it were for England. Most of our married officers have obtained leave to
+precede the regiment, and are off in a day or two.
+
+I hope to see Lieutenant-Colonel Fane when we arrive at Bombay. His
+father, Sir H. Fane, has publicly and officially resigned the
+commander-in-chief-ship in favour of Sir Jasper Nicolls. Sir Henry has
+been dangerously unwell at Bombay; but report says he is now getting
+better. He intends sailing as soon as possible, I believe, and so will
+most likely be gone before we arrive there. Sir J. Keane has also
+resigned, and is to be succeded by Sir Thomas M'Mahon. It is not quite
+certain that we shall go to Bombay, as some say that we shall land at
+Cambay, and go up to Deesa, and others that we shall return to Belgaum.
+Last night we received Bombay papers, giving an account of the taking of
+Kelat. They have buttered us up pretty well, and seem to think it a much
+more gallant affair than that of Ghuzni--in this last particular they
+are only doing us justice.
+
+_Dec. 30th, Camp, Taggur Bundur; Banks of the Indus_.--We arrived here
+the day before yesterday, and are likely to remain, I believe, a
+fortnight or so. We muster rather small, as most of the married officers
+are off to-day and yesterday. As to my wounds, I have only one hole
+still open--namely, the one through which the bullet took its final
+departure, and that, I think, will be closed in a day or two. I am
+sorry to say that since arriving here I have caught a "cruel cold," from
+which I am suffering severely at present.
+
+By-the-bye, there are a few incidents connected with the taking of Kelat
+which I forgot to mention in my letter to my father. Mehrab Khan, the
+chief of Kelat, managed to send away all his harem and family on the
+morning of the fight, directly we were seen approaching, but his other
+chiefs were not so fortunate, and the greater part of them deliberately
+cut the throats of all the females belonging to their establishments,
+including wives, mothers, and daughters, as soon as we established
+ourselves within the town, rather than suffer them to fall into the
+hands of us infidels. I forgot, I think, also, to mention that I managed
+to procure rather a handsome Koran, which was found in the citadel, and
+also an excellent Damascus blade, both of which I intend giving to my
+father, and a few articles of native costume, which would go far to make
+up a neat fancy dress, but it is not quite complete. A great number of
+handsome articles were stolen by the camp followers and other rascals,
+worse luck for us poor wounded officers, who could not help ourselves.
+We were rather surprised at finding some excellent European articles in
+the shape of double-barrelled guns, pistols, beautiful French musical
+boxes, prints, looking-glasses, and pier-glasses, &c., in the rooms of
+the citadel. Where Mehrab Khan could have picked them up I cannot
+think, unless they were the result of some successful foray on some
+unfortunate caravan.
+
+The day after the fight, Captain Outram, of whom I have so often spoken
+in my letters to my father, volunteered to take the dispatches to
+Bombay, and started for that purpose straight across country to Someanee
+Bay, on the sea-coast, a distance of 350 miles, and across the barren
+mountains that compose the greatest part of Beloochistan. This route had
+up to that time never been traversed by any European, except Pottinger,
+who passed through all these countries twenty years ago, disguised as a
+native. It was attempted last year by Captain Harris, of the Bombay
+Engineers, author of the "African Excursions," a very enterprising
+officer, and who landed at Someanee Bay for that purpose; but after
+getting about twenty miles into the interior, reported the route as
+impracticable. When this is taken into consideration, with the great
+chance there was of Captain Outram's falling into the hands of the many
+straggling fugitives from Kelat, and the well-known character of these
+_gentlemen_, now smarting under the painful feeling of being driven from
+their homes, &c., it must be confessed that it required no little pluck
+to undertake it. The plan proved, however, perfectly successful. He
+travelled in the disguise of an Afghan Peer or holy man, under the
+guidance of two Afghan Seyds, a race of men much looked up to and
+respected in all Mahomedan countries, on account of their obtaining,
+[whether true or not, I know not] a pure descent from the Prophet.
+Outram and his party fell in with several bands of fugitives, and
+actually came up and were obliged to travel a day or two with the harem
+and escort of Mehrab Khan's brother. As there was a chance of Outram's
+being discovered by this party, the Seyd introduced him in the character
+of a Peer, which holy disguise he had to support during the whole
+journey; and after some extraordinary escapes he arrived at Someanee Bay
+in seven or eight days.
+
+Our sick and wounded have been left behind at Kelat, under the charge of
+an officer of the 17th, since which things have gone on very smoothly
+there. The new Khan has been very accommodating, and has given fetes,
+&c., to the officers left behind, in honour of our gallantry. He has
+also written to General Willshire to say that he intends giving us all a
+medal each, whether we are allowed to wear it or not, as he does not see
+why, if the Shah did it for Ghuzni, he might not do it also for Kelat.
+Lord Auckland has published an order that all regiments belonging to the
+Company that went beyond the Bolan Pass shall wear Afghanistan on their
+colours and appointments, and all engaged at Ghuzni that name also; and
+has written to the Queen for permission for Queen's regiments employed
+in like manner to bear the same. I suppose we shall get Kelat in
+addition.
+
+There is one other point which, in my hurry to get my letter off in
+time for the January mail, I totally forgot to mention--viz., about
+drawing some money on my father. I have before mentioned the great
+expense we have been put to in this campaign; in addition to this, when
+we were ordered from Quettah to take Kelat, we were also under orders to
+return to Quettah after having taken the place. A sergeant was therefore
+left behind at Quettah to take charge of whatever effects any person
+might leave, and officers were strongly advised to leave the greater
+part of their kit at this place. I, as well as most of my brother
+officers, was foolish enough to follow this advice, and brought only a
+bundle of linen; consequently now I am almost minus everything;
+dress-coat, appointments, are all left behind, as General Willshire,
+after the taking of Kelat, instead of returning to Quettah, proceeded
+into Cutch Gundava by the Gundava Pass. Nothing has been since heard of
+what we have left behind, except that the sergeant could not get camels
+or carriage sufficient to bring them down. Moreover, it is unsafe to go
+through the Bolan Pass without a tolerably strong escort; so, taking all
+things into consideration, I do not think there is much chance of our
+ever seeing anything of them again. The consequences will be, that, on
+our arrival at Bombay, I shall be obliged to get an entire new fit out,
+and as the campaign has drained me dry, I shall be obliged to draw upon
+my father for it; however, I will repay him by the end of the year, as
+by that time the Company will have given us half a year's full batta,
+which they intend doing as a sort of indemnification for the losses we
+have sustained on the campaign; my batta will be about 72l.
+
+I do not think I have any more to say, and as the January overland sails
+on the 25th, I hope this letter will reach Bombay in time to go by it,
+as well as my father's. By-the-bye, how is old Nelly? If she has any
+good pups, I wish you would manage to keep one for me, as I expect the
+old girl will be either dead or very old by the time I return. I am
+longing to get out of the "Sick-list," as the thickets here near the
+river are full of partridges and hares, and the climate, at this time of
+the year, is very cool and pleasant. My rheumatism is much better since
+I was wounded; but I still have it in my left arm. Well, no more; but
+wishing you, and all, a happy new year.
+
+  Believe me ever your very affectionate brother,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XII.
+
+  Camp, Curachee, Feb. 14th, 1840.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--You will see, by my date, that our share of the
+campaign is ended; in fact, we are only waiting here for shipping, which
+is on its way from Bombay, to take us from this place to Mandavie, in
+Cutch, where we land, and then march immediately to Deesa, in Guzerat;
+so that, after all our toilsome marches, &c., we have yet another, still
+more toilsome, before us of 240 miles. The climate of Cutch and Guzerat
+during the period of year that we shall be occupied in marching is so
+hot that no changes of station are ever made even by native corps, and
+Europeans are never allowed to march in Guzerat except during the cold
+months. It is sharp work on our poor men; many of whom appear very unfit
+for it; but they are now so accustomed to hard work, that they will get
+well through it I have little doubt.
+
+We left Tuggur Bandur, from which place I wrote to Eliza and Kate, on
+the 13th of January, and drifted quietly down the river in boats,
+pulling up and coming to an anchor every evening at sunset. We reached
+Tatta Bundur, about five miles from the town, on the 21st, and after
+staying there a few days, started again for this place, which we reached
+in five marches, on the 31st. We were immediately most hospitably
+entertained by the officers of H.M. 40th, which is an excellent
+regiment. Here we have been ever since, living on the fat of the land,
+and enjoying ourselves very much, after all our toils. This is now a
+rather considerable station: one Queen's and one Company's regiment, and
+detail of foot artillery, and plenty of European supplies brought by the
+Bombay merchants. It is a very decent climate; and would make a very
+good station. I wish they would leave us here in place of sending us to
+Deesa, at this time of the year. Sir John Keane, General Willshire, and
+the Bombay staff are expected here in a day or two. Sir John is bringing
+down with him Hyder Khan, Dost Mahomed's son, who commanded at Ghuzni
+when it was taken. He is to be brought to Bombay, and as he is of a very
+quiet, amiable disposition, will, so report says, be eventually allowed
+to join his father. Poor Dost, they say, is in a very bad way, deserted
+by nearly all his followers; but there still seems to be mischief
+brewing in the north-west. All accounts say that Bokhara is very much
+inclined to the Russian interest, and Shah Kamran's vizier at Herat has
+been carrying on a correspondence with the Persians, the object of which
+is said to be the delivery of Herat into their hands. The Punjab is also
+in a very unsettled state; so there are plenty of materials for getting
+up another row in these countries before long. War is most positively
+said to be decided on with China, and seven regiments, to be followed by
+a reserve of equal number, together with a considerable naval force, are
+to be sent there as soon as possible. Lord Auckland, we are told, has
+had _carte blanche_ from the Home government to act as he thinks fit
+with regard to China, and that he has determined upon a hostile movement
+as soon as this campaign is regularly finished, which it may be said to
+be; so there will be glorious fun there. It is not yet known here what
+regiments will go. I am afraid there is little chance for the Queen's.
+
+The 4th Light Dragoons have arrived here, having come down by land; they
+are to return to their old quarters at Kickee, near Poonah. The 17th may
+also be expected in a few days; they are to occupy our old quarters at
+Belgaum. The 18th (Royal Irish) have come on from Ceylon, and are to go
+to Poonah; and the 6th go home (to England) as soon as possible. This is
+understood to be the destination of each regiment, but this affair with
+China may cause an alteration.
+
+I am very sorry to mention the unfortunate death of poor little Halkett,
+one of my best friends, and the son of General Halkett, of Hanover, who
+was so very civil to me while I was there, and nephew of Sir Colin
+Halkett.
+
+Since we have been here, I have received your letter, dated November
+2nd, by which it appears that you had just then heard of the taking of
+Ghuzni. You mentioned, also, in it that you had received my letter from
+Candahar, which I am very glad to hear, as I was very much afraid, from
+the state of the country, that it would never reach its destination. As
+you mention nothing about it, I suppose you had not received the letter
+I wrote from Ghuzni almost immediately after the capture. I know many
+letters were lost about that time, and mine, I am afraid, among the
+number. There is a report here (but I think, too good to be true) that
+all officers with the advance, or storming, party at Ghuzni, consisting
+of the light companies of the European regiments, were to get brevet
+rank. In that case, as the company to which I belong--viz, the
+Light--was one of the number, and, in fact, headed the assault, Capt
+Holdsworth would be my future rank. Tell Eliza that I got her letter
+which was enclosed in yours, and was very much surprised at its
+contents.
+
+I do not know what to say about Deesa as station, reports are so various
+on the subject. The heat, I believe is awful in the hot weather the
+thermometer rising to 120 in the houses; and the worst part of the
+business is, that this heat, which is occasioned by the hot winds, lasts
+all night through; so that the night is nearly as hot as the day. At
+other times of the year, I believe, the climate is very pleasant. The
+40th give a very good account of it. There is a great quantity of game
+there, and some of the best hog-hunting in India. Mount Aboo, called the
+Parnassus of India, is within fifty miles of it, and is a great place of
+resort during the hot weather.
+
+Should this expedition to China take place, which seems decided upon at
+present, what an immense power the English will eventually have in the
+East. In a few years, I have no doubt it may extend from Herat to the
+most eastern parts of China, including all the islands in the adjacent
+seas. Like the Romans, England seems to be extending her dominion
+everywhere--"super et Garamantes et Indos, proferet imperium," and yet
+what a row she kicks up about Russia. The French papers seem to be
+rather jealous about Ghuzni. How the English papers butter it up! and
+yet it was not half so brilliant an affair as Kelat, nor so hardly
+contested; but very little is said about the latter.
+
+Enclosed, I send you a view of the north front of Kelat, shewing the
+gate by which we entered. It gives you a pretty good idea of the place,
+and was drawn by Lieutenant Creed, of the Engineers.
+
+I went yesterday to see a tank, about seven miles from this place, in
+which are a great quantity of alligators, half tame. The tank in which
+they are belongs to a Mahomedan temple, which is considered a very holy
+one, and much resorted to, and these animals are kept there by the
+priests of the establishment, in order to induce a greater number of
+visitors. A calf was killed and thrown in among the scaly gentlemen, who
+very soon demolished it. I never saw anything so loathesome and
+repulsive as these monsters.
+
+This letter goes by the "Hannah" packet, which sails this evening for
+Bombay, and will, I hope, reach that place in time to go by the
+"overland packet." I suppose you know that this is classic ground, and
+the place from which Nearchus, Alexander's admiral, started on his
+return to the Euphrates. I have no time for more. So, with love to all
+at home,
+
+  Believe me your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XIII.
+
+  Deesa, April 21st, 1840.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--I received your letter, dated January 18th, about the
+beginning of this month, while on our march from Mandavie to this place.
+I see by the papers that the news of the taking of Kelat had readied
+England, as I find my name mentioned in the "Western Luminary," which
+came out in this overland. I wrote you last from Curachee, about the
+beginning or middle of February. We stayed there till the 20th. A few
+days before we left, Lord Keane and suite arrived, bringing with him
+Hyder Khan, the captured chief of Ghuzni. While there, Lord Keane
+presented new colours to the 40th regiment, which we had an opportunity
+of witnessing. He and all his party have since gone home.
+
+On the 20th, I, with my company under my command, embarked for Mandavie,
+in Cutch, where we arrived in two days, in Patamars, and waited till the
+whole regiment came down, which they did by companies, so that it was
+the 10th of March before we were able to start for this place.
+
+We arrived here on the 4th of this month, pushing on as fast as we
+could, as the commanding officer was anxious to get the men under cover,
+on account of the great heat. There was excellent shooting the whole way
+up; and if it had been the cold season, I should have enjoyed the march
+amazingly; but it was too hot to venture out. On arrival here we found
+about three hundred recruits, who had arrived since we went on service,
+and about fifty of the men we left behind us; also seven new officers.
+As I have a company under my command I have scarcely had a moment to
+myself since I have been here; what with fitting and getting the
+recruits in order, and new clothing the old hands, you have no
+conception what tedious work it is getting into quarters.
+
+I have bought a very comfortable little bungalo for four hundred rupees.
+We were promised our full batta on our arrival here; but, although the
+Bengalees, it is said, received theirs some time ago, yet there is a
+screw loose, I fear, somewhere in the Bombay, and that it may be some
+time before we get ours, and that it will not be as much as the
+Bengalees: so much for being in an inferior Presidency. This is a great
+disappointment, after our losses on the campaign.
+
+With regard to this place, I have not been long enough in it to form an
+opinion. Its appearance is decidedly against it, the soil being nothing
+but a barren sandy desert, with the low hills of the Aravulles to the
+eastward, running north to the mountain Aboo, the Parnassus of
+Hindostan. The last week has been oppressive, and hot in the extreme;
+and this is but the commencement of the hot weather, which I am told
+will last about six weeks longer, when a very slight monsoon comes on,
+and lasts at intervals till the end of October, when the cold season
+commences, which is said to be very pleasant. There is a lot of game
+here of every description, including lions; and it is one of the best
+hog-hunting stations in India.
+
+Our men, to the surprise of everybody, were very healthy in the march
+up; and since they have been here, and not having their knapsacks to
+carry, knocked off their work in grand style. The men we have brought
+back with us are well-seasoned, hardy fellows, and I would back them to
+march against any soldiers in the world.
+
+I suppose you have long ere this received Stisted's letter and mine
+about Kelat. Colonel Arnold[A] died at Cabool whilst we were there, and
+was buried with a magnificent military funeral in the Armenian
+burial-ground.
+
+[Footnote A: Colonel Arnold was in the 10th Hussars at Waterloo, and
+shot through the body in the charge in which Major Howard, of that
+regiment, was killed.]
+
+I am sorry to say that, as I predicted, the spear which I took at the
+storming of Ghuzni has been broken to pieces through the carelessness of
+my servants. I have, however, the Koran and sword from Kelat; and I
+think I shall be able to get a matchlock taken at that place,--a very
+good specimen of the sort of thing I was wounded by; perhaps it may be
+the identical one. The sword I left in Cutch, in my way up from
+Mandavie, to be put to rights, as the workmen of that country are the
+best in India, I will try if I can get another weapon, as a remembrance
+of Ghuzni. I brought down from Cabool as far as Quettah a very good
+specimen of the Kyber knife, a very cut-throat sort of instrument, with
+which every Afghan is armed. I sent it down with my other things through
+the Bolan Pass, when we turned off to Kelat, and I am sorry to say it
+was stolen.
+
+You write about old ----: did I never mention him to you? He is here;
+but was not with us on the campaign, being too unwell when we started.
+Though not an old man, he is a very old soldier for an Indian, and is
+nearly worn out: he is anxious to get his discharge at the end of the
+year, when he will have served his twenty-one years, and be entitled to
+a decent pension. He is a very straight-forward, blunt, honest old
+fellow, and when he first joined was a very powerful man, and the best
+wrestler in the regiment, thereby proving his South Devon blood. He was
+----'s servant when I joined, and I was delighted at hearing the South
+Devon dialect again, which he speaks with so much truth and native
+elegance that you would imagine he had but just left his native village.
+There were a great many Devonshire men in the regiment; we lost one, a
+very fine young man in the Grenadiers, in coming down from Kelat to
+Cutch Gundava, by the same chest complaint that carried off so many: he
+was a native of Tiverton.
+
+Well; it is twelve o'clock, and I am afraid I shall be too late for the
+post; so good bye.
+
+  Your affectionate son,
+    T.W.E. HOLDSWORTH.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+FALL OF GHUZNI, & ENTRANCE OF THE BRITISH ARMY INTO CABOOL.
+
+_(From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of August 29th,
+1839.)_
+
+
+SECRET DEPARTMENT.
+
+Bombay Castle, Aug 29th, 1839.
+
+The Honourable the Governor in Council has the highest satisfaction in
+republishing the following notification issued by the Right Honourable
+the Governor-General, announcing the capture by storm of the town and
+fortress of Ghuzni, as also the general order issued on the occasion by
+his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H.,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus. By order of the Honourable
+the Governor in Council,
+
+  L.R. REID, Acting Chief Secretary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOTIFICATION.--SECRET DEPARTMENT.
+
+Simla, August 18th, 1839.
+
+The Right Hon. the Governor-General of India has great gratification in
+publishing, for general information, a copy of a report this day
+received from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, announcing the capture, by
+storm, on the 23d ult., of the important fortress of Ghuzni.
+
+A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies. By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,
+
+  (Signed)  T.H. MADDOCK,
+    Officiating Secretary to the Government of
+    India, with the Governor-General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.
+
+MY LORD,--I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship that the
+army under my command have succeeded in performing one of the most
+brilliant acts it has ever been my lot to witness during my service of
+forty-five years in the four quarters of the globe, in the capture, by
+storm, of the strong and important fortress and citadel of Ghuzni
+yesterday.
+
+It is not only that the Afghan nation, and, I understand, Asia generally
+have looked upon it as impregnable; but it is in reality a place of
+great strength, both by nature and art, far more so than I had reason to
+suppose from any description that I had received of it, although some
+are from others in our own service who had seen it in their travels.
+
+I was surprised to find a high rampart in good repair, built on a
+scarped mound about thirty-five feet high, flanked by numerous towers,
+and surrounded by a fausse brayze and a wet ditch, whilst the height of
+the citadel covered the interior from the commanding fire of the hills
+from the north, rendering it nugatory. In addition to this, screen walls
+had been built before the gates, the ditch was filled with water, and
+unfordable, and an outwork built on the right bank of the river so as to
+command the bed of it.
+
+It is therefore the more honourable to the troops, and must appear to
+the enemy out of all calculation extraordinary, that a fortress and
+citadel to the strength of which, for the last thirty years, they had
+been adding something each year, and which had a garrison of 3500 Afghan
+soldiers, commanded by Prince Mahomed Hyder, the son of Dost Mahomed
+Khan, the ruler of the country, with a commanding number of guns, and
+abundance of ammunition, and other stores, provisions, &c., for regular
+siege, should have been taken by British science and British valour in
+less than two hours from the time the attack was made, and the whole,
+including the governor and garrison, should fall into our hands.
+
+My dispatch of the 20th instant, from Nanee, will have made known to
+your Lordship that the camps of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+of Major-General Willshire, with the Bombay troops, had there joined me
+in accordance with my desire, and the following morning we made our
+march of twelve miles to Ghuzni, the line of march being over a fine
+plain. The troops were disposed in a manner that would have enabled me
+at any moment, had we been attacked, as was probable, from the large
+bodies of troops moving on each side of us, to have placed them in
+position to receive the enemy. They did not, however, appear; but on our
+coming within range of the guns of the citadel and fortress of Ghuzni, a
+sharp cannonade was opened on our leading column, together with a heavy
+fire of musketry from behind garden walls, and temporary field-works
+thrown up, as well as the strong outwork I have already alluded to,
+which commanded the bed of the river from all but the outwork. The enemy
+were driven in under the walls of the fort in a spirited manner by
+parties thrown forward by Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, of the
+16th and 48th Bengal Native Infantry, and her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, under Brigadier Sale. I ordered forward three troops of horse
+artillery, the camel battery, and one foot battery, to open upon the
+citadel and fortress, by throwing shrapnel shells, which was done in a
+masterly style under the direction of Brigadier Stephenson. My object in
+this was to make the enemy shew their strength in guns, and in other
+respects, which completely succeeded, and our shells must have done
+great execution, and occasioned great consternation. Being perfectly
+satisfied on the point of their strength in the course of half an hour,
+I ordered the fire to cease, and placed the troops in bivouac. A close
+reconnoissance of the place all around was then undertaken by Captain
+Thomson, the chief engineer, and Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+accompanied by Major Garden, the Deputy Quartermaster-General of the
+Bombay army, supported by a strong party of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+and one from her Majesty's 18th Light Infantry. On this party a steady
+fire was kept up, and some casualties occurred. Captain Thomson's report
+was very clear, he found the fortifications equally strong all round;
+and, as my own opinion coincided with him, I did not hesitate a moment
+as to the manner in which our approach and attack upon the place should
+be made. Notwithstanding the march the troops had performed in the
+morning, and then having been a considerable time engaged with the
+enemy, I ordered the whole to move across the river (which runs close
+under the fort wall) in columns, to the right and left of the town, and
+they were placed in opposition on the north side on more commanding
+ground, and securing the Cabool road. I had information that a night
+attack upon the camp was intended from without. Mahomed Ubzul Khan, the
+eldest son of Dost Mahomed Khan, had been sent by his father with a
+strong body of troops from Cabool to the brother's assistance at Ghuzni,
+and was encamped outside the walls, but abandoned his position on our
+approach, keeping, however, at the distance of a few miles from us. The
+two rebel chiefs of the Ghiljee tribe, men of great influence--viz.,
+Abdool Rhuman and Gool Mahomed Khan, had joined him with 1500 horse, and
+also a body of about 3000 Ghazees from Zeimat, under a mixture of chiefs
+and mollahs, carrying banners, and who had been assembled on the cry of
+a religious war. In short, we were in all directions surrounded by
+enemies. These last actually came down the hills on the 22nd, and
+attacked the part of the camp occupied by his Majesty Shah Shooja and
+his own troops, but were driven back with considerable loss, and banners
+taken.
+
+At daylight on the 22nd I reconnoitered Ghuzni, in company with the
+chief engineer and the brigadier commanding the artillery, with the
+adjutant and quartermaster-general of the Bengal army, for the purpose
+of making all arrangements for carrying the place by storm, and these
+were completed in the course of the day. Instead of the tedious process
+of breaching, (for which we were ill prepared,) Captain Thomson
+undertook, with the assistance of Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+Lieutenants Durand and Macleod, of the Bengal Engineers, and other
+officers under him, (Captain Thomson,) to blow in the Cabool gate, the
+weakest point, with gunpowder; and so much faith did I place on the
+success of this operation that my plans for the assault were immediately
+laid down and the orders given.
+
+The different troops of horse artillery, the camel and foot batteries,
+moved off their ground at twelve o'clock that night, without the
+slightest noise, as had been directed, and in the most correct manner
+took up the position assigned them, about 250 yards from the walls. In
+like manner, and with the same silence, the infantry soon after moved
+from their ground, and all were at their post at the proper time. A few
+minutes before three o'clock in the morning the explosion took place,
+and proved completely successful. Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers,
+was thrown down and stunned by it, but shortly after recovered his
+senses and feeling. On hearing the advance sounded by the bugle, (being
+the signal for the gate having been blown in,) the artillery, under the
+able directions of Brigadier Stevenson, consisting of Captain Grant's
+troop of Bengal Horse Artillery, the camel battery, under Captain
+Abbott, both superintended by Major Pew, Captains Martin and Cotgrave's
+troops of Bombay Horse Artillery, and Captain Lloyd's battery of Bombay
+Foot Artillery, all opened a terrific fire upon the citadel and ramparts
+of the fort, and, in a certain degree, paralysed the enemy.
+
+Under the guidance of Captain Thomson, of The Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of the department, Colonel Dennie of her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, commanding the advance, consisting of the light companies of
+her Majesty's 2nd and 17th regiments of Foot, and of the Bengal European
+regiment, with one company, of her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+proceeded to the gate, and with great difficulty, from the rubbish
+thrown down, and determined opposition offered by the enemy, effected an
+entrance, and established themselves within the gateway closely followed
+by the main column, led in a spirit of great gallantry by Brigadier
+Sale, to whom I had entrusted the important post of commanding the
+storming party, consisting (with the advance above-mentioned) of her
+Majesty's 2nd Foot, under Major Carruthers; the Bengal European
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, under Major Thomson; and her Majesty's 17th
+regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. The struggle within the fort
+was desperate for a considerable time. In addition to the heavy file
+kept up, our troops were assailed by the enemy sword in hand, and with
+daggers, pistols, &c.; but British courage, perseverance, and fortitude,
+overcame all opposition, and the fire of the enemy in the lower area of
+the fort being nearly silenced, Brigadier Sale turned towards the
+citadel, from which could now be seen men abandoning the guns, running
+in all directions, throwing themselves down from immense heights,
+endeavouring to make their escape; and on reaching the gate with her
+Majesty's 17th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, followed by the 13th,
+forced it open at five o'clock in the morning. The colours of her
+Majesty's 13th and 17th were planted on the citadel of Ghuzni amidst the
+cheers of all ranks. Instant protection was granted to the women found
+in the citadel, (among whom were those of Mahomed Hyder, the governor)
+and sentries placed over the magazine for its security. Brigadier Sale
+reports having received much assistance from Captain Kershaw, of her
+Majesty's 13th Light Infantry, throughout the whole of the service of
+the storming.
+
+Major General Sir Willoughby Cotton executed in a manner much to my
+satisfaction the orders he had received. The Major General followed
+closely the assaulting party into the fort with the reserve--namely,
+Brigadier Roberts, with the only available regiment of his brigade; the
+35th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; part of
+Brigadier Sale's brigade, the 16th Native Infantry, under Major
+Maclaren; and 48th Native Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler;
+and they immediately occupied the ramparts, putting down opposition
+whenever they met any, and making prisoners, until the place was
+completely in our possession A desultory fire was kept up in the town
+long after the citadel was in our hands, from those who had taken
+shelter in houses, and in desperation kept firing on all that approached
+them. In this way several of our men were wounded, and some killed, but
+the aggressors paid dearly for their bad conduct in not surrendering
+when the place was completely ours. I must not omit to mention that
+three companies of the 35th Native Infantry, under Captain Hay, ordered
+to the south side of the fort to begin with a false attack, to attract
+attention on that side, performed that service at the proper time, and
+greatly to my satisfaction.
+
+As we were threatened with an attack for the relief of the garrison, I
+ordered the 19th Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant
+Colonel Stalker, to guard the Cabool road, and to be in support of the
+cavalry division. This might have proved an important position to
+occupy, but as it was, no enemy appeared.
+
+The cavalry division, under Major-General Thackwell, in addition to
+watching the approach of an enemy, had directions to surround Ghuzni,
+and to sweep the plain, preventing the escape of runaways from the
+garrison. Brigadier Arnold's brigade--the Brigadier himself, I deeply
+regret to say, was labouring under very severe illness, having shortly
+before burst a blood-vessel internally, which rendered it wholly
+impossible for him to mount a horse that day--consisting of her
+Majesty's 16th Lancers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Persse, temporarily
+commanding the brigade, and Major Mac Dowell, the junior major of the
+regiment, (the senior major of the 16th Lancers Major Cureton, an
+officer of great merit, being actively engaged in the execution of his
+duties as Assistant Adjutant-General to the cavalry division,) the 2nd
+Cavalry, under Major Salter, and the 3rd, under Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith, were ordered to watch the south and west sides. Brigadier Scott's
+brigade were placed on the Cabool road, consisting of her Majesty's 4th
+Light Dragoons, under Major Daly, and of the 1st Bombay Cavalry under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Sandwith, to watch the north and east sides: this
+duty was performed in a manner greatly to my satisfaction.
+
+After the storming, and that quiet was in some degree restored within, I
+conducted his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and the British Envoy and
+Minister, Mr. Macnaghten, round the citadel and a great part of the
+fortress. The king was perfectly astonished at our having made ourselves
+masters of a place conceited to be impregnable, when defended, in the
+short space of two hours, and in less than forty-eight hours after we
+came before it. His Majesty was, of course, greatly delighted at the
+result. When I afterwards, in the course of the day, took Mahomed Hyder
+Khan, the governor, first to the British Minister, and then to the King,
+to make his submission, I informed his Majesty that I had made a promise
+that his life should not be touched, and the King, in very handsome
+terms, assented, and informed Mahomed Hyder, in my presence, that
+although he and his family had been rebels, yet he was willing to forget
+and forgive all.
+
+Prince Mahomed Hyder, the Governor of Ghuzni, is a prisoner of war in my
+camp, and under the surveillance of Sir Alexander Burnes, an arrangement
+very agreeable to the former.
+
+From Major General Sir W. Cotton, commanding the 1st infantry division,
+(of the Bengal army,) I have invariably received the strongest support;
+and on this occasion his exertions were manifest in support of the
+honour of the profession and of our country.
+
+I have likewise, at all times, received able assistance from
+Major-General Willshire, commanding the 2nd infantry division, (of the
+Bombay army,) which it was found expedient on that day to break up, some
+for the storming party, and some for other duties. The Major-General, as
+directed, was in attendance upon myself.
+
+To Brigadier Sale I feel deeply indebted for the gallant and soldierlike
+manner in which he conducted the responsible and arduous duty entrusted
+to him in command of the storming party, and for the arrangements he
+made in the citadel immediately after taking possession of it. The sabre
+wound which he received in the face did not prevent his continuing to
+direct his column until everything was secure; and I am happy in the
+opportunity of bringing to your Lordship's notice the excellent conduct
+of Brigadier Sale on this occasion.
+
+Brigadier Stevenson, in command of the Artillery, was all I could wish;
+and he reports that Brigade-Majors Backhouse and Coghlan ably assisted
+him. His arrangements were good; and the execution done by the arm he
+commands, was such as cannot be forgotten by those of the enemy who have
+witnessed and survived it.
+
+To Brigadier Roberts, to Colonel Dennie, who commanded the advance, and
+to the different officers commanding regiments already mentioned, as
+well is to the other officers, and gallant soldiers under them, who so
+nobly maintained the honour and reputation of our country, my best
+acknowledgments are due.
+
+To Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the chief of the department
+with me, much of the credit of the success of this brilliant
+_coup-de-main_ is due. A place of the same strength, and by such simple
+means as this highly-talented and scientific officer recommended to be
+tried, has, perhaps, never before been taken; and I feel I cannot do
+sufficient justice to Captain Thomson's merits for his conduct
+throughout. In the execution he was ably supported by the officers
+already mentioned; and so eager were the other officers of the Engineers
+of both Presidencies for the honour of carrying the powder bags, that
+the point could only be decided by seniority, which shews the fine
+feeling by which they were animated.
+
+I must now inform your Lordship, that since I joined the Bengal column
+in the Valley of Shawl, I have continued my march with it in the
+advance; and it has been my good fortune to have had the assistance of
+two most efficient staff-officers in Major Craigie, Deputy
+Adjutant-General, and Major Garden, Deputy Quartermaster-General. It is
+but justice to those officers that I should state to your Lordship the
+high satisfaction I have derived from the manner in which all then
+duties have been performed up to this day, and that I look upon them as
+promising officers to fill the higher ranks. To the other officers of
+both departments I am also much indebted for the correct performance of
+all duties appertaining to their situations.
+
+To Major Keith, the Deputy Adjutant-General, and Major Campbell, the
+Deputy Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army, and to all the other
+officers of both departments under them, my acknowledgments are also
+due, for the manner in which their duties have been performed during
+this campaign.
+
+Captain Alexander, commanding the 4th Bengal Local Horse, and Major
+Cunningham, commanding the Poona Auxiliary Horse, with the men under
+their orders, have been of essential service to the army in this
+campaign.
+
+The arrangements made by Superintending-Surgeons Kennedy and Atkinson
+previous to the storming, for affording assistance and comfort to the
+wounded, met with my approval.
+
+Major Parsons, the Deputy Commissary-General, in charge of the
+department in the field, has been unremitting in his attention to keep
+the troops supplied, although much difficulty is experienced, and he is
+occasionally thwarted by the nature of the country and its inhabitants.
+
+I have throughout this service received the utmost assistance I could
+derive from Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonald, my officiating military
+secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-General of her Majesty's Forces, Bombay;
+from Captain Powell, my Persian interpreter, and the other officers of
+my personal staff. The nature of the country in which we are serving,
+prevents the possibility of my sending a single staff-officer to
+deliver this to your Lordship, otherwise I should have asked my
+aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Keane, to proceed to Simla, to deliver this
+despatch into your hands, and to have afforded any further information
+that your Lordship could have desired.
+
+The brilliant triumph we have obtained, the cool courage displayed, and
+the gallant bearing of the troops I have the honour to command, will
+have taught such a lesson to our enemies in the Afghan nation as will
+make them hereafter respect the name of a British soldier.
+
+Our loss is wonderfully small considering the occasion, the casualties
+in killed and wounded amount to about 200.
+
+The loss of the enemy is immense; we have already buried of their dead
+nearly 500, together with an immense number of horses.
+
+I enclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. I am happy to say
+that, although the wounds of some of the officers are severe, they are
+all doing well.
+
+It is my intention, after selecting a garrison for this place, and
+establishing a general hospital, to continue my march to Cabool
+forthwith--I have, &c.,
+
+  (Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General.
+
+No. 1.
+
+_List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, before Ghuzni, on the 21st of July_,
+1839:--
+
+2nd Troop Bengal Horse Artillery--3 horses wounded.
+
+3rd Troop Bombay--2 rank and file, 2 horses, wounded.
+
+4th Troop Bombay--1 horse killed.
+
+2nd Regiment Bengal Cavalry--1 horse killed, 1 rank and file wounded.
+
+4th Bengal Local Horse--1 rank and file and 1 horse missing.
+
+Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry--1 rank and file killed.
+
+16th Bengal Native Infantry--1 captain wounded.
+
+48th Bengal Native Infantry--1 lieutenant, and 2 rank and file wounded.
+
+Total killed--1 rank and file, and two horses.
+
+Total wounded--1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 5 rank and file, and 6 horses.
+
+Total missing--1 rank and file, and 1 horse.
+
+
+_Names of Officers wounded._
+
+Captain Graves, 16th Bengal Native Infantry, severely.
+
+Lieutenant Vanhomrigh, 48th Bengal Native Infantry, slightly.
+
+  (Signed)  R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
+    Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to
+    her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
+
+
+No. 2.
+
+
+_List of killed, wounded, and missing, in the army under the command of
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., in the assault and
+capture of the fortress and citadel of Ghuzni, on the 23rd of July,
+1839_:--
+
+General Staff--1 colonel, 1 major, wounded.
+
+3rd Troop Bombay Horse Artillery--1 rank and file wounded.
+
+4th Troop Bombay Horse Artillery--1 rank and file and 1 horse wounded.
+
+Bengal Engineers--3 rank and file killed, 2 rank and file wounded, 1
+rank and file missing.
+
+Bombay Engineers--1 lieutenant, 1 rank and file, wounded.
+
+2nd Bengal Light Cavalry--1 rank and file wounded.
+
+1st Bombay Light Cavalry--1 havildar killed, 5 rank and file and 7
+horses wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd Foot (or Queen's Royals)--4 rank and file killed; 2
+captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, and 26 rank and file wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry--1 rank and file killed; 3 sergeants
+and 27 rank and file wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Foot--6 rank and file wounded.
+
+Bengal European Regiment--1 rank and file killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel,
+1 major, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 sergeant, 51 rank and
+file wounded.
+
+16th Bengal N.I.--1 havildar, 6 rank and file, wounded.
+
+35th Bengal N.I.--5 rank and file killed; I havildar and 8 rank and file
+wounded.
+
+48th Bengal N.I.--2 havildars killed, 5 rank and file wounded.
+
+Total killed--3 sergeants or havildars, 14 rank and file.
+
+Total wounded--1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4 captains, 8
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 7 sergeants or havildars, 140 rank and file, 8
+horses.
+
+Total missing--1 rank and file.
+
+Grand total on the 21st and 23rd of July, killed, wounded, and
+missing--191 officers and men, and 16 horses.
+
+
+_Names of Officers killed wounded, and missing._
+
+General Staff--Brigadier Sale, her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry,
+slightly; Major Parsons, Deputy Commissary-General, slightly.
+
+Bombay Engineers--Second Lieutenant Marriott, slightly.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd (or Queen's Royals)--Captain Raitt, slightly; Captain
+Robinson, severely; Lieutenant Yonge, severely; Lieut. Stisted,
+slightly; Adjutant Simmons, slightly; Quartermaster Hadley, slightly.
+
+Bengal European Regiment--Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, slightly; Major
+Warren, severely; Captains Hay and Taylor, slightly; Lieutenant
+Broadfoot, slightly; Lieutenant Haslewood, severely; Lieutenants Fagan
+and Magnay, slightly; Ensign Jacob, slightly.
+
+
+  (Signed)    R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
+    Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. to
+    her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
+
+
+GENERAL ORDER,
+
+
+_By his Excellency Lieutenant-Gen. Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of
+the Army of the Indus._
+
+Head-Quarters, Camp, Ghuzni, July 23rd, 1839
+
+Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane most heartily congratulates the army
+he has the honour to command, on the signal triumph they have this day
+obtained in the capture by storm of the strong and important fortress of
+Ghuzni. His Excellency feels that he can hardly do justice to the
+gallantry of the troops.
+
+The scientific and successful manner in which the Cabool gate (of great
+strength) was blown up by Captain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the
+chief of that department with this army, in which he reports having been
+most ably assisted by Captain Peat, of the Bombay Engineers, and
+Lieutenants Durand and MacLeod, of the Bengal Engineers, in the daring
+and dangerous enterprise of laying down powder in the face of the enemy,
+and the strong fire kept up on them, reflects the highest credit on
+their skill and cool courage, and his Excellency begs Captain Thomson
+and officers named will accept his cordial thanks. His acknowledgments
+are also due to the other officers of the Engineers of both
+Presidencies, and to the valuable corps of Sappers and Miners under
+them. This opening having been made, although it was a difficult one to
+enter by, from the rubbish in the way, the leading column, in a spirit
+of true gallantry, directed and led by Brigadier Sale, gained a footing
+inside the fortress, although opposed by the Afghan soldiers in very
+great strength, and in the most desperate manner, with every kind of
+weapon.
+
+The advance, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dennie, of her Majesty's 13th,
+consisting of the light companies of her Majesty's 2nd and 17th, and of
+the Bengal European Regiment, with one company of her Majesty's 13th;
+and the leading column, consisting of her Majesty's 2nd Queen's, under
+Major Carruthers, and the Bengal European Regiment, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Orchard, followed by her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, as they collected from the duty of skirmishing, which they
+were directed to begin with, and by her Majesty's 17th, under
+Lieutenant-Colonel Croker. To all these officers, and to the other
+officers and gallant soldiers under their orders, his Excellency's best
+thanks are tendered; but, in particular, he feels deeptly indebted to
+Brigadier Sale, for the manner in which he conducted the arduous duty
+entrusted to him in the command of the storming party. His Excellency
+will not fail to bring it to the notice of his Lordship the
+Governor-General, and he trusts the wound which Brigadier Sale has
+received is not of that severe nature long to deprive this army of his
+services. Brigadier Sale reports that Captain Kershaw, of her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, rendered important assistance to him and to the
+service in the storming.
+
+Sir John Keane was happy, on this proud occasion, to have the assistance
+of his old comrade, Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, who, in command
+of the reserve, ably executed the instructions he had received, and was
+at the gate ready to enter after the storming party had established
+themselves inside, when he moved through it to sweep the ramparts, and
+to complete the subjugation of the place with the 16th Bengal Native
+Infantry, under Major M'Laren; Brigadier Roberts, with the 35th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Monteath; and the 48th Native
+Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler. His arrangements afterwards,
+in continuation of those Brigadier Sale had made for the security of the
+magazine and other public stores, were such as meet his Excellency's
+high approval.
+
+The Commander-in-Chief acknowledges the services rendered by Captain
+Hay, of the 35th Native Infantry, in command of three companies of that
+regiment sent to the south side of the fortress to begin with a false
+attack, and which was executed at the proper time, and in a manner
+highly satisfactory to his Excellency.
+
+Nothing could be more judicious than the manner in which Brigadier
+Stevenson placed the artillery in position. Captain Grant's troop of
+Bengal Artillery, and the camel battery, under Captain Abbott, both
+superintended by Major Pew; the two troops of Bombay Horse Artillery,
+commanded by Captains Martin and Cotgrave; and Captain Lloyd's battery
+of Bombay Foot Artillery, all opened upon the citadel and fortress in a
+manner which shook the enemy, and did such execution as completely to
+paralyse and to strike terror into them; and his Excellency begs
+Brigadier Stevenson, the officers, and men of that arm, will accept his
+thanks for their good service.
+
+The 19th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, under the command of
+Lieutenant-Colonel Stalker, having been placed in position to watch any
+enemy that might appear on the Cabool road, or approach to attack the
+camp, had an important post assigned to them, although, as it happened,
+no enemy made an attack upon them.
+
+In sieges and stormings it does not fall to the lot of cavalry to bear
+the same conspicuous part as to the other two arms of the profession. On
+this occasion, Sir John Keane is happy to have an opportunity of
+thanking Major-General Thackwell, and the officers and men of the
+cavalry divisions under his orders, for having successfully executed the
+directions given, to sweep the plain, and to intercept fugitives of the
+enemy attempting to escape from the fort in any direction around it; and
+had an enemy appeared for the relief of the place during the storming,
+his Excellency is fully satisfied that the different regiments of this
+fine arm would have distinguished themselves, and that the opportunity
+alone was wanting.
+
+Major-General Willshire's division having been broken up for the day, to
+be distributed as it was, the Major-General was desired to be in
+attendance upon the Commander-in-Chief. To him and to the officers of
+the Assistant Quartermaster-General's department of the Bengal and
+Bombay army, his Excellency returns his warmest thanks for the
+assistance they have afforded him.
+
+The Commander-in-Chief feels--and in which feeling he is sure he will be
+joined by the troops composing the Army of the Indus--that, after the
+long and harassing marches they have had, and the privations they have
+endured, this glorious achievement, and the brilliant manner in which
+the troops have met and conquered the enemy, reward them for it all. His
+Excellency will only add, that no army that has ever been engaged in a
+campaign deserves more credit than this which he has the honour to
+command, for patient, orderly, and correct conduct, under all
+circumstances, and Sir John Keane is proud to have the opportunity of
+thus publicly acknowledging it.
+
+By order of his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus.
+
+  (Signed)  R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
+    Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant-Gen. of
+    her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ENTRANCE INTO CABOOL.
+
+(_From the Delhi Gazette Extraordinary, of Thursday, Aug. 29_.)
+
+NOTIFICATION.--SECRET DEPARTMENT.
+
+Simla, August 26th, 1839.
+
+The Governor-General of India publishes for general information, the
+subjoined copy and extracts of despatches from his Excellency the
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and from the Envoy and
+Minister at the Court of his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, announcing
+the triumphant entry of the Shah into Cabool, on the 7th instant.
+
+In issuing this notification, the Governor-General cannot omit the
+opportunity of offering to the officers and men composing the army of
+the Indus, and to the distinguished leader by whom they have been
+commanded, the cordial congratulations of the government upon the happy
+result of a campaign, which, on the sole occasion when resistance was
+opposed to them, has been gloriously marked by victory, and in all the
+many difficulties of which the character of a British army for
+gallantry, good conduct, and discipline has been nobly maintained.
+
+A salute of twenty-one guns will be fired on the receipt of this
+intelligence at all the principal stations of the army in the three
+Presidencies.
+
+By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,
+
+    T.H. MADDOCK,
+  Officiating Secretary to the Government of
+  India, with the Governor-General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+(Copy.)
+
+TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD AUCKLAND, G.C.B., ETC.
+
+MY LORD,--We have the honour to acquaint your Lordship that the army
+marched from Ghuzni, _en route_ to Cabool, in two columns, on the 30th
+and 31st ult., his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, with his own troops,
+forming part of the second column.
+
+On the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief with the first column, at Hyde
+Khail, on the 1st inst., information reached him, and the same reached
+the Envoy and Minister at Huft Assaya, that Dost Mahomed, with his army
+and artillery, were advancing from Cabool, and would probably take up a
+position at Urghundee or Midan, (the former twenty-four, the latter
+thirty-six miles from Cabool.) Upon this it was arranged that his
+Majesty, with the second column, under Major General Willshire, should
+join the first column here, and advance together to attack Dost Mahomed,
+whose son, Mahomed Akhbar, had been recalled from Jellahabad, with the
+troops guarding the Khyber Pass, and had formed a junction with his
+father; their joint forces, according to our information, amounting to
+about 13,000 men.
+
+Every arrangement was made for the King and the army marching in a body
+from here to-morrow; but in the course of the night, messengers arrived,
+and since (this morning) a great many chiefs and their followers,
+announcing the dissolution of Dost Mahomed's army, by the refusal of a
+great part to advance against us with him, and that he had in
+consequence fled, with a party of 300 horsemen, in the direction of
+Bamian, leaving his guns behind him, in position, as they were placed at
+Urghundee.
+
+His Majesty Shah Shooja has sent forward a confidential officer, with
+whom has been associated Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th Lancers,
+taking with him a party of 200 men and an officer of artillery, to
+proceed direct to take possession of those guns, and afterwards such
+other guns and public stores as may be found in Cabool and the Balla
+Hissar, in the name of, and for his Majesty Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, and
+the King's order will be carried by his own officer with this party, for
+preserving the tranquillity of the city of Cabool.
+
+A strong party has been detached in pursuit of Dost Mahomed, under some
+of our most active officers. We continue our march upon Cabool
+to-morrow, and will reach it on the third day.
+
+We have, &c.,
+
+  (Signed) JOHN KEANE, Lieut.-General,
+           Commander-in-Chief.
+
+  (Signed) W.H. MACNAGHTEN,
+           Envoy and Minister.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Extract from a Letter from his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John
+Keane, K.C.B. and G.C.H., dated Head-Quarters, Camp, Cabool, August 8th,
+1839_:--
+
+
+"It gives me infinite pleasure to be able to address my despatch to your
+Lordship from this capital, the vicinity of which his Majesty Shah
+Shooja-ool-Moolk and the army under my command reached the day before
+yesterday. The King entered his capital yesterday afternoon, accompanied
+by the British Envoy and Minister and the gentlemen of the mission, and
+by myself, the general and staff officers of this army, and escorted by
+a squadron of her Majesty's 4th Light Dragoons, and one of her Majesty's
+16th Lancers, with Captain Martin's troop of Horse Artillery. His
+Majesty had expressed a wish that British troops should be present on
+the occasion, and a very small party only of his own Hindostanee and
+Afghan troops. After the animating scene of traversing the streets, and
+reaching the palace in the Bala Hissar, a royal salute was fired, and an
+additional salvo in the Afghan style, from small guns, resembling
+wall-pieces, named gingalls, and carried on camels. We heartily
+congratulated his Majesty on being in possession of the throne and
+kingdom of his ancestors, and upon the overthrow of his enemies; and
+after taking leave of his Majesty, we returned to our camp.
+
+"I trust we have thus accomplished all the objects which your Lordship
+had in contemplation when you planned and formed the army of the Indus,
+and the expedition into Afghanistan.
+
+"The conduct of the army both European and native, which your Lordship
+did me the honour to place under my orders, has been admirable
+throughout, and, notwithstanding the severe marching and privations they
+have gone through, their appearance and discipline have suffered
+nothing, and the opportunity afforded them at Ghuzni of meeting and
+conquering their enemy has added greatly to their good spirits.
+
+"The joint despatch addressed by Mr Macnaghten and myself to your
+Lordship, on the 3rd instant, from Shikarbad, will have informed you
+that at the moment we had made every preparation to attack (on the
+following day) Dost Mahomed Khan, in his position at Urghundee, where,
+after his son, Mahomed Akhbar, had joined him from Jellahabad, he had an
+army amounting to 13,000 men, well armed and appointed, and thirty
+pieces of artillery, we suddenly learned that he abandoned them all, and
+fled, with a party of horsemen, on the road to Bamian, leaving his guns
+in position, as he had placed them to receive our attack.
+
+"It appears that a great part of his army, which was hourly becoming
+disorganized, refused to stand by him in the position to receive our
+attack, and that it soon became in a state of dissolution. The great
+bulk immediately came over to Shah Shooja, tendering their allegiance,
+and I believe his Majesty will take most of them into his pay.
+
+"It seems that the news of the quick and determined manner in which we
+took their stronghold, Ghuzni, had such an effect upon the population of
+Cabool, and perhaps also upon the enemy's army, that Dost Mahomed from
+that moment began to lose hope of retaining his rule, for even a short
+time longer, and sent off his family and valuable property towards
+Bamian; but marched out of Cabool, with his army and artillery, keeping
+a bold front towards us until the evening of the 2nd, when all his hopes
+were at an end by a division in his own camp, and one part of his army
+abandoning him. So precipitate was his flight, that be left in position
+his guns, with their ammunition and wagons, and the greater part of the
+cattle by which they were drawn. Major Cureton, of her Majesty's 16th
+Lancers, with his party of 200 men, pushed forward, of the 3rd, and took
+possession of those guns, &c. There were twenty-three brass guns in
+position, and loaded; two more at a little distance, which they
+attempted to take away; and since then, three more abandoned, still
+further off on the Bamian road; thus leaving in our possession
+twenty-eight pieces of cannon, with all the materiel belonging to them,
+which are now handed over to Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Extract from a Letter from W.H. Macnaghten, Esq., Envoy and Minister to
+the Court of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk, dated Cabool, 9th of August,
+1839_:--
+
+"By a letter signed jointly by his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir
+John Keane and myself, dated the 3rd inst., the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General was apprised of the flight of Dost Mahomed Khan.
+
+"The ex-chief was not accompanied by any person of consequence, and his
+followers are said to have been reduced to below the number of 100 on
+the day of his departure. In the progress of Shah Shooja-ool-Moolk
+towards Cabool, his Majesty was joined by every person of rank and
+influence in the country, and he made his triumphal entry into the city
+on the evening of the 7th instant. His Majesty has taken up his
+residence in the Bala Hissar, where he has required the British mission
+to remain for the present."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+(_From the Bombay Government Gazette Extraordinary of August 29th._)
+
+
+Simla, August 26th, 1839.
+
+A letter from Shikarbad, of August 3rd, states--
+
+"The chiefs with their military followers are flocking in by thousands.
+No better commentary on the feeling regarding Dost Mahomed Khan could be
+given than the fact of his having been able to induce only 300 out of
+12,000 men to accompany him; Capt. Outram and seven other officers
+accompany the pursuing party."
+
+The dates from the army at Cabool are to August the 9th. The letters
+from thence give the following intelligence:--
+
+"The Shah's reception at this place was equally gratifying as at
+Candahar, though the enthusiasm was not so boisterous.
+
+"We arrived here yesterday, and, I am happy to say, with a sufficient
+stock of supplies in our Godown to render us quite independent of any
+foreign purchases for the next ten days, which will keep down prices,
+and save us from the extravagant rates which we were obliged to purchase
+at when we reached Candahar. I have not been to the city yet, but am
+told it is far superior to Candahar. Our people are now very well off;
+for the increased rations, and abundance and cheapness of grain as we
+came along, have left them nothing to want or wish for."
+
+Extract of a further letter from Shikarbad, August 3rd:--
+
+"The Afghans have not yet recovered from their astonishment at the
+rapidity with which Ghuzni fell into our hands, nor up to this moment
+will they believe how it was effected.
+
+"This morning we received intelligence of Dost Mahomed's flight towards
+Bamian; for several days past many of his former adherents had been
+joining the King. Since this morning, thousands of Afghans have been
+coming in to tender their allegiance to his Majesty, who is in the
+greatest spirits at this pacific termination to the campaign, and says
+that God has now granted all his wishes, --Cabool is at hand!
+
+"We are all delighted at it. Few armies have made so long a march in the
+same time that the army of the Indus has done. The country is every day
+improving. The road to Candahar from where we are now encamped lies in a
+continued valley seldom stretching in width above two miles; cultivation
+on each side of the road, and numberless villages nestling under the
+hills. Since we left Ghuzni, the fruits have assumed a very fine
+appearance; the grapes, plums, and apples have become very large, like
+their brethren of Europe. The climate now is very fine. The rapid
+Loghurd river is flowing close to our encampments, and the European
+soldiers and officers are amusing themselves with fishing in it. We are
+beginning to get vegetables again. I passed this morning through fields
+of beans, but only in flower. Our attention must be turned to the
+cultivation of potatoes; they grow in quantities in Persia, and this
+seems to be just the country for them. To revert from small things to
+great: a party has just been detached towards Bamian with a view of
+cutting off Dost Mahomed. It would be a great thing to catch him. The
+party consists chiefly of Afghans, headed by Hajee Khan Kaukur, and
+about eight or ten British officers have been sent with it, to prevent
+the Afghans from committing excesses."
+
+
+FROM THE
+
+LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY,
+
+_Thursday, Feb. 13th._
+
+
+INDIA BOARD, FEB. 13TH.
+
+A despatch has been this day received at the East India House, addressed
+by the Governor-General of India to the Select Committee of the East
+India Company, of which the following is a copy:--
+
+"Camp at Bhurtpore, Dec. 12th, 1839.
+
+"I do myself the honour to forward copies of the despatches noted in the
+margin, relative to the assault and capture of the fort of Kelat.
+
+"2. The decision, the great military skill, and excellent dispositions,
+of Major-General Willshire, in conducting the operations against Kelat,
+appear to me deserving the highest commendation. The gallantry,
+steadiness, and soldier-like bearing of the troops under his command
+rendered his plans of action completely successful, thereby again
+crowning our arms across the Indus with signal victory.
+
+"3. I need not expatiate on the importance of this achievement, from
+which the best effects must be derived, not only in the vindication of
+our national honour, but also in confirming the security of intercourse
+between Sinde and Afghanistan, and in promoting the safety and
+tranquillity of the restored monarchy; but I would not omit to point out
+that the conduct on this occasion of Major-General Willshire, and of the
+officers and men under his command, (including the 31st regiment of
+Bengal Native Infantry, which had not been employed in the previous
+active operations of the campaign,) have entitled them to more prominent
+notice that I was able to give them in my general order of November
+18th; and in recommending these valuable services to the applause of
+the committee, I trust that I shall not be considered as going beyond my
+proper province in stating an earnest hope that the conduct of
+Major-General Willshire in the direction of the operations will not fail
+to elicit the approbation of her Majesty's Government.--I have, &c.
+
+  "AUCKLAND."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GENERAL ORDERS,
+
+_By the Governor-General of India._
+
+Camp Doothanee, December 4th, 1839.
+
+The many outrages and murders committed, in attacks on the followers of
+the army of the Indus, by the plundering tribes in the neighbourhood of
+the Bolan Pass, at the instigation of their chief, Meer Mehrab Khan, of
+Kelat, at a time when he was professing friendship for the British
+Government, and negotiating a treaty with its representatives, having
+compelled the government to direct a detachment of the army to proceed
+to Kelat for the exaction of retribution from that chieftain, and for
+the execution of such arrangements as would establish future security in
+that quarter, a force, under the orders of Major-General Willshire,
+C.B., was employed on this service; and the Right Hon. the
+Governor-General of India having this day received that officer's report
+of the successful accomplishment of the objects entrusted to him, has
+been pleased to direct that the following copy of his despatch, dated
+the 14th ultimo, be published for general information.
+
+The Governor-General is happy to avail himself of this opportunity to
+record his high admiration of the signal gallantry and spirit of the
+troops engaged on this occasion, and offers, on the part of the
+government, his best thanks to Major-General Willshire, and to the
+officers and men who served under him.
+
+  By command of the Governor-General,
+
+    T.H. MADDOCK,
+  Officiating Secretary to the Government of
+  India, with the Governor-General.
+
+
+FROM MAJOR-GENERAL SIR THOMAS WILLSHIRE, K.C.B., TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
+OF INDIA.
+
+Camp, near Kelat, Nov. 14th. 1839.
+
+MY LORD,--In obedience to the joint instructions furnished to me by his
+Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus, and the
+Envoy and Minister to his Majesty Shah Shooja, under date Cabool, the
+17th of September, 1839, deputing to me the duty of deposing Mehrab Khan
+of Kelat, in consequence of the avowed hostility of that chief to the
+British nation during the present campaign, I have the honour to report,
+that on my arrival at Quettah, on the 31st ultimo, I communicated with
+Captain Bean, the political agent in Shawl, and arranged with him the
+best means of giving effect to the orders I had received.
+
+In consequence of the want of public carriage, and the limited quantity
+of commissariat supplies at Quettah, as well as the reported want of
+forage on the route to Kelat, I was obliged to despatch to Cutch Gundava
+the whole of the cavalry and the greater portion of the artillery,
+taking with me only the troops noted in the margin,[B] and leaving
+Quettah on the 3rd instant.
+
+[Footnote B: Two guns Bombay Horse Artillery; four guns Shah's ditto;
+two Ressalaghs Local Horse; Queen's Royals; Her Majesty's 17th regiment;
+31st regiment Bengal Native Infantry; Bombay Engineers.]
+
+During the march, the communications received from Mehrab Khan were, so
+far from acceding to the terms offered, that he threatened resistance if
+the troops approached his capital. I therefore proceeded, and arrived at
+the village of Giranee, within eight miles of Kelat, on the 12th
+instant.
+
+Marching thence the following morning, a body of horse were perceived on
+the right of the road, which commenced firing on the advanced guard,
+commanded by Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's 17th regiment, as the
+column advanced, and the skirmishing between them continued until we
+came in sight of Kelat, rather less than a mile distant.
+
+I now discovered that three heights on the north-west face of the fort,
+and parallel to the north, were covered with infantry, with five guns in
+position, protected by small parapet walls.
+
+Captain Peat, chief engineer, immediately reconnoitered; and having
+reported that nothing could be done until those heights were in our
+possession, I decided upon at once storming them simultaneously, and, if
+practicable, entering the fort with the fugitives, as the gate in the
+northern face was occasionally opened to keep up the communication
+between the fort and the heights.
+
+To effect this object I detached a company from each of the European
+regiments from the advanced guard with Major Pennycuick, her Majesty's
+17th regiment, for the purpose of occupying the gardens and enclosures
+to the north-east of the town, and two more companies in the plain,
+midway between them and the column; at the same time I ordered three
+columns of attack to be formed, composed of four companies from each
+corps, under their respective commanding officers, Major Carruthers, of
+the Queen's, Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, her Majesty's 17th regiment, and
+Major Western, 31st Bengal Native Infantry, the whole under the command
+of Brigadier Baumgardt, the remainder of the regiments forming three
+columns of reserve, under my own direction, to move in support.
+
+A hill being allotted to each column, Brigadier Stevenson, commanding
+the artillery, moved quickly forward in front towards the base of the
+heights, and when within the required range opened fire upon the
+infantry and guns, under cover of which the columns moved steadily on,
+and commenced the ascent for the purpose of carrying the heights,
+exposed to the fire of the enemy's guns, which had commenced while the
+columns of attack were forming.
+
+Before the columns reached their respective summits of the hills, the
+enemy, overpowered by the superior and well-directed fire of our
+artillery, had abandoned them, attempting to carry off their guns, but
+which they were unable to do. At this moment, it appearing to me the
+opportunity offered for the troops to get in with the fugitives, and if
+possible gain possession of the gate of the fortress, I despatched
+orders to the Queen's Royal and 17th Regiments to make a rush from the
+heights for that purpose, following myself to the summit of the nearest,
+to observe the result. At this moment, the four companies on my left,
+which had been detached to the gardens and plain, seeing the chance that
+offered of entering the fort, moved rapidly forward from their
+respective points towards the gateway, under a heavy and well-directed
+fire from the walls of the fort and citadel, which were thronged by the
+enemy.
+
+The gate having been closed before the troops moving towards it could
+effect the desired object, and the garrison strengthened by the enemy
+driven from the heights, they were compelled to cover themselves, as far
+as practicable, behind some walls and ruined buildings to the right and
+left of it, while Brigadier Stevenson, having ascended the heights with
+the artillery, opened two guns, under the command of Lieutenant Foster,
+Bombay Horse Artillery, upon the defences above the gate and its
+vicinity, while the fire of two others, commanded by, Lieutenant Cowper,
+Shah's Artillery, was directed against the gate itself; the remaining
+two, with Lieutenant Creed, being sent round to the road on the left
+hand, leading directly up to the gate, and when within two hundred
+yards, commenced fire, for the purpose of completing in blowing it open,
+and after a few rounds, they succeeded in knocking in one half of it. On
+observing this, I rode down the hill towards the gate, pointing to it,
+thereby announcing to the troops it was open. They instantly rose from
+their cover and rushed in. Those under the command of Major Pennycuick,
+being the nearest, were the first to gain the gate, headed by that
+officer, the whole of the storming columns from the three regiments
+rapidly following and gaining an entrance, as quick as it was possible
+to do so, under a heavy fire from the works and from the interior, the
+enemy making a most gallant and determined resistance, disputing every
+inch of ground up to the walls of the inner citadel.
+
+At this time I directed the reserve column to be brought near the gate,
+and detached one company of the 17th Regiment, under Captain Darley, to
+the western side of the fort, followed by a portion of the 31st Bengal
+Native Infantry, commanded by Major Western, conducted by Captain
+Outram, acting as my extra Aide-de-Camp, for the purpose of securing the
+heights, under which the southern angle is situated, and intercepting
+any of the garrison escaping from that side; having driven off the enemy
+from the heights above, the united detachments then descended to the
+gate of the fort below, and forced it open before the garrison (who
+closed it as they saw the troops approach) had time to secure it.
+
+When the party was detached by the western face, I also sent two
+companies from the reserve of the 17th, under Major Deshon, and two guns
+of the Shah's artillery, under the command of Lieutenant Creed, Bombay
+Artillery, by the eastern to the southern face, for the purpose of
+blowing open the gate above alluded to, had it been necessary, as well
+as the gate of the inner citadel; the infantry joining the other
+detachments, making their way through the town in the direction of the
+citadel.
+
+After some delay, the troops that held possession of the town at length
+succeeded in forcing an entrance into the citadel, where a desperate
+resistance was made by Mehrab Khan, at the head of his people; he
+himself, with many of his principal chiefs, being killed sword in hand.
+Several others, however, kept up a fire upon our troops from detached
+buildings difficult of access, and it was not until late in the
+afternoon, that those that survived were induced to give themselves up
+on a promise of their lives being spared.
+
+From every account, I have reason to believe the garrison consisted of
+upwards of 2000 fighting men, and that the son of Mehrab Khan had been
+expected to join him from Nerosky, with a further reinforcement; the
+enclosed return will shew the strength of the force under my command
+present at the capture.
+
+The defences of the fort, as in the case of Ghuzni, far exceeded in
+strength what I had been led to suppose from previous report, and the
+towering height of the inner citadel was most formidable, both in
+appearance and reality.
+
+I lament to say that the loss of killed and wounded on our side has been
+severe, as will be seen by the accompanying return; that on the part of
+the enemy must have been great, but the exact number I have not been
+able to ascertain. Several hundreds of prisoners were taken, from whom
+the political agent has selected those he considers it necessary for the
+present to retain in confinement; the remainder have been liberated.
+
+It is quite impossible for me sufficiently to express my admiration of
+the gallant and steady conduct of the officers and men upon this
+occasion; but the fact of less than an hour having elapsed from the
+formation of the columns for the attack to the period of the troops
+being within the fort, and this performed in the open day, and in the
+face of an enemy so very superior in numbers, and so perfectly prepared
+for resistance, will, I trust, convince your Lordship how deserving the
+officers and troops are of my warmest thanks, and of the highest praise
+that can be bestowed.
+
+To Brigadier Baumgardt, commanding the storming column, my best thanks
+are due, and he reports that Captain Willie, acting Assistant
+Adjutant-General, and Captain Gilland, his aide-de-camp, ably assisted
+him, and zealously performed their duties; also to Brigadier Stevenson,
+commanding the artillery, and Lieutenants Forster and Cowper,
+respectively in charge of the Bombay and Shah's, artillery. I feel
+greatly indebted for the steady and scientific manner in which the
+service of dislodging the enemy from the heights, and afterwards
+effecting an entrance into the fort, was performed. The Brigadier has
+brought to my notice the assistance he received from Captain Coghlan,
+his brigade major, Lieutenant Woosnam, his aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant
+Creed, when in battery yesterday.
+
+To Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, commanding her Majesty's 17th Regiment;
+Major Carruthers, commanding the Queen's Royals; Major Western,
+commanding the Bengal 31st Native Infantry, I feel highly indebted for
+the manner in which they conducted their respective columns to the
+attack of the heights, and afterwards to the assault of the town, as
+well as to Major Pennycuick, of the 17th, who led the advance-guard
+companies to the same point.
+
+To Captain Peat, chief engineer, and to the officers and men of the
+Engineer Corps, my acknowledgments are due; to Major Neil Campbell,
+Acting Quartermaster-General of the Bombay army; to Captain Hagart,
+Acting Deputy Adjutant-General; and to Lieutenant Ramsay, acting
+Assistant Quartermaster-General, my best thanks are due for the able
+assistance afforded me by their services.
+
+From my Aides-de-camp, Captain Robinson and Lieutenant Halket, as well
+as from Captain Outram, who volunteered his services on my personal
+staff, I received the utmost assistance; and to the latter officer I
+fell greatly indebted for the zeal and ability with which he has
+performed various duties that I have required of him, upon other
+occasions, as well as the present.
+
+It is with much pleasure that I state the great assistance I have
+received from Captain Bean in obtaining supplies.
+
+    T. WILLSHIRE,
+  Major-Gen., Commanding Bombay Column,
+  Army of the Indus.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Return of Casualties in the army under the command of Major-General
+Willshire, C.B., employed at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839_:--
+
+1st Troop of Cabool Artillery--2 rank and file, 6 horses, wounded.
+
+Gun Lancers attached to ditto--1 rank and file, 1 horse, wounded; 1
+corporal, since dead.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment--1 lieutenant, 21 rank and
+file, killed; 2 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 adjutant, 2 sergeants, 40
+rank and file, 1 horse, wounded.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Regiment--6 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 3
+sergeants, 29 rank and file, wounded.
+
+31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry--1 subadar, 2 rank and file,
+killed; 1 captain, 1 ensign, 2 jemadars, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, 14 rank
+and file, 1 bheestie, wounded.
+
+Sappers and Miners and Pioneers--1 sergeant wounded.
+
+4th Bengal Local Horse--1 rank and file wounded.
+
+Total--1 lieutenant, 1 subadar, 29 rank and file, killed; 4 captains, 2
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 2 jemadars, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer,
+87 rank and file, 1 bheestie, 7 horses, wounded.
+
+Total killed and wounded--138.
+
+
+_Names of Officers killed and wounded._
+
+Killed--Her Majesty's 2nd or Queen's Royal Regiment--Lieutenant T.
+Gravatt.
+
+Wounded--Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment--Captain W.M.
+Lyster, Captain T. Sealy, Lieutenant T.W.E. Holdsworth, severely;
+Lieutenant D.J. Dickenson, slightly; Adjutant J.E. Simmons, severely.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Regiment--Captain L.C. Bourchier, severely.
+
+31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry--Captain Saurin, slightly;
+Ensign Hopper, severely.
+
+
+    C. HAGART, Captain,
+  Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen Bombay
+  Column, Army of the Indus.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_State of the Corps engaged at the storming of Kelat, on the 13th of
+November, 1839, under the command of Major-General Willshire, C.B._
+
+Camp at Kelat, November 13th, 1839.
+
+Staff--1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting
+deputy-adjutant general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1 sub-assistant
+commissary general.
+
+Detachment 3rd Troop Horse Artillery--2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, 36
+rank and file.
+
+1st Troop Cabool Artillery--1 lieutenant, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer, 1
+farier, 58 rank and file.
+
+Her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royal Regiment--1 major, 3 captains, 7
+lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 31 sergeants, 10 drummers, 290 rank
+and file.
+
+Her Majesty's 17th Regiment--1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 4
+captains, 13 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 29
+sergeants, 9 drummers, 338 rank and file.
+
+31st Regiment Bengal Native Infantry--1 major, 2 captains, 3
+lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 surgeon, 12
+native officers, 30 sergeants, 14 drummers, 329 rank and file.
+
+Sappers and Miners and Pioneers--1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 assistant
+surgeon, 3 native officers, 1 sub-conductor, 7 sergeants, 3 drummers,
+117 rank and file.
+
+Total--1 major-general, 2 brigadiers, 5 aides-de-camp, 1 acting deputy
+adjutant-general, 1 acting quartermaster-general, 1 deputy
+assistant-quartermaster-general, 2 brigade-majors, 1
+sub-assistant-commissary-general, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 4 majors, 10
+captains, 27 lieutenants, 5 ensigns, 2 adjutants, 2 quartermasters, 2
+surgeons, 1 assistant-surgeon, 15 native officers, 1 sub-conductor,
+107 sergeants, 37 drummers, 1 farrier, 1,166 rank and file.
+
+The Sappers and Miners and Pioneers were not engaged until the gate was
+taken.
+
+    C. HAGART, Captain,
+  Acting Deputy Adjutant-Gen., Bombay
+  Column, Army of the Indus.
+
+Note--Two russalas of the Bengal Local Horse remained in charge of the
+baggage during the attack.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_List of Beloochee Sirdars killed in the assault of Kelat, on the 13th
+of November, 1839_:--
+
+Meer Mehrab Khan, Chief of Kelat. Meer Wullee Mahomed, the Muengul
+Sirdar of Wudd. Abdool Kurreem, Ruhsanee Sirdar. Dad Kurreen, Shahwanee
+Sirdar. Mahomed Ruzza, nephew of the Vizier Mahomed Hoosein. Khysur
+Khan, Ahsehrie Sirdar. Dewan Bucha Mull, Financial Minister. Noor
+Mahomed and Taj Mahomed, Shagassa Sirdars.
+
+_Prisoners._
+
+Mahomed Hoossein, Vizier. Moola Ruheem Dad, ex-Naib of Shawl; with
+several others of inferior rank.
+
+  J.D.D. DEAN, Political Agent.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAPTURE OF THE FORT AND CITADEL OF KELAT.
+
+Political Department Fort William, Dec. 14, 1839.
+
+The Hon. the President in Council has much satisfaction in publishing
+the following despatch from Major-General Willshire, C.B., with the
+returns annexed to it, reporting the capture of the fort and citadel of
+Kelat, by storm, on the 13th of November, which brilliant achievement
+was effected by a force consisting of only 1200 men, with the loss, his
+Honour in Council grieves to say, of 138 killed and wounded, including
+amongst the former one officer, Lieutenant Gravatt, of her Majesty's
+2nd, or Queen's Regiment, and amongst the latter, eight officers.
+
+Meer Mehrab Khan himself, and eight other sirdars, were amongst the
+slain of the enemy.
+
+The general order issued by the Right Hon. the Governor-General, on the
+receipt of this intelligence, is republished, and his Honour in Council
+unites with his Lordship in recording his high admiration of the signal
+gallantry and spirit of the troops engaged, and in offering his thanks
+to Major-General Willshire, and to the officers and men who served under
+him on this occasion.
+
+A royal salute will be fired from the ramparts of Fort William, at noon
+this day, in honour of the event.
+
+  By order of the Hon. the President in Council,
+
+    H.T. PRINSEP,
+  Secretary to the Government of India.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Campaign of the Indus, by T.W.E. Holdsworth
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