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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Scenes and Adventures in Affghanistan, by
+William Taylor
+
+
+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: Scenes and Adventures in Affghanistan
+
+
+Author: William Taylor
+
+
+
+Release Date: August 23, 2010  [eBook #33496]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCENES AND ADVENTURES IN
+AFFGHANISTAN***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Asad Razzaki and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images
+generously made available by Internet Archive/American Libraries
+(http://www.archive.org/details/americana)
+
+
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive/American Libraries. See
+      http://www.archive.org/details/scenesadventures00taylrich
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been retained as in
+      the original.
+
+      Some typographical and punctuation errors have been corrected. A
+      complete list follows the text.
+
+      Text italicized in the original are surrounded by underscores
+      (_italics_).
+
+      The 'oe' ligature is represented as oe.
+
+      Pound symbol (lb with a bar) represented as lb.
+
+
+
+
+
+SCENES AND ADVENTURES IN AFFGHANISTAN,
+
+by
+
+WILLIAM TAYLOR,
+
+Late Troop Serjeant-Major of the Fourth Light Dragoons.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+London:
+T. C. Newby, 65, Mortimer St., Cavendish Sq.
+And
+T. & W. Boone, 29, New Bond Street.
+1842.
+
+T. C. Newby, Printer, 65, Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square.
+
+
+
+
+                TO
+
+        FLORENTINE LADY SALE,
+
+  THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE INSCRIBED
+
+               AS A
+
+  TRIBUTE OF RESPECT AND ADMIRATION
+
+              FOR THE
+
+      HEROISM BY HER DISPLAYED
+
+          DURING THE LATE
+
+     CAMPAIGN IN AFFGHANISTAN.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  Preface.
+
+  CHAPTER I.
+
+  Proclamation of Lord Auckland. The Ghauts. Fatal
+  Practical Joke. Embarkation at Bombay. Mishap at
+  Sea. Landing at Bominacote. Review of the troops
+  by Sir John Keane. Suicide of Lieutenant Fyers.
+  Advance upon Scinde. Tattah. The Moslems and
+  Hindoos. Tombs of Tattah. Hindoo Superstition.
+  Adventure of a Dak, or Native Postman. Death of
+  a Smuggler. Jurruk. Belochee Thefts. Feat of a
+  Native Trooper.
+
+  CHAPTER II.
+
+  Singular fate of Three Officers of the Queen's
+  Royals. Evacuation of Jurruk by the Inhabitants.
+  Desertion of Camel Drivers. Preparations for the
+  attack and defence of Hyderabad. Submission of
+  the Ameers. Consternation of the Natives at the
+  arrival of a Steamer in the Indus. Baida.
+  Accident to a Dragoon. The Lukkee Pass. Kotiah.
+  Loss of Two Soldiers of the 17th Foot. Sehwan.
+  Arrival of Sir Henry Fane. Asiatic Jugglers.
+  Conversion of a European Soldier to the
+  Mahommedan Faith.
+
+  CHAPTER III.
+
+  Larkhana. Departure of the Commander-in-Chief
+  for Candahar. Capture of Belochee Thieves.
+  Ludicrous scene in the Bazaar. Tremendous
+  Hurricane. An Irish Colonel's appeal to his men.
+  Murder of Cooks belonging to the Army. A Native
+  Funeral. The Bholun Pass. Massacre of Camp
+  Followers. Ill-timed Merriment. Animal Instinct.
+
+  CHAPTER IV.
+
+  Skirmish with the Enemy. Belochee Waggery.
+  Cleverly planned Capture of a Bruhee. Sufferings
+  from want of water. Valley of Shawle. Quettah.
+  Belochee Cruelties. Adventures in a Stone
+  Quarry. Treachery of the Khan of Khelat. Murder
+  of another Cook. Poisoning of the Wells.
+  Fortunate Discovery.
+
+  CHAPTER V.
+
+  The Khojuck Pass. Descent of the Troops.
+  Shocking Death of a Camel Driver. Detection and
+  Escape of an Affghan Thief. Loss of Cavalry
+  Horses. Candahar. Arrival of Shah Soojah.
+  Condition of the Troops. Attempt of the Natives
+  to cut off a Convoy of Provisions. Asiatic
+  Mendicants. The Mosque at Candahar. Arrival of
+  Affghan Auxiliaries.
+
+  CHAPTER VI.
+
+  Installation of Shah Soojah. Attack on the Camel
+  Guards. Heroism of an Affghan Youth. Murder of
+  Cornet Inverarity of the 16th Lancers. Departure
+  from Candahar. The Ghiljie Hills. Locusts.
+  Arrival of new Auxiliaries. Camel Batteries.
+  Hyder Khail. Arrival at Ghuznee. Tomb of
+  Mahommed. Remains of the Old Town of Ghuznee.
+
+  CHAPTER VII.
+
+  Reconnaisance of the Fortress. Skirmish with the
+  Enemy. Rejoicing of the Garrison at our Supposed
+  Defeat. Preparation for a Coup de Main. Engineer
+  Operations. Storming and Taking of the Fortress.
+
+  CHAPTER VIII.
+
+  An Affghan Heroine. Capture of Hyder Khan the
+  Commandant of Ghuznee. Escape of Ghool Mahommed
+  Khan. Singular Discovery of a Map on the person
+  of an Affghan Chief. Description of the Affghan
+  Women. The Ruling Passion. Treasuretrove. The
+  Golden Shield. Chase of the Enemy. Just
+  Retribution.
+
+  CHAPTER IX.
+
+  Attempt to Assassinate the Shah. Court Martial
+  on an Affghan Chief. Visit to the Hospital at
+  Ghuznee. Hatred of the Affghans towards the
+  Native Troops. Departure from Ghuznee. Capture
+  of a Battery. Fatal Accident. Summary
+  Punishment. Arrival at Cabul. Pursuit of Dost
+  Mahommed and Treachery of a Native Chief.
+  Description of Cabul. The Balar Hissar. Mosque
+  of the Emperor Baber. The Bazaar.
+
+  CHAPTER X.
+
+  Triumphant Entry of Shah Soojah into Cabul. The
+  Cabul Races. Death of Brigadier General Arnold.
+  Sale of the General's effects. Arrival of Prince
+  Timour. The Sikhs. Murder of Colonel Herring.
+  Arrival of money and supplies from the Upper
+  Provinces.
+
+  CHAPTER XI.
+
+  Institution of the Order of the Doorannee
+  Empire. Murder of a Private of the 13th Light
+  Infantry. Departure from Cabul. Return to
+  Ghuznee. Accident to the Revd. Mr. Pigot.
+  Discovery of the Skeletons of British Soldiers.
+  Horse-steaks. Treachery of some Ghiljie Chiefs
+  and destruction of their Fort. Adventure of a
+  Dragoon. Loss of a Cook.
+
+  CHAPTER XII.
+
+   Arrival at Quettah. Storming of the Fortress
+  of Khelat. Suicide of a Trooper belonging to the
+  Horse Artillery. Departure from Quettah. The
+  Bholun Pass. Dadur. Bagh. Breaking out of the
+  Cholera. Death of Doctor Forbes. Shikarpoor.
+  Death of Captain Ogle. Sukkur-Bukkur. Death of
+  Lieutenant Janvrin. Wedding Ceremonies of the
+  Natives. Breaking up of the Bombay Column.
+  Departure of Brigadier Scott. Boar Hunt.
+  Larkhana. Sehwan. Kurrachee. Feast of the
+  Mohurrum. Embarkation and Arrival at Bombay.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The following narrative is put forth with all the diffidence and
+apprehension that a mind unaccustomed to literary pursuits, and limited
+in its opportunities of improvement, naturally feels on presenting
+itself for the first time to the notice of the public. The doubts I
+entertain, regarding the prudence of the step I have taken, are in no
+small degree increased by the circumstances under which the work has
+been executed, the details having been entirely furnished from memory,
+and without the aid of any sort of data or memoranda. I should never
+have dreamt of undertaking such a task, had not the partiality of good
+natured, though perhaps misjudging friends, overcame the scruples which
+a consciousness of my own deficiencies excited, and induced me to commit
+to paper the scenes with which they professed themselves to have been
+amused.
+
+Having candidly admitted the demerits of the work, I may now be allowed
+to say a few words in its favour. Should it be taken up in the
+expectation of supplying materials for the defence of an erroneous
+policy, or the gratification of party spleen, it will fall short of the
+hopes of the reader, for I have endeavoured to steer clear of every
+thing like political allusion in the fear of adding to difficulties,
+which already appeared sufficiently formidable, and of wrecking my
+little bark on a stormy and troubled sea. Mine is the simple,
+straightforward narrative of a soldier, more accustomed to wield the
+sword than the pen, and caring little for the conflicting interests or
+animosities of party. With such a small amount of profession, it is not
+unreasonable to hope that the public will extend towards it some portion
+of that generous indulgence with which it is ever wont to regard the
+literary efforts of the humbler classes.
+
+_London, December 10th, 1842._
+
+
+
+
+AFFGHANISTAN.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Proclamation of Lord Auckland.--The Ghauts.--Fatal Practical
+Joke.--Embarkation at Bombay.--Mishap at Sea.--Landing at
+Bominacote.--Review of the troops by Sir John Keane.--Suicide of
+Lieutenant Fyers.--Advance upon Scinde.--Tattah.--The Moslems and
+Hindoos.--Tombs of Tattah.--Hindoo Superstition.--Adventure of a Dak, or
+native Postman.--Death of a Smuggler.--Jurruk--Belochee Thefts.--Feat of
+a Native Trooper.
+
+
+Towards the latter end of August 1838, rumours reached Bombay and the
+various military stations in the Deccan, that the troops were about to
+be called into active service, and that the scene of operations was to
+be at a distance from our Indian territories. The extensive
+preparations soon after set on foot, and the unusual activity observable
+in the various arsenals of the Presidency, left no doubt as to the truth
+of these reports, and the only subject of speculation that remained was,
+the precise destination of the forces. Public curiosity was at length
+set at rest, by the arrival of a proclamation from the Governor General,
+directing the assemblage of an army for service across the Indus, and
+explaining at length the intentions of Government. It will not be
+necessary for the purposes of this narrative that I should canvass the
+merits of this remarkable document, or enter upon a discussion of the
+policy on which it was founded. Sufficient is it for me to say that the
+objects which it professed, were the protection of our commerce, and the
+safety of our Indian frontiers, both of which were menaced by the
+intrigues and aggressions of Persia. Having detailed the steps taken by
+Dost Mahommed in furtherance of the views of that power, and expressed
+its conviction, that as long as Cabul remained under his government
+there was no hope that the interests of our Indian empire would be
+preserved inviolate, the proclamation proceeded to state, that pressing
+necessity, as well as every consideration of policy and justice,
+justified us in replacing on the throne of Afghanistan, Shah
+Sooja-ool-Moolk, a monarch who, when in power, had cordially acceded to
+the measures of joint resistance to external aggression which were at
+that time judged necessary by the British government; and who on his
+empire being usurped by its present rulers had found an honorable asylum
+in the British dominions. Such in a few words were the objects set forth
+in Lord Auckland's proclamation and never has unfortunate state paper
+been assailed with such hostility and bitterness. Whether the censures
+with which it has been visited are deserved or not I will leave to
+others to decide, contenting myself with the observation, that failure
+and success are but too apt to sway men's judgments and to give a
+character to the circumstances that have led to them.
+
+The Bombay troops ordered to form part of the army of the Indus
+consisted of her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royals, the 17th regiment of
+Foot, 307 of her Majesty's 4th Light Dragoons, the 1st regiment of
+Bombay Light Cavalry, two troops of the Honorable Company's Horse
+Artillery, one company of Foot Artillery, the 19th regiment of Native
+Infantry, the Poona Irregular Horse, with the Sappers and Miners, the
+whole constituting an effective force of about 6,000 men, under the
+command of Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane.
+
+The 4th Light Dragoons were stationed at Kirkee, about 70 miles from
+Bombay, when orders arrived that the detachment should proceed to the
+Presidency, for the purpose of embarking for its destination. We left
+our cantonments early in November, and overtook the Artillery, which had
+preceded us from Poona, at the Ghauts. We halted here two days, and
+were joined by her Majesty's 17th regiment of Foot, shortly after our
+arrival. Short as was our stay, it was signalised by one of those
+practical jokes which so often terminate in fatal results, but which,
+unfortunately, seem to have no effect in rendering people cautious. Some
+artillerymen having been out shooting game, one of them brought home a
+loaded gun and carelessly left it in his tent. Several of his comrades
+came in, in the afternoon, and in the course of a carousal one of them
+took the loaded piece, and presenting it at the nearest soldier,
+jestingly threatened to shoot him. He had scarcely uttered the word when
+the gun went off and stretched his unfortunate comrade dead at his feet.
+Nothing could equal the distress and remorse of the homicide at the
+thoughtless act by which he had deprived a fellow creature of life, and
+it had a marked effect on his future character and conduct.
+
+The passage through the Ghauts is romantic and picturesque in the
+extreme, the road lying over stupendous mountains and through deep
+ravines for the length of about seven or eight miles. Some beautiful
+country houses have been lately erected here by a wealthy Parsee of
+Bombay, on sites which command the finest and most extensive views in
+the neighbourhood. These delightful summer retreats are surrounded by
+every luxurious accessory that wealth and taste can supply, and the
+Governor is occasionally glad to fly to them for a short respite from
+the cares of office.
+
+We arrived at Bombay on the 15th of November, and found it a scene of
+busy excitement. The streets were filled with troops and artillery
+proceeding to the place of embarkation, and the inhabitants flocked in
+thousands to the Bunder Head, to witness their departure. The harbour
+was literally alive with the numerous small craft employed in conveying
+the troops to the different transports, while the blue Peter flying at
+the mast head of the latter announced that we had very little time for
+delay. We accordingly hurried down to the beach, and were immediately
+put on board the Cambridge. We found it so crowded that Major Daly, our
+commanding officer, was compelled to remonstrate with the authorities on
+the subject, and after some trouble, he succeeded in getting from
+seventy to eighty men removed to the other vessels. This did not
+sufficiently lessen the inconvenience to prevent sickness breaking out
+amongst us, and we lost one of the Horse Artillery before we were many
+days at sea.
+
+The passage was short, but not unattended with danger. The Cambridge
+struck on a sand bank, off the Gulf of Cutch, and it was with
+considerable difficulty that she was relieved from her perilous
+position. We were kept on the bank about four hours, and it may easily
+be conceived that no small degree of alarm and uneasiness prevailed
+amongst the landsmen, who were unaccustomed to dangers of this
+description. The night was pitch dark, and the breakers sounded
+unpleasantly near us. Captain Douglass the commander of the vessel,
+appeared however all confidence, and after trying a variety of
+experiments to get her off, he hit upon one which luckily proved
+successful. The whole of the troops on board having been ordered upon
+deck, the Captain directed them to jump three times simultaneously. This
+was done by our fellows with a hearty good will, and had the instant
+effect of loosening the vessel from the bank, and enabling her to float
+again into deep water.
+
+We arrived off the mouth of the Indus in about fourteen days after our
+departure from Bombay. The troops were immediately disembarked in
+_pattemars_, small and clumsy coasting vessels peculiar to the country.
+We reached Bominacote the next evening without any other accident than
+the sinking of three boats, two containing artillery horses, and the
+other officers' supplies, to the value it was said of £10,000 which had
+been sent on speculation with the army by an eminent Parsee firm at
+Bombay.
+
+Bominacote forms a sort of harbour of refuge for the vessels which carry
+on a trade along this line of coast. The village itself consists of a
+few filthy huts, and its inhabitants spend their lives in hunting and
+fishing. Both males and females are in a state of almost savage nature
+little covering being used by them beyond the loin _goity_ or covering
+for the loins common to the natives of these parts. The proverbial
+vanity of the weaker sex was, however, displayed in the eagerness with
+which they bartered their most precious articles for a few handkerchiefs
+of Manchester make that we happened to have with us.
+
+As soon as the horses belonging to the cavalry, and the military stores
+had been landed, it was decided that we should advance upon Scinde in
+two divisions; the infantry under the command of Brigadier Sir Thomas
+Wiltshire, and the Cavalry under Brigadier Scott. Previous to our
+departure the troops were reviewed by Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane,
+who had followed us from Bombay in the Victoria steamer. Sir John
+expressed himself in terms of warm satisfaction at the high state of
+discipline and ardour of the men, who were eager to be led against the
+enemy. The usual precautions on entering hostile territories were now
+taken, the Cavalry being ordered to sharpen their sabres, and the
+Infantry served with sixty rounds of ball cartridge.
+
+Before we took our departure from Bominacote, a melancholy circumstance
+occurred, which threw a temporary gloom over us. As the men were sitting
+down to dinner the report of a pistol was heard in the officers' lines.
+Suspecting some accident I ran to the spot, accompanied by two of my
+comrades, and discovered Lieutenant Fyers, one of the officers of my own
+regiment, lying dead in his tent, with a freshly discharged pistol in
+his right hand. The unfortunate gentleman had placed the muzzle of it to
+his mouth, and the ball, taking a slanting direction, had passed out
+over the left ear. For several days previous he had been observed to
+labour under great depression of spirits, but no immediate cause could
+be assigned for the fatal act. His loss was generally lamented, for he
+was both a good officer and an estimable member of society.
+
+Our route lay through a country barren in the extreme, scarcely a
+vestige of vegetation being any where to be met with. Of the natives we
+saw or heard nothing, for as we advanced they fell back, deserting the
+villages and betaking themselves to their mountain fastnesses. It being
+now near Christmas the men suffered some inconvenience from the sudden
+transitions of temperature, the days being sultry and the nights
+extremely cold. The consequence was that the dysentery broke out
+amongst us, and several fatal cases occurred.
+
+At the close of the third days' march reports became current through the
+camp that we should soon see the enemy. It was said that a force of ten
+thousand horse and foot was about to take the field against us, and
+Captain Outram was despatched towards Hyderabad, to ascertain the truth
+of the story. He brought back information that the enemy were ensconced
+within the walls of that town, and appeared to have little disposition
+to leave them. We now began to find the difference between quarters and
+camp, for the General thought it necessary to send out frequent
+reconnoitering parties and pickets, in order to guard against surprise.
+
+Early on the morning of the fifth day, we arrived at Tattah, a place of
+considerable antiquity, and, I believe, mentioned in Holy Writ. The
+Indus formerly washed the walls of this town, but owing to some natural
+or artificial ingredient the course of the river has been completely
+changed, and it now runs at about four miles distance.
+
+Emerging from one of the most barren and desolate tracts of country that
+it is possible to imagine, even the tombs of Tattah, or City of the
+Dead, as it is called in the language of the natives, proved an
+agreeable distraction to us. Tattah itself is a small, wretchedly built
+town, containing little more than a thousand inhabitants, who are for
+the most part of the Moslem religion. The few Hindoos who reside here
+constitute the wealthier part of the trading community, but influential
+as this fact would pre-suppose them, they are a persecuted and oppressed
+race, the privilege of erecting places of worship within the precincts
+of the town being not only denied them, but even the free exercise of
+their religious rites. Aggressions of the most wanton and tyrannical
+nature, and murders committed under circumstances of the most shocking
+barbarity, and having their origin solely in religious jealousy, are
+matters of no unfrequent occurrence here.
+
+The Hindoos are consequently obliged to resort to the caves of the
+neighbouring mountains, to practise their religious ceremonies, but the
+relentless intolerance of their persecutors pursues them even there.
+During our short stay we saw the bodies of two of the proscribed race,
+who had been found murdered in one of their concealed temples.
+
+The tombs of Tattah stand on a gentle eminence, at a short distance from
+the town: they are of circular construction, and are, as nearly as I
+could judge, from seventy to eighty feet in circumference, and from
+thirty to forty feet in height. They are capped with domes, but their
+external appearance presents nothing graceful or ornamental to the eye.
+The interior is gained by a staircase, which ascends to an aperture
+forming the entrance, about midway in the building, and a rudely
+constructed ladder conducts the visitor downward to the basement, where
+the bodies lie. The interior of the dome is lined with blue tiles richly
+ornamented with arabesques and inscriptions from the Koran. There are
+about a dozen of these remarkable monuments and they are clustered
+together, without arrangement or regard for effect. Of the many sketches
+taken at the time I have not seen one which conveys a correct idea of
+their details. Although visited by nearly the whole of the troops, it is
+a fact highly creditable to their good taste and feeling that no
+mischief or desecration of any sort was committed. Sir John Keane, in a
+general order issued before our departure, took occasion expressly to
+allude to this circumstance, in terms alike honourable to himself and to
+us.
+
+A curious, and I must say revolting, instance of the gross superstition
+of the Hindoos fell under my observation whilst at Tattah. At the
+northern extremity of the bazaar I was shown some of the most miserable
+specimens of humanity that can well be imagined. In a filthy mud hut,
+the very aspect of which threatened contagion, sat two living skeletons
+rocking themselves to and fro. They were without covering of any sort,
+except the old blanket on which they sat, and their deep sunk eyes and
+contracted features told a tale of long but patiently endured privation.
+I was informed that these poor wretches were undergoing a self-inflicted
+penance, for the non-performance of some religious rite. They had
+condemned themselves for a period of seven years to a daily allowance of
+rice and water, barely sufficient to prevent the extinction of the vital
+powers. We offered them food, but they sternly rejected it. This
+lamentable fanaticism on the part of a simple and inoffensive people is,
+after all, but another and more harmless phase of the fierce bigotry,
+which still continues to exist amongst European nations.
+
+A _dâk_, or native postman, who had crossed the river from Bhooj with
+letters for the camp, was waylaid by two Belochees as he was descending
+towards it, by the left bank, and the letter bag taken from him. His
+captors, having brought him to their retreat in the hills, secured his
+hands behind his back, and lay down to sleep, one of them using the
+letter bag as a pillow. The _dâk_ remained quiet, until their snoring
+satisfied him they were sound asleep, and then slipping his hands out of
+the ligatures, he stole over to the fellow who had the post-bag under
+him, and placing his knee on his breast, cut his throat from ear to ear
+with a knife, which he took from the mountaineer's person, and made off
+with the bag. In about ten minutes after, he heard the Belochee close
+upon his heels, and, redoubling his speed, a chase of nearly ten miles
+ensued, in the course of which, the poor fellow had two or three times
+nearly yielded from fatigue. The dreadful fate which awaited him, should
+he fall into his pursuer's hands, flashed however across his mind, and
+plucking up fresh strength and courage, he at length succeeded in
+reaching the camp, but in so weak and exhausted a state that nature was
+near sinking under the effort.
+
+On the eve of our departure, a circumstance occurred which created a
+very angry feeling between the inhabitants and the troops, and
+occasioned much regret to the Commander-in-Chief, who was desirous that
+our advance should not be marked by any thing which savoured of cruelty.
+In consequence of the great increase of drunkenness amongst the European
+troops, owing to the cheapness and abundance of liquor, strict orders
+were issued against its being allowed into camp. One of the inhabitants
+of Tattah, who was engaged in smuggling the prohibited article, was
+stopped about dusk by a serjeant, who happened to be going his rounds.
+The fellow took to his heels, and a sepoy, who was stationed as sentry
+in the staff lines, mistaking him for a thief, and seeing him pass at a
+speed which rendered capture out of the question, levelled his musket,
+and shot him dead on the spot. He was a fine muscular fellow, about two
+or three and twenty, and belonged to a respectable family in the town.
+His friends immediately repaired to the scene in a numerous body, and
+carried him off amidst the wailing and lamentation of the women. After
+this it was considered dangerous for any of us to venture into the town
+when nightfall had set in.
+
+The army was now ordered to advance upon Jurruk, a town situated on the
+banks of the Indus, at about a day's march from Tattah. It is better
+built and cleaner than the latter place, and some of the streets are
+covered over with thatched roofs, forming a series of rude arcades,
+illuminated by oil lamps. Opthalmia is a common disease amongst the
+natives, and several of the troops were attacked by it. Some of us also
+suffered severely from the guinea worm, a malady, common in some parts
+of Hindostan, and which, although not considered dangerous, is attended
+with great pain. It generally attacks the feet, and has the effect of
+effectually crippling the patient for the time. I have had one drawn out
+of my right foot, which measured nearly half a yard in length, and I
+have known others to have had no less than from seven to eight of them
+at once. It being impossible for persons thus affected to march on foot
+or even to mount on horseback, they were usually carried along with the
+army in kajarvees, a sort of double-chair strung across the back of a
+camel, and swinging with a see-saw movement that occasioned no small
+additional suffering to the unfortunate occupant.
+
+The spot selected for the encampment was extremely lovely, being
+encircled by hills, and having the River Indus running on its right. As
+the different regiments wound their way round the heights, and descended
+into the plain where the tents were to be pitched, the scene would have
+made a beautiful subject for a sketch. How often during a progress
+through this wild and romantic country have I regretted the want of a
+sufficient acquaintance with the art of design, to enable me to convey
+to paper some of its more striking and characteristic features.
+
+In consequence of the numerous thefts committed by the Belochees, who
+daily carried off numbers of our camels, it became necessary to provide
+them with guards whilst at pasturage. This, however, did not prevent the
+plunderers from continuing their descents, and they became so hardy that
+they sometimes even ventured to attack or carry off the guards
+themselves. One day, whilst a party of the Poona Auxiliary Horse were in
+charge of some camels about two miles from camp, the Belochees came
+suddenly upon them. There were only six of our men, whilst the enemy
+numbered twelve or fifteen. Nothing daunted, however, a gallant fellow
+dashed out from amongst our men, and cut down three or four of the
+marauders. Being quickly seconded by the others, the Belochees took to
+flight, and the black hero dismounted, and cutting off the head of one
+of his dead antagonists, strung it by the hair to his crupper, and
+triumphantly rode into camp with it, amidst the acclamations of his
+comrades. A more substantial reward was conferred upon him for this
+daring exploit a few days afterwards by his promotion to the rank of
+havildar or serjeant. This may be said to have been the first occasion
+on which any of our troops came into actual collision with the enemy,
+but the example which was made had little or no effect in restraining
+the thefts of the Belochees who appeared to have an incorrigible taste
+for this sort of adventure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Singular fate of three Officers of the Queen's Royals.--Evacuation of
+Jurruk by the Inhabitants.--Desertions of Camel Drivers.--Preparations
+for the attack and defence of Hyderabad.--Submission of the
+Ameers.--Consternation of the Natives at the arrival of a Steamer in the
+Indus.--Baida.--Accident to a Dragoon.--The Lukkee Pass.--Kotiah.--Loss
+of two Soldiers of the 17th Foot.--Sehwan.--Arrival of Sir Henry
+Fane.--Asiatic Jugglers.--Conversion of a European Soldier to the
+Mahommedan faith.
+
+
+A melancholy incident occurred at Jurruk, but whether it was occasioned
+by accident or treachery we never could satisfactorily trace. Some
+officers belonging to the Queen's Royals applied for leave to go hunting
+in the preserves of the Ameers of Scinde, and having obtained it,
+Lieutenant Sparkes Lieutenant Nixon and Dr. Hibbert, who constituted the
+party, left the camp on foot at an early hour of the morning. Their
+leave of absence expired at six o'clock the same evening, but none of
+them had made their appearance at that hour. About half past eight a dog
+belonging to Dr. Hibbert was observed returning into camp without his
+master, which gave rise to gloomy apprehensions amongst his brother
+officers, and the non return of any of the party by next morning,
+confirmed their worst fears. It was immediately determined to send out a
+troop of native cavalry to scour the country in search of them, and the
+preserves were of course the first spot to which they directed their
+horses. Part of the force dismounted at the Shirkagh or Royal Preserves,
+and proceeded on foot for a considerable distance. Observing smoke
+ascending in dense volumes to the right they made their way towards it,
+and on gaining the spot a shocking sight presented itself. A large area
+had been cleared by the flames, and not a blade of grass or brushwood
+had been left. The body of Lieutenant Sparkes lay, dreadfully scorched
+and mutilated, upon the ground, while that of Dr. Hibbert was found in a
+tree, into which he had evidently climbed to escape the devouring
+element. A little further on lay Lieutenant Nixon whose features were so
+withered and defaced, that it was almost impossible to recognize him,
+and from the contracted and distorted position in which his limbs were
+found it was evident that he had suffered a more agonizing death than
+the others. The remains of the three unfortunate officers were borne
+back to the camp and interred with military honours. They were all
+talented and spirited young men and their untimely fate was a source of
+universal regret and discussion. By some it was contended that the
+natives had observed them entering the preserves, and inspired by hate
+had fired the woods in different places, so as effectually to surround
+them and cut off all chance of escape. To such a degree did this
+supposition obtain credence, that the soldiers of the Queen's Royals
+loudly demanded to be allowed to take revenge on the inhabitants of the
+district. This of course could not be permitted, and the clamour that
+had been raised about the matter soon died away.
+
+Shortly after our arrival an order came down from the Ameers of Scinde,
+that the inhabitants of Jurruk should vacate the town and retreat to
+Hyderabad. It was obeyed with great reluctance, the love of home being
+stronger with these poor people than their fear of the British. Their
+removal was one of the most distressing and painful scenes I have ever
+witnessed, both men and women giving way to wild bursts of passionate
+grief, and casting back long and lingering regards at the habitations
+they had abandoned. They left in bodies of between two and three
+hundred, carrying with them all their portable effects, and at night the
+town was completely deserted. We neither interfered with, nor molested
+them during their preparations for departure, but immediately on their
+quitting, a strong picket was posted in some of the empty houses.
+
+Provisions became extremely scarce in the camp, and owing to the
+remissness of the Commissariat in forwarding the stores from Tattah, our
+grog was reduced from two drams daily, to one dram on halting days. This
+was attended with the worst possible effects, for it encouraged the
+troops to search after the liquor of the country; which proved not only
+injurious to the constitution of the soldier, but to the discipline of
+the service. Desertion became of frequent occurrence, and from one
+hundred to one hundred and fifty camel drivers from India, together with
+some Ghorra Wallars, or native horsekeepers, succeeded in making their
+way across the river to Cutch Bhooj. A few were caught, and from six to
+twelve dozen lashes each were inflicted on the delinquents.
+
+Captain Outram was again sent forward to Hyderabad on a mission to the
+Ameers of Scinde, but they received him in the haughtiest manner and
+refused to come to any sort of terms. The Captain found them fortifying
+the hills round the city, under the superintendence of an European
+officer, and he observed a battery of twenty pieces of cannon, posted on
+the banks of the river. Twenty thousand Belochees armed with talwar,
+shield, and matchlock, and two thirds of whom were dismounted, occupied
+a position on the right bank, so as to protect the battery. Half of this
+force subsequently moved across the river and took up a strong position
+on the western bank, where we lay. The city was reported to be full of
+armed men, and the idea of attacking it previous to our junction with
+the Bengal army was regarded as worse than folly, the river being
+eighteen hundred feet wide and our pontoons of insufficient length to
+traverse it. The enemy, triumphing in our seeming inaction, sent
+vaunting and threatening messages to us. The Commander-in-Chief took no
+notice of their bravadoes, but silently made all the necessary
+preparations for attacking the city as soon as he was joined by the
+Bengal army. Strong cavalry pickets were thrown out on the hills to the
+right, which commanded an extensive view of the surrounding country, and
+the sound of drums and other military instruments was strictly
+prohibited in camp.
+
+On the 25th, Sir Henry Pottinger came into camp from Hyderabad, the
+Ameers not only refusing to pay the arrears of tribute that were due,
+but treating the Envoy with every sort of indignity. The Bengal army
+having come through the Punjaub, and crossed the Indus at Roree was now
+ready to act in conjunction with us on the right bank of the river, and
+the Commander-in-Chief resolved to lose no further time in investing the
+city. He accordingly commenced operations by planting a battery on some
+heights which commanded its walls, but which were at too great a
+distance for the guns to do much damage. To the great disappointment of
+both officers and men, who already revelled in the anticipation of prize
+money, the Ameers became alarmed at these demonstrations and came to
+terms. An envoy, whose appearance created no small amusement in the
+camp, was despatched from Hyderabad to adjust the necessary
+preliminaries. He was a short, thick set old fellow, with a merry
+twinkling eye, and as little as possible of what is called official
+dignity about him. He brought with him from twenty to thirty lacs of
+rupees, but the reception which he met with from Sir John Keane was not
+calculated to elevate the worthy functionary in his own estimation.
+
+Positive orders having been issued that neither officers nor men should
+be allowed to enter Hyderabad on any pretence whatsoever, I am unable to
+give my readers a description of the town. It appeared to be of
+considerable extent, but of such little strength, that had the Ameers
+driven matters to extremities, I have no doubt we should have carried
+the place in an hour.
+
+We were exceedingly amused at the surprise and consternation displayed
+by the inhabitants of Hyderabad at the arrival of one of the iron
+steamers in the Indus, with supplies for the troops from Bombay. Nearly
+the whole of the population flocked down to the banks of the river to
+behold this surprising phenomenon; they threw their arms in the air, and
+flung themselves prostrate on the earth in perfect ecstacies of wonder
+at every movement of the mysterious power which propelled the vessel.
+The scene was nearly as ridiculous as that which greeted Columbus when
+the first notions of European power and civilisation burst upon the
+astonished minds of the simple aborigines of America.
+
+After remaining a few days at Hyderabad the army resumed its march, and
+arrived next evening at Baida. An accident occurred here, by which a
+trooper of the 4th Light Dragoons lost his life. The banks of the river
+were extremely steep, and as we were watering our horses the pressure
+from behind forced a man named Helm into the river. He was instantly
+carried away by the current, and was soon lost to view, although we
+strained every effort to save him. His body floated down to Hyderabad,
+and was recovered by the natives, who restored it to his commanding
+officer, together with a belt full of rupees, which was found round his
+waist.
+
+Continuing our route we arrived at the Lukkee Pass, where we found some
+thermal springs, from which the sick derived considerable benefit. A
+noble lake at the further extremity of the defile afforded our officers
+several days shooting and fishing, while the beautiful scenery, by which
+it was surrounded on every side, furnished such of them as were artists
+with fine subjects for the exercise of their pencil. Precipitous
+heights, assuming every variety of fantastic form, stretched downward
+to the water's edge, some in graceful sweeps, and others in bold and
+threatening attitudes, whilst their bases were hid in rich woods or
+washed by the waters of the lake.
+
+Leaving this romantic spot with regret, we proceeded to Kotiah, where we
+lost two soldiers belonging to her Majesty's 17th regiment of Foot. They
+went out in search of some camels which were at pasturage and were never
+afterwards seen or heard of. A party which was sent in search of them
+found the marks of footsteps and some traces of blood on the spot where
+the camels had been grazing, and from the torn up appearance which the
+ground presented there was little doubt that they had made a desperate
+struggle for their lives.
+
+Not satisfied with carrying off our camels, the Belochees frequently
+ventured within the lines after nightfall, and made off with any thing
+they could lay their hands upon. Sir Keith Jackson, the Captain of my
+own troop, detected a fellow with a bridle in his hand, which he was
+watching an opportunity to slip off with unperceived, and taking his
+hand whip he inflicted a most unmerciful castigation upon him. The
+rascal whined and moaned like a corrected child during the progress of
+the punishment, but as soon as he was let loose he stuck his tongue in
+his cheek, and went laughing out of camp.
+
+Our next destination was Sehwan, a thickly populated village, about
+seventy English miles from Hyderabad. Here we were joined by the ever to
+be lamented Sir Henry Fane, who was to have assumed the command of the
+combined forces at their junction at Candahar, but who declined it in
+disgust at the wretchedly organised state of the commissariat, and the
+neglect which had been shown in providing for the contingencies of the
+route. Sir Henry foresaw, and subsequent events justified his views,
+that although supplies might be regularly forwarded from time to time,
+it was extremely doubtful, nay almost next to impossible, that they
+could reach an army always on the advance, through distant and
+mountainous regions, and having enemies hanging on its rear who were but
+too deeply interested in preventing their safe arrival.
+
+Before Sir Henry left us he inspected the troops, and appeared satisfied
+with the condition of the men, who had not as yet encountered hardships
+sufficient to affect their appearance. There have been few men in
+command whose personal qualities have more endeared him to those who
+served under him than Sir Henry Fane. He was between sixty and seventy
+years of age, at the time I speak of, and his venerable countenance,
+beaming with the kindliest and most benevolent feelings, and manners
+that had a parental touch about them, combined to render him one of the
+most respected and popular officers in the army. We viewed his departure
+from amongst us with the deepest regret, for though we felt the fullest
+confidence in our then leader, this gallant veteran had so won upon our
+affections that a comparison with him must have proved invidious to any
+one.
+
+The ingenuity of the Asiatic jugglers is well known, and I believe our
+European exhibitors derive their proficiency, in a great measure, from
+them, our soldiery carrying back with them the rudiments of this
+respectable branch of knowledge, and turning their swords, if not into
+ploughshares, at least into as peaceable and innocent a mode of gaining
+a livelihood. An exhibition which took place during our short stay at
+Sehwan made many of the "greenhorns" amongst us gape, and impressed them
+with a very high notion of the favour in which the professors of the art
+are held by his Satanic Majesty. Returning one day from the bazaar, I
+observed a crowd of soldiers and natives assembled near the lines of the
+Artillery. Elbowing my way through them I found a conjuror at his
+tricks, and from the expensive and elaborate nature of the paraphernalia
+by which he was surrounded, at once perceived that his pretensions were
+of the highest order. He was attired in loose flowing robes, covered
+with mystic characters; and a long white beard descended to his waist,
+contrasting oddly with his jet black locks and piercing hazel eyes.
+Surrounded by the various emblems and accessories of his art, he looked
+a very imposing figure, and every movement which he made was regarded
+with as much interest as if destiny really rested on his fiat. His only
+assistants were a man who beat a _tom-tom_, or drum, to collect an
+audience, and a beautifully formed girl about five or six years of age,
+whose supple and graceful movements excited general admiration. Having
+made a clear space of about thirty feet in diameter, the conjuror took
+an oblong basket, about two feet in length, and one in breadth, the
+interior of which he exhibited to the spectators, in order to convince
+them that nothing was concealed in it. After performing a variety of
+common-place tricks, such as balancing a sword upon a pipe and then
+swallowing the blade, he suddenly turned towards the child and addressed
+her in an angry tone of voice. She made some reply which appeared to
+make him still more choleric, for his features became swollen with rage,
+and his eyes shot glances of fire. The discussion continuing in the same
+violent strain he appeared no longer able to control his fury, and
+suddenly seizing the child by the waist, he opened the basket and
+crammed her into it. The half stifled cries of the girl were distinctly
+heard, but they only appeared to enrage him the more. Snatching a sword,
+which lay near him, he plunged it to the hilt in the basket, twice or
+thrice, and every time he drew it out it was reeking with gore. The half
+smothered groans and sobs of the dying child at length convinced several
+of the spectators that a murder had been committed, and two or three
+soldiers rushed into the circle for the purpose of seizing the criminal.
+Triumphantly smiling at the success of the cheat, he held them at bay
+with the sword for a few minutes, when, to our great surprise, the child
+bounded into the circle, unscathed, from amidst the crowd, though we had
+kept our eyes attentively fixed on the basket all the time. Suspecting
+that two children had been employed, I examined the basket, but found no
+trace of an occupant, and saw nothing in its construction which could
+have aided the deception. This clever trick was loudly applauded, and
+brought its author a plentiful harvest of pice and cowries, while many
+there were who went away with the firm conviction that it could only
+have been effected through the agency of the devil himself.
+
+We had left a number of sick behind us at Tattah, with instructions that
+they should be conveyed in pattemars up the river Indus, and rejoin us
+at Sehwan. A boat containing a corporal and five men was stranded on the
+banks of the river, and was with some difficulty got off. The soldiers
+were so prostrated with fever that they could scarcely move, and in
+this state they arrived at Sehwan. To their great distress they found
+that the army had proceeded on its route, and one of their companions
+expired immediately after their arrival. The heat of the sun was
+intolerable, and the corpse began to putrify. In vain they implored the
+native boatmen to inter it or cast it in the river, but they preferred
+running the risk of infection to touching the dead body of an infidel.
+The corporal, who was well acquainted with the language of the country,
+entreated some of the natives who crowded to the banks to remove the
+body, but they remained deaf to his prayers. Resorting to a stratagem
+which he thought would have the effect of removing their religious
+scruples, he asserted that the deceased had died in the Mahommedan
+faith, and commanded them on pain of the displeasure of the Prophet, to
+give him decent interment. At first they looked incredulous, but the
+corporal swore loud and fast, and they were at length convinced. They
+removed the body, and placing it on a sort of bier, somewhat similar to
+a sailor's hammock, carried it on shore. Having swathed it in cotton
+cloths, and laid it with the feet towards the setting sun, they decked
+the head and breast with flowers, and bore it in procession to the place
+of interment, which was situated in a romantic spot on the banks of the
+Indus. The companions of the deceased proceeded on their route,
+rejoicing in the success of the corporal's trick, and rejoined the main
+body without further accident.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Larkhana.--Departure of the Commander-in-Chief for Candahar.--Capture of
+Belochee Thieves.--Ludicrous scene in the Bazaar.--Tremendous
+Hurricane.--An Irish Colonel's appeal to his men.--Murder of cooks
+belonging to the Army.--A native funeral.--The Bholun Pass.--Massacre of
+Camp Followers.--Ill-timed Merriment.--Animal Instinct.
+
+
+Leaving Sehwan we crossed the Indus in pontoons, and entered a fertile
+tract of country. Our route lay through rich pasturage and waving fields
+of corn, occasionally diversified by rivers and lakes, the latter of
+which we found well stocked with fish and game. The natives did not
+exhibit any symptoms of fear at our approach, but continued peaceably
+tilling and cultivating their lands. Proceeding by rapid marches we at
+length reached Larkhana, the boundary which divides Upper and Lower
+Scinde. It is a place of considerable importance, and contains from
+seven to eight thousand inhabitants. Long cloths are manufactured here
+in considerable quantities, and a brisk trade is carried on, in various
+other articles with the mountain tribes. Sir John Keane now quitted us
+to proceed to Candahar, where he was to assume the command of the Grand
+Army of the Indus. He was accompanied by two squadrons of Native
+Cavalry, one resselah of Local Horse, a regiment of Native Infantry, and
+two pieces of artillery. The command of this division consequently
+devolved upon Major General Wiltshire.
+
+The Belochees again favoured us with a visit and carried away about a
+dozen camels from the encampment. A troop of cavalry was ordered out in
+pursuit, and after a hot chase succeeded in coming up with the
+marauders. They immediately abandoned their prey and made off to the
+hills, but not before they had left three or four of their party in our
+hands. Resolved to make an example which would deter them from repeating
+the offence, General Wiltshire ordered the cat to be liberally
+administered to them in the Bazaar. The senior of the party was first
+tied up, and it was evident, from the trepidation he was in, that he
+expected no less than the punishment of death. He begged and implored
+for mercy, and finding that no attention was paid to his supplications,
+he took leave of one of the other culprits, who turned out to be his
+son, and resigned himself to die. Tied up, as he was, and unable to
+observe the expression of our countenances, which were convulsed with
+laughter, in anticipation of the scene that was about to follow, he
+every moment expected to hear the report of the musket, or feel the blow
+of the sabre that was to deal out his doom. The moment, however, the cat
+descended on his shoulders, the terrified expression of his face changed
+into that of the most extravagant joy. He smiled and nodded at his son,
+and bore his four dozen lashes with the joyful patience of a martyr,
+suffering in the vindication of some holy cause.
+
+On being set loose the culprits were informed that if they were ever
+again detected in the commission of similar offences they would be shot,
+without mercy, and they were ordered to disseminate this useful piece of
+information amongst their comrades of the hills.
+
+Pursuing our route from Larkhana we encamped the same evening at Dooson,
+and were visited during the night by a terrific hurricane. Arising
+without any previous indication, the tempest came suddenly upon us in
+our sleep, sweeping the tents before it, and enveloping us in
+whirlwinds of white sand. The night being pitch dark we were soon in the
+greatest distress and confusion, and to add to our embarrassments the
+horses broke loose and ran wild amongst us. They killed two of the camp
+followers, and injured several others by treading them under foot, and
+the alarm which they created was as great as if the enemy had made a
+sudden irruption amongst us. To this succeeded a scene of rioting and
+squabbling, one having lost a shaco, another a jacket, and another his
+shoes. Accusations and denials, oaths, vociferations, and complaints of
+injuries received, formed altogether a pleasant medley; and glad enough
+we were when the first streak of dawn threw some light on this scene of
+horrible confusion. After lasting about two hours, heavy drops of rain
+announced the approaching cessation of the tempest, but we only
+exchanged one discomfort for another, being soon drenched to the skin.
+
+After two days further march we arrived at a wretched village, which
+separates Upper Scinde from Belochistan, and which is only entitled to
+notice as forming the boundary of a desert plain, about fifty miles in
+extent, and completely divested of vegetation, the white soil lying
+exposed to, and reflecting back with intensity, the scorching rays of
+the sun. There were only two wells at the village, and there was a
+fierce contest for precedence at them, it being known that there was
+neither spring nor stream of any kind in the desert which we were about
+to traverse. The Infantry entered on this cheerless waste about three in
+the afternoon and the Cavalry followed about five. The former were fully
+accoutred, and carried sixty rounds of ball cartridge each. At two
+o'clock the following morning the cavalry overtook them and the general
+halt sounded. So great was the fatigue of the infantry that numbers
+threw themselves upon the ground in despair, declaring, it was
+impossible for human nature to sustain more, and they could proceed no
+further. It must be borne in mind that our rations had, for two months
+previous, consisted of only half a pound of flour and an equal quantity
+of red rice, with about four ounces of meat, and the latter was in some
+instances of no use to us, from the difficulty of procuring fuel to cook
+it. The order of march having been again given, several refused to move
+from sheer exhaustion, and their situation became one of great
+embarrassment to their colonel, who was aware that if he left them
+behind, they would be instantly sabred by the enemy, who were always
+hovering on our rear. Recollecting it was St. Patrick's Day, and that
+most of the recusants were Irishmen, he ordered, as a last resource,
+that the band of the regiment should strike up their national anthem.
+The effect was electrical, the poor devils, whose limbs, a short time
+previous, had refused to perform their accustomed office, and whose
+countenances wore the aspect of the most abject despondency, seemed at
+once to have new life and energy infused into them. They felt that this
+was an appeal to their proverbial bravery and powers of endurance, and
+gratified vanity did that which threats and remonstrances had failed to
+effect. A faint smile lit up their features, and slowly rising from the
+ground they tottered on their way. Had they adhered to their first
+determination they would have fallen victims to the most savage
+cruelties, as the following circumstance will soon convince the
+reader:--
+
+Three of the cooks belonging to our division, who followed with the camp
+kettles at a short distance in its wake, lost their way in the darkness
+of the night, and as chance would have it, stumbled upon a party of the
+enemy. They were immediately seized, and each man was bound by the wrist
+to the saddle of a Belochee horseman. The cries of the unfortunate men
+having reached the rear-guard, which consisted of the Native Auxiliary
+Horse, they turned in pursuit, and soon came in sight of the enemy,
+whose figures were dimly visible in the obscurity which prevailed. As
+soon as they heard them galloping up the Belochees spurred their horses
+to their utmost speed, dragging their prisoners along with them at a
+terrific pace. Finding their pursuers gained upon them they stooped
+down, and with their broad knives ripped up two of their victims from
+the abdomen to the throat, and then cast them loose. The third, more
+fortunate, escaped with life, the Belochee to whose saddle he was
+attached having freed him by cutting off his left arm with a blow of his
+sabre: then wheeling round on our horse, who were now almost up with
+them, the enemy took deliberate aim at the advancing troopers, and
+having killed two, and severely wounded another, they plunged into the
+darkness and succeeded in baffling pursuit.
+
+We reached the extremity of this barren waste by seven o'clock next
+morning, and encamped at the bottom of a steep hill where there was
+abundance of excellent water. The cupidity of the inhabitants of the
+neighbouring villages, having got the better of their apprehensions,
+several of them ventured into the camp with supplies of flour, which was
+eagerly purchased from them by the soldiery, at the rate of about half a
+crown the lb. The risk which they ran was great, for if the fact had
+been discovered, they would, in all probability, have been massacred by
+the mountain chief. The profits which they realised by the adventure,
+must however, have well repaid them for the hazard.
+
+Descending the hills to our right, we one day observed a funeral
+procession; and curious to witness the ceremonies performed on those
+occasions I followed at a little distance. The corpse was swathed in
+cotton bandages like a mummy, the head only being left exposed, and it
+was borne on a bamboo bier, or stretcher, on the shoulders of four men.
+The relations and friends of the deceased gave vent to their grief in
+the bitterest lamentations, and there appeared a depth and sincerity in
+their woe which is but too often wanting at our European rites. The
+procession was headed by a Faquir or priest, whose rolling eyes, and
+long dishevelled locks, gave him a wild and unearthly appearance. His
+costume was no less singular than his looks, for it consisted of a
+motley sort of garment, composed of patches of almost every colored
+cloth, with a cap or rather a crown of peacock's feathers. Arrived at
+the place of interment, which was situated in the valley, the procession
+halted at a freshly dug grave, and the bier was laid beside it. The
+crowd formed themselves into a circle round it, and the Faquir holding
+up a small idol, commenced an oration in which he expatiated on the
+merits of the deceased. The crowd having prostrated themselves, the
+Faquir took a reddish sort of powder, and made a large mark with it on
+the forehead of the dead man; then taking a basket of freshly pulled
+flowers and herbs he scattered them over the body and into the grave.
+The mourners rising from the ground, and walking in single files round
+the bier made a respectful salaam towards it, after which the corpse was
+lowered perpendicularly into the earth, and the grave filled up. At the
+conclusion, the Faquir sat himself on a stone at a short distance from
+the grave, and remained there quietly smoking his hookah, and
+philosophising, as all good Faquirs should do, on the uncertainty of
+mundane things.
+
+Our next destination was Dadur, where we were to form a junction with a
+portion of the Bengal forces. The distance is only a day's march, and
+nothing of interest occurred on the route. On approaching the encampment
+of the Bengal troops, I could not help being struck with their superior
+appearance. It was evident that their commissariat was better organized
+than ours, for their camp equipage and other appointments were in all
+respects complete, and they were abundantly supplied with necessaries of
+every kind. This disparity was, in some degree, removed before we left
+Dadur, by the arrival of additional supplies from Bombay.
+
+A few days having been passed in recruiting our strength after these
+fatiguing marches, we at length received orders to advance on the
+celebrated Bholun Pass. Nothing could be more calculated to awaken us to
+the difficulties of our position, or to impress us with the uncertainty
+of the fate that awaited us, than the imposing grandeur of the scenery
+on which we now entered. Let the reader picture to himself a gloomy
+looking gorge winding through two ranges of stupendous hills, whose
+rugged masses of rock and hanging declivities impend over the narrow
+route as if about to choke it up, or recede a short distance to some
+fortress-like looking freak of nature from whose imaginary bastions and
+parapets it seemed easy to hurl down destruction and death on the
+passenger, and he may easily imagine that our feelings were not of the
+liveliest or most comfortable nature. A handful of men could have
+effectually stopped our progress had there been but another Leonidas
+amongst the wild inhabitants of this magnificent defile, whose military
+skill and resolution would have enabled him to seize upon, and maintain
+its many points of defence. We could not conceal from ourselves
+difficulties so apparent, and a general and undefined feeling of
+uneasiness pervaded us all. We felt that if the enemy had any intention
+of resisting us they would not lose opportunities which nature herself
+appeared to indicate; and it was but too obvious that if they only knew
+how to avail themselves of the formidable barriers which she had placed
+against invasion, our situation would become critical in the extreme.
+Once involved in the intricacies of the Pass, the superior knowledge of
+the country possessed by the natives, and their familiarity with
+mountain warfare would enable them to harrass us at every step, and a
+well planned and daring attack might at once overwhelm us. Such were the
+reflections that suggested themselves to almost every man's mind, and
+many there were, I dare say, who just then thought of home, and
+speculated whether it would ever be his lot to revisit its peaceful
+fireside, and recount the dangers of which he had been the hero.
+
+The Bengal troops who preceded us through the Pass left behind them sad
+proofs of the justice of some of these conclusions. We found from five
+and twenty to thirty camp followers lying dead upon their track, the
+throats of several having been cut, and the others bearing on their
+mutilated persons the unequivocal evidence of a desperate hand to hand
+struggle. As we advanced through the gorge we could observe the
+Belochees peering at us over the jutting points of the precipices, and
+the sharp report of their gingalls and matchlocks, which, luckily for
+us, were not very sure in their aim, usually followed the brief
+inspection by which we were favoured. Observing a camp follower leading
+a camel at some distance in the rear, three of the mountaineers suddenly
+darted from a fissure in the rock in which they had lain concealed, and
+having cut the poor fellow down, led the animal up the ascent by one of
+those diverging tracks like sheep walks, with which these hills abound.
+A serjeant belonging to the Horse Artillery, who happened to witness the
+circumstance, instantly galloped back, and gallantly dashing his horse
+up the mountain succeeded in sabreing the nearest of the thieves, and
+brought back the camel amidst a shower of balls from the neighbouring
+heights.
+
+Within a few miles of the Affghanistan boundary the gorge is traversed
+by a stream which winds like a snake through the sinuosities of the
+Pass, and crosses it no less than sixteen times. Although it presents
+for the most part, the appearance of an insignificant mountain rivulet,
+it is, in many places studded with deep and dangerous holes, into which
+the cavalry often plunged, and got a good sousing before they were aware
+of it. Shouts of laughter usually escaped the comrades of the luckless
+wight who became thus involved, and on one occasion a tragedy had nearly
+resulted from their ill-timed merriment. An Irish trooper, named Dwyer,
+a brave, but hot-blooded fellow, like most of his countrymen was feeling
+his way cautiously through the stream, when both horse and rider
+stumbled, and became instantly lost to view. Some alarm was at first
+experienced for their safety, but it gave way to a roar of laughter when
+we beheld them again emerging from the water. After several successive
+attempts to disengage himself, the horse at length obtained a secure
+footing, and Dwyer, wheeling him suddenly round upon us with a
+countenance furious with rage, drew a pistol from his holster and fired
+at a group of seven or eight men, who stood close to the spot, but
+fortunately without effect. The madman was immediately placed under
+arrest, but was released after a few days' confinement.
+
+On approaching Beebenaunce towards the close of the fourth day's march,
+we found another stream where the Cavalry dismounted, for the purpose of
+filling their canteens with water, while the Infantry were distributed
+so as to protect them. We had been marching for several hours under a
+scorching sun, and over a stony and rugged road, which rendered constant
+watchfulness and exertion necessary to prevent the horses from falling
+on their knees. Tormented by an insatiable thirst, we were about to
+slake it, when it was discovered that the stream was polluted by the
+putrifying bodies of several of dead Affghans, and followers of the
+Bengal Army; the spot having been the scene of a deadly contest which
+had occurred some days previous. The struggle between the loathing which
+this circumstance created and the pressing calls of nature was however
+of short duration. Not a man of us hesitated to drink from the
+contaminated liquid, but the horse which I rode, being imbued with
+keener senses than his master, positively refused to partake of it,
+though almost dropping with fatigue and thirst. I took him lower down
+the stream, where his fastidiousness being no longer offended he
+indulged in a long and copious draught.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Skirmish with the Enemy.--Belochee Waggery.--Cleverly planned Capture
+of a Bruhee.--Sufferings from want of water.--Valley of
+Shawle.--Quettah.--Belochee cruelties.--Adventure in a Stone
+Quarry.--Treachery of the Khan of Khelat.--Murder of another
+Cook.--Poisoning of the Wells.--Fortunate Discovery.
+
+
+We were about to quit the Pass at the close of the eighth day's march,
+when the enemy made another and more successful attempt at plunder.
+Emboldened by the absence of the Infantry, which was at a considerable
+distance in the rear, they descended the heights in greater numbers
+than usual, and attacked the camp followers in charge of the officers'
+baggage. The latter took to flight, and the Belochees commenced
+pillaging the trunks and cases. Amongst the property carried off was a
+camel belonging to Brigadier Scott, which was laden with the whole of
+the general's kit. A party of the 4th Dragoons, under the command of
+Lieutenant Gillespie, at length galloped up and put the enemy to flight.
+There were only three men wounded and three horses killed on our side,
+whilst the Belochees left great numbers of dead on the ground.
+
+During the heat of the firing a mistake occurred, which at first
+occasioned some alarm, but was soon converted into a burst of
+uncontrollable merriment. Our men had driven the last of the enemy up
+the hill, the latter peppering away at them from every rock or crevice
+where they could find shelter, when our attention was arrested by the
+appearance of a general officer on the heights to our left, who
+appeared to be making signs to us. It was at first supposed that one of
+our leaders had fallen into the hands of the enemy, and universal
+consternation prevailed. The General at length took off his shaco, and
+advancing to the very edge of the precipice, waved it in the air as if
+to cheer us on to his rescue, when to our infinite amusement we
+discovered it was the fellow who had made off with the Brigadier's kit,
+and who, after examining the contents of it, had rigged himself out in
+full uniform. The rocks echoed with laughter, and the _pseudo_ general
+appeared to enjoy the fun as much as any of us, for he capered about in
+a perfect ecstacy of delight, and gave expression to his contentment in
+the most delectable yells. A shower of balls was at length directed
+against him, and the Brigadier's swarthy representative came tumbling
+down the precipice to render himself and his briefly enjoyed honours
+into our hands.
+
+Amongst the booty carried off upon this occasion were the wind
+instruments belonging to the 1st Bombay Cavalry, and a bullock,
+carrying two packages of ball ammunition, which contained 500 rounds
+each. Some amusement was created amongst us by speculations as to the
+probable use that would be made of the former, the humour displayed in
+the appropriation of General Scott's kit having given us a high idea of
+the waggish propensities of the enemy. Our fun was however turned into
+mortification when we beheld them cutting our ball ammunition into slugs
+to fit the bore of their gingalls, and sending it back to us from the
+heights in as wholesale quantities as they had taken it.
+
+In the course of the skirmish a feat was performed by two of the native
+troops, which was watched with the most intense interest. A Bruhee (a
+fierce and warlike tribe, distinguished by their inveterate hostility
+towards the black troops in our service,) had taken shelter behind a
+rock, about midway up the mountain, and kept up a constant fire on some
+native cavalry beneath. Two of the Sepoys belonging to the Bombay
+Native Infantry observing the circumstance, determined on effecting his
+capture, and laying down their muskets at the foot of the hill, they
+crept stealthily up. Whenever the fellow's flashing eyes were observed
+on a line with the rock, searching for an object for his aim, they
+crouched under cover until the discharge of his gingall satisfied them
+he was about to reload. They then rapidly advanced to his lurking place,
+and pouncing suddenly upon him conveyed him down the hill. The prisoner
+had such a horror of falling into our hands that he several times
+implored his captors to put an end to him on the spot. They took no
+notice of his entreaties until they had reached the bottom of the hill,
+where they had laid their arms, when a havildar meeting them inquired if
+they had not heard of the orders, that no prisoners should be brought
+into camp. "I knew nothing about it," replied one of the soldiers; "but
+this I do know that he is a stout-hearted fellow, and deserves a better
+fate." "_I_ understand you," exclaimed the other Sepoy, and taking his
+musket he placed the muzzle of it to the prisoner's head, and literally
+covered the serjeant with his brains.
+
+The quantity of carrion which we every where left upon our route
+attracted numbers of the ravening beasts of prey with which these hills
+abound, and we could not rest at night from the dismal howling which
+surrounded us. Even the new made graves of our comrades did not escape
+the keen and hungering scent of the jackall, their remains being
+scarcely interred before we found them again torn up, their whitening
+bones alone attesting the nature of the visitation. Amongst the greatest
+of our annoyances, however, was the intolerable stench which proceeded
+from the putrefying bodies of the camels, that lay scattered every where
+upon our track, and which was enough to breed a mortality.
+
+As we emerged from the Pass into the open country, the heights became
+literally alive with Belochees, who gave expression to their rage and
+disappointment in the most absurd and violent gesticulations. We
+bivouacked late at night in the open plain, after a fatiguing and
+harassing march of twelve hours, during which we had been unable to
+procure a drop of water. The same privation awaited us in the place
+where we passed the night, and the sufferings of both men and cattle
+were dreadful. It was not until six o'clock next day that we fell in
+with a stream that traversed the road to Quettah, and were able to
+satisfy the thirst which consumed us. We were now in the valley of
+Shawle, which presented a most agreeable contrast to the barren hills
+through which we had just passed: here we found a succession of vast
+orchards, whose fruit trees bursting into blossom and gladdening the
+wearied eye with a variety of the most beautiful tints recalled to most
+of us the pleasant scenery of dear old England.
+
+On our arrival at Quettah the troops underwent a medical inspection, and
+it was determined that the sick should be left behind. A depôt was
+accordingly established here, consisting of one regiment of Bengal
+Infantry, one company of European Foot Artillery, some heavy ordnance,
+and some Gikwar, or native horsemen, the whole under the command of
+Brigadier-General Nott. This arrangement was reported to have given rise
+to some angry altercation between the latter officer and Sir John Keane
+previous to the departure of the Commander-in-Chief for Candahar,
+General Nott being indignant at being thus invalided and debarred his
+share in the danger and glories of the campaign. We remained at Quettah
+about a week, the condition of both men and horses being such as to
+render rest necessary. The supplies which we obtained from the Bengal
+column and the rich pasturage of the surrounding country soon refreshed
+and re-invigorated us, and we pursued our route in renewed health and
+spirits.
+
+Leaving Quettah, we again entered a barren and mountainous district
+which presented few traces of cultivation, and which afforded little or
+no pasturage for our cattle. In order to embarrass us the more the
+Belochees lay on the watch for the parties who were sent out to cut
+grass, and maimed and mutilated them in the most shocking manner. One
+poor fellow had his ears slit, and another received injuries which
+rendered the amputation of an arm necessary. The thefts of cattle,
+however, became less numerous, the cutting off the supplies of forage
+being deemed a less hazardous and equally effectual mode of impeding our
+progress.
+
+So serious became this change in the tactics of the enemy that it was
+resolved to increase the number of men sent out on the foraging
+expeditions. This did not, however, deter the Belochees from repeating
+their attacks, and on one occasion they drove in a party consisting of a
+considerable number of native soldiers, and succeeded in making three or
+four of the grass-cutters prisoners. A squadron of her Majesty's 4th
+Light Dragoons was immediately ordered out in pursuit under the command
+of Major Daly. We proceeded towards the hills at full gallop, and at
+length came in sight of the enemy who were in a close body of from three
+to four hundred. They suddenly disappeared from view, although the
+country was still a perfect level, and presented no apparent means of
+concealment. On reaching the spot we found they had ensconced themselves
+in a large stone pit or quarry, into which it was impossible for cavalry
+to penetrate, and a sharp and well directed fire from all the salient
+points of the rocks affording the least shelter, indicated to us their
+different lurking places. Patiently watching our opportunities we sent a
+volley into every recess or cavity where a rag was to be seen
+fluttering, and Major Daly observing a party of about ten or twelve
+clustered in some bushes which lay almost within a bound of his horse
+gallantly dashed the animal down the descent, followed by Lieutenant
+Janvrin, the quarter-master of the regiment, and with a couple of hog
+spears, which they happened to have with them they dispatched several of
+the party. The others made their escape by plunging deeper into the
+recesses of the quarry.
+
+The night now setting in, the Belochees took advantage of the obscurity
+to steal out of their lair and creep through our lines one by one. They
+did not get off, however, without further loss. Hearing a rustling noise
+within a few feet of me, whilst on the watch, I listened attentively and
+felt convinced that some of them were endeavouring to effect their
+escape by crawling along the ground on their hands and knees. I plunged
+my spurs in my horse and clearing the distance at a bound, just as I
+observed two men rising from the ground, I cut them both down,
+notwithstanding a most determined resistance, in the course of which
+they fired twice at me. Several others were disposed of in like manner,
+but no prisoners were made. We returned to camp about nine o'clock, well
+satisfied with the issue of our adventure.
+
+The grass cutters who had been made prisoners, and who were abandoned
+when it was found that our pursuit was likely to prove successful, had
+received no other injury at the hands of the enemy, than a severe
+thrashing with a bamboo. The poor fellows were terribly frightened, and
+felt most grateful for their deliverance.
+
+Major Daly and two privates were severely wounded in this affair. Beside
+a thrust of a sabre in the chest the Major received a musket ball in the
+left foot, which disabled him for some time from active service. We also
+found that several of the horses had been injured, it being a favourite
+trick of the enemy to hamstring them, or rip their bellies open,
+whenever they could get within reach of the animals.
+
+A treacherous trick played us by one of the neighbouring chiefs, the
+Khan of Khelat, added in no small degree to the difficulties we had to
+encounter. The Khan had promised allegiance to Shah Soojah, and
+undertook to facilitate the progress of the British troops through his
+territories. Instead of fulfilling the friendly professions he had made
+towards us, he interdicted the villagers from bringing supplies to the
+camp, and cut off almost all the mountain streams. Several of the camp
+followers who ventured out in search of water, were either carried off
+or murdered, and our situation became distressing in the extreme. In one
+day's march of fifteen miles, we left upon our track the bodies of
+nearly one hundred men, who died from sheer physical exhaustion.
+
+Continuing our progress towards the Khojuck heights, where we expected
+to meet with determined opposition, we lost a number of men on the route
+from their own imprudence in venturing at a distance from the camp after
+dusk. One of them, a Portuguese cook, belonging to my own regiment, lost
+his way in proceeding to the bazaar for necessaries, and fell into the
+hands of the Belochees, who were always hanging on our rear. His cries
+being heard by some soldiers returning from the bazaar, they ran towards
+the spot from whence the noise proceeded, and were received with a
+volley of bullets. They did not of course venture farther, being
+ignorant of the number of the enemy, but on procuring assistance from
+the camp, they discovered the cook with his throat cut, the head being
+nearly severed from the shoulders.
+
+Sickness now increased alarmingly amongst us, owing to the bad quality
+of the attar or flour, as well as the reduction in our usual quantity of
+rations. The cattle were little better off, and the difficulties of the
+route increased at almost every step. Water continued as scarce as ever,
+for the natives filled up or concealed part of the wells and poisoned
+the remainder. Of the latter fact, we received intimation in time to
+prevent accidents, and chance befriended us as regarded the former.
+After a harassing day's march some soldiers of the 17th Infantry, who
+had set out in search of water, were unsuccessful and were bewailing
+their hard fate, when the unusual moistness of the place where they had
+pitched their tent attracted their notice. They sounded the ground and
+finding it hollow, immediately arrived at the conclusion that it was a
+well that had been freshly covered over. Further examination confirmed
+this supposition, and about half an hour's work revealed a deep hole to
+their sight, in which they found a spring of excellent water. This
+discovery created such joy and frantic eagerness in the camp that the
+authorities were obliged to place a strong guard with loaded muskets
+over it in order to keep back the pressure of the crowds who flocked to
+it.
+
+In the course of the next day's march we came upon a part of the road
+which was literally strewn with human skeletons and broken matchlocks.
+Of the various surmises current amongst us as to the occasion of this
+wholesale butchery, the most probable was, that one of the caravans
+travelling to Candahar had been attacked and overpowered by one of the
+marauding tribes of the district.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Khojuck Pass.--Descent of the Troops.--Shocking Death of a Camel
+Driver.--Detection and Escape of an Affghan Thief.--Loss of Cavalry
+Horses.--Candahar.--Arrival of Shah Soojah.--Condition of
+the Troops.--Attempt of the Natives to cut off a Convoy of
+Provisions.--Asiatic Mendicants.--The Mosque at Candahar.--Arrival of
+Affghan Auxiliaries.
+
+
+We reached the Khojuck Pass in the expectation of finding it occupied by
+the forces of Dost Mahommed, but contrary to general anticipation it was
+abandoned. We learned that the Dost had visited the place a few days
+before, in company with several of his chiefs, when the prudence of
+disputing our passage was discussed. Owing to some violent differences
+of opinion amongst the subordinate chiefs, the idea was abandoned, and
+the enemy fell back towards Candahar. How different might have been the
+fate of the expedition but for this impolitic and cowardly step. To
+enable the reader to judge of its importance a brief description of the
+Pass will be necessary.
+
+Ascending an eminence of no great height a platform of rock is gained,
+from which a glorious view bursts upon the sight. Immediately beneath is
+a steep declivity, along whose rugged sides winds the narrow road, while
+a chasm of immense depth yawns beneath, and threatens to engulph the
+luckless passenger should he chance to slip as he treads his way down
+the difficult and dangerous descent. Receding into the far distance lie
+long ranges of blue mountains broken at intervals into open plains and
+valleys, whose calm and smiling aspect contrasts well with the frowning
+majesty of the neighbouring heights.
+
+Nothing could be finer than the view which presented itself as our
+troops wound round the brow of this tremendous precipice, their arms
+glittering in the sun, and their uniforms imparting a gay and dazzling
+variety to the sober hues of the stunted herbage with which its sides
+were clad. The Infantry, consisting of several companies of the Queen's
+Royals and a party of the 17th regiment were ordered to line the heights
+in order to protect the descent of the Artillery and Cavalry, together
+with the heavy baggage. So steep was the road (if road it could be
+called) that the Cavalry were obliged to dismount and lead their horses,
+bridle in hand, and the Artillery to unlimber their guns and drag them
+down the precipice, a task, as the reader may conceive, of no small
+labour and difficulty. About half way down, a camel, laden with camp
+equipage, missed its footing and was precipitated into the abyss with
+its conductor, and both were of course, immediately dashed to pieces.
+We reached the plain without any further mishap about six o'clock the
+same evening, and had every reason to congratulate ourselves that the
+cowardice or negligence of the enemy had prevented them from disputing
+our passage.
+
+Having halted at the bottom of the Pass two days so as to enable the
+remainder of the heavy ordnance and baggage to descend we proceeded
+towards Candahar. The enemy occasionally made their appearance, and
+though not caring to face us in the field, continued to harass us
+severely by hanging on our rear, and cutting off the stragglers. Nor did
+they abate in the least in their love of thieving, robberies being just
+as frequent, and characterised by as much ingenuity and daring as ever.
+Late one night I was on sentry before the tent of Lieutenant Kemp when a
+rustling noise attracted my notice; on looking attentively towards the
+spot from whence it proceeded, I perceived an Affghan crawling towards
+the tent on his hands and knees, and suffering him to enter, in order
+the more easily to secure him, I surprised him as he was in the act of
+plundering it. The fellow was completely naked, and on my attempting to
+lay hold of him he slipped through my fingers like an eel, owing to the
+quantity of grease with which his person was smeared, and succeeded in
+clearing the lines in safety. I did not shoot him because positive
+orders had been issued against shots being fired in camp, which had
+before given rise to many groundless alarms.
+
+The weather now became excessively hot, the thermometer being 125
+degrees in the shade, which rendered it necessary that we should
+prosecute our way either in the cool of the morning or at night. The
+nights were so beautiful that the latter could not be deemed a hardship,
+and had the scenery been but equal to that through which we had just
+passed, it could not have been seen to greater advantage than under
+these clear delicious moonlights. Nothing, however, can be more flat or
+uninteresting than the country between the Khojuck Pass and Candahar.
+The only thing that might be said to have broken the monotony of the
+route was an occasional shot which told the fate of some poor horse,
+who, having been broken down by fatigue and privation, and rendered
+incapable of further exertion, was mercifully put out of pain by its
+rider. There were nearly fifty head of cattle disposed of in this way
+between the Pass and Candahar, a pretty item in the expenses of the
+campaign, when it is borne in mind that each of them had cost from fifty
+to sixty pounds in India. Had we come in contact with the enemy at
+Candahar as we expected, I have no doubt the Cavalry would have been
+found wholly ineffective from the jaded and worn-out condition of their
+horses.
+
+We arrived at Candahar on the 4th. of May, and effected a junction with
+the remainder of the Bengal forces under Sir Willoughby Cotton. Here we
+were also joined by Shah Soojah in company with Sir William McNaghten
+and Sir Alexander Burnes. The dethroned monarch immediately took
+possession of his ancestral palace, which had just been evacuated by the
+enemy. The reverses of fortune to which these Asiatic sovereigns are
+subject have so steeled them against adversity, that I doubt if his
+Majesty was agitated, even by a passing emotion, at this important
+event. If he felt at all, it was perhaps more a sensation of fear than
+joy, for he could not conceal from himself the fact, that the opinions
+of his subjects were arraigned to a man against him, and that under such
+circumstances his tenure of sovereignty would in all probability be
+terminated by a bloody death.
+
+Tired as we were of the harassing mountain warfare in which we had been
+engaged, and anxious to strike a blow which would decide the fate of the
+Campaign, we were yet agreeably disappointed at the evacuation of
+Candahar by the enemy. We were greatly in need of rest after the long
+and fatiguing marches, which we had made; and the deplorable condition
+in which we found ourselves, as regarded supplies, rendered it highly
+impolitic to bring us just then in face of the enemy. Sickness had
+increased alarmingly amongst us, but in this respect we did not find our
+position improved, for the excessive heat which prevailed during our
+stay here carried off great numbers of the men.
+
+Although the bazaar was plentifully supplied with meat and fruit, flour
+was difficult to be obtained, the stock on hand having been eagerly
+bought up by the troops on their arrival. The traders turned the
+scarcity of this necessary article to profitable account, for they only
+gave 2lb. to the rupee instead of 40lb., the usual proportion. We had
+been living on half rations, and these not of the best quality, for
+nearly a month previous, and had looked forward to our arrival at
+Candahar for some addition to the quantity, but so far was this from
+being the case, that it was found necessary to put the camp followers on
+the same allowance, and it was not until three weeks after our arrival
+that an increase and that not the full one, was served out to us.
+
+We were in daily expectation of the arrival of a convoy of six hundred
+camels laden with provisions and grain, but intelligence having been
+brought us that the Affghans lay in way to intercept it, it was thought
+advisable to send out a force consisting of two squadrons of native
+cavalry, a party of her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry and two field
+pieces for its protection. The enemy being informed by their spies of
+this movement, fell back to the hills, and the supplies were brought in
+safety to the camp. The native contractor who furnished them, was
+offered a bribe of 10,000 rupees by Dost Mahommed to direct his camels
+another way, but much to his credit refused it.
+
+Candahar is a place of considerable importance in a commercial point of
+view, but its military advantages are scarcely deserving of notice. It
+is surrounded by an old wall and ditch, some efforts to strengthen which
+had been made by throwing up a few parapets, but they were abandoned at
+the first news of our approach. The principal entrance faces the south
+and leads directly into the bazaar, which presents rather an animated
+scene to the eyes of the stranger, in consequence of the varied and
+picturesque costumes of the multitudes who resort to it, and who are
+composed of Asiatics of almost every race. The merchandize exposed for
+sale is no less heterogeneous in its character than its vendors, and
+much to our surprise and gratification it included good broad-cloths and
+Whitechapel needles, articles which, in the dilapidated and transparent
+state of our clothing, proved of no small service to us.
+
+Common and disgusting as mendicancy has become through all parts of
+Asia, I have never seen it carried to such an annoying extent as here.
+Our ears were assailed on all sides by whining petitions, and our eyes
+offended by the exhibition of festering sores or simulated deformities.
+The ingenuity displayed in twisting a straight and well made limb into
+some hideous distortion, or in painting up an ugly case of cancer, would
+have excited the admiration and envy of the importunate cripples who
+beset the chapels of Catholic countries.
+
+At the further extremity of the bazaar stands a noble mosque, in which
+are interred the remains of Shah Soojah's father and grandfather. A
+lofty gilt dome and graceful minarets distinguish it above the other
+buildings of the town, and the effect, as it is approached from the
+distance, is extremely imposing. On entering this beautiful temple the
+visitor is conducted up a flight of marble steps to a platform within
+the dome, where the remains of the deceased princes lie. The tombs are
+covered with palls of blue velvet, fringed with gold, and illuminated by
+about two hundred lamps, which are kept burning night and day, while
+forty Faquirs, or priests, watch perpetually over them. Two magnificent
+folio editions of the Koran, bound in velvet and ornamented with
+characters of gold, were also shown to us with a degree of reverence
+that proved the estimation in which they were held. A few pigeons which
+were flying round the interior of the building appeared to divide with
+these costly exemplars of the Book of Life the regard and veneration of
+the votaries of the temple, this bird being held sacred, and any
+invasion of its privileges visited by the punishment of death.
+
+Several of the Affghan Chiefs who were known to be devoted to the
+interests of Dost Mahommed becoming alarmed at the turn affairs were
+taking, or, as some said, being dissatisfied with that prince for
+refusing to guarantee the safety of their women, now came into camp and
+tendered their allegiance to Shah Soojah. These reluctant auxiliaries
+were warmly received by the Politicals, who hailed their adhesion as an
+omen of the success of the expedition; and I observed Sir Alexander
+Burnes carry his joy so far as cordially to embrace one of them. The
+Chief smiled grimly, but said but little. I had an opportunity however
+of ascertaining his real feelings, on getting amongst his followers a
+few days afterwards. They openly expressed their regret at being
+compelled to join the invaders of their country, and stated, that they
+could not have a braver leader, or a better prince, than Dost Mahommed.
+They described him as being of a just and generous nature, whilst they
+represented the Shah as being cruel and unprincipled.
+
+These Affghan horsemen were a fine athletic set of men, and capitally
+mounted, their breed of cattle being much superior to ours, and
+exhibiting proofs of the most careful grooming. The riders wore coats of
+mail with steel gauntlets, and their arms consisted of a sabre, heavier
+and longer than ours, a dagger, and in some instances shields and
+matchlocks. I have no hesitation in saying that the Affghan Cavalry, if
+these were a fair sample of them, are a most effective body of men. They
+may not be equal to ours in the field, but for a harassing system of
+mountain warfare where they are required to make sudden descents upon
+Infantry, hemmed in between defiles, and embarrassed by ignorance of the
+country, no body of troops can be better adapted. Their horses are light
+limbed, but strong and wiry, and capable of undergoing incredible
+fatigue while the trooper himself, practised from infancy in the
+management of the animal, can ride him over places where no European
+horseman would venture. Had these wild mountaineers but the advantages
+of discipline and proper organization their country would be
+inaccessible to any troops in the world.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Installation of Shah Soojah.--Attack on the camel guards.--Heroism of an
+Affghan Youth.--Murder of Cornet Inverarity of the 16th
+Lancers.--Departure from Candahar.--The Ghiljie
+Hills.--Locusts.--Arrival of new Auxiliaries.--Camel Batteries.--Hyder
+Khail.--Arrival at Ghuznee.--Tomb of Mahommed.--Remains of the Old Town
+of Ghuznee.
+
+
+In order to give a sort of political eclat to the steps taken to
+reinstate Shah Soojah on the throne of his ancestors, it was resolved
+that he should be solemnly inaugurated at Candahar, and nothing was
+omitted that could possibly tend to render the ceremony imposing. On
+the morning fixed for its celebration, the whole of the British forces
+were paraded in review order on a large plain to the north of the city,
+whilst the Shah's troops were drawn up at a little distance. In the
+centre of the field stood a platform canopied with crimson silk, and
+ornamented with numerous banners and devices, the seat reserved for the
+Shah being ascended by a broad flight of tapestried steps, and covered
+with cushions of crimson and gold. The other accessories of the pageant
+were got up in similar costly style, but the effect, on the whole,
+conveyed to the mind rather the unsatisfied feeling which attends the
+hollow show and glitter of the theatre, than the idea of substantial
+power. The weather was beautiful, the sun shedding its gorgeous rays
+full upon us, and finding innumerable reflections in the military
+panoply beneath. The heat was however excessive, and the majority of us
+would have willingly exchanged our places in the ceremonial for the
+shade and repose of our tents.
+
+As early as six o'clock the Commander-in-Chief took up his position in
+front of the line, and was received with a general salute. The Shah was
+soon after observed leaving the gates of the city on an elephant, the
+howdah of which was of solid silver. His Majesty appeared to me to be
+between fifty and sixty years of age; of middle stature, and somewhat
+inclined to corpulency. His features were large, but regular, and the
+expression which played about them was not calculated to leave a
+favourable impression on the physiognomist. It had a mingled character
+of vaccillation and cruelty about it, which impressed one with the
+notion that the possessor could sink with ease from the extreme of
+tyrannical self-will to the abject and fawning humility of the slave.
+His Majesty was accompanied by his Vizier, a tall, spare looking man of
+a thoughtful and rather melancholy cast of features, and somewhat older
+than his master. Immediately behind the Shah rode Sir William
+McNaghten, in full court dress, such as is usually worn by officials at
+her Majesty's levees in England, and he was followed by Sir Alexander
+Burnes, in a plain suit, and surrounded by the Affghan chiefs, with whom
+he appeared to be in close and friendly converse. The winning smile and
+frank and courteous manner of the latter gentleman appeared to have
+gained for him a degree of consideration amongst the natives, which no
+other European could boast of, and which was principally attributable to
+the talismanic influence of qualities that have a never failing effect
+in softening down and subduing even the most rugged and intractable
+natures. Nothing could exceed the splendour of the costumes in which
+these chiefs were clad, their turbans and weapons being studded with
+diamonds and other precious stones; whilst the horses on which they were
+mounted were perfect models of animal beauty.
+
+As soon as the Shah arrived on the ground the bands of the different
+regiments struck up "God save the King," and his Majesty was conducted
+to his throne by the Politicals. The troops then marched past the
+platform in slow and quick time each regiment lowering its colors as it
+arrived before it. A proclamation was afterwards read, declaring and
+confirming the Shah's title to the throne, and all persons subject to
+his authority having been required to yield him fealty, the Affghan
+Chiefs present tendered their homage. The troops were marched back to
+their lines immediately after, and a Durbar concluded the ceremonies of
+the day.
+
+It must not be imagined that during all this time our ever watchful
+enemies had abated their vigilance or lost any opportunity of annoying
+us. They did not dare to attack the camp, itself, precautionary measures
+having been adopted to prevent their near approach, by stationing
+inlying and outlying pickets round it. We were compelled, however, to
+send our camels to graze at some distance from the encampment, and the
+soldiers in charge of them were frequently surprised and driven in. On
+one occasion a party of the 13th Light Infantry, consisting of a
+serjeant and six privates, who had been entrusted with the care of from
+fifteen to eighteen camels, fell asleep on their posts, being overcome
+by the excessive heat, and the Affghans, stealing upon them whilst in
+this state, put one man to death, and severely wounded two others, the
+whole of the camels of course falling into their hands. The serjeant
+escaped but was broken for neglect of duty.
+
+Shortly after this occurrence, two of the marauders fell into our hands.
+In order to put an end to, or diminish these vexatious losses it was
+determined to make a terrible example of the prisoners, in the hope that
+it would have some effect upon their companions. They were accordingly
+tried by a court martial, composed of native officers, and sentenced to
+be blown from the mouth of a gun. Having been led into the market-place
+at Candahar, they were ordered to draw lots as to who should first
+undergo this dreadful doom. The younger of the prisoners, a stripling of
+about nineteen years of age, whose firm and gallant bearing excited
+universal sympathy and admiration, responded to this command by at once
+embracing the mouth of the gun from which he was instantly blown to
+atoms. His companion, a grey-headed man, upwards of sixty years of age,
+sat looking on, unmoved at this terrible scene, and coolly smoking his
+hookah. On being ordered to take his place at the gun he did not exhibit
+the least appearance of fear, and just as the match was about being
+applied, the officer in command arrested it and directed the prisoner to
+be taken away, the Shah influenced, it is said, by the entreaties of Sir
+Alexander Burnes, having granted his pardon. This unexpected release
+from the very jaws of death produced as little emotion on the part of
+this stout old man, as its near approach or the fate of his youthful
+companion had elicited.
+
+The mysterious and premature death of Cornet Inverarity, of the 16th
+Lancers, formed, whilst here, the universal topic of discussion in the
+military circles. The circumstances, as far as I could collect them,
+were these:--A pic-nic party had been given by the officers of the
+regiment at a pleasant rural retreat, within a few miles of Candahar,
+and the Cornet, being fond of fishing, took his rod and strayed a short
+distance from his companions in search of sport. His prolonged absence
+having given rise to remark, some of the party went in search of him,
+and found the unfortunate gentleman lying dead on the banks of a
+neighbouring stream. The wounds he had received were of such a nature as
+to preclude the idea that they were self-inflicted, and there can be but
+little doubt that he was murdered by the Affghans. The deceased was an
+officer of considerable acquirements, and was regretted by all who had
+the honour of his acquaintance. He was only in his 26th year, and had
+been about five in the service.
+
+I gladly avail myself of the opportunity which presents itself of paying
+a tribute to the good conduct and friendly feeling of the native troops,
+who testified on all occasions the utmost willingness, and indeed the
+most anxious desire to render all the aid and service in their power to
+their European comrades. Their knowledge of the language of the country,
+and their acquaintance with the value of its produce, proved of no small
+advantage to us in our daily traffic with the cunning and thievish
+traders of the bazaar. Let me add that the general feeling amongst us
+was that, in privation or danger, we might always count with certainty
+on the generosity and bravery of the Sepoy.
+
+Having passed nearly seven weeks at Candahar, it was determined that we
+should next proceed to Ghuznee, where it was reported that Dost
+Mahommed and his followers had resolved on making a stand. The army
+quitted the encampment on the 27th of June, preceded by a squadron of
+European cavalry, two squadrons of the native troops, and two field
+pieces loaded with canister and grape shot. The route from Candahar to
+Ghuznee lies through a wild and mountainous country, and over roads
+extremely difficult, and at times almost impassable. The Ghiljies fled
+on our approach to the numerous mud forts with which these hills abound,
+and seldom ventured on our track. In the dwellings they had abandoned we
+found only a few old crones and hungry dogs, both of whom received us
+with a sort of howling welcome. The Ghiljie huts are constructed
+somewhat like a bee hive, being of circular and conical form, with
+interior accommodations of the most wretched description. The few males
+whom we caught a glimpse of were clad in the same substitute for broad
+cloth that served the famous Bryan O'Lynn, who having--
+
+    "No breeches to wear,
+    Cut up a sheepskin to make him a pair."
+
+We were lucky enough to discover the stores of corn and _bussorah_ (a
+sort of provender for cattle) which the natives had buried at the first
+news of our approach. We were also well supplied with water the country
+being traversed in all directions by rivers and streams. To
+counterbalance these advantages we were annoyed with shoals of locusts,
+which literally darkened the atmosphere and kept up a perpetual buzzing
+and humming in our ears. The locust appears to be a favorite article of
+food with the natives, who roast it on a slow fire and devour it with
+eagerness. We could not bring ourselves to relish this equivocal dainty,
+although our rations were not of the best or most varied description.
+
+As we advanced on Khelat-i-Ghiljie scarcely a day passed without some
+Chief coming into camp from Cabul, with a retinue of from one to two
+hundred men, in order to tender his allegiance to the Shah. They were
+immediately sent to the rear and incorporated with his Majesty's levies.
+Many of these new auxiliaries brought camel batteries, which created a
+good deal of curiosity and amusement amongst the European troops, to
+whom they were a novelty. Each camel carried a sort of rampart on his
+back, which mounted from four to six swivel guns of small calibre, the
+conductor both driving the animal and serving the guns. We were
+surprised at the rapidity and accuracy with which these portable
+batteries were served and brought to bear, the animal dropping on its
+knees wherever it became necessary to bring the guns within range, and
+rising the moment they were discharged.
+
+At Hyder Khail we were plundered of several camels laden with bedding,
+belonging to her Majesty's 2nd, or Queen's Royals, and the party in
+charge of them disappeared and was not again heard of before we left. As
+we passed Khelat-i-Ghiljie the country began to improve in its
+character, and large tracts, covered with corn and beans, betokened the
+presence of a more civilized tribe than that through whose inhospitable
+territories we had just passed. The villagers came daily into camp with
+fruit and vegetables, which they parted with at reasonable prices, and
+their conduct to us on the whole was civil and peaceable.
+
+On the 21st. of July we arrived in sight of Ghuznee, the strength of
+which we found underrated rather than exaggerated. Ghuznee may be said
+to form the key to Cabul since it commands the only direct route to that
+place. The citadel is of great extent, and includes within its precincts
+three or four bazaars and several streets. It is surrounded on every
+side by strong bastions and substantial walls, the whole of which had
+been recently put in repair, and it mounted nine guns (one a 48
+pounder) besides innumerable wall pieces, gingals, and matchlocks. The
+principal entrance is at the North side, on the road to Cabul, and is
+approached by a bridge of slight construction, thrown across a deep
+ditch or moat. To the right and left stretch long chains of lofty hills,
+which approach the walls so closely on the North side, as to command a
+view of the interior of the citadel. The enemy, sensible of the
+importance of these heights, had lined them with troops in order to
+prevent our planting batteries on them. At the distance of about three
+quarters of a mile from the fort, and situated in an amphitheatre of
+hills, lies the town of Ghuznee, which consists of only a few narrow,
+straggling streets. A narrow, but deep and rapid river, whose banks are
+studded with rich corn fields, winds its devious route through the
+pleasant valley in which the town is situate, and half encircles its
+walls. Nearly equidistant from the town and the fort, and surrounded by
+luxuriant orchards and vineyards, stands the famous tomb of Mahommed of
+Ghuznee. It consists of an oblong building 36 ft. by 18, and about 30
+feet in height, and is crowned by a mud cupola. The gates are said to be
+of sandal-wood, and were taken from the temple of Somnath by the
+conqueror, whose remains lie entombed here. The grave stone in the
+interior is made of the finest white marble, but its once rich sculpture
+is now nearly defaced, and it presents but few traces of the Arabic
+characters with which it was formerly inscribed. Over the last resting
+place of the hero, and in a sadly decayed state, are suspended the
+banner of green silk, and the enormous mace which he had so often borne
+in battle.
+
+In the plain to the south of the hills stand two pillars, or obelisks,
+of brickwork, about one hundred feet in height, and twelve in diameter
+at the base, which are said to have marked the limits of the bazaar of
+ancient Ghuznee, and which at present form serve only as conspicuous
+landmarks for the traveller.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Reconnaisance of the Fortress.--Skirmish with the Enemy.--Rejoicings of
+the Garrison at our Supposed Defeat.--Preparation for a Coup de
+Main.--Engineer Operations.--Storming and Taking of the Fortress.
+
+
+We debouched on the plain in front of the fort about eight o'clock in
+the morning, and advanced upon it in three columns--the Cavalry on the
+right, the Artillery in the centre, and the Infantry on the left. The
+Commander-in-Chief determined to reconnoitre the place in force, and
+make the enemy show their strength. On approaching the orchards and
+walled gardens before described, we found them occupied by the enemy,
+and the 1st Brigade having been immediately thrown into them, drove the
+Affghans out of the enclosures in capital style, and forced them to take
+shelter behind the defences, with a comparatively trifling loss on our
+side. Our guns were now brought to bear upon the fortress, which had
+kept up a sharp fire on us from the moment of our appearance, but owing
+to our having left our heavy battering train behind us at Candahar we
+did but little or no damage. About eleven o'clock we drew off, and
+pitched our camp out of range of the fire of the foot. On our
+skirmishers retiring from the gardens they were immediately occupied by
+the enemy, who commenced cheering our retreating parties, in the
+conviction that they had obtained a victory. Under this impression they
+instantly sent off expresses to Cabul, to announce the fact, and state
+that if the whole of the surrounding country could be raised, they had
+little doubt of being able to cut us off to a man. The garrison spent
+the night in rejoicings, and blue lights were constantly sent up as
+signals to their friends on the neighbouring hills.
+
+Next morning the Shah's camp was threatened on the left by large bodies
+of horse and foot who were driven off by the Cavalry and some of his
+Highness's troops; whilst another force, consisting chiefly of horse,
+under the command of one of Dost Mahommed's sons; and at a short
+distance from him a Ghiljie Chief, with about fifteen hundred Cavalry,
+who had hung upon our flank all the way from Khelat-i-Ghiljie, menaced
+us to the right. This determined the Commander-in-Chief to expedite
+matters, and the engineers having made a careful inspection of the
+fortress, he resolved on carrying it by storm. The whole of the 22nd was
+consumed in making the necessary preparations, the field hospital being
+got ready while strong detachments of Cavalry scoured the country
+around, in order to keep the enemy from our lines.
+
+In order to give my readers a correct idea of the strength of the
+fortifications, and the difficulties overcome by the intelligence and
+courage of the officers and men of the British Army, I cannot do better
+than to copy the official reports made by the principal Engineer
+officers on the subject. They contain a full detail of the operations up
+to the moment when the citadel fell into our possession.
+
+
+_Memorandum of the Engineers' operations before Ghuznee, in July, 1839,
+by Captain George Thompson, Bengal Engineers, Chief Engineer Army of the
+Indus._
+
+The accounts of the Fortress of Ghuznee, received from those who had
+seen it, were such as to induce his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief to
+leave in Candahar the very small battering train then with the Army,
+there being a scarcity of transport cattle. The place was described as
+very weak, and completely commanded from a range of hills to the north.
+
+When we came before it on the morning of the 21st of July we were very
+much surprised to find a rampart, in good repair, built on a scarped
+mound about thirty-five feet high, flanked by numerous towers, and
+surrounded by a faussebraye and wet ditch. The irregular figure of the
+"enceinte" gave a good flanking fire, whilst the height of the citadel
+covered the interior from the commanding fire of the hills to the north,
+rendering it nugatory. In addition to this, the towers, at the angles,
+had been enlarged, screen walls had been built before the gates, the
+ditch cleared out and filled with water, stated to be unfordable, and an
+outwork built on the right bank of the river so as to command the bed of
+it.
+
+The garrison was variously stated from three to four thousand strong,
+including five hundred Cavalry, and from subsequent information we
+found that it had not been overrated.
+
+On the approach of the army, a fire of artillery was opened from the
+body of the place, and of musketry from the neighbouring gardens. A
+detachment of Infantry cleared the latter, and the former was silenced
+for a short time by shrapnells from the Horse Artillery, but the fire
+from the new outwork on the bank of the river was in no way checked. A
+nearer view of the works was, however, obtained from the gardens which
+had been cleared. This was not at all satisfactory. The works were
+evidently much stronger than we had been led to expect, and such as our
+army could not venture to attack in a regular manner. We had no
+battering train, and to besiege Ghuznee in form, a much larger one would
+be required than the army ever possessed. The great command of the
+parapets from sixty to seventy feet, with the wet ditch, were
+insurmountable obstacles to an attack, either by mining or escalading.
+
+It therefore became necessary to examine closely the whole _contour_ of
+the place, to discover if any other mode of attack could be adopted. The
+engineers, with an escort, went round the works, approaching as near as
+they could find cover. The garrison were on the alert, and kept up a hot
+and well regulated fire upon the officers whenever they were obliged to
+show themselves. However, by keeping the Infantry beyond musket range,
+and the Cavalry at a still greater distance, only one man was killed,
+and another wounded; the former being hit by men sent out of the place
+to drive off the reconnoitring party.
+
+The fortifications were found equally strong, all round, the only
+tangible point observed being the Cabul gateway, which offered the
+following advantages for a _coup-de-main_. The road to the Gate was
+clear, the bridge over the ditch unbroken, there were good positions
+for the Artillery within three hundred yards of the walls on both sides
+of the road, and we had information that the Gateway was not built up, a
+reinforcement from Cabul being expected.
+
+The result of this reconnaisance was a report to His Excellency the
+Commander-in-Chief, that if he decided upon the immediate attack on
+Ghuznee, the only feasible mode of proceeding, and the only one which
+held out a prospect of success was a dash at the Cabul gateway, blowing
+the gate open by bags of powder.
+
+His Excellency decided upon the attempt, the camp was moved that evening
+to the Cabul road, and the next morning, the 22nd, Sir John Keane in
+person reconnoitred the proposed point of attack, approved of the plan,
+and gave orders for its execution. Preparations were made accordingly,
+positions for the artillery were carefully examined, which excited the
+jealousy of the garrison, who opened a smart fire upon the party.
+
+It was arranged that an explosion party, consisting of three officers of
+Engineers, Captain Peat, Lieutenants Durand and McLeod, three Serjeants,
+and eighteen men of the Sappers in working dresses, carrying 300lbs. of
+powder in twelve sand bags, with a hose seventy-two feet long, should be
+ready to move down to the gateway at daybreak.
+
+At midnight the first battery left camp, followed by the other four, at
+intervals of half an hour. Those to the right of the road were conducted
+to their positions by Lieutenant Stuart, those to the left by Lieutenant
+Anderson. The ground for the guns was prepared by the Sappers and
+Pioneers, taking advantage of the irregularities of the ground to the
+right, and of some old garden walls to the left.
+
+The Artillery was all in position, and ready by 3 A. M. of the 23rd, and
+shortly after, at the first dawn, the party under Captain Peat moved
+down to the gateway, accompanied by six men of her Majesty's 13th Light
+Infantry, without their belts, and supported by a detachment of the same
+regiment, which extended to the right and left of the road; when they
+arrived at the ditch, taking advantage of what cover they could find,
+and endeavouring to keep down the fire from the ramparts, which became
+heavy on the approach of the party, though it had been remarkably slack
+during the previous operations; blue lights were shown, which rendered
+surrounding objects distinctly visible, but luckily they were buried on
+the top of the parapet instead of being thrown into the passage below.
+
+The explosion party marched steadily on, headed by Lieutenant Durand;
+the powder was placed, the hose laid, the train fired, and the carrying
+party had retired to tolerable cover in less than two minutes. The
+Artillery opened when the blue lights appeared, and the musketry from
+the covering party at the same time. 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.
+
+As soon as the explosion took place, Captain Peat, although hurt by the
+concussion, his anxiety preventing him from keeping sufficiently under
+cover, ran up to the gate, accompanied by a small party of her Majesty's
+13th Light Infantry, and ascertained that it was completely destroyed.
+There was some delay in getting a bugler to sound at the advance, the
+signal agreed on for the assaulting column to push on, and this was the
+only mistake in the operation.
+
+The assaulting column, consisting of four European Regiments (her
+Majesty's 2nd regiment, Bengal European regiment, her Majesty's 13th
+Light Infantry, and her Majesty's 17th regiment) commanded by Brigadier
+Sale, the advance under Lieutenant Colonel Dennie, accompanied by
+Lieutenant Sturt, Engineers, moved steadily through the gateway,
+through a passage inside the gateway, in a domed building, in which the
+opening on one side rendered everything very obscure, and making it
+difficult to find the outlet into the town. They met with little
+opposition; but the party of the enemy seeing a peak in the column,
+owing to the difficulty in scrambling over the rubbish in the gateway,
+made a rush, sword in hand, and cut down a good many men, wounding the
+Brigadier and several other officers. These swordsmen were repulsed, and
+there was no more regular opposition; the surprise and alarm of the
+Governor and Sirdars being so great when they saw the column occupying
+the open space inside the gate, and firing upon them, that they fled,
+accompanied by their men, even the garrison of the Citadel following
+their example. Parties of the Affghans took refuge in the houses, firing
+on the column as it made its way through the streets, and a good deal of
+desultory fighting took place in consequence, by which some loss was
+sustained. The Citadel was occupied as soon as daylight showed that it
+had been abandoned by the enemy, and the whole of the works were in our
+possession before 5 A. M.
+
+We lost seventeen men, six European and eleven Natives killed--eighteen
+officers, and one hundred and seventeen Europeans, and thirty Natives
+wounded--total one hundred and eighty-two. Of the Affghans more than
+five hundred and fourteen were killed in the town, that number of bodies
+having been buried, and about one thousand outside by the Cavalry, one
+thousand six hundred prisoners were taken, but I have no means of
+estimating the number of wounded.
+
+There were nine guns of different calibres found in the place, a large
+quantity of good powder, considerable stores of shot, lead, &c., &c.,
+and a large supply of attar and other provisions.
+
+    GEO. THOMSON, Capt. Engrs.
+    _Chief Engineer Army of the Indus._
+
+
+The following report by Captain Peat, of the Bombay Civil Engineers,
+gives a more detailed account of the operations for blowing up the gate,
+which, it will be seen, were attended with difficulties of no ordinary
+nature.
+
+"During the reconnaissance the wall pieces were particularly
+troublesome. This weapon is almost unknown in our service, but it is a
+very efficient one, especially in the defence of works, and its use
+should not be neglected. Every fortified post should be supplied with a
+proportion of them, and a certain number of men in every regiment
+practised in firing them.
+
+The charge recommended by Colonel Pasley, for blowing open gates is from
+sixty to one hundred and twenty pounds, and this is, doubtless,
+sufficient in ordinary cases; but in this instance we were apprehensive
+that the enemy might have taken alarm at our being so much on that side
+of the place, and in consequence, partially or wholly, built up the
+gateway. It was afterwards found that some attempts of the kind had
+been made by propping up the gate with beams.
+
+The charge was so heavy, that it not only destroyed the gate, but
+brought down a considerable portion of the roof of the square building
+in which it was placed, which proved a very considerable obstacle to the
+assaulting column, and the concussion acted as far as the tower, under
+which an officer's party of her Majesty's 13th regiment were standing at
+the time, but without occasioning any casualties. In cases of this
+nature it is of course the first object to guard against any chance of
+failure; and it is impossible, even now, to say how much the charge
+might have been reduced with safety.
+
+The enemy appeared so much on the alert, and the faussebraye was so much
+in advance of the gate that we never contemplated being able to effect
+our object by surprise. The only question was, whether it ought to be
+done by day or night. It was argued in favor of the former, that the
+Artillery would be able to make so much more correct practice that the
+defences would be in a considerable degree destroyed, and the fire so
+completely kept under as to enable the explosion party to advance with
+but little loss, and with the advantage of being able to see exactly
+what they were about. Captain Thompson, however, adhered to the latter,
+and we were afterwards convinced it was the most judicious plan; for
+although the fire of the Artillery was necessarily more general than it
+would have been in daylight, still it was so well directed as to take up
+a good deal of the attention of the besieged, and draw upon their
+batteries a portion of the fire, which in daylight would have been
+thrown down upon the explosion party and assaulting columns. It would
+also, even in daylight, have been difficult, with our Light Artillery,
+to have kept down the fire so completely but that a few matchlock men
+might have kept their position near the gateway; and in that narrow
+space a smart fire from a few pieces might have obliged the party to
+retire. The obscurity of the night, to say nothing of the confusion
+which it must occasion among undisciplined troops, is certainly the best
+protection to a body of men engaged in an enterprise of this nature.
+Blue lights certainly render objects distinctly visible, but their light
+is glaring and uncertain, especially to men firing through loopholes.
+
+The party consisted of eighteen officers, twenty-eight sergeants, seven
+buglers, and two hundred and seventy-six rank and file.
+
+It was made of this strength, not only to keep up a heavy fire upon the
+parapets, and thereby divert attention from the party at the gateway,
+but also because we were not aware whether the faussebraye was occupied
+or not, and as it extends so much in advance as to take the gate
+completely in reverse, it would have been necessary, had a fire opened
+from it, to have carried it by assault before the party with the bags
+could have advanced. The party with Lieutenant Durand was accompanied
+by six men of the 13th, without their belts, the better to secure them
+from observation, to protect them from any sortie that might be made
+from the postern of the faussebraye on the right, or even from the gate
+itself, while another party under an officer, Lieutenant Jennings,
+accompanied me as far as the tower so as to check any attempts that
+might have been made from the faussebraye on the left, and at the same
+time keeping up a fire on such of the enemy as showed their heads above
+the parapet; of this party one man was killed and a few wounded.
+
+Nothing could have been more gallant than the conduct of Lieutenants
+Durand and McLeod, and the men under their command; or more efficient
+than the manner in which they executed their duty.
+
+The powder being in sand bags of a very coarse open texture, a long hose
+and port fire was thought to be the safest method of firing it. The end
+of the hose fortunately just reached the small postern. The casualties,
+however, during this operation were much fewer than was expected, being
+in all one private killed, two sergeants, and twenty-three rank and file
+wounded.
+
+The heaviest fire was certainly outside the bridge, for the enemy near
+the gateway being marked, whenever they attempted to shew their heads
+above the parapet, were obliged to confine themselves to the loop-holes,
+the range from which is very uncertain and limited against men moving
+about. A high loop-holed wall, although imposing in appearance, is a
+profile but ill adapted to resist attacks of this nature.
+
+The enemy were perfectly aware that we were in the gateway, but appeared
+to have no idea of the nature of our operations. Had they been so they
+might easily have rendered it impossible to place the powder bags, by
+throwing over blue lights, of which they had a large quantity in store.
+The powder pots and other fire works so much used by the natives of
+Hindoostan would certainly have rendered the confined space leading to
+the gate much too hot for such an operation; but the ignorance of the
+besieged was known and calculated upon, the result shows how justly.
+
+Their attempts at resistance were confined to the fire from the
+loopholes and throwing over large pieces of earth, some of which
+appeared to be intended to knock off the port fire.
+
+I on this occasion received an excellent lesson on the necessity of not
+allowing preconceived opinions to lead to any carelessness, in
+accurately ascertaining the result of any operation of this nature. The
+gateway appeared, from what I had seen from the hills to the north, to
+lead straight into the town, and on running in to examine it after the
+explosion I was so much impressed with this idea and so much convinced
+of the probability of the gateway having been blocked up during the day,
+that I was led to believe that it had actually been done, from seeing,
+in front of the gate that had been destroyed, the outline of an arch
+filled up with brick masonry. The true entrance turned to the right and
+would have been discovered by advancing a few paces, and that in perfect
+safety, for the interior was secure from all fire. Lieutenant Durand on
+first going up saw from through the chinks of the gate that there was a
+light and a guard immediately behind it, and from that circumstance was
+convinced that no interior obstacles of importance existed.
+
+My mistake therefore was luckily immediately corrected without any bad
+consequence resulting.
+
+A party of sappers with felling axes, and commanded by Lieutenant
+Wemyss, and two scaling ladders in charge of Lieutenant Pigan,
+accompanied the assaulting column.
+
+Of ten Engineer Officers engaged in this attack, only one, Lieutenant
+Marriot, was slightly wounded. Captain Thompson however had a very
+narrow escape, having been thrown down by a rush of some swordsmen into
+the gateway, and nearly sabred while upon the ground."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+An Affghan Heroine.--Capture of Hyder Khan the Commandant of
+Ghuznee.--Escape of Ghool Mahommed Khan.--Discovery of a Map on the
+person of an Affghan Chief.--Description of the Affghan Women.--The
+Ruling Passion.--Treasuretrove.--The Golden Shield.--Chase of the
+Enemy.--Just Retribution.
+
+
+The Cavalry taking no part in these operations I was an idle, but not
+the less an anxious spectator of the scene. I had never before witnessed
+effects so awfully grand, or so intensely exciting in their nature as
+those which immediately preceded and followed the explosion at the
+gates. The atmosphere was illuminated by sudden and powerful flashes of
+various coloured light which exposed the walls and bastions of the
+fortress to view, and revealed the dusky figures of the garrison, in the
+act of pointing their guns, or endeavouring to penetrate the denseness
+of the obscurity beneath, in order to assure themselves of the position
+of their assailants. Then followed the din and roar of artillery--the
+terrific explosion of the gates--the crash of woodwork and masonry--the
+hollow rumbling of the old towers as they came in huge masses to the
+ground--the rush of the storming party through the breach, and the
+deafening cheers and shouts of besiegers and besieged. It seemed as if
+all the elements of destruction had been let loose at once, and yet I
+panted to be in the midst of them. I hardly dared to breathe from the
+very intenseness of my anxiety, and it was not till I saw the British
+flag floating from the citadel, that I could respire freely. To the
+soldier there is nothing more trying or chafing than to be condemned to
+a state of inaction during the progress of such spirit-stirring events
+as these.
+
+While the Affghans were disputing our entrance into the citadel an
+incident occurred, which for a moment diverted the attention of the
+combatants and turned their fury into pity. Amongst the foremost of the
+party who signalised themselves by their desperate gallantry was an aged
+Chieftain, the richness of whose costume excited general attention, his
+turban and weapons being resplendent with jewels. The hope of plunder
+immediately marked him out as an object of attack, and numbers at once
+assailed him. He defended himself like a man who knew there was no
+chance of life, but who was resolved to sell it as dearly as he could.
+He had killed several of the Queen's Royals and severely wounded Captain
+Robinson, when a grenadier of the company to which the latter belonged,
+seeing his officer in danger, rushed to his assistance, and with a
+thrust of his bayonet brought the gallant old Chieftain to the ground.
+The grenadier was about to despatch him, when a beautiful girl, about
+seventeen, threw herself into the _mêlée_ and plunged a dagger in his
+breast. She then cast herself on the body of the Chieftain, for the
+purpose of protecting it, and the Affghans, forming a sort of rampart
+before them, maintained their ground until the heroic girl succeeded in
+getting it conveyed into the interior of the citadel. Shortly after the
+place was taken she was found weeping over the remains of the brave old
+man, who, on enquiry, we learned was her father. She was treated with
+the utmost respect and tenderness by our men, who neither obtruded
+themselves on her grief nor offered any interruption to the preparations
+which she made for his interment.
+
+Amongst the prisoners who fell into our hands was Hyder Khan, a son of
+Dost Mahommed, and late commandant of the fortress. This Chief was
+discovered hiding in a privy by a soldier of the Queen's Royals, who
+would have bayonetted him but for the timely interference of one of his
+officers, who chanced to be near the spot. The Affghan leader was
+immediately brought before Sir John Keane, and the Shah being present
+rated him soundly for his treachery. He replied only by a haughty look
+of defiance, and was consigned to a tent closely guarded by Sepoys. The
+sword found upon this Chief, and which is at present in the possession
+of Sir John Keane, was valued at 14,000 rupees.
+
+Of the many prisoners we had taken, the capture of none afforded such
+gratification as that of Ghool Mahommed Khan, to whose bad faith some of
+our past privations had been owing. This Chief had entered into a
+contract with Sir Alexander Burnes, to establish magazines of provisions
+and corn at Quettah, for the use of the British troops, and five
+thousand rupees were paid over to him for the purpose. He purchased up
+all the corn of the surrounding districts, but instead of fulfilling his
+agreement he forwarded it to Ghuznee for the use of the garrison, and
+was amongst the most conspicuous defenders of the fortress. On being
+brought before the Shah his Majesty ordered him to be bowstringed, but
+before the sentence could be carried into effect he managed to escape.
+His treachery failed in its object, for the greater portion of the flour
+and grain which he had supplied now fell into our hands. We also found
+from five to six hundred horses in the stables of the fortress, all of
+which were in excellent condition, and ranging in value from seventy to
+a hundred pounds each.
+
+I entered the fort shortly after it surrendered and at every step
+spectacles of the most shocking and revolting nature met the eye. Round
+a long twenty pounder, which was planted to the right of the entrance,
+lay heaps of dead Affghans, who appeared to have attached the greatest
+importance to the service of this piece from the numbers who crowded to
+perform the duty whenever our fire killed those engaged in it. The
+agonising cries and groans of the wounded wretches who lay stretched at
+every side, and who craved drink to sate their burning thirst, struck
+those who had not been engaged in the fearful excitement of the scene
+with horror and pity, whilst at every turning a horse, wild with the
+injuries he had received, was to be met galloping furiously along the
+narrow streets, and treading the bodies of the dying and dead under
+foot. Advancing through the bazaar, my attention was drawn towards a
+venerable looking Affghan, who was seated on the ground with his back
+propped against a wall, and whose richly ornamented muslin robes were
+stained with blood, which flowed profusely from a wound in his breast. A
+fine looking youth of about fourteen years of age was attempting to
+stanch it, and I hastened to proffer my assistance. The old man,
+however, pushed me back, and would not let me approach him, plainly
+indicating by his gestures that he held me and my countrymen in
+abhorrence. Whilst standing at a short distance from him, a straggling
+ball came whizzing past me, whether intentionally or accidentally I
+cannot say, and put an end to his sufferings. Some soldiers, who
+afterwards examined the person of this old chief, for such from his
+attire I took him to be, discovered amongst other things an extremely
+well executed map, on which the whole of the route of our troops from
+the point at which we had disembarked to our arrival at Ghuznee was
+plainly indicated.
+
+Some of the Affghan women were occasionally to be met turning over the
+bodies of the dead, in the hope of being able to discover their
+relations or friends, and giving way to their grief in the most
+heart-rending lamentations. They were the most superior class of women I
+had as yet seen amongst the Asiatics, their features being regular, and
+finely formed, and their eyes piercing, but at the same time soft in
+their expression. Although nothing like violence was used towards them,
+they did not escape some incivilities at the hands of our men, owing to
+the fact that a number of Affghan soldiers had attempted to escape in
+female disguise.
+
+Various were the adventures related amongst us, as having occurred on
+the first entrance of our troops into the fortress. A Scotchman,
+belonging to my own regiment, named James Hamilton, who was known to be
+an inveterate snuff-taker was discovered in a tobacconist's shop in the
+bazaar literally covered from head to foot with the contents of the
+_chatties_ or jars with which it was filled, and testing the qualities
+of each with an air of the most exquisite relish, his nose having been
+long a stranger to its favourite aliment. The ruling passion was
+exemplified in different ways in others. Some sought for drink, of which
+there was little to be obtained and others for gold, which we had every
+reason to believe was plentiful, if we knew but where to find it. A
+soldier of the 13th Light Infantry, more fortunate than his fellows, lit
+unexpectedly on a jar which was filled to the brim with gold pieces to
+the value it is said of £600 sterling, and conveyed it secretly to the
+camp. Becoming apprehensive that this large sum would be discovered on
+him, and that he would be obliged to give it up to the prize agent, he
+distributed it amongst several of his comrades in order that they might
+take care of it. The possession of so much wealth turning the heads of
+his trustees they thought they might allow themselves a few indulgences
+at his expence, but their excesses ultimately betrayed the secret and
+they were compelled to hand over the money to the common fund.
+
+As the soldiers severally left the fortress to return to the camp they
+were stripped of the plunder which they had obtained, and a goodly heap
+of armour and weapons of every kind was soon piled before the entrance.
+Amongst the number of curious articles obtained in this way was an old
+shield, which had belonged to one of the Affghan chiefs and which,
+though remarkable for the oddness of its construction, presented little
+else to attract the eye. Its material appeared to be a compound of
+copper and some white metal, and it was thrown aside by the prize agent
+amongst the most valueless of the objects which fell under his care. A
+soldier of the Bengal European regiment, who had been a jeweller by
+trade, happened to observe the circumstance, and carelessly taking up
+the shield, as if to examine the devices with which it was ornamented,
+scrutinized it for some time, and went away without making the slightest
+observation. He immediately repaired to the Captain of his company, and
+told him to bid for the shield at the prize sale which was to take place
+a few days afterwards, advising him not to stop at any reasonable price
+for it. The officer acted on the hint, and obtained the article for
+about thirty or forty rupees. The shield turned out to be of the purest
+and finest gold, and the fortunate possessor felt so grateful to his
+informant that he made him a present sufficient to purchase his
+discharge, and carry him home to England.
+
+Amongst the different ensigns captured from the enemy on this occasion
+were two banners of green and crimson silk, trimmed with gold lace and
+inscribed with precepts from the Koran. They were desperately defended,
+the Affghans appearing to attach great importance to their safety. They
+are, I believe, at present in the possession of her Majesty's 17th Light
+Infantry, and the Bengal European Regiment.
+
+Shortly after the breach had been effected intelligence was brought to
+the Commander-in-Chief, that numbers of the enemy were making their
+escape through one of the back gates. He immediately dispatched the 1st
+Bombay Light Cavalry in pursuit. The Affghans being daring horsemen,
+and better mounted than our men, made at once for the hills, where they
+knew our Cavalry could not follow. Aware of this our men put their
+horses to their utmost speed, in order to intercept them before they got
+entangled in the defiles. The chase soon assumed a character of lively
+interest. An Affghan, worse mounted, or less skilled in horsemanship
+than his fellows, was overtaken and cut down, and the pursuers pressed
+hard on the heels of another. The cheers of his enemies, and the clatter
+of their horses' hoofs sounding fearfully near in the ears of the
+pursued he put the noble animal on which he was mounted to its utmost
+speed, and cleared the space between him and his companions at a bound
+rather than a gallop. Again he was almost within reach of the sabres of
+our men, and again did the fleetness of his horse place him for a time
+in safety. As he was about to plunge into a deep ravine after the other
+fugitives a shot brought his horse upon its knees, and the rider was
+flung upon his head. All now seemed over with him. Starting, however, to
+his feet, he turned upon his pursuers, and single handed opposed a host
+of them. Warding off the blows which rained on him from every side, he
+kept rapidly retreating until he gained the brow of a steep declivity
+over which he flung himself and was instantly lost to view. Disappointed
+in their pursuit, our men took an unmanly revenge on some peasants who
+were peaceably engaged in agricultural occupations near the spot. One of
+these wanton acts of cruelty met with a just retribution. A havildar or
+serjeant, seeing a young Affghan following the plough at a little
+distance, galloped up, and made several cuts at him with his sabre. The
+young man ran to the other side of the plough, and placed the serjeant
+at bay. The latter drew a pistol from his holster, and was about to
+shoot him, when his horse stumbled over the plough and fell on his
+side, breaking the leg of the havildar and pinning him at the same time
+firmly to the ground. The Affghan seized the sword which had fallen from
+his grasp, and dealt him a blow on the head which instantly killed him.
+The comrades of the dead man riding up surrounded and captured the
+peasant, and he was brought into camp to abide the decision of the
+Commander-in-Chief. A representation having been made to Sir John Keane
+of the wanton and unprovoked attack which had been made upon the
+prisoner, he immediately ordered him to be liberated. The havildar was
+interred on the spot where he fell and there were few in the army who
+pitied or regretted him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Attempt to Assassinate the Shah.--Court Martial on an Affghan
+Chief.--Visit to the Hospital at Ghuznee.--Hatred of the Affghans
+towards the Native Troops.--Departure from Ghuznee.--Capture of a
+Battery and Fatal Accident.--Summary Punishment.--Arrival at
+Cabul.--Pursuit of Dost Mahommed and Treachery of a Native
+Chief.--Description of Cabul.--The Balar Hissar.--Mosque of the Emperor
+Baber.--The Bazaar.
+
+
+A few days after the taking of Ghuznee a tragical scene occurred, which
+pretty clearly indicated how the tide of popular feeling ran with regard
+to the restored monarch. There is a poetical superstition that
+approaching events are often foreshadowed, and the circumstance to
+which I allude seemed to impress every man's mind at the time with the
+result that has since happened.
+
+The majority of the prisoners who fell into our hands were released on
+condition of their serving in the Shah's army, but there remained about
+thirty who refused to accept of their liberty on such terms. They
+consisted for the most part of the immediate followers of Dost
+Mahommed's father-in-law, and were devotedly attached to that prince.
+The Shah, on learning the circumstance ordered them to be brought before
+him, and expostulated with them on the folly of their conduct. A Chief
+of haughty bearing stepped from amongst the prisoners, and after
+overwhelming his Majesty with reproaches, told him that nothing should
+induce him to enter the service of a man who had brought the horrors of
+foreign invasion on his country. Then suddenly snatching a dagger from
+one of the attendants, he rushed with uplifted arm towards the Shah, and
+would have pierced him to the heart had not one of his Majesty's
+servants interposed his person, and received the blow intended for his
+master. The faithful domestic fell dead at the feet of the Shah, and the
+officers and attendants instantly rushed towards the assassin with drawn
+swords; but he had already anticipated their intention by plunging the
+poniard in his breast. The Shah, alarmed and exasperated, ordered the
+whole of the prisoners to be immediately executed, and in a few minutes
+their heads were rolling in the dust. This terrible scene created great
+alarm in the camp, it being at first reported that his Majesty had been
+assassinated, but the apprehensions to which it gave rise were soon
+dispelled, by his publicly making his appearance amongst us.
+
+A Chief, named Walla Mahommed, who had persisted in firing on the troops
+several hours after the taking of the fort, and in spite of repeated
+summonses to surrender, was brought to a court martial by order of the
+Commander-in-Chief, and sentenced to be shot within the walls of the
+fortress. He had killed three or four of our men, and wounded one of the
+Native officers by his obstinate folly. He met his fate with the most
+perfect indifference, for the fear of death cannot be said to be one of
+the weaknesses of the Affghan character.
+
+I one day paid a visit, with some of my comrades, to the hospital where
+the wounded Affghans had been carried by their friends. It was situated
+in the old town, and consisted of a mud hut, whose thatched roof was
+broken in several places, and afforded little or no shelter against the
+heat of the sun. The interior was as filthy and disgusting as it is
+possible to conceive. Into a space of about thirty feet by twelve, were
+crowded from seventy to a hundred patients, who were disabled by wounds
+of every description, their sufferings being aggravated tenfold, by the
+intolerable heat and stench of the place. They were attended by two
+elderly men and a youth about fifteen years of age, who were busily
+engaged dressing their wounds, whilst a Faquir was performing certain
+charms, by which he pretended he could restore them to health. Pitiable
+and disgusting as the scene was I could not help laughing at the
+mummeries of the fellow. He first placed some cow dung in the hand of
+the sufferer, and holding it in his, saturated it with water and
+compelled the patient to smell it. He then wound up the ceremony by
+repeating some prayers over the fumes of a charcoal pan, the patient
+repeating after him certain responses which he directed him to make.
+This done, he covered him up with an old blanket, and ordered him to lay
+quiet for several hours, when the cure would be complete. Having of
+course received a consideration for all this trouble, he left his
+patients to the progress of the charm, and the discovery, when too late,
+that they had been grossly duped.
+
+Happening to have a quantity of apples with me which I had just plucked
+from one of the orchards in the vicinity, I offered them to the
+sufferers in the hope that they would in some degree refresh them. They
+accepted them with eagerness which induced some sepoys who were with me
+to follow my example. The Affghans indignantly refused to receive
+anything at their hands, and so great was their hatred of the native
+troops, that they actually spat upon the men who showed them this
+kindness.
+
+Early in August we resumed our march towards Cabul, leaving the whole of
+our sick and wounded in garrison at Ghuznee. It was reported that Dost
+Mahommed intended to dispute every inch of ground to the capital, but
+these valiant resolutions were abandoned as soon as formed. The only
+indication of a preconcerted plan of defence which we met with on the
+route, was a battery of sixteen field pieces which we found planted on
+an eminence commanding the entrance to a formidable pass about midway
+between Ghuznee and Cabul, but which had been deserted by the enemy as
+soon as our advanced columns made their appearance. A party of the Horse
+Artillery having been sent to secure the guns and ammunition, an
+accident took place which was attended with fatal consequences. One of
+the men having approached a tumbrel with a lighted pipe a spark fell
+into it and the whole blew up with a tremendous explosion, killing two
+of the party and severely injuring another.
+
+The conduct of the inhabitants of the different villages along this
+route, whether influenced by good will or fear, I cannot take upon
+myself to say, was friendly and well disposed towards us. This did not
+however prevent some excesses on the part of the native troops, which
+Sir John Keane sought to repress by issuing an order forbidding the men
+from robbing the villagers on pain of death. At Chesgow, about two days
+march from Ghuznee, a soldier belonging to the 2nd Bengal Light Cavalry
+was observed thieving in the immediate vicinity of the staff lines, and
+one of Sir John's aides de camps who watched his proceedings took a gun
+from his tent and deliberately lodged its contents in his side. The
+unfortunate man died of the wound, after lingering a few days. The
+extreme severity of the punishment and its informal nature, were
+bitterly canvassed amongst the native troops, but it nevertheless had
+the effect of preventing a repetition of the offence.
+
+Early on the morning of the 7th of August, we encamped without
+opposition under the walls of Cabul, Dost Mahommed and his forces having
+fled to the hills at the first news of our approach. The
+Commander-in-Chief being desirous of securing the person of the usurper,
+immediately despatched Captain Outram, and Hadji Khan, a chief supposed
+to be well affected towards Shah Soojah, with a thousand Affghans and a
+hundred native cavalry in pursuit. They had not proceeded far from the
+camp when it became evident to Captain Outram that treachery was
+secretly at work, the Affghans deserting daily, until their number was
+diminished to about five hundred. Hadji Khan, to whose guidance the
+force was entrusted, led it by long and circuitous routes, under
+pretence that they would thereby more easily intercept the fugitives,
+and turned a deaf ear to the Captain's entreaties that they should
+proceed directly across the hills. Wherever a rapid movement became
+necessary, the Affghan managed so that his followers should be delayed
+on the route, and there was no sort of impediment that craft or
+ingenuity could suggest that he did not employ to retard the progress of
+the troops. Captain Outram having no authority to act without the aid of
+the Khan was obliged to shut his eyes to these manoeuvres, and succeeded
+after the most urgent persuasion in inducing the Affghan Chief to
+proceed at once to the hills, with a small detachment.
+
+After traversing the highest parts of the Hindoo Kosh, a chain of
+mountains, fifteen thousand feet above the level of the sea, and
+extending as far as Bamean, Captain Outram found that Dost Mahommed had
+taken refuge in the territories of an independent Uzbeck Chieftain then
+at enmity with the Shah. Whilst crossing the heights several blue lights
+were thrown up by the orders of Hadji Khan, which the British had reason
+to believe were intended to give warning to the enemy. Further pursuit
+through a difficult and hostile territory became of course out of the
+question, and the horses being worn out from want of forage and rest,
+orders were given for the return of the party to Cabul. During the march
+homeward Hadji Khan contrived to give the British the slip, and made off
+to the hills, rightly calculating that his equivocal conduct would be
+severely punished by the Shah. He was, however, captured before the
+British left Cabul, and sentenced to imprisonment for life. It was said
+that the Commander-in-Chief was dissatisfied with the conduct of Captain
+Outram in this affair, and that he pointedly passed over his name in
+the official despatches to mark his displeasure.
+
+As several descriptions of Cabul have been published it will only be
+necessary for me to give such of its leading features as are essential
+to the completeness of my narrative. The city lies almost in the centre
+of a semicircular chain of hills, the valley in which it is situated
+being watered by a noble river which pursues a serpentine and
+picturesque route through it, and divides the town in nearly equal
+parts. The bazaar stands at the base of a lofty mountain, up whose
+rugged sides straggle rude and irregular fortifications of no great
+strength or importance. The town itself covers a considerable extent of
+ground, and the streets are in general regular and well built as
+compared with the other cities of Asia. Towering high above the other
+buildings may be observed the mosque and Balar Hissar or palace of the
+sovereign. The latter is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is entered
+by a large flagged court-way leading to the principal portal of the
+edifice. The proportions of the building are on a scale commensurate
+with royalty, the centre being surmounted by a lofty dome, and the wings
+of vast extent. The right wing contains the stabling of the Shah and
+chambers of the household, and the left is appropriated to the
+sovereign's own use. The general effect of this building is heavy, and
+it conveys the idea of a prison rather than a palace.
+
+About half a mile to the right of the palace stands the mosque which
+contains the remains of the Emperor Baber. This temple is one of the
+finest I have seen in this part of Asia, being of great architectural
+beauty and noble proportions. It is entirely composed of richly carved
+stone-work, and is crowned by a number of graceful spires and minarets.
+The interior is magnificently ornamented with gilding and sculpture, and
+the pavement is composed of rich Mosaics of various coloured marbles.
+The tomb containing the remains of the Emperor occupies the centre of
+the mosque, and is less elaborately ornamented than any other part of
+it, being composed of plain slabs of white marble on which some extracts
+from the Koran are inscribed.
+
+The bazaar is of circular form, the streets composing it radiating from
+an open space in its centre, and presenting a thronged and busy aspect.
+The principal articles of merchandize which attracted our notice were
+cashmere shawls of the richest and most expensive patterns, and costly
+silks of every description. A considerable trade is also carried on in
+preserved fruits, which find their way from here to the most distant
+parts of Hindostan. In the fruit market we observed grapes which
+measured nearly two inches in circumference; peaches, whose rich bloom
+and luscious quality gratified at once the eye and the palate; and
+strawberries, such as the hot houses of Europe, and all the inventions
+of horticultural science could not force into existence. As to apples
+and pears, fruits prized in the western hemisphere, they were in such
+abundance and of such low price, that they were only deemed worthy of
+furnishing food for cattle. Almost all the necessaries of life were in
+equal profusion, beef fetching only a penny, and mutton twopence the
+pound. It may be readily imagined that to the tired and half-starved
+soldier, Cabul appeared almost a second land of promise.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Triumphant Entry of Shah Soojah into Cabul.--The Cabul Races.--Death of
+Brigadier General Arnold.--Sale of the General's effects.--Arrival of
+Prince Timour.--The Sikhs.--Murder of Colonel Herring.--Arrival of money
+and supplies from the Upper Provinces.
+
+
+It having been announced that early on the morning of the 8th of August
+the Shah would take formal possession of the Balar Hissar, the troops
+were under arms and in review order at ten o'clock. The
+Commander-in-Chief, the Politicals, and the whole of the general
+officers and staff rode up, shortly after, to the tent of his Majesty,
+at which I happened that morning to be stationed as orderly, and were
+kept waiting some time. Sir William McNaghten and Sir Alexander Burnes
+were at length summoned to the Shah's presence, and having remained with
+him a few minutes, they came out and informed the Commander-in-Chief, it
+was his Majesty's pleasure that the ceremony should be postponed until
+three o'clock the same afternoon. The reason assigned for this
+alteration was understood to be an augury pronounced by his Majesty's
+priests or soothsayers, that the hour was unpropitious, an opinion in
+which the troops devoutly concurred, the prospect of broiling for
+several hours under a meridian sun not being extremely agreeable.
+
+At the appointed hour the troops were again under arms, and salvoes of
+artillery announced the Shah's departure from his tent. His Majesty was,
+as usual, borne on an elephant, the howdah of which was of silver, and
+the caparisons crimson and gold. On each side of him sat Sir William Mc
+Naghten and Sir Alexander Burnes, the former attired in the same court
+dress which he had worn at Candahar. His Majesty appeared in excellent
+health and spirits, and addressed much of his conversation to Sir
+Alexander Burnes, who seemed to be high in his favour. The Shah's
+costume was, as usual, magnificent, his turban being ornamented with a
+single diamond, whose value was estimated at £100,000. Immediately after
+came six elephants, containing the ministers and household of the Shah,
+and then followed the Commander-in-Chief, with the whole of the general
+officers and staff in brilliant uniforms, and decorated with their
+various orders. The next feature in the procession, and a ludicrous one
+it was, was the appearance of two burly-looking fellows, dressed in red
+and yellow, and wearing conical caps, out of which shot two large
+horns. We at first supposed they were his Highness's jesters, but
+instead of that they turned out to be his executioners, functionaries
+far more essential to the comfort of an Asiatic prince. The Shah's
+troops, consisting of two thousand infantry, brought up the rear, our
+own lining the route along which the procession passed. On approaching
+the city his Highness was received with loud acclamations by the
+populace, who gave expression to their satisfaction in barbarous music
+and salvoes of small fire arms. Many of the houses were decorated with
+flowers, and the windows were crowded with spectators. At the entrance,
+and in the courts of the palace, was stationed a body of about 250
+horsemen, whose steel armour and splendid horses gave them a martial and
+imposing appearance. They received us with stern and scowling looks,
+which plainly indicated that their hearts were not in the ceremony which
+they were compelled to sanction by their presence. On the Shah's
+entrance into the palace he held a durbar, at which all the British
+officers were presented to him, and his Majesty took the opportunity of
+expressing to them individually and collectively his thanks for the
+exertions which they had made to replace him on his throne.
+
+We had several reviews of the troops during our stay at Cabul, and on
+each occasion we were honoured by the Shah's presence. In order to give
+his Highness some notion of an English horse race, it was agreed that
+the officers should get up sweepstakes amongst themselves, which the
+Shah no sooner heard of, than he added a splendid gold hilted sword with
+Damascus blade. This increased the spirit of competition, and the Derby
+or Oaks was never looked forward to with more eager interest. The place
+selected for the course was a level plain immediately beyond our lines,
+and about a mile and a half from the city.
+
+From sixteen to twenty horses belonging to the officers of the different
+regiments were entered for the sword, and it was resolved that three
+heats should be run for it, the first six horses of the first heat being
+privileged to run the second, and the third heat being limited to the
+first and second horses of the second heat. It was agreed that the
+sweepstakes, which amounted to a considerable sum, should be divided
+into three parts, for the different breeds and ages of cattle so as to
+prolong the sport for three or four days.
+
+Six o'clock in the evening being the time fixed for the commencement of
+the races, the course became crowded, long before that hour, with
+anxious spectators, the natives not being amongst the least eager
+lookers on at this, to them, novel scene. The Shah took up his position
+near the winning post, attended by the Politicals, and the
+Commander-in-Chief, but his Majesty did not appear to take much
+interest in the sport, and he left the course before it was half over.
+
+The officers rode their own horses and turned out in gay striped jackets
+and jockey caps; so that but for the dark faces and turbaned heads which
+every where encountered the eye it would not have been difficult to
+imagine ourselves suddenly transported to Ascot or Epsom. The word
+having been given, away started the competitors in high blood and
+spirits; and as the rider belonging to some particular regiment passed
+the others in his career, the men composing it enthusiastically cheered
+and hurraed him, others taking up their shouts as their favourite passed
+him in turn, this military favouritism imparting to the contest a degree
+of wild excitement such as I have never witnessed on any similar
+occasion.
+
+The second heat was still more warmly contested, as, according to the
+regulations above mentioned only the two foremost horses could be
+entered for the third. Major Daly of the 4th Light Dragoons, and an
+officer of the 16th Lancers, whose name I now forget, obtained the
+precedence, after a hard struggle, the race being a neck and neck one
+the entire way.
+
+As the two successful officers belonged to different divisions, one to
+the Bengal and the other to the Bombay army, the partizanship which
+before had been only regimental now extended to the two armies, and
+"Bravo Bengal," "Bravo Bombay," burst at every moment from the eager
+multitudes assembled, as the riders alternately passed or repassed each
+other in the final heat.
+
+After a contest in which the competitors themselves almost appeared to
+feel the influence which pervaded the crowd, and to think that the honor
+of their respective divisions depended upon their success, Major Daly
+gained the race by about a neck, and was handed the sword amid the
+delighted cheers of the Bombay troops and the congratulations of his
+brother officers. The races continued two days longer, and afforded a
+pleasant recreation to the men after the fatiguing and harassing duties
+of the last few months.
+
+Brigadier General Arnold of the army of the Indus, having been long
+suffering under a liver complaint, breathed his last at Cabul shortly
+after our arrival there. This officer was distinguished for his
+qualities as a _bon vivant_, and having laid in a good store of
+necessaries for the campaign, was the only one almost who fared well
+amidst the general privations. He kept an excellent table along the
+route, and an invitation to it, was always regarded as amongst the lucky
+chances by which fortune signified her favour. Good living could not
+however protect the General against disease, and he fell ill at Candahar
+of a malady which is often said to be the result of it. He was carried
+from Candahar to Cabul in a palankeen, and took no part whatever in the
+events which occurred between those places. His remains were interred in
+the Armenian burial ground, outside the walls of the city, and his
+effects were publicly sold by auction a few days after. The General had
+left Bengal with about eighty camels laden with baggage and necessaries,
+of which about five and twenty remained at the time of the sale. His
+trunks were filled with quantities of plate, a goodly provision of snuff
+and cigars, and such an immense stock of linen that it occupied two days
+of the sale. His cooking apparatus was most elaborate and ingenious, and
+we could not help wondering at the uses to which the infinite varieties
+of small and curious articles of which it was composed were devoted. The
+prices at which these effects were sold will appear incredible to the
+European reader, but it must be remembered that it was the scarcity, in
+fact the almost total impossibility of getting them, that enhanced their
+value. The cigars sold at the rate of about two shillings and six pence
+each, the snuff at ten shillings an ounce, a few bottles of beer, a
+liquor of which no other officer in the army possessed a drop, at thirty
+shillings each, and some choice wines at from three to four pounds the
+bottle. The other things brought proportionate prices, the shirts
+fetching from thirty to forty shillings each. The amount realised at
+this sale must have been enormous.
+
+Prince Timour, the eldest son of Shah Soojah, arrived at Cabul early in
+September, escorted by the troops of Runjeet Singh. We expected to find
+the Sikhs an undisciplined horde of barbarians, but they turned out on
+the contrary to be nearly as well organized as ourselves, being
+disciplined by French officers, and marching with the same order and
+regularity as a European regiment. Each division was headed by an
+excellent military band and officered by the same number of grades as
+ourselves. The men were in general about the middle height, and not so
+muscular or well formed as the Affghans. They are made, however, of the
+right material for the soldier, being brave, orderly, and tractable, and
+though they may be considered in some respects inferior to the European
+troops, they are in my opinion, equal if not superior, to the Sepoys. A
+detachment consisting of the 4th Light Dragoons, the 16th Lancers, and
+her Majesty's Queen's Royals, under the command of Major-General Sir
+Thomas Wiltshire, was despatched to receive the Prince with fitting
+honors. He was met at a short distance from the town by the British
+escort, and conducted to the palace amid salvoes of Artillery. The
+Prince was a fine youth about one or two and twenty, with a frank
+expression of countenance and affable manners. The meeting between him
+and his royal father was said to be extremely affecting, and the Prince
+was unceasing in his expressions of gratitude to the British for
+bringing about this happy reunion.
+
+Large supplies of arrack, biscuits, and rice, together with money to pay
+the troops, having been promised from the Upper Provinces, their arrival
+was looked forward to with some anxiety in the camp, as we could not
+leave Cabul without them. Information was at length received that
+Colonel Herring was on his way through the Punjaub, and after a tedious
+and harassing journey, in which he had to encounter frequent opposition
+to his progress from the mountain tribes, he at length reached Hyder
+Khail within one day's march of Cabul. Riding out alone next morning,
+for the purpose of inspecting the country, the Colonel was set upon by a
+body of Affghans and barbarously murdered, his body being plundered of
+every article of value he had about him, and his horse carried off. His
+mutilated remains were found in the course of the day by some troopers,
+who had been sent out in search of him, and brought to Cabul along with
+the stores, which reached that place in safety the same night. He was
+interred with military honours in the Armenian burial-ground, on the
+following day. The deceased had been long in the service, and was a
+gallant and experienced officer. We heard that his murderers were
+captured shortly after we left Cabul, and put to a dreadful death, by
+order of the Shah.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Institution of the Order of the Doorannee Empire.--Murder of a Private
+of the 13th Light Infantry.--Departure from Cabul.--Return to
+Ghuznee.--Accident to the Revd. Mr. Pigot.--Discovery of the Skeletons
+of British Soldiers.--Horse-steaks.--Treachery of some Ghiljie Chiefs
+and destruction of their Fort.--Adventure of a Dragoon.--Loss of a Cook.
+
+
+In order to testify his gratitude towards the British, the Shah resolved
+to institute an order of merit, to be called the order of the Doorannee
+Empire, and to confer its respective grades upon three classes of
+officers, namely, Generals, Brigadier Generals, and Field Officers. A
+durbar having been summoned, at which the Ministers of State, the
+Politicals, and a number of British Officers were present, a chapter of
+the order was held, and his Majesty, as Sovereign, invested the
+Commander-in-Chief, several general and field officers, and the
+Politicals with the decoration, which consisted of a sort of Maltese
+cross with a jewel in the centre. His Majesty was also pleased to
+express his desire that every officer, non-commissioned officer, and
+private soldier in the army should receive a silver medal, commemorative
+of the campaign, and for this purpose placed a large sum of money at the
+disposal of Sir John Keane. The Queen's sanction has been obtained to
+the measure, but the medal has not as yet been issued.
+
+Leave had been given by the officers in command of the different
+regiments to men entering the town to carry their side arms, as a
+protection in case of chance collision with the inhabitants. The
+facility of obtaining intoxicating liquors rendered this a contingency
+of not unlikely occurrence, and our men soon got themselves into
+unpleasant and in some instances dangerous scrapes. On one occasion, a
+private of the 13th Light Infantry having been drinking rather freely,
+forced himself into the apartments of the wife of a respectable
+inhabitant. Proceeding to offer her some violence, her screams alarmed
+the neighbourhood, and the soldier was soon surrounded by a host of
+angry husbands and fathers, armed with every description of weapon. He
+defended himself with his bayonet for some time, contenting himself with
+merely parrying their blows, and had fought his way into the street,
+when he was met by several others of the townspeople, who set upon the
+unfortunate fellow and instantly despatched him. They secreted the body
+until night-fall, and then threw it outside the walls of the town, where
+it was discovered next morning.
+
+It having been determined that early in September part of the forces
+should set out on their return homeward, the choice fell upon her
+Majesty's 17th Foot, the 2nd or Queen's Royals, one Company of Foot
+Artillery, a detachment of the 4th Light Dragoons, the 1st regiment of
+Bombay Light Cavalry, and two troops of Bombay Horse Artillery, the
+whole under the command of Major General Sir Thomas Wiltshire. It would
+naturally be supposed that after so long an absence from quarters, we
+hailed this intimation with something like pleasure, but such was far
+from being the fact. We had rioted in profusion and luxury, and did not
+relish the idea of again encountering the privations of the long and
+dreary route which lay between us and India. Added to this we had seen
+but little of actual fighting, and the promotions had been consequently
+few.
+
+Promotion and prize money are the all engrossing subjects of a soldier's
+ambition, and this speedy return put an end at once to our long
+cherished hopes. We well knew that the restless and turbulent spirit of
+the Affghan Chiefs would not permit them to remain long in subjection to
+Shah Soojah, and that there would consequently be more work for the
+British troops. Regret and envy of our more fortunate comrades were
+therefore the predominant feelings which pervaded nearly the whole of
+the departing troops.
+
+We left Cabul on the 14th of September, and arrived at Ghuznee, the
+scene of our former exploits, after eight days' march, during which
+nothing worthy of mention occurred. It is astonishing how soon the
+traces of war disappear, and the living gaps caused by its ravages are
+filled up. The fortress appeared as perfect in its outline as if the
+hand of the destroyer had not recently passed over it, new gates having
+been substituted for those which had been damaged, and the breach
+immediately above them re-filled with masonry. The inhabitants of the
+bazaar had resumed their accustomed occupations, and scolded, and
+chaffered, and jested, and laughed, as if they had neither lost
+relatives nor friends, nor dabbled through mire freshly reeking with
+their blood. Familiarity, they say, breeds contempt and blunts the
+feelings, and the Asiatic, before whose eyes such scenes pass almost
+daily, thinks of them only as the immutable decrees of fate, which
+cannot be shunned, and ought not to be repined at.
+
+The sick and wounded, of whom we had left numbers at Ghuznee, had almost
+all died, and were interred in an open space selected for the purpose
+outside the walls of the fortress. The last resting-place of our brave
+fellows is situated at the foot of one of the adjacent mountains, but
+neither stone nor inscription indicates the spot.
+
+The Bengal regiment of Native Infantry, whom we found in garrison at
+Ghuznee on our return, and whom we left after us, appeared to be quite
+as well reconciled to their quarters as we were at Cabul, although the
+two places appeared to me vastly different in point of health and
+comfort. The majority of the inhabitants regarded the troops with a sort
+of sullen indifference, but the trading classes seemed civil enough. The
+quantities of fish and game with which the neighbourhood abounded,
+afforded the officers a ready means of dissipating their time, and we
+would have been well content to have remained here. Orders were however
+given that we should pursue our route, and we left Ghuznee on the 25th
+of September, after a stay of only two or three days.
+
+Instead of diverging to the right towards Candahar, we took the direct
+route to Quettah, over the Ghiljie hills. The weather had become
+intensely cold, and the rivers and streams were covered with ice,
+several inches in thickness. The Rev. Mr. Pigot, our chaplain, happened
+to be crossing one of them on a pony, when the ice gave way with his
+weight, and the worthy clergyman was immersed in the water. The stream
+was not, however, so deep as to occasion any alarm for his safety, and
+he was speedily rescued from his embarrasment, with no other
+inconvenience than being kept shivering several hours in his wet
+clothes, his baggage being at a considerable distance in advance. The
+rascally native who preceded us as guide grinned maliciously, and told
+him that if he had not forgotten to say his prayers setting out the
+accident would not have happened.
+
+On encamping, at the close of the first day's march, from Ghuznee, some
+soldiers belonging to the 17th Infantry and Queen's Royals, went out in
+search of water, and met with a draw well, which proved to be dry. One
+of them descended in order to examine it more closely, and an
+exclamation of horror escaped him as he reached the bottom. On his
+companions enquiring the occasion of it, they learned that he had fallen
+upon several skeletons, the identity of which with some soldiers we had
+lost on the route upwards was placed beyond doubt by fragments of
+military clothing and regimental buttons which lay scattered about.
+Singular to relate, a lark had built its nest in one of the skulls, and
+was found innocently reposing with its young in this curious receptacle.
+
+The annoyances to which we had been subjected during our route upwards,
+from the thieving system of warfare pursued by the Affghans, seemed now
+at an end. Our road lay through bleak and desolate hills, where only a
+solitary, and timid mountaineer was occasionally to be seen. Numerous
+rivers and streams traversed this wild country in every direction, and
+relieved us from all apprehensions on the score of water. Provisions
+were also plentiful, as the Commissariat had taken care to lay in
+sufficient supplies, and the only inconvenience which we might be said
+to have experienced was the severe cold of the nights. The barren nature
+of the country rendered fuel difficult of obtainment, and the
+consequence was that numbers of the troops were carried off by
+dysentery.
+
+The march from Ghuznee to Quettah occupied about five weeks, and we
+thought we should never reach the end of these long chains of hills.
+Always ascending and descending heights of no inconsiderable elevation,
+the horses became regularly knocked up with fatigue, and we were obliged
+to shoot numbers of them on the way.
+
+In a recess in one of these hills, I one day came upon a singular scene.
+About nine or ten of the natives were assembled around a dead horse and
+while part of them were cutting steaks from his haunches, the others
+were engaged cooking them. Revolting as such a sight is to European
+stomachs, I have seen the time when, on our march upwards, I could have
+partaken of these same horse steaks with infinite relish.
+
+A few days before our arrival at Quettah, we requited an atrocious act
+of treachery, which had been committed towards us by some Ghiljie
+chiefs, with the punishment it richly merited. About one hundred camel
+drivers, who had left us at Candahar, on our way to Cabul, for the
+purpose of returning homewards, took their route over the hills we were
+now crossing in order to shorten the journey. They were met by the
+Ghiljies with professions of friendship, and seduced into a mountain
+fort under the pretence of hospitality. They had no sooner entered its
+walls than their throats were all cut, and their bodies flung into deep
+wells for the purpose of concealing the massacre from the eyes of the
+British.
+
+Information of the fact having been received, Sir Thomas Wiltshire
+despatched a Squadron of her Majesty's 4th Light Dragoons, two companies
+of Native Infantry, and two pieces of artillery to raze the fortress to
+the ground. The cavalry started at two o'clock in the morning, and after
+a hard gallop of eighteen miles we arrived in front of the Ghiljie
+strong-hold. It was a small but strongly constructed fortress, situated
+on the brow of a steep declivity and defended by strong wooden gates.
+The entrance was commanded by an old iron carronade, and a number of
+loopholes for the discharge of musketry. Not a living soul was to be
+seen on the walls, and fearing some artifice, Major Daly, our commanding
+officer, resolved to suspend operations until the artillery came up. As
+soon as the latter made its appearance, and the guns were placed in a
+position to command the fort, Major Daly ordered part of the cavalry to
+dismount and proceed with loaded carbines to the gate, under cover of
+their fire. No opposition was, however, offered to us, the enemy having
+fled to the mountains, and the gates were forced open in a few minutes.
+
+The only inhabitants we found in the place were a few women and
+children, but we discovered quantities of the richest silks and carpets,
+beside arms and money (consisting principally of silver coins) the
+fortress being a sort of depot for the booty obtained by these highland
+marauders.
+
+One of the cavalry having entered a dwelling in search of plunder, was
+suddenly seized by two or three Ghiljies, who unexpectedly made their
+appearance through a sort of trap, with which almost every house in the
+fort was furnished. They placed a bandage over his eyes, and were in
+the act of passing a rope round his arms, when the timely approach of
+some of his comrades saved him from being carried off as a prisoner, the
+enemy disappearing through the trap the moment they heard the noise of
+their footsteps at the entrance. The troopers would have willingly
+pursued them, but the depth and darkness of the subterraneous passage
+convinced them it was something more than a mere cellar, and they knew
+that if they once got involved in its windings they would be completely
+at the mercy of the enemy. It is probable that these passages had
+outlets without the walls, and that it was through them the enemy made
+their escape at the first news of our approach, the suddenness and
+quickness of our movements preventing them from taking their valuables
+with them. There was also abundance of cattle and grain, of which we
+brought off large supplies to the camp. Orders having been given to the
+Artillery to blow up the fortress, the women and children were sent out
+of it, and at five o'clock the same day the walls were breached, so as
+to render them completely useless, and the houses fired in all
+directions. After remaining to see that the work of destruction was
+complete, we quitted the place at three o'clock in the morning, and
+arrived the same day at the encampment. The enemy were not entirely
+without their revenge, for, following on our footsteps, and watching us
+closely, they contrived to carry off the cook, and three camels laden
+with the cooking utensils of the squadron, a loss which was severely
+felt, and by some thought ill compensated by the booty we had obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Arrival at Quettah.--Storming of the Fortress of Khelat.--Suicide
+of a Trooper belonging to the Horse Artillery.--Departure from
+Quettah.--The Bholun Pass.--Dadur.--Bagh.--Breaking out of the
+Cholera.--Death of Doctor Forbes.--Shikarpoor.--Death of Captain
+Ogle.--Sukkur-Bukkur.--Death of Lieutenant Janvrin.--Wedding Ceremonies
+of the Natives.--Breaking up of the Bombay Column.--Departure of
+Brigadier Scott.--Boar Hunt.--Larkhana.--Sehwan.--Kurrachee.--Feast of
+the Mohurrum.--Embarkation and Arrival at Bombay.
+
+
+We reached Quettah on the 29th of October, and the army separated into
+two divisions there, one to proceed by the fortress of Khelat, to punish
+the Khan for the treacherous trick which he had played us on our way up,
+and the other to return homeward through the Bholun Pass. The force
+destined for military operations against Khelat consisted of her
+Majesty's 2nd or Queen's Royals, her Majesty's 17th regiment of Foot,
+the 35th Bengal Native Infantry, one company of Foot Artillery, one
+troop of Horse Artillery, with the Poona Irregular Horse, the whole
+under the command of Major-General Sir Thomas Wiltshire. As my
+detachment was not included in this expedition, owing to the fatigued
+condition of the horses, and the difficulty of procuring forage on the
+route, I can only describe the storming of Khelat from the reports of
+those who were present at it.
+
+The fortress of Khelat was very little inferior to Ghuznee in point of
+strength, being defended by strong breastworks and mounted with large
+cannon. The garrison consisted of from twelve to fourteen hundred men,
+and there was abundance of provisions and ammunition in the place. After
+reconnoitring its position Sir Thomas Wiltshire resolved on carrying it
+by storm, and the affair was a short but brilliant one. A battery was
+erected on one of the neighbouring heights, and a well directed fire
+soon brought the gates down. The stormers then rushed up the causeway
+under cover of our guns; but before they had reached the gateway, a
+heavy fire from the loopholes of the fortress killed from twenty to
+thirty of our troops, amongst whom was Lieutenant Gravatt, who was
+gallantly leading them on. A desperate hand to hand fight then ensued,
+the enemy resisting in dense masses, and disputing every inch of ground;
+but our men carried all before them, at the point of the bayonet, and
+drove the enemy into the interior of the fortress, where they were
+headed by the Khan himself. The old Chieftain fought with desperation
+and though frequently offered quarter, indignantly refused to accept it.
+He and the followers by whom he was surrounded were all bayonetted on
+the spot, and in about four hours the whole of the fortress was in the
+possession of our troops. In the immediate vicinity of the place where
+the Khan was killed, a shocking spectacle presented itself. His favorite
+women, about twelve or fourteen in number, lay heaped together in a pool
+of blood, their throats having been cut by order of the Khan, to prevent
+their falling into our hands. A large quantity of treasure, consisting
+of specie and jewels, was found in the citadel, and had the Cavalry been
+present more would have fallen into the hands of our troops, as the
+enemy were observed despatching it to the hills, on camels, through one
+of the back gates, during the heat of the assault. Amongst the various
+effects which were captured on this occasion were several boxes of arms
+and accoutrements, which had been plundered from us on our way to Cabul,
+and a telescope and some books, which had belonged to one of our
+officers. Cattle and grain were also found in great abundance, and
+proved of no small service to the division, on its route homeward,
+through the Gundava pass. The fortress was completely dismantled before
+the departure of the troops, and the Chiefs and other prisoners
+liberated on promising allegiance to the Shah.
+
+Amongst the residents whom we found at Quettah on our arrival was a
+Bombay Parsee, who had ventured up to that place with supplies,
+consisting of tea, sugar, hams, brandy, beer, wines, and other
+necessaries. To the soldier as well as the officer these articles were a
+welcome treat, and having plenty of money to purchase them we soon
+exhausted the stores of the enterprising trader who had reason to
+congratulate himself on the successful issue of his trip.
+
+The morning previous to our departure a suicide occurred under
+circumstances which gave rise to the suspicion that the wretched
+perpetrator of it intended to have preluded it by the crime of murder. A
+trooper belonging to the Horse Artillery was placed under arrest for
+some trifling neglect of duty, and as soon as he was liberated he took a
+loaded pistol and went directly to the tent of the adjutant of his corps
+who had fortunately quitted it a few minutes before. The disappointed
+trooper returned to his lines and immediately blew his own brains out.
+
+We left Quettah on the 1st of November, about nine o'clock at night,
+taking with us the sick who had been left behind on our way to Cabul,
+and who were now sufficiently restored to proceed homeward. In
+consequence of the scarcity of water on the route we were obliged to
+make a forced march of eight and twenty miles, and reached the entrance
+to the Bholun Pass at six o'clock the next morning. We entertained a
+lively recollection of the reception we had met with on our former
+passage through this defile, and now felt some misgivings that we should
+not be allowed to retrace our steps without a repetition of the favours
+which were then so liberally showered upon us. To our great
+gratification and contentment, however, the Belochees offered us no sort
+of obstruction, and could they have facilitated our progress through
+their country, would, I have little doubt, been well inclined to do so.
+We occasionally caught glimpses of them watching our movements at a
+respectful distance, but they never ventured within musket shot during
+the whole of our passage. We lost two or three men from sickness before
+we cleared the defile, and found it almost impossible to inter them from
+the stony nature of the strata with which the whole of this district is
+covered.
+
+Quitting the Bholun we proceeded to Dadur, and thence to Bagh, through a
+jungle abounding with every sort of game, but more particularly deer and
+wild boar. The troops made their way with considerable difficulty
+through the intricacies of this entangled route, the pioneers being in
+constant requisition to clear a passage for them.
+
+On the 24th of November we arrived at Bagh, a village situated at the
+Cabul side of the desert, elsewhere described. The place consists of a
+few miserable huts, surrounded by fields of joharra, and containing only
+one tank of stagnant water. Doctor Forbes, of the 1st Light Cavalry, an
+officer universally esteemed for his benevolence, hearing that the
+Natives were dying in numbers of the cholera, immediately hastened to
+the village to tender his services. He was seized by the epidemic and
+returned to his quarters in a dying state. The unfortunate gentleman
+expired in a few hours afterwards, and was interred the same day. Five
+or six of the European troops were attacked in like manner, and were
+immediately hurried to the hospital tents, where two of them died, but
+the others struggled successfully against the disease. Brigadier Scott,
+taking alarm at these unequivocal evidences of malaria, gave orders that
+we should proceed across the desert without a moment's delay, and we
+accordingly struck our tents at four o'clock the same day, carrying our
+sick along with us. On reaching the extremity of the desert we found the
+1st regiment of Bombay Grenadiers, with a large convoy of provisions and
+stores for the use of the army. These supplies should have reached us at
+the other side of the Bholun, but the escort had been attacked by the
+cholera on the route, and were obliged to remain stationary until the
+disease had abated. We found them nearly all convalescent and about to
+continue their route. We took from them a stock of provisions, and
+pursued our march.
+
+We arrived at Shikarpoor with a great number of sick who had fallen ill
+of the epidemic on the way, and it was resolved that we should remain
+here a few days. Shikarpoor is a large well built town, and contains
+two fine mosques, several roofed bazaars, and two or three large
+manufactories. The British Resident has a fine house here, the gardens
+of which are tastefully laid out in the European style. Notwithstanding
+the clean looking appearance of the town it is far from being healthy,
+and from ten to twelve of our troops were daily carried off by the
+cholera during our stay. Amongst the number was Captain Ogle of the 4th
+Light Dragoons, who fell a victim to his humanity in visiting the sick
+of his troop. This lamented gentleman was only in his thirtieth year,
+and was a great favourite with his corps. He was unfortunately a married
+man, and had been looking forward with feelings of eager anticipation to
+his reunion with his family. Being of a buoyant and joyous temperament,
+his loss was felt severely in the circle of his brother officers; his
+ready jest and imperturbable good humour rendering him the life and
+soul of the mess table. Captain Ogle looked upon the private soldier as
+something more than a mere automaton placed at his disposal, and whilst
+he had always a due regard for the discipline of the service, he
+exercised the power entrusted to him with humanity and judgment, the act
+in which he lost his life being but the last of a countless series of
+generous and disinterested offices which he was in the habit of
+performing for those under his command. Few men have left behind them a
+memory so associated with every thing that is valuable and estimable in
+social and military life.
+
+Leaving Shikarpoor, on the 27th of November, we arrived on the following
+day at Sukkur Bukkur, a town situated on the banks of the Indus, and
+having its citadel on a rock in the centre of the river. The cholera
+rapidly disappeared here; but we sustained another loss in the person of
+Lieutenant Janvrin, the acting Quarter-Master of our detachment, who
+was carried off by the small-pox. On the opposite bank of the river lies
+Roree, a village remarkable only for its manufactures, which consist
+principally of silks. Several of us having obtained leave to visit the
+place, we were strolling through the bazaar, when we observed
+preparations for a wedding in progress. Taking up a position which
+enabled us to see what was passing, without obtruding on the parties
+concerned, we waited patiently until the ceremonies commenced. At the
+expiration of about a quarter of an hour the bridegroom made his
+appearance in front of the house which contained his betrothed, and both
+in person and attire he was all that a native belle could have desired.
+He was a fine, muscular looking fellow of about seven or eight and
+twenty, with handsome features and bold and jaunty air. He was dressed
+in a loose robe, of spotless white, and without any ornaments or
+weapons whatsoever. Proceeding directly to the door of the house which
+contained his Dulcinea he knocked at it three times with the knuckles of
+his right hand and once with his left. He then threw himself prostrate
+on a mat which had been made for the purpose, by the lady's own hands,
+and there waited her coming forth. The door presently opened, and a
+number of musicians immediately struck up a wild and discordant air. A
+timid and pretty looking maiden, about fourteen years of age, showily
+dressed in different coloured silks, and ornamented with a nose ring and
+bangles of pure gold, at length stepped forth, followed by her relatives
+and friends, who formed themselves into a circle around her. The
+bridegroom starting to his feet made a formal claim to the hand of his
+affianced and presented her with a garland of flowers, which she
+gracefully threw across her shoulders, in token that she accepted him,
+and then suffered him to embrace her. Lifting her in his arms he placed
+her on the back of a donkey, and they went in procession to pay visits
+of ceremony through the town, the bride distributing sweetmeats to the
+crowd, as she passed along. The bridegroom showered his favours about in
+the form of some red powder, which he flung in the faces of all near
+him, and especially in those of the Europeans, of whom there were a good
+many present. He half blinded some of us, and conferred as dark a hue as
+his own upon others--freaks that appeared to give infinite delight and
+amusement to the natives, but which were not taken in quite as good part
+by some testy fellows amongst us. Having arrived at the house of the
+bridegroom's father, the old gentleman graciously descended, and taking
+the bride in his arms, bore her into his dwelling. The bridegroom
+remained a few minutes after them, and flinging some cowries to the
+musicians and crowd, he made a salaam and darted in after his
+_inamorata_.
+
+We remained at Sukkur about six weeks, in consequence of an order
+forwarded after us by Sir William Mc Naghten, under the apprehension
+that our services would be again wanted at Cabul. The Indus being
+navigable up to the town, we had plentiful supplies of provisions and
+other necessaries at moderate prices, and felt tolerably satisfied with
+our quarters. As to the probability of our having to return to Cabul,
+the Cavalry felt at ease regarding the rumours which prevailed, for they
+well knew that the condition of their horses put such a thing completely
+out of the question. An order at length arrived that the various
+brigades of the Bombay column should be broken up, and that the troops
+composing them should return to their respective quarters. Brigadier
+General Scott, and his aides de camp, accordingly left us by one of the
+first boats which sailed down the Indus for Bombay, and we remained
+under the command of the officers of our respective regiments.
+
+We passed our time hunting in the jungles, in the vicinity of the camp,
+or in fishing in the river, both of which proved prolific sources of
+amusement. I went out several times to chase the wild boar, and on one
+of these occasions the sport nearly proved fatal to me. Proceeding with
+two of my comrades, and a native for guide, through a dense and almost
+impenetrable part of the jungle, we suddenly roused a huge boar, which
+turned fiercely upon us, and made directly at the nearest of its
+pursuers, which, as chance would have it, happened to be me. He had me
+down on the earth in a twinkling, and would have made short work of me
+had not a well-directed shot from one of my companions struck him right
+between the eyes, and tumbled him lifeless on the ground. The man to
+whom I owed my safety exhibited admirable coolness, and
+self-possession, for the slightest deviation in his aim would have sent
+the bullet through me instead of the object for which it was intended.
+It was with the greatest difficulty we contrived to drag our prize into
+camp, for he weighed no less than from twenty-five to thirty stone, and
+supplied the troop with pork chops until we were tired of them.
+
+The importance of Sukkur as a military position cannot be exaggerated.
+It forms the key to Scinde, and the Indus being navigable up to the
+fortress, its supplies do not depend on season or circumstance. These
+advantages have not been overlooked, for it has since been retained in
+the possession of our troops, and will always serve as a _point d'appui_
+in any future operations we may undertake at that side of the Indus.
+
+After passing nearly six weeks at Sukkur, we took the route to Larkhana
+along the right bank of the Indus. The road lay, as before, through a
+jungle, and the occasional glimpses which we caught of the river through
+the clearances gave a picturesque effect to the scenery. We arrived at
+Larkhana on the 19th of January, and remained there only one day.
+Proceeding thence to Sehwan we reached the latter place in about four
+days, and found a gun boat belonging to the Hon. Company lying at
+moorings in the river. We left Sehwan on the following day, and taking a
+farewell of the River Indus we proceeded towards the coast through a
+wild and deserted district, in which we found neither villages nor
+inhabitants.
+
+Within one day's march of Kurrachee we found a number of tombs richly
+sculptured and covered with inscriptions from the Koran, which were said
+to contain the remains of some of the native princes. There being
+abundance of excellent water here, and Kurrachee having the reputation
+of not being extremely healthy, it was determined that we should
+remained encamped here until the Khelat division formed a junction with
+us. It was not till the end of February, however, that the Khelat forces
+made their appearance, having kept us waiting about five weeks, and on
+the day after their arrival we marched into Kurrachee where we found her
+Majesty's 40th regiment.
+
+Kurrachee is situated on the Coast of Belochistan, and its natural
+advantages entitle it to the rank of a first rate sea-port town. It
+possesses a fine harbour, in which a seventy-four gun ship may ride in
+safety, and which is protected by the batteries of the town, and the
+guns of a fortress occupying an island about midway between the mainland
+and the promontory which forms the harbour. On our arrival at Scinde,
+instructions had been forwarded to Commodore Pepper, by the
+Commander-in-Chief, to invest the place, and we accordingly found it in
+possession of our troops on our return.
+
+The town is large but irregularly built, and is surrounded by walls and
+bastions, on which we saw some pieces of cannon, but they were of small
+calibre, and of the worst possible construction. To the north of the
+town we observed a superb banyan tree, which extended its foliage to
+such a distance, that it formed a pavilion capable of containing a small
+stone mosque for the accommodation of a number of Faquirs or priests. Of
+the many curious specimens of this class that I have met with in Asia, I
+have seen none so utterly degraded and isolated from every thing like
+humanity. Their bodies were thickly coated over with ashes and red
+paint, and their hair clotted with filthy moisture. They were surrounded
+by every sort of abomination, and howled and whined like a set of wild
+beasts. That they had not reduced themselves to this savage state
+merely from fanaticism we had abundant opportunities of discovering, for
+we saw the inhabitants of Kurrachee daily pouring into the temple with
+rich presents and offerings, and propitiating their good will by
+sacrifices of their most precious and valuable effects. To the left of
+the Mosque lies a tank, or reservoir, about fifty feet long by thirty
+broad, in which we saw a number of live alligators, which are carefully
+fed by the priests, and held in the greatest possible veneration and awe
+by the deluded votaries who repair there.
+
+The feast of the Mohurrum had commenced a few hours before our arrival,
+but we were in time to witness the greater part of it. A short
+description of these singular rites may not be uninteresting to the
+reader. A hole being dug in the ground to the depth of about six or
+eight feet, fire is placed in it, and the devotees dance round it, with
+the most extravagant exclamations and gestures, some dashing square
+pieces of iron or brass together, to add to the effect. According as one
+set of dancers becomes fatigued they are replaced by another, and thus
+the ceremonies are kept up without intermission from sunset to daybreak.
+When the moon is at its full they march in procession to the water's
+side, preceded by their Taboots, a sort of fantastical temple,
+constructed of bamboo and gilt paper. I have seen one of these temples,
+at Poona, of such large dimensions that it required an elephant to draw
+it, and cost no less a sum than a thousand rupees. On reaching the
+water's side the taboots are thrown in and allowed to float away with
+the tide. This concludes the ceremonies and the wearied performers are
+glad to return to their homes.
+
+On returning towards the lines, from the Mohurrum, we saw a miserable
+looking wretch squatted at the side of the road, who appeared to be in
+deep affliction, for he was weeping bitterly and lamenting his hard
+fate. I addressed him and inquired into the cause of his grief. He told
+me that he had been induced to become a convert to Christianity by one
+of the missionaries, and had been thrust out of the pale of social
+intercourse from the moment the fact became known. He deplored his
+having yielded to the arguments of the missionary, since they had
+debarred him from participating in the religious ceremony which had just
+terminated, its pomp and circumstance having evidently made a deeper
+impression on his imagination than his conviction. We gave him some
+relief and passed on, when our attention was again directed to him by
+one of our companions, who had lingered behind. Several of the natives
+had surrounded the poor convert, and were spitting upon him, and loading
+him with the vilest reproaches. We returned to the spot and compelled
+them to leave him in peace.
+
+Amongst the British whom we found on our arrival at Kurrachee was Mr.
+Masson, the author of an interesting work on Affghanistan, which has
+been lately published. This gentleman had been originally a private
+soldier in the Honourable Company's service, and had risen through
+various grades to the profitable civil employ which he at present holds.
+He rendered some important services to the company, for which they
+awarded him a pension of £100 a-year, and much to his credit he settled
+the whole of it on his aged mother.
+
+After remaining at Kurrachee about ten days, the order was at length
+issued for the embarkation of the Cavalry, which was now limited to my
+own detachment. Upwards of thirty _pattemars_ were hired for the voyage,
+and from twelve to fourteen men, and an equal number of horses, were
+stowed in each. We had a quick and favourable passage, and arrived at
+Bombay on the 10th of March, after an absence of nearly eighteen months.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+
+FROM THE DELHI GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY, OCTOBER 1, 1842.
+
+"The Right Hon. the Govenor-General of India having with the concurrence
+of the Supreme Council, directed the assemblage of a British force for
+service across the Indus, his Lordship deems it proper to publish the
+following exposition of reasons which have led to this important
+measure.
+
+"It is a matter of notoriety that the treaties entered into by the
+British Government in the year 1832 with the Ameers of Scinde, the
+Nawab of Bahawulpore, and Maharaja Runjeet Singh, had for their object,
+by opening the navigation of the Indus, to facilitate the extension of
+commerce, and to gain for the British nation in Central Asia that
+legitimate influence which an interchange of benefits would naturally
+produce.
+
+"With a view to invite the aid of the _de facto_ rulers of Afghanistan
+to the measures necessary for giving full effect to those treaties,
+Captain Burnes was deputed, towards the close of the year 1836, on a
+mission to Dost Mahomed Khan, chief of Cabul: the original objects of
+that officer's mission were purely of a commercial nature.
+
+"Whilst Captain Burnes, however, was on his journey to Cabul,
+information was received by the Governor-General that the troops of Dost
+Mahomed Khan had made a sudden and unprovoked attack on those of our
+ancient ally, Maharaja Runjeet Singh. It was naturally to be
+apprehended that his Highness the Maharaja would not be slow to avenge
+this aggression, and it was to be feared that the flames of war being
+once kindled in the very regions into which we were endeavouring to
+extend our commerce, the peaceful and beneficial purposes of the British
+Government would be altogether frustrated. In order to avert a result so
+calamitous, the Governor-General resolved on authorising Captain Burnes
+to intimate to Dost Mahomed Khan, that if he should evince a disposition
+to come to just and reasonable terms with the Maharaja, his Lordship
+would exert his good offices with his Highness for the restoration of an
+amicable understanding between the two Powers. The Maharaja, with the
+characteristic confidence which he has uniformly placed in the faith and
+friendship of the British nation, at once assented to the proposition of
+the Governor-General, to the effect that in the mean time hostilities
+on his part should be suspended.
+
+"It subsequently came to the knowledge of the Govenor-General that a
+Persian army was besieging Herat; that intrigues were actively
+prosecuted throughout Affghanistan, for the purpose of extending Persian
+influence and authority to the banks of, and even beyond, the Indus; and
+that the Court of Persia had not only commenced a course of injury and
+insult to the officers of Her Majesty's mission in the Persian
+territory, but had afforded evidence of being engaged in designs wholly
+at variance with the principles and objects of its alliance with Great
+Britain.
+
+"After much time spent by Captain Burnes in fruitless negotiation at
+Cabul, it appeared that Dost Mahomed Khan, chiefly in consequence of his
+reliance upon Persian encouragement and assistance, persisted, as
+respected his misunderstanding with the Sikhs, in urging the most
+unreasonable pretensions, such as the Governor-General could not,
+consistently with justice and his regard for the friendship of Maharajah
+Runjeet Singh, be the channel of submitting to the consideration of his
+Highness; that he avowed schemes of aggrandizement and ambition
+injurious to the security and peace of the frontiers of India; and that
+he openly threatened, in furtherance of these schemes, to call in every
+foreign aid which he could command. Ultimately, he gave his undisguised
+support to the Persian designs in Affghanistan, of the unfriendly and
+injurious character of which, as concerned the British power in India,
+he was well apprised; and by his utter disregard of the views and
+interests of the British Government compelled Captain Burnes to leave
+Cabul without having effected any of the objects of his mission.
+
+"It was now evident that no further interference could be exercised by
+the British Government to bring about a good understanding between the
+Sikh ruler and Dost Mahomed Khan; and the hostile policy of the latter
+chief showed too plainly that so long as Cabul remained under his
+government we could never hope that the tranquillity of our
+neighbourhood would be secured, or that the interests of our Indian
+empire would be preserved inviolate.
+
+"The Governor-General deems it in this place necessary to revert to the
+siege of Herat and the conduct of the Persian nation. The siege of that
+city had now been carried on by the Persian army for many months. The
+attack upon it was a most unjustifiable and cruel aggression,
+perpetrated and continued notwithstanding the solemn and repeated
+remonstrances of the British Envoy at the Court of Persia, and after
+every just and becoming offer of accommodation had been made and
+rejected. The besieged have behaved with gallantry and fortitude worthy
+of the justice of their cause, and the Govenor-General would yet
+indulge the hope that their heroism may enable them to maintain a
+successful defence until succours shall reach them from British India.
+In the mean time the ulterior designs of Persia, affecting the interests
+of the British Government, have been by a succession of events, more and
+more openly manifested. The Governor-General has recently ascertained,
+by an official despatch from Mr. M'Neil, Her Majesty's Envoy, that his
+Excellency has been compelled, by the refusal of his just demands, and
+by a systematic course of disrespect adopted towards him by the Persian
+Government, to quit the court of the Schah, and to make a public
+declaration of the cessation of all intercourse between the two
+Governments. The necessity under which Great Britain is placed of
+regarding the present advance of the Persian arms into Affghanistan as
+an act of hostility towards herself, has also been officially
+communicated to the Schah, under the express order of Her Majesty's
+Government.
+
+"The chiefs of Candahar (brothers of Dost Mahomed Khan, of Cabul) have
+avowed their adherence to the Persian policy, with the same full
+knowledge of its opposition to the rights and interests of the British
+nation in India, and to have been openly assisting in the operations
+against Herat.
+
+"In the crisis of affairs consequent upon the retirement of our Envoy
+from Cabul, the Governor-General felt the importance of taking immediate
+measures for arresting the rapid progress of foreign intrigue and
+aggression towards our own territories.
+
+"His attention was naturally drawn, at this conjuncture, to the position
+and claims of Schah Sooja-ool-Moolk, a monarch who, when in power, had
+cordially acceded to the measures of united resistance to external
+enmity which were, at that time judged necessary by the British
+Government, and who, on his empire being usurped by its present rulers,
+had found an honourable asylum in the British dominions.
+
+"It had clearly been ascertained, from the information furnished by the
+various officers who have visited Afghanistan, that the Barukzye chiefs,
+from their disunion and unpopularity, were ill-fitted, under any
+circumstances, to be useful allies to the British Government, and to aid
+us in our just and necessary measures of national defence. Yet so long
+as they refrained from proceedings injurious to our interests and
+security, the British Government acknowledged and respected their
+authority. But a different policy appeared to be now more than justified
+by the conduct of those chiefs, and to be indispensable to our own
+safety. The welfare of our possessions in the East requires that we
+should have on our western frontier an ally who is interested in
+resisting aggression and establishing tranquillity, in the place of
+chiefs ranging themselves in subservience to a hostile Power, and
+seeking to promote schemes of conquest and aggrandisement.
+
+"After a serious and mature deliberation, the Governor-General was
+satisfied that pressing necessity, as well as every consideration of
+policy and justice, warranted us in espousing the cause of Schah
+Sooja-ool-Moolk, whose popularity throughout Affghanistan had been
+proved to his Lordship by the strong and unanimous testimony of the best
+authorities. Having arrived at this determination, The Governor-General
+was further of opinion that it was just and proper, no less from the
+position of Maharaja Runjeet Singh, than from his undeviating friendship
+towards the British Government, that his Highness should have the offer
+of becoming a party to the contemplated operations. Mr. Macnaghten was
+accordingly deputed in June last to the Court of his Highness, and the
+result of his mission has been the conclusion of a tripartite treaty by
+the British Government, the Maharaja, and Schah Sooja-ool-Moolk, whereby
+his Highness is guaranteed in his present possessions, and has bound
+himself to co-operate for the restoration of the Schah to the throne of
+his ancestors. The friends and enemies of any one of the contracting
+parties have been declared to be the friends and enemies of all. Various
+points have been adjusted which had been the subject of discussion
+between the British Government and his Highness the Maharaja, the
+identity of whose interests with those of the hon. Company has now been
+made apparent to all the surrounding States. A guaranteed independence
+will, upon favourable conditions, be tendered to the Ameers of Scinde;
+and the integrity of Herat, in the possession of its present ruler, will
+be fully respected; whilst, by the measures completed or in progress it
+may reasonably be hoped that the general freedom and security of
+commerce will be promoted; that the name and just influence of the
+British Government will gain their proper footing among the nations of
+central Asia; that tranquillity will be established upon the most
+important frontier in India, and that a lasting barrier will be raised
+against hostile intrigue and encroachment.
+
+"His Majesty Schah Sooja-ool-Moolk will enter Affghanistan surrounded by
+his own troops, and will be supported against foreign interference and
+factious opposition by a British army. The Governor-General confidently
+hopes that the Schah will be speedily replaced on his throne by his own
+subjects and adherents; and when once he shall be secured in power, and
+the independence and integrity of Affghanistan established, the British
+army will be withdrawn.
+
+"The Governor-General has been led to these measures by the duty which
+is imposed upon him of providing for the security of the British Crown;
+but he rejoices that in the discharge of his duty he will be enabled to
+assist in restoring the union and prosperity of the Affghan people.
+Throughout the approaching operations British influence will be
+sedulously employed to further every measure of general benefit, to
+reconcile differences, to secure oblivion of injuries, and to put an end
+to the distractions by which, for so many years, the welfare and
+happiness of the Affghans have been impaired.
+
+"Even to the chiefs whose hostile proceedings have given just cause of
+offence to the British Government, it will seek to secure liberal and
+honourable treatment, on their tendering early submission, and ceasing
+from opposition to that course of measures which may be judged the most
+suitable for the general advantage of their country.
+
+"By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India,
+
+    "W. H. MACNAGHTEN,
+
+    "Secretary to the Government of India,
+    "with the Governor-General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+"NOTIFICATION
+
+"With reference to the preceding declaration, the following appointments
+are made;--
+
+"Mr. W. H. Macnaghten, secretary to Government, will assume the
+functions of Envoy and Minister, on the part of the Government of India,
+at the Court of Schah Sooja-ool-Moolk; Mr. Macnaghten will be assisted
+by the following officers:--
+
+"Captain Alexander Burnes, of the Bombay establishment, who will be
+employed under Mr. Macnaghten's direction, as Envoy to the chief of
+Khelat, or other states.
+
+"Lieutenant E. D'Arcy Todd, of the Bengal Artillery, to be political
+assistant and military secretary to the Envoy and Minister.
+
+"Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger, of the Bombay Artillery; Lieutenant R.
+Leech, of the Bombay Engineers; Mr. P. B. Lord, of the Bombay Medical
+Establishment, to be political assistants to ditto ditto.
+
+"Lieutenant E. R. Conolly, of the 6th Regiment Bengal Cavalry, to
+command the escort of the Envoy and Minister, and to be military
+assistant to ditto ditto.
+
+"Mr. G. J. Berwick, of the Bengal Medical Establishment, to be surgeon
+to ditto ditto.
+
+    "W. H. MACNAGHTEN,
+
+    "Secretary to the Governor of India,
+    with the Governor-General."
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+The following modifications have been made to the text.
+
+Contents, CHAPTER III: 'Candahah' replaced with Candahar.
+
+Contents, CHAPTER IV: 'Khelet' replaced with Khelat.
+
+Contents, CHAPTER VIII: Comma after 'Commandant of Ghuznee' replaced
+with a period.
+
+Contents, CHAPTER XII: 'Cott' replaced with Scott.
+
+Page 1: Missing emdashes added to the chapter description.
+
+Page 3: 'Soojah-Ool-Moolk' replaced with Sooja-ool-Moolk.
+
+Page 25: Period removed from between 'Lieutenant' and 'Nixon'.
+
+Page 36: 'Schwan' replaced with Sehwan.
+
+Page 37: 'und' replaced with and.
+
+Page 52: 'Candahah' replaced with Candahar.
+
+Page 58: 'couutrymen' replaced with countrymen.
+
+Page 104: 'Khelat-i-Giljie' replaced with Khelat-i-Ghiljie.
+
+Page 104: 'precints' replaced with precincts.
+
+Page 110: 'and and' replaced with and.
+
+Page 128: 'immedialely' replaced with immediately.
+
+Page 130: Comma after 'Commandant of Ghuznee' replaced with period.
+
+Page 133: 'mélée' replaced with mêlée.
+
+Page 141: Missing hyphen added in Commander-in-Chief.
+
+Page 142: 'then' replaced with than.
+
+Page 146: 'circumstanee' replaced with circumstance.
+
+Page 148: Missing hyphen added in Commander-in-Chief.
+
+Page 149: 'pretented' replaced with pretended.
+
+Page 184: 'strong hold' replaced with strong-hold.
+
+Page 185: Comma inserted after 'however'.
+
+Page 188: 'Ccott' replaced with Scott.
+
+Page 195: 'epedemic replaced with epidemic.
+
+Page 215: 'EXTRAORINARY' replaced with EXTRAORDINARY.
+
+Page 216: 'Nawah' replaced with Nawab.
+
+Page 219: 'inteference' replaced with interference.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCENES AND ADVENTURES IN
+AFFGHANISTAN***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 33496-8.txt or 33496-8.zip *******
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