we had to bring it in.

The enemy are in possession of several forts near us. The 44th and part
of every corps were out under Shelton, but considerable delay took
place, and it was only on the Envoy assuring the General that he would
take the responsibility of the act on himself that the troops were sent
out.

They attacked the Rikabashees' fort. By some blunder, Bellew did not go
at the gate, but blew in the wicket. Lieut. Bird, of the Shah's 6th, and
a few others, got in, when the enemy's cavalry charged, and the 44th
turned--"sauve qui peut." Here Shelton proved a trump. Cool and brave,
he with much difficulty succeeded in rallying the men, to save those
inside, and when they did return they fought like lions. It was a very
fearful affair as witnessed by nearly all in cantonments; and the men,
both Europeans and natives, in the second attack behaved with undaunted
courage. Capt. Westmacott, 37th, had been skirmishing in front, and
commanded the advance No. 2. and 3. companies of the 37th. On the
retreat of the troops, Lieut. Hawtrey (37th), Capt. MacCrea (44th),
Lieut. Cadett (44th), Lieut. Bird (6th), Lieut.-Col. Mackrell (44th),
and two or three soldiers (44th), and a havildar and four or five of the
37th, were left in the fort, having rushed in at the kirkee (wicket).
Lieuts. Hawtrey and Cadett returned to endeavour to get more of the men
up. Bird's account of the affair is, that when they got in they
experienced a most decided opposition, but the enemy rushing out at the
opposite gate, they took advantage of it, when abandoned by their
comrades, to close the entrance, securing the chain with a bayonet. The
enemy, seeing the success of their own charge outside, rallied, and,
cutting a hole in the door with their long knives, they got out the
bayonet, and opened the gate again. Bird and one Sipahee, 37th, and one
or two others, retreated to a room in which there were two horses, and
through a small opening kept up a sharp fire, luckily killing the few
who saw them enter, and afterwards picking off all who passed in their
way. Above thirty were thus killed, fifteen of whom fell to Bird's
share, and six to that of the Sipahee of the 37th, for which the Sipahee
was afterwards promoted, by Bird's especial request to Major Griffith.
Col. Mackrell went to the door, to look if relief was coming,
disregarding Bird's advice to remain with him coolly and steadily till
they got reinforcements. The Colonel was wounded and fell, and the
cavalry cut him up dreadfully. He was wounded in both legs, one below
the knee, the other on the thigh; he had three cuts in the back, two
toes cut off, and three or four cuts on the arm, which was taken off
immediately after he was brought in. Poor man! He said, "This is not
battle, it is murder!" He still lives, but is not likely to survive:
better had he been shot at once. To persons accustomed to civilised
warfare, these details must be revolting. Even a dead enemy is never
passed without a cut at the body. They cry "Aman" themselves, but never
show mercy to Kaffirs.

Capt. MacCrea was in the fort all but one arm, by which they seized him
and dragged him out: his was a very similar fate, but his sufferings
were less protracted, for he was dead when found, with, I believe, his
skull cloven.

Poor Westmacott of the 37th was cut to pieces near the kirkee. We must
have killed a great number of the enemy. Mr. Bird says he himself saw
above 100 killed, but that as fast as a man fell, others came and
dragged him away. Major Scott in vain tried to rally the 44th: excited
to tears, he called for volunteers to follow him, when a private, named
Stuart, was the only man who offered to go, and for which, on its
reaching the Envoy's notice, he was, by Sir William's earnest entreaty
to Shelton, promoted sergeant.

When the storming party came up the second time under Shelton, a cruel
scene took place. The enemy could not have had less than 150 killed and
wounded. We had ourselves fully that number. There were 26 killed and 28
wounded of the 44th; above 50 killed and wounded of the 37th. I did not
hear the number of the Shah's 6th, and have not access to records; not
that they are kept very correctly, for Sturt was never returned as a
wounded officer.

The conduct of the 37th is highly spoken of: they drove the enemy (who
had got on the top of a bastion) with their bayonets clean over the
side, where they were received on the bayonets of the 44th.

The dreadful slaughter of our men is attributable to a desperate rush of
Affghan cavalry. It is supposed that some very influential person was in
the fort, and has been killed. A body richly dressed was found, but the
head was carried away. This they do when they cannot take the body, as
the head then receives Mussulman burial, which the Affghans are very
particular in observing. A horse was taken, and a sword that was much
bent; both are said to have been recognised as having lately been in
possession of Moollah Mobend of Zoormut. Four other forts were taken,
from which the enemy ran on the capture of the Rikabashees'.

Shelton led the troops out towards the Siah Sung hill, where the enemy
was in force, and where Eyre did great execution with two horse
artillery guns. The troops remained out till dark, when, having
completely overawed the enemy, they returned. Three times the sappers
were ordered (and as often countermanded) for the purpose of blowing up
these forts and firing them. At length it was decided to keep the
Rikabashees' fort, and to occupy it. There is known to be a large store
of boussa and lucern there; and we hope also to find grain. Zulfar
Khan's fort was also occupied by us. These forts were not above 400
yards from cantonments. The furthest fort is memorable as the spot where
a murder was committed not long ago, and was perhaps 1000 yards distant;
of this the four bastions were blown up, and the place itself fired. As
Brig. Shelton has always been supposed to be greatly disliked by his
men, it has excited much astonishment that the men of the 44th were all
inquiring after the "little Brig.," as they call him. They say they are
ready to be led to any work there may be for them to do.

This event has already produced its effect. Khojeh Meer of Behmaru has
sent his salaam to know our pleasure. The Envoy's reply was, "If you
wish to keep your two forts, sell us grain."

The events of to-day must have astonished the enemy after our
supineness, and shown them that, when we have a mind to do so, we can
punish them.

Our spirits are raised and depressed by the barometer of public events.
Could any thing have roused us at first to action, the insurrection had
been crushed in the bud. When the 44th turned and fled to-day, the Gen.
asked the Envoy if he was prepared to retreat to Jellalabad as to-night;
but Sir William replied that he would do his duty, and never desert the
King; and, if the army left him, would die at his post!

Now we are uppermost we hold up our heads, and hope not to have to sculk
into the Bala Hissar without baggage. Were Sturt's advice taken, we
should nightly send ammunition there, and, when a sufficiency is
conveyed, all make one bold night march in very light marching order,
just what we can carry on our horses. In there, we can be lodged (not
comfortably, I grant) in the houses of the inhabitants, who would be
well paid for vacating them. They have laid in their stores for the
winter, which would be bought at any price--and then we might defy all
Affghanistan for any time. However it seems hopeless to think on such
subjects, for those who with a great end in view might be brought to
abandon public works and property for a time, will not consent to part
with their own! A horse, with handsome silver-mounted saddle, &c., has
been brought in by Lieut. Vanrenen, who sold it for 120 rupees to some
one who fancied it because it was supposed to have belonged to a chief.

Sturt's recovery and energy appear little short of miraculous; he nearly
possesses the power of ubiquity. He cannot yet mount his own tall
horses, and must astonish my little Cape horse, for he gallops him the
whole day from bastion to gate, and gate to bastion, laying guns, and
off like a shot; his aim being to show the enemy that all our batteries
and gates had guns in position, which we could fire nearly
simultaneously,--for they know how weak we are in artillery officers.

The enemy kept up a smart fire for some hours; the bullets flew about
briskly, and fell plentifully in the verandahs of Capt. Boyd's house.

An artilleryman was killed whilst sponging his gun; also two bheestees
in the Mission Compound.

Sir William told Sturt this morning that if we beat the enemy to-day, he
felt convinced that in five days they would all be off; and the
circumstance of Khojeh Meer's salaam is a favourable sign.

To-morrow early we are to endeavour to get grain from Khojeh Meer at
Behmaru.

The grain in the Commissariat fort is still burning, and the fort itself
still in possession of the enemy, who annoy us from thence and from the
Shah bagh and Mahmood Khan's fort. The latter place we are not strong
enough to take unless Sale's brigade or Nott's arrives: this is much to
be regretted, for in all disturbances in Cabul, whichever party kept
possession of that fort was always the conqueror in the end.

Gen. Nott may be here with his brigade in three weeks: we have plenty of
ammunition, and if we can get grain we may hold out till they arrive.

_11th._--Yesterday's lesson has made the enemy shy, and very few showed
themselves on the hill, and those were all horsemen: none were seen on
the Siah Sung hills.

Two regiments were sent to cover the foraging party collecting grain
from the captured forts. 600 maunds of wheat have been brought in,
boussa, &c.; this gives us three and a half days' provisions.

Ottah is ready for us at the Bala Hissar, and the chief of Behmaru has
tendered his civilities again, now that Meer Musjudee's people have
retired from the village; but our 900 maunds of grain that were paid for
are gone.

A large grave, or rather pit, full of bodies has been found outside the
Rikabashees' fort, which the enemy had not time to cover over before
they retreated.

Bad news from Candahar. A party of the Shah's troops under Lieut.
Crawford, who were escorting state prisoners, are said to have been
attacked and cut to pieces, and it is feared that Capt. Sanders
(Engineers) was with them. Capt. Skinner is reported to have been killed
in endeavouring to escape out of the city in women's clothes. A dog of
Col. Dennie's, and another of Major Kershaw's, having come into
cantonments, has caused much excitement: as we have not heard from
Sale's camp for some time, we think it may be a proof that they are on
their way back.

To-day we have been throwing shells into Mahmood Khan's fort, both from
the cantonments and also from the Bala Hissar. We hear that to-morrow
night the enemy intend to take the cantonments, and that they have
fifteen ladders to escalade with, and bags filled with boussa to cross
by filling up the ditch. Our men are all in high spirits.

Meer Musjudee has sent to Sir William to say he will come in to treat;
his vakeel was in cantonments yesterday. The Ghilzyes have been (it is
said) brought off by the Envoy. It was a reinforcement of 1000 Ghazees
that joined the enemy yesterday at the Rikabashees' fort; it is supposed
that they suffered very severely in the action.

_12th._--Arrangements have been made by Sir William with Meer Musjudee,
who is to receive 60,000 rupees if he brings in Codrington's regiment:
he, poor man, has died of his wounds. The expected attack on the
cantonments has not taken place, but there was a good deal of firing all
night, and shells were thrown from one o'clock at Mahmood Khan's fort.

_13th._--The Ghilzye chiefs expressed a wish to treat: however that may
be, the enemy showed themselves on their favourite heights (Behmaru);
they are supposed to be reinforcements from Zoormut. They took two guns
up with them, which they played upon cantonments. On this Brig. Shelton
was sent with a force against them. It was with great difficulty the
Envoy persuaded the General and Brigadier to consent to a force going
out; and it was late before the troops were ready, consisting of--

A squadron of Anderson's horse, 120 men, under himself:

The Envoy's cavalry escort, about 60 men, under Le Geyt:

The 5th cavalry, all but their usual guards, about 250, under Col.
Chambers, being two squadrons, the rest being with Sale:

A troop of the 1st and another of the 4th locals, or Skinner's and
Alexander's horse, under Capt. Walker:

6 companies of the 44th, under Major Scott; 4 weak companies of 40, or
160 men, of the 37th; the Shah's 6th, the 5th, I believe six companies
each.

There were three columns; two companies of the 37th led the left column
under Thain, with the 44th in the centre and Shah's 6th in rear. The
right column was under Scott, the reserve under Major Swayne.

Civilians and women are fond of honour and glory, and perhaps do not
sufficiently temper valour with discretion.

It appears that the Affghans attribute our forbearance, whatever may be
its motive, to fear, which gives them courage to beard us lions in our
den.

The General again (as in the late attack on the Rikabashee fort) asked
the Envoy if he would take the responsibility of sending out the troops
on himself; and, on his conceding, the force was sent. The Envoy had
also much angry discussion on this point with Brig. Shelton.

But all these delays of conference lost much time, and it was between
four and five P.M. before operations commenced.

The Affghan cavalry charged furiously down the hill upon our troops in
close column. The 37th N. I. were leading, the 44th in the centre, and
the Shah's 6th in the rear. No square or balls were formed to receive
them. All was a regular confusion; my very heart felt as if it leapt to
my teeth when I saw the Affghans ride clean through them. The onset was
fearful. They looked like a great cluster of bees, but we beat them and
drove them up again.

The 5th cavalry and Anderson's horse charged them up the hill again and
drove them along the ridge.

Lieut. Eyre quickly got the horse artillery gun into the gorge between
the Behmaru hills and that to the left (the gorge leading to the plain
towards the lake): from this position he soon cleared that plain, which
was covered with horsemen. There was another stand made at the extreme
left; but we were successful on all points, captured both guns, brought
one of them in, for which we had spare horses in the field; and having
no means of bringing the other away, it was spiked, upset, and tumbled
down the hill.

The enemy had taken these guns up the hill with the King's elephants;
but unfortunately they had sent the animals back, or they would have
been fine prizes for us.

Brig. Shelton, perhaps not considering the lateness of the hour,
deferred his return to cantonments until the shades of evening had
closed over the troops; and it being impossible to distinguish friend
from foe, we could not assist with our guns from cantonments, which in
daylight would have swept the plain, and have prevented the enemy from
following up our return to cantonments.

The enemy cut in between cantonments and our men, and their horsemen
came up close to Sale's bastion. Our anxiety was very great, for all
this time our front was attacked (it is said by 400 men); the firing was
sharp and long-continued. The Brigadier did not get back till 8 o'clock;
and it was some time after that before all was quiet. When the men of
the 37th were upbraided for turning, they replied, "We only retreated
when we saw the Europeans run, and knew we should not be supported."

We moved into Sturt's house this evening, as Brig. Shelton was grumbling
about the cold in a tent.

The enemy saluted our house with six-pound shot, which rattled about and
passed us, and several struck the house; one was imbedded in the wall
under Mrs. Sturt's window. At night we threw shell as usual into Mahmood
Khan's fort, and could plainly distinguish the sound of "Ullah ul Alla"
as they burst.

Major Thain and Capt. Paton were wounded: the latter had to suffer
amputation of the arm; the former had a deep flesh wound in the
shoulder, twelve inches long, and one deep.

Sturt, going his rounds at night, narrowly escaped being shot in the
back.

_14th._--We had a quiet night; which was a great blessing, as Sturt was
suffering very much from the wound in his face.

The chiefs complained that we broke faith with them yesterday in
attacking them when they had expressed a wish to treat: however, we were
not the aggressors, for we did not do so till they had fired at us.
To-day they have requested we will not fire on the hill, which has been
agreed to: they are (they say) busy searching for their dead. They had
lights on the hill all night, burying their slain, and they are now
searching for swords and any thing they can find, also picking up balls
of all kinds.

A number of swords have been taken.

The two sons of Abdoollah Khan are said to be wounded. We could hear
Abdoollah Khan's nagura beating on the hill quite distinctly.

Had Sale's brigade been here, it is probable we should not be so
peaceable; but our men are so hard worked that they require a day's
rest.

The Affghan cavalry yesterday were not inclined to try a second charge:
Col. Chambers invited an attack, which they declined. Their infantry
seem to be contemptible in the plain, but they fight hard when cooped up
in forts. They fire from rests; and then take excellent aim; and are
capital riflemen, hiding behind any stone sufficiently large to cover
their head, and quietly watching their opportunities to snipe off our
people. There is also a peculiarity in the Affghan mode of
fighting,--that of every horseman carrying a foot soldier behind him to
the scene of action, where he is dropped without the fatigue of walking
to his post. The horsemen have two and three matchlocks or juzails each,
slung at their backs, and are very expert in firing at the gallop. These
juzails carry much further than our muskets.

The Envoy went out to meet some chiefs in Zulficar Khan's fort: they
kept him waiting a long time, and then said they could not come. Meer
Jaffier Khan, the son of Naib Shureef, has returned from collecting the
revenue, with 300 Hazir Bashes: being all Kuzzilbashes, we presume he
will not be against us. The old Naib has been fined 1000 rupees for
having associated with, and eaten with, us infidels.

Meer Musjudee is said to be sick even unto death in the city. A cossid
has arrived from Macgregor, and a letter from Sale of the 9th from
Gundamuk. The enemy are evidently spreading false information, through
persons professing to be travellers. No travellers are on the roads now.
Cossids are scarcely procurable; the few that have been sent to recall
the brigade have not succeeded in their attempt. The man who went on the
6th was stopped and his letter read by a man who was educated at
Loodianah. The enemy have another sçavant, who imbibed literature at the
college of Delhi. There is also a prisoner, a Mr. Tierney, in the city;
whether he assists them or not we do not know.

The day has passed off quietly, and we look forward to a good night's
rest, which is most desirable for Sturt.

_15th._--After a quiet night, we have had a quiet day.

Our camels are dying fast: we see several dragged away daily; and as
they are only just thrown without the gate, the air is tainted by their
carcasses.

Major Pottinger and Mr. Haughton have made their escape from the
Kohistan; the former has a ball in his leg; the latter has lost his
hand, and is severely wounded in the back and neck. During the time they
were beleaguered in Charikar, they were, in common with the Sipahees of
the Shah's 4th regiment (Ghoorkas), subjected to great misery from the
want of water; the allowance for the last four days being one wine glass
full per diem for each man: the horses they rode on had not had a drop
to drink for ten days, nor food for five.

The site of the cantonments was badly chosen. In addition to there being
no water, which of itself rendered the site unfit for a military post,
their position was completely commanded on two sides by the enemy; who,
having cut off their supply of water from above, gave the few defenders
no rest by night or day. Added to these trying circumstances, the
garrison were encumbered with their wives and children, who had been
encouraged to come up from Hindostan in great numbers. It is affirmed
that they did so by permission of Lord Auckland; it being supposed that
they would have no wish to quit the country with their families settled
along with them.

The not being allowed to bring up their families, even at their own
expence, was always considered as a heavy grievance by the Europeans;
but, in their instance, the wisdom of the refusal has been proved. But
to return to the Ghoorkas; harassed by the enemy, and encumbered by
their families, they sank into a state of perfect apathy; not so the
Punjabee artillerymen who served the guns. Part of these deserted to the
enemy; and, on the following day, had the insolence to return for the
purpose of seducing away their comrades. It was in trying to arrest some
of these that poor Haughton was so dreadfully wounded: perceiving his
intentions, the Jemadar of artillery (a Punjabee) snatched Lt. Rose's
sword from him, and with it cut off Haughton's hand. It was with great
difficulty that Pottinger and Haughton effected their escape. Somewhere
between Akterae and Istalif during the night they strayed from the other
officers. Finding themselves separated from the rest, they determined to
make the best of their way, secreting themselves in a hollow during the
day, and travelling all night; but Haughton's wounds, particularly those
in the neck and back, prevented his urging his horse beyond a walk. On
arriving at Cabul, they decided on going straight through the city in
the night; they were challenged, and Pottinger gave a Persian reply;
which the guard evidently judged a doubtful one, as it was followed by a
volley being fired at them, but fortunately without effect, and they
pursued their way to cantonments, arming at the gate in such a state of
exhaustion that had they had a mile further to go they never could have
sat on their horses. From them I heard the particulars of Maule's,
Rattray's, and Wheeler's deaths. They were sitting together, I believe
at breakfast, when some of their own men attacked them: they are said to
have set their backs against the wall and defended themselves until they
were deliberately shot.

The report to-day is that Abdoollah Khan's sons are killed; that
Amenoolah's two sons are killed, and Shumsoodeen's two brothers wounded;
the latter are nephews of the Ameer, Dost Mahommed.

It is also reported that the enemy say they cannot meet us in the field,
but they will starve us out of the country.

The Envoy has information that we are to be attacked to-night on three
faces of the cantonments; this is the first night of the moon: Sturt's
Affghan servants say that, if an attack is made, it will not be for
three nights to come, as at present they are all feasting.

There is a native report that a Fouj has been seen at Seh Baba, which
has been magnified into Sale's brigade on the way up; but from letters
of the 9th, received yesterday, it is evident that at the time they were
written none of our letters had reached them; and they were misled by
false reports industriously spread by the enemy, in the guise of
travellers.

_16th._--There was some quick firing heard about one in the morning. The
news we gather from people who have come in from the city is, that
Nawaub Zeman Khan has paid his troops three lakhs of rupees, at the rate
of ten rupees for each suwar and six for each foot soldier; that they
are in high glee, and say they will attack the Chaoney.

The 25,000 men that were to do so last night did not make their promise
good.

Some Goorkhas that came in to-day say that they have no information
regarding Dr. Grant, but that they saw Lt. Rose at Karabagh.

A report has come in from the Bala Hissar that Sale has gone on to
Jellalabad, which Brig. Shelton told me he believed, on the principle of
"Being out of a scrape, keep so." Most people believe the report to be a
ruse of the enemy, to shut out hope of relief coming to us. We, however,
doubt Sale's having ever received the order to return.

The city seems to be much quieter, and some ottah and grapes were
brought very early this morning to the gate to sell. The King has
written to say he wishes to offer terms to the rebels; but Sir William
says that they must first be sent for his approbation, lest his Majesty
should offer too much.

A quiet night, as far as regarded hostilities,--with plenty of rain.

_17th._--We had a gloomy day, with rain at intervals.

Another report that the 1st brigade is gone on to Jellalabad; coupled,
however, with its being only to deposit their sick in safety, and that a
force of 10,000 men have arrived there to our assistance from Peshawer.

Jubbar Khan (a brother of the Dost's) has been appointed Wuzeer to Zeman
Shah Khan, who has coined rupees in his own name.

This has been a good grain day: at 12 o'clock we had got in 400 maunds,
at two Cabul seers the rupee, and otta at one. The Cabul seer is equal
to six Hindostanee seers. The Affghans continued bringing in grain and
ottah all the day.

_18th._--This morning, at 2 o'clock, an attempt was made to throw in
ammunition into the Bala Hissar, but it failed; and Capt. Walker and
Lieut. Webb reported that the bridge, which was to have been repaired by
the Wuzeer, had not been touched.

Accounts received from Jellalabad by a cossid, who brought a letter to
Sir William which he had torn in three pieces for the better concealment
of its contents; on seeing the enemy he swallowed another small one; he
was searched, but brought in the torn letter without discovery. He
reports, that, after Macgregor gave him the letter, he delayed his
departure a little; that there was a grand _Larye_ at Jellalabad; that
Sale had thrown his force into the fort there; that the enemy had come
down with 40,000 men, and Sale had sallied out and beat them, pursuing
the enemy eight or ten miles to Futteabad.

Another report stated that Sale had been obliged to spike three of his
guns. A few hours afterwards another courier arrived with a letter from
Sale, by which it appears that the enemy surrounded the fort, in number
about 5,000, and that he ordered a sally under Col. Monteath, of 600
infantry, all his cavalry, and three guns. The cavalry maintained their
character, and behaved nobly, and the enemy got severely handled.

My letter, containing a précis of goings-on here from the 2d to the 8th
inclusive, had reached Sale, and was the only detail of events that had
been received; it was sent on to the Commander-in-chief, and a copy of
it to Lord Auckland. Sale had written to Capt. Mackeson at Peshawer for
provisions, ammunition, and troops.

It had been wished that this blow below should be followed up by another
here; but the council at the General's was as usual both divided and
wild. One plan was to sally out, sword in hand, and attack the town,--a
measure that must have been attended with great loss on our side, even
if victorious; with the pleasing certainty of all who were left in
cantonments having their throats cut during the absence of the troops.

The next proposition was the taking of Killa Mahmood Khan. But nearly
the same objection existed there. With a large force, and much probable
loss, we might take it; but we could not destroy it quickly, and could
not afford troops to garrison it. It is rather fortunate that the
last-mentioned attack was not made: for a few hours afterwards we had
certain information that, instead of 200 men, the enemy have nearly all
their infantry there.

A report was this day brought to the King that the Jemadar of
Juzailchees, who commanded at the Upper Town, above the Bala Hissar, had
deserted his post during the night, accompanied by two non-commissioned
officers of his guard. His Majesty was extremely wroth; and ordered all
the men to be relieved, and another party, consisting of Rohillas from
the Peshawer territory, to be sent in their place. Most fortunate was
the discovery, and the prompt measures taken on the occasion; as it was
discovered, from secret information sent in by Mohun Lull during the
day, that the traitor had sold the tower to the rebel Sirdars for a
hundred gold mohurs. This man had the effrontery to return in the
evening; and declare, with the greatest _sang froid_, that he had only
been away on his own business into the city; and angrily demanded why he
was deprived of his command. He was, however, put in irons, and confined
in the fort prison.

Mohun Lull's account stated that arrangements had been made to give up
the tower that same night to a party who were to come round by the back
of the hill. Had this plot succeeded, the Bala Hissar might have been
taken, as the tower commands it.

_19th._--At two in the morning an alarm; which soon died away. Shortly
after this the ammunition was sent off to the Bala Hissar, under charge
of Col. Oliver; who sent back to report that in consequence of the
bridge being out of repair, and there being water in the Nullah, he
could not proceed, and desired instructions how to act. The reply from
the General was, if he could not proceed, he was to return: when this
arrived, Oliver had got over with the ammunition; but I suppose he
misunderstood the order, for he recrossed and came back again. With very
few exceptions the 5th N. I. may be said to be inefficient from the
commanding officers to the lowest rank.

In the course of the day we got in a good deal of grain; but the General
appears to be kept in a deplorable state of ignorance. Although reports
are sent in daily, he scarcely knows what supplies are in store, or what
is our real daily consumption. Affairs are curiously carried on: for
instance, the Shah's 6th indent for six maunds daily; the 37th, a much
weaker corps, for about twenty! These indents are all signed by
authority! The quantity required is easily calculated, as each fighting
man gets a half seer of wheat, and each camp follower six chattaks per
diem. There is much roguery going on in the regimental bazaars, where
the Chowdrys make money in connexion with the Bunneahs.

They say the 6th have a full bazaar from loot at the forts taken lately,
and do not require to draw for their followers: the 37th have 5,000
registered camp followers, and other corps much in the same proportions.

The Affghans are highly indignant at Pottinger and Haughton having
ridden through the town. It certainly appears to us very wonderful that
they did so in safety.

There was some firing in the city about sunset,--both guns and volleys
of musketry. The rebel chiefs are supposed to have attacked the
Kuzzilbashes in the vicinity of Morad Khana.

The enemy have sent to the Kohistan for the guns that are at Charikar,
and on their arrival propose giving us battle. A plan was laid to sally
out from the Bala Hissar towards the city, and destroy an Hamaum exactly
in front of the Ghuznee gate. In this place reside a barber and a
blacksmith, two of the best shots in Cabul, who have picked off many of
our men. They completely commanded the loopholes with their long rifles;
and although the distance is probably 300 yards, yet they seldom fail to
put a ball through the clothes or into the body of any one passing them.
It was sufficient for the loophole to be darkened, for it to be fired
at; and it became an amusement to place a cap on the end of a pole above
the walls, which was sure to be quickly perforated by many balls.

I believe this plan was never put in execution, and only, like many
others, proved a source of speculation and conversation.

_20th._--The firing in the city yesterday was consequent upon some
persons having taken refuge with the Kuzzilbashes, who refused to give
them up, as being contrary to the Affghan rules of hospitality. There
has been more fighting amongst themselves to-day.

The latest report is that the Ghilzyes, and Kohistanees, and all the
people who come from a distance, are anxious to return to their own
homes, finding that there is no more plunder to be had, and sundry hard
knocks being all that they are likely to obtain. However, they have been
requested to stay for a few days, just to see how the Chaoney is taken
when the guns arrive from the Kohistan. These same guns cannot be very
formidable, for they are said to have been spiked at Charikar; and,
moreover, the carriages are broken down--all split at the elevating
screw.

The enemy are now talking of pitching camps on the other side of the
hills towards the Lake, and also on the Siah Sung encamping ground.

There was a report to-day that a large force was coming in with the
guns, for which the rebels have sent the King's elephants. In
consequence of this report, and another that the enemy had taken
possession of a fort in our rear, six companies of infantry and two
troops of horse were sent out, but only a few stragglers were to be
seen; and the forts were all peaceably occupied by women and children as
usual.

Camels and tattoos are dying fast, and the air is most unpleasantly
scented at times.

It is now rumoured that the reason Sale's brigade does not come up is,
that the two regiments refuse to do so. This I do not believe; they may
have been annoyed at the thoughts of returning; but I will never believe
they refuse to aid us in our extremity, if they have the power to do so:
and I consider the report to be of a piece with Brig. Shelton's
expression that Sale's brigade was safe, and would keep so.

Nooreddin Khan (the chief of the Jan Baz, who so nimbly have found their
way to Cabul), was the son of an old servant of Shah Shoojah's. In
consequence of the father having been faithful to him through his
misfortunes, the King was anxious to provide for the son, and gave him
the command of the Jan Baz. On Nooreddin's arrival, Conolly sent him a
message reproaching him for the ingratitude of his conduct, to which the
young scamp replied, that all he could promise in our favour was a safe
retreat from the country!

The Ghoorka corps is said to be entirely cut up, and we have no longer
any hopes of Rose's or Grant's escape. The men are said to have been
disgusted at having persons placed over them as native officers, who
were raised at the same time as themselves, and who were not of higher
caste.

We have as yet no news from Candahar, from whence we expect to hear of a
similar rising to that here.

Walker succeeded in throwing in ammunition into the Bala Hissar early
this morning, as also 30,000 rupees, each horseman carrying a small bag
of coin.

To-day part of the ammunition was removed into Westmacott's house; some
put under sheds, and the rest was left in the square: it seems there was
fear of its being blown up by the enemy!

_21st._--The enemy uncommonly quiet; said to be employed in
manufacturing powder and shot, and hammering such of our shot as they
pick up to fit their guns.

Some servants of Skinner's have gone to the Bala Hissar to Conolly; they
report that their master is still safe in the city. Capt. Drummond is
under Zeman Shah Khan's protection.

Shumsuddeen Khan is said to be dying of his wounds.

At dinner time Brig. Shelton sent to Mr. Eyre, stating that the Envoy
had information that 80,000 foot and 10,000 horse were coming to set
fire to our magazine with red-hot balls! How these balls were to be
conveyed here red hot is a mystery, as the enemy have no battery to
erect furnaces in: but nothing is too ridiculous to be believed; and
really any horrible story would be sure to be credited by our
panic-struck garrison.

It is more than shocking, it is shameful, to hear the way that officers
go on croaking before the men: it is sufficient to dispirit them, and
prevent their fighting for us.

There is said to be a kind of republican council in the city, composed
of twelve chiefs, to whom the people at present pay obedience. I wonder
what the new King, Zeman Shah Khan, and his Wuzeer think of this new
power.

A man of Warburton's artillery has deserted, as also a havildar of
Hoskins' regiment; the latter was received by Zeman Shah Khan with great
honour, and told that all good Mussulmans were welcome. A house and
shawls were given to him.

Our useless expenditure of ammunition is ridiculous. At the captured
fort last night the garrison popped away 350 rounds at shadows, probably
of themselves: however, we have plenty of it; 13 lakhs made up, and 900
barrels of powder, shot, bullets, &c. in store in profusion.

Shelton croaks about a retreat; and so much is openly said of our
extremity, that were we obliged to fall back on Jellalabad, it is more
than probable that there would be much desertion amongst the Mussulmans.

It is difficult to ascribe the just cause to the inactivity of the
enemy: if they feared us, they would disperse; and if they mean to
starve us, why do they allow us to get in supplies in the quantities
they do? That something is in agitation there can be no doubt; and the
most plausible idea is, that the enemy think that by keeping us on the
alert so long for nothing, that we shall all relax in our vigilance, and
give them the opportunity to attack the cantonments with success.

Sturt has in vain suggested that a picket of infantry and cavalry with a
couple of guns be sent at daybreak up the hill towards Siah Sung, to cut
off the supplies we see daily going into the town.

By purchasing them, we might induce the people to supply us largely, and
at all events prevent the enemy obtaining them. I have no patience with
those who say, "Oh, it is not ottah, it is only charcoal." Now our foes
require charcoal as much as we do food, for they cannot make their
gunpowder without it; and wood is very scarce in the city, for the poor
people who used to bring it in on donkeys have ceased to do so, lest it
should be taken for nothing.

_22d._--At two o'clock this morning Walker took the bedding for the
artillery to the Bala Hissar.

This being considered a propitious day, the enemy lined the heights
towards the lake. A party was sent to occupy the friendly village of
Behmaru; but, as usual, delay was the order of the day, and it was
deferred until the enemy had taken possession, though not in great
force.

On the troops arriving there under Major Swayne, of the 5th, the enemy
evacuated it: he, instead of allowing the men (as they themselves
wished) to enter the village, kept them under hedges firing pot shots,
on which the enemy reoccupied the position. The force sent out was 1
horse artillery gun, 1 mountain train ditto, 1 ressalah of Anderson's
horse, 1 ditto Walker's, 1 ditto 5th cavalry, 400 5th N. I.; the whole
under Major Swayne, 5th N. I. In the evening a reinforcement was sent of
the remainder of the 5th, under Col. Oliver. Lieut. Eyre wounded
severely in the hand. The troops returned, having done nothing.

The Ghilzye chiefs say they have sworn on the Koran to fight against us;
and so they must fight, but that they will not fight hard. This is what
they have told Sir William through their emissaries. He is trying to
treat with all parties: but the sanctity of an oath is evidently but
little regarded; and what faith can we put in their assertions?

We have just heard that Capt. Woodburn, with 130 men, returning to
India, was enticed into a fort at Shekoabad, a few marches on this side
of Ghuznee, where they swore on the Koran to be our friends, and where
the whole party were massacred. Poor Woodburn was represented as a
strong man, who took four or five Golees to kill him! There is a report
to-day that two regiments coming from Candahar have been cut up.

Grand dissensions in military councils. High and very plain language has
been this day used by Brig. Shelton to Gen. Elphinstone; and people do
not hesitate to say that our chief should be set aside--a mode of
proceeding recommended a fortnight ago by Mr. Baness, the merchant.

The poor General's mind is distracted by the diversity of opinions
offered; and the great bodily ailments he sustains are daily enfeebling
the powers of his mind. He has lost two of his best advisers in Paton
and Thain; the former confined by his wound, the latter declining to
offer advice, from disgust at its being generally overruled, by the
counsel of the last speaker being acted on.

There is much reprehensible croaking going on; talk of retreat, and
consequent desertion of our Mussulman troops, and the confusion likely
to take place consequent thereon. All this makes a bad impression on the
men. Our soldiery like to see the officers bear their part in privation;
it makes them more cheerful; but in going the rounds at night, officers
are seldom found with the men. There are those that always stay at their
posts on the ramparts, and the men appreciate them as they deserve. To
particularise them would be too openly marking the rest; but their names
will, I trust, be remembered to their honour and advantage hereafter.
Amongst these, Capt. Bygrave, the Paymaster-General, was conspicuous: he
never slept away from his post (the battery near his house) for a single
night, and took his full share of fatigue, without adverting to his
staff appointment.

Col. Oliver is one of the great croakers. On being told by some men of
his corps, with great _jee_, that a certain quantity of grain had been
brought in, he replied, "It was needless, for they would never live to
eat it." Whatever we think ourselves, it is best to put a good face on
the business.

The enemy are erecting sungahs on the heights above Behmaru.

_23d._--We had firing of one sort or other all night. From the Bala
Hissar they were shelling the city, and there was much firing from our
ramparts.

At about two in the morning, in consequence of a resolution arrived at
the preceding evening to submit no longer to the insults of the enemy,
(who by occupying Behmaru greatly annoyed our foraging parties, and
almost precluded our attempting to drive them off the hill immediately
above that village, whither they were accustomed to resort in great
numbers for the purpose of bravado, and also probably to prove our
strength or weakness,) Brig. Shelton marched out of cantonments with
seventeen weak companies: I believe many of them did not muster above
forty men. Those from the 44th were under the command of Major Swayne of
the 5th N. I.; those from the 37th and Shah's 6th, under Major Kershaw
of the 13th. All the 5th were employed under their own colonel (Oliver).
One squadron of regular cavalry, and two detachments of irregular horse;
one six-pound gun under Sergt. Mulhall, and 100 sappers and miners under
Lieut. Laing.

This force ascended the hill immediately above Behmaru, dragging the gun
with them with great difficulty, and thence up on the knoll overhanging
the village. From hence they perceived that the village was in the
possession of the enemy, who were discernible as they slept around their
watchfires. A few rounds of grape from the gun quickly aroused them; and
they sought cover in the houses and towers, from which they replied to
our cannonade and musketry by a sharp and pretty well-sustained fire of
juzails. Both officers and men were most anxious to be led against the
village, to take it by storm, but the Brigadier would not hear of it;
and our men were helplessly exposed to the fire from behind the walls,
which the enemy quickly loopholed for that purpose. After waiting until
day dawned, and losing the opportunity of taking the enemy by surprise,
a party was ordered under Major Swayne of the 5th, who, instead of at
once leading his men through the principal entrance into the village,
went to a small kirkee, which he reported himself unable to force,
though this was afterwards done by a few men pulling it down with their
hands and kicking at it; and after remaining there a considerable time
came back, having lost several of his men killed and wounded.

The enemy (as daylight dawned) were seen leaving the village in small
parties: to cut these off, Walker was sent down to the plain, on the
north-west side of the hill leading to the lake, with his irregular
horse. At this time large bodies of the enemy were descried ascending
the hill, near the road by which they used to issue from the city, and
separated from that occupied by our troops only by a narrow gorge
leading to the plain and lake beyond. To meet and oppose these, Brig.
Shelton, leaving three companies of the 37th, under Major Kershaw, to
maintain their original position, marched the remainder of the force
along the ridge towards the gorge, taking with him also his solitary
gun!

I had taken up my post of observation, as usual, on the top of the
house, whence I had a fine view of the field of action, and where, by
keeping behind the chimneys, I escaped the bullets that continually
whizzed past me. Brig. Shelton having brought forward skirmishers to the
brow of the hill, formed the remainder of his infantry into two squares,
the one about 200 yards in rear of the other, the intervening space
being crammed with our cavalry, who, from the nature of the ground, were
exposed to the full fire of the enemy without being able to act
themselves.

The number of the enemy's foot men must have been upwards of 10,000
(some say 15,000), and the plain, on the N.W. of the hills, was swept by
not less than 3000 or 4000 Affghan cavalry, whose rapid advance obliged
Lieut. Walker to retreat up the hill, by which the enemy were enabled to
throw fresh reinforcements and ammunition into the village of Behmaru; a
circumstance which rendered it difficult for him to hold his ground.

The fight continued till about 10 o'clock, by which time our killed and
wounded became very numerous. In spite of the execution done by our
shrapnell, the fire of the enemy told considerably more than ours did,
from the superiority of their juzails and jingals over our muskets.

They also fought from behind sungahs and hillocks, whilst our men were
perfectly exposed; our troops also labouring under the disadvantage of
being drawn up in square, from an apprehension of an attack from the
Affghan cavalry.

The vent of the gun became too hot for the artillerymen to serve it.

At this time, that is at about half-past 9 or 10, a party of Ghazeeas
ascended the brow of the hill, by the gorge, where they planted three
standards close to each other, a red, a yellow, and a green one. It is
possible that the Brigadier might not have seen their advance; but when
they had nearly attained the summit, they had an evident advantage over
us, as their shots generally told in firing up at our men, whose persons
were wholly exposed, whilst only a few of their heads were visible to
our troops, and the old fault of firing too high most probably sent all
our shots harmlessly over their heads, for to hit them it was requisite
to fire on the ground. When they fairly appeared aboveground, it was
very evident that our men were not inclined to meet them. Every
field-glass was now pointed to the hill with intense anxiety by us in
cantonments, and we saw the officers urging their men to advance on the
enemy. Most conspicuous were Mackintosh, Laing, Troup, Mackenzie, and
Layton; who, to encourage the men, pelted the Ghazeeas with stones as
they climbed the hill; and, to do the fanatics justice, they returned
the assault with the same weapons. Nothing would do,--our men would not
advance, though this party did not appear to be 150 in number. At length
one of the Ghazeeas rushed forward, waving his sword over his head: a
Sipahee of the 37th darted forth and met him with his bayonet; but
instead of a straight charge he gave him a kind of side stroke with it,
and they both fell, and both rose again. Both were killed eventually;
the Ghazeea was shot by another man. It was very like the scenes
depicted in the battles of the Crusaders. The enemy rushed on: drove our
men before them very like a flock of sheep with a wolf at their heels.
They captured our gun. The artillerymen fought like heroes; two were
killed at the gun; Sergeant Mulhall received three wounds; poor Laing
was shot whilst waving his sword over the gun and cheering the men. It
was an anxious sight, and made our hearts beat: it lasted but for a few
minutes.

(Brig. Shelton says, that when our men ran, he ordered the halt to be
sounded, at which the troops mechanically arrested their flight, and
fell into their places!)

They ran till they gained the second square which had not broken; and
the men finding a stand, turned about, gave a shout, and then the
Ghazeeas were, in their turn, panic-struck, abandoned the gun, but made
off with the limber and horses.

On this we retook the gun without resistance. One of the artillerymen
had a wonderful escape; he had clung on to, and under the wheels, and
never quitted it. Once more in our possession, the gun was instantly
re-opened on the enemy; but our men had an antipathy to the brow of the
hill, and would not advance as quickly as they might have done, until
some successful shots from the gun, and three splendid ones which were
made by Serjeant Wade from the Kohistan Gate; one of which struck
Abdoollah Khan's horse, and caused him to fall off, on which the people
surrounded their chief, and were occupied in carrying him off; they fled
to the other hill, and I believe never stopped until they got into the
city. All appearing to be over, I hastened home to get breakfast ready
for Sturt, every one supposing that the enemy were routed, and that
Brig. Shelton was coming back with the troops.

At this time I was standing on the ramparts, and heard the Envoy, in my
presence, ask the General to pursue the flying troops into the city,
which he refused, saying it was a wild scheme, and not feasible.

Had Shelton returned to cantonments, or thrown his force into Behmaru,
all had gone well, and we had remained masters of the field.

The enemy had, as I before mentioned, a large body of cavalry on the
other side of the hill, on whom our men kept firing.

At about half past twelve, just as we had finished our breakfast, the
enemy gradually came up the hill; and their fire was so severe that our
men in square could scarcely fill up the gaps as their comrades fell,
and our whole force, both horse and foot, were driven down the hill, and
our gun captured--a regular case of _sauve qui peut_.

All would have been sacrificed but for four circumstances; first, a
well-directed fire kept up from the Mission Compound by part of the
Shah's 6th. A charge made by Lieut. Hardyman, with a fresh troop of the
5th Cavalry, being joined in it by Walker, who had collected about
twenty of his Irregulars. It was in going too far across the plain, in
driving the Affghan horse back towards the hills, that poor Walker
received his mortal wound in the abdomen. Major Swayne was wounded in
the neck while in the square. A party of about fifty of Mackenzie's
Juzailchees, under Capt. Trevor, lined some low walls on the plain in
front of and to the left of the old Musjeed, whence they kept up a
steady discharge. Two of these men, seeing a wounded Sipahee wave his
arm for help, gallantly dashed into the midst of the enemy, and brought
him off.

Perhaps the greatest safeguard of our troops was the conduct of Osman
Khan, who suddenly stopped the pursuit and led his men back.

Perceiving our defeat on the hill, the troops at the captured fort and
those at the Musjeed deserted their posts, and were with difficulty
persuaded to go back to them. The troops all scuttled back as hard as
they could. The General went outside the gate (and took great credit to
himself for doing so) to rally them, as he called it; but there was
little chance of doing that while they were under our walls. I was
amused at hearing him say to Sir William, "Why, Lord, sir, when I said
to them 'Eyes right,' they all looked the other way."

Our friends in the Bala Hissar did not tamely look on. Conolly got the
King to order eight of his suwars to go and give information to Sir
William of their having observed a body of 5000 men passing round to the
back of Behmaru; and afterwards his Majesty ordered the whole of the
Ressallahs and 100 Juzailchees to go on to the Siah Sung hill, and try
and create a diversion in our favour by drawing away some of the troops
who were engaged with ours on the Behmaru hill. It certainly had some
effect; for immediately on their forming on the summit, a large body of
men under Mahommed Shah Khan, a principal Ghilzye chief, sallied out
from Mahmood Khan's fort, and advanced to the attack, which now,
however, they were not imprudent enough to await, but immediately took
to flight. By desire of the Wuzeer, Lieut. Melville was then sent out
with a party of Juzailchees, and five sections of N. I., to keep a body
of them in check who had boldly advanced within gunshot of the Bala
Hissar: but after a little skirmishing the enemy retired to the Siah
Sung hill.

The Affghans appear to have but one plan of attack. They go up the
further hill to the extreme left near the city, and spread along the
ridge, and the horsemen conduct the infantry to the gorge. The horsemen
then some of them come up with the infantry to the brow of the right
hill, the larger body of horse going behind it; this they did the second
time in one day.

Shelton, in taking up his position as before described, had both his
flanks exposed, as also his rear. The men were formed in two large
squares when attacked by infantry, and in these squares were men of
different regiments all mixed up together: they had never been practised
to it: no man knew his place.

Whilst in this square a reward of ten rupees was offered by the
Brigadier to the first man who volunteered to go with him to take the
enemy's flag in the gorge; Captain Mackenzie shouted 100 for the flag.
After some hesitation, a havildar of the 37th came forward; but as no
other followed him, he was told to return to his place. The enemy then
came on, and the whole square rose simultaneously and ran. The 44th had,
I believe, fifty-eight wounded; the loss of the 5th I did not ascertain;
the 37th had eighty killed, and ten wounded. Of officers, Col. Oliver,
Capt. Mackintosh, and Lieut. Long were killed; Walker mortally wounded;
Swinton, Evans, Major Swayne, Hawtrey, Bott, and Mackenzie wounded.

The three companies of the 37th that were out under Major Kershaw
suffered severely: they were amongst the last to leave the hill. The
grenadier company returned with only a Naick and two men!

The misfortunes of the day are mainly attributable to Shelton's bad
generalship in taking up so unfavourable a position, after his first
fault in neglecting to surprise the village, and occupy it, which was
the ostensible object of the force going out.

Had he remained above Behmaru, he might have retreated into and occupied
that place, in which the enemy had but few men at first, and who might
have been easily dislodged. Shelton tries to lay all the blame on the
Sipahees. He says they are timid, and that makes the Europeans timid
also; but he has been told some home truths. On asking Capt. Troup if he
did not think that the 44th had behaved nobly, that officer plainly told
him he considered that all had behaved shamefully.

The troops certainly were wearied out; and, having been out since two in
the morning, it appears wonderful to me that at half-past twelve they
were not too weary to run; however, they had one great inducement to do
so. Osman Khan was heard by our Sipahees to order his men not to fire on
those who ran, but to spare them. A chief, probably the same, rode round
Kershaw three times, when he was compelled to run with his men; he waved
his sword over his head, but never attempted to kill him; and Capt.
Trevor says his life was several times in the power of the enemy, but he
also was spared.

Another great fault committed was in taking only one gun; a second would
have supported the first: with only one, as soon as it was fired the
enemy could rush upon it; as they did.

The enemy assembled on the Siah Sung hill, and attacked eighty horsemen
sent in with letters by the King; they proved to be from Jellalabad. Our
people at first fired on the sikhs, but fortunately did no harm. The
enemy's cavalry then came down the Siah Sung hill, and escorted their
infantry into the forts beyond the river, which we had dismantled a few
days since. Our troops were in by two o'clock; before five, not an enemy
was to be seen, and our people were out searching for the dead. The
magazine being dropt within range of our guns was safe, and has been
brought in. Abdoollah Khan is supposed to have been killed. No
particular news from Jellalabad, where all was going on well. There was
no letter for me; but Lawrence came to tell me that Sale was well, and
busy getting in provisions.

_24th._--A letter has come in, supposed to be a forged seal, from Zeman
Shah Khan: it has been cautiously and courteously replied to.

A person has come in from Osman Khan (who is a nephew of the Ameer Dost
Mahommed) and Shumshir deen Khan, offering us terms: they propose that
we should leave the country, giving hostages that we will send the Dost
back to them. They say they do not wish to harm us, if we will only go
away; but that go we must, and give them back the Dost; that Mahommed
Akbar Khan (his son) will be here to-morrow with 6000 men; and that if
we do not come to terms, they will carry the cantonment; and that they
are ready to sacrifice 6000 men to do so.

What Sir William and the General's council of war (Shelton, Anquetil,
and Chambers) mean to do we know not; but our situation is far from
pleasant.

Gen. Elphinstone has written to the Envoy to-day; requesting him to
negotiate with the enemy, in consequence of the impossibility of our
going to the Bala Hissar, and Shelton concurs in opinion that we cannot
fight our way in: also stating we have upwards of 700 sick, and the
scarcity of provisions.

Last night an attempt was made to dismantle the bridge leading towards
Siah Sung, which succeeded partly: it is now made a flying bridge.

Sturt proposed to destroy the Rikabashees' fort, and throw a party that
was in it into the small fort near the bridge; but it was disapproved by
the Envoy, who said he would place a moollah he had confidence in, in
it, as the General said he could not afford twenty men to garrison it.

A boy of the Syce order, who had been a prisoner twenty days, has made
his escape from the city. He tells us, that Amenoollah Khan of Logur is
the chief who was killed by a grape-shot in the head yesterday.

Mahommed Akbar Khan has directed, that when the cantonments are taken,
the officers, their wives and families, are to be made prisoners, as
hostages for his father. If once in his power, we might be safe; but
these Ghazeeas are fanatics, and would cut us into mince-meat.

Poor Oliver's head and one hand were cut off when his body was found:
the latter was probably done to obtain a diamond ring which he always
wore. The heads of all the Europeans were taken away, and will no doubt
be exhibited as trophies!

_25th._--The Big-wigs are angry at any thing having transpired regarding
the letters that have come in from the chiefs; and say it is all a
mistake. Be that as it may, a guard of honour was turned out, on the
arrival of two men who refused to parley with Lawrence and Trevor, and
said they must see the Envoy and the General. At first they were said to
be Zeman Shah Khan and Osman Khan; then Jubhar Khan; and at last it
proved to be Sultan Khan and his private meerza. They held their
conference with the Envoy in the officer's guard-room of the rear
gateway.

The new king, Zeman Shah Khan, has written to the Envoy to say that he
has accepted the throne, not from his own wish, but to prevent greater
ills arising.

There was a very long and unsatisfactory conference with the ambassador.
He and his secretary rode sorry yaboos, and were only attended by their
saces. If their array was thus humble, their demands were sufficiently
exorbitant; and the terms they offered such as could not be accepted,
even by persons in our condition. They require that Shah Shoojah be
given up to them, with his family; demand all our guns and ammunition;
and that Gen. Sale's force should move to Peshawer before we march from
this place.

Mahommed Akbar Khan has arrived: we heard the firing in honour of his
arrival in the city. He is reported to have brought in an accession of
6000 men to the force, which was before estimated at 10,000 horse and
15,000 foot. The new arrivals are probably Uzbeks, and not far removed
from rabble; but even a mob may from numbers succeed against us.

The subadar of the native artillery has gone off, as also three of
Skinner's horse: these men are all said to have families in the city.

In the evening there was a great crowd of Affghans; some hundreds of
them, all armed to the teeth, round the cantonments. They came in the
most friendly manner, saying all was settled, _jung-i-kalus_. The men
of the 44th went out of cantonments amongst them unarmed, were shaking
hands with them, and receiving cabbages from them, unchecked by Lieut.
Cadett, the officer on duty on that face, who seemed to think this
friendly meeting a very fine affair: however, the circumstance got
reported, and the adjutant got the men in.

This appears very like a ruse on the part of the enemy, to throw us off
our guard, and surprise us. It was suggested to the adjutant to examine
the cabbages; as it was possible that outer leaves might cover bladders
of spirits; and that, having intoxicated the men, they would when they
were drugged make an attack on us: however, nothing suspicious was
discovered.

We saw a fire on the hill this evening, supposed to be a party watching
our movements, towards the Bala Hissar.

There can be no doubt that the enemy have spies in cantonments; and
there are so many Affghan servants, that it is perhaps difficult to
prevent their passing in and out.

Two men of suspicious appearance were prowling about the Envoy's tent,
and Lawrence desired a chuprassy not to molest them, but quietly to
dodge them, and to report progress. This he did, and stated that the men
walked all over the cantonment, looked at every thing, and then walked
out at the gate! So much for surveillance.

It is now said that Abdoollah Khan was wounded by a grape shot on the
23d, and that there is no truth in the report of Amenoollah Khan, of
Logur, having been stabbed in a dispute in the council regarding terms
to the Feringhees.

Poor Walker was buried to-day. He died of his wound last night. He is
greatly regretted from his amiability; and, as a right gallant soldier,
his loss is doubly felt in the present crisis.

The Shah Razee (Moyen oo deen's father) commanded the troops in Behmaru.
He says, had we taken possession of the village in the outset, the day
would have been ours on the 23d. We have also heard that so great was
the alarm in Cabul, when the Affghans fled on Abdoollah Khan's being
wounded, that the women were sent away out of the city in great numbers;
and many in such haste, that they did not even wait to mount them on
yaboos, but sent them away on foot, expecting to see our troops in the
city immediately.

Great care is taken of the firewood in store in cantonments, and much
discontent prevails because fires are not allowed. The Hindostanees feel
the severity of the weather, to which they are exposed night and day;
and the want of fuel adds much misery to their privations in being put
on short allowance of food. There is at this time a complete winter
stock of firing laid in; added to which, on emergency, the trees of the
orchard might be cut down.

Capt. Sturt was urgent, both with Gen. Elphinstone and Brig. Shelton,
that the men might have fires at night to enable them to warm themselves
and dry their frosted clothes when coming off duty: but no order was
given in consequence of his suggestions.

_26th._--Negotiations with the enemy broken off.

Accounts received from Sale up to the 21st; from Macgregor to the 23d.
The Khyberries up. Capt. Fenis and his family had fled, and got safe to
Peshawer. Lieut. Mackeson was still in Alimusjid in rather a critical
position. To-day the Affghans lined the hills; some thousands of them,
with many horsemen. They afterwards came down to the plain, and we
expected an attack upon the cantonments. On their nearer approach, they
were found to be mostly unarmed; some had sticks, some sticks with a
knife tied on the end of them: they were merely the shopkeepers, come
out to look at us. The Affghan knife is a very formidable weapon, about
two feet long, and thicker, stronger, and broader than a sword, and as
sharp as possible.

Some of these men went up to the breach of the captured fort, and asked,
as the _jung_ was over, if they might not return, and live there. And on
being told, "No," they said, "Very well; we will go away to-day, and
come again to-morrow, and see if we may come then."

One well-dressed man inquired if the volunteer regiment (37th) was
there; and being replied to in the affirmative, said, "I want my horse
back that I lost the other day; have I any chance of getting it?"

All this coming close to our works, and spying, ought to have been
stopped.

Sturt called out to them in Persian, and warned them off, or he would
open the guns upon them. Some respectable people begged, for God's sake,
he would not do so; for they were not warriors, but had come out to see
sights and amuse themselves.

Sturt saw a man meanly dressed on foot stealing up close to the walls,
and called out "_Pesh Burro;_" on which he raised his hand,
telescope fashion, to his eye, and showed the end of a note. He was
passed on to the gate, and admitted into cantonments; and was said to be
the bearer of a letter from Mahommed Akbar Khan. However, this is
denied, or even that any letter came.

Whenever the political horizon clears a little, mystery becomes the
order of the day. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaketh;" and when overwhelmed with perplexity, the directors of events
here are not so close. However, events do transpire, and we know that
treaties are on foot with the Ghilzye chiefs; though that too is denied
to-day.

Meer Musjudee is dead. Some say he has been poisoned; others that he
died in consequence of the wounds he received last year in the Kohistan.
A number of this chief's followers have gone off with the body to the
Kohistan, there to attend his funeral obsequies.

A report has come to us through the enemy, that three regiments, from
Kandahar, have got beyond Ghuznee, somewhere about Shecoabad; that there
has been an engagement; and that though the Affghans could not conquer
them, they still have been able to prevent their progress.

Sleet in the morning; and in the afternoon snow, which soon froze.

_27th._--We had a quiet night; and it continued tranquil till the middle
of this day; when the horsemen again took post on the hills, and
escorted infantry to the right, and down into the village of Behmaru,
into which we threw some shells.

The negotiations are now come quite to a close. The enemy's demands were
modest, considering that they were the first to treat, it is said. They
require, in addition to giving up the King and his family into their
hands, all our guns and ammunition, muskets, bayonets, pistols, and
swords. The married men, women, and children, to be given as hostages;
and then--we are to trust to their generosity! To this the Envoy sent a
chivalrous reply,--That death was preferable to dishonour,--that we put
our trust in the God of battles, and in His name bade them come on.

The King is in an awful state of alarm; for he has been told that we
have been making terms for our free exit out of the country, paying for
the same five lakhs of rupees; and leaving him to his fate, poor man! He
is certainly to be pitied (if not at the bottom of it all), fallen from
his high estate, and believing us to have abandoned him.

Jan Fishan Khan is the only chief who stands by him; and he has had his
forts and property destroyed: his wives and children, he hopes, may have
been saved by some of his neighbours; but, as yet, he only knows the
fate of one young boy, who was burnt alive. He had one wife with him in
Cabul when the insurrection broke out, and urged her to fly to Pughman
for safety; the old chief told me, her reply was worth a lakh of rupees,
"I will not leave you; if you fall, we die together; and if you are
victorious, we will rejoice together!"

Some say that Mahommed Akbar Khan is now King, and Zeman Shah Khan his
Wuzeer: others state that the latter refuses to give up his lately
acquired power.

Ishmatoolah (the Akhoonzada or old moollah from Kandahar, who was to
have gone with Sir William to Bombay), has taken himself off, leaving a
message for the Envoy to say that he was gone to the city. A messenger
was sent to his son, Khojeh Meer, in Behmaru; who stated that two
respectable persons came to fetch the moollah, reporting that they did
so by order of Mahomed Akbar Khan, who required his immediate
attendance, as Lawrence and Trevor were both with him, and the Envoy
coming. Whether the father and son are in league or not, remains to be
proved; but this man's secession (who was much in Sir William's
confidence) has caused us all to be on the alert, expecting an attack,
or mischief of some kind.

There was an absurd report to-day, that the enemy had sent us back the
gun they captured on the 23d, with the horses; and the gullibility of
John Bull was proved by many persons leaving an auction of some of the
deceased officers' property, to go to the Kohistan gate, and find it was
all nonsense.

_28th._--Shelled the village of Behmaru, whence the enemy annoyed us by
firing on our yaboos sent out to endeavour to procure grain.

This day we had both rain and snow. Mahommed Shah Khan Ghilzye is come
into Cabul, and therefore we think there must have been a fight below,
in which he has had the worst.

A Hindu merchant has offered to bring grain, and lay it at the gate of
Mahommed Shureef's fort in the night. We are not to speak to his people;
and are eventually to pay him at the rate of one Cabul seer for the
rupee, and we are bound to take 200 kurwars. Also on every hundred
maunds being delivered, we are to lay down a bag of 1500 rupees as a
present. He says many would assist us, but are afraid; that as he is the
first in the market, he expects to make his fortune.

_29th._--The enemy are not showing any cavalry to-day; and there is a
rumour that they have gone to meet the corps coming in from
Ghuznee--there was only infantry on the hillside; however, some
alarmists fancied that they were coming down, which they never do
without horsemen: the bugles sounded, there was a great bustle, and all
ended in nothing.

We shelled Behmaru and the hill above it; and also the two shops close
to the village, one on either side of the road, where there is a little
bridge, and the trees form an archway.

Ammunition was sent to the Bala Hissar.

The horses are hard up for grain: those for the artillery have not been
much looked after since Lieut. Waller was wounded; and one of them is
averred to have eaten his comrade's tail! That he bit it off there is no
doubt.

_30th._--Abdoolah Khan's death has, it is said, created some confusion
in the city. Whilst still living a report was spread of his decease;
and, like Alexander, he mounted his horse, and showed himself to his
followers; but the exertion was too great for him, and he shortly after
expired.

Amongst other political barometers, the manner in which persons are
spoken of indicates whether affairs are going on well or ill: just now,
things are looking up again. A few days ago people spoke of "The
Macnaghtens;" then they became again "Sir William and my Lady;" and
to-day they have left their refuge in a tent in cantonments, and are
gone into the great house again, which they think will have a good
effect, and tend to quiet people's minds.

The politicals are again very mysterious, and deny that any negotiations
are going on, &c.; but letters come in constantly; and we know they are
treating with the Ghilzyes.

A new arrangement is made with Khojeh Meer regarding grain: formerly he
received fifty rupees daily as bukshees, whether grain was procured or
not; now he is to have 500 rupees given him on delivery of every hundred
khurwars.

Sturt proposes to hut the men on the ramparts, and give them plenty of
firewood. As yet they are not allowed any fires, except for cooking
their food. He also wishes to have the city shelled, both from the Bala
Hissar and the cantonments, particularly to annoy the quarter where the
gunpowder-makers reside.

Early this morning a party of horsemen left the city in the direction of
Bhoodkhak, and another towards the Kohistan.

Treaty is certainly going on; and we think that the confederacy may be
breaking up. Humza Khan of Tezeen is said to be sending his women away
from Cabul, and many have been seen mounted on yaboos going away on the
road leading to Bhoodkhak.

_1st December._--Mohun Lull writes that the enemy will show in force
to-day, and attack us to-morrow. The firing we heard in the night was an
attack on the patrol, who got in safe.

A cossid reported yesterday that he had been with his letter to
Kelat-i-Ghilzye, but he brought no letter back. He said that the force
had left the place; and as he could not give any account of, or letters
from Ghuznee, we suspect that he never went at all.

A report to-day that the Hindu merchant had commenced his supplies of
grain is contradicted: but a small quantity was got in to-day.

We sent to get some barley for our horses; but the enemy were hovering
about the villages, and prevented us.

It is reported that the garrison at Ghuznee have blown up the bastions,
and joined General Nott's force.

More treaty going on. Firing at night, said to be an attempt to blow up
the Bala Hissar gate, which was repulsed. A good deal of firing during
the night, and also shelling into the town.

_2nd._--Last night's firing was an unsuccessful attempt of the enemy on
the Bourj above the Bala Hissar.

I counted this morning 49 horsemen on the Siah Sung Hill, who were
reported to the General at 300! We did not fire at them, as they were
seen to come from Mahmood Khan's Fort, where the Ghilzyes reside who are
now treating with us.

Mohun Lull's information was incorrect; the enemy did not show in force
yesterday, neither have they to-day made their intended attack on the
captured fort and that of the magazine. The person who succeeds in
taking the latter is promised 40,000 rupees, and the rents of the
adjacent lands.

The enemy's confederacy is said to be breaking up: they are now
quarrelling regarding the partition of power which as yet they have not.
One says he will be chief of Cabul, another of Jellalabad, &c. The plan
proposed for the capture of cantonments by the enemy is, to send 200
bildars in front to cut down the ramparts; next come the infantry, and
then the horse. I suppose we are to stand still and look on.

Mahommed Akbar Khan is said to be very ill.

There is a report that a man has come in from Gen. Nott's camp at
Urghundee, eighteen miles off; that the enemy had attacked him, placing
two guns in position, both of which we are said to have captured. We
fear this news is too good to be true. These reports are disseminated by
the enemy; and the only motive to which I can attribute them is a wish
to lull us into security by reports of aid coming to us, until
starvation prompts acquiescence in their demands, be they what they may.

A man of the Ghoorka corps has come in. He says the men are wandering up
and down the country, and that some have taken refuge in forts; that
poor Rose, in a fit of despair, put an end to his existence by shooting
himself; and that Dr. Grant, when he last saw him, was wounded in the
leg.

Ishmatoolah is said to be imprisoned in the city.

The Parsee merchant is also in prison until he pays a ransom of 10,000
rupees: his property has all been taken away.

The people of the city are said to be discontented. They have no
firewood; the people who used to bring it in are afraid to do so lest
they should be plundered.

_3rd._--The attack intended for yesterday has been postponed to to-day,
we hear; but there seems to be little likelihood of one.

Khojeh Meer says that he has no more grain: we only got 50 maunds in
to-day. He also says that the moollahs have been to all the villages,
and laid the people under ban not to assist the English, and that
consequently the Mussulman population are as one man against us. He says
he expects himself to have to run for his life to Peshawer whenever we
go away. Khojeh Meer has a difficult part, to play: his pecuniary gain
in siding with us is great; but being the father-in-law of Meer
Musjudee, who married the Khojeh's daughter, he of course lets the enemy
occupy the village whenever they please. As far as we are individually
concerned, Khojeh Meer has been very civil to us: he sells us grain
whenever we can manage to send an Affghan servant on a yaboo to purchase
it. Sturt has been kind to the man; and he evinces his gratitude by
writing to say that he will get us what supplies he can. Much more grain
might have been procured, had we not foolishly tried to drive hard
bargains with Khojeh Meer. It has been intimated to the Envoy that the
enemy's troops, who lately got one rupee daily for each horseman, and
eight anas for each foot soldier, have not had any pay for four days,
and that they are grumbling at it.

We saw a party leaving Cabul towards Bhoodkhak with two women on one
horse riding with them.

A cossid came in from Jellalabad; no letter for me. He had been detained
five days in the city, and his intelligence only reached to the 21st.
Khojeh Meer says that the villages to our rear (from whence the grain
was brought to Behmaru) are occupied; and that the only place which
could have given us grain, and where we might have obtained six months'
supply, was Khojeh Rewash, which is at present occupied by Sekundu Khan
with 500 men.

In the evening about seven o'clock there was firing on the southern
face, and towards the Magazine fort, which continued until past ten
o'clock. The enemy appear to be trying to mine that fort, and Sturt saw
about ten men close up under the walls of it.

The enemy seem to be on the alert; however there was no firing at night
of any consequence: we shelled the city from the Bala Hissar as usual.

Orders were this day issued, that the arms and accoutrements,
discipline, &c. of the various corps, should be attended to! Consequent
on this order the 5th have been very busy cleaning their musket
barrels,--a most unusual exertion. The arms used to be placed against
the rampart, and of course the barrels were rusty and the powder damp.

A committee is ordered to assemble to-morrow to value all useless horses
in the Bazaar, which are to be destroyed; so there will be plenty of
cheap meat, as tattoos and camels have for some time past been eaten:
even some of the gentlemen ate camel's flesh, particularly the heart,
which was esteemed equal to that of the bullock. I never was tempted by
these choice viands; so cannot offer an opinion regarding them.

Brig. Shelton sent to tell Sturt that one of the bastions of the
captured fort was on fire, and to request he would send bildars to dig
the place and lay on fresh earth. He went accordingly to see what was
the matter, and came back very angry, as the guard had been burning the
defences he had put up.

_4th._--Two chiefs have been treating with the King: they propose that
he throws off the Feringhees, on which they will render their allegiance
to him. His Majesty, however, thinks it unsafe to break with us. Gen.
Nott's brigade is now supposed to be at Shekoabad, about six marches
from Cabul. The enemy assembled in numbers on the heights, and planted
two guns in the gorge; from which they discharged 144 shot at us (said
to have been scored on the wall of the Mission Compound). They had three
other guns out, which were placed on the road behind a trench they had
dug, and a kind of breastwork they had thrown up across the road, near
the Shah Bagh.

In front of this they had another for their men to fire from behind it.
Another party took post in the Nullah, near the bridge going to Siah
Sung. A man mounted on a grey horse came down apparently to see if they
were properly posted: he had a _foot_ man with him. A shot was taken at
the latter, who, being beyond its range, ran a few yards backwards and
forwards, dancing, jumping, and cutting capers in derision.

Just as it was getting dark the fight commenced in earnest: the enemy
made a rush at the captured fort. They had placed a bag of powder at the
wicket, and must have been greatly astonished at finding it produced no
effect in consequence of Sturt having filled the place up.

They were received with a sharp fire, which was kept up for a long time,
both of musketry and guns. Lieut. Cumberland, of the 44th, was on duty
there with 100 men. He sent for a reinforcement, and Sturt took fifty
men to him under a very heavy fire. (Observe the wisdom of unnecessarily
risking the life of our only engineer officer.)

Notwithstanding that the enemy opened five guns on us, our loss was very
trifling: as yet I have heard only of one man, an artilleryman, killed;
and a sergeant of Sturt's (Williams) was wounded whilst digging with the
sappers. A few horses and camels were killed, as also one or two camp
followers in the Mission Compound.

Some of the cannon shot went clean over the cantonments (those fired
from the gorge): one fell between the legs of Mr. Mein's mule in Sturt's
compound, near the rear gate, without doing any damage.

To-day Sturt came home with his clothes singed, having been nearly blown
up by an explosion of powder in one of the batteries, when a man got his
pouch ignited by the port-fire; he was much hurt: at 10 o'clock the
shots were dropping quickly.

I can scarcely believe that this is the grand attempt at capturing
cantonments; and therefore am expecting another, and wish it may occur
by daylight.

The enemy's idea of blowing open a gate is excellent. They filled the
bag with powder, applied and lighted a slow match, and then threw it at
the gate! so that, when it exploded, of course it did no harm.

_5th._--The enemy assembled in small parties on the Siah Sung Hill;
also, but not in great force, on the other hills.

In the morning they attacked a foraging party sent by the cavalry, and
surrounded them in a fort. At length they took an oath on the Koran not
to hurt them; and a trooper, notwithstanding the remonstrances of the
rest, came out: he talked with them, shook hands with them, and they
seemed very friendly. They then desired the camp followers to come out;
but they distrusted them, and called to the trooper to return to them:
as he was doing so they shot him. The grasscutters had amongst them one
old musket, with which they shot two of the enemy: further operations
were suspended by the arrival of a reinforcement, when the enemy
disappeared _instanter_.

Some ottah has been said to have been dropped at the Musjed; but this
has been contradicted, and I believe no grain has been brought in
to-day.

The chief of Khojeh Rewash says that we must send a force, to make it
appear that we force it from him; and then he will sell us grain.

The proprietor of Kella Bolund offers 1000 kurwars of grain if we will
send for it, and has given the Envoy an order for its delivery; but the
difficulty lies in getting at it.

Major Kershaw has sent to announce that the enemy are coming out of the
city gate with their guns.

There has been firing all day, but I believe only a bheestee of Mr.
Eyre's killed, just behind our compound.

In the evening, about five o'clock, there was very quick firing about
the Bazar village.

The enemy have burnt the bridge, and commenced mining one of the
bastions of the captured fort.

A strong reinforcement has been sent there; and Sturt is gone down
again, at nine at night, to look to its defences.

Sturt has again to-day narrowly escaped being shot. The enemy seem to
know and to lie in wait for him, and he never shows his head above the
rampart without a ball whistling close to it. The Affghans are good
shots when they fire from their rests; and as the ammunition is the
property of each individual, they do not throw it away as we do ours.
Their gunners appear to be inferior, as they fired at the captured fort
at a distance of 300 yards, yet did not hit it.

_6th._--Sturt was out till one o'clock this morning. Between twelve and
one he crept round the fort and got into the enemy's mine: they had
worked in about eight feet. He blew up the mine, which fell in and
destroyed the covered way they had made, and shook down part of the
garden wall.

News from the Bala Hissar that the enemy are evidently thinning their
numbers; and a Ghilzye chief who has been wounded is gone home.

A cossid, who was sent by the King to Ghuznee, has returned. He says he
was stopped half way and put in kyde; that during the time he was a
prisoner another cossid arrived, sent to Amenoollah Khan from the
Kelat-i-Ghilzye chiefs with a letter. This man told him that he was the
bearer of a request for troops and guns, without which they could not
prevent the Feringhee King reaching Cabul; and that four regiments of
infantry, 100 horse, and five guns were already at Karabagh, two marches
from Ghuznee: that this occurred five days since (about the 1st). The
cossid took his oath on the Koran, before four moollahs, to the truth of
his statement; desired he might be put in prison (in which he was
accommodated); and further begged if the force did not arrive they would
put him to death! So after all this asseveration he was, of course,
implicitly believed.

At daybreak not a vestige remained of the bridge; which, however, the
General is still very anxious to rebuild, and has sent to inquire if
Sturt can do so. Without materials or workmen, and the enemy on the
spot, it is as impossible as useless to attempt it.

The General refused to have a party stationed in the small fort to
defend this same bridge, and now it is gone. He seems more bewildered
than ever, and says if the force arrives there will only be more mouths
to eat up our provisions; and we have only eight days', this inclusive;
but we have not a man to send out to forage.

The enemy were out to-day, but not in great force. They have got a
Russian seventeen-pounder of brass, which they have brought in from the
Kohistan, and have planted it in the road, near and on this side of
Mahmood Khan's fort. From this they have been firing at us all day, and
the balls fall many of them in the gardens of Messrs. Eyre and Sturt's
house. We have picked up three cannon balls close to the door of the
verandah.

Lieut. Hawtrey of the 37th N. I. was on duty at the captured fort to-day
with 100 men--forty of these were of the 44th, the rest from the 37th.

[Illustration: * room at fort]

Suppose this to be the fort: * no outlet, the window being blocked up
with mud. In this room were six of the 44th. The Affghans planted their
crooked sticks, which served them for scaling ladders; got up one by
one; pulled out the mud, and got in. A child with a stick might have
repulsed them. The Europeans had their belts and accoutrements off, and
the Sipahees the same. They all ran away as fast as they could! The 44th
say that the 37th ran first, and as they were too weak they went too.
Hawtrey says there was not a pin to choose,--all cowards alike. After he
was deserted by the men, he himself threw six hand grenades before he
followed them. One man of the 44th was an exception, and he was shot
whilst assisting Hawtrey in throwing these missiles.

Lieut. Gray, 44th, was wounded in the arm earlier in the day, by a man
who climbed up and fired through a loophole at him: he thoughtlessly
left his post to return to cantonments and get his wound dressed; and
the men endeavoured to excuse themselves by saying their own officer was
not there to direct them. It was the most shameful of all the runaways
that has occurred. The men (all agree) were not dressed when the enemy
entered. The 37th had three men left dead in the breach, and two were
wounded, which certainly looks as if they had defended themselves. We
lost 6000 rounds of ammunition in this fort.

Brig. Shelton wished that the garrison who had evacuated the fort should
retake it. For this purpose he got the men under arms as soon as they
could be collected together, and kept them, regardless of the inclemency
of the weather, with snow lying on the ground, until three or four
o'clock in the morning; when they were eventually dismissed, nothing
being attempted.

The least thing seems to-day to create alarm. The following note,
accompanied by a six-pound shot, was sent by order of Brig. Shelton to
Sturt:

 "Dear Hogg--The enemy have planted a gun in a bastion of one of their
 forts, near the road leading to the Kohistan gate of the city, and have
 been firing it at the Magazine fort since one o'clock. Two or three
 shots struck the rear face. I send you one that fell in the room above
 the gateway, after passing through the wall.

 "Yours, W. GRANT."

Gen. Elphinstone wrote again to the Envoy to-day, urging him to treat
for terms with the enemy.

At near 9 A.M. Sturt left us with an intention of blowing up the
captured fort, which the men seem to have taken a dislike to, and to be
determined not to defend it. He had not been gone more than a few
minutes when quick firing commenced: the enemy had come down evidently
in force along the south-eastern face of cantonments. There was a blaze
of light from Mahmood Khan's fort to our rear gate: it did not last
long, but it was a very anxious time; for our north-eastern portion of
rampart is occupied by the 5th, and I distinctly heard Bygrave using no
gentle language whilst he kicked the men up and out of their tents.
Lieut. Mein (13th) was also active in assisting to do the same, but with
very little success; though the drums beating to arms, and the hallooing
and shouting for the General and the Brigadier, were noise enough to
have aroused the dead. Lieut. Deas was on the rear gate guard; and had a
rush been made at it by the enemy, there did not seem to be any one to
oppose them.

Yesterday when Sturt was talking to the General and the Brigadier about
the captured fort, he mentioned that Capt. Layton commanded there that
day, and that he wished he should remain and retain it as a permanent
command, it being a place for which an officer should be selected, and
he considered him as well fitted for the command. Shelton, with a sneer,
asked if Layton would like to stay there? To which Sturt replied, "I do
not know what he would like, but I know that I should wish him to do
so." Capt. Layton's courage and steadiness were too unimpeachable for
the sneer to affect his character as a soldier. The Brigadier's dislike
to him arose from his not being a man of polished manners, and rather
ungrammatical in his language.

After all had gone wrong, the Brigadier told Sturt that he had told him
to order Capt. Layton to remain, and appealed to the General whether he
did not; to which Elphinstone hesitatingly replied, yes. On Sturt saying
that he never understood such an order, and that their recollections of
the conversation were different from his; that he would not give up his
own reminiscence of the business; that he (Sturt) was wide awake at the
time; the Brigadier lying on the floor rolled up in his bedding, and
either really or affectedly half asleep. On this the General hedged off
evasively by saying, he did not think what was said amounted to an
order!

Now when Sturt mentioned the circumstance to me yesterday, I asked him
whether he thought they would select an officer as a permanent
commandant, and his reply was, "God knows." Besides if it was to be, it
would have been notified in Orders, being a decided innovation on the
daily relief of the fort.

"One example is as good as a million:" these circumstances show how
affairs are carried on. The General, unsettled in his purposes,
delegates his power to the Brigadier, and the Brigadier tries to throw
off all responsibility on the General's or any body's shoulders except
his own: and the General is, as in the present instance, too
gentlemanlike to tell him that he deviates a little from the exact line,
and thus takes on himself the evasion.

Sturt came home quite disgusted; vowing that if those dear to him were
not in cantonments, they might blow them up for what he cared.

I heard a piece of private intelligence to-day,--that three of the
Envoy's Chuprassies and a Duffodar of the 4th Ressallah, with two other
persons whose names have not transpired, are in connection with the
enemy; and this treasonable correspondence has been discovered by some
intercepted letters. The men had been disposing of their property two
days previous to the discovery. The three Chuprassies are in
confinement, and the Envoy talks of asking the General for a
court-martial on them. The chances are they will escape punishment:
whereas were they hanged as traitors at once, it might be an useful
lesson to others. We have a Fakir and some Affghans in confinement also,
who are suspected of being spies.

The General peremptorily forbade the camp followers trying to take away
the piles of the bridge that remained; so the enemy, who are hard up for
wood, came down in great numbers, and did it for us. To-day we have
seven days' provisions left.

_7th._--Sturt was anxious to take the _re_captured fort; and as it
appears that the men are determined not to keep it, he proposed to blow
it up, and to call for volunteers for that purpose.

The 44th say they wish to wipe out the stain on their name, as do the
37th. Hawtrey's company volunteer to go with him, and take it without
the assistance of any other troops.

In sending the Sipahees to that fort, the sixty men were taken six from
each company, so that very few could have had their own officer,
European or native, havildars, jemadars, or even their own comrades. It
was certainly a particularly bad arrangement.

The General wished to know from Sturt whether the fort was practicable
and tenable; at least this was the message brought by Capt. Bellew: to
which Sturt said but one reply could be made--"Practicable if the men
will fight: tenable if they do not run away!"--but that he considered
that the great object was to destroy it; as he more than doubted the
willingness of the troops to garrison it, although daily relieved.

Objections were raised as to any other measures being taken than firing
at it to batter it down, which was accordingly done all day. The enemy
showed again; but their numbers are thinning: they fired at us all day;
and the balls from the brass seventeen-pounder just opposite came
whizzing over and about Sturt's house and garden.

Our chiefs are very anxious regarding three galleries that the enemy are
said to be running from various points to the Bazar bastion. They are
said to have mined 100 yards towards it from the captured fort. Hadjee
Mahommed, the famous miner from the Kohistan, has twenty men with him;
and the enemy have great confidence in his skill, and have given him
12,000 rupees.

I wonder if they paid the conquering hero of the captured fort their
promised reward of 4000 rupees?

The report is, that the Affghans have sworn on the Koran to take the
Bazar fort and the Magazine fort: for the latter they are to receive
10,000 rupees.

The Envoy is in hopes to get in five days' provisions from the Bala
Hissar.

Mahommed Akbar Khan sent in, offering us terms to go out, bag and
baggage: but this was before the fort was taken, and he will now
probably rise in his demands, which have not transpired. No reply has
yet been given, as hopes are entertained of the arrival of Gen. Nott's
force before we are quite starved: besides, as Zeman Shah Khan has not
given up the power to Mahommed Akbar Khan, he may not be able to
guarantee our safety.

_8th._--The first news of the day was, that the ammunition destined for
the Bala Hissar during last night set out, eighty yaboos, escorted by
some of Skinner's horse, under Capt. Hay: when they got to the camel
sheds they found themselves between two fires, of which, however, but
one shot hit a trooper. On the first shot being fired, many of the saces
threw off their loads, and galloped as hard as they could. Only
forty-four laden yaboos arrived: five were lost altogether, with many
yaboos and loads of private baggage; for there was (now, when the
enemy's suspicions were raised) an idea of trying to throw ammunition
into the Bala Hissar, and of eventually endeavouring to force our way
there: and a good deal of private property was attempted to be sent in
with it. We did not send any thing, expecting that our goods would never
reach their destination.

Had Sturt's wish been complied with, long ago we should have been safe
in the Bala Hissar, with plenty of provisions, and might have set all
Affghanistan at defiance until an army could arrive from the provinces.

The orders given to the reserve last night were, to go to the rescue if
the convoy was attacked on its return; but as there was no order to
defend the animals laden with ammunition when going, they waited until
Brig. Shelton should arrive, and when of course it was too late, and all
was over.

Conolly and Jan Fishan Khan have come in, I believe to press the subject
of our all going to the Bala Hissar.

The General now says that it was Sturt who objected to the attempt on
the Captured fort:--rather an odd assertion, as he was not likely to
object to his own proposition!

There is a report that the Wallee of Khoolloom is coming to our
assistance. To-day there has been much firing in the city; and Dr. Duff
says he saw with a glass the people in the Kuzzilbash quarter fighting
from the tops of the houses.

Yesterday the servants of Mr. Steer and of some other officers asserted
that they heard distant firing of artillery across the gorge behind
Cabul, but no one gave much credit to it. This morning both Sturt and
Warburton heard the booming of very distant artillery, and several other
persons did the same. Ghuznee is only about eighty miles from us: so
that the firing might be from thence: but it is confidently asserted
that the Kandahar force must be near; and three days are given as the
period for their arrival.

Great anxiety, occasioned by a new mine reported to be commenced at the
mill, which Kershaw has examined, as also Sturt and his sergeants, and
there does not happen to be any such thing!

Two days since we saw a funeral procession, with about fifty followers,
going away by the road leading towards the ground lately occupied by the
Shah's camp.

To-day we saw a number of laden camels and yaboos, and sheep, and
people, all going away: they were escorted off in safety by horsemen,
who returned as soon as they were out of sight of cantonments. A number
also went off towards the Kohistan; and we think the confederacy must be
breaking up, as we see very few of the enemy now, either horse or foot;
and the information from the Bala Hissar now rates their numbers at 2500
fighting men.

A letter was sent by the General to the Envoy, finding fault with the
site of cantonments, adverting to our want of provisions, &c.; and also
urgently pointing out the necessity of the Envoy's negotiating with the
enemy for the best terms he could get from them. This letter was signed
by the four members of the council of war,--Major-Gen. Elphinstone,
Brig. Shelton, Brig. Anquetil, and Col. Chambers. Anquetil appended to
his signature, "I concur in this opinion in a military point of view."

_9th._--Another letter, much of the same tenor, from the General to the
Envoy.

Letters received from Jellalabad, but not by me. I wrote to Sale by the
return cossid, from the 18th inclusive. Mackeson had thrown provisions
into Alimusjid; and 400 Usutzyes were raising for its defence. The
Afreedees' allegiance was doubtful, and they were likely on any reverse
to become our open enemies.

Sale had written to the Commander-in-chief to say that reinforcements
for this country must be much greater than those now on their way; that
there must be a strong siege train, engineer officers, with all
_materiel_--light infantry, British infantry, and dragoons; and had
stated that the whole country was in insurrection, and up against us. In
a postscript he mentions that on the day he wrote the first, they had
sallied and entirely defeated the enemy.

Treating is still going on. We have only three days' provisions! The
Ben-i-shehr is rich in grain. Conolly at the Bala Hissar offers to take
it with the escort, but is not permitted; and to send a force from
cantonments it would require a much larger one than we can afford; the
same misfortune attaches to Killa Bolund and Khojeh Rewash.

The King wrote to say that John Conolly and Jan Fishan Khan, who came
into cantonments, must not return to the Bala Hissar last night, as
there were Juzailchees out for the purpose of cutting them off. They
therefore went in at five this morning. They got in safe, though their
escort was fired upon.

We had Sturt's yaboo paraded this morning, who did not seem to feel the
smallest inconvenience, notwithstanding that he had been knocked down by
a nine-pounder shot yesterday. The ball struck the rampart and rebounded
on to his neck, which was protected by such a mane as would not be
believed on description, being of the very shaggiest of those in this
country.

At one this morning Sturt was roused up to examine a wall that Brig.
Shelton wished to have pulled down, and was kept out, with Capt. Hawtrey
and fifty men, for an hour. It proved to be a mare's nest, and the party
were sent on a harassing duty for no purpose!

The 44th have asked for a court of inquiry, and it is to sit to-morrow:
but there is but too much evidence to prove that the Europeans were the
first to run away from the Captured fort. The artillerymen in the
bastions all assert that they were so, and also the first into
cantonments; and the rest of the regiment have _cut_ that company; and
men are generally good judges of their comrades' conduct.

Capt. Trevor was sent by Sir William to meet several Ghilzye chiefs who
had volunteered to enter into terms with him, on payment of two lakhs of
rupees, which sum was taken by Trevor that night, but only one person
met him, who said that the others had seceded from the engagement, and
they would not receive the money. They had declared that, although
connected by marriage with Mahommed Akbar Khan, they had no regard for
him, and would, if Sir William wished it, bring his head; but he
replied, assassination was not our custom.

The alarm was sounded, and at the same time there was a signal flying
from the Bala Hissar, of the enemy being in force in the Shah's garden.
They were making a place to fire behind; from which we drove them. We
had the usual firing all day, and dismounted one of their guns.

Early this morning I was awakened by firing, proceeding from a party
under a Duffodar, in charge of twenty yaboos, with 100 sacks to be
filled with grain at the Bala Hissar. They were fired on by the enemy;
and came scampering back without their bags, and having lost six ponies.

Capt. Hay was this day sent with a message of consequence to the King,
attended by an escort of fifty horse. He went out of cantonments at a
brisk trot, and forded the river. The enemy kept an excellent look-out;
they were immediately in pursuit, but our party got safe into the Bala
Hissar. It was a beautiful sight to see Hay with his cap pulled down on
his brows, his teeth set, neither looking right nor left, but leading
his men with the air of a man ready and expecting to encounter the
worst, and fully determined to do his _devoir_. We were all very anxious
about him, and were delighted to hear that he had got back safe, for
they were fired on in returning, and ten horses without riders were the
heralds of their return. One man only is missing, and we hope he may yet
find his way in, as it is very dark, and the enemy may miss him.

To avoid the enemy, they had to make a _détour_ out of the road some
miles, and the men got dismounted by their horses stumbling and falling
into ditches, &c. There was much anxiety relative to the purport of the
message. It was supposed to be an urgent entreaty from the Envoy to the
King, that the latter would come into cantonments for the purpose of
retreating with the army to India: whatever it was, it produced an order
for the immediate evacuation of the Bala Hissar by our troops.

The enemy have been busy to-day making a platform (said to be 12 feet by
4) behind the commissariat fort.

It is surmised that this is a contrivance to cross the ditch with; but,
as that is 20 feet wide, it is not likely to succeed. They are said to
have appeared to be trying its strength by walking over it.

This day orders have been issued to deprive all camp followers that are
not mustered of their grain rations; but those who will take meat are
permitted to have it in lieu. We have commenced giving our servants two
sheep a day. Between Sturt's servants, mine, and Mr. Mein's (who is
staying with us), we muster forty.

Sturt was told yesterday that two of his sappers were going to desert,
and he had the circumstance reported; but the General and Capt. Bellew
would not put them into confinement, because their plan being overheard
was not considered as a sufficient proof of their intentions: so they
ordered them to be watched; and the end of the story is, that to-day
they are not to be found. A second case of most excellent surveillance.

_11th._--Early this morning, a convoy went to and returned from the Bala
Hissar, having conveyed bags there to be filled with grain.

An armistice; and chiefs came to treat with the Envoy: they met on the
plain; and whilst the negotiations (which were lengthy) were carrying
on, the enemy were busy throwing up works and placing guns in position.

A letter was received last night from Ghuznee: that place was invested;
and Col. MacLaren was marching up with troops, who were somewhere
between Candahar and that place.

As we have only two days' provisions, terms have been accepted. As far
as I can learn, four political hostages are to be given--Pottinger,
Trevor, MacGregor, and Conolly--to insure the return of the Dost.

Mahommed Akbar Khan is to go down with us. They say they will give us
carriage, and we are to be off on Tuesday. The 54th from the Bala Hissar
are to come in to-morrow morning.

_12th._--The troops from the Bala Hissar have not come in, at the desire
of the chiefs; who have now decided that they wish the Shah to remain,
and only require us to go. They wish the King to strengthen their
allegiance by giving his daughters in marriage to the chiefs, and
receiving theirs in return.

They were anxious to have our ladies as hostages, but it was refused.

The Kuzzilbashes have every thing to lose, should the Dost return, and
the Barukzye power come in.

_13th._--Another letter from Gen. Elphinstone, urging the Envoy to treat
with the chiefs.

A report prevalent that it is wished the force should remain; which is,
however, discredited.

The Kohistanees are in great numbers in Behmaru, the Shahbagh, &c.; and
unless the chiefs take possession of the forts _near_, and probably have
a party _in_ cantonments, they will certainly get in, and loot
immediately on our going out.

A curious scene occurred to-day. The men are to leave their old muskets,
and take fresh ones out of the magazine. Without any order or
arrangement the Europeans, Sipahees, and camp followers all got into the
midst of the stores, and helped themselves to whatever came in their
way; it was a regular scene of plunder.

_14th._--The troops left the Bala Hissar last night, but it was
considered unsafe for them to come on here on account of the lateness of
the hour. Immediately on their getting outside the gate, a rush was made
by Mahommed Akbar Khan's men, that chief wishing to seize on the Bala
Hissar, and the person of the King. His majesty had the gates shut, and
in so doing shut in the quarter guard, with some prisoners of the 54th.
Finding that the force could not come on, Conolly returned to the gate
to ask to be re-admitted, at which time he was saluted with a discharge
of grape, had one horse shot under him, and another wounded. This was
afterwards explained away as having been intended for the King's and our
mutual foes: if so, they were not very particular as to which party they
fired at. Our troops remained out all night; and this morning had to
fight their way in, against a mixed rabble of Ghilzyes, Logurees, and
Cabulees.

The bullock drivers ran away from the nine-pounder gun; of which the
enemy took possession. They carried off the bullocks; but being near
cantonments, fresh animals were sent out (it was on this side of the
Siah Sung Hill), the gun was soon recaptured; but not till an
unfortunate artilleryman, who being sick rode on it, had been cut to
pieces.

Osman Khan sent to say that if one of the three lakhs promised to him
was sent this evening, he would send in provisions, of which we are in
great need, having only sufficient for to-day and to-morrow's
consumption. In the evening three and a half lakhs were sent.

_15th._--There is a very evident change in politics. "The good King," as
Sir William used to call him, is now thrown over by us, as he refused to
deviate from his accustomed hauteur towards his nobles, or to admit of
his daughters marrying the chiefs as they proposed.

Shah Shoojah has also set his seal to a proclamation calling on all true
Mussalmans to fight against the Feringhees.

A small quantity of ottah was brought in to-day.

Negotiations are still going on.

The chiefs are very anxious to have all the married men and their
families as hostages for the Dost's safe return.

Two days since the King was to have come into cantonments, in rather
light marching order, to accompany us to the provinces. At that time it
was decided that Osman Khan (head of the Barukzyes now in the country,
and at present Vizier) should remain at Cabul: and it being expected
that the expulsion of our force would be a scene of bloodshed and
disaster, a running fight all the way down, Sturt said, that if he could
see Osman Khan himself, and make his own terms with him for our safety
and protection in his own house, he would not object to being one of the
hostages, and keeping his wife and mother with him: he authorized Capt.
Lawrence to say as much to the Envoy. To his great astonishment he heard
that his name had been proposed to the chiefs without any further
communication with him, and with a state of politics wholly different
from those under which he would have acquiesced in the proposition. In
the first place, Shah Shoojah is not going with our army; but is doing
all he can to raise a party against us, and sits at a window of his
palace in the Bala Hissar, whence he distributes shawls, khelluts, and
bhoodkhees to the Ghazeeas. In the second place, Osman Khan is one of
the chiefs who it is now decided are to go down with the Envoy.

Sturt's having talked imprudently to a friend, and its being taken
advantage of, prevents his interfering in the affair; but _I_ am not so
tied, and have represented (through friends) to the General in a
military point of view that he ought to object to Sturt's being taken as
a hostage, on the plea that should there be any thing to do on the way
down, through the Khyber or in the Punjab, he is the only engineer
officer we have;--a circumstance which the General acknowledges escaped
his recollection, but he quickly remedied the ill by writing to the
Envoy on the subject; and time must show the result.

Determined not to put his wife and myself in the enemy's power, he wrote
to the Envoy as follows:--

 "My dear Sir William,

 "Within the last hour a report has reached me, that myself, Lady Sale,
 and Mrs. Sturt, had been proposed to the Cabul chiefs as hostages, in
 exchange for Capt. Trevor.

 "I have a very distinct recollection of having told Lawrence to mention
 to you, that I had no objection to such an arrangement _under certain
 terms_; but not having been made acquainted with the fact of such a
 proposition having been made, or further consulted on the subject, I
 write in much anxiety to inquire if there is any foundation for the
 report, and if there is, to be made acquainted with the arrangements
 proposed, under which I can be expected to acquiesce in them as far as
 regards Lady Sale and Mrs. Sturt; for myself I am ready for any
 circumstances likely to benefit or aid in bringing negotiations to a
 satisfactory conclusion. I trust you will ease my mind upon this point,
 for reports have reached me from several quarters, all of which are
 more vague than satisfactory.

 "Very truly yours, "J. L. D. STURT.

 "15th December, 1841."

This elicited a reply from Sir William stating that he was much hurried
by business, and did not recollect whether Sturt's name had been
mentioned to the chiefs or not; but it was of no consequence, as no
ladies were to be sent as hostages, &c. The letter was evasive and
diplomatic; and did not inform us whether Sturt was to be sent from us
or not. It was, I believe, unfortunately thrown amongst a heap of papers
which Sturt was destroying, for I could not find it afterwards.

_16th._--The impudence of these Affghans is very great! Yesterday some
men who were looting our people close to the gates were warned off, and
they replied, that we might keep within our walls; all _without_
belonged to them.

To-day a well-dressed man, one of Mahommed Akbar Khan's personal
attendants, was attacked by them close to the walls, and stripped of his
garments.

Mr. Baness, the merchant, was standing talking to some of the Affghans
by the gate; a man snatched his watch from him, ran up to a suwar,
knocked him off his horse, mounted it, and galloped off.

This day Sturt was fortunate in purchasing a bag of otta sent in to him
by Taj Mahommed; whose man brought another which our servants were
purchasing.

In a moment there was a cry of otta! and the garden was filled with camp
followers and Sipahees. I never saw such a scene: the joy of those who
got a handful for a rupee, the sorrow evinced by those who were
unsuccessful, and the struggles of all to get close to the man! The
gentlemen had to stand with thick sticks to keep the people off. There
was no weighing; at first the man gave two handsful for a rupee, but the
quantity soon diminished in consequence of the great demand for it.

To prove our good faith and belief in that of the chiefs, we are to-day
placed entirely in their power.

They know that we are starving; that our horses and cattle have neither
grain, bhoosa, nor grass. They have pretty well eaten up the bark of the
trees and the tender branches; the horses gnaw the tent pegs. I was
gravely told that the artillery horses had eaten the trunnion of a gun!
This is difficult of belief; but I have seen my own riding-horse gnaw
voraciously at a cart-wheel. Nothing is _satisfied_ with food except the
Pariah dogs, who are gorged with eating dead camels and horses.

This evening the Rikabashees fort, Zulfa Khan's fort, and the Magazine
fort, were given up to the chiefs.

Misseer Aollah Khan, brother of Nawaub Zeman Shah Khan, came in as a
hostage.

In the Magazine fort our allies are said to have placed 4,000 men. The
chiefs promised, as soon as they were in possession of our forts, to
give us grain; and about half an hour after our garrisons were withdrawn
155 maunds of otta and a small quantity of bhoosa was brought in.

They have also promised to procure us 2,000 camels and 400 yaboos.

To show how strangely military matters are conducted at present; we were
taking our evening walk on the ramparts, when a Sipahee quite out of
breath came up, and asked for the Brigade Major, saying that he was sent
from the Rikabashees fort to ask for the order to give it up, as the men
were waiting outside the gate ready to march off, and the Affghans were
also waiting to march in; as we plainly saw, when we stood near
Bygrave's bastion. I do not attach any blame to the General in this; but
to those whose duty it was to issue the orders and see them executed.

At eleven P.M. heard some firing, and began to think there was going to
be some treachery.

Our allies, as they are now called, will be very magnanimous if they let
us escape, now that they have fairly got us in their net. It is said the
Bala Hissar will be attacked to-morrow by those who are neither the
King's nor our friends; though they are now termed allies instead of
enemies.

_17th._--There has been news from Jellalabad to-day up to the 7th. I
hear that Sale and all are well there; but it came out by accident. The
Sikhs have refused to assist us, which is breaking their treaty, and
portends military movements in the Punjab;--an additional reason why our
only engineer should not remain in Cabul.

Accounts from Candahar and Khelat-i-Gilzie. All is right again, they
say, at the former place; that prompt measures were taken; a chief
seized and blown from a gun, which terrified the rest into subjection.
No further news from Ghuznee; which, by the last accounts, was invested.

Both otta and bhoosa brought in to-day; but not more than for the day's
consumption, and only for the commissariat. Camels were brought in, and
some sold to the commissariat for 140 and 150 rupees each. We offered
1000 rupees for eight camels; but for so few they insisted on receiving
200 for each. The plunderers were, as usual, outside attacking all who
passed, friend or foe, and were fired on from the magazine fort: the
garrison there were also firing.

Sturt was standing at the rear gate, when a man inquired if he was an
officer; and, on his asking why he wished to know, and what he wanted
with him, said, half drawing his sword, "to fight."

It is said that our departure depends on the King's reply, which was
expected to be given to-day. He is either to go with us to Loodianah, to
remain here, or to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca.

In the city Zeman Shah Khan now reigns.

The people say that, as soon as we go, there will be dreadful fighting;
not such as they have had with us, but chupaos on each other's houses,
sword in hand, and cutting each other's throats: that we shall be
attacked all the way to Khoord Cabul, but not after that, as that part
of the country belongs to Ameenoollah Khan, whose son goes with us.

Nothing decided regarding Sturt, but it is said he will have to remain.

_18th._--When we rose this morning the ground was covered with snow;
which continued falling all day.

A very strange circumstance occurred last night. Some persons were
endeavouring to remove the barricade at the gate of the mission
compound: on being discovered, two Europeans galloped away, who were not
recognised. The third, ----, a writer in Capt. Johnson's office, was
taken prisoner: he refuses to name his companions, and says they were
going to Mahommed Akbar Khan to obtain provisions for the army. ---- is
a man of bad character; he has lately got himself into bad repute by
writing letters in the newspapers under the signature of "Sharp." He was
also connected with a man of the name of O'Grady Gorman in a
correspondence with the Russians; which was proved by letters found
amongst the papers of the latter after he was murdered at Candahar.

Two men of the 54th have made their escape out of the Bala Hissar; they
passed a rope through one of the loopholes and let themselves down. They
say the King has been tampering with them, offering to give them 15
rupees a month, and to promote all the non-commissioned officers; but
that not one has accepted his offers.

This day we bought camels at 150 rupees each.

_19th._--More strange things have occurred. Brig. Shelton wrote
privately to Mahommed Akbar Khan for forage for his own use, and
obtained ten loads of bhoosa. He made the man who brought it a present
(writing to Sir William that he wished to have a pair of pistols or a
chogah of small value from the Tosha Khana to present to a respectable
native), and the present was sent with a bill attached to it for 30
rupees. On its arrival, Shelton left the room to receive it, and during
his absence the Affghan appropriated to himself a sword which had been a
gift to the Brigadier from Shah Shoojah. On this he applied to the Envoy
for its restoration, which brought the whole story to light; and
occasioned the Brigadier to receive an admonition for having, unknown to
the Envoy, entered into correspondence with one of the chiefs. The
General, having heard the former part of the above story, wrote to the
Envoy to ascertain if he also could not obtain forage from Akbar direct;
but Sir William was extremely indignant at any attempt at correspondence
being entered into with any of the chiefs by individuals, and
peremptorily forbade it; having the courtesy to add, that he was in
expectation of obtaining some for himself, of which he would permit Gen.
Elphinstone to have a part.

The chiefs are evidently fearful that we are getting in supplies to a
greater extent than they wish.

We had been fortunate enough to purchase some otta and barley for our
servants and cattle. A servant of Mahommed Akbar Khan's came into our
verandah and wanted to take it away by force; but I saw what was going
on, and called Sturt, who took him by the collar, and expedited his
departure by a kick; to the great astonishment of sundry Affghans at
such indignity being offered to the servant of a sirdar.

Snow again fell to-day.

In a letter from Gen. Elphinstone to the Envoy to-day, he observes,
"that the force is not in a state to act in any way necessity might
require; but he hoped that it would be better disposed to-morrow!"

_20th._--Taj Mahommed Khan came again to see Sturt; and through his
servants we got some new cheese. He told us that Shamsuddeen's brother
died last night.

Taj Mahommed assures us of the intended treachery of Akbar; and says the
force will be annihilated, and is most anxious that we should accept
such protection as he is willing to afford us somewhere in the hills
until the return of the English;--for that a strong force will be sent
to retake Cabul, and avenge the meditated destruction of our army, is a
general opinion amongst the thinking Affghans, several of whom, as well
as Taj Mahommed Khan, obtained written testimonials of their friendship
towards the English, that they may hereafter produce them for their
advantage. We can only thank him for his good intentions. It is
difficult to make these people understand our ideas on military
subjects; and how a proceeding, which was only intended to save a man's
life, conjointly with that of his wife and mother, can in any way affect
his honour. Certain it is that we have very little hope of saving our
lives.

The Envoy seems to fear treachery on the part of the chiefs; and
evidently wishes to break the treaty. If he does so, it must be by a
simultaneous attack on the three forts we have given up to our "allies,"
and also on Mahommed Khan's fort. It would, if successful, give us a
decided advantage, and perhaps alarm many into siding with us; but the
plan is too late a one. Sturt was applied to for a sketch of operations,
which he gave, for the attack on Mahommed Khan's fort, but was of
opinion we were too weak, and our men too dispirited, to attempt it. On
this subject he received a letter from the General, of which the
following is a copy:--

 "My dear Sturt,

 "I do not know whether Thain has written to you the substance of a
 conversation I had this day with the Envoy. He thinks it possible we
 may be driven to hostilities, and asked, with the view to the recapture
 of the magazine (fort omitted), whether we had ladders, or the means of
 making them. I hope they will not drive us to this, although things
 look very ill and very like treachery.

 "Yours, "W. K. E."

 "20th Dec."

The Envoy had a meeting with the allies this evening: he says they have
not broken their treaty, but are fearful we shall break ours. The chiefs
rise daily in their demands; and to-day required that we should send the
guns and ammunition that were to be left at once into Mahmood Khan's
fort.

They now will not give up Trevor; because, as the Envoy wishes to get
him back, they take it for granted he is a person of consequence. The
affair of the sword has made the same impression regarding Brig.
Shelton, whom the chiefs have demanded, with Captains Grant and Conolly.
Trevor is with them, and Drummond and Skinner are still detained in the
city.

Chiefs, or their deputies, daily come in to negotiate; but we have only
Moussa Khan with us as an "honoured guest."

Sturt has proposed to the General that we break off all treaty, and
openly retreat to Jellalabad; directing Sale to remain there, and the
whole force to await the arrival of troops either at Jellalabad or
Peshawer; not to leave our sick, as was intended, with Zeman Shah Khan,
but to take all officers' and other private baggage for them, and the
ammunition, allowing a small portion for women and children. The staff
and sick officers to be allowed a riding horse, the others to march with
their men. This is a public-spirited proposition of his; for we had
succeeded, at great expense, in obtaining carriage for his most valuable
property, which, by this arrangement, must be abandoned, and for which
it was possible he would not receive any recompence.

We hear that the inhabitants of the fortress of Ghuznee communicated
with the enemy without; and by a coalition have driven our troops from
all other parts than the citadel and the Cabul gateway. Now, had we
retreated to the citadel in the Bala Hissar, as Sturt recommended before
the Rikabashees' fort was taken, and often afterwards, we should not now
be in the humiliating situation that we are.

The troops sent to the relief of Ghuznee only got two marches beyond
Khelat-i-Ghilzie: their further progress is said to have been prevented,
not only by the overpowering numbers of the enemy, but also by the snow,
which rendered the passes impracticable; they fell back upon Candahar,
leaving reinforcements in Khelat-i-Ghilzie.

Orders were despatched yesterday to Ghuznee, for the surrender of that
place. The troops will have to march through the Zoormut country, and go
down by Dera Ismael Khan.

Thursday is at present said to be the day for our departure.

_21st._--The hostages are decided on,--Airey, Pottinger, Warburton, and
Conolly, who are to start immediately for the city.

The Envoy met Osman Khan and Mahommed Akbar Khan in conference.

_22d._--The waggons, ammunition, &c., given up to our "allies."

Lady Macnaghten's carriage and horses given to Mahommed Akbar Khan.

The troops were kept under arms for two hours about nothing. Some
cavalry horses were sent out to be shot: the Affghans wished to take
them away, but the guard (37th) bayoneted one man, and shot another; on
which they dispersed.

The Affghans say, that if, when we retook the gun on the hill, on the
23d of last month, we had pursued to the gates of Cabul, they would
never have made head against us again. They say they cannot understand
Shelton's conduct on the hill on that day; and that, if our generals can