With the Kurram Field Force, 1878-79

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WITH THE

KUEEAM FIELD FOECE,

1878-79.

MAJOR J. A. S. COLQUHOUN, E.A.

WITH ILLUSTSATIOXS BY THE AVTHOB.

LONDON:
W. H. ALLEN & CO., 18, WATERLOO PLACE.

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MEUTENANT-GENEBAL

SIR FKEDEEICK SLEIGH ROBERTS, BAKT., 0.0.8., V.C,
S^^is Kith,

VSIOH HAS TAXBN SHATE THKOUOH HIB KIHS EMCOiniAaElIEHT,
IS ST PSBlCBBiON

DEDICATED.

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NOTE.

2'A< Proofs of this Work have heen revised in the absence
of the Author; it i$, therefore, hoped that any mistake lefi
tmcorrected may be excused on titis account.

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PBEFACE.

The following pages profess to be nothing beyond a
mere recital of facts Eind incidente connected with the
Kurram Valley Force of the Cabul Campaign of
1878-79.

To the readers of the present day it cannot, there-
fore, offer anything either new or original ; but to those
who were engaged in this expedition under Sir Frederick
Roberts, or to the future historian who would learn how
the emancipation of the Kurram Valley from Afghan
rule occurred, this account may possibly prove interesting
or useful.

The Author was only appointed in time to reach the
Eurram Force on the 2nd December, during the action
of the left attack on the Peiwar Kotal, and consequently
would have been unable to give the record of the pro-
ceedings up to that date, unless Major (now Lieut.-
Colonel, C.B.) Collett, Assistant Qntu^ermaster-Qeneral
of the Force, had kindly placed his Diary of operations
at the writer's disposal.

One of the most interesting features in the campaign
was the employment of the troops of the Punjab chiefs

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on the line of communications. Major W. C. Anderson,
who was employed as Assistant Adjntant-General with
these troops, has (with the permission of General
Watson, C.B., V.C.) kindly furnished a short accoimt
of the numbers and dispositions of this force, which
will be found at the end of the book.

This record, which could not otherwise have been
obtained, as the contingent was chiefly detached from
the other troops, will add, it is hoped, a material value
to this work, and at the same time prevent the friendly
action of the Punjab chiefs from being forgotten.

No political question as to the advisability of the
advance into Afghan territory has been discussed, it being
sufficient in a work of this kind to detail simply the
orders which affected the force, and, consequently, for
the soldier, the Viceroy's proclamation, which recounts
the causes which led to the break of the strained rela-
tions between Cabul and England, deals sufficiently
with the politics of the question This order is placed
at the beginning of the book, os occupying its natural
position in the course of affaire, and is followed by
the names of the officers and regiments detailed for the
force.

The next chapter gives a general outline of the
Kurram Valley, and its inhabitants and neighbours.
Most of these people, previous to tiie occupation, had
either been unknown, or, if their locale were known,
any information which existed regarding them dated
from twenty years back, when the expedition of General
Chamberlain, in 185o, and the mission of the Lumsdens

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in 1857, opened out some knowledge of these coon-
trieB, bat after this their existence was forgotten. The
oppressed Turis, who inhabit the Kiuram Valley, in vain
petitioned the British GpTemment for their release firom
the galling mle of the Afghans. In vain they rebelled
and tried to recover their lost freedom and territory
from their hated rulers, who, secure of the British
alliance, arms, and money, committed every atrocity
that an armed semi-civilisation with savage instincts
could perform.

The copy of the petition of the Tnris to the British
Government in 1862, given in the Appendix, is suffi-
cient to show the state of affairs in the Kurram Yalley
at that time ; since then the Afghan rule has not
softened. The country was virtually laid waste ; the
people, a prey to their hill neighbours as well as to
the Afghans, existed on sufferance, and all hope of
recovering their position and statns was abandoned,
while the population was kept down by the forcible
abduction of the children, both boys and girls, for
immoral purposes. To have put a stop for ever, it is
hoped, to this state of affairs, is an action of which the
British nation may be proud.

The narrative portion of the book is divided into
chapters, which detail the successive steps in the cam-
paign till its close. Thus, the gradual collection of the
troops at Thull, III.; the advance into the Knrram
Valley, lY. ; the action of the Peiwar Kotal, V. ; the
expedition to Kbost, VI. ; the preparations for the
advance into Cabnl, VU., which caused the declaration

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of peace; and the anbseqaent events in the Kurram
Valley till the passage of the Cabal Mission, — ^form the
natural divisions of the subject.

The diary form of narrative has been retained, as it
enables the orders affecting the force, published from
time to time, to be given in their original form. It
vrould have been possible to have placed all the orders
in the narrative, by describing the results ; but thongh
more continuity in the account wonld have been gained
by so doing, yet it would have only been possible by
losing the brevity and clearness with ■which facts are
described in an order-book. In addition to this, the gain
to the student of military matters is increased by leaving
the order-book to tell its own story of deficiencies in
the personnel and material for a campaign ; to show
where the constitution of an army in the field differs
from a garrison in peace time, and to indicate the many
points which have to be attended to, in order to bring a
force together in the field. These advantages seemed
to counterbalance the dieadvantage of breaking from
one topic to another. Wherever any explanation was
necessary to elucidate any order which might not be
generally understood, it has been given, though for
those who were with the force such explanations wUl

To Lieut.-Colonel Galbraith, 85th Regt., Assistant
Adjutant-General of the Force, and to Lieut.-Colonel
Palmer, Superintendent of Transport, the Author is
indebted for the Tables in the Appendix, giving the
numbers of men present with the force at various dates,

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and the number of camelfl and baggage-animals which
were employed dnring the operations.

In conclnBion, the Aathor would wish to thank
General Lindsay, C.B., R.H.A., for his kindness in
looking over the mannscripts giving the detailed account
of the forcing of the Spingawi Eotal, at which the
Author was not present, aud for that portion of the
affair at Maton, in Ehost, which did not come mider his
own observation. Captain Barstow, 72nd Highlanders,
has also kindly given asaistnnRe in this way.

It has not been the writer's wish to criticise, nor,
indeed, is there much room for criticism in the narration
of facts, and, though there are always two sides to every
question, it has been his object to place matters in the
point of view that they would naturally present to an
unbiassed mind. Every incident affecting the history
of the force in a military aspect has been recorded as
far as possible, and as far as was patent to the world ;
and if, either by omission or mistake of these facts,
anyone may consider that his interests have suffered,
the error, he may be assured, is unintentional, and the
writer is only desirous of securing for the Kurram force,
as far as lies in his power, the estimation due to its
deserts, which no one can be more willing to concede
than himself.

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CONTENTS.

OHAPTEB I.
Fbuumdubt ....

CHAPTEB n.

DXBOBIPTIOM OF THB ECBBAH VULt? .

CHAPTEB m.

PbSMKUIOHB for THK OutPAIOK . . . .48

CHAPTEB IV.
Adtahob of the Fobob fboh Thuix to thz Fxiwab Eoial . 66

CHAPTEB V.
Tbb AonoM or thx Fxiwab Eoiai., ahs itentb vo let

Jakuast 1B79 ...... 98

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CHAPTEE VI.

En^DiTioN TO THK Erost Valley, and kvkntb im Jahuabt

1879 179

OHAPTEB Vn.

FSBPAXATIOMS FOX THX AsTANCE TO CabUL

CHAPTER Vm.

COKCLaStXO xyiMTS

CHAPTEE K.
Account op the Punjab Chiefb' CoNTiNaBNT, bt Major W.
Ansbbbom, Absistaht Adjutant-Gbmebal or that Fobcb

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WITH THE

KUKKAM FIELD FOKCE.

CHAPTEB I.

PRELIMINARY.
Tbb Vicerot of Ikdu to thk Auir Sher Ali Khan or Kabul,

TO Hia SlHI>AB0 AHD SCUBGTS, AND TO AIX THB Pl^OPLB OF

Afohahistah.

fT is DOW ten years since the Amir Sher Ali Khan, afler a
prolonged strnggle, had at last succeeded in placing him-
self upon the Throne of £abul. At that time hia dominion
still needed consolidation, and the extent of it was still unde-
fined. In these ciroumstHDces, the Amir, who had already been
assisted by the British Qovernment with money and with arms,
expressed a wish to meet the Viceroy of India. His wish was
cordially compUed with. He was courteously received, and
hooonrably entertained by the Viceroy, at Umballa. The ooan-
tenance and support he had come to seek were then assured to
him. He, at the same time, obtained further unconditional
asdstance in arms and money. These tokens of the good-will
of the Britiab Government, which he gratefully acknowledged,
materially aided the Amir, after hia return to bis own oonntry,
in there seonring his position and extending his antbority.

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2 WITH THE ECBRUf FIELD FOBOB.

Sioce then, the Amir Sher Ali Khan has reoeived from the
British GoTeToment, in confinuation of its good-will, large
additional gifta of anns. The powerful inSuencs of the British
GoTemment has secured for him formal recognition hy the
£mperor of Bussia of a fixed boundary between the Kingdom of
Kabul and the EhanBt« of Bokhara and Kokand. The Amir's
sovereignty over Wakhaa and Badakshan was thereby admitted
and made sure ; a sovereignty which had, till then, been dis-
puted by the Russian Government. His subjectu have been
allowed tn pass freely througbont the Indian Empire, to carry
on trade, and to enjoy all the protection afforded by the British
Government to its own subjects. In no single instance have
they been unjustly or inhospitably treated within British juris-
diotioD.

For all these gracious acts the Amir Sher Ali Khan has
rendered no return. On the contrary, he has requited them
with active ill-wilt and open discourtesy. The authority over
Badaksban, acquired for him hy the influence of the British
Government, was used by him to forbid passage through that
province to a British ofGcer of rank, returning from a mission
to a neighbouring State. He has closed against free passage
to British subjects, and their commerce, the roads between
India and Afghanistan. He has maltreated British subjects,
and permitted British traders to be plundered within his juris-
diction, giving them neither protection nor redress. He baa
used cruelly and put to death subjecu of his own on the mere
suspicion that they were in communication with the British
Government. He has openly and assiduously endeavoured, by
words and deeds, to stir up religious hatred against the English,
and incite war against the Empire of India. Having previously
excluded British ofKcers from every part of his dominions, and
tefiiBed to receive a British mission ; having left unanswered
fiiendly communications addressed to him by the Viceroy, and
repelled all efforts towards amicable intercourse between the

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t>&ELlUlNABV. 3

Britisb GoTenmient and himself; he has, nevenhulesa, reoeiTed
formally and entertaiued publicly at Kabul an Embssay &om
Rnsaia. This he has done at a time when such an act deiired
special significance irom the ohBracter of coDtemporaneona
erents in Europe, and the attitude of England and Russia in
relatioD thereto Furthermore, he baa done it, well knowing
that the RuBaiao Government stands pledged, by engagements
vitfa England, to regard his territories as completely beyond the
sphere of Russian influence. Finally, while this Russian Em-
bassy is still at bis capital, the Amir has forcibly repulsed, at
his outposts, an English Envoy of high rank, of whose coming
he bad formal and timely announcement by a letter from the
Viceroy attesting the importance and urgency of the Envoy's

Even then the British Government, still anxious to avert
the calamities of war, deferred hostile action, and proffered to
the Amir a last opportunity of escaping the punishment merited
by bis acts. Of this opportunity the Amir has refused to avul
himself.

It has been the wish of the British Government to find the
best security for its Indian frontier in the friendship of a State
whose independence it seeks to confirm, and of a prinoe whose
throne it has helped to support. Animated by this wish, the
Biitisb Government has made repeuted efforts to establish with
the Amir Sher Ali Khan those close and ootdial relations which
are necessary to the interests of the two neighbottring oouDtriea.
Bat its efforts, after being persistently repulsed, have now been
met with open indignity and defiance.
■ The Amir Sher Ali Khan, mistaking for weakness the long
forbearance of the Britisb Government, has thus deliberately
inoorred its just resentment. With the sirdars and people of
Afghanistan this Government has still no quarrel, and desires
none. They are absolved from all responsibility for the recent
acta of the Amir, and as they have given no offence, so the

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4 WITH THE ST7BBAH FIELD FOROB.

British QoTernmeot, wisbiDg to respect their independence, will
not willingly injure or iuterrere with them. Nor will the British
Government tolerate interference on the part of an; other Power
in the internal affurs of Afghanistan.

Upon the Amir Sher Ati Khan alone rests the responsibilitj
of having exobanged ntbe friendship for the hostility of the
Emprees of India.

FIELD OPERATIONS— KABUL.

GOTERNUBNT QeNBRAI, OrDER No. 1101, DATED 9TH
NOTEHBBR, 1S78.

Q. 0-. 0. No. 931, dated the 4tb October, 1878, ia cancelled,
and the following order, showing the revised constitution of the
force detailed for field service, published for general informa-
tion : —

The Bight Hon. the Qovemor-Greneral in Council having
been pleased to direct the assembly of a force for service in the
field, the corps herein-after specified will move from their respec-
tive cantonments, under instructions which will be issued by His
Excellency the Commander-in-Cbief in India.

3, For the staff duties of this force the following appoint-
menta are made, and will have effect from the date on which the
officers named may enter npon the duties thereof.

/, — For a Column to he assembled in the Kurram Valley,*'
M^or-Gcnoral F. S. Roberta. C.B., V.C., Royal Artillery.
Commanding.

Captain G. T. Pretyman, B.A., Aide-de-camp.

* Th« nuDM of offloui amplojad deputmaQtsllj, or who joiiied aobasqaaDt to
tliia ordar. ire printed in JloJici.

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PBELmmABT. 5

Lieutenant Neville Chamberlain, Central India Horse, and
Lieutenant John Shearston, Rijle Brigade, Orderly Officer.

Major W GalbtoiUi, 85lh Foot, AaaiBtant Adjutant-Geoeral.

Major H. Collett, Bengal Staff Corps, Aseiatant Qaorter-
mastei- General,

Oaptun R. G. Kennedy, Bengal Staff Corps, and Captain
F. 8. Carr, General Liat Infantry, 6tli Punjab Cavalry, Deputy
Assistaats Quartennaster-Geueral.

Medical Department.
Deputy Surgeon-General F. F. Allen, G.B , Principal Medical
Offioer.
Deputy Surgeon -General Toumaend, subsequently took charge.

Commissariat Department.

Captain A. R. Badcook, Deputy Assistant Commissary-
General, Chief Commissariat Officer.

Major Bunbury, Major E. M. Marriott, Lieutenant P.
Buckland, Lieutenant Q. Eliot, Captain Keighley, Bengal
Commissariat De/'artment ; Captain Cook, Madras Commis-
sariat Department ; Lieutenant Adye, Hyderabad Contingent.

Engineer Department.

Lieut.-Colonel M. Perkins, RE., Commanding Engineer.

Lieutenant F. T N. Spratt, U.E., and Lieut«naiit S. Grant,
R.£., Assistant Fluid Engineers.

Lieutenant Louge, H.E., Lieutenant Buxton, B.E., Captain
Waltac, R.E , Lieutenant Onslow, RE., Lieutenant Nugent,
B E., and Lientenant Burn Murdoch, R.E , Assistant Field
Engineers.

Captain A. S, Wynne, Mat Foot, Superintendent Field
Telegraphs.

Captain E, Straton, 22nd Regiment, subsequently took
charge.

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6 WITH THE EUBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

7tli Compao; Bengal Sappere and Miners

S8rd Bengal Native Infantry (Pioneers) (Colonel (Jurrie).

Engineer Field Park.

Artilieiy.
LtenL-Colonel A. H. Lindsay, B.A., Commanding.
Lieutenant £. G. Osbome, R.A., Adjutant.
F-A, Royal Horse Artillery {Lieut. -Colonel Stirling, B.H.A).
G/8, Boyal Artillery (Major Sidney Parry, R.A.).
No. 1 Moantain Battery, P. F. F. (Captain Kelso, R.A.).
No. » „ „ (Captain G.Swinlej.KA.).

Ordnance Field Park (Captain Colqufaoun, R.A.).
Captain James, R.A., Captain Sha/to, R.A., and Captain
8- Pemberton, R.A., Ordnance Officers.

Cavalry.
lOtb/l Hnssara (one sqnadron) (Captain Balkeley).
i2th Bengal Cavalry (Colonel Hagh Gongh, C.B., V.C).

lat Infantry Brigade.
Colonel A. H Cobbe, 17th Foot, Oommanding.
Captain A. Seott, V.C, Bengal Staff Corps, Brigade-Major.
Orderly Officer, Captain T. Barttow, HM. ^ind High-
landert.

Snd Battalion Sth Foot (Colonel Barry Drew).

a9tli Bengal Nadve Infantry (Colonel J. H. Gordon).

5tb Punjab Infantry (Major McQueen).

Colonel H. Forbes, Commanding BKopal Contingent.

Lieutenant Forbes, HM. Hind Hightanders, Orderly Officer.

Znd Infantry Brigade.
Ofdonel J. B. Tbelwall, C.B., Oommanding.
Captain G. De C. Morton, 6tb Foot, Brigade-Miyor.
Lieut. G. v. Tomer, S/8th Regiment, Orderly Officer.
72nd Highlanders (Lient.'Colonel F. Brownlow).

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PBZLQONABT. 7

2lst Native Infantry (Major CoUis, B.3.C.).

3nd Punjab Infantry (Lieut. Colonel Tyndall. B.S.O.).

Stb Goorkba Regiment (Major FitzHugb, B.9.C.)<

NaHBB op OrflCBRB APPOINTED TO TBB TRANSPORT DePAST-

HBNT, Edrbah Field Force,

1. Major D, Moriarty, Bengal Staff Corps, Superinten-
dent. Subsequently in oharge Field Treasure Obest.

S. Major G. Palmer, 9th Bengal Cavalry, Saperintendent.

S. Captain H. Qoad, Hyderabad Contingent, Assistant
Superintendent. Died from wounds received Id action.

4. Captain F. Morrison, 1st Royal Soots, Assistant Superin-
tendoDt. TraDsferred to BeDgal Staff.

5. Lieutenant Q, Money, Central India Horse, Assistant
Superintendent.

6. Lieutenant G. Eyre, 5th Bengal Native Infantry, Anaia-
tant Superintendent Transferred to Civil Employ.

7. Lieutenant Maisey. 80tb Bengal Native Infantry,
Aesistant Superintendent

8. Lieutenant D. Waterfield, Royal Horse Artillery,
Assistant Superintendent. In cbarge Ordnance Transport.

9. Major Forde, Madras Staff Corps, Assistant Superinten-
dent.

10. Major J. E. Baines, 6th Regiment, Assistant Snperinten-
dent.

11. Captain W. H. Browne, Bengal Staff Corps, Assistant
Superintendent.

13. Ciq)taiQ Abbott, Bengal Staff Corps, Assistant Superin-
tendent. Resigned,

18. Captain E. Lushington, 8tb Hussars, Assistant
Saperiotendent.

14. Captain W. A. Wynter, 88rd Regiment, Assistant
Quartermaster- General for Transport.

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8 WITH lOE EUBRAU PIBLD FORCB.

15. LientenaDt L. E, Booth, ^tSrd Regiment, Assistant
SiiperiDtendent.

16. lieatenant J. W. Kitoheaer, l4th Regiment, Assistant
Superintendent.

17. Captain A. Tnroer, 2nd Fanjaub Infantry, temporarily
employed.

Names op Opficbss holdino MiacELLANBocrs Appointuknts

IN THE KURSAH FlELD FoRCB.
Political Department.

1, Colonel G. Waterfield, PoUtioal Officer, sabseqaently
invalided.

2. A. Christie, Esq., B.C.8., Assistant Political Offioer.

5. Mahommed Hyat Khan, C.S.I., Assistant Political
Offioer.

4. Colonel J. Gordon, C.S.I., Political Officer, subseqaently
invalided.

6. Captain R. H. F. Bennick, B.S.O., Assistant Political
Officer, subsequently invalided.

6. Capt^n A. Conolly, B.S.G., Assistant Political Offioer.

Chaplain's Department.
I , Rev. J. W. Adams.

5. Rev. J. Jolly, H.U. 72ud Highlanders.
8.

Survey Department.
1. Captain R. G. Woodthorpe, B.E.
2 Captain Gerald Martin, B.S.C.
8. Lieutenant Manners Smith, 3rd StUis.

Telegraph Department.
1. Samuel Josephs, Esq,

Potial Department,
1. Mr. F. Walsh, Postmaster.

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Od iMMueh. .

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3026

M

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CM.(ingen.)J

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PBELUONABT. 9

Beqiuents detailed to join the Kurbam Force ArrER the

GOMMBNCEKENT OF HOSTILITIES.

Artillery.
C Battery, 4tb Brigade Royal Artillery (Captain F. C. Clade).

Cavalry.
Sqaadroa 9tb Lancers (Captain Bataon).
Ist BsDgal Cavalry (Li eat.- Colonel Jenkins).
l4th Bengal Lanoere (Colonel Robs).

Infantrj/.
2nd Begiment Native lofantry (Queen's Own Light Infantry).
1 1th Regiment Native Infantry (Colonel Lamb).
H.M. 67th Regiment (Lieut. Colonel C. B. Enowles).
H.M. 93nd Gordon Highlanders (LieuL-Golonel Parker).

The following few remarks may help to explain some of the
variations in the opposite table.

The figures are taken from the weekly general state prepared
in the Assistant Ac^jutant-Oenerars Office, in which the numbers
of eaoh regiment and battery are detailed ; as it would have
been anneoeBsary to copy each of the weekly states, the totals
only have been extracted.

The strength of the Enrram Field Foroe rose gradually from
4,711 men of all ranks on the 1st November to 18,369, incln-
mve of the Punjab Chiefs' Contingent. The first total, how-
ever, represents only the troops who had joined up to that date.

The entries under the date of the Ist Beoember give only
the numbers who fought at the battle of the Peiwar Kolal, as it
seemed desirable to keep this figure on record.

The entries on the let January would represent the normal
strength of the Eurram Field Force, which was raised to a
bigher figure on the Ist February by including the troops of
the Kohat garrison in the strengUi of the fbroe. As some of

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10 WITH THE KUEBAM FIELD FOBOB.

these, however, hnd not been specially detailed for Bcrvice, in
the following month the nambers were reduced, and remained
nearly stationary during March and April, when the arrival of
the troops who were to bold the Kurram Valley raised the
numbers to their highest point The proportion of aiok was
large at the commenoement, being nearly 12 per cent, among
the Enropeans, and 7 per cent, among the natives, and was owing
chiefly to the troops detailed for the campaign not having got
free from a severe epidemic of fever whtoh had affected the
whole of the Fanjab.

During the wioter months the high rate of sioknesa was
kept up firom the effects of the cold ; this brought on pneu-
monia, which was fatal t<> oonetitntiooe already enieebled by
fever; but as the spring came on and the weather moderated,
the proportion of aick became reduced to i per aent. for Che
Europeans and somewhat less for the natives in April, and to
below 8 per oent for both olasBes in May.

The public followers include hospital establishments, dooly
bearers, camel and mule men attached to regiments, and the
syces and grasscuCtera taken with the artillery and cavalry.
The private followers include the regimental cooks, barbers,
bhustees and sweepers, officers' servants, syces, and grass-
outters.

Wben the advance was ordered in December, the latter
classes were reduced to the lowest possible point, but still the
numbers of so-called private followers (715) bear a high pro-
portion to the number of figbting-men ^4,004), and when both
classes of followers are considered, the total number approaches
to nearly three fourths of tbis number.

It wonld be undoubtedly possible for a foroe to do without
followers of any description, but it would be possible only to do
BO at the expense of reducing the fighting strength, abolishing
a goodmanyof the present hospital arrangements and partofoamp
equipage, and making each man carry his own kit To draw

itizecy Google

PBELDCHABT. 11

the Hoe between effioienoy on the one hand, and the rednotion
of followers on the other, is a problem yet to be aolved, and its
solotion would be mach facilitated by the institution of a per-
manent Transport Department

The carriage shown is that which was allotted to regiments
at the oommenoement of the oampiugn, and does not include
any employed by the Commissariat Departmert During
February, bowerer, most of the carriage animals were transferred
to the Commissariat, and hut a small number were retained
for regimental purposes. This arrangement continued in force
till the Ist of June, when, the Transport Department having been
re-organized, carriage was allowed to each regiment again, but
was aviulable for general transport under its own officers.

The total namber of camels employed daring the oampaign
u given in the Appendix.

itizecy Google

WITH THE KUBBAII FIELD FOBCE.

CHAPTER n.

Drscription op the Kubbau Valley.

fHE Eurram Valley had, of all the Afghan border of India,
been the only part which bad been traversed by the foot of
an 'Englishman since the previona Cabul war; oonsequently
when the present war broke out, there were maps and a certain
amount of information available regarding it. The narrative of
the expedition of General Ohamberlain, who reached the Eurram
Valley in IS.')6, to punish some of the inhabitants who had
raided down within our border ; the journals of the Mission to
Cabul by the Lumsdens in 1857, which travelled by this route,
furnished the amount of information which existed at the time
war was declared, and this was compiled in a maniial for the use
of the force by Major Collett, B.S.C., 33rd Pioneers, who was
detailed at Simla for this purpose. The information, scanty as
it was, was useful in giving an idea as to the country and its
inhabitants, to those who had not been thrown into contact with
them before, and thus enabled the advance, when ordered, to be
made with greater celerity than would otherwise have been
possible bad it been necessary to feel one's way.

In all mountainous countries the river and valleys form the
natural meaDB of communication, the road or track runmng

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Digiliieo, Google

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THE KURBAM VALLEY. 13

either along the etouy bed, or, where the bank is alluvial, flnt,
and easy of access, preference is natarally given to the smoother
ground.

It is bnt seldom that the track ventures either to rise high
over a shoulder of a projecting spur, or to out across cultivated
groand ; for though in the winter season the road could be
shortened by making a path across the fields, yet as Boon as the
rain falls or the neighbouring ground is irrigated, the road
becomes a hopeless swamp till dry again. In conn tries without
oi^nisfld government and with a sparse population, anything
like systematic road-making is out of the question, so that when
the force nnder General Roberts bad to bring its guns and car-
riages, it was not to be expected that a driving-road would be
found ready for them. After some exploration it was decided to
make the advance on the right bank of the Kurram; the ground
for the decision being generally that this track was more open
than the other, which was blocked, as it were, by a spur of a hill,
Kadi Makt, and which passed through some difficult country,
besides being open to more chance of interruption from marauders
of the Zymnkhte than the one on the right hank. This road was
also the one most generally used by such traffic as passed along,
and, moreover, it was the means of communication with the
fortified Afghan outposts at Kapyang, close to Thull and Ahmed-
i-Sbama, at the next halting-place.

These fortified places were merely enclosures of huts on four
sides of a square, with a raised parapet wall and circular bastions
at the oomers. Like the government that built them, they were
in a semi-ruinous condition when the country was occupied.

The drawback of this road, which might have been felt later
in the seosou, was that it had to cross the river twice, and
though there was no difficulty in this in the winter months, yet
some might he expected when the snow began to melt. As it
turned out, however, even after the road on the left bank waa
made the river was passable ; but this was purely accidental.

,, Google

14 WITH THE KxnOULH FIELII FOBOB.

owing to the favonrable ooadition of the absenoe of a beavy
snowfall in the winter.

The actual river-bed at Thall is about 600 yards wide, the
banks being about 40 feet high, and ie formed of white boulders
of no great size, with occasional small patohea of sand. In the
winter months the rirer is reduced to a single cbaonel aboat
3 feet deep and 40 feet wide, which approached the left bank
behind a spur about half a mile from the standing camp in
Thull. It was bridged at this place by a trestle -bridge for
infantry and baggage. The artillery and cavalry bad to use the
fords, but there woe no difGcnlty in crossing anywhere at this
time. The width of the Kurram river varies but little where the
nature of the ground allows it to spread its surface of shingle
and stones. Where it leaves the mountains at Keraish its width
spreads at once from 100 yards to 160; at the Eurram Fort its
width, iO miles lower, is about 2dO yards, though in this dis-
tance it receives do affluent or river of any size, as the drainage
of the ravines fVom the Sufaid Eoh is mostly absorbed in culti-
vation. At Budesh Kheyl, where the river takes a right-angle
bend, eighteen miles further down, the bed is about 400 yards
wide, and as the valley opens out from this point it expands in
a corresponding degree, till it is again oontracted in the hilly
oonntr; close to Thull.

Though the river has given its name to the valley through
which it passes, yet it is not the river which gives character to
the country. Almost from every point the range of high moun-
tains, " the Sufaid Eoh," which bounds the valley to the north,
forms the principal object in the landscape.

This range, which is almost aninhabited, consists of a high
central ridge, averaging 14,000 feet high, from which on both
sides spurs run out at right angles, enclosing narrow valleys with
brawling torrents rushiug over their boulders, the slopes of
these valleys being covered with beautiful vegetation, till Uie
limit of trees is reached at about 11,000 feet, above which, in the

THB EURRAU VAIiLBT. 15

summer, the green Alps famish pasturage to the herds owned by
the nomad Ghilzais, who move about from place to plaoe as the
seasons oome round. The beauty of these lateral valleys is
hardly to be described, so much do they imprese the eye alter
the bleak and desert look of the Korram Valley, where hardly a
tree exists away from the villages to relieve the monotony of
the plain. The absence of all trees, except fruit-trees, can be
aocoanted for chiefly by the fact that the severity of the climate
in winter would probably cause every tree, that was readily acces-
sible and not a fhiit-tree, to be cut down for fuel. Nearly every
village is marked by a huge chunar or oriental plane. Under
this tree, or perhaps under two or three of them, planted oloee
together to make a better shade, the villagers rest during the
noonday heat, and here also the mullah brings his Koran, and
recites, for his own benefit and the information of the others,
the Arabic texts which he does not understand. The origin of
Uiese trees is doubtful ; they point to the time when there were
more intimate relations between Cashmere and Afghanistan,
abont 300 years ago, and it is possible from the size of the
trees that some of them are at least of this age. They are not
indigenous, and no young ones are visible. The river Knrram
takes its rise in the upland valleys of the mountain " Sara-
tiga" (the Black Stone mountain), and of the mass of hills that
look down upon the Logar valley at the Sbatac Gardan.

It is difficult to account for the continuous amount of water
that passes along it, as neither of these sources have any glaciers
at their head to feed the supply ; the only explanation appears
to be that the melted snow penetrates deep into the hill-sides,
and gndnally finds its way out into the river-bed at different
IsvelB. ^

The course of the river during its passage through the
monntains ia naturally a tortuous one, with the exception of the
pordoD between Bokian and Alikheyi, where it runs straight
north and south. Below the valloT of Alikheyi it enten into

16 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FORCE.

the BaaB&D Kheyl and Mnogal toUDtry, finding its nay tlirosgh
gorges of a wildnesB almost amouniing to sublimity, if the
nnhospi table look of the ooaiitry did not take away somewhat
from the feeling of pleasure, and substitute a sense of relief when
a oultirated valley, studded with vill^es, fields, and orchards,
showed thai all the country nas not so repugnant and forbidding.

Previous to the explorations of the force, it was a matter of
uncertainty where the Eurram river actually did rise and how
its course lay. All that was known was that the river coming
out of the mountains in the west end of the upper valley ran
nearly east, while the river that ran north and south at Alikheyl
and hid itself in the defiles of the Mangal country might be led
away into the Ehost country or elsewhere. After some time and
with some trouble the connection of the two rivers was settled,
and a corresponding gain to the geographical knowledge of the
world resulted. One of the most striking things in Afghanistan
is the ingenuity shown in developing watercourses. At first
sight, sometimes, it seems a hopeless task to change the current
of a stream running over loose boulders, but still it is done.
Where the stream nears the bank on either side it is induced, by
means of a small dam of brushwood and stones, to enter into a
channel out on the slope of the bank. How the proper level is
kept in cutting this channel is a puzzle, but it is made as
straight as if it had been accurately surveyed. Sometimes the
whole work is lost, and the fields depending on it are thrown
out of cultivation by the headworks being oarried away, and,
instead of an easy sloping bank in whioh to out the channel,
nothing but a vertical wall of rook remains.

The Afghan cultivator has overcome this difficulty in most
cases, by building up a wall of loose boulders and brushwood,
and by means of earth and clay at the top, making it sufficiently
water-tight to carry on the water. Of coarse the alluvial soil in
the river-bed is, when deep enough, the most favourable for
cultivation, and a good deal of land-reclamation has been canted

. _,.,, Google

THE EUBBAM TALLBT. 17

on in timw post, to enable more and better crops to be raised.
In this contest with nature the labourer is apt to be beaten, as
the torrents sometimes refuse to be directed, and, ohangiog their
diieotioo, -wash away tbe fields, and leave in their place a crop of
boulders. The only remedy for the loss, is to press the river
into the service, and to let it repair the damage by making Aresh
deposits. This is done by laying lines of boulders across tbe
pieoe of ground to be reclaimed, filling up the icterslioes between
the stones with brushwood and smaller ones. When 8u£Gcient
ground in this way has been prepared, tbe water is let on at the
top, and gradually deposits its mud between the lines of boulders
till a series of terraces results.

Wherever oultivRtion depends upon irrigation from mountain
streams, all the fields become terraces; this may partly be the
result of experience, which has taught that cultivated soil on a
slope is apt to be washed away, but it ia possible that the nature
of the cultivation has had its share — all rice cultivation requiring
flooded fields. Wherever water is or has been available, tbe
ground in its neighbourhood is sure to be terraced. The labour
that has been expended on these fields shows that in past times
the mountainous country, not only in Afghanistan but also to
the north of India, was much more under cultivation than it is
at present Agricuitoral labour needs a settled government, and,
oonseqaently, when tbe British rule brings peace into these
ooantries, it may be expected that cultivation and population
will follow. When the Bouranies occupied tbe Eurram valley,
there was a large amount of terraced land that they marked off
ne Qovemment land, and which tbe neighbouring culdvatora of
the vilifies agreed to till for half the profits. By degrees the
officials repented themselves of this agreement, and altered the
ahare to one-third, and ultimately ended by taking the whole
erop. Tbe Tans relnsed to labour on these terms, and conse-
quently all the Amir's land has lain fallow ever since.

At present the cultivation only lies where water ia accessible,

2

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18 WITH THE EUBBAH FIELD FOBCE.

either along the banks of the main river or of its feeders ; but
when the supply of water is inoreased by ecoDomy, large tracts of
land will be available for oultivatioD in additioo to the GroTem-
ment land now fallow.

The Eurram valley may be divided into three parts, as far as
this narrative is concerned ; the first, or the river part, extending
from Thai] to the bend of the river at Badesh Kheyl ; the second
from Badesh £heyl to Eeroiah, embracing all the wide open part
of the yaliey ; and the third from Keraiah to its source in the
Shatai^ardan range, or the monctainous part.

All along the banks of the river, in the first part, on both
Bides, villages or hamlets are dotted down wherever the soil
admits of cultivation, occupied by the clans of Boogash in the
lower part, and by Turia towards the upper ; the Bungosh were
the original occupiers of the valley, and were gradually dis-
poBseseed and driven down it by the advancing Tune. The
ohief village on the left bank, close to the right-angle bend, is
called Snddur ; on the right bank, up to the same point, the best-
known place is on old ziarat or tomb named Hozir Pir, close to
a collection of villages. The Governor of £urram used to make
this part of the valley his winter quarters, and the cavalry lines
fyi the troopers that aocomp^ed him, that were standing,
showed where his camp used to be pitched.

In the second part of the valley the villages are spread
further apart along the bank ; at first, and till the actual open
valley is reached at the Eurram fort, there are no villages away
from the river, nor are there many on the right bonk.

The appearance of the Kurram valley is very deceptive as to
distance in the bright clear air of winter and spring ; from the
Kurram fort to the Feiwar range, whioh bounds the valley to the
west, is a distance of 18 miles, but when the air is thus clear, it
hardly looks 1 miles. Another curious effect is, that owing to
the rise being so gradual, the village of Peiwar, which is close
to the foot of the hill, does not appear to be 1,000 feet higher

itizecy Google

THE EUBBAM VALLET. 19

than the fort at Eurram, whicb it is in reality. The ides that
naturally impresses the mind on entering this part of the valley,
is that it has formed at Bome period a large inland lake, or else
an arm of the sea in the prehistoric ages.

The geological feature of the country, however, is stones,
firom a large-sized houlder, in some of the side streams, to a
small pebble ; but except on the terraced lands for cnltiyation
there is hardly a square yard of Afghanistan generally that is
iree from stones, both above and below the suriaoe, varied of
course with rooks, which crop up here and there in ridges, oi
with a conglomerate formation in which the boulders are im-
bedded in a natural concrete. It is difficult to describe the
various natures of the boulders, which appear to have spnmg
from every known kind of rock, and been carried by the torrents
far away from their original sites. The high range of the Sufaid
Eoh is chiefly a limestone formation, which stands out bare and
light-coloured for the most part above the line of vegetation,
except in places where the rocks, being coloured dark, look as if
a passing cloud had thrown a shadow over the range. Granite,
porphyry, and trap are found amongst the boulders, so these
must exist io places ; slate and lately copper ore of good quality
have been fbund. It is possible that the dark colour of the
rocks is attributable to lead ore, as on the top of the Sufaid Eoh
range to the west of Sika Ram, a deposit of block ore, from which
lead is extracted, exists. The range, lying east and west, is
exposed to the full action of the sun, and conseqaently by the
middle of summer all the winter and spring snow is melted off
the south aide, except in a few ravines, where it lies. Till the
snow falls in the winter, the aspect of the Eurram valley, seen
from a distance, is cheerless in the extreme. A bare line of
rook outs the sky, below this oomes a dark band of pines to about
a level of 7,000 feet> while below this the lower slopes and hills
are covered with a dried, reddish-brown vegetation, which comes
down and mixes with the bare and arid look of the plain. In

2 •

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20 WITH THB EUBBAM FIKLD FOBCE.

the spring, however, the whole oolouriDg is changed ; the Su&id
Koh deseirea ite name of the Whits moantoinB, which stand out
clear against the blue sky ; the air, more full of moisture, soflenb
the Dolooring of the distant ranges, which are now of every
shade of blue and purple ; the lower hills are bright with the
young grass and foliage of the bushes, while the level ground is
green with the crops and with the scant herbage that is hardly
observable when near, but which in the distance is sufficient to
hide the colour of the ground. Altogether, spring in the valleys
is charming.

The west end of the Knrram valley proper, is blocked by a
spur that leads down &om the highest peak of the Sofaid Koh;
this spur, with its outlying buttresses and intervening ravines,*
gradually slopes down till it reaches the level of the valley and
the river, a distance of about ten miles ; on the other side of the
river the range of low hills is about two miles oif, so that the
average width of the valley at its widest part is about twelve
miles. From the end of the spur westwards to Eeraiab, a dis-
tance of nine miles, the valley narrows to about two miles on
each side of the rivet, the intervening distance between the river
and the backbone of the ridge of the 3ufaid Koh being filled up
with an upland valley, the Hurriab, which descends gradually
from the Peiwar Kotal towards the west, and is bounded on the
south by a range of high mountains which occupy the space
between the Hurriab and the Kurram valleys. The Kurram
valley in its upper part at this place is not much populated or
cultivated, though signs of previous cultivation are as abundant
here as in other places; but the neighbourhood of the predatory
hillmen, who inhabit the ranges to the south and west, naturally
preventa the inhabitants from increasing to any extent. Worse,
however, than their evil-disposed neighbours, has been the curse
of the Afghan rule, which, not satisfied with oppressing the
subject tribes and living on their already small resources, kept
down the population as well by carrying off the children.

itizecy Google

THS EUmUH TAZlLET. 21

The oppressed Turis hailed the arriTal of the British
deliverer with joy, as might nstarally have been expeoted, and
since the oooapation of the valley have not given the least
trouble, though in past days they rebelled as often as they oould
against the Afghans, and on two oooasions destroyed the Enrram
fort. With a settled govemment there is no doubt now that a
good future is in store for them, and that the deliverance for
whieh they waited so long will bring some reward for their past
troubles.

Tbe villages at the head of the valley, on both sides of the
glen, where the river conies out irom the monntaina, are inhabited
by Chukmunniea, or, as they are sometimes called, Gbumkunnies,
a small tribe whose territory extends about five miles up the
glen, beyood which border the lands of the Mangals intervene
between them and tbe next two tribes living along the river-sides,
the Ahmed Kheyls and the Hassan Kheyls, whose lands extend
close to Alikheyl at the west end of the Hnrriab valley.

The mass of mountains lying to tbe south of the Hurriab
valley belong to the Mangals ; bat they have no villages there,
the ranges being used only as hiding-places, from whence to
harry the valleys on each aide. There are several passes from
the Hnrriab to the lower valley of the Enrram ; these were all
explored, and nearly the whole of this country accurately sar-
veyed and reconnoitred. A wild land of bare stony valleys,
with the higher bill-sides covered with oak and pine. The
Suppri defile from Alikheyl to Eeraiah is one of the most
difficult passes ever traversed by troops, and though it was
crossed by stealing a march on the Mangals, yet their attack on
the convoy and rearguard showed what difficulties might have
arisen if an assault had been made when unexpected. The
aseent of the pass, though steep, was not very diffionlt; but the
descent, on a winter's morning, when the ground was slippery
with &ost and ice, was most trying for the baggage animals.

The most difficult part of the defile was, however, at the

= :,yGoOgk'

22 mTH THE EUBRAM FIELD FOBGE.

bottom of tbe hill, vhere the road ran along the bed of the
oallah, in some places not more thao wide euough to enable a
laden camel to pass through ; frequent email raTinee led into the
main passage, so that it would have been a most tedious affair to
dislodge a determined enemy, as the work of Banking parties
would have delayed tbe marob.

The Unrriab valley begins at tbe Feiwar Eotal, and slopes
down gently till it reaches tbe village of Alikbeyl, not far from
the Eurram river. The valley is intersected by some deep
QQllahs, which carry down the drainage of the Snfaid Eob range
on tbe right At the Laridar stream the mountains recede and
diminish in height, tbe Laridar ravine forming a pass — tbe
Lakkerai — over the range which comes out at Gundamnk, an
easy road, hut which baa not been altogether explored. Tbe
end of tbe range of the Sufaid Koh, at the angle where it turns
to the north at the Kurram river, ia filled up with a fine peaked
moantain called Matungi. To a hollow between two spurs
ftom this mountain, at about twelve miles from tbe Peiwar Kotal,
is tbe villi^ of Alikbeyl, a large place for these parte, consisting
of about fifty houses, with cultivation and fruit-trees all round
it About one mile beyond Alibkeyl is a level plateau, about
■ 400 yards wide and two milea long, cut into three parts by tbe
ravines that run down from the mountain Matungi. Between
Alikheyl and tbe plateaus is a spur from the bill. Thiaspurand
the plateau which lay nearest it were ultimately fortified by
redoubts and intrenchmenta, so as to prevent any enemy taking
possession of it, and firing into the camps, which were placed on
the plateaus. The ravines between the plateaus are about 100
feet deep, and their sides, generally at an angle of 40, were
BufiGciently steep to prevent any rush being made.
The elevation of Alikbeyl is about 6.S00 feet.
The Peiwar Eotal ridge forms, as has been stated, a portion
of the large spur that descends from Sika Bam in a southerly
direction ; but the ground, on its western side, instead of being

itizecy Google

THE SUBRAM VALLET. 23

piecipitouB as on the eastern, forms at first an apland Tftlley —
the Horhab — and then rises again into the moantaiaooa oonntry
already meotioned.

From the southern face of Sika Bam, a very large dry water-
coarse, that shows white for many miles, descends with a slope,
very steep at first, and enhsequently more gentle. This water-
ooorse turns east as soon as it meets the first projecting spar, oi
buttress, that starts from the Sika Ram main spur. The water*
course follows the spar, descending at an easy gradient for about
two miles, when it runs into another one at nearly a right angle,
at the end of the spur, and the wider waterooorse proceeds
towards the south, carrying the drainage of Sika Bam and
the western part of the Sufaid Koh, and reaches ultimately the
£arram river. About four miles from the first juDotion, the
watercourse enters the actual plain of the Kurram valley, passing
the village of Feiwar on the right side, and leaving the deserted
Afghan oantonment of Peiwar, or Habih Killa, od the left, as it
debouches on to the plain. This waterooorse is known as the
" Spingawi," or the White Track, and it was the road used by
the force under General Boberts on the night of the 3nd Decem-
ber. About four miles below the village of Peiwar another
watercourse joins in ; this one takes the drainage of the valley
and neighbouriog ravines up which the direct road to the Peiwar
Eotal rune The track from Kurram itself was not particularly
direct to this point, as it kept as much as possible on the lower
level of the valley, su as to pass in the neighbourhood of the
villages bordering the river, till it was necessary to turn towards
the village of Peiwar. From this point the road was taken over
the broad slope on which the village ia built, and after prooeeding
for two miles through cultivation, continued towards the foot of
the hills in a direct line, passing through a scrub jungle of hill-
oak, and thorny bushes, over broken ravine ground, fbr about
four miles. At this point a Mangal village — Turrai— tothe left of
the road, is situated at the end of a projecting spur which mna

itizecy Google

24 WITH THE KUBBAH FIELD FOBOE.

for about & mile dowo the centre of the valley, up which the
road is taken. To the right or north side of tiuB apar the road
ascends up a glen at the aide of the dry torrent-bed for sbont
half a mile. When the two waterooarses whioh supply the
torrent are reached, the one to the left te short and precipitous,
as is the left spur, which is quite iaaccee^ble on this side ; the
other, to the right, leads pamllel to the gi'neral direction of the
Feiwar range, between precipitous sides, and ends aboat a quarter
of a mile after a steep ascent, in a wooded ravine that rises to a
gully at the south end of the central hill, which marks the
position between the PtiiwEir and Spingawi kotals.

The road at the bifurcation of the nullahs is taken op a spur
in zigzags, where laden animals had found the gradient too steep,
but mostly in as direct an ascent aa possible, till the summit was
reached. The whole of this road was commanded by the spar
to the left, as also the nullah to the right, which was completely
enfiladed. Neither of these roads was practicable while the
projecting central spur was held.

This spur, which was afterwards called One-Gun Hill, from
the position of the enemy's gun upon it, commanded thus the
valley to the left; while it equally protected the valley on the
right from being occupied, had such a plan been thought of ;
hut the nature of the ground in this valley was still more diffi-
cult, and with the exception of one or two mountain tracks,
which could only be scaled with great labour in single file, was
utterly impracticable for troops. The spur to the south enclosing
this valley trended away to the east, forming the boundary of
the Peiwar Valley road on that side ; it extended for about Ibur
miles down into the plain, terminating about three miles south
from the Peiwar vill^. Thia spur was used on the 2nd Decem-
ber for a fianking party of Tuna, under Major I'almer, 8th
Bengal Cavalry. The elevation of the Peiwar Kotal is 8,600
feet above the sea. The village of Turrai is about 6,>^00, but
the actual ascent begins a mile lower down £rom the bed of a

itizecy Google

THE EDKEAM VALLEY. 26

ravine, whioh would be about 6,000 feet The asoect to tbe end
of the glen is abont l{ miles, and the gradient between these
points is about 1 in 8, mokiug tbe elevation at the foot of the
actual ascent aboat 7,000 feet. The rise, over 1,000 feet, to the
sommit of tbe pass was aocomplisfaed by the native track in
abont half a mile ; by the present road, which has been made as
long as the nature of the ground will admit, the slope is aboat
1 in 1 6, which is very steep for laden animals. The road for the
whole of the ascent passes through pines, and all the hill-sides
at this elevation are covered with these trees. The pine foand
here is chiefly a kind of deodar, which does not grow to any
great size as compared with tbe deodars of the Himalsyas ; but
this may be owing to the close growth of the trees, whioh may
prevent their lateral expansion. A few A'xcelta pines are
found, and also a fbw Abtet Webbiani, wJtb other trees ; but
the timber is chiefly deodar, which extends in a belt abont
two miles deep from tbe top of the Peiwar Kotal toward the
west, and down to the lower spurs on tbe east. The ranges to
the sooth of the Hurriab are covered with these trees, except
towards the lower slopes on the south, which, like those on the
north side of this valley, are bare, for the most part, till the
wooded sljpes of Matungi are reached.

On reaching the top of the Peiwar Eotal the descent begins
at once; a gentle grassy slope in an open glade, about 100 yards
wide, between wooded declivities ; SOO yards down this glade
another branch is reached, whioh extends for about 800 yards
till it reaches the edge of the ridge. A pyramidal hill occupies
the intervening ground, easy of access on the west and north,
bat precipitous on the east side. Opposite this, to the left of
the road down the glen, is another height, which forms the end
of the chain of mountains bordering the south of the Harriab.
The projecting spur, One-Gun Bill, is commanded by this point,
as no one could advance along the narrow ridge on the top of the
spur if itsjancljon with the range were held.

itizecy Google

26 WITH THE KDBRAU FIELD FOBCB.

These two glades, being the only open ground in the neigb-
bonrhood of the ruttd, were used fi>r the oamps of the Afghan
troopB holding the position, and, being oat of sight from below,
■were well placed as long as they oould not be seen. The west
side of the second glade ie formed by the end of another moun-
tainous ridge, which, from its having been held in great force by
tb« enemy, was called Afghan Hill. This hill extends for about
} of a mile due north ; its eastern face slopes do to into the right-
hand glen of the Peiwar; its western trends away into various spurs
towards the west and north. At its northern end it is joined by
a neck of land or gully to another hill. This, from the fact
of the force having halted there for refreshment, is known as
Picnic Hill. Between Afghan Hill and Picnic Hill is a ravine,
leading to the north, in which a good deal of fighting took
place.

Picnic Hill is the last bill which intervenes between the
Peiwar and the Spiugawi kotals. On its eastern and soathem
sides, it descends to the plain in several spurs and ravines, one
of which forms the left-hand side, going down, of the Peiwar
glen, and was the ridge which was held, under beavy fire from the
surrounding mountains, by six companies of the 2nd Battalion
8th Kings. The 6th Punjab Infantry ascended another spur,
so as to come up close to the centre of the position, and
after a day's hard climbing effected a junction with General
Roberts ; and from the knowledge of the ground gained
by this movement, the weak point of the Afghan position was
discovered.

The most interesting part of the Peiwar Eutal range is the
Spingawi plateau, or murg, following the term used in Cash-
mere to denote a similar apland plain. This plateau extends
between the foot of the actual mountain mass of Sika Ram and
Pionic Hill. It is about a mile long, and about | of a mile at
the widest part ; its shape is somewhat oval, and on its eastern
and southern sides, till it joins with the Picnic Hill spurs, it is

itizecy Google

THE EUBBAM TALLBT. 27

bounded bv ridges, nbiob overlook tbe plain- Tbe plateau has s
goDtle slope from tbe east towards tbe west; it gradaa)ly tenni-
nates in a glen, down wbioh tbe drainage of the plain finds its
way. This glen extends for about two miles, and the rivulet that
drains it finds its way oat in the Hurriab valley at a place called
Zabhar daat Eilla,* a bigh-soaadiiig name for a ruined coUeotion
of huta inhabited by a few families. Tho ground bcUveen the
rivulet wbioh drains tbe Peiwar and the Spingawi glens, forms a
triangular net-work of mouotain, ravine, and glade. There are
a few springs bidden in tbe ravines, but otherwise water is scarce
in these regions.

The Feiwar glen starts fVom the drainage of the two glades ;
the soft soil soon gets out down to the underlying rook, and the
road passes along tbe bank of a dry wateroourse at first, till a
spring is reached, about a mile down, where the glen opens out
into a swampy grassy meadow, and thence it descends gently to
Zabbar dast Eilla. Except close to the edge of the road and
on the flat parts, this glen is covered with forest trees, like hII
the rest of the mountains at this elevation. Tbe scenery in
conaequenoe is of a high order, an afternoon light in the Peiwar
glen producing beaatifal effects of light and shade and colour,
by the strong contrast of the pine trees when in shade, to where
tbey show bright green under the effects of sunlight.

At Zabbar dast Eilla the road emerges on tbe Hurriab. Tbe
native track followed the Feiwar stream, which, on deboaohing
into the open valley, and after being joined by tbe watercourse
that started from tbe Spingawi plain, soon grew to a river-bed of
about 100 yards wide, which dimensions increased gradually in
its downward course to about 350 yards, where it joins tbe
Eurram river, a mile below Alikbeyl. The river-bed keeps on
the south side of the valley, and quite close to the range that
borders it on tbia side, whose projecting spurs command it

* Th* Port of Oppnuioii— liteisU; " Sbcm^JwDd."

Digitizecy Google

28 WITB IHE ETJBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

dnring its oourse. The native tr&ok followed the river-bed, and
when the load was made between Alikbeyl and the Peiwu this
crack was improved opon, the right bank being out away and the
road opened oat to a width of ten feet This road followed the
bank, and, by so doing, croseed all the drainage of the valley
into the river bed ; it had also the defect of being, like the river
itself commanded horn the opposite bank for about half the way
down, or six miles, and below tbiB point, in one place, it had to
be taken along the faoe of a mud cliff, about 100 feet high, Uie
base of which was being eaten away by tbe river. With all
these drawbacks, aa soon as opportunity ofTered, the road was
taken away from the river ; starting from the village of Zabbar
dast Eilla, it was taken to a village, " Beloot," situated about
the middle of the valley on the banks of a deep-water ravine,
from whence it ia taken back towards the river bank, which it
meets at Byan Eheyl, about five miles from Alikheyl. This new
road, like all the roads that were made by us, was thirty feet wide ;
it led through fields for the most part, with an occasional moraine
of stones and boulders brought down from the mountains. At
Byan Kbeyl there is a sufQoient width of valley, in addition to
the river-bed, to make the road there quite safe from annoyance.
The village of Byan Kheyl, though Btil) inhabited, is a mass of
ruins, as indeed all the neighbouring villages are, except
Alikheyl. One wouJd naturally attribute their decay to the
effect of the unsettled state of affairs during the Afghan rule ;
but the only reason that could be ascertained was that the
villages had been deserted, owing to a Bucoesaton of bad crops
driving away the inhabitaubs, a movement the more likely to
happen when they could pay no taxes. At an elevation between
7,000 and 8,000 feet, it is not surprising that cultivation should
be nnoertain; but anyone seeing this Hurriab during the
summer months, from May to October, would, judging from the
amount of land under cultivation under British rule, think that
even with very reduced crops there woald be ample food for more

itizecy Google

TRIt KUSRUl VAT.T.B T. 29

inhabitants than the valluy holds now. Wbere the river-bed
begins to widen, the low lande are all oaltivated ; Bometimee only
a little patofa now left shows that the river bos eaten up the
produce of much labour ; but in other places a broad piece of
terraced land, which looks beautifully green with the young rice
crop that covers it, shows bow muoh soil has been reclaimed.
In some places attempts have been made by planting willow trees
to make a channel for the water ; this, if systematically done,
might be successful ; but the thiok stems of old willow trees
lying perished in the river-bed, in some places show where their
purpose has failed. In other places rows of willows still line
the edge of the stream, but generally on one side alone. From
Byan Ebeyl to the village of Alikfaeyl, the road, now thirty feet
wide, follows the end of the spurs cut out of the table-land of
the valley by the drunage falling into the river. In some places
there are regular ravines, but in others only the high bank has
been curved out for some distance inland, and all these bays ore
terraced in steps of generally three feet high, and cultivated. The
rood had to be taken across this ooltiratioQ, and having been
made in the spring months, before the water was turned on for
irrigation, it is a very good one.

The village of Alikheyl, as before stated, is situated in a deep
bay, three-quarters of a mile across, and trending ap towards the
south side of the mountain Matungi. A conical hillock in theoentre
of the village is covered with houses, and if the valley were only a
little wider it would be a position of great strength ; but it is
oommaoded by the eastern sides of the bay, at a distance of
about 300 yards, which necessitated an outlying pioquet tower
being built at this point, when the conical hill was intrenched.
This fortified bill, which completely overlooked the village, was
taken for the storage of the provisions of the force when they
were sent on ahead, as soon as the melting of the snow allowed
the road, then unmade, to be used by the natives of the country.
The village would contain about fifty houses, as statod already.

D,j,i,.e,.,,Googlc

30 WITH THB EUBKAII FIELD FOBGB.

and fannflteadJDgb, the latter meatiing walled enoloBiireB ; and
its popolation are Jajis, a tribe who inhabit the Hurriab, and
extend for a short way up the Earram river towards the Shatar-
gardan. Though some of the &Tmsteads are capable of defence,
to a slight degree, there are no watch-towers about the place,
nor is there any attempt at an enclosing wall. These facts argue
that the Jajis are quite at peace among themselves, and are also
on good terms with their neighbours; and, as they only sub-
mitted to the British rule after the Snd December, when they
fought against us with the Afghan troops, there is no doubt that
their being of the same sect* aa the Afghans, as also of the
surrounding tribes, has saved them some of the perseoution that
fell on the Turis. At the same time, the Afghius did not attempt
to hold the Hurriab valley ; consequently, except on the passage
of troops through to relieve those in the Eurram valley, the
Jajis were out off from all contact widi the outer world, on
one side by the Kurram valley, iDto which they could not enter,
being at fend with the Turis, and on the other three sides moun-
tains blocked their exit from their own houses.

From the village of Alikheyl the road proceeds, over the
spurs and plateaus before mentioned, in a north-west direction
for about 2^ miles, and then drops down into the Kurram river-
hed. The river-bed itself is about 400 yards wide at this point,

* Tb« Tutii belong to tba Bhiah pemiuion of Hahommedanfim, boing thoa
ftt Tuianoe with tha majority of the Pathan and Afghan tribes, till their oo-
raligioniata in Persia and of Persian dsBaect in Afghaniatftn ats rsaohsd ; this fiwt
kMpi np the matnal hatrsd betwMn thecoMlTSB and their neigfabonn, and thu
added to the mllingneHi the; ihowsd to accept the aettlsd rols of the BritEih
Qoierument. Aji inddent, small as it is, maj help to describe the Guiatical — or,
perhaps, Furitanioal — leeling which eiists on this snl^aet, abowingbow it inflnenoM
aren iheit «0Dda«t in dailj lifo. A Hahommedan eerfaot went into a Tillage In
the Kurram ralle; to porohase sappliea. Entering a bonsa, be aaked the oeen-
pant,an old woman, to sell him scmieeggi. "Are joti a Shiahr " Inqiiired tfaa
old woman. " Ifo, I am a Snnni," was the aoewer. " Then I won't lell 70a. anj."
Profiting bj experience, at tbe next hoaee he represented himself aa a Sbiah, and
obtained what be wanted, and for the rest of his stajin therallej be wai alw^
M^toeaUhimaelf aShiab w'

itizecy Google

THE EUBBAH VALLET. 31

and the alluvial soil od either mde makes the valley about half a
mile wide, where the actual gorge begins. This proceeds in a
north-westerly direction for about eight miles &om this point,
gradually ascending and narrowing till a hiforoation is reached>
Near lies Dre Enllah, or the three glens or mouths, a scattered
hamlet of a few houses. The gorge from AUkheyl to Dre Kullah
is not a very diffionlt one ; there is one place near Rokian, which,
if held by a determined enemy, would take Bome time to force,
where two spars, 000 yards apart, liroin opposite aides of the
gorge, push out into the stream ; the left bank above the fint
spur is inacoessible, the right bank is difficult, as the hill-
sides are very steep and rooky. This place and several similar
to it might have been held by the Afghans in their retreat in
December, when they crossed the Sbutargardan ; but their
force was too utterly demoralized to think of stopping any-
where.

There is a very onrious rock-formation at Dre EuUah; about
three-quarters uf a mile from the bifurcaUon, on the ravine which
leads to a Tillage — Gogizah — the east aide of the valley recedes
for about three-quarters of a mile, sloping up at an angle of
45", till a vertical wall of what appears to be rook rises for a
height of about 100 feet, with a curious peaked outline
against the sky. The face of tbis rook is seamed with
straight vertical lineo, wbich add to its curious appearance.
On examination, the rook is found to be a soft clay con-
glomerate, which accounts for the action of the water cutting
straight lines down its face. The further side of the forma-
tioD lies at on angle of 46'. No one who has seen the
castellated appearance of this oUff, with its tittle outlying
V natural towers of mud, will forget it. There are several smaller
instanoes of this clay-formation along thia gorge. Looking
from the plateaus of Alikheyl — about four miles off — what
appears to be a square walled fort stands out on a ridge. On
; this place below, it is found to be only, oa it wen^ a

itizecy Google

S2 WITH TEB EUBSAlf ETELD FOBOS.

wall of some thickness, bat it ia oariona that it should bave
remained when all the spur on eaoh aide of it had been washed
away.

The mass of moantains to the left of the river in ascending
oentres in a peak called Sara-tiga, whose spurs and branches fill
up the whole of the ground between the road to Cabul by the
Shatargardan, and the road to Ghazni from Alikheyl. This
peak is situated closer to the Shutargardan road, and thus its
spurs towards the Ghazni side are much longer than the others,
which desoend to the ravine that runs into the Kurram river at
Dre £ullah. This ravine, or river-bed, which is known as the
Hazardarakht defile, is, at its junction, about 800 yards wide,
and is, like the rest of the road above Alikheyl, completely com-
manded by the mountain- Eddes the whole way to its source ; but
there are only one or two places that would detain a force, and
that for only a short time. About six miles up this ravine the
valley opens out to about half a mile wide, and advantage of this
has been taken by the Afghans to place a fortified enclosure here.
This place is known as Jaji Tbanna ; it is now in miiu, and
might have held 200 men when in repair.

From Jfyi Thanna the glen narrows again, the Tiver-bed }iere
being about fifty yards; but the bank, covered with tall juniper
trees, is sufGoiently wide to offer camping-grounds in several
places. At a distance of half a mile from Jaji Thanna, a tolerably
wide ravine cornea in on the right side in ascending. The road
up this leads to the Shutargardan, though it is too difficolt to
be used for ordinary traffic. Three mites further on, a broad
ravine to the left opens out « view of the top of Sara-tiga, which
is distant about an eight hoars' climb from this point The
open ground at the mouth of the ravine forma a fair camping-
groand, aa camping-grounda go in this part of the world ; thoagh
at an elevation of nearly 9,600 feet in an unpopulated glen,
anything required for man or beast, except WBt«r and wood,
must be imported. The boundary of the Gbilzai tribe is reached

itizecy Google

THE KURBAM TALLEf. 33

balf a mile from this point. A vide-projecling rook Gomes down
to the edge of the etteam and forms a suffioiently BtriluDg object.
The place is known as Kara-Uga, or the White Rock, as the
overhanging muuntain to the right ia, as before mentioDed,
called the Black Rook, or Sara-tiga. The Pushtu Tocahulary is,
like those of all savage tribes, only adapted to express the
ordinary waste of civilisation, and a few natural objects ; while
the Pushtu- speaking people's ideas are still further narrowed by
their being shut up by tribes, or sections, each in its own valley,
uid Dot holding any intercourse with their neighbours. Probably
there ia not a valley in all Cabul that has not equally its Black
and White rock, though in aome places where Persian is spoken
these have their Persian names. Similarly, the names Sufaid
Eflh and Syah Eoh are given to ranges widely apart, and this
arises from the fact that the White range (Safaid Koh), where
the anow would lie, is the only one that is known to the neigh-
bonriog people, and the Black moantain, which is not neces-
sarily black in winter, is generally black in comparison with the
white one.

In fixing their boondary at Kara-tiga, on the southern side
of the Sbntargardan range, the Ghilzais have acted wisely, as
the line is drawn nearly at the point where the trees come to an
end, and above £bie, on the hill-sidea and upland valleys, there is
plenty of grazing for their flooks, and in addition they hold the
Sbntargardan road, and might be able to block it, if tbey oould
collect in sufficient numbers. By right this tribe should have
kept on the north side of the range, but, either by force of arma
or want of anyone to oppose them, they have spread over the
crest, and there is no great harm in their having done so, as the
Jaji population is not so extensive as to require more land.

From Kara-tiga the road proceeds two miles up the glen, and
then tama to the right in zigzags up the sides of a very small
ravine, which leads np to the point where the range is crossed
which separates the wateralied of ilie Hazardarakt defile from

8

,j .„;,„Google

34 WITH THE EUBRAH FIELD FORCE.

the slope lendiDg into the Kassim Kheyl plain. This pass is
known ss the Surkhai Kotal, &om the red colour of the ground
over which it is taken. At the top, on another bill, there is a
tower whioh cummands the road very completely, but being of
amall size it would not offer any great opposition to a force.
The Surkhai Kotal, if held in strength, would be a difficult pass
to force by a direct attack ; but it could be turned without diffi-
culty, and the hill-sides on the opposite side of the Hazardarakt
glen, being sufficiently near, would enable mountain gnns to ebell
the position very effectually.

The road, after passiDg the foot of the hill on which the town
stands, proceeds tbroagh a little valley for about half a mile ;
it then skirts round the base of another spur, following the sides
of a watercourse, till it debouches on to a large open plain, whioh
extends for about three miles and one mile wide, surrounded by
low mountains and ridges from which spnre descend. The
general direction of this plain is from west to north-east in a
orescent shnpe. The track leads north-east across the plain,
crossing tlie end of a spur, and drops into the space between this
spur and the next one, where there is a mud enoloeure called
Kassim Eheyl. The track then ascends this glen in a westerly
direction for shout two miles ; a small stream runs down the
glen, bnt where this and the drainage of the plain made its exit
from the basin there was no opportunity to observe at that time,
aa the visits to the Shutargardan were but few, and no survey
of the country was allowed for fear of offending the prejudices of
the Gbilzais. At first the remains of terraced cultivation are
paased, but no crops were observed here, though by a small mud
enclosure on the eastern side of the valley a few small fields of
barley were observed ripening in the hot sun, for though the
elevation of their upland valley exceeds 10,000 feet above the
sea, yet the beat of the sun is roneiderable in June. The glen
narrows as it ascends up a gentle slope, and after turning to the
uorth, about a quarter of a mile before its end is reached, a

Digitizecy Google

THE KUBBAM VALLEY. 35

raioed roond tower marke the Sliiitargardan, or the Camel's
Neok, pass. The oomparison to a oamera neok mast refer to
the eteepDess of the declivity, for there is nothing in the road
from Alikheyl either to present any great difficulty, or to be
compared to any part of the animal.

The road abnts on the descent in the centre of a ciroos of
mountains, which converge farther on and make a narrow glen
through which the drainage of the valley and the road find thetr
way. The road is taken down the ridge of a central battress, on
both sides of which are lateral glens. That to the right or east
seemed practicable for infimtry, and there appeared to be a road
leading up it which would enable the Shutargardan pass to be
turned by it if necessary. The ravine to the left seemed imprao-
^cable, the hillsides ending in vertical limestone precipices.
The view from the top of the Shutargardan on a fine day would
be grand. At its foot runs the Logar valley, bare and nnoalti-
vated along the broken ground at the foot of the hills, but with
a broad belt of vegetation marking the course of the Logar river
in the middle of the valley. On the further side of the river
lies the Paghman or Paman mountains, the sonthem oontinna-
tion of the Hindoo Koosh. At the foot of the bills, beyond the
point where the glen contracts, the road is taken over an open
plain, avoiding the river-bed, as this becomes too dif&cult and
rooky for easy passage. The village of Dobundi is observed
here, after which the road crosses a low spur known as the
Shinkai Kotal, and then turns westward to Eooshi — a large
villi^ situated more in the plain and about half way to the
river. A high shoulder of the spur that closea the Shutar-
gardan valley shate out the view of the north and the course of
the Logar river, which runs into the Cahul river below the town
of Cabul, which is also hid from view, though only distant, in a
direct line, about thirty-seven miles.

From DrekoUsh a road goes across the Quggur pass into the
valley of the Oabul river, and several messengers passed this

8*

Digitizecy Google

6b WITH THE KUBEAM FIELD FOKCB.

way between Ctandamak and Aliklie^ when the foroes occnpied
these places. As yet nothing is known of this road, except that
it is passable for infantry and mountain gnns.

The third road that comes in at Drekullah leads &om the
Shntargardan plain and Mir Alam's fort at the north end, passes
a village Gogizah en route, and is known therefore by the name
of that village. Till the aotaal descent down the glen ie com-
menced, the road leading across the plain ie an excellent one,
bat the track down the ravine to Drekullah is very nearly im-
pracdoable for laden animals, bat ae an alternative road and for
taming the position on the Sarkhai Kotal and taking it in rear
it would be very useial.

All the range of the Shutargardan mountains has a high
elevation, being between 8,000 and 12,000 feet nbove the sea.
In the northern latitude 84°, in which they are situated, this
elevation ie naturally covered with snow during the winter
months, and the road is stopped for traffic trom the beginning
of November till the beginning of May, ao the Kurram road to
Cabal can never be as generally useful as the Kbyber road, which
is open all the year round. The ascent of the Sbutargardan
and Feiwar kotals form also difficulties in the way, which were
nearly insuperable taken in addition to the hardships of the road,
traders being exposed to be plundered in the Hazardarakt defile
by the Jajis, whose domain it was. A settled rule and improved
road will doubtless bring a certain amount of traffic along this
road in the summer time, but it will require nursing at first, and
increased production, to provide a continuous summer trade.

Starting from Kurram, and proceeding along the bed of the
river, past the Chukmuniiiea and the Saffi Mangals, the Ahmed
Kheyl district is reached, and in it lies the Gbunzai or Snrki
river, with a kotal of the same name over which the road to
Ohazni is taken. Another track turns off from this road,
passing the Spiga Eotal, and leads to Cabul. The road down
the valley from Alikheyl joins the first of these roads at the

L.,j,i,.e,.,,Googk'

THE KUBRAM YAIXBT. 37

Snrki stream, aatt the oonntry to about teo miles bas been but-
ve^ed, but tbe hostility of the Mangals would not allow of any
ascent, except in force, of any of tbe high ridges overlooking the
road to Ohazoi, though it would have been most interesting to
explore this road, which bad been used by tbe various invaders
of India at different times. Among others Cbingiz Ehan and
Timar both used this road. This bare outline of tbe general
features of the Eurram and Hurriah valleys, with tbe road
beyond to tbe Shutargardnn, has been given to allow tbe reader
to form some idea of tbe country in which the operations were
conducted, even though in the course of the narrative the same
places are referred to in connection wilb the events that took
place. It may not he now out of place to refer briefly to tbe
tribes with whom the troops came in contact. Some of these
have already been mentioned in reference to their locale, but
will be again referred to in the order in which they touch each
other. Tbe Bangasb, besides occupying tbe lower part of the
Earram valley, inhabit the fertile plains of the Miranzai valley
within our border — between Kohat and Thull — into which they
came when dispossessed of tbe Kurram valley. They can muster
15,000 fighting men.

Tbe ranges bounding the west side of tbe Miranzai valley
are formed from tbe spurs which extend for many miles from the
east end of tbe Sufaid Eob. Roughly speaking, tbe whole of
these spurs are Afridi territory, and whore the inhabitants are
known by their own name instead of that of the larger class, yet
the tribe considers itself an Afndi one.

This tribe and its ramifications have been at the bottom of all
tbe frontier disturbances of late years ; but owing to their numbers
and the large and difficult country which they occupy, wbicb waa
inaccessible except to the east, as long as the Ehyber and
Kurram were closed to us no operations could have been under-
taken against them. With the command of these roads, by
wbicb their retreat could be blocked, there would be less diffi-

.,,Googk'

S8 WITH THE KURRAM FIEU) FORCE.

cnlty in bringing them into subjection if ever it should be
neoflBB&ry. The Afridi tribes who oocnpy the triangle of moan-
tain oonntry between the Miranzai and Knrram valley, are the
Orakzais, wfao are subdivided again into Alizais and AliBhar-
zais. In the apex of the triangle, however, are the Zvmnkhts,
a small and hostile tribe of A,000 men, who are bent on getting
the conceit taken oat of them by continual rude and marders,
which require reprisal. These Zymnkhts are, however, inde-
pendent of the Afridi elan. The Afridis boast that they have
never been subject to any rulers, bat have always been indepen<
dent. The boast is a vainglorious one when it is remembered
that it is not the bravery of the people which has kept them
independent, but the difficult nature of their coantry, which has
fongbt on their side. The Alizais' territory comes very nearly
to the Kurram valley, and, in fact, as their native mountains
cannot furnish all the food they require, they cultivate some of
the valley of the Kermanah stream cloee down to the village of
Suddur. The next hill- tribe, from whom tbey are divided by
the glen of this stream, are the Musazais, who inhabit the slopes
of the Kermanah valley, and part of whose land oomes down into
the Kurram valley close to the village of Budesh Kheyl. There
are two deserted villages here, which mark the border of their
territory. For some reason they claimed the land, and requested
the Turi inhabitants to withdraw, which they did, and rebuilt
their ville^es about 200 yards nearer the river. The Kermanah
valley has hardly been explored since the time it was mapped
down by Captain Oamett and Lieutenant Lumsdeo. Its scenery
mnst be of the wildest description. The Kermanah river, which
oomes out of it, is the largest of the affinentB of the Kurram, and,
judging by the size of the boulders it has brought down, its
course must be very precipitous. The Tuns are supposed to be
of Mangal extraotion, but this seems doubtful, for though their
round faces are different from the narrow, thin faces of the
Pathan tribes, yet the obliquity of the eyes, which is the marie of

D,3,l,zec:,y Google

THE EUBKAH TALLET. 39

the IfongoliaD, is quite absent, aod though there may be a Btrain
of this blood io the race, yet it must be but a slight one. Aa a
raoe, though not tall, the Turis are fine, broad-shouldeied men ;
in their youth their round pleasant faoea, with ruddy oheeke, form
a Btriking contrast to the hungry-looking savages of the moun-
tains. The Turi women are supposed to be very beautiful, and
the Afghans had no objeotioo to marrying them either by fair or
foul means. Wall Mahomed, the half-brotfaei of the Amir, is a
Turi by his mother's side. None of these beautaes were, of course,
observed among the labouring classes who worked in the fields,
and as the rest of their female population was kept indoors in the
eastern style, there was no opportunity of proving the statement.
It has been asserted that the Turi character is rather worse,
instead of better, than that of their neighbours. As far as there
haa been an opportunity of judging, this is a libel, for though, as
regards the A^hans, there may be some cause for a Turi to
show his evil disposition, as regards the English their condaot
has been excellent, and they have never given a single cause for
complaint. The tribe of Turis is not a large one, numbering
ouly about 5,000 men, but with the era of peace in etore for
them tbey may be expected to increase and multiply very con-
siderably.

AH poor races that live in mountainous and cold regions are
naturally dirty, avoiding cold water as much as possible, and
these Pathans, Jajis, Turis, and Afghans, are no exception to
this rrde, but of the three the Turi is the cleanest.

The J^is obiefly ooonpy the Hurnab ; there is a branob of
them that occupy the north end of the mountains close to
Ehost, at Jaji Maidan and Jaji Danni. The remainder are
divided into eight sections, Ada Kheyla, Lehwaunis, Ahmed
Byan Kheyla, Hassan Kheyls, Fitta Ali Sangis, Ali Kheyls,
Shamn Kheyls, and Ahmed Kheyls of Tangi.

The Hassan Kheyla live to the west of the Hurriab, and
oonunand the road to Qhazni; as they have bat little oalti-

.,,Google

40 WITH THE SnBBAM FIELD FORCE.

Table laiid, they are natnrally freebooters and robbers by pro-
feBsion. The Ahmed Kbeyls are nearly as bad, being bigoted
as well as thievish. The total nnmber of the Jajis would
amount to 25,000, of whom one-fifth might be reokoned as
fighting men. The Lehwannia. who are supposed to be the
bravest of the tribe, fought against us at the Peiwar Kotal, but
though they have the reputation of being good swordsmen, they
did not exhibit much of their bravery on that onoasion, nor were
many found wounded in the Jaji villages after the battle.

The remaining tribes with which we have oome in oontaot
are the Ohilzais, a very large tribe extending along the north
and western slopes of the Snfaid Eoh, from Jellalabad to
Kelat-i-Qbilzai. Some sections of the tribe who inhabit out-of-
the-way mountains — the Babber Ghilzais to the north, the
Maohalqu Tota Kheyl and Bago Kheyl Ghilzais to the south-
west — are robbers, but other sections of the tribewho occupy the
valleys and low lands are peaceful ouUirators. There are
besides some nomad tihilzais, who wander with their flocks, in a
primitive patnarohal way, from the Logar and other valleys,
where they return every spring, to the neighbourhood of India,
wherever they can find grass at any time of the year for their
numerous flocks.

The total number of the Ghilzais of all the sections might
be about 100,000, of whom 20,000 wonid represent the fight-
ing strength of the tribe ; but as this number is scattered over
a wide space of 1>^0 miles, the tribe is never likely, as in its old
days, to distinguish itself as a warlike one, when it invaded
Persia and set a king on its throne.

The Mangale are an equally large tribe, but as yet we know
but little of them fVom direct intercourse ; their country is
situated to the south of the Kurram river, on which one
section, as has already been stated, adjoin. They stnrt south-
ward fh)m this point and extend from the westom Suliman
range, across the valley of Furmul, to the western range which

itizecy Google

THB KVBBAU VALLBT. 41

boands the Ehost Talley. In appearHHoe they are the wildest of
the tribes ; physically they cannot compare with any of their
neiffhbours, the oootiaaouB effects of hardship and seolasion in
their own valley having resulted in making the race rather
small and nndereized; the expression of the iaoes of those that
were seen in Khost was compared to that of a wild beast ; their
eyes had a haitgry look, with a quick rostless motion, like a bird
or beast of prey on the watch for its food. The western bills of
the Kbost valley are inhabited by Jadrans, another cognate
tribe, whom it would be impossible to distinguish from the real
Mangal The Mangels might number about IOO,UOO, and as
they are not so much soattered as the Ohiizai tribe, they can
muster more men in a quicker Ume fur fighting than the other
tribe ; bat they are not brave — ^no robbers by profession are or
oan be.

The south of the Ehost valley is inhabited by a section of
the Waziri tribe, the Garbaz Waziri, The territory of the
Wsziris extends from this point to Tluill, and then eastward
towards Bunnoo, and south as t&r as the Gomal pass, which is
their main road into Hindostan. As a tribe they are the finest
of any on the north-west frontier. The men ere pfaysioally finer
and braver than their neighbonre, and if the tribe had not been
on good terms with us, and disposed to give us anuoyanoe, they
would have taken a good deal of time and trouble to punish ; but
though the Amir did his best to stir them up be was only
partially Buccessfnl, and only in one isolated instance was there
any attack made on onr border.

With the Waziris the circle of tribes or clans surrounding
the Eurram valley comes to an end ; there is, however, one
other independent small tribe, the Makbals, or Mukhbils as
they are sometimes called, who inhabit the range to the south of
the Eurram river, and between it and Ehost. They are the
only tribe who have noi shown any disposition to be on friendly
terms with us ; their headmen refuse to come in, nor has the

L.,j,i,:«.,, Google

42 WITH THE KURBAM FIELD POBCB.

rapee any ftttraction for tbem as yet, as the; are hardly
acquainted with the value of money. They are thieres and
robbers, but as long as they conduct themselves with moderation
towards their oeighbours they will be tolerated. There was but
little to complain of ^lunst them except their refusal to admit
the survey party into their hilla; their country, therefore, forms
a blank on the map at present, but it will only be a question of
time bow far the polioy of allowing aavages to shut themselves
up in their ignorant pride will continue to be in force. Ths
more aoeess is had to any race, the sooner civiliaatioo with its
benefits will follow.

The chapter which narrates the expedition will give such
noticBB of the road traversed, and the country generally, as
could be obtained during the short time the country was
oooapied.

itizecy Google

,1,1.0, Google

=y Google

CHAPTEB III.

PREPARATIONB FOR THE CaUPAIQN.

fOHAT, 9th Ootober.— Dmaional Order, No. 1.— "The
Majoi-General, having arrived at Kohat, assumee oom-
maod of the column detuled for field serrioe."

The 29th Pnnjab Native Infantry (Colonel John Gordon)
hod arrived on the 7th Ootober at Kohat; the 6th Punjab
Infantry (Miyor Maoqueen) and F Battery A Brigade Boyal
Horse Artillery (Colonel Stirling) arrived on the 9th, and were
brought on the strength of the foroe.

No time was lost in pushing on the Punjab frontier regiments.
The Sth Punjab Infantry and the bead-quarters and wing of the
Sth Punjab Cavalry, a regiment which was then in garrison at
Kofaat, were ordered to march on the 10th, the next day, to
Tbull, to arrive there in four marches

These troops were to be followed on the next day, the Ilth
Ootober, by the Horse Artillery battery and the 39th Punjab
Native Infentry ; but these latter troops not being required to
arrive so quickly at the frontier, were ordered to do the distanoe
in five marches.

itizecy Google

44 WITH THE EURBAM FIBX.D FOBGE.

The senior officer (Colonel Gt>rdQn) was to commAnd the
troops At Thull.

Gaptiun A. Scott, V.<J., appointed as Brigade Major to the
force, was ordered to march with the 2Jth Reginmnt, N. I. ;
and Captain Oarr, 5th Punjab Cavalry, posted as Deputy Aeeis-
tant Quartermaster-General, was to proceed with bis regiment ;
thus the small advanced brigade was nearly complete as regards
its staff on its arrival at Tbull.

Lieutenant Neville Chamberlain, Central l:idia Horse,
appointed Orderly Officer to the Major-Qeaeriil, was brought on
the strength of the column, and was directed to act as Aide-de-
Camp till further orders. Eohat, where the Kuvram Valley force
was ordered to assemble, is a small oantonment which lies to
the sonth of Peshawur, and separated from it by intervening
ranges of rugged mountains, which may be called the outlying
spurs of the Sufaid Koh range. Though prettily situated in a
wide open valley, yet it is not a healthy place, and it is difficult
to see how it ever could he. The water from the hill-stream that
comes down the Haugu glen, lodges in the cultivation all round
the place ; while for purposes of pruteotion, the cantonment is
crowded very much together and overgrown with trees. The
fort is sitnated about half a mile from the cantonmenL It is
more like a fort than most constructions in India of its class ;
but it boB the drawback of being almost commanded by a ridge
of rock parallel to the mound on which it is built. The fort
commands the Hangu valley, up which the road to Tbtill pro-
ceeds in a westerly direction. The winter wind that blows down
this valley is known as the Hangu breeze. It comes from the
snow slopes of the Sufaid Koh, and makes Kobat as bitterly cold
in the winter months as it is heated in the summer time by the
ranges of the Afridi bills, which are about three miles oS,

The ordinary garrison at Eohat in peacetime is three regi-
ments of infantry, one of cavalry, one mountain battery, and a
native garrison battery in the fort

itizecy Google

PREPARATIONS FOR THE CAMPAIGN. 45

Clothing for Followers.

Kohat, October 10th.— D. 0. No. 9.—" Officers commaDd-
iog reginumts are directed to send to the Exeoative Commisatiriat
Officer iodents abowiog the Dumber' of foUovers for whom warm
olothJDg will be required. The following eupply baa been sane
tioned for each pablio follower : —

" One good blanket.

"One pair Cashmere patties, in lien of warm atookings.

" One poshteen or wadded coat.

" One pair of shoes."

This order was published on the receipt of the orders of
OoTemment authorising the supply ; but with tbe exception of
the blanket and the shoes, the Commissariat Department was
not in a position to comply with the demands till some time had
elapsed, as bat few posbteeus were procurable,. and it took some
time to make up the wadded coats and the putties, or leg-band-
ages. These bandages are made of a strip of woollen cloth,
about two and a half yards long and three inches wide, with a
tape sewn on to one end. They are worn wouud round the oalf
of tbe leg, from the ankle to below the knee, and secured by
passing the tape round and round so as to keep the folds in their
plaoe. For either mounted men or infantry soldiers they are a
most useful, warm, aud neat-looking dress, and the only objec-
tion to them is that they take a little time to put on. Nearly
everyone, officers and men, wore them all through the oampajgn.

An order was published this day, directing the empty cavalry
lines at Kohat to be made over to the Commissariat as a dep6t
fbr their supplies, which were in course of being collected ; but
at this early date there was not a safficient stock to supply the
native troops, nor was it oecessary to deviate from the established
precedent of supplies being famished by the civil authorities.
An order, however, was published directing officers commanding

ug,i,:«.,, Google

46 WITH THE EUBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

to draw tiieir supplies for nn^Te troopa and for followers of
British re^ments from the Burdaster Ehanas, or supply dep6t8,
established by the civil aathorities in the Kohat district ap to
the frontier at the various haltiog-placee. It was also notified
that the Oonuniseariat Department would sot FamiBh supplies to
British officers until the frontier were crossed.

Sickles to be provided Regimentally.
D. 0. No. IS. ^" The Msjor-Oeneral directs that ofEoers
commanding Native Infantry regiments provide grass -on tiers'
sickles, at the rate of foor per company, for their regimeata
before leaving Kohat. These are to be purchased from the
regimental funds, and will be found very useful in cutting grass
for the men's bedding."

Ration and Forage Rolls.

October 12th. — D. 0. No. 15. — "Officers commanding regi-
ments are directed to send in rolls of Europeans and Natives
and animals, for whom rations of food and forage will he required,
to enable the Commissariat Department to provide for the future
requirements of the force."

Shoes for Native Soidiets,

D. O. No. 16. — "Five thousand p»irs of shoes will xhortly
arrive for Native Infantry regiments, and will be available for
issue, at Rawul Fiadi, at the rate of one rupee per pair
Hindustani pattern, and one rupee four annas Punjab pattem."
These shoes, which were supplied by the Commissariat, were
hardly suitable fbr the rongb oonntry they were to be used in,
and soon wore out. They were the ordinary pattem of shoe
adapted for the pluns of India, but not of much use for marches
in stony countries.

DigmzecDy Google

FBEPAB&TI0N8 FOB THE CAMFAIQN. 47

October 13th.— Thongh the road ^m Eohat to Thiill led
111! tlirongh oar own territory, yet this port of ths diatrict was so
seldom visited by acyoiie, except the civil anthoritiee when
oocaaioD required, that it was hardly safe to tniat to the good
will of the frontier tribes, whose coantry came down to the foot
of the hills bordering the valley, not to interfere with the traffic
that was about to proceed before their eyes. A 12-foot road
had indeed been made ap to the civil bnngalow at Haogu,
.twenty-six miles from Eohat, but it ran witbin a qaarter of a
mile in some places of independent Airidi territory. Beyond
Hangu no road existed in the lower and upper Miranzai valley,
and the only sign of British rule was a well-boilt thannah or
police station at Quodioar, thirty miles on towards ThuU. It
was necessary, therefore, that precautions should be taken, and
accordingly an order was issued forbidding camp-followers to
travel singly, and to accompany baggage guards. The grass-
cotters of the cavalry were equally to he protected. This order
was sabseqnently oancelled and a different system introduced.

Free Rations sanctioned beyond British Territory.

October I6Ih.— D. 0. No. 24.— "Extract of Adjutant-
General," No. 8968 cy., 10th October, 1879, Simla.

"The Government of India have been pleased to direct that
native troops and public followers will be, when employed
beyond BriUsb territory, entitled to free rations or compensa-
tion in lien thereof."

This order was equivalent to raising the pay of the native
army about thirty per cent, and was duly appreciated by the
recipients. It almost amounted to over-liberality, as the troops
were sometimes unable to eat the free radon as supplied, and it
led to flour being either sold or collected in the men's kits,
making an additional weight to be carried.

itizecy Google

WITH THE EURBAU FIELD FOBCU.

Movements,
October 18th.— D. 0. No. 25. — "The 7th company Sappers
to march to Thull to-morrow. Mr. Nigel Jones, Saperiotendent
of Telegraphs, to accompany the detachment, which will he
employed in patting up thfl tele^^ph line.

" The 5th GoorkhaB to maroh on the lAth, IcBTing a detach-
ment of two companies under a British officer at Kohat The
detachment of the SOtb P. N. I. will march with the fith
Goorkhas."

Kohat-Thull Route.
D. 0. No. 26.— List of stages to Tholl from Kohat:—
Miles.

1. ToSherkot .

2. „ Ibrahimzu

Thog .
Surrizai .
Gnndioor
Tholl

Total

The road to Sherkot crosses an anbridged nullah, which in
flood would be diffionlt, and passes along and through culti-va-
tion nearly the whole way. The country is vtTv pretty sbont
Sherkot, which is raised on a plateau and wooded to a greater
extent than is generally found in the Trans-Indus plains.
From Sherkot to Ibrahimzai the road, after crossing another
unbridged torrent-hed, ia taken in a southerly direction, till the
gorge where the "Kohat Towi," or stream, cornea out of the
Hangu valley. The gorge is a narrow one, with limestone cli£bon
the western side, along the face of which the road is taken, after a
rathftT steep ascent. The descent is less marked, as the election
of the Hangn valley is higher than that of the lower one The

itizecy Google

PBKPABATIONS FOB THE CAMPAIOH. 4^

road proceeds at a moderate leyel, crossing aoother torrent bed
aboat half-way to Hangu, a large village, in wbicb is the resi-
dence of the Ebao of Haogu, Mahomed Ameen, in whose charge
is this valley and all this part of the frontier, and through whom
all the comninnications that exist with the neighbouring tribes
are carried on.

October 16th. — Major Moriarty, Bengal Staff Corps, ap-
pointed Superintendent of Transport, reported bia arrival at
Eohat on the I4th October.

The transport arrangements were under the charge of the
Commiesariat Department during the campaign, and the Super-
intendent of Transport was subordinate to the Principal Commis-
sariat Officer of the force. This arrangement worked perfectly
satisfactorily in the Kurram Field Force. An order was pub-
lished directing carriage indents to be sent in to the Principal
Commissariat Officer in accordance with the scale of carriage laid
down in the Qaait«rmaster-General's Circular Memorandum of
S6th September, in which all the details of camp equipment and
private and public baggage ware laid down. With the exception
of private servants for officers, who did not belong to regiments
and who had thus the regimental establishment to fall baolc on,
the number of followers allowed were ample, but only one
tervant was hardly sufficient for individual staff officers attached
to the force.

October 16th. — The i2th Bengal Cavalry marched on the
loth, and were ordered to halt at Thog till further orders.

October 17th.— D. 0. No. 88. — "Lieutenant Bagot, E.E.,
eommanding 7th company of Sappers, is appointed a field
engineer."

" Lieatenant Grant, B.E., reported his arrival."

Cavalry Post* on Kohat-Thull Route.
J>. 0. No. 40. — " Cavalry posts of one dnffadar and three
■oware will be establiahed on the Kobat-ThuU road, for expressei

4

vGoogIc

50 WITH THE KURBAH FIELD FOBCB.

and for officers on duty, at Chika Koti Raison, by the fith Punjab
Cavalry, from Kohat Haogu and Thog by the 12th Bengal
Cavalry, Surrizai and Q-undiour by the Sth Punjaub Cavalry at
Thull. No express will he furnished except on the written
order of the general officer commanding at Thnll or Assistant
Quartermaster- General at £ohat."

Kajawahtfor Engineer Field Park.
D. O. No. 41. — "The Commiesariat Officer is anthorised to
supply, as far as possible, the reqairemeots of the Officer com-
manding Royal Engineers for kajawahs for the transport of
field park equipment."

Movementi — Reterve Ammunition, Engineer Park.

OotoberI9th.— D.O No.48. — "ThedetachmentSthGoorkbas
will march for Thull, taking the divisional reserve ammunition
and all field park equipment which the C. R. E. may have.ready
for despatch, and also the furniture and tents for the field post-
office."

Civil Armed Etcortt or Badraggat.

October 20th. — D. 0. No, 51.— "The Deputy Commiesioner
has arranged for the supply of Badraggas, or armed safe conducts,
on the Eohat-ThuH road, for the protection of camels, grass-
cutters, Sio For camels : One jemadar at five annas a day, and
eight men at three annas a day for every lOU camels. For grass-
outters : One jemadar at four annas a day, and five men at three
annas a day for every 100 grass-cutters.

" The Badragga will be paid by the Khan's agent at each
camping-ground in the evening on the arrival of the grass-cutters
or camels in camp. The agent will report to the officer com-
manding in camp that the money has been paid.

" Badraggas will not be supplied to troops when halted, or by
cavalry, who will he responsible for the protection of their
followers. This order cancels D. O. No. 67."

itizecy Google

PBEPARATI0N8 FOH THE CAMPAIGN. 61

The object of this order was to throw the responsibility of
the protection of the road on the inbabitaots of the district, and
at the same time often to save eecorts of troops.

Offieert to he Armed.
October SUt.— D. 0. No. 58.—" Officers travelling on the
Kohat-TbuU road, unaocompanied by troops, should always be
armed, and sbonld travel only by day. If obliged to go by night,
they 8honld apply for an escort."

Swords for Followers.

D. No. 70. — " Indents for swords for followers are to be
sent in." The swords provided in most cases for followers were
the old stock of the arsenals. It was odd to see a small grass-
cntter perched on bis pony, with a long drngoon-sword in a steel
scabbard, tied round his neck with a piece of string, in such a
position that be could not draw it. The grass-cutter, when at
his work, ran some risk of being out up ; bat a grass-cuttor with
a sword ran a greater one, as the temptation of the sword woald
be sufficient to insure his destruction by a Pathnn, if so disposed.

The order was subsequently modified, and swords were only
to be issued to a certain number of followers, and given to those
men who could, or would, be likely to use them.

October 23rd.— D. 0. No 73.— " The 2Ist Punjab Native
Infantry arrived this day; the 28rd Pioneers arrived on the
22nd."

The Assistant Qnartermastet-Oeneral called for a report firom
officers commanding, as to the number of tents they bad in excess
of the authorised scale, as corrected by a Quartermaster- General's
Circolar, which allowed forty-four men per Sepoy's tent of two
pals. This tent in peace time is calculated to hold half a com-
pany, or thirty-two men, so that when the additional twelve men
were put into it, it was rather a tight fit ; still it was possible, as
the ground area of this tent is 33 x 16 ft. ^812, which,
divided by 44 gives nearlv eleven square feet per man.

4*

L,j,i,„,;,„ Google

62 SnTH THE EURRAM FIELD POROB.

Buppoeing every m&n to have been present ; but, with the dedao-
tion for eiok and men absent on guard, there was ample room.

Ariificeri entertained Regimentally.
A report of how many artificers were to be entertained
regimentally, under the orders oonveyed in the same Circular,
was also asked for. This order came rather late in the day, as
the artificers of India have a wholesome dread of fighting. It
was found very difficult to induce any men of this class to oroaa .
the frontier, except at exorbitant wages.

Second Blanket for British Soldiert.

October 28rd. — Officers commanding British regiments were
ordered to indent on the Commissariat Department for a second
blanket for their men. This order was necessary on account of
the cold, which began to be felt at this time of the year.

The blankets supplied to the troops are of English make
and fairly good quality. For India, except in the winter months,
they are unnecessarily warm, and, being in one piece, they cannot
he adapted to the weather like the native blanket which used to
be supplied, and which was of double length, requiring to be
folded, so that when the weather was moderately cold only one
fold of the blanket could be used.

The most suitable arrapgement would be to provide English
blankets to sleep on, and native ones as coverings.

Blanket Tents for Pickets.

October 25th. — D. 0. No. 91. — '"The officer commanding at
Eohat is requested to make over to the Commissary of Ordnance
the small blanket tents stored in the fort, and the Commissary of
Ordnance is authorised to have them repaired for service with
the field force."

These blanket tents were made up for the Jowaki expedi-
tion, in which the blockade of this tribe was kept up for several
months, necessitating standing pickets. The tents were made

itizecy Google

PEEPABATIONS POR THE CAMPAIGN. 68

of two blankets Bewn together, with triangalar ends sewn is.
They were about eight feet sqnare on the groitad, and when
properly pitched and filled with men, were fairly ueeful ; but they
were loosely woven, and, in consequence, cold, and rather leaky.
October 25th. — The three regiments at Kohat, the 6tb
King's, 2Ist Punjab Native Infantry and S3rd Pioneers, were, as
a temporary measure, formed into a brigade under Brigadier-
Qeneral Cobbe, Captain Morton, brigade major, wae ordered to
do duty with the brigade till it should be absorbed into the Kurram
Field Force.

Tramport Followers, Camp Equipage, and Trannport.

It was also notified in orders of this date that camel-men or
mule-men were not entitled to tent accommodation, or to have
their baggage carried for tbem, but that all other public followers
were entitled to both these privileges. Private servants were not
entitled to any Government tentage, and their masters were only
allowed 10 lbs, of baggage on their account, and that on pay-
ment.

With the present transport arrangements it is impossible
that any other system than that here detailed should be carried
into effect. Each mule-man owns two or four mules as a rule,
and one camel-man is allowed to four camels, though in most
cases he is not the owner but only the servant of the contractor.

In the case of the mules : supposing the animals to hare
been hired by an officer who loads them up to their full loads,
the mule-man's kit has to be carried in addition, and tbongh
lO lbs. is the regulation weight of a native-follower's baggage,
yet in every case it amounts to more, and so does the mule-
man's. The consequence of this was that in most cases private
mules were overladen. In ordinary dry weather the hardy mule
and camel men slept out in the open, but when rain came on
they bad to pitch their blauketa as tents and cower beneath

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54 WITH THE EURKAM FIELD FOBCE.

Carriage of Pantari Stores.
In tlie onliDary routine of garrison life Id India the native
soldier is fed under regimental arraDgements by the regimental
bunniah, who supplies him with all the necessarien of his diet.
In the field, however, this is only allowed on sufferance as it
were, and no carriage, except in the case of the Punjab Frontier
regiments, is allowed for his use. In addition to the ordinary
rations of flour and ghee wbioh satisfy the native soldier, there
are many condiments which are necessary, eidier in the prepara-
tion of his vegetable or animal diet, or else from their stimulating
or cooling tendencies, to keep up his frame to the requisite pitch,
and which in some cases are as necessary to him as actual food.
This point was brought to notice by the Deputy Snrgeon
General, and in consequence an order (D. O. No. 106) was issued
authorising each regiment to be supplied with five camels for the
carriage of a two-months' supply of the following articles :~

Tobacco. Ohilies.

Opium. Dried lemons.

Bhang. Alum.

Salt. AssaffBtida.

Black pepper. Ealajura.

Oil (mustard). Oil (sweet).

Spices.
The camels allowed for these supplies were not to be taken for
any other purpose.

Supply of HoTactkoet and Nail*.
November 28 tb. — D. 0. No. 104. — "OfiBcers commanding
regiments of cavalry and batteries of artillery will arrange for an
immediate supply of horse-shoes and nails sufficient for four
months' expenditure; this reserve will be constantly maintained
under regimental arrangements. Extra carriage will, when
necessary, be furnished by the Commiseariat Department under
sanotioQ of a Divisional Order,"

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PREPABATIONS FOR THE CAMPAIGN. 56

There is no subject of more importancs than the shoeing of
horses in the field, and the present arrangements for peace time
are ansuited to campaign work. In British regiments and
batteries the farrier-sergeant has to provide iron for shoeing and
to keep up a spare set for each horse, receiving a contract price
for shoeing. This arrangement holds good in peace time in
cantonments; but when the batter; or regiment is suddenly
ordered off, there is no arrangement for the carriage of any
qnandty of iron, nor, probably, can it be procured just before a
march ; the consequence is that the Ordnance Department is called
on suddenly to supply iron for shoeing purposes when no pro-
vision has been made for its supply, as it is not an ordinary
article of issue. As the campaign progressed, the Ordnance
Department made arrangements both for the supply of horse-
shoes and iron, but the shoes sent out from England were
found on receipt to be too small for the artillery horses, and
only suited to the small horses of the native cavalry, to whom
they were given.

lat and Und Regimental Ammunition Reeervea to be carried in
Bullock-boxes.

October 89th.— D. 0. No. 117.—" Commanding officers of
regiments arriving at Tbull will indent on the divisional ammu-
nition reserves for the number of boxes of ammunition, of 500
.rounds each, required to enable the whole of the Ist and 2nd
regimental reserves to be carried on mules by their corps. All
boxes containing 750 rounds and upwards will be transferred to
the divisional reserve."

Every regiment in India kept up its service emmnnition at
the rate of 200 rounds per man. This ammunition was packed
by the Ordnance Department in two kinds of boxes, camel and
bullock boxes, in the days when Brown Bess and the Enfield
rifle were the arms with the troops. When the Snider rifles
were girea to the troopa it vaa decided at first to keep to the

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66 WITH THE SmiBAM FIELD FOBOE.

same pattern box, only making it smaller, to hold t>00 rotmds.
A large quantity of the Suider ammunition that bad been sent
out from England had been packed in boxes containing about
2,000 rounds, and of the same size as the oamel-box ueed in
India. In taume cases this ammunition was transferred to th«
Indian camel boxes. The ammunition was also packed in the
old bullock- boxes, which held 790 rounds, and sometimes in
new pattern camel-boxes holding 1,500 rounds. A good deal of
it was packed in teak slide ammunition-boxes, hnlding 660
rounds, which, accordiog to the orders on the subject that bad
lately been published, was the only kind of ammunition-box
that should be taken into the field ; there were thus six kinds of
boxes containiog Snider ammunition with regiments, and only
three out of the six were adapted for mule carriage. Hence the
necessity for changing the regimental ammunition at the last
moment. The regimental firet reserve was forty rounds, the
second reserve 100 rounds per man, and the ordnance park was
supposed to oariy 800 rounds per man when carriage was aTsil-
able for it.

Movements — 2ird Pioaeeri,

D. 0. No. 131.— "The 2Srd Pioneers will march on Satur-
day, 2nd November, towards Thull. The regiment will be
employed in working on the Kohat-ThoU road, under inatmo-
tiona from the Commanding Boy al Engineer."

This was the beginning of much useful road-making that
this regiment was employed on during the campaign ; hut though
it did its full share of road-making, yet every regiment was called
on to assist when necessary, to the full extent of their power as
regards the number of tools in their possession.

Intrenching Took — Regimental.
October 29th. — An order, calling attention to the scale of
intrenching tools, was published this day, so that every regiment
sbould be as complete as possible.

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PBBPABATIOHB FOB THE CAMPAIGN. 67

Warm Clothing for Animalt.

November 8rd. — D. 0. No. U7.— Extract from Military De-
partment Letter No. 601 K, iB published for information: — "The
provisioQ of shools (warm clothing) is aanotioned for Govern-
ment cattle only. As reg'ards hired cattle, it should beimpreaaed
npon the owners by commanding officers, heads of departmenls,
and all concerned, that the provision of proper clothing for their
animals is a matter to which Government expects them to pay
very strict attention, and that no compensation will be paid for
cattle which may be lost in consequence of the inclemency of
the weather, shonld it be proved on investigation that this very
necessary precantion has been neglected."

Had the loss of a baggage animal been capable of being
apportioned between Government and the owner, the shares
would not have been in any measure equal ; for though the owner
might have lost his animal, yet Government lost the means of
carrying food and stores, a loss which cannot be expressed by
any money valne. As a mle, the hired mnles were generally
£ur)y protected, their pack-saddles being left on them when their
owners did not pay due attention to the order that they were to
provide warm clothing ; but as regards the oamels, not more than
half were properly clothed, and here again the difficulty of
arranging for the comfort of transport animals was shown. The
camel, if he were provided with a coat, was obliged to wear it alt
day, as there was no means of carrying it, except when worn.
A camel-shool is a rather large and heavy hair-cloth when
properly made, not capable of being conveniently folded up.
The wretched animal had thus to wear this coat, which covered
hie tail and hind-quarters well ; but as the aose-Btring of the
following camel is always fastened to the tul of the preceding
one, the heavy ototh pulled the head of the second camel down.
With the allowance of one man to fonr cameis, it would not have
bwQ ponible to do what would have been the right thing— to let

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68 WITH THE EURRUf ?IELD FOBCE.

the camels wear their coats at slatting on a frosty morning, bat
03 Boon as thu snn was up, to unload and take them off; besides
which the oamel-men are such thieves that they would steal, if
possihie, the coverings of their neighbours' camels, if these were
found- loose and not on the animal.

AmmunitioH-ca rtouchet.
The infantry regiments of the force were ordered tn indent
for painted canvas cartouches, or hand-bngs, for the carriage aod
distribution of ammunition in the field. Three of these bags
were to be attached to each box of the first regimental reserve.
The only objection to these hags was that they were detached
from the boxes and liable to he lost. They were intended for
use with a special ammunition-box furnished with a strap to
retain them ; hnt none of this pattern of box was with the force.

Tum'»ereus for Ammunition-hoxet .
There being a mixture of ammunition-hoxes of different
kinds, as already stated, and regiments being liable to receive
boxes of ammunition with sliding lids, which were screwed down,
eight turn-screws were ordered to he obtained by each regimeat«
for the purpose of opening such boxes when necessary. It is
laid down in the English eij^uipment tables, that these boxes
should always have the screw withdrawn previous (o being sent
on service; but the contingency of mule transport was not
present to the originator of this order. The sliding lids would
soon work out and get broken if they were not secured.

IncreaM of Baggage Allowance to Native Troopi,
November 8th — The allowance for baggage for native non-
commissioned officers and soldiers was raised, under the orders
of Government, from 20 to 26 lbs. per man, and regiments were
ordered to obtain the additional carriage necessitated by this
increase. The necessity of having an ample Bapply of warm

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PBEPABATIONS FOR THE CAlII>AIGK. 39

clothing and bedding in prospect of a winter campaign rendered
this increase imperative.

Iron Pieketting-pegM for Cavalry Honet.

Another small but important change was also ordered, viz.
the substitation of iron for wooden picketting-pegs for csralry
horses. The ground at Eobat is similar, as regards its etones,
to the rest of Afghanistan, and the wooden pegs which were
Baited to the plains of India were not adapted to it.

ScaU of Carriage for Medical Utoret.

NoTember 10th.— D. O. No. 196.— The following scale of
oarriage for medical stores and camp furniture was published : —

BritiBh Tioopa. Hedioal Btom. Cunp Fnmitiira.

Battery Royal Artillery, 2 Camels. 1 Gomel.

Begiment of Cavalry. f> » 1 »

Begiment of Infantry. 6 „ 1 u

In mountain batteries three mules instead of two camels.

Hath* Tioopf. OhmIi. If nlM.

Regiment Native Infantry.

Uospital Furniture, SlOlbs. ) ,

Hospital Equipment, SSdlba.)
Begiment Native Cavalry.

Hospital Fumitare, SJOlbs. )

Hospital Equipment, S661bB.J
Native Monntun Battery.

Hospital Furniture, 1 77lbB. ]

Hospital Equipment, 1501bs.|
Company of Sappers.

Hospital Furniture, ITTlbs. )

Hovpital Equipment, 160lbs.J "~

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60 WITH THE EUBBAH FIELD 70BGB.

Divisional Hospital at Kohat.

November llth. — Surgeon-Major MartiD, 6th Soyal Regi-
ment, was ordered to obtain seven European tents for the
divisional hospital at Kohat. The station hospital was adapted
to tho use of the field forces as a base hospital, but its accommo-
dation was insufficient to meet the numbt^r of cases of autumnal
fever, which is very prevalent at this season of the year.
The 2nd battalion 8th King's, a regiment of young soldiers,
suffered much from the effecta of this fever, and at one time had
over sixty men in hospital with it. The European base hospital
was calculated to contain fiftysix patients.

Surgeon-Major Costello, Indian Medical Department, held
charge of the native base hospital, which was on a larger scale,
and calculated to accommodate 190 patients.

Every regiment had in addilionitsown regimental hospital for
the primary treatment of all cases, from which, if necessary,
patients were transferred to the divisional field hospitals, and
thence on to that at the base if the case were a prolonged one.
The divisional field hospital was moved onwards as the force
advanced. It was primarily located at Thull, and sabseqiiently
moved on to Kurram.

Biding Pott-korsea.

November 12th. — D. 0. No. 201. — " Officers furnished with
sowars' horses under authority of D. 0. No. 40, will be care-
ful never to ride at a pace exceeding six miles an bour; any loss
or injury caused by over-riding will be made good by the officer
for whom the horse or horses have been provided."

The horses of a native cavalry regiment are the property of
the sowar in most cases, or of the regiment, and not public
animals. Though in oases of necessity they are made use of as
if they were public property, it is necessary to guard the owner
and the regiment firom loss or damage in aoy way.

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PBEPABATIOHB FOE THE CAMPAIGN. 61

Diminution of Native Establishmenti.
Some of the syces of the Horse Artillery battery, vho were
in exoess of the complement ordered for field service, vere traas-
ferred for duty to the ordnaDce park.

Formation of Troupa into Brigadet.

D. 0. No. 233.— "UnUl further orders, the following will
be the organization of the infantry brigades of the Kurram
colomn :—

"1st Bbioadb :

"Colonel A H. Cobbe, commanding.

"Captain A. Scott, V.C., brigade-major.

" Snd battalion Stb Kegimeot, The King's.

" 29th Pnnjab Native Infantry.

" 6th Punjab Infantry.
"Snd Bbiqadb :

"Colonel Thelwall, O.B., commanding.

"Captain G. de C. Morton, brigade-major.

" aiat Punjab Native Infantry.

" 6th Goorkbas.

" One other regiment to be hereafter detailed.

" TheSSrd Pioneers irill, as a temporary measure, he attached
to this brigade for orders,"

Divitional Hospital at Tkull formed.

October 15th. — D. 0. No. 285. — "The execntive oommis-
BBriat officer at Thnll is directed to make over, for the use of the
hospital about to be formed there, sixteen European privates'
tents; ten for the European divisional hospital, and six for the
Native general hospital. The commissariat will receive a similar
number of European privates' tents from those now en route from
Kohat"

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WITH THR KURBAM FIELD FORGE.

Camel-kajawaht for Sici and Wounded.

D. 0. No. 236. — " Camel-kajawahs, for the conreyaDce of
foot-sure men and others who are temporarily iDoapacitated from
marching, will be issued to regiments of British and Native
Infantry, at the rate of eight pairs for Biitish and sis pairs for
Native corps."

In the Punjab Frontier Force, kajanabs, of a native pattern,
formed part of the equipment of the regiments, as experience had
shown their necessity ; theywere simply a small litter abont4'}( 3',
with sides about a foot high, which were attached together hy
chains and hooks passed across the camel-saddle. Each would
hold two native soldiers in a squatting position, or one lying
down. A variety of these kajawahs were constructed, however,
all more or less heavy; but as they were designed primarily for
use with British troops, who could not be compressed into the
small space suflScient for natives, there was no help for this.
The first pattern tried was simply a strong chair with a foot-rest
hanging from it. This was experimented on by a British cavalry
regiment in the annual relief of IR77-7H, The report on these
chairs was, that though they answered the puq)06e, yet it might
be possible to devise one with a more comfortable leg-rest and
sloping back. Tbis was accordingly constructed, and some of
this pattern were made in the Ferozepore arsenal for the Can-
dahar Field Force. The ones made at Kobat were of the first
pattern, as being the strongest and less likely to get out of
order. Subsequently others were made in India by the Com-
missariat Department, all on the suspensory canvas chair prin-
ciple, hut these were very heavy, and almost a full camel-load
when empty.

Head-quarters reach Thull,

The Major-Qeneral and. hend-quartere reached Thull on
the 18th November, to be prepared for the advance, which wae

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PBBPARATIOHS FOB THE CAMPAIGN. 63

expected on the 20th, though np to the receipt of the orders to
croBB the froDtier, no one could say what the reply of the Amir
to the altimatam of the Indian Government would be.

The troops who had heen located M Thult during the month
bad not been idle ; the road np to the Kurram river bad been
constructed from the camp by the 20th Native infantry ; the
company of Sappers had been at work on the road on the £ohat
side, which had also employed the labour of the 23rd Pioneers-
The Depnty Commissioner, Captain Flowden, had also aided
in opening out this road with 800 men. Two mouths' supply
of provisions had been collected by the Commissariat Depart-
ment, and stored away in a large number of tents. The tele-
graph line was completed, and ThuU was no longer an unknown
and unheard-of place, but in communication with the rest of
the world. The post-office worked with as much regularity in a
tent as it did in more settled places, the mails being conveyed in
horsed mail-carts, the horses and carts being taken off the Pindi-
Murree line, which was always closed during the winter months.
The field hospital was ready to receive its expected patients.
At this period of the campaign the transport animals had not
begun to sufTer, and the transport, though on a much smaller
scale than was required afterwards, worked between ThuU and
Kohnt without any friction.

The Engineer Park and Ordnance Reserve ammunition were
ready at Thull for an onward move. In every branch, except as
regards light tents, some of which were still due to the regiments,
the force was equipped and ready for the expected advance.

On the Iffth, General Roberts reconnoitred the river, and
settled the position for the bridge, which was placed away, a mile
above the camp as it was then located. A commanding position
overlooked the point, from which, if necessary, the Afghan fort
at Kapyang could have been shelled, as it was within a 1 ,000
yards range.

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64 WITH THE EURRAU FIELD FOBCB.

Troops now Engaged on Active Service.

November SOth, — The general state of uncertainty as to die
advance was removed by the publication of the following Divi-
sional Order, No. 242 : — " The Major-General oommandia^
Kurram Field Force notifies that all troops and others who are
DOW, or hereafter may, come under his command, will, from to-
day and until further orders, be held to be engaged ' on active
Bervice in the field ' in the sense of the 1 1 8th Article of War."

The bridge by which to cross the river was now constructed.
It was a plain trestle bridge, with a twelve-feet roadway, but quite
sufficient for the purpose. 8ome of the Afghan soldiers from
the fort at Eapyang came down to observe its construction, but
they were not interfered with.

DigmzecDy Google

CHAPTER IV.

Advance of the Fohck from Thdll to the Peiwar Kotal.

fHULL, November 20tb.— D. 0. No. SftS.— "The following
moveinents are ordered for to-morrow ; —

" Movemente for the Advance.
" lOlh Hussars,
" I2tli Bengal Cavalry,
" 39tli Punjab Native Infantry,
" No. 1 Mountain Battery :
" To march at dayligbt under verbal orders from the Major-
Geueral, the whole under command of Colonel J. J. K. Gordon,
29th Punjab Native Infantry.

" The &th Punjab Infantry to strike camp at 6 a.m. and move
off with the head-quarter's camp at 7.30 a m., except the two
aompaniea detailed for rear-guard.

" F/A Royal Horse Artillery,

" 7th oompany Sappers,

" 8th Foot,

" aSrd Pioneers :

" To strike camp at 7 a.m., breakfast afterwards, and move ofi

at 9 A.M.

6

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66 WITH THE EDRRAU FIELD FOBCE.

" The column to be fonned on the road between the mined
Tillage of Ghejdi Kot, and the Tillage of ThuU, in the following
order:—

" Advanced Guard :
" Head of colamn on the Bridge.
" Wing 33rd Pioneere.
" lat company Hlh Foot.
" Main Body :
" Head of column immediately behind the Advanced Gnard.
" Wing 23rd Pioneers.
" F/A Royal Horse Artiller)-.
" 8th Foot.
" The first regimental reserve of ammunition, bheeetees, Ac,
will be in rear of regiments, as directed in the orders for the
march already issued. Regimental baggage and the remaining
followers to remain on their respective cfimping- grounds until
the troops have passed the bridge.

" Baggage mules will cross tbe river by the bridge. Baggage
camels will cross by a ford, which will be marked out by flags,
about 300 yards below the bridge.

" The rear-guard will consist of two companies of the ."ith
Punjab Infantry, and will form up near the Commissariat yard.

" The whole of the above troops, except those under the com-
mand of Colonel Gordon, will be under tbe command of Brigadier-
General Cobbe, and will encamp at Kapiyang on ground which
will be pointed out by the Assistant Quartermnster-Geneml.

" Quartermastfira of regiments and camp- colon rmeu to march
with the 5th Punjab Infantry at 7.30 a.u.

" Brigadier- General Cobbe will detail an officer's party to
keep order on the bridge and tbe approaches thereto.

" The 5th Punjab Infantry will furnish tbe guard, and a
fatigue party of fifty men for the bead-qnarter camp, ihe fatigue
party to report to the Assistant Adjutant-General at 6 a.m.

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ADVANCE OF THF FOHCE. 67

" llie following troops will cross the frontier on the SSod
inst., eiicampiDg for the day at Eapiyaog: —
" Half G/8 RoyBl Artillery.
" Wing 72nd Highlanders.
" 6th Goorkhas.
" 2nd pQDJab Infantry.
" The above will be under the command of Brigadier- General
J. B. Thelwftll, C.B , who will issue all necessary instnictions.

" The following troops, nnder the command of Major Stewart,
.5lh Pnnjab Cavalry, will remain at Thull : —
" No. 2 Moimtaio Battery.
*' Wing of Bth Pnnjab Cuvniry.
" 21st Punjab Native Infantry.
" Orders regarding the disposal of the Thnll garrison will
be issued hereafter.

" Field Force Head-quarters will he established at Eapiyaug
OD the morning of the 2l3t."

November Slst. — The orders regarding the advance across
the frontier were duly carried out The Wsjor-General and staff
proceeded with the troops under Colonel Gordon. The 29th
Punjab Native Infantry crossed the river by the bridge. Ona
company crossed the river higher up, and the 10th Hussars
croBsecl below the bridge, to act as flanking parties, and to inter-
cept the flight of the garrison, and then advanced in skirmisbiDg
order across the river-bed and the level plain on the top of the
farther bank. This plain extended for about three-quarters of a
mile, till the foot of the hills was reached. It was a good
CUD ping- ground, though rather covered with bushes and stonda.
Colonel Gordon's orders were to surprise the post, and prevent
its being burnt or destroyed, as information bad been received
that the Amir had sent orders for this to be done. When, how
ever, the post was gained, it was found to be deserted, the
garriton having taken themselves off in the night, except two

6 •

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68 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

men who were taken pnsonere on the bridge, They were oTi-
dently deserters, but they said that they bad been placed as
sentries on the bridge. One mitn was a Turi, the other a Ghilztu.

This fortified po8t of Enpiyaug was found to be a square
mud enclosure, with round towers at the comers. Its late garri-
son had left in a harry, as some of their food was found. The
towers were useful as signal-posts, and the place was oooupied
by a signalling party for a few days at tbis time. The troops
under General Cobbe reached the cnmping-ground about eleven
o'clock, with tht! exception of the battery, for whom a road had
to be constructed hy the f'ioneera up the steep bank of the river ;
but they and all the ba^'t;age were in camp by noon. As the
ground was commanded by the low hilla to the south and west,
pickets were placed on them as soon as possible.

As soon as the fort at Eapiyang had been gained and occu-
pied hy Colonel Gordon's advance force, the place being deserted,
it was necessary to fiod out the position of the enemy. The
squadron lOtb Hussars aod the 12th Bengal Cavalry proceeded
accordingly to recnonoitre. The road for the first four miles
lay along the bank of the river, after which it turned inland up
a gorge, to surmount a low kotal, and then dropped down tu the
river-bank again by another ravine, the road theu following the
bank till Ahmed-i-Shama is reached. The kotal in this march
would have made a good position for defence, if it had been
occupied. The distance, about eight miles, between Kapiyang
and Ahmed-i-Shama, was covered by the cavalry in about an hour ;
hut they were still too late to catch up the retreating garrison,
who had started from Kapiyang in the middle of the night.

The Infantry and No. 1. Mountain Battfry followed the
Cavalry, and the advance force halted at Ahmed-i-Shama for the
night.

This post, hke the one at Kapiyang, is a mud enclosure,
though in a more ruinous state, and situated where the moun-
tains, receding, leave a triangular plain of about half a mile

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ADTAKCB OF THE POItOE. 69

base aud Iieight ; the upper part is etoDy, but the lower part bor-
dering on lilt' river is terraced, showing that it has been cultivated,
most probably by the garrison, as no hamlet is in sight ; nor, ia
fact, between Kapiyang and this place is there a single habita-
don. The road is generally a six-foot track, passing through a
tangled brake of dwari' pidm in places, of through stony gullies,
except where it runs nlong the steep bank of the river.

The Horse Artillery battery had, however, some diffioulty in
doing this march. The object of this post would doubtless have
beoD originally to keep open the Communication between Hazir
I'ir and the frontier, nt a point where this was liable to attack
from the Zymukht clan -m the other side of the river, where a
ravine comes down on the western side of the Kafir Kot to the
Eurram river, forming a highway into their oonotry, as also to
guard the commuDications into the Khost country, which debouch
on the right bank not far from this.

Movemtnl*.

November 2l8t.— Camp Kapiyang, D. O. No. 258.— "The
following troops will march at 7 & m. to-morrow towards Ahmed-
i-Sbama, distance eight miles, nnder the oommand of Colonel
Stirling, R.H.A.;—

" F/A, Boyal Horse Artillery.

" Wing, 3th Punjab Native Infantry.

" 28rd Pioneers.

" 7th company Sappers and Miners.

" The commissariat camels, with twelve-days' supply, vrill
accompany the above, nud a sufiicieDt escort will he detailed for
their protection.

" The remaining troops, under Brigadier- General Cobhe, will
march the next day. 28rd inst , to Ahmed-i Shama. The engineer
park and treasure- chests will aooompaoy this colnmn.

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70 WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FOBCE.

" Field Force H end -quarters will halt at Eapiyaiig on tbe
jancl, and march to Ahmed i-Shama on the 23rd inat.

" The troops at Tliull, under orders to move to-morrow to
Eapiyang, vill halt for the K2nd, and maroh on the :23rd, bringing
the divisional reserve ammunition with them.

" Attention is directed to the orders which have been issued
regarding baggage animals following the column, in the same
order as the regiments are marching."

November 22nd. — The advanced force under Colonel Gordon
moved on from Ahmed-i-3bama to Hazir Pir Ziarat, and found
the distance about 6fteen miles, the road being diSBcult for
wheeled carriages.

About a mile from the camp at Ahmed-i-Shama, a reef of
rocks crops up in vertical strata, the track going along the edges
of these rooks, and the intervening spaces of earth. The con-
tinuous traffic of ages has, however, worn a fairly good path
even along this, but here and there detached boulders &cm tlie
heights above had budded themselves, blocking the pathway, and
till these were removed or blasted away, the guns could not be
taken along. The banks were too high and difficult to allow an
alternative road to be made down into the river bed at this place,
without more labour than was involved in the removal of the
obstruotions, which were speedily cleared away by the united
labours of the pioneer regiment and of thu sappers and miners,
when the artillery raarclied on the following day.

The troops under the command of Colonel Stirling reached
the camping-ground at Ahmed-i-Shama at 2,30 p.m.; the road,
though not actually difficult, was sufBciently unsuited to wheeled
traffic to prevent the march of eight miles being done in less
time. Beyond the supplies brought with the troops, there wns
nothing to be obtained at this place, which is the most inbos
pitable locniity almost in the whole of the march to Eurram.
Hardly any bushes ever grow on the rocky slopes of the moun-
tains, and at this time of the ye^ir any gnibs or foragu for the

vGoogIc

ACTAMCE OS THE FOBCE. 71

horses, ur iree-grazing for the camels, was out of the ques
tion.

The liead- quarters and the reiusioder of the troops remuDod
in the camp at Kapiynng.

lasite of Rations.

November 2and.—D. 0. No. 268.— "The following regula
tioDs regarding the issne of ratioDs are pufalisbed for genera)
gaidaace :—

" I British officers and British regiments will, unless spe-
cially ordered, draw their rations daily.

" 2. British officers of DAtive regiments attached to brigades,
will draw rations from that British corps which the oommissariat
officer of the brigade may appoint.

" 3. British officers of native regiments not attached to
brigades, or who may be temporarily detached firom a brigade,
will draw rations from the nearest British corps.

" 4. Indents for rations required by officers must be sent to
the Commissariat Department by 4 p.u. on the day preTious to
the required issue.

" 5. Officers must arrange to draw their rations at the ration-
stands.

" G. Rations for native soldiers and followers mast be drawn
ftvm the brigade oommissariat godown in bulk of three days
issQc ; carriage for the conveyance of the above has already been
supplied to corps.

" 7. If a native regiment is not attached to a brigade, or if it
be tempornrily detached, the commanding officer must apply to
the nearest commissariat officer for instructions whence to draw
its supplies.

" 8. The above rules apply to all departments such as the Post
Office, Telegraph, Survey, Signalling, &c., the heads of which are
responsible that the necessary indents are duly sent in, and that
no double or excess drawing is permitted.

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72 WITH THE KUKBAM FIELD FORCE.

" 0. Blank indent forms can be procured, on application to
the brigade commissariat officers.

" 10. The following commissariat officers are appointed to
brigades : —

" 1st Infantry Brigade, Lieutenant Buokland, B.S.C.
"Cavalry „ „ „

" 2nd Intantrv „ Major Bunbury, B.S.C."

D. O No. 265 — " Lieutenant Osborne, R.A., will indent for
carriage for the divisional reserve ammunition, including the
whole of the small-arm ammunition at present stored at TbuU.

" Sub-conductor Sapsford, Ordnance Department, will ac-
company the divisional reserve, which will be in charge of the
2nd Punjab Infantry.

" All surplus gun-ammnoition will be given into chaise of
the officer commanding No. 2 Mountain Battery at Tlmll."

This last order bad reference to instructions which had been
conveyed to ofticei'ij commanding mountain batteries, to change
the estiiblisbed proportions uf sfarapnels and common shell. Tbe
previous relative proportions bad been two common shell for one
shrapnel carried, but with a view to the nature of tbe service
about to be undertaken, it was considered desirable to increase
the shrnpuel and reduce the common shell, in the proportion of
two shrapnel to one common shell. The batteries had therefore
a double supply of common shell ; half of which had now become
surplus, and had to be left behind.

The ordnance officer who afterwards had cbai^e of all the
divisional reserve ammunition, would, had he been appointed in
BufBcient time to join the force at tbe commencement of tbe
campaign, have obviated the necessity of directing other officers
to perform what was naturally his duty, both as regards the
oarrifige of the reserve, and the storage of the surplus ammunition.

November 23rd. — Tbe Horse Artillery battery, wing of the
5th Punjab Infantry, 23rd I'ioneers, and tbe company of Rappers,
marobed towards Haztr Pir ; but tbe delays on the rond wore bo

D,3,l,:«..,,G00gk'

AltyANCE OF IHE POBCE. 73

great, that they only reached the village of Esoar, four miles
short of Hazir Pir, in time to oamp.

The head-quarters moved from Eftpiyang to Hazir Pir.

It rigadier- General Cobbe, with bis troops, wing 5th Punjab
Infantry, and Atb Regiment King's, moved from Kapiyang to
Ahmed -i- S h ama .

Brigadier Thelwall's troops — viz., half battery G/3 Boyal
Artillery, 5th Goorkbaa, 2nd Punjab Infantry, wing 72nd High-
landers — moved from Thull to Kapiyang.

After the diSiGultieg wliich occupied the firat four miles of
the road were passed, the ground presented no obstacle to a
quick advance, the road running through a succession of culti-
vated areas, belonging to a cumber of villages, that lined the
river-bank us a rule. This belt of cultivation was about half a
mile wide The feeling of the inhabitants of all this part was
most friendly. As the Major-General passed along the road, the
headmen of all the different villages paid their respects. The
villagers lined the roads as the troops passed, offering fowls,
egcs, milk, and dried fruit for sale On approaching Hazir Pir
this goodwill took a more active form, tor a repast in the native
(ttyle was prepared for the General, and spread out under the
flhade of a tree by the wayside^

When Colonel Gordon arrived at Hazir Piv, two of the lead-
ing synda of Kurram, Syud MahoiLmed Ehan and Syud Bad-
shah Mir, came in to see liim. They reported that Mahommed
Zaman had only thirty men with him in tfae fort at Kurram.

From the opposite side of the river, a messenger was sent in
by Shinawaz Eban of Durani Zymukht, to say that he himself
would come, but that he feared his son had been detained by the
Duranis.

Supplies of grass, fuel, 4c. were freely brought in by the
villagers about Hazir Pir, but high piices were asked. This
arose from several causes, the first being that coin of any kind
was not common in these valleys, aud conaoqaeotly some of the

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74 WITH HUE EUBBIM FIELD FOfiCE.

inhabitants hail no idea of its relative value ; while others, vho
may have been more enlightened, imagined that they could fix
their own price, as nothing would be taken forcibly from them.
Considerable numbers of cattle and sheep were observed between
Abmed-i-Sbama and Hazir Pir. The former belong to the Turi
villagers, and are sent out fur grazing anywhere where a dried
blade of grass shows itself The latter belong to the nomad
Ghilzais, who find among the hills in these parts sufficient
grazing to keep their floeks through the winter. These flocks
seemed in beautiful condition, their fleeces white and clean, us
if they had all been washed ; but this was probably from the
fact that they had been lately feeding in the pure air of the
upper mountains, where there was no dust to speckle their coats.
The sheep were of the fat-tailed kind known as Doombas.
These Ohilzai shepherds do not care to sell their sheep.

March to Darwaza Pott.

November 24th (Sunday). — The he ad- quarters, with the fol-
lowing troops, moved to an enoamping-gronnd at the south end
of the Darwaza pass, distance ten miles: — Squadron 1 0th
Hussars, I'Jth Bengal Cavalry, No. I Mountain Battery,
29th Punjab Native Infantry, and wing fith Punjab Infantry.
There is no difficulty in this march of any kind, the road
going through open broad valleys covered with dwarf palm ;
towards the end of the march, the ground, as it rises towards the
pass, is more broken. The whole of this march is through an
uninhabited country, but which is suitable in many places for
cultivation, as there are several streams with water and fish in
them, which shows that the streams are perennial. Beyond the
camping- ground, which had no name, about two miles distant,
are a few huts, but no supplies of any kind can be relied on.

Intelligeni:e was received this day that the Amir's troops had
evacuated Kurram fort, leaving one gun behind, and that they
were retreating across the Feiwar Kotul. Before iMving Huir

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ADVANCE OF THE FORCE. 75

PIt, Mnjor-Creneral Robirtsheld a. durbar of ihe leading men in
the lower Earram valley, nad assured them that the British
Government was animated with Triendly intentions towards tbem,
and that as long as they behaved well, and showed that they had
no ill-feeling towards us, they would receive protection.
The following movements took place this day : —

F/A Royal Horse Artillery i

23rd Pioneers [ From Esoar to Hazir Pir.

Sappers '

The troops under Brigadier- General (Jobbe :

Wing 9th Punjab Infantry , Moved fh>m Ahmed-i Sboma

8th Foot I to Hazir Pir.

Brigadier- General Cobbe taking command of all troops at that
station.

Brigadier-General Thelwall's troops :

Half G/8 Royal Artillery ,

Wing 72nd Highlanders [ Moved from Kapiyang to

2nd Punjab Infantry I Ahmed-i-Shama.

5tb Goorkhas /

The dwarf palm scrub at this oamp was set alight, and, with the
dried grass that was mixud with it, burned with such rapidity as
to threaten the safety of the tents ; it, unfortunulely, was usually
set alight at mist halting- places, either by the troops or camp-
followers, and iti course of time most of it in the immediate
vicinity of the road had been burned down. The dwarf palm is
a most useful plant, as its leaves, when dried, are made into
matting, and when thoroughly dried, the fibres are beaten out of
the leaf with a wooden mallet, and twisted into rope, about half
an inch thick, by rolling it between the hands. From this rupe
a kind of net-bag pannier is made, which, placed across the back
of a baggage animal, forms a very light receptacle for the carriage
of loose loads; the Afghan troops used these for the convey-
ance of iheir ammunition. The grass sau(ltili> used bj montofilie

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76 WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FOBCB.

hillmen nre also made from this rope, while little baskets for
carrying eggs are made from the mattiiig. The spreading leaf is
ingeniously turned into a drinking cup by wayfarers, the stalk
forming a handle, and the fronds of the leaf being splitdown and
interwoven.

Darwaza Pant.

The oamping-groond at this place is about a mile distant
from the entrance of the Darwaza pass. This pass, which has a
gentle slope on each side, cruasee the south chain of mount^ns
which bounds the Kurram valley. The ascent is about five
miles, and the descent into the Kurram valley about three miles,
long. The path would not be diSBcult, but for the watercourse,
which cuts it up, and has to be crossed several times. In some
places the ground was boggy and very awkward, being on a
slope, for camels or any laden beasts.

Towards the summit of the defile the ground opens out on
each side, the road being much impeded by loose boulders and
rocks cropping out. The descent into the Eurram valley was
quite easy, the surface being merely strewed with shingle, and
the watercourse, which was dry, passing some distance awny from
the track. There were several Ghilzai encampments on this
arid slope, the flocks grazing about, and finding something to
eat, which was not apparent to human eyes There must also
be water-springs within a convenient distance, though the
Ghilzai women often have to walk a mile or two to fill their
water-skins, and bring them back on their heads.

The cold at the south camp of the Darwaza pass began to be
stivere, the tliermometer marking '^6°, but there was no wind and
hut liltic dew, so that it was not as unbearable as it otherwise
would have been.

A cavalry post was left at this camp, to keep open communi-
cations.

itizecy Google

ADVANOE OP THE FORCE. 77

Occupation of Kurram.
November 2&th.— The head-quarlere, and the troupe detailed
in yesterday's orders, marubed from the south end of the Dar-
waza defile to the vacated Kurram fort. The road was difficult
for the camels, which did not reach camp till late. The antici-
pation that the Amir's troops would destroy the fort at Knrram
was not realized ; but as soon as they had vacated the place, the
Turis swarmed in, and carried ofl" every bit of rooBng that iliey
could lay their bands on. Intelligence was received that the
Amir's troops were retreating across the Feiwar, but the informa-
tmn regarding their movements was very conflicting. Brigadier-
General Cobbe's troops marched from Hazir Fir to the camp at
the south end of the Darwaza pass. Brigadier- General Thel-
wpH's troops moved on from Ahmed-i-Shama to Hazir Pir.

Kurram Fort.

November 26th. — The head-qnartera and the troops with it
halted at Kurram fort, in the neighbourhood of which the camp
WHS pitched, about half a mile distant, to the west of the fort,
on an open plain between two nullahs. The one nenrest the fort
had a good supply of water rnnning down it, and so afforded
ample facility for watering the animals, while springs of water,
both in tlitr plain and on the bank, gave a pure supply for the
troops.

The fort at Kurram bad always been entered in our maps as
fort Mohammed Azim, after its builder, but it did not retain this
name when we occupied it.

The fort was constmctcd of mud, the usnal fashion of archi-
tecture in this part of the world, but from the time it was built
no repairs had been executed, so that its appearance, externally
and internally, was as untidy as possible. Whenever any new
buildings bad been required for any purpose inside, the earth
had been taken from the spot, but the hole so made had sever

itizecy Google

78 WITH THE KUERAM FIELD POKCE.

been &lled up, and in consequence the interior of tbe fort wns a
series of excnvatione nbich were half filled witb rubbieb and
filth. It was built in the form of a square, with round bastions
at the corners; the length of the side being; about 120 yards.
The outer walls were about twenty feet high originally, though
in some plaoea the earth bad been washed away for some feet.
The tbickneas of the wall at the ground was about six feet In
the centre space there wae n square keep with round bastions.
The wall of the keip averaged thirty feet high ; the length of the
side about fifty yards. There was only one gateway, and this
was lined on each side and overhead by accommodation for the
garrison. The gate was protected by a walled outwork.

Outeide the wall there was a broad /awMc-iray*, about twelve
yards wide, to the edge of the ditch, which was deeper on the
north and west sides, owing to the ground falling away to the
south.

There was a pnrnpet wall on the edge of the ditch on the
west and south sides, bnt like the parapets on the inside the
walls were too high to fire over, and they were not loop-holed.

The available interim space was curtailed by the governor's
quarters, which, as they contained hia harem, were completely
walled off from the rest of the place, with only an entrance gate-
way and a small passage to allow of access. There was a plot of
garden in the yard ; and the bastion in the comer, where the
quarters were, was raised into a three-storied house, from which a
pleasant view all round could he had. The upper room wae
open, the middle story had had windows, chiefly of coloured
panes of glass, and formed a comfortable room; the lower cell
was perfectly dark and uninhabitable- There was also a bamam
or warm bath in the enclosure, but this was wrecked, like most of
the place, by the friendly Turi, whose hatred of the Afghan was
only exceeded by his desire to obtain wood for building or
burning.

Opposite the entrance gate of tbe govemorH quarters was a

itizecy Google

ADVANCE OF THE 70B0E. 79

raised bnildiog naed an a mosque It contniiied one long room,
about fifty feet long by twenty-five wide, vhich was used for tbe
serrioes, and two other amaller rooine for tbe resident prieBts.
This building was less damaged than any of the others, and it was
selected for nse as the British hatm hoapitnl, in which capacity it
was used for some months. Tbe native hospital was located in
tbe buildings of tbe govt^mor's quarters, when these were repaired

Surrounding tbe four sides of the wall were the huts in
wbicb the garrison lived. On two of the circukr bastions were
officers' quarters; the one on the south-west angle was well
finished, and glazed with oolouied glass.

The inner keep was used as the treasury and for quarters,
A small tikulc in the centre was surrounded by willow-trees and
rose-bushes. Another large tank was outside the keep, hut both
were filled from a surface drain-cut, which brought the water
from a ravine some distance o#. There was no well in tbe
fort, but a good spring existed in the ditcb, From which water
could be obtained. The main road to tbe fort passed across
a bridge just over this spring, and ns it wns liable to be defiled
by the traffic, it was subsequently closed.

Two uitide roads at right angles followed tbe direction of the
north and west sides of tbe fort, tbe intersection being at the
bridge above menlioned. Tbe road running north and south
extended in a southerly direction for about three-quarters of a
mile, and northwards about a quarter of a mile, when it
terminated at a walled barrack enclosure.

This place was a square of about tOO yards, divided into four
squares of about fifty yards, with the usual hut- buildings, and
with stables for the cavalry liorses. A gateway of the ordinary
construction, with a guard-room, allowed access to tbe interior,
and there were only two round bastions at the comers.

This place was known as tbe Upper Fort, as it was situated on
the higher slope of the ground, which dropped Avm the foot of
the hills to (be river in a gentle slope.

itizecy Google

80 WITH THE KURBAM FIELD FORCE.

Close to the cross road, ob the north side of the fort, was s
two roomed building, with a bruad raised verandah with pillared
arches on three sidtis. This structure was built quite after the
pattern of the houses in India, with glazed windows, and at first
it was used as an officers' hospital, but suhseqaently it was
transferred to the political officers for use as a court-house, for
which purpose it had been originally erected.

Outdde this was a small garden in the eastern style, with
cross paths al right angles, and witter- ditches, supplying irriga-
tion to the beds when necessary. Close by this, but on the
eastern side of the fort, waa the large garden or orchard which
was planted out by Mahommed Azim. This garden, of nearly
eighty yards square, contained a small vineyard of low-growing
grapes ; pears, apples, quinces, apricots, peaches, and mulberries
bordered the paths.

At this time of the year there was not a leaf on the trees,
except a few withered ones on the willow avenues.

The ground between the upper and lover fort on each side of
the road was terraced, and had been cultivated by the inhabitants
of the neighbouring villages, and below the fort to the river there
was one continuous terroced slope of rice fields, from which a few
villages emerged like islands when the water was standing on
the fields all round. A brass 9-pr. gun was left lying on the
ground, OS having no carriage it could not be removed. A few
boxes of ammunition were also found in the fort.

This, then, was the first objective point gained in the cam-
paign, and the possession of the two forts. Chough they were
praotioally useless for purposes of defence, afibrded all that was
necessary in the way of accommodation and storage room at the
outset Afterwards they were found to be rather small, but at
first they gave the security that was wanted, for the collection of
the hospital, commissariat, engineer, and ordnance park stores
that accompanied the force.

As the Major- Genenil and sta£f were approaching the fort.

itizecy Google

ADVANCE OF THE FORCE, 81

which lay half hidden in the yellow-brown foliage of the willows,
— the mud wall being mach of the same colour — one of the prin-
cipal men in the ralley, Mabommed Noor, came, with an attendant
following of horse and foot men, to pay his respects.

As soon as the inspection of the forts was concluded, the
Major-Oeneral started with two squadrons of the I2th Ben-
gal Cavalry, to reconnoitre in the direction of the Peiwar
Eotal.

As the village of Peiwar was approached, about twelve
miles distant, two other villages in flames were seen, and a report
was brought in that the Afghans had vacated their cantonment
at Habib Killa, about a mile to the east of the Peiwar village,
and were pasdng through the village with twelve guns and three
regiments of infantry.

With the small force at his disposal it was not possible to
attack the enemy, who could be seen through telescopes retiring
towards the valley leading to the foot of the Peiwar. I'he
villagers reported that they were encumbered by the field guns
that were with them, and that forced labour was procured h'om
the villages to assist in moving the gun and ammunition car-
riages. It was difficult, however, to obtain any satisfactory
information on this point; but there seemed so much truth in
the statement, which was repeated on several occasions, that it
was believed at laet, and when the report reached the form that
the twelve carriages were stack in the ravine at the immediate
foot of the kotal, it was so thoroughly believed that the advance
on the 29th December was made with tbe intention of capturing
these guns. On this afternoon nothing could be done but to
letam to tbe camp at Eurram.

The Tnris of the valley now saw some chance of taking a foir
revenge on their hated oppressors, and volunteered to assist in
harassing the enemy ; but though they were willing to fight and
destroy the Afghans when they were demoralized and beaten,
yet they were afraid to go too much into their neighbourhood,

6

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82 WITH THE KOHHAM FIELD FOBCE.

and obtaia the informatioD requisite ; thus their assistance, when
it was most wanted, was not given.

Returru of Effective Men for Operation:
November 26th. — D. 0. No. 274. — " OfBcers oommaading
regimenta will send in as soon as possible to the Assistant
Adjutant-General, the number of men they will be able to take
with them for operations in passes. All siok and men who are
weakly or likely to knook up will be left at Knrram."

Reduction of Baggage.

D. 0. No. 274. — "The Major>Qeneral la anxious to march
OS light as possible in moving to the passes.

" Officers' baggage will be limited to half a mule-load, and
officers will double up in their present tnnts, two officers occupy-
ing one tent of 80 pounds.

" Commanding officers and heads of departments are to bo
as at present.

" Sepoys, one tent of two pals* to fifty men.

" British soldiers, one tent of two pals to forty men.

" Followers, one tent of two pals to sixty men,

" Fifteen British soldiers to a bell-tent.

" Twenty native soldiers or followers to a bell-tent.

" The camp equipage will be allowed as at present for
offices and guard -tents.

" Entrenching tools as at present.

" All spare ammunition with regiments to he taken. The
baggage of British soldiers and sepoys to be reduced as much as
possible^ by leaving at Eurram all spare light clothing. Bedding
and warm clothing to be taken as at present. Cooking utenuls
to be rednoed as much as possible.

■ The saperfleuJ vei of ■ tent of two pala ii S3 X 10=513 iqnars fest ; tha
bdght of the tent, wbioh la tritngnlu in MstioB, ii eight fa«t. It can be Mpuated
iolo two pftli b; b«lug imlMed tn the oentce.

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ADTAKCE OF THE FOBOB. 83

" Qusrtermastars' and vBterinary etoreB will be left at Kurram.

" The baggage allowance for stable gear and foUowerB to bo
as at present.

" Armoarera' tools will be left at Earroni'

" Signalling equipment will be taken.

" The same number of camels as at present authorised will
be allowed for cairiage of Che anns of sick.

" Officers' mess stores and cooking utensils, two mules per
British, one per native regiment or battery Royal Artillery.

" Followers to be reduced as much as possible at the direc-
tion of commanding officers.

" Hospital establishments, doolies, and dandiee will be taken
in accordance with inBtructiona which will be isBued by the
Deputy Surgeon-Qeneral. Five mules per regiment will be
allowed for the carriage of sick men. Bazar establishmeiits,
artificers, and workmen will be reduced to a minimum, com'
manding officers being reBponsible that no more followers or
baggage are taken than are essential to the efficiency of the
troops.

" It is probable that the force may be absent ten days.

" All carriage becoming surplus under the above arrange-
ments will be made over to the Transport Department, but all
mules are to be retained, and also carriage for provisions for the
number of natives advancing, sufficient till the 1th December,
1878.

SupplUa to be taken Reginuntalli/.
D. O. No. 277.—" Officers commanding corps, except G/8
Boyal Artillery, 12th Bengal Cavalry, 10th Hussars, and 7tb
company Sappers, will immediately indent for and draw from
the commissariat godown in the fort, supplies sufficient to last
till the 4th December, inclusive, for all native soldiers, for public
followers incladicg dooly-bearere, oamp-fbllowers, mule and
camel men employed with regimental equipment, and for chargers.

D,j,i,:..:,y Google

84 WITH THE KURRAM FIELD FORCE.

The numbers to be drairn for vill be those detailed to advatice
from Kurram on the 28th inst."

D. 0. No. S78. — " Each mounted officer will be allowed ono
obarger only."

The first brigade, under General Cobbe, marched this day
from the camp at the south end of the Darwaza defile, to Eot
Mangi, on the right bank of the Eurram river, about a mile
below the fort-

The troops were halted at this place to await the arrival of
the Horse Artillery battery, which, owing to the difficulty of the
road, was only able to reach this place late, when the passage of
the river in the dark would have been difficult.

November 2Gth, — Brigadier-General Thelwall's troops reached
the oamp at the south end of the Darwnza pass this day.

November 27th. — Brigadier- General Cobhe's troops crossed
the river and came into the Kurrnm camp, and Brigadier General
Thelwall, marching through the Darwaza pass, reached Eurram
in the afternoon. The whole force, which had been obliged to
move separately by detachments up to this point, was now able
to he massed together. The difficulty of moving troops along p.
single line of communication, necessitated the separate move-
ments of each brigade and of the advance guard. There would
not in some places have been available ground for the camp of
the whole force, besides which, the delay and difficulty of moving
a large number of men, with the necessary convoys of provisions
and stores, along a mountain track, would have caused more losa
to the transport animals that what actually took place. As it
was, in some of their marches the rear-guards did not reach the
camps till late at night,

Ordert for the Advance of the Force.

NovemherSTth.— D. 0. No. 280, Eurram.— The following
orders regarding the advance of the force on the 28th inst. are
published : —

" 1. The following garrison vrill be left at Eurram fort

itizecy Google

ADTAUCE OV THE FOBCZ. 85

under command of a field officer, 2/8th Regiment, to be detailed
by Brigadier-General Cobbe :

" Two guns, F/A fioyal Horse Artillery.

" Squadron 10th Hussars.

" Tbree guns G/3 Royal Artillery.

" 7tb company Sappers and Miners.

" Details of sick and weakly men of all regiments.
" Captain Bennick, 39tb Regiment, is appointed staff officer
to tbe Enrram Fort garrison.

" &. The force advancing to the passes will be constituted
as follows : —

12/Sth Regiment, 400 men.
5th Punjab Infantry.
29th Punjab Native Infantry.
F/A Koyal Horse Artillery, four )
guns ..... t Attached.
23rd Pioneers . . . . )
" 2nd brigade / Wing 72nd Highlanders,
under command of I 5th Goorkhas.
Brigadier- General I 2nd Punjab Infantry.
Thelwall, C-B. [ No, I Mountain Battery, attached.
" 3. The 12th Bengal Caviilry will march with the field force
to Habib Killa, and remain there, furnishing the following
parties for duty : —

" To Divisional Head-quarters, one naUve officer and

twenty sowars.
" Brigadier- General Cobbe, two orderlies.
" Brigadier- General Thelwall, two orderlies.
" At Eurram Fort, one native officer and twenty sowars.
" The regiment will take its present equipment of tents.
The sick, &c. will be left at Kurram.

" 4. The surplus tents and baggage of tlie troops will be
stored in the small fort. Captain Oarr, D.A.Q.M.G., will

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86 WITH THE EXJBRAM FIELD FORCE.

make the neoessary arrangements. Regimeots on marching vill
have their eurplns baggage on their present encamping-gronnds
in charge of details.

" 6. The Commanding Royal Engineer will issue orders to
the 7th company Sappers regarding work required at Kurram.

" 6. The troops to advance will parade at 5 a.h. on brigade
rendezvous, which will be fixed by brigadiers.

" 7. The force will march in two parallel columns towards

Hahib Eilla. Captain Kennedy, D.A.Q.M.G., will accompany

the advance guard. 1st brigade to point out the road.

" Order <^ March,

Left Column. Right Colnmn.

One sqnadron, ISth Bengal One squadron, 12th Bengal

Cavalry. Cavalry,

Two guns. Mountain Battery. Two guns. Mountain Battery.
Four companies, 5th Punjab Four companies, Native In-
Infantry. faotry.

Remainder of Ist brigade, 6th Remainder of 2nd brigade, 6th
Punjab Infantry, 23rd Goorkbas, 73nd Highlanders,
Pioneers, 29th Punjab Na- 2nd Punjab Infantry,
tive Infantry, 8th Foot.
Two guns F/A, Royal Horse Two guns F/A, Royal Horse
Artillery, on elephants. Artillery, on elephants.

" tJ. Captain Wynne, with all available signallers, will
accompany the advance.

" 9. A fatigue party of thirty men. Native Infantry, will be
detailed by the officer commanding Eurram garrison to parade
at the divisional head-quarter camp after the troops have marched,
aod load surplus tents, &e."

Three Itsues of Rum for Native Regwunti.
D. 0. No. 281. — " Officers commanding native regiments
may take with tbem a sufficient quantity of rum for three
iunes to men advancing from Eurram."

itizecy Google

ADVAKCB OP THB FOBOE. 8?

Wtute of Ammunition to be checked,
November 2l8t.— D. 0. No. 290.— "The Major-General
desireB that offioers oomniandiDg regimeDts may be warned to
exercise the greatest care to seeing that no nseless expenditare
of ammunitioD is incnrrtid. Company officers, especially, and
coD-commissioQed officers, must he constantly on the alert to
prevent unnecessary or wasteful firing."

Depot hospitals were formed for both European and native
troops inside the fort. The available space in the two forts was
detailed for the commissariat, ordnance, and engineer park
stores, but the difficulty of taking large convoys of camels into
the forts to unload aud then file out again, prevented the
ordnance stores being placed at once in the keep of the fort,
which was assigned for their reception. One of the squares in
the upper fort was accordingly assigned fur these; another
square was detailed for the surplus baggage ; a third square was
detailed for the native hospital temporarily, while the buildings
in the larger fort were being repaired and made ready for use.
The company of sappers, aided by artificers from the British
regiments, were set to work to re-roof the sheds, which had been
unroofed by the Tuns, and local lubour was entertained to clear
out the filth and rubbish in which the Afghans had preferred to
live. It took some IttUe time to conclude the repairs which
were set on foot ; ultimately the fort had a level surface. A
second gate was placed to allow the trafGc to file through
without blocking the gateway. But all this was not the work of
B day, and it took some months to get these places into a proper
state.

November 28th. — The regiments for the advance formed up
at the time ordered, 5 a.m., but owing to the ravines and water-
courses in ftfni of the camps, it took longer for the columns to
assemble in ^he dark of a winter morning than was expected,
w that it was nearly 6 o'clock before the columns wen* ready

itizecy Google

CO WITH THB KUBBAM FISLD FOBGB.

to start, and then the four guns of F/A were with the right
colamn, ioetead of being divided between the two. The cold
was very severe, and intensified by some of the troops having to
wait for nearly an hour while other regiments were trying to
find their way in the dark aorosa broken ground, till the ap-
proach of the dawn showed the direction of the rendezvous.

The head of the left column, with which was the Major-
General and staff, arrived near Habib Eilla at 10.15 a.m.; the
march of fourteen miles up to this point having taken somewhat
over four hours.

Intelligence was here received that the Amir's troops were
abandoning their guns at the foot of the Peiwar Kotal, and that
they were in disorderly retreat. This information proved to be
false, but it was necessary to ascertain the truth of the report,
and in the meantime to act on it as if it were true that the guns
were lying ready to fall into our hands. The moral efiect of
uch a capture would be great, while the distance to the foot of
the Peiwar Kotal, about seven miles by the road, was so short,
that, with the beet part of the day to do it in, there was every
inducement to make the push forward, instead of waiting at
Habib Kilta to give time to the enemy to strengthen their
position.

The road from Peiwar village to the kotal runs up a valley ;
the ground at the entrance is very broken by the drainage of the
spurs between which it is taken, and the whole of the ground
for about 3^ miles is covered with a scrub jungle, after passing
through a mile of cnltivation belonging to the village of Peiwar.
A village, " Turrai," inhabitated by Mangals, who have culti-
vated the land in its vicinity, is reached at the end of the jungle,
and is distant about a mile from the actual ascent of the kotal.
The Afghan troops were known to have been in the village, and
might yet be there, so that it was necessary to make this point
the objective of the end of the first day's march.

The left column — the .^th Punjab Infantry and 20th Punjab

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ADTAMCE OP THE FOBCE. 89

Native In&Dtry in advanoe, witb the 2/8lh Regiment aod the
28rd Pioneers, and two guns No. 1. Mountain Battery in sup-
port — were sent to the left with instruclioos to turn a ridge
Ibnning the south boundary of the valley, and seize the village
of Turrai. They were also to follow np closely any hody of
retreating Afghan troops they might come across. Orders were
sent to the right brigade to march hy the village of Habib Eilla
np the regular road to the Feiwar, thus forming a support to
the attack of the left brigade.

Brigadier -Genera] Cobbe witb bis brigade carried out the
orders given, except that the supporting regiments did not
roand the southern side of the spur, but kept to tbe north,
working their way along the ravine which collects tbe drainage
of the valley. The two mountain guns under Lieutenant
Jervis, R.A., were, however, with tbe advance. No enemy were
seen on the south side of the spur, so when a track leading
across it to Turrai was reached, tbe troops moved down towards
the village. The supporting regiments of this brigade even-
tually met tbe right brigade as they moved up the road.

The mountain path that tbe advanced troops were now filing
down did not lead exactly to tbe village, but dropping into a
ravine, proceeded to the " Punch-bowl " valley on the eouih of tbe
Peiwar Eotal. As soon as the head of the column found itself
in tbe narrow passage that closes the entrance of the ' Punch-
bowl," they came in sight of tbe Afghans, who showed themselves
on tbe crest of the mountain high above their heads. Nothing,
however, could be done in this direction : the high precipitous
mountains, risiug up straight from tbe ravine, seemed to bar the
way, and there were no orders to go on to attack, so that tbe
only thing to be done was to fall back on the village of Turrai,
which was about a quarter of a mile to the rear. This retro-
grade movement exoited tbe Afghans to something more active
than the war-danoes they had been performiug on tbe top of the
mountain. A party of them moved down from the picket at the

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90 WITH THE EVBBAU FIELD FORCE.

end of the epar, and commenced an attack on the regiments as they
were moviDg towards the village. The iS9tfa Puojab Native
Infantry proceeded to drive the enemy back, and a smart akir-
mish ensned for some time. A wiug of the 5th PuDJab Infantry,
nnder the oommand of Captain Hall, was in support, and was
posted lower down, on a knoll of the spur. The 29th Punjab
Native Infantry were eager to get up tbe hill, and climbed the
steep face till the difficulty of the ground prevented tbeir ascend
ing any further. The two mountain guns under Lieutenant
Jervis were brought into ootion, and fired shells at the enemy,
but as most of the Afghans by this time were behind shelter-
trenches and tree-stems scattered over the face of the hill, not
much damage resulted.

The right column arrived at Tnrrai about 2 p.u., and the
Major-General and staff came up at the same time. Observing
that an engagement was going on with the Afghan troops in
position, which formed no part of the programme of the day,
tbe regiments engaged were recalled by the Major-General,
while, to assist their retreat, the 5th Goorkhas were ordered up
from the right brigade, and the line was then withdrawn by
alternate regiments.

Our loss in this affair was slight, considering the number
of men who had been engaged. Captain A. Reed, 2Uth
Punjab Native Infantry, was shot through the back sideways,
the bullet luckily only slightly injuring the spine, and though
the wound was a most severe one he recovered, and was able to
return to duty in a few months. A native officer of the 5th
Punjab Infantry, who subsequently died, was severely wounded
on this occasion. The other casualties were one driver of the
mountain battery killed, and eight sepoys wounded.

The falsehood of the story regarding the abandonment of
the guns Ht tbe foot of the kotal was by this time ascertained,
and as the march across the Kurram valley had clearly shown
that it was empty, and that tliere was no ensmy larking in th«

.coy Google

ADVASOB OF THE FORCE. 91

a or neighbourhood of the road to Tumi to disturb the
camp, orders were given to mark out the ground about 3 o'clock,
and this was done on the terraced Jields below the village, on
the ground which had that morning been vacated by the Afghans

Though, when our troops had been wiLhdrawn, the Afghans
had retired up the hill, they had not concluded the engagement
on their side, but had sent back to the main ridge, about three-
quarters of a mile distant, to bring up a mountain gun to the
point of the spur overlooking the village of Turrai, from which
all our movements could be observed as plainly as on a map.

The arms were piled, and the troops were resting on the
groond, awaiting the arrival of their baggage, which was on the
point of coming up, when, at 4 p.u., the Afghan gun came into
play at a range of about 1 ,700 yards, right on to the ground where
the troops were to hare camped, and which was covered with
men. Forlunat«ly, no one was hit, but the bint to move off the
ground was very strong.

The guns of F/A Royal Horse Artillery were brought at
once into action, and fired several rounds at the gun on the top
of the spur, and at a cluster of riflemen who were aunoyinff a
picket of the Sth Punjab Infantry.

The winter day was shortening, when the order was given to
move the camp back, and it was nearly dark when the spot
selected was reached. It was about a mile and a quarter to the
rear, on the road that had just been traversed, and which was now
full of baggage animals.

It is a difficult matter to pitch a camp in the dusk on a
plain, and in this case the difficulty was increased by having to
pitch the tents in a scrub-jungle, amidst a scattered growth of
hill oak and thorny bushes, on the remains of some very ancient
terraces, which were also covered and bordered by large stones.
It was not a spot that would have been selected, had time availed
to search for other camps ; but this jungle and broken
ground extended for 3^ miles, so that there was no help

L.g,i,:«.,, Google

92 WlIU THB EUBBAU FIELD FOBCE.

for it but to take up the best position which thu ground gava,
and this vas done after a ravine, with steep banks, had been
passed, which formed a kind of clear lioe of observation in front
of the oamp, while the view in every other direction was obscured
by trees.

The eagerness of the Afghans to commence faostilitieB was
the salvation of the force. If, knowing the range as they did,
and being in an inacoessible position, they Lad been content to
wtut till the camp was pitched at Turrai, and had commenced to
shell the camp with all their mountain guns after dark had set
in, the consequences would have been most serious.

Nothing could have then been done, except to withdraw &om
the camp, but, in all probability, there would have been a stam-
pede among the mules and their owners, who, with the other
oBinp- followers, would have taken themselves well out of reach
of danger. The oamp, with all the bedding and baggage, might
have been burned down, and the Earram Field Force have been
rendered hors de comb&t for some time.. All these possible
dangers and contingencies were, however, avoided by the firing
of the mountain gun an the peak ; which, moreover, did no harm,
as most of its shells were blind, and those that did burst, luckily
hit no one. The elephants of F/A stood the abolls uncommonly
well. As a rule, these animals object to a baptism of fire, and
run away ; however, in this case they were staunch, even when
shells burst close in front of them.

This retrograde movement was most annoying, as the troops
had been on foot since early dawn, and had been marching and
on the move all day, and, just as they were on the point of enjoy-
ing their well-earned rest, they had to retire for over a mile. It
was not till late that the regiments could find their baggage,
which was wandering in the scrub in the dark, and many men
wont Bupperless to bed, or to the strong pickets which were
placed on the adjoining heights. The camp, however, was not
disturbed during the night.

itizecy Google

ADVANCE OF THE FORCE. 93

TbaB ended the recocnaissanoe to the foot of the Feiwar
Eotal; an operation which has been miBconstrued by some as
intending and involving a direot attack on an almost impregnable
position ; but no one acquainted with the ground would have
ooudered it possible to march for twenty miles, and then
towards evening, storm an unknown post of great strength,
with troopa who had not had much rest or food during the
day.

November 29th. — Camp Gunbazlr. — Owing to the exhaustion
of the men and cattle, from the late fatiguing marches, and from
the imposBibility of keeping up supplies with the troops, it was
decided not to attack to-day. The camp was shifted to a more
secure site, and the troops arranged in a more systematic manner
than had been possible the previous night. A reconnaissance
was made by Colonel Perkins, Commanding Royal Engineers, up
the valley, beyond the north picket, with the object of asoertiun-
ing whether the ridge was connected with the Feiwar Kolal Two
companies of the 23rd Pioneers accompanied this reconnaissance.
Itwas ascertained that adeepvalley lay between the picket ridge
and the kotal itself, and that it was impossible to direct an
attack from this side. Major Collett, A.Q.M.G., with two com-
paoies of the 28rd Fioneers, accompanied by Captain Carr,
DA Q.H.G., proceeded to reconnoitre the Spingawi route.
They reached the summit of a ridge, about five miles distant
from the camp, and 1,200 feet above it, overlooking the Spin-
gawi nullah, at a point from which the kotal, or bead of the
pass, conld be observed at a distance of a mile and a half It
was ascertained that the road up the kotal seemed easy and
practicable for all arms, and that the kotal itself appeared to be
on the same ridge as the Feiwar Kotal, and that a force working
bom the former towards the latter would pass over a aeries of
dominating poBitions.

It did not appear to Major Collett that the enemy held the
Spingawi in force, though a picket and a gun occupied a com'

itizecy Google

94 WITH THE KDBRAM FIELD FOBCB.

maDding knoll to the south of the kotal, and there eeemed to be
a gun on the pass itaelf.

The road from the village of Peiwar, up the Spingawi
nullah, from this point, seemed perfectly easy for all arms, but
the road traversed by the reconnoitritig party was only suitable
for infantry.

It had taken tiro hours for the party to ascend to the ridge,
and it was cnlcnlated that to I'each the Spingawi by this road
would take two more, while to move on from there along the
ridge to the Peiwar Kotal would take a further time of three
hours nt least, according to the natives of the country.

Captain Woodthorpe, B.E., and Lieutenant Manners Smith,
of the Survey Depftrtment, accompanied this reconnaissance

Colonel Gordon, 20th Punjab Native Infantry, with a com-
pany of his regiment, reconnoitred the south ridge of the valley,
and ascertained that it was continuous with the main ridge, and
that an attack could be conducted along it.

Improvements continued to be made in the camp, as far as
making roads and lateral means of communication were con-
cerned, but under no circumstances was the site a good one.
The ground was confined and broken in every direction. SufiS-
cient ground was cleared to enable the regiments to fall in, bat
still the camp was surrounded by a thick oak jungle, preventing
easy operation. The same drawbacks of ground would, how-
ever, have prevented any concerted attack of the enemy by
night ; though an alarm, if created only by a small party, would
have produced a good deal of confusion. The pickets on the
hills on each side of the valley protected the camp fairly; but the
situation was bad, and could only have been improved by moving
three or four miles hack towards the village of Peiwar. There
was not, besides, a sutficient water-supply; but on the other hand,
the leaves of the onk and other trees afforded food for the
camels. At first the onk-leaf diet does Dot agree with camels
anaooustomed to it, but after a time they thrive on it.

itizecy Google

ADVABOB OF THE FOBCE. 95

No trustworthy infonnatioD regarding the moTements and
number of the enemy was obtained, but their posiiioD bad been
extended coneiderftbly to both flanks, which seemed to indicate
an increase in numbers. The Jaji country being occupied by
the enemy, very few of their Maliks cnme in ; consequently but
little information could be received, either of their intentions or
of those of the Ghilzais behind them.

November >10th. — The force remained in the same cnmp. A
squadron of the IStb Bengal Cavalry was ordered up, and also
the remaining two guns of F/A Royal Horse Artillery, and the
half-battery of G/8 Royal Artillery. The Major- General, with
Colonel Currie,23rdPioneers,and Captain Kennedy, D.A.Q.M.G.,
reconnoitred in the direction that Colonel Perkins, R.E., took
on the previous day. Major Collett and Captain Cnrr recon-
noitred the road to the Spiugawi, and got again to within a mile
and a half of the kotnl, which still appeared to be held by only
a picket of the enemy. The impression formed by the previous
reoonnaissance was so much strengthened by this visit that
Major Collett submitted to the Major General a proposal to
make the attack in this direction, where the features of the
ground rendered it much less strong as a military position. The
plan was to make a night march, and arriving at the foot of the
kotal by daybreak, to storm it, and turn ibe enemy's position.

Colonel Gordon, 29th Punjab Native Infantry, again recon-
noitred the hills on the enemy's right. Prom the best informa-
tion available the strength of the enemy was considered the
same as had marched out of the Knrram valley, viz. three regi-
ments, or about 1,BOO men, with five field and six mountain guns,
no reinforcements having yet reached them.

December Ist, 1878. — The force remained in the same camp.
The Major-General resolved to adopt the night march and turn-
ing movement by the Spingawi route. The following regiments
were det^led to compose the turning force : —

0tb Goorjdiaa. }

,j .„;,„Google

9d with the eurram field fobob.

No. 1 MouDtaiD Battery,

Wing 72nd Highlanders.

2nd Punjab Infantry. lUnderBrigadier-GeDeralThelwall.

28rd Pioneers. I

Four guna F/A on elephants, with tvo companies of the

23rd Pioneers as escort. The whole to march from camp at

10 P.U.

The troops to remain in tUe camp for the direot attack : —

5th Panjab Infantry.

2/Bth Regiment.

Two guns F/A Royftl Horsc i rr j n ■ j- n i

^ I Under Bngadier-General

*"■""?■ Cobb..

Three guns G/3 Royal Ar-
tillery.

12th Bengal Cavalry.

The brigadiers, with their staff officers and officers com-
manding regiments, were ordered to attend at the head-quarter
camp, when the plan of attack and details were explained to
them. Strict orders as to secrecy were given, and the men were
ordered not to be told till after tattoo.

In order to encourage the belief in the enemy thai a front
attack on the Peiwar Kotat was intended, a party of pioneers,
with an engineer officer, and a covering party of the 2/8th
Regiment, were sent to march out and construct a battery near
the village of Turrai.

The enemy fired 3;;veral shells at this party fi-om the kotal
battery, but without doing any damage. The position of the
enemy remained unaltered apparently ; his chief strength was on
bis right and centre, while his Igfc, up to this day, was compara-
tively weak. They seemed fully to expect an attack on the
Peiwar Eotal, and not only were they of this opinion, but every
one is camp who had not been let into the secret was confident
that the kotal would be stormed on the morrow ; otherwise, why

itizecy Google

ADTANCB OF THB FOBOB. 97

bad frequent reoonnoitring parties been sent to examine the
ridges leading op to that position ? The arrival of the half-
batter; of 0/8 Royal Artillery and the ISth Bengal Cavalry, in
the afternoon, was taken advantage of to strengthen tbe imprea-
fflon ; they vrere paraded in fnll view of the enemy with as muoh
ostentation as possible, to let them know that our reinforoementa
had come and that we would no longer delay the attack.

If we oonld have looked behind the wall of rock that rose in
oar front, we should have seen that the enemy also had received
their reioforoementB, four regiments of infantry with a mouitt&in
battery, and on their side too were meditating an attack on the
camp ; but though they had the will, by not attacking on tbe
night of tbe 1st, but postponing tbe assault to the 2nd, they lost
their opportunity for ever. Their reinforcements may have been
tired, and probably were, as tbe garrisons of the Peiwar and
Spingawi kotals were not very mnch on the alert on the morning
of the 2nd December ; but whatever may have been tbe cause
of the delay, whether obligatoiy or merely arising from the
Anatic habit of procrastination, it was &tal to iha A%hanB.

itizecy Google

WITH THE EDBRUf FIELD FOBCE.

CHAPTER V.

Thi Action of the Pbivab Kotal, and Events to
iBT Januabt 1879.

fEGEMBEB find.— The camp-fires were baming brightly,
when, at 10 o'clook at night, the troops who had been
warned fonned up iu the dark as quietly as possible.

The secret had been well kept ; so much so, that the doolies
and dandies of the SQth Regiment, which were to have followed
their own re^ment olosely, losing their way in the dark, pro-
oeedod up the ralley towards the kotal. They were stopped,
however, in time to rejoin their regiment, by the challenge of the
ontlying picket in this direction.

It was Tory dark, though the stare showed clear till the
waniog moon rose aboat the middle of the night ; but this did
not much benefit the troops, who were then engaged in making
their way up the Spiogawi ravine, nor was its light strong
enough to do more tbsn make the darkness visible.

The orders were that every regiment should be followed by
its tnimnnition males and by ite hospital doolies and dandies,
an arrangement, which, though it ensored the presence of both

Digitizecy Google

,1,1.0, Google

,1,1.0, Google

ACTION OF THE PEIWAB EOTAL, ETC. 90

of these necessary adjaaots to the figbting power of the regiments,
added considerably to the difficulty of a night march. The
presence of baggage animals on a narrow road hinders the traffic
very completely in the day-time, aad at night of conrse the
delays occasioned are much greater. It was a choice of evils;
by collecting the ammunition and hospital doolies, &e. in one
column, the march would have been facilitated, but at some risk.

To arrive at the Spingawi nullah, the Peiwar village had to
be leaohed, a diBtsnce of about three miles and a half across
broken ground. The track, however, was a fairly good one, for
ao unmade rond, leading through the oak jungle, and crossing
several ravines and stony watercourees before the caltivation
depending on the Peiwar vilUge is gained. Here the road runs
along a terrace on the cultivated slope, with a succession of
terraces above and below it, till the edge of the nullah is reached.
The bank here waa difficult and trying on a Irosty winter night
A watercourse which supplied the water for irrigation purposes
when required, in the spring and summer months, was allowed
to find its way into the bed of the nuIJah down the track ; as
the stream was a strong one, the earth was all washed away,
leaving rough boulders of various sizes on the slope, in additiov
to which the banks of the watercourse and the moist boulders
were coated with ice, so that the descent, though but a short
one — the hank not being more than twenty feet deep — was not
easy for laden animals.

'i'he 39lb Punjab Native In&ntry and the 5tb Goorkhas
led the column as ordered. Then the mountain battery, followed
by the 72nd, the Snd Punjab Infantry, and the SSrd Pioneers,
escorting the four guns of the Horse Artillery on elephants.

The march along this part of the road, though tedious and
slow, presented no difficulty, f'very slight block communicated
itself through the column with increasing delays as it passed
along, but in due coarse of time the bed of the nullah was
reached — about midnight.

7 •

Digiliieo, Google

100 WITH THB EUBE&U FIELD FOBCG.

The objeot of starUng as early as 10 p.m. was to bUot time
for the troops to rest on the road, at oonvenient plaoes ; but the
e^erienoe of the first part of the maiob showed that there was
but hardly Ume at this rate of progression, to do the remtuning
sdx niiles from the Peiwar village ap the bed of the nallab to
the Spingawi, and unless the place were stormed in the early
morning, when the effect of a surprise would tell in our favour,
the whole of the night's labour would have been lost; for though
the Spingawi pass could he forced in daylight, an attack de
vive force must necessarily have cost more lives than a eurpriae
at dawn.

The cold began to he felt more as the night progressed, the
slow pace not allowing mnoh warmth to be gained by the exer-
cise of walking ; the mounted officers felt it most, however,
hands and feet being perished with cold.

The difficulty of maintaining touch in the dark between
regiments was very great, especially with the intervening mules
and hospital equipment. At the turn of the road the Sod
Punjab Infantry lost their way, and instead of turning up the
DuUah, the re^^ment proceeded to oross it, thinking that the
turning point was further on. The regiment in their rear, the
33rd Pioneers, and the four guns of the Horse Artillery that
followed Uie column on elephants, being behind the 2nd Punjab
Infantry, naturally went astray also.

Brigadier-Oeneral Tbelwall, riding at the head of his brigade,
was unaware at first of the absence of two of his regiments, hut
the error was discovered in time, and his orderly officer, Lieu-
tenant G. V. Turner, S/Stb Eing's, was dcBpatched to bring
them back.

A ravine, covered with loose round boulders and cut up by
water- channels, is not an easy place for riding in the dark, bat
Lieutenant Tomer soon caught up the miseiDg b'oops, after a
ride of two miles, and showed them the way back to the right
road.

oy Google

ACTION OF Tpa FEIWAB EOIAL, ETO. 101

Ae the asoent coDtinaed the road became worse, the bonlders
being larger and the fairows and dried up pools deeper. To
drop into these, with banks from two to fonr feet deep, was
nnpleasant, when the darknesB and the prevailing white colour
of the stones prevented the difference of level from being
observed.

After having advanced slowly for a mile and a half, an
incident occurred which might have led to most serions conse-
qaences, but providentially these were averted, though not by any
action on our part

From the head of the column, in the ranks of the SSth
Punjab Native Infantry, the report of a rifle was heard, imme
diately followed by another discharge.

Colonel Gordon, commanding the regiment, halted the
advance party, and endeavoured to find out the men who had
fired their rifles, and the canae of the firing, hut no one could or
would identify them.

His SDSpicions thus roused as to the treacherous nature of
the act, were oommnnicated to the General, who, riding close
behind the advance party, oame up at once to as^rtun the
reason of the firing. The General then ordered the 29th to
continue halted, while the 5th Goorkhas and two companies of
the 72nd passed by them.

Though the names of the men who flred their rifles conld not
be found out at this time, yet one of the native ofiBoers, who
happened to be close by, took several mens' rifles and smelt
them, to ascertain which had been discharged. He soon found
out the men who bad fired, but being a Mahometan, he tried to
screen his co-religionists, who had, as he knew, committed a
moat serious ofl'ence, and he kept the information he had gained
to himself

There is little doubt but that some of the Fathans of this
regiment had become imhaed with the idea that they should not
fi^t against their neighboois, the Afghans, especially as they

,t,zec.y Google

l02 WITH THE EUBBAM FIELD POttCB.

were of the same religion ; and thua these shots were fired with
a view of giving notice of the approach of the colamn. Tbia
Tien is confirmed by the behavionr of a party of men of the
regiment, who, in the coarse of the subsequent engagement,
made their way back to camp, with the story that they had loat
their way in the dark. Here their names were taken down, and
most of them were tried by court-martial, as also the two men
who discharged their rifles If the shots were meant to warn
the Spiogawi garrison, they were very nearly snccessful, as an
Afghan sentry, so it was aiWrwards aaoertained, heard them, and
woke up the commander of the post, who took no action in the
matter, hearing no further canse for alarm.

When the change of regiments had been made, the adranee
was resumed up the bed of the stream for another mite and a
half, and about S in the morning the main wateroourse was
quitted, the road now entering the ravine to the left, up which
at a distance of about three miles on, was the tjpingawi Eotal.

The hamlot of Gandikbeyl is situated high up on the plateau
above the left bank of the main nullah, but commanding a view
of the side ravine up which the march was made. On looking
hack, some fires were observed in the village, but whether they
were signal fires to warn the enemy, or whether the; were only
village fires flickering into a blaze accidentally, could not then
be ascertained, but as the column had now got the start of any
one wishing to alarm the Spingawi garrison, signals from the
rear became unimportant even if intended-

The column continued its weary way up the ravine, slowly
and with trouble stumbling along in the dark. One incident
occurred in this part of the road to show the necessity in night
marches of keeping up the touch between regiments, tn one
place a pine-clad island lay in the middle of the ravine, making
a broad white highway on either side. When the two companies
72iid Highlanders, that had been foUoviing close to the 6th
Ooorkbaa, oame to the spot, they were surprised to find thai lh»

,, Google

ION or !FHE PEIWAB SOTAIi, ETC. 108

regiment in front IiwI suddenly Taniehed. No explanation was
fbrthooming as to the oause of this disappearance, at first, so the
oompanies were baited till the mysterj was solved ; the leading
regiment had taken the passage to the right of the island, while
thy 72Qd bad gone to the left, not noticing the separation of the
roads.

Had the roads diverged instead of re-aniting, mueh ineon
Tenienoe might bare been caused by Uie delay in ooUeedng the
separated portions of the fbroe.

At last the foot of the kotal was reaohed, wheis the traok
left the ravine and tamed np the spnr.

The two gnidesi natives of the country, who had been with
Major Collett ap to this point, refused to go any further ; Ihey
had done their share of the work in leading the column to tbe
point where the fighting was to begin, so they were allowed to
depart. It was now about 6 o'clock, and tbe morning was still
dark ; tbe path, which now stniok up the spur, shaded aa it was
by pines and other trees, was almost invisible in tbeir shadow ;
the troops still moved on, however, expecting every second to
fall in with the enemy, whose outposts bad been observed on this
spar. There was not long to wait before the challenge of a
sentry, followed by two shots, showed that bis position had been
reached. The reports of these rifles roused tbe defenders of the
first stockade, about fifty yards further np the hill. This
stockade was formed by several large felled trees, which blocked
ap the road oomptetely, lying one on the top of the other, pre-
senting with tbe slope of the ground an obstacle of about eight
fleet high to tbe attacking fores. The Afghan picket lining the
stockade poured a volley into the Goorkhas, who, led by Migor
FitzHugh and Captain Cook,* made a rush at the place, Mqor
FitzHugh showing the way over. A hand-to-hand fight for a

* Ckpt^D (then BrOTrt-HftJor) Oook diad mibMqiuBtlr in O^bol bom
tbe tOmUtm «l > wound.

itizecy Google

104 WITH TEH KDBBiU FIELD FOBOB.

few minatea ensued, bat Uie defenders, being overpowered by the
advaooing troops, gave way and fell back on the seoond stockade,
eighty yards back, wbioh was like the first one. Here another
stand was made, but the spar being a little wider, the flanks of
the Btookade were soon turned by the Goorkhas, and the plaoe
was cleared in a short time. The Afghan guns now began to
open their fire, bat laokily without mncfa effeoL

From here to the third pioket the ground was qnite open, the
track ascending the hill in short zigzags, till the hreastwoA
which lined the edge of the highest zigzag was reached. A
mountain gun at this point swept the approach to the position,
while the hill at its back was now covered with the Afghan
troops, who poured volley after volley down in the direction of
the advance.

By the time the Goorkhas and the two companies TSnd
Highlanders had cleared the second stockade, the rest of the
wing of the 72nd Highlanders, ascending by their right flank,
partly hidden by the timber that grew close on the precipitous
side of the spur, had gradually forced their way up to the
fighting line.

The Goorkhas and the Highlanders now advanced together,
the British troops etill on the right, to the attack of the enemy's
last position near the crest of the hill, as it turned out, though
in the darkness of the morning it could not he known how many
more of these stockades intervened before the actual sammit of
the pass was reached.

In ftont of the 72nd was the spur, which came down &om
the main slopes of Sika Bam. The ground here was tolerably
bare, most of the pines having been out down. Some of them,
however, lying across the the slope of the hill as they had fallen,
formed a combined breastwork and abattis which was not easy
to cross, and the rest of the ground, though clear of trees in
this part, was covered with a short undergrowth of bushes,
which made the ascent still more difficolt.

itizecy Google

MOTION OP THH PSIWAB KOTAL, BTO. 105

About 100 yards from the second stockade, the descendiag
spur swelled into a little knoll, the first of the aeries which bor-
dered the Spingawi plateau, the edges of which, on the eaatsm
aide overlooking the approaches, were all proteoted by shelter
trenches, in which some of the garrison had passed the night.
The knoll was of coarse commanded by the woods, which grew
aboat fifty yards on higher ap the spar, bat it formed, as far as
oould be seen from below, a commanding position, which it was
necessary to take and to hold.

There was not mnoh of a delay at the second stockade ; the
Qoorkhas and the 72nd, pressing on np the bill as qoick as the
ground would allow, soon captnred the third defence, which, as
its flank was exposed, did not form snch on obstacle as the
others, bat the fighting was moat severe, the groand being furly
level on the path. About forty dead Afghans in as many yards
marked the stabbomness of their defence before they were driven
ont of their position, removing their 7-pounder mountain gun.

The 72nd hod reaobed the summit of the knoll overlooking
the groand above the last defence, and with the advance party
was the Major-General and the Staff.

An opening to the right of the second stockade having been
found by Lieutenant-Colonel Lindsay, oommanding the Royal
Artillery, two mountain gans under Captain Eelso quickly
followed the Goorkhas and 72nd, and were brought into aotion
on the left of the picket, in the battery vacated by the Afghans,
and in less than ten minutes after this stockade had been
stormed. After firing a few rounds. Captain Kelso was ordered
to take one gun to the right of the picket.

There was not much daylight yet, but just su£Soient to show
that the enemy were in crowds, all about the knoll ; so when this
point of vantage was reached, it seemed desirable to strengthen
it by placing one of the two gans that were at hood there, so as
to assist in its defenoe. The other two guns of the battery ware
halted at the bottom of the hill by Brigodist- Oenetol Thelwall.

itizecy Google

106 ■ WITH THE KURRAM FIELD FORCE.

As Captain Eelso was leading bis guns into the position
poioted ont, he fell, shot through the head. This gun vas
disabled by the mule oarrying the wheels being wounded and
breaking away from its driver. This mule was never found
again, though one of the wheels was picked up not far from the
scene of action.

The spare wheels neTer came up, so there were only three
guns available for the rest of the day.

The 72nd condnued their ascent, the enemy falling baolc as
they advanced, till they bad been driven up among the pine
woods which clothed the spur. Most of the Goorkhes bad
pnebed on up the hill above the last stockade, and there were
but few of them still following Uie regiment up the hill, when a
party of the A^hans made a determined charge down the path.

Major Oalbraith, the Assistant Adjutant-General, observed
this, and directed the attention of the men who were near to it,
who immediately opened fire on the enemy. As he was stand-
ing superintending these operations, one of the enemy came up
close and presented his rifle at him. Major Galbraith
attempted to shoot the man with his revolver, but it refused to
go off, when Captain John Cook, of the 3rd Ooorkhas, coming
up, and observing the state of nffaira, closed at once with the
Afghan, and after a hard etmggle threw him down, by which
time Major Galbraith's pistol being restored to order, enabled
him to shoot the man. For this act of bravery Cnptain Cook
was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross.

Captain Cook, having rescued Major Galbraith, turned his
attention to the party of the enemy, who, though arrested in
their attack, still kept the ground about the picket.

Putting himself at the head of about twenty men, he charged
boldly at this party and drove tbem back at the point of the
bayonet.

The dawn was now beginning to show itself, and by half-past
6 o'clock it was possible to see the positiooe which bad bean

itizecy Google

KCnOH OF THE FBIWAB KOTAL, STO. 107

gained b; the 5tb Goorkbas and the 7Siid Highlanders,
assisted by the 29th PuDJab Native Infantry ; for though the task
of taking the position had fallen to the other regiments, they
were sapported by the 29th, vho vhen they came Qp to the top
of the bill were Bucoessfally employed in repelling an attack
made on oar right by the troops who bad fallen back before the
determined advance of the 72nd. Lieutenant Mnnro was
wonnded.

It was now about 7 o'clock. The enemy, disheartened at the
loss of their position, bad given up their attacks, and oould be
seen withdrawing across the Spingawi plateau towards the Feiwar
Eotal, and along the edge of the woods to its north, but no
forward movement could be effected then in their pursuit. As
long as the enemy were within sight and range the mountain
guns kept up a 6re on them, but as they were lost in the wood
the iiring ceased.

The regiments on the top of the hill were now re formed and
the wounded attended to, while the supports who had remained
at the foot of the ascent, under Brigadier-QeDeral Thelwall, were
being brought up.

By half-past 7 the whole force, except the elephants and
their escort, was collected at the top of the hill, and General
Roberts was able to Sash the news of the successful capture of
the enemy's first position to Brigadier General Cobbe, who was
oommanding the attack on the led

Captain Wynne, '<lst King's Own Light Infantry, in oharge
of the signalling party, bad previously selected points on the
intervening ridges near the camp, from which the Spingawi
Eotal oonld be observed, and this first message was flashed
without any difficulty. Subsequent messages during the day,
however, failed, from the intervening signalling party having
taken up a wrong position, and consequently after this no com-
munication was held between the two forces. This led to some
inconvenieufe, but did not altogether affect the fortunes of the

108 WITH THE EITBBAH FIELD FOBOE.

day: bat if it had been possible to have oommanioated tbe
moTements of tbe enemy to tbe left attack, this might have been
deliTered somewhat earlier, and tbns the defeat of tbe Afghans
would have been more complete, and after the poutjon had been
gained there would bare been no uncertainty as to the bivouacs
of the respeotiTe forces, who could have been able to give each
other mutual support if it had been required.

The troops under General Cobbe were in the early morning
employed in the direction of the Peiwar Eotal, and beyond
bearing the noise of the firing could not tell what was going on,
but the garrison of Enrram were awakened early by the distant
firing. The course of the engagement oould be traced by tbe
red fiaahes whioh shone bright against the dark background of
monot^ns. It was an anxious time, however, for tbe lookers on,
but still, as the flashes gradually rose higher on the mountains,
their spirits rose too. The firing on tbe part of tbe Afghans
seemed to he serore, sometimes independent, sometimes in '
ToUeys ; their shells, bursting in tbe air, gave somewhat the
appearance of guns being fired from lower positions, but at a
distance of twenty miles in tbe dark of a December morning, tbe
size and extent of the red flashes were the only guide in deter-
mining the natnre of the fire.

The firing at the top of tbe ascent and on the knoll seemed
to last for ages ; but at last, when no more firing conld be seen
on the hill side, there was no necessity to signal the news to
Kurram later that tbe position had been won. The fact was
evident, and so the inbabitaotB of the valley, the Turis and
Mangals, who bad not already volunteered their services, turned
out of their villages to crowd on to the two kotala in search of
plunder, and to wreak their vengeance on the hated Afghan.

With the support that came up under General Thelwall were
brought up the chargers of the mounted officers, ae the open
country now before them required their use for the fiirther
■dvaooe.

itizecy Google

,1,1.0, Google

=y Google

ACTIOH OF THB PBIWAS KOTAL, ETC. 109

LiantenaDt Oebome, B.A.,* Adjatant to the Artillery of the
force, had, like the rest of the mounted offioers, been obliged to
dismount at the oommencemeot of the osoent, and had, in the
ahseBOfi of any one to hold hia horse, been obliged to fasten him
to a tree. When he went to look for him in the spot where he
had left him the horee had yaniehed, taking with him, of course, the
saddle on wfaioh were hie oloak and bnvereack. The curious
thing was how thishorseoompletely disappeared withoutever being
traced. The enemy could not have taken him, and so be must bare
heenBtolenhytheMangalBOrTuriB,whowerefollowiugtbeadTance.

The next episode of the fight was now to begin. The enemy
had withdrawn across the Spingawi plateau, occupying the dense
pins woods that surrounded the plateau, thus barring the way
to the Peiwar Eotal, which was the objective of the attack ; and
to get there he had first to be dislodged from hie poeition.

The regiments, which had been kept in hand as supports in the
first attack, were now formed up to take this oecond position.
The time was now about 9.80 a.m., and the troupe, having had
a rest, were ready for the attack. The morning was beautiful,
a bright warm snn moderated the keenness of the air at this
height, and lit up the landscape, which was a striking one.
There was no time now, however, to admire its beauties, nor
were they appreciated. The pine-covered slopes in the direction
of the Peiwar Kotal, among which the enemy was biding, did not
form a picture to please the eye, as under other circumstances
they would have done.

The column crossed the plateau without let or hindrance,
and began the asoent towuds the enemy's position, which, how-
ever, could not be made out at all, buried as it was in the forest.
The !23rd Pioneers bad the duty of leading the way, followed by
the 2nd Punjab Infantry and the SSth Punjab Native Infantry.

* Iiieuteauit Osbome, Buboeqaently ftppofuted to E/B Boyol Hona
Artillei; for his Bervioea in this oampoign, wan killed at the battls of
HmwmkI, to the r^ret ol all who knew him.

itizecy Google

110 WITH THE EUBBAM FIELD 70BGS.

The Mountain Battery, now nnder the command of LieoteDant
Jervis, followed.

Had it been possible to have made any eurvey of the gronnd
previons to the attack, a path up a valley leading towaids the
total and ending at a neck which joined the first range over-
looking the Kurram valley to the next one, would have accele-
rated the attacking movement ; but nothing was known of the
country or of the numbers of the enemy in the woods.

It was therefore neoesssary to proceed with caution, which
was accordingly done.

A line of skirmishers extended in a pine wood over a rocky
bill-side is soon lust to the view, nor can the officers do much as
regards its superintendence, when, excepting those close at hand,
their men cannot be seen Fighting under these ciroumstanoes
becomes a series of hand-to-hand combats. Numbers do not
tell at first ; afterwards, of course, the advantage must be on
the side of the troops who can pour the larger force in succes-
sion into a given position.

Working slowly through the woods, when every step neces-
sitated climbing over or crawling among the stems of fallen
pine-trees and the rocks and bushes that covered the hill-side,
the force made its way up, driving the enemy before it.

The ascent was tedious under these circumstances, but at
last the summit of the mountain was reached, to find only that
it descended at once towards the neck that communicated with
the next hill, which was separated from it by the valley pre-
viously mentioned.

The enemy had been cleared off the spur oo which our troops
were ; but from the opposite side of the valley they kept up an
incessant musketry lire, which was replied to by our men.

Thus the engagement continued ; the Afghans on their hill
in crowds, and on our side the line of the 28rd Pioneers, 2nd
Punjab Infantry, and 29th Punjab Native Infantry, broken up
into groups, as the ground or the trees obliged the akirmislien

itizecy Google

ACTIOH OF THE PEIWAB EOTALj ETC. Ill

to oollect under shelter &oin the vithering fire from the opposite
faill, distant at this point about fifty yards, widening out to 150
aa the Afghan hill receded on the iiirther side of the valley.

General Roberts had led the advance the whole of the day,
and waa now on the left of our line in rear of the Pioneers,
opposite the neck that fornied the bridge by which the Afghan
position could be stormed. If the P'iwar Kotai was to be
reached, it must be by that road, but the way was blocked by a
line of Afghans extending all along the crest of the Afghan hill
for a mile to the left, and half a mile to the right of the neck,
which was opposite the left of our line.

The Peiwar Eotal itself could not be seen, nor, beyoiid the
troops immediately in front, within a hundred yards, could the
enemy, hidden by the trees, be made out, except by their con-
tinuous fire The Afghans close at hand, however, did not con-
tent themselves with merely firing from behind the trees. Time
after time they charged down their side of the hill, and tried to
force their way up to the fighting line. Wbiohev>i- regiment
they came to, the result waa the same ; our men, securely posted,
drove back the attacks, and held their owu.

If on our side nothing more was done, it was that the time
for taking the position bad not yet arrived. The General, how-
ever, was not desirous of letting the Afghans do alt the attack-
ing, and he ordered Major Anderson, the second-in-command of
the Pioneers, to drive out the enemy in his front. This was
done, but the small party, who lost their leader in the attndi,
had to fall back, leaving Major Anderson's body in the hands of
the enemy, and losing besides a havildar and two men, who
tried to bring it away. The death of these good soldiers was
amply avenged by the regiment — a party, this time under the
leadership of the commanding officer. Colonel Currie, stonuing
the position and driving the enemy back after several baud-tO'
hand attacks, in which one havildar and three men were killed
and seven men wounded.

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112 WITH THB EUBBAU FIELD FOBOE.

Tfae battle had oontiQaed all along the front for two
hours without any oessatjon. The loss on either side was not
quite commenanrate with the expenditure of amiDUDition, owing
to the nature of the fighting, for though the Afghans were
armed with Enfield rifles, yet the range was short, and most of
the bullets passed over the heads of the troops engaged,
cutting the branches off the trees, and lodging in the stems.
There was no lack of ammunition on their side, as reserve
boxes were placed along the position, and full use was
made of them, the ground being littered with empty cartridge
cases, which lay for months, marking the places where tfae fire
had been the hottest.

To drive the enemy from this position was a great task to
impose on troops that bad been marching and fighting ibr more
than twelve hours ; but it would have been done, though at a
great loss of life, had not one of those lucky chances occurred
by nhioh the fate of battles is often decided.

The 5th Punjab Infantry, commanded by Major Maoqueen,
had been detuled for the front attack on the Peiwar Kotal,
under the orders of Brigadier-General Gohbe.

Leaving camp with the 2/8 th King's before dawn, this
regiment had been directed to co-operate with the flank attaok
by cUmbing one of the principal spurs that descended from the
range between the two kotals.

As far aa could be judged from the camp, this spur might
lead to a central peak, which rose up about the middle of the
distance between the two passes ; from this point it would be
possible to work round to the south, and reach the Peiwar Kotal
along the top of the ridge. It was an arduous undertaking to
scale a steep mass of monntains in firont of an enemy's position,
and one that could only be done by troops in a high state of
discipline, and aoonstomed to mountain warfare.

That it was not an easy road is evident, as it took six houiB
from the time of leaving camp to reach the summit, and for a

itizecy Google

ACTION OF THE PBIWAB EOTAL, ETC. 113

part of this time, as tbey were Hearing the top, they came under
the fire of the enemy od A^hac hill.

Guided now by the sound of the firing, Major Macqueen led
his regiment up to the rear of the hill on irbioh the fighting was
taking place ; but during this last part of the ascent, a swaU
opening in the pine woods exposed to view the Afghan camp
and their baggage animals.

With Major Macqaeen had come up Colonel Perkins, the
oommandiDg engineer, and Major Macqueen pointed out to this
offiner the possibility of shelling the Afghan camp &01.1 the
opening in the woods.

When Colonel Perkins joined the Major-GeneraloD the hill-
side he mentioned this fact, and two guns, nnder Lientenant
Shirres, II.A., No. I M- Batterf, were sent under the orders of
Colonel Lindsay, commanding Roysl Artillery, to the spot.

The range was an easy one, about 1,000 yards, across the
face of the precipitous mass of mountains that formed the
Peiwar Eotal range.

The mountain guns were not long io coming into action, and
soon the shells were bursting amoug the crowd of baggage
animals, and in the camp that was placed for shelter in the glade
behind the Peiwar Kotol. At first the shells produced a slight
alarm, but as the fire continued the tents that were there were
set alight, and the alarm turned into a panic. The glade being
completely enfiladed was no longer safe, and every one in it
hastened down the defile towards Zabbardast Kills.

Tlie Afghan troops on the top of the nearest hill became
alarmed for their own safely, and gave way, following the re-
treating crowd, and when the line of the troops on the hills
opposed to us fonnd their right unsupported, they too began to
consult their own safety, and the fire sensibly diminished.

The elephants with the four guns under Colonel Stirling had,
by 12 o'clock, renched the scene, and had come into action on a
spnr of the plateau, whence they could fire shell into the pine-

8

Digiliieo, Google

114 WITH THB KDBBAM FIELD FOBGB.

trees on the left of the enemy's bill. The shells, erashin^f
through the trees, may have done Bome damage beyond the
moral eSeot they may have produced ; but not many roands were
expended in this kind of fire, only jast enough to show that the
guns were there, and that it would be dangerous to attempt to
turn our right. The fire firom these guns no douht aocelerated
the flight of the Afghans.

As the fire slaokened, a reconnaissanoe was made up the hill
lately held by the enemy in front by the Major-Genera) and the staff,
but the result only showed that the mountain, covered with ibrest
growth of pines and brushwood, ibrmed an almost impenetrable
barrier to the advanoe of troops in this direction. The growth
of trees was so thick, that it was impossible to say in which
direction it would he advisable to advance ; the enemy was out of
sight at this point, though still keeping up a fire on the left of
his position.

It was evident that the enemy was withdrawing, though with
what object could not be ascertained, for though the flight of the
camp-followers and baggage had been visible, yet there was no
oertUBty that the troops had followed them.

The experience gained in the last two hours of bush-fighting
had shown bow difficult it was to keep command over troops
scattered for half a mile length in a forest, where nothing could
be seen beyond a radius of a few yards ; and so, even if the
height in front had presented no further obstanlea than its
forest growth, it was undesirable to continue the contest in this
direction, when, by threatening the enemy's line of retreat, he
could be forced to evacuate a position in which bis numbers told
against our troops, and where our superiority in arms was but
of little account.

The Major-Genera), under these oonsiderations, ordered the
Cioops to be drawn out of action, and brought to the eastern
ude, over the crest of the hill on which they had kept their
ground so long.

itizecy Google

ACTION OP THE PEIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 115

The Sad Panjab Infaatry were, howeTer, detailed to keep ttie
poBitiou Id oase of the enemy coining again to the attack.

After the troops had been brought under oover of the hill,
they were allowed to repose for some time, a repose wbioh all
ranks required — the continnoufi fighting and marching of the
prenons fourteen hours were telling on all. The want of water,
too, was moet trying; the water-bottles had long been empiied,
and since leaving the bed of the stream none had been met
with. HoweTer, such reireshment as could be obtained out of
their haversacks was welcome, and enjoyed as much as if the
expedition bad been a pleasure party. This hill woe chribtened
at once Pic-uic hill, a name which it is hoped will be handed
down.

It did not take so long for the troops to descend the bill on
to the Spingawi platean as it had for them to fight their way up
it, and by aboat 9 o'clock all the troops, except the 2nd Punjab
rnfantry, were again collected to begin the third movement of
the day, the success of which finished the discomfiture of the
enemy,

While the attack had been going on above, Brigadier- QeneraJ
Thelwoll had remained at the foot of the hill organizing the
Field Hospital, having with him the 72nd and 5th Goorkhas,
as also the fbur guns of the Horse Artillery battery. The
wounded were all sent down to this spot, as they could be
carried off and attended to.

Among the latter was the General himself, who got a graze
from a bullet on one of his fingers.

The order was now given for the column to he formed up,
wbioh was to penetrate through the Spingawi defile and tarn the
rear of the enemy.

Notwithstanding their fatigue, the troops formed up with as
much regularity as if they had been on an ordinary parade, and
moved off in the following order under command of Brigadier-
Genera] Thelwall ; —

8*

itizecyGOOgk

116 WITH THB EUBBAU FIBLD FOBOB.

6th G«otkha8.

6tfa Punjab Inhntry.

No. 1 Mountain Battery.

72nd Highlfudera.

SSrd Pioneen.

Fonr gnna F/A Boyal Horse Artillery, on elephiuits.

As Boon as the enemy, vbo had still been opposiog the 2nd
Punjab Infantry, saw the head of the column moving aoroBs the
Spingawi plateau to enter the defile leading into the Hurriab
valley, thsy became af^d of being out off in rear, and began
to retire in a great hurry, oa they had to make their way acroea
two mountain ridgee before they oould reach the open, while our
troops in the valley had no great obstaolea to contend with in
their march.

The advance was neoessarily slow, as the track along the
bank of the rivulet issuing from the plateau was not a wide road,
and it waa necessary to examine carefully the valleys on both
sides, to prevent being taken in flank by a concealed enemy.

There Was no opposition, however, and not a shot was fired
on either side during the march down through the woods that
lined the stream.

The march had commenced at a little after H o'clock, hut
it was not UU close upon 4 that the head of the column
emerged from the forest on to the open slopes above the highest
cultivated point in the Hurriab valley. The short December
day was drawing to a close, no enemy was in sight, for the line
of their retreat was hidden in the bed of the stream about a
oonplfl of miles further on, and no one knew then where they
were to be found. The troops were quite exhausted, from want
of rest and sheer fatigue, and were glad to receive the order to
bivouac, even though they had no tents or food, and though the
oold began to be penetrating, as might have been expected on a
winter's day at an elevation of over 9,000 feet above the sea.

As soon as posaible the nearest trees were feUed by the

itizecy Google

ACTIOH OF THE FEIWAB SOTAL, ETO. 117

FioDeers, and beiug pioes were not long in being set alight.
Had it not been for the plentiful 8nppl;r of fire-wood, the troops
would have suffered intensely from the oold ; as it was, there was
not much in the way of comfort to he bad. Those who had
anything to eat or to drink were lucky, and more tacky those
who had a great ooat to pat on, to keep out the oold night-air>

Though repose had oome at last in a bodily sense to the
force, yet round the log-firea there was a certain amoant of
anxiety for some time. No one knew where the force under
General Oobbe was, and whether the attack on the Peiwar Kotal
had been saooess&l or not.

About 8 o'clock at night, after a weary time which seemed
an age, a messenger reached the bivouac, with a scribbled pencil
message to say that the S/8tb King's were in possession of the
Peiwar Kotal. The news soon spread, aiid all ranks, satisfied
with the part they had borne during the day, experienced a sense
of relief at the prospect of not being distnrbed any further
doring the night.

Having thus followed the fortunes of the column under
General Roberts during the 2nd December, it will be necessary
to retnm to the small force which was left nnder General Oobbe
at the camp in the Peiwar valley.

As the CDsmy's guns on the Kotal commanded the whole of
the approaches to the pats, it was an object to get across the
more exposed portion of the valley while the darknws of the
morning could favour the advance; the troops, therefore, left
the camp about &.80 a.m. with as much silence as pos»ble. No
hugle-calls were sounded to give notice of the movements, but
possibly even if they had they might not have roused the
Afghans, who, having been led to expect an attack, had remained
nnder anna the whole night, and had only been dismissed to rest
St 8 a.m., when the qoiet in our camp bad shown them that
their sleep was not likely to be distnrbed. The three guns of
G/3 Royal Artillery, under Major Parry, together with the two

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118 WITH THE KURBAM FIELD POROE.

remainiag gana of F/A Koyol Uorae Artillery, under Lieutenant
H. W. firackenbury, soon reached the position assigned to them,
about 800 yards distant from the oamp, and drew up in line on
a terraced field to the left of the road, just at the end of the oak
Bcmb, about 1,600 yards distant from the summit of the pro-
jecting spur that occupied the centre of the ralley.

Two companies of the 2/8lJi were left as escort to the guns,
while the remainder of the column moved on, avoiding the road
and keeping along the broken ground, among scrub that covered
the lower spur of the valley.

The 12th Bengal Cavalry, under Captain Green, were drawn
up out of range io front of the camp, which was now only
occupied by the men left behind by each regiment, and a party of
the cavalry, the oamp being left in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel
Macrair, of the 12th Bengal Cavalry. Colonel Hugh Gough,
C.B , V.C., who commanded this regiment, was Acting Brigadier
of the cavalry of the force, and, by the General's orders, he was
to remain with General Gobbe, as the only possibility of
employing cavalry on this day might be after the capture of the
Eotal.

Working their way across the spur, the six companies of the
2/Htb King's found themselves before 7 o'clock in the morning
on the last spur, which was separated from the Peiwar Kotal by
the glen that ran parallel with the ridge.

Daring the advance the enemy's bugles, sounding the
reveill6e, were plainly heard, but as yet no alarm was given as to
the approach of our troops, and it was not till the day fairly
dawned that the artillery drawn up in the valley attracted the
notice of the picket on the one-gun spur, whose first shot woke
up the Afghan camp to a sense that the attack they expected was
now about to begin. The Political Officer of the force. Colonel
W. G. Waterfield, had arranged with the leading men of the
Turis for a native contingent to assist in the attack; the duty
assigned to them was to attot^ and defeat the enemy's right, and

itizecy Google

ACTION OF THB FElWAB EOTAL, ETC. 119

ftcoordingly their line of march lay up the Bpur to the south of
the valley.

Major A. P. Palmer, 9th Bengal Cavalry, had joined the
force the previona day in the capacity of Superintendent of
Transport, having been directed to take up thie poaition by the
Commander-in-Chief; but Major Moriarty, B.S.C.who had been
selected for thia post by the Qovemment of India, was already
in charge, and had done the work eatisfactorily up to this time.
Till the question was decided as to which of these ofBcers was
to carry on the work, Major Palmer was attached to the 0th
Punjab Infantry, and was thus available for any special work
that was required. He was, therefore, detailed to take charge ot
this native contingent, which started off &om camp at the same
time as the troops.

Beyond the effect of the demonstration they made, they
never came into contact with the enemy, who bad cleared off
before they reached his position. They were, however, in time
for the plunder of the camp at the Peiwar Eotal, which they
reached a little after the 2/8tb had come up. Their actual
march in distance had not exceeded about six miles, and the time
that was spent in doing this distance will give an idea as to the
character of the position against which they were being led, and
to show bow hopeless would have been the attempt to turn the
position fh>m thie eide.

As soon as the alarm bad been raised on the Eotal, the enemy'*
guns opened fire. Considering that they had six field-pieces at
the top of the hill, and that the ground could have been adapted for
their use, it is curious that only three of these, two IS-pounder
howitzers and one 6-pouDder gun, were put in posidon to com-
mand the valley and the ascent. There was an ample supply o
ammunition in the four waggons that were packed in rear with
the remaining three guns. Of the six mountain guns that had
retreated &om the Kurram fort, one was placed at the end of
the spur, whence it had shelled the advance on the 28th,

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l^U WITH THE EUBRAH FIELD FOBCB.

Another vu placed half-way along the ridge of this spar, from
which itoould flank the ground on which the 3/6th were posted,
and two more were posted on the right, while the remaining two
gnnB were at the Spingawi paes.

The second mountain battery, which had arrived from Knshi
on this day, did not appear to have been brought into action.
When the panic took place the battery must have been loaded
np, but apparently the gunners fonnd that the slow walking pace
of the animals when loaded was not quick enough for them to
save themselves, eo the battery was thrown away as the flight
proceeded, and was fonnd later on in the pass, some of the guns
being thrown into the stream, where they were subsequently fonnd.

The three field-pieces and the mountain gun on the spur
kept up a continuous fire ; the round shot and shell coming
down the road, and sometimeB reaching our battery of five
pieces, which was almost out of ita range ; the mountain gun
on the spur, however, was much nearer, and a good number of
its shells came plunging into the battery. The great safeguard
was that most of these shells hurst short, the fuzes being
either bad, or badly out or bored, and this was why eo
little damage was done when the shells did burst correctly,
the powder in the bursting charge being too weak to scatter
the fragments of the shell, which, owing to the plunging nature
of the fire, fell directly to the ground. Anotlier reason was
that the shells were probably cast too thick, so that when they
did hurst the shell was broken into two or three large pieces,
and thus the chance of injury was much diminished.

The fire of our guns was chiefly directed against the
mountain gun at the end of the spur, and at any cluster of men
who showed themselves in its neighbourhood ; the mountain gun
L teelf was invisible, and most judiciously placed just below the
end of the hill, but from the valley it appeared as if it were at
the very end. The ground sloped away from it nearly pre-
oipitonsly on the right and left, with a slope towards the front of

itizecy Google

OnOH OF THE PBIWAB EOTAL, £1C. 121

about 45°, bnt in ite immediate oeighboarliood there vas not
mnob space od which the fire could be directed. For nearly
four hoars the battery ocoaBionally shelled the peak, the practice
being excellent, nearly every shell bursting over the site of the
gun, and all round it, as the marks on the rocks showed, but
the gun was so well concealed that, till it was carried off, it was
never silenced. The gunners who exposed themselvse had been
seen tn fall, but the fire was still kept up bravely; the screen
wall of rocks and stones in front of it, through an embrasure in
which it fired, effectually protected it from the fire of the
battery.

The other gun on this ridge was also well hidden from our
fire by the intervening peak at the end of the ridge.

The three guns at the Kotal were also placed with great
judgment, just in rear of the sky line, the howitzer on the
left being placed on a prepared and levelled piece of ground, which
had been out out of the hill-side. The other two guns were on
natural soil, hut, being jnet on the reveree side of the slope at
the top of the hill, they were well protected, and afforded nothing
to um at, except the Bmoke of their discharge.

The pieces were about thirty yards apart, the centre one
sweeping the road leading up to the Kotal, which was here
nnder a rattling fire for nboat SOO yards. The gun on the right
commanded the road lower down the hill in several places, and
all three could fire on the spur when the 2/Hth were among the
pines, but as a rule the guns were more aimed at the battery in
the plain, whose shells could reach them without difficnlly at a
range of over 2,000 yards ; but at this range only a few of the
6-pounder round shot reached, their descent after the first graze
higher up being checked by the stones which abounded every-
where, even on the onltivated ground, though this was much
freer from stones than ueual.

While this artillery duel was going on, the aix companies of
the 2/Bth King's were fully employed in firing at the enenny, who

itizecy Google

r£i WITH THE KUBRAH FIELD FORCE.

had taken up their posidon in the wooda od the other side of the
ravioe, and who were keeping up a oontiDuona fire from the hill-
aide oppoBite the epar.

Sometimes a party of Uie enemy wonld oreep down to take a
nearer position, but the fire of the Martini-Henry lifiea kept the
Afghans at a safe distance, though from their oummaDding
position their rifles were quite equal to the range, which Taried
fi;om ftOO to 800 yards; but from this diatanoe anything like
aimed fire on either side was almost out of the question,
eapeoially as the shelter of the woods od each side of the ravine
gave but slender opportunities for marksmen.

This state of affairs continaed from 7 o'clock till about 10
o'clock, when there was a moTement on the part of the Afghans
who were on the north side of the one-gun epur, as if they meant
to cross the road leodiug op to the Kotal to attack the skirmieh-
ing line of the 2/dtb in rear.

It waa necessary to guard against this, so the squadron of
the 12th Bengal Cavalry was ordered up.

It was a dangerous task to cross the valley under full fire of
the enemy's batteries, and to ride into a atony ravine exposed to
the flank fire of the sharpshootere in the woods, but the move-
ment made at epeed was sacoessfnl, and had the desired effect;
the enemy retreated up the hill again, and, seeing that they
could not venture into the defile without the chance of being
out up by the cavalry, they never repeated the experiment.

As tlju cavalry could not scale the hill, there wus nothing for
them to do but to retire, which they did at a gentle trot, so as to
avoid any appearance of being driven off.

With a braver and more determined enemy it would have
been a hazardous experiment to launch cavalry soldiers into a
eul-de-sac over stony ground up a road enfiladed by artillery and
flanked by sharpshooters, but it was necessary at all hazards to
keep the enemy at a distance from the flank of the line, and in
this the movement waa perfectly successful.

itizecy Google

AOTIOH OF THE PBIWAB SOIAL, ETO. 123

It Speaks maoh for the discipline of the regimeot, that
it shoald have retired under the oonditions deaoribed, as if
on parade, the dressing and pace being carefully kept Of
conrse it might have heen desirable to ride over the commanded
ground at the same speed at which the advance was made, with the
object of getting as quickly out of the fire zone as possible, hut
no douht the cool way in which the return was effected had
something to say to the fact that the road up the valley was not
again attempted. The movement was made with scarcely any
loss, only one man being wounded and one horse killed on the
retnm journey.

Thus the morning passed, the artillery tiring slowly on oar
side, and at abont 10 o'clock one of the enemy's howitzers
became silenced. The oaase was then, of course, attributed to the
fire of our pieces, but our fire had notbiug to say to it; the
trail of the howitzer broke at the elevating screw firom conti-
nuous firing at high elevations ; but the fire from the artillery
and rifles may have had the result of its not being replaced by
one of the pieces that were unused close behind it.

About 1 1 o'clock. Brigadier- General Gobbe was wounded in
the leg, and the command of the troops devolved on the next
senior ofBcer, Colonel Barry Drew, who commanded the 3/8th,
to whom the orders received by General Cobbe were delivered,
which were that the Kotal was not to he attacked till the enemy
had been sufBciently shaken to warrant a forward movement.

It was now going on for 13 o'clock, the time when the
mountain guns under Lieutenant Shirres were making an im-
pression on the rear of the enemy, but still the Afghan guns
kept up their direct and flanking fire ; howerer, it was evident
that the infantry fire was becoming less. About 12.30, Captain
Bulkely, iOth Hussars, who had been acting as galloper to the
General on this occasion, rode hack with the order fbr the artil-
lery to advance and take up a position somewhat nearer Che

itizecy Google

124 WITH THE EUBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

The guns were limbered up and moved on to the road, aod
had advanced about 300 yards, when, as the; rounded the end
of & little detached stony ridge on the left of the road, the lead-
ing gans were greeted with a shower of Enfield rifle bullets. A
ravine crossed the road here, which prevented the guns coming
into action at onoe, and when this had been crossed the loose
stone wall whioh protected the fields to the left put a stop to
any deployment. The leading gun came into action, bat the
others, baited on the road, oould not advance or even retire
without unlimhering.

The two companies of tbe S/6th that were with the guns
immediately opened fire in skirmishing order ; tlie right company
extended on the hill-side that came down to the ravine, and the
other in the open terraced fields that were on the other side of the
low stone wall.

The enemy had perceived tbe advance of tbe artillery, and
during tbe time that they were screened from observation by tbe
low ridge, had come down the hill irom the one-gun peak, and
had lined tbe woods and jungle at tbe foot of tbe bill about
600 yards off. Though the guns were thus exposed to an un-
pleasant infantry fire for some minutes, there was luckily no
casualty of any kind.

Tbe skirmish lasted for about five minutes, when tbe
Afghans were seen making their way up tbe hill again.

This was tbe last effort on tbe part of the enemy to stop tbe
advanoe, and when they had ceased their fire from tbe top of
tbe hill, which they did in about twenty minutes after reaching
the summit again, there was not a shot fired from any part of
the Eotal. This occurred ahont 1 o'clock in the day. That the
enemy bad evacuated the chief position was evident, as tbe artil-
lery were drawn up in column of route on the road which was
enfiladed by the Kotal guns, and yet not a shot was fired at
them.

Some of the luris, who had been watohiag tbe progress of

itizecy Google

ACTION OF THE PEIWAB KOTAL, 126

the b&tde from the rear of the oamp, now came forward and
pushed on np the hill to plander, but it was not till nearly
2 o'clook that the two oompaQies of the iofontry were ordered to
follow the regiment up the bill to take the position.

The regiment had to descend into the defile and then to
ascend the opposite hill. This operation took about an hour
after the order for the advance on the position had been given at
half-paat I by Colonel Barry Drew.

It was a stiff climb for men who had been on their legs since
9 am., but there was no hesitation in the steady push up the bill,
and by 2.30 p.m the whole regiment was drawn up in column on
the Peiwar Kotal,

The sight that presented itself was a ouriouB one; the Eotal
was qnite deserted by the enemy, who had evidently fled in a
hurry, leaving their tents standing, food ready cooked, and
everything that they had Here waa the artillery camp, and the
gnnners bad left their silver-mounted brase helmets and forage
•apB, ae well ae their guns and oarriages, tu maik their late
occupancy.

The Tnris, who had ascended the southern spur, had now
made their way to the deserted camps, and were joined io their
search for plunder by their brethren from the valley, who had
^wanned up the pass when the advance of the two companies
had shown that the road was clear. Some had brought ponies
and even camels with them to carry off their spoils, and quickly
they made a clearance of everything portable The soldiers of
the 2/8th King's Regiment, who had been allowed to fell out for
a time, were not alow in annexing the posteens which they
found, and despite their general dirty appearance, they were very
glad to wear them, as the cold wind was beginning to blow
through the pass, where it was freezing hard in the shade.
Every ruffian who had come to the spoil was armed with at least
his long Afghan knife. Holding this in front of him with one
hand, each snatched up all that he could, putting it away in

itizecy Google

126 WITH THE KtmEAM FIELD POBCB.

baodleB made oat of the clothes he picked ap. Nothing came
amiss to them; loaded efaell even were carried oflT, though as far
aa poBsible they were prevented taking anything of the kind.

The Political OfiBoer, Colonel Wateriel, considered that it
was but fair that the Turis, who had volunteered to assist us,
should bare their share of what they could get, and so for some
time they were allowed to pick what they could, much lo the
disappointment of the British soldier, who did not like to see
them helping themselves to what he oonsidered was his lawful
property.

The day was wearing on, and it was time to put an end to
the confasion which reigned on the £ota].

The " fall in" sounded, and the men standing to their arms
were detailed somu for picket duty, others to clear the gronnd of
the foragers, and some to pack the captured Hrtillery, and to
collect the boxes of ammunition that lay iu every direction.

When the advance took place the Hitb Bengal Cavalry with
the artillery moved up the pass, the latter only to return, while
some of the former led their horses up the foot-path, which was
too steep and nigged for riding, and proceeded under the command
of Colonel Hugh Gougb. C.B., V.C. to follow the enemy all
along the Peiwar glen, where their traces were visible. Besides
the mountain battery that was thrown away, here and there a few
corpses of men and animals were found, the former carefully*
stripped and gnshed about in the usual Afghan manner.

At the end of the glen no signs of any enemy were seen, so
Colonel Gougb returned again lo the Eotal, and the cavalry
went down the hill to their camp.

If anyone had known that General Roberts' force was then
within two miles of the point where Colonel Gougb turned back,
the junction of the forces could have been effected without any -
difficulty, bnt it was tmiversally believed that General Roberta
was still among the pine-wooda on the Spingawi, where it wonid
be difficult to find him in the now approachiug darkness.

itizecy Google

ACTION OF THE PEIWAS £OTAL, ETC. 127

As soon Bs Colonel Drew bad decided on holding the Kotal
for the night, a message was sent to camp for the men's rations
and tents, so that most of the 8tb passed the night vith some
degree of comfort.

Id the meantime the ground was being cleared of all the
boxes of ammunition that were lying about in dangerous proxi-
mity to the fires, vbiob were burning in every direction. It
was a great mercy thnt do accident arose from tljis cause, as
might easily have occurred ; but vhen onoe the dangorons boxes
and dubbies containing powder were placed with the captured
artillery under a guard, there was not much chsoce of disaster.

Is the battle of the Feiwar the Afghans bad every advantage
in their favour, as the only point — excepting, of course, the
leadership and the discipline of our men — in which the superiority
might have been on our side, was nullified by the condilious of
the fight. Our long-range artillery could have but little effect on
their position, while our rifles in close fighting were but slightly
superior to the Enfield riSes opposed to i!iem, except in
the matter of breechloadiag. They had the knowledge of the
ground, in which we were deficient; they had their own discipline,
which was good, as they obeyed their leaders, who showed them
the way to attack; they were defending their own country, and
they had ample provisions and ammunition to continue tbe
fight for many a day; but with all these advantages in their
favour, and their superiority in numbers, they could not stand
against the onset of our troops at the Spingawi, and thus gave ue
the key of the position, from which we could operate on their
flank and rear.

The flank operation had to be given up on account of tbe
diflBoulty of the ground, but not till an effect had been pro-
duced on the enemy which almost obviated the necessity of the
movement to the rear. The numbers of the Afghans opposed to
us on this occasion could not he well estimated, as the actual
amount of reinforcements they reoeived was never accurately

itizecy Google

128 WITH THE KUBBAU FIELD FOBOE.

knonn ; but they had men saffioient to hold aboDt a mile and a
half of groaad, not oounting the men detached at the Spiogawi
Eotal. Besides the regular troops, who were estimated at eight
regiments, or about 4,800 men, there were the natives of the
Harrisb, aod a swarm of fighting men of the neighbouring
tribes, who had collected to join in the defeat of the infidel.

Their confidence in their own fighting powers was very great,
and if the attack on the Kota) had been postponed for but a day
more, they were to have made a night attack on our camp,
which lay exposed to tbcir view, and aroused their desire to get
pussession of it. The arrival of the reinforcements was only
awaited to enable them to do this ; but this reinforcement came
just too late, luckily, for tbeir plan to be carried out.

Our loss in this battle was two officers and eighteen men
killed, and three officers and seventy-five men wounded.

That of the enemy was much larger ; their wounded who
had been able to get away crowded the villages in the Hurriab
valley. At the Spingawi Kotal seventy-four corpses marked
the resistance they made, and on the Feiwar there were about a
dozen lying stripped and hacked by the Tun knife; in the
woods many also were found. The brass ordnance captured
were of excellent make, and well finished in every respect. The
carriages, however, wore very shaky, and most of the wheels
in a condition that exuited some wonder as to how they could
have travelled from Kurram to the Kotal.

The ammunition for these guns was fairly made ; some of
the shells were, however, badly cast, and the fuzes were of the
old pattern previous to the introduction of the Boxer time-
fuze. The mountain gune, of which eleven were taken, were
of the same pattern as the 150 lb. steel 7-pounder gun in onr
service, and rifled in the same way, but the construction of the
gun was diCTerent. As the Afghans were not in possessioD of
machinery to rifle their pieces, it had to be done by haad, and,
to ensure it being accurately dune, the gun was made in two

itizecy Google

AOnON OF THE PBIWAB EOTAL, BTO. 129

pieoee— RD inner tube which was rifled, and an outer jacket or
oasing which was shrunk on. The manufaotnre was so good
that tho joint did not show nt all, and would never have been
known had not one of the same patterned guns, which was taken
by the Pashawar force, had a bit of the outer casing shot away,
exposing the inner tube This double thioknesB of iron made
tbu gno heavier than our similar mountain gun.

The carriages for the 7-pounders were of wood, and were
perfectly eervieeable, requiring only the linoh-pins and washers,
which had been carried ofi", to complete them.

The sheila for these guns were very fairly made ; in some
cases the metal was full of air-holes: but they were fit to use,
and woald have been made use of for oar mountain guns had
the grooves in the two guns corresponded.

The fnzes for these 7-pounders guns were made on our
model; but notwithstanding that their handbooks for inatrimtion
in boring these fuzes were among tbeir equipment left behind,
they could not have benefited maob by them, or else the fuzes
were uncertain in their action, as most of their shells burst short.

Their guns were fired with copper friction tubes like ours,
and the whole of their mountain-battery equipment was founded
on our models, the saddles being identical with some of older
date than the present pattern. Comparatively few Enfield rifles
were taken, as the friendly Tuna and the hostile Jajis were both
on the look out for these, and only the few that escaped the keen
eyes of both these clans fell into our hands.

The ammunition for these rifles was partly of our own make,
a Urge quantity of Enfields and ommunitioD baviog been given
to the Amir at different timea. The cartridges, though some-
what old, were qaite serviceable.

The native-made ammunition was chiefly for use with match-
locks ; hut there were some Enfield rifie cartridges of their own
make, which were a fair imitation of our own in evervlhing
except the powder.

9

Digiliieo, Google

130 mXH THE KUBKAH FIELD FOBCB.

Deoetnber Srd. — The troops nnder Oeneral Roberts moved
from the ground they had bivooaoked on to a poaitioB nearer
the mouth of the Feiwnr glen, about half a mile Arom
Zabbardnst Eilla, where their camp waa pitched ; the 29tb
Panjab NaUve Infantry were, however, ordered back to the
oamp at the foot of the Kotal.

The 2/8tb King's remained at the Kotal, wbere tbey were
employed in arranging the captured ammunition end bringing
in the hozea that were scattered along the 'enemy's position.

A commissariat convoy, under Lieutenant Buckland, B.S.C,
which had marched on the morning of the 2nd from Kurram,
was ordered on to Zabbardast Killa, to accompany the advance
in pursuit of the retreating Afghans, as the rations in possession
of the regiments would uot have lasted mnoh longer,

December 4tb. — Camp Zabbardast Killa. — The troops halted
in their various positions this day. The fith Panjab Infantry,
under Major Macqueen, were sent out tobringinaiargo quantity
of provisions left by the Afghans in the neighbouring vill^es.
This rice and flour was divided among the troops and followers
in the camps. The task of taking the captured ordnance book
to Kurram was ooumenoed, the 2/8th fumisbing working
parties for this purpose. The long drag-ropes whioh the
Afghans had required to bring the carriages up the hill, came in
very handily for the purpose of letting them down.

Working parties had been improving the road on each side of
the Kotal, but the steepness of the hill was so great that only two
gun-carriages and one Umber were let down in the day to the
foot of the bill. They were taken on the next day by a party of
the X9A to their oamp.

Preparations were begun for hutting the troops who were to
remain at the Kotal ; the company of sappers was ordered up
from Kurram to assist in this and the road making. The
three guns of G/i) Royal Artillery were ordered to the Kotal
for the defence of the position.

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ACTION OP THE PEIWAB EOTAL, ETO. 131

Congratulatort/ Order. .

D. O. Mo. 314 — " Majar>Goiieral Hoberta congratulates the
Kuiram Field Force on the sucooBsful reeult of the operatioDS of
the 2nd Booemher against the Peiwar Eotal, a position of extra
ordinary strength and held by an enemy resolnte and welt armed.

" Not only had the enemy the advant^e of ground,but also of
nambera, as they were largely reinforced frum Cahul the evening
previous to the attack.

" A position apparently impregnable has been gained.

" A considerable portion of the Afghan army has been com-
pletely routed, and seventeen guns, with large stores of ammu-
nition and supplies, have been captured.

" The result is most honourable, and oould only have been
achieved by troops in a high state of discipline — capable of
enduring hardships — and able to Bght as soldiers of the British
army have always fought

" Major-General Roberts deeply regrets the brave men who
have fallen in the gallant discharge of their duty, and feels for
the suffering of the wounded

" In Major Anderson, 33rd Pioneers, and Captain Eeleo,
B.A., tlie Major-General has lost two personal fiiends, and the
Government two valuable officers "

D. No. 316.^" Brigadier-General A. H. Cobbe having
been wounded in action on the 2nd December 187B, all reports
oonneoted with the i at Brigade are to he made to Solonel J.
Barry Crew, 2/8th Begiment, who succeeded to the command on
that dat«."

D. 0. No. 828. — " The troops now in camp at Zabbar-
dut Killa wi]] march at 10 a m. for Ali Kheyl in the fallowing
order.—

. Detachment of 1 2th Bengal Cavalry.
Advanced | wing 28rd Pioneers

Guard i „ . .. . ■»,

No. I MotutaiQ Battery.

itizecy Google

132 WITH THE KDBBAM FIELD POBCB.

/ 72iid Highlanders.
Moio J Sad Punjab In&nti^.
Body. 1 6th Panjab Infantry.

I 5th Goorkhas.

(Four guns F/A Boyal Horse Artillery, on
elephants.
Wing iiSrd Pioneers.
The colnmD will be nnder the command of Colonel Drew, Ut
Infantry Brigade. The ammunition 1st Regimental Reserve,
and a proportion of doolies and bheetities will follow immediately in
rear of each regiment ; the remainder of the baggage will follow
the column in the order id wbich the regiments are detached to
maroh, tliat of the Divisional Head-quarters leading, and the
remainder following in suooessios."

December 5th. — Brigadier-General Thelwall, G.B., was placed
in command of the troops remaining for the winter at and near
the Peiwar.Kotal, viz. at the Eotal, the 2/8th Regiment, three
gnns G/3 Boyal Artillery, and Sappers ; near the village of
Turrai, the 29th Punjab Native Infantry ; and at the Peiwar
Tillage, the i^th Bengal Cavalry. The staff of the Snd Brigade
was attached to the Kotal command.

Lieutenant Grant, R.£., was placed in charge of the work of
hutting the troops at the Eotal.

The 5th Panjab Infantry were out again on a foraging
expedition in the Hurriab, and brought in forty- three camel-loads
of Hmmiiniiion that were hidden in the villages about five miles off.

Two cases containing percussion caps, and ten dnbhies,
holding about 2,000fb of powder, were found The rest of the
loads were either Enfield rifles or filled 7-pounder shells, neatly
packed in their camel-boxes.

One of the 7-pounder Afghan guns that was thrown down a
kbud by the enemy, was recuvered this day by a party of the
Siilrd Pioneers, under Lieutenant Cbesnare, who had noted the
place where it bad been tlu'owB over.

itizecy Google

ACTION OP THE PEIWAB KOTAL, ETO. 183

The oold was rather severe at this camp, the tliermometer
going down to 18° F.

December Oth. — The troops marched as ordered to Alikheyl,
without any opposition.

The dietanoe was twelre miles, the road being fdrly good,
along the bank of the river-bed, and somedmesin it. The camp
was pitched on the plateau above the junction of this stream and
the Hazardarakt one, beyond the village.

There was but little forage to he had, so the few horses with
the force fared badly this time.

The captured ammunition was all moved down to the camp
of the iiBiii at the foot of the Kotal, reaching it only ader dark
though the distance between the Zabbardast Eilla camp and
Ganbazi was hut four miles ; but on its reaching the Eotal it
was delayed by another convoy coming up the hill, after
which the guns of G/3 Royal Ariillery were brought up ; so
that the descent was not practicable till the road was clear of
traffic.

Only the three guns and their ammunition-woggons were
hrooght up the hill. Considering tlie state of the road, which
bad been opened out ae much as the two previous days' labour
could effect, the task of driving the carriages up was a severe
trial both on the horses and uu the harness. To hghten the
carriages, the ammtiuition-hoxes were removed, but even then
the weight of the ti-pounder R.M.L. gun and its carriage was
not light. The ammunition- boxes were carried ap on elephants,
and the guns could also have been brought up on them if
necessary, but as ihu road was praotiouhle, though difBcalt, Major
Parry preferred to drive up. As there was no forage on the
Kotal, the horses and drivers were sent down the hill again, to
be attached to the two guns F/A Uoyul Uorso Artillery still
there, aud to march hock witli them to the oamp at Kurram on
the 7tb

Colonel Waterfield, Political Officer, accompanied the force

. .,.,, Google

134 WITH THE ETTBBAM FIELD FOBCB.

to Alikheyl, for the purpose of learning the temper of the
Jajis — who up to dow had been openly hostile to as, but being
liighiened at the utter defeat of tbe Afghans, they accepted the
inevibible with good grace, and behaved for some months with a
perfect sense of order, assisting the transport of the force.
There wns not a single cause for compliunt against these inhabi-
tants of the Hurriab, and in return, they did not suffer by the
British occupation.

December 7th. — D. 0. No. 830. — "The Major-General haa
much pleasure in publishing to the troops under his command
the following telegrams received this day from Her Majesty the
Queen, His Excellency the Viceroy, and His Excellency the
Commander-in-Chief in India : —

" From the Viceroy, Lahore, to General Boberts.
" ' I have much pleaenre in oommuoioadng to you and the
force under your command the following tel^ram just received
from Her Majesty, and desire at the same time to add my warm
congratulations on the success achieved. Messi^ begins : " I
have received the news of the decisive victory of General Uoherts
and the splendid behaviour of my brave soldiers, with pride and
sadsfaction, though I must ever deplore the unavoidable loss of
life. I'ray euquire after the wounded in my name. May we
continue to receive good news." '

" From the Adjutant- General, Lahore, to Major-General
Roberts, Eurram.

"' Accept and convey to the troops under your command the
Commander-in-Chiefs heartiest congratulations on the success
of your operations, the defeat of the enemy, and the capture of
the Peiwar Pass '

" The above to be copied in regimental order-books and read
to the troops on the first convenient occasion, in English and
Hindustani,"

itizecy Google

ACTION OP THE PBIWAK KOTAL, ETC. 135

December 7th — From alt that was leftrnt at Ali-
kheyt, there was not a single nnwounded Afghan on the
Eurram side of the Sbatargardan, so that the way niis
clear for a reconnaissance. Though the load had been
fairlj deRcribed by Dr. Bellev in his accounts of the
mission to Cabal in IHUT, jet the actual knowledge to he
gained by inspecting it would be of material assistance in the
case of the troops entering Cabal by this roDte. The Major-
General proceeded to examine the road, accompanied by a small
force of £50 men of the 73nd Highlaaders, 250 of the 5th
Goorkhas, and two gans of No. 1 Mountain Battery, the whole
under command of Lientenant-Oolonel Brownlow,* T2ni High-
landers. The first regimental reserve of ammunition was ordered
to accompany the force, and 4 per cent, of doolies with selected
doolie-bearers; only mule carriage was to be employed, except
such camels as were required for the carriage of the rations for
Europeans. Leaving at 1 p.m., they marched to Rokian, 3^
miles. To support the advance, and to secure the rotreat if
necessary, two regiments, the 2nd and 5tfa Pnnjab Infantry,
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Tyndall, 2nd Punjab
Infantry, with the two remaining gune of No 1 Mountain
Battery, were ordered to Rokian, to take the place of the foroe
moving on the next day to Jnji Thanna.

December Bth. — The marohes were severe, owing to the cold,
but the weather was fine and clear, and the snow luckily kept off.
The thermometer, which marked 7° F. at Alikheyl, went down
5° at Jajj Thanna, at 7 p.m.

The camp was pitched about 1^ miles beyond the mad
fort of Jaji Thanna. No opposition of any kind wns offered
to the advance so fur, and none was expected, if the word of the

* LieuteDuit.ColoD«l Brownlow, C3., wu kflerw&rds killed nt the battle
ol Candkhu, while gallantly forcing his wftjr throng a vilUg* at tba head
of hie regiment.

itizecy Google

136 WITH THB EUBBAM FIELD FOKCB.

Tillagera oonid be relied on, for even the yillages at the
foot of the ShutargardaD were reported ae empty of troops.

December tflh — The oamp was left Btanding on the 9%h,
while the General and staff, escorted by fifty men of the TSind
Highlanders and fifty of the Goorkhas, pushed on to the top of
the Sbutai^ardan, a distuice of about t«n miles, and then
letnrned to oamp.

Had the force been permitted to advance at this time, the
invasion of the Gabul valley ooald have been effected before the
snow fell, without the difBoulties as regards transport that
afterwards occurred ; but it had been decided that the Sbutar-
gardan was not to be crossed at this season, bo after resting at
the top of the pass, the reconnaissance party returned without
attempting to explore the descent into the Logar valley, though
this in reality formed the real difficulty which wonid have to be
overcome.

It was a disappointment to have to retire, leaving a battery of
brass guns, which had been abandoned in the ascent by the
AQfbans when the reinforcements under Sirdar VVali Mahomed
met the retreating troops from the Peiwar, when, instead of
checking their flight, they only swelled tlie number of the
fugitives. There was no help for it, however ; the Sbutargardan
was the limit beyond which operatioae could not be earned oat,
BO the guns were left, to be carried off subsequently by the Afghan
troops.

December 10th.— The reconnoitring party retamed to
Ahkheyl.

December Ilih.-<-Major Collett, A.Q.U.G., and Colonel
Waterfield, Puliticfd Officer, went to the villi^e of Alikheyl to
examine a house which belonged to the late Deputy Governor of
the place, in which it was proposed to accommodate a company of
Native Infantry for the winter.

This house was in such a bad military positjoo that the idea
of occupying it was given up, and another faoase which domi-

itizecy Google

AOTIOH OF THE PBIWAB EOTAL, ETC. 137

n&tecl the Tili&ge was seleoted. Suitable quarters having been
obtained, a oompany of the 39th Fanjab Native Infantry was
ordered up from the Peiwar oommuud to occupy them, as it was
not ooQsidered desirable for political reasoos that the British
Oovenment should be unrepresented at Alikheyl.

The 2nd and 5th Punjab Infaotry and the four guns of
F/A Royal Horse Artillery marched to-day for Kurram.

The cold wag still severe, the thermometer being &°
at night ; the continuance of this dry oold was trying to the
exposed portions of the body, everyone getting their faces and
hands chapped in an unpleasant way.

Extra I»me of Rations prohibited,

B. O. No. 831.—" The commissariat supplies being cal-
culated to provide rations for the troops and followers on the
scale aathorized by Government, no extra issue of food on
payment or otherwise in to be ordered, unless the express
sattcUoQ of the Major-Qeneral Commanding has hoen obtained."

A notification was also published in orders informing the
force that the Postal Department had made arrangemente to run
two bnllock-train carts between Kobat and Thnll. Each cart
was to carry thirty-five maands, and they were only to travel
during the day.

This arrangement was of great convenience to the force, as
it established a forwarding agency at Kohat, which was much
required. The Postal Department would not undertake to
forward any buUock-Lrain packages beyond Thull, bo consignees
bad to make their own arrangements for getting stores
pushed up.

The Government had ordered that nil the camp-followers
during the Cabal expedition should be armed with a sword, but
still many regiments pushing on to the firont, had never been so
supplied. An order was published this day directing regiments
to send in a return showing the number of swords or tulwars

uijiii.f^ ..Google

138 WITH TSB KOERAM FIELD PORCE.

they bad in poesesBion, as the ordnance officer at Kurram was
then in n positiun to meet demands.

December 12th. — The Mnjor-Qeneral had decided to
return to Kurram by the southern route, and to explore the
country between the Harriab and the Kurram valieyB. As seen
from Kurram, the upper part of the Kurram valley appeared to
be open, and though from the Harriab the road, did not appear
to be easy, yet oB there was only one range to be crossed,
and the distance was not excessive, there was no reason for
remaining in ignorance of a road by which the Peiwar could be
turned. It is true that the Afghans had not used this route, and
it was said that they had not been allowed to do so by the
Mongols who lived in the vicinity, but the track itself passed
through an uninhabited oouuLry, and if the march were made
rapidly, the difficult part of it would be passed before any force
ooald be coileoted to oppose it. There never had been any cause
for the Afghans osiug the road, so that the reasons which may
have kept them from so doing, had bo weight as regards a
British force.

The foroe detailed for the march tbrongh the Sappri defile was
composed of the

tith Goorkhas.

Wing 75Jnd Highlanders.

28rd Pioneers.

No. 1 Mountain Battery.

It marched at a.m. The baggie of four regiments, even
on the reduced scale, made a tolerably long column, and the
commissariat camels added somewhnt to the length to be
protected.

The village of Sappri was reached about mid-day, the
distance being about seven miles. The road lay down the Hurriab
river, till the Kurram was reached, and continued on the right
bank of the river, passing the two villages of Kermana, after

D,j,i,:..:,y Google

AOTIOK OF THE MIWAR KOTAL, ETC. 189

whiob, reorosflicg the liTor-bed again, three milee from the camp,
it tamed up a narrow glen for abont two miles, through a forest
of pines, deodars, and oaks, till aD open upland plateau was
reached, at the further end of which was the village of Sappri.

The Maliks of the larger village of Kermana had reported
that the Mangals intended defending a defile and kotal, whioh
overhung the plateau at a distance of about two miles beyond
the village ; the 28rd Pioneers were therefore pushed on at
4 P.M. to oooupy the pass and bivouac there.

The remainder of the troops camped near the village. No
signs of any enemy were seen either by the 28rd Pioneers, or
in the vicinity of the camp. The troops were, however, ordered
to march at 8 a.m., in the following order : —

Advance Guard, H companies 23rd Pioneers.

Escort for the baggage, 4 companies.

Baggage.

No. 1 Mountain Battery.

Wing 72nd EUghlanders.

&th Goorkhas, who formed the rear-guard.

Though in the Hurriab, the pass was called after the name of
the nearest village, yet the defile on the 'farther side was known
as that of Manjiar, and as this represented the longest part of the
road, the whole ronte became subseqnently known as the Man-
jiar pass.

December I8ih. — The tents were struck at I a.m., the night
being bitterly cold and dark. The track up the kotal was exces-
sively steep and very diflioult for the camels, and instead of the
baggie having crossed the kotal by daybreak, as had been
intended, the rear guard did not begin the descent till past 8
o'clock. In places where water had crossed the road, there were
slippery surfaces of ice, whioh hindered the camels consider-
ably, and thus delayed the march of the baggage. Eventually,
however, the kotal was crossed.

itizecy Google

140 . WITH THE KUBBAU FIELD FOBCE.

From a oommaDding position orerlookiog the dafile and
surrounding vaste of ragged aad bare mountains, not an
enemy could be ueen, and it was hoped that either the report of
the intended attack was a false one, or that by the early march
that had been made they had been avoided, as the road up the
hiU was commanded on hoth Bides, and could not have been
forced for some time if it had been held by the enemy.

After a small level space at the top, the path descended very
rapidly into a narrow gorge. The ascent had been troublesome
to the camels, but the descent was infinitely moi'e so, and it was
with difficulty that these animals could be made to go down the
abrupt and slippery road.

The gorge at the foot of the hill extended for five miles ; the
track for the first part ran through a deep ravine with perpen-
dicular walls, which narrowed in places to but a few yards, over-
hanging the path till they seemed to meet, and make a gateway
or tunnel through which the road passed.

It wonld have been difBcult to orown the heights on each
aide, as these in their turn were commanded by successive ridges
or spurs running parallel to the ravine, on all of which It would
have been necessary to place troops. The path was excessively
rough and stony, as might have been expected from its being a
watercourse, and even on the level was almost unfit for camels.

Here and there side ravines broke into the road, in any one
of which an amhush might have been conveniently laid, but we
had got the start of the enemy, and it was not till all the real
difficulties of the road had been passed that any inhnbitants
of the country wero seen perched up high on the sides of the
mountains, looking at the line of march defiling below.

It was believed thai these few men were shepherds herding
their flocks, and so no further notice was taken of them or of
their movements, but as the more open valley had now been
reached, the troops, with the exception of the 5th Goorkhas,
were allowed to push ahead of the baggage and to make their

,l,:ec:,y Google

ACTION OF THE PEIWAB EOTAL, ETO. 141

way to the camp, which was to be pitched at a village called
Kemah.

Before the tail of the oolamn bad extricated itself fmm the
ravine, more of the people of the oouDtry had collected, bnt Btill
in small detached partids, and at some distance fVom the column,
but by degrees they closed in as they advanced, and soon were
within fifty yards of the convoy.

Captain F. Qoad, transport officer, was in charge of the bag-
gage, and was walking close to a part of the small baggage
guard of the 72nd Highlanders, when suddenly a volley was
fired at the party. Captain Goad fell wounded, his thigh-bone
being broken by a ballet which passed though his other leg —
the bullet going through his sword and scabbard. A sergeant
of the 7Snd* with three privates of the regiment, who were
close by, picked him up, and having placed him under cover
of a rock, turned their attention to the enemy. They were only
four men against a large number, but they would not desert a
wounded officer as long as they could defend him, and by care-
ful and steady firing, picking off their men, they kept the enemy
back. All this while the column was advancing steadily, and
the rear'guai-il, which was under command of Captain Powell,
5th Goorkhas, was continually attacked by the more daring of
the enemy, who swooped down in parties as the ground allowed
them, while the rest kept up a fire from above.

In one of these attacks Captain Powell was wounded twice,t
but by this time the difficult ground was nearly over, and the
Klangals saw their prize escape before their eyes without having
succeeded in carrying off a single uamel. Our loss in this en-
gagement was one killed, two offioers and eight men wounded,
besides three camp- followers. The head-quarters of the regiment

* Sergeant Williun Graer Babaequentiy raoelved ft oomiaiBaioii in the
72Dd Highlutders fts a reward for hia diBtingnished oondvol on this oocMion.

t Cftptain Powell, anfortnnatel;, died eooB alterwKdB of the woonda lie
received on this oooaaioii.

itizecy Google

142 . WITH THE EVBBAM FIELD FOBCfi.

had reaohed the camp at the head of the baggage oolumn when
the news of the attack came in, but by the time they arrived
to the osBistance of the lear-guard the afiTnir was orer, and the
euemy, eeeing their approach, retired up into the mountaiuB.

An incident in this fight is worth recording.; a sick soldier
of the 7'^nd, who was being carried along in a doolie, fired away
aU his ammuDition (63 rounds) at the enemy, and as he was a good
marksman, he never fired without getting a fair shot. Among
tho wounded camp-followers was the Bazar Chaudry of the 28rd
Pioneers ; his life was almost despaired of, as be had reoeiTed
many knife-cuts all over his body. He eventually, however,
reuovered.

If the difficulty of the road had been known beforehand,
this Manjiar or Sappri defile would not have been tried, and if it
had been known, there would have been no occasion for exploring
it : but, the exploration decided on, it could only be done by a
body of troops eufBciently large to protect themselves, and not
so great as to require a large baggage convoy.

December 1 4th. — The Major-General ordered the troops to
remain in camp at Eerainh, proceeding himself with his staff to
Kurram. The distance was 21 miles, the track being exces-
sively rough, owing to the boulders and conglomerate through
whioh it passes. It lay along the bank of the Kurram river,
well away from the hills, and was practicable for troops, but not
for wheeled carnages.

Mr. Archibald Christie, B.C.S., Assistant Commissioner, waa
sent over to Keraiah to make inquiries regarding the posaibility
of panishing the Mangals who made the attack in the Sappri
defile.

Captain Kennedy, D.A.Q.M.O., was ordered to reconnoitre
for some miles up the river, and try and discover whether the
Mangels possessed any large villages which might be destroyed,
if they were in sofficiently accessible places.

The result of these inquiries was that the Mangal villages

Digitizecy Google

AOTION OF THE PBIWAS EOTAL, ETC. 143

were all scattered hamlets of a few houses only, and that the
only one of any size was the chief village of the Laggi glen,
which was situated in very difficult country. It was also ascer-
tained that the marauders who attacked the convoy were not all
of the Mongal tribe, but consisted of parties from the Mangals,
Jujie, and Cbukmiinnies, with some of the Amir's soldiers who had
been beaten at the Peiwar, and bad stopped in the vicinity
instead of returning to Cabul.

The object of the attack was said to be merely to plunder the
baggage, aud therefore it bad no political significance. Under
these circumstances the necessity of adopting any retaliatory
measures was reduced so much that the intention was abandoned.

Iwue of Warm Clothing to Reserve Troops sanctioned.

The following G. Q. , dated 4th December 1878, is pub-
lished for information: —

•' With reference to Foreign Department proclamation dated
SItt November 187tj,it is hereby announced that His Excellency
the Viceroy and Qovemor- General is pleased to sanction, as a
special case, the free issue oi warm clotliing, according to the
autboriaed scale, to the fighting men and followers detachbd to
form the forces in reserve, in order that they may at all times be
prepared to take part in active operations beyond the f^outier."

Movements. — Cunvoy of Sick and Wounded to Kohat.

December 15tb. — D. O. 347. — "The following movements
are ordered : —

" 1. When the Deputy Surgeon-Geoeral reports that arrange-
ments we complete fur the transport of the sick and wounded
from Enrram, they will be moved to Eobat nnder escort of the
5th Punjab Infantry,

" S. The Commissary of Ordnance will also despatch the
captured ordnance, &o. to Kobat nnder escort of the fitb Punjab
iD&Qtry.

itizecy Google

144 WITB THE KUBBAU FIELD FOBOB.

" 3. The 20th Punjab Native lofaDtry will be held in readi-
ness to march to Thull when ordered ; on arrival there they will
make overt.hcircamp equipage to the left wing 72nd Highlanders.

"4. The wing 72nd Highlanders now at Eohat have been
ordered to Hazir Pir ; to halt en route at Thull until they receive
light oamp equipage from the 3&th Punjab Native Infantry, to
which regiment they will make over tbeir European pattern
tcnu.

" 5. When the 2»th Punjab Native Infantry arrive iit Thull,
the 28th Punjab Native Inranti7 and the two guns of No. S
Mountain Battery now there will move to Hazir Pir.

" 0. The wing of the 8th Foot now at Eurram Fort will he
held in readiuesB to march to Hazir Pir when ordered.

"7 No. I Mountain Battery, when it arrives at Eurram
Fort, will be held in readineae to march to Hazir Pir with
Lieu ten ant- Colonel Ooobrane's detachment.

"8. The 2nd Punjab Infantry will remain in their present
quarters under the Peiwar Kotal till farther orders."

The excitement which had been caused by the Peiwar Kotal
victory had died away in the Kurram and Hurriab valleys, but
the agitation then spread had not ceased among the inhabitants
of the neighbouring valley of Khost. Nor waa the lower part
of the Eurram, at the bend of the river about Bndesh Eheyl,
which had not been visited as yet by our troops, entirely free
from the hostile feeling, due to the admixture of a number of
hillmen in the valley at this point, which showed itself by the
nightly cutting of the telegraph wire, which was laid along the
river route, instead of beintj taken through the Darwaza defile.
A mullah at Saddar was inciting the villagers of that place and
the neighbouring villages to resist, while from the Ehost coun-
try similar reports were received ; and accounts were brought of
threatened attacks on our convoys. These attacks, however,
Dcver onme oS', though but a fortnight before some of the village
oatUe Dear Hazir Fir had been carried off into the Khost

itizecy Google

ACTION OP THE PETWAE KOTAL, ETO. 145

oouBtry, showing that there was some disturbed feeling in these
parts.

In order to strengthen the line of communication, two gnns
of No. 2 Mountain Battery and the wing of the Ath Punjab
Cavalry at ThuU, and the ^Ist Punjab Kative Infantry, had
already been sent to Hazir Pir.

It was necessary, however, that the Ehost valley should be
thoroughly explored, so that there should be an end put to the
disturbing influencea which seemed to he coming to a head in
that part of the world ; but, except the native reports that were
brought in, no real information existed as to what was going on.
The coantry had never beeu visited by any European, its extent
and capabilities were quite unknown, its place on the map being
shown by an open white space, throagb which ranges and rivers
only were dotted down in a general way.

The movements of troops detailed in the above orders all
had reference to the proposed exploration of the Ehost valley,
which it was necessary should be carried out as soon as possible.

The troops who were at Ceraiuh under command of Colonel
Drew, remained halted at that place. The company of the 29th
Punjab Native Infantry, which had been ordered to Alikheyl,
was now withdrawn, the Khan who had been sent with it not
liking the prospect of wintering at that place.

The 29th Punjab Native Infantry were to be halted at
Eurram Fort, en route to Thull, in order that a general court-
martial might be assambled for the trial of the men of this
regiment, who misbehaved before the enemy in the action of the
2nd December.

The Snd Punjab Infantry occupied the camp at the foot of
the Peiwar Eotal when it was vacated by the 29th Puiyab Nativs
Infantry.

D. 0. No. 849. — " Major-General Roberts desires to place on
record his approoiation of the 5th Goorkhas, when attacked in
the Sappri valley oa the 18th December.

10

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146 WITH THE EUBEAU FIELD FOBCE.

"The regiment was on rear-gnnrd, and was charged with the
protection of a long baggage column, when passing through the
most difficult defile the Major-General has ever seen.

" 3. This duty was performed with great gallantry and
steadiness, and the 5th Goorkbas have given an example to the
whole column, by the succesaful execution of one of the most
trying tasks soldiers can be called on to perform.

"4. The Major-General congratulates Major FitzHugh and
the officers of the 5th Goorkhas on this further proof of the
high state of efficiency of the regiment"

December 16th. — Captain Goad, Assistant Superintendent
Transport, who had died of the wounds received on December
1 3th, was buried to-day with the usual honours, liis body having
been brought in from Eeraiab for that purpose.

The troops who were at Keroiah, the 5th Goorkbas, wing
72nd Highlanders, 23rd Pioneers, and No. 1 Monntain Battery,
were ordered to proceed to Kurram in two marches.

As the telegraph wire had been frequently cut of late
between Kurram and Thull, two companies of the 2iBt Punjab
Native Infantry from Hazir Pir were ordered to the village of
Saddar, and one company of the SSth Punjab Native Infantry
from Thull was posted at Ahmed -i-Shama, to protect the wire
by day.

Arrangements were made with the headmen of the villages to
look after the protection of the wire, the line being patrolled in
sections by the nearest villages, who supplied armed men for the
pnrpose.

This arrangement worked satisfactorily, as the wire was but
seldom out aA^erwards.

At the Peiwar Kotal the 2/8th King's had been exerting
themselves to good purpose in the construction of b^ts, and
clearing the forest Irom the liill-sides, where the enemy might
be expected. Three redoubts and block-bouses for the troops
were commenced as well, on the summit of the commanding

itizecy Google

ACTIOS OP THE PEIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 147

points; the iind Punjab Infantry were moved up to the Kotal
and assisted in these labours, while as many of the villagers who
would work voluntarily at cutting down trees were employed,
though not many came forward. In addition to the ereotion of
the huts, the sappers and miners were employed in improving
the ascent up the Kotal, as next in importance to the provision
of shelter for the garrison, it was urgent that a practicable road
for laden animals should he made, so that when the auow, which
had luckily kept off since the place was taken, should fall, there
should be no difficulty in keepin,' up oommunioatioa with the
garrison.

En order to protect the troops at the Peiwar Eot^ &om any
sudden surprise or attack from the direction of the Hurriab, the
village of Zahhardast Killa was to be garrisoned by 100 sabrea
of the 1 2th Bengal Cavalry, and a detachment from the 2nd
Punjab Infantry. When the snow had fallen sufficiently to
block the Sbutargardan this post was to he given up, and the
cavalry were to rejoin the head-quarters of their regiment,
which was to be stationed at Habib Killa, the Afghan canton-
ment in the Eurram valley.

As all the labour at the Peiwar Kotal had been fully
employed as detailed above, there had been no opportunity of
getting working parties to take down the remaining captured
ordnance and carnages, which had been left there when the
more portable ordnance and stores bad been removed to Kurram.
The elephants which were attached to the Horse Artillery
Battery were therefore sent to the Kotal to bring down the
guns, which had now to be despatched to Kohat. It was a long
and di£Goult undertaking to load up the elephants, as the cradles
intended for our own ordnance were not adapted for the Afghan
oarriages. Some of the elephants were only partially broken,
and gave great trouble, suddenly rising when the weight of the
gun or carriage began to make itself felt, and thus upsetting
everything and causing delay, not to speak of the chance of

10 •

Digitizecy Google

148 WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FORCE.

aooidente to the gunners of G/3 Royal Artillery, who were
employed in the operation.

The laden elephanu did not reach Habib Eilla till past 8
o'clock, when it was quite dark, and were unloaded rapidly by
the loads being thrown off the animals' backs. One elephant,
however, refused to he unladen ; nothing would induce him to
koeel down, and bo the poor beast had to stay all night out in
the cold with his load on.

A detachment of the Horse Artillery gunners was sent out
nnder Lieutenant Atchison, R.H.A., to mount the carriages on
their wheels, and to adapt them to huUock draught ; and when
this was done the ordnance was draughted into the fort at
Knrram. The elephant that refused to he unladen had to march
in with bis load, when be allowed himself to he unladen by hie
own mahout.

The Afghan cantonment of Habib Killa was laid out in a
rough fashion on the left bank of the Peiwar ravine or river,
and was placed on a slope at the foot of the bounding hills of
the Kurram valley. A hill stream descending from a gorge in
the range supplied water to the place, which was surrounded on
all sides by the stony moraine, which, beginning at the entrance
of the Peiwar ravine into the valley, stretched out like a lai^e
fan, melting away in the gradual descent of the Kurram valley.

The original plan of the cantonment was an open square
with huts round it, and on the oast and west sides there was a
farther collection of huts, disposed without any attempt at order,
with winding paths between. On the north side the line of
huts finished with a certain degree of regularity, and here were
placed the quarters for the officers, as in a camp, the subalterns'
smallest and neEirest the men's huts, then the superior officers',
while the commnnding officer had a bungalow of a somewhat
English model, with a broad-pillared verandah to the south.
All these quarters seemed to be of comparatively late construc-
tion ; the walls were freshly plastered, and there was not much

itizecy Google

ACTION OF THE PEIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 149

sign of smoke about, for tbongb BOtne of them had fire-places
and ohimneys, yet the latter were not adapted to carry off the
smoke. The cative huts did not differ much from the same
olasB of building all over India, the doorway affording the means
of light and ventilation, and taking the plaoe of the chimney.

There was one puint in which the Afghans gave us a
leB80D, which was not taken, howeTer, and that was the care
they took of their drinking-water after it had been brought to
the bouse. Attached to most of the quarters, and to some of
the men's huts, were other huts, with the floors neatly shingled
so as to avoid mud; round the eidea of the room large water-
jars were placed, on a raised step also covered with shingle.
The water-jars were kept in their places by big stones support-
ing them.

The water in these jars would have been delightAiUy cool in
the hot summer months, and it would have been desirable to
retain this system of water-supply ; but when the cantonments
were ordered to be cleared out and made habitable for the 72nd
Highlanders, who were to be in garrison there for the winter, all
these water-rooms were removed with the rest of the dirt and
filth, of which there was no slight amount.

The cantonment of Habib Eilla was defended on the north side
by two or three block-houses built of stone and mud, with a
parapet roof. One of these was used aa a laboratory building,
as it was littered by shaped cartridge-papers. There was no
protection on any of the other sides. The situation of the
cantonment was judiciously selected, as it had a southerly aspect
and got the first rays of the morning sun, which were very
pleasant after the cold of the nights.

Stages from Thull to Kurram.
D. 0. No. 3fiO.— " The distance from Thull to Kurram Fort
will be divided into the following stages fbr Commissariat
oonToys ; —

itizecy Google

150 WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FOBOE.

HUes.

" 1 . Thnll to Eapiyuig S

"3. To Ahmed-i-Shama 7

" 8. To JuUoomai 7^

"4. ToHttzirPir Sj

" 5, SoDth end of Darwaza Pass .10

" 6. Eot Mangi oo right bank of KtirrBm Kiver 10

" 7. Kurram Fort tt

" Transport officers, or other officers in charge, trill be care-
ful to make the coDvoy encamp on the grouod set apart for the
purpose at each stage, and that the camels, &c. do not defile
the whole enoamping grouod.

" Troops marching on this route will not necessaril; halt at
each of the above stages. . The halting-places for troops are left
to the discretion of commanding officers."

This order was published to prevent camels being OTerwurkcd
and starved on the long march from Ahmed-i-Shama to Hazir
Fir, which was now divided into two; and for the same reason
the passage of the Eurram river, at the beginning and end of
the road, was made a separate day's march. The necessity for
husbanding the transport became apparent, as the camels were
beginning to die. The position of the camp at Kurram, though
it may have been good for a fort to overawe the valley from a
central position, was not suited to keeping the camels in a
healthy condition. The distance of the nearest ranges of hills
where brushwood, which would do for their food, was found, was
about seven miles, and the camels had thus to walk over fourteen
miles thera and hack to their feeding ground daily ; the cold,
added to the change of diet, was trying to their constitutions,
and the damage which was done in the few weeks at the com-
mencement of the campaign from these causes, which were
evident, as well as from others which may not have been so
clear, materially affected the movements of the force later on,
08 the camels which did not succumb at the time become so

itizecy Google

ACTION OB THE PEIWAB EOTAL, ETC. lOl

enfeebled, that do amount of rest and food in the subBeqnent
Bummer months enabled them to recover their lost stamina.

Reports on Entrenching TooU called for.

D. 0. No. SS8. — " Officers commanding regiments and bat-
teries will report, as soon as possible, for the information of the
Major- General, what entrenching tools, in addition to or in liea
of the sanctioned eetablishments, ihey consider necessary, in
view of the duties likely to be required from the troops during
the winter, and from the nature of the country in which they are
serving."

L. 0. No. 860. — "The followiag movement is ordered: —
The troops under command of Colonel Drew, now at Keraiab, to
move to Ennam Fort."

Scale of Rations and Warm Clothing.

D, 0. No, 38a. — " The following scale of rations as Itud down
in Government letter No. K904 of 19.11. 7ft, are published for
general information ; they apply only to troops across the
frontier.

" A. For British Troops —

" Meat, exclusive of bone, 1 lb , or with bone, 1^ lbs.

" Bread, Ij lbs.

" Biscuit in lieu of bread, t lb.

" Rice or flour, 4 oz.

" Sugar, 8 oz.

" Tea, } oz.

" Salt, i oz.

" Potatoes, 10 oz.

" Green vegetables, when procurable, 6 oz. When green
vegetables are not piocorable, 4 oz. of dhall and %
oz. of potatoes will be issued in lien.

itizecy Google

152 WITH THE EUHEAU FIELD FOBOB.

" B. For Native Troops, free —

" Wheat flour or rice, 1 seer.
" Dball, 2 cbittaoks.
"Qlne, 1 „
"Salt, i „

" G. For permanent and extra temporary eBtablishments,
free ; and for aathoriBed private followers, on payment —
" Wheat flour, } seer.
" Dball, it cfaittacks.
"Glae, i
"Salt, i

" The following revised soale of warm clothing for troops and
followers are pnblisbed. Indents of articles not yet issued will
be submitted without delay to the Commissariat Department by
all regiments in the command, whether beyond the frontier or in
British tenitory.

" A. For Britieh Troops —

" 1 jersey.

" Z pairs of warm sooka.

" I pair of mittens.

" I extra blanket.

" 1 waterproof sheet, English, for each non-commis-
sioned officer and man, with posteeus at 16 per
cent, of strength,

"B. For Native Troops —
" 1 jersey.

" S pairs of warm soelts.
" 1 pair of mittens.
" I blanket.

" 1 waterproof sheet, Cawnpore, for each native officer
and man, with posteensfor X6per cent of strength.

itizecy Google

ACTION OP THE PBIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 153

" C. For each pablio follower —
" I good blaaket.
" 1 pair Caehmere putties.
" 1 posteen or tnirzai.
" 1 pair of warm pyjamahs.
" i pair of native ahoee.
" I waterproof sheet.

"Warm clothing (scale G) will be issued to all followers
paid by the State, and also to troop, company, battery cooks and
dhobies, and to mule and camel drivers, wbua supplied by the
Commissariat Department."

A report was received that the cavalry post at Ibrahimzai
was fired into last nigbt and a horse killed, also that the villagers
told the duffadar of the post that a number of men of the Mam-
moozai section of the Orakzd tribe were nssembhng in the hills
with the intention of attacking the post. Fifteen sabres of the
12th Bengal Cavalry, and a company of the 2lBt Punjab Native
Infantry, who happened to be at Knrram Fort on escort
duty were at onoe despatched to reinforce the Ibrahimzai
post.

The men of the 8th Foot at Kurram, about 170, were also
ordered to march there on the If^th, the whole of the troops at
Ibrahimzai being placed under command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Cochrane, 8th King's. A troop of the lath Bengnl Cavalry
was ordered to march to morrow from Habib Killa to Fort
Kurram.

18th December. — The General and staff rode to Ibrahimzai,
to see the post which had been fired into. The inquiry into the
affair on the spot terminated in a visit being paid to the house
of a mullah who lived at Saddar, a large village about three
miles and a half on; the mullah, however, had flown, and his
house was destroyed. This man had been using his influence to
stir up the people against the British Government.

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154 WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FOBCE.

Transport Casualties to be Reported
J 8th December. — D. 0. 385. — "All casualties among carriage
aoimsiB supplied by the Commissariat Departmeot shoald be at
ODce reported to the Superintendent of Transport."

Safety of Camp-foUowera.

D. O. S74. — "It has been brought to the notice of the
Mnj or- General that followers have been sent from one post to
another without escort, and that when marching with their
regiments they have been permitted to straggle beyond reach of
the hnggnge guards; the particular attention of commanding
officers and heads of departments is called to the order providing
for the safety of camp-followers, and they will be personally
responsible for any neglect or breach of these orders by men
under their command."

There had not been any murderous attacks as yet on the
camp-followers in the Kurram valley, but at Thull they had not
been so fortunate ; three of the camp-followers of the 5th
Punjab Cavalry had been set on and murdered.

The Darwaza pass, between Kurram and Hazir Fir, was
infested at this time by a band of marauders, chiefly of the
Mangal clan, and as the convoys had to take this road in going
and coming, there was always some risk of their attacking
followers who were unarmed.

A robbery occurred in the Kurram Fort, where the treasure
in the care of the Commissariat Officer was stored, under charge
of a guard of the S9th Punjab Native Infantry. All the notes,
which were placed inside an ordinary mule-box, were missed,
and no evidence could be procured to show how they were
abstracted. The boxes containing treasure were under the
charge of double sentries, according to the usual custom ; but
owing to the want of room available in the Fort, these boxes
were placed in an open verandah where the guard itself lived

Digitizecy Google

ACTION OP THE PEIWAB EOTAL, ETC. 155

and slept, and where the whole of the Commissariat work was
carried on.

It was impossible nnder these circamBtaaces for the court of
inquiry, which assembled, to arrive at any definite conclusion
regarding the robbery; but the first result was to have more
suitable arrangements for storing the boxes containing treasure,
and by railing off the verandah, to prevent all traffic in the
immediate neighbourhood of the sentries and boxes. The second
and more important result was the removal of the treasure -chest
from the custody of the Commissariat Department, and placing
it under the charge of a Treasury Officer.

The duties of the Commissariat Officers are so varied and
extensive, that to add those of a disbursing paymaster in
addition must be liable to cause mistakes in either one or the
other of the branches.

Lieutenant D. Waterfield, Koyal Horse Artillery, was ap-
pointed in the first instance as the Treasury fficer of the Kurram
Field Force ; but before this officer joined. Major Morinrty, who
had been holding the appointment of Superintendeni of Trans
port, was transferred to the post of Field Treasury Officer, and
Major Palmer, 9th Bengal Cavalry, took over the duties of
Superintendent of Transport, which he held till the abolition of
the appointment. The theft of the notes was subsequently
traced, after an interval of several months, to the native non-
commissiimed officer in charge of the guard of the 29th Punjab
Native Infantry, by the notes, whose numbers were known, being
presented for payment in India

The boxes in which the treasure was packed, though adapted
for carriage by wheeled transport, were much too slight for pack
carriage ; and, in fact, the carriage of treasure in the field was a
subject that had never been considered, of late years at least,
till this campugn.

December i3vi. — D. O. No. 384. — " Proceedings of a
General Goart-Martial assembled at Camp Kurram, on Friday,

...Google

156 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FORCE.

the 30th day of Deoember 1878, by order of Major-General
Roberts, O.B., V.C, commanding Earram Field Foroe.

"No. 1590 Sepoy Hazrat Shah, No. 1790 Sepoy Mira Baz,
of the !i9th regiment Punjab Native Infantry, were arraigned
on the following ohargee:—

" Ist charge. — Hariag on the 2nd December, 1878, when
the regiment was marching towards the enemy's position near
the Spingawi Kotal, Afgh&Distan, unlawfully loaded their rifles
and discharged the same, with intent to communicate intelligence
to the enemy.

"2nd charge — Conduct to the prejudice of good order
aod military discipline, in having, on the 2nd December 1878,
when their regiment was marching towards the enemy's
position, unlawfully loaded their rifles and discharged the same,
thereby causing rislt of disclosing to the enemy the position
of the column, and producing alarm and confusion in the
same.

"Finding. — No. 1690 Sepoy Hazrat Shah, 29th Punjab
Native Infantry, guilty of both charges. No. 1790 Sepoy Mira
Baz, not guilty of Ist charge, guilty of 2nd charge.

"Sentence — The Court aentennes the prisoner No. 1590
Sepoy Hazrat Shah, 29th Punjab Native Infantry, to suffer
death, by being hanged by the neck until he be dead. The
prisoner No. 1 79C Sepoy Mira Baz, 29th Punjab Native Infantry,
to be imprisoned with hard labour for 780 (seven hundred and
thirty) days.

" Orders by the confirming officer : —

" The sentence of death passed upon the prisoner Sepoy
Hazrat Shah, 29th regiment Punjab Native luiantry, is approved
and confirmed by me.

" The sentence of death passed upon the prisoner Sepoy
Hazrat Shah will be carried into effect, under instructions
which will be communicated to the officer commanding 1st
Infantry Brigade, to whom a warrant is hereby issued, authorising

itizecy Google

ACTION OF THE PEIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 157

bim to oaase the prisoner to be executed in aooordanoe with the
seotenae,

" The sentence on No. J790 Sepoy Mira Baz, 29th regiment
Punjab Native Infantry, is approved and coufimied by me.

"The prisoner will be made over, with the usual warrauts of
commitment, to the officer in charge ot the civil jail at Eohat ;
and he will be paid np and dismissed, and his name struck o£l
the rolls of the 29th regiment Punjab Native Infantry from
this date.

" Signed F. Roberts, M.G,,

" Commanding Kurraro Column.

" Camp Kuriam, SSrd December 1878.

" Before the same General Court-Martial at Kurram, on
Saturday, the SIst December 1^78, Jemadar Razan Shah, S9th
regiment Punjab .Native Infantry, was chained as follons :—

" 1st charge.— Having on the 2nd December I87M, when his
regiment wus marching towards the enemy's position near the
Spingawi Kotal, Afghanistan, after becoming aware that No.
1590 Sepoy Hazrat Shah, of bis company, had unlawfully fired
his rifle, with intent to communicate intelligence to the enemy,
omitted to disclose the same to his commanding or other superior
officer, and not having reported any of the circumstances of ihe
case until the ■'ith December 1878.

"2nd charge. — Gross neglect of duty to the prejudice of
good order and military discipline, in having, on the 2nd
December Irt78, after having become aware that No. 1590 Sepoy
Hazrat Shah, of bin company, had unlawfully fired his rifle, the
regiment being at that time advancing upon the enemyV postlioD
near the Kpiugawi Kotal, Afghanistan, failed to report ilie same
to his commanding or other superior officer, until the 5tb
December 1878.

" Finding. — Jemadar Razan Shah, 2Uth regiment I'unjab
Native Infantry, is guilty of both charges.

itizecy Google

158

WITH THE EUBBAH FIELD FOBCE.

—Jemadar Rnzao Shah, 29th regiment Punjab
Native Infantrjr, to be transportfid for 7 (seven) years.

" Orders by the confirming officer, approved and confirmed^-
"The ofiender, Jemadar Razan Sbab, 29th regiment Punjab
Native Infantry, will be transrerred to tbe civil jail at Kohat,
with the prescribed warrants of commitment.

" Signed F Roberts, M.G.,

"Commanding Kurram Column.

"Camp Kurram, KUrd December 1878

"Before the same General Court Martini at Kurram, on
Saturday, the Slst day of Decemhor 1878, the following prisoners
of tbe 29th regiment Punjab Native Infantry —
" No. 1706 Naib Abdool Rahman

„ 1815

DO) l.l»I10IIieil OUB.I

Fuzl Khan

, 1778

Rnhmat Sliah

„ 1370

Nuzzur All

, 1304

Jin Mir Khan

„ 1749

, Akbar Khan

, 290

. Noor Khan

„ 1769

Gairam Khan

„ 1078

, Golah Shah

„ 1613

, Fakir Mahomed

„ 1760

, Kooshal Khan

„ 1825

Golam

„ 1691

, Mira Khan

, 1789

, Amir Khan

, 1782

Imam Sadin

„ 1841

. Abdoola

were charged as follows : —

"Charge — Having, in time of war, on the 2nd December
1878, whilst the regiment was engaged with the enemy near the
Spingawi Kotal, Afghanistan, quitted their regiment without

itizecy Google

ACTION OF THE PBIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 159

leave aad retarned to camp, and baviog thus remained in camp
without authority until the return of the regiment on the
following day.

" Finding. — The Court finds the whole of the prisoners guilty
of the charge.

"Sentence. — The Court sentences the prisoners No. 1706
Naib Abdul Rahman, No. 1708 Sepoy Golam Shah, No. 1009
Sepoy Mahomed Shah, No. 1613 Sepoy Fakir Mahomed, No.
1304 Sepoy Jan Mir Khan, of the 29th Punjab Native Infantry,
to be transported for 14 (fourteen) years. No. 1815 Sepoy Fuzl
Ehan, No. 1760 Sepoy Enoshal Khan, No. 1772 Sepoy Rahmat
Shah, No. 1825 Sepny Goolam, No. 1870 Sepoy NiizEur Ali,
No. 1769 Sepoy Bairnm Khan, No. 1769 Sepoy Ameeo Khan,
No. 178::! Sepoy Imam Sadin, of the 29th Punjab Native
Infantry, to be transported for 10 (ten) years. No. 1841 Sepoy
Abdulla, of the 29th regiment Punjab Native Infantry, to be
transported for 7 (seven) years. No. 235 Sepoy Kooshal Khnn,
of the aOth regiment Punjab Native Infantry, to be imprisoned
with hard labour for 730 (seven hundred and thirty) days. And
No. ago Sepoy Noor Khan, of the 29th regiment Punjab Native
Infantry, to be imprisoned with hard labour for 365 (three
hundred and sixty-five) days.

" Signed at Kurram on Monday, the S3rd day of December
1878.

"(Signed) Wm. Stiblino, Bt-Col. R.H A.,
President,
and six members.

" Orders by the confirming officer, approved and confirmed:' —

" The prisoners —

" No. 1706 Naick Abdool Rahiban
„ 1009 Sepoy Golab Shah
„ 1813 „ Fakir Mahomed
M 1760 „ Kooshal EhoD

itizecy Google

WITH THE EUBBAU FIELD FOBCB.
No. 1826 SepojGolam

1301

, Jkd Mir Khan

1749

, Alibu Ebsn

1789

Amir Khan

1841

Abdulls

1078

, Golab Shah

1009

, lUahomsd Shah

1815

, Fuzl Eban

1772

Rahmat Shah

1870

, Nuzzur Ali

1094

Noor Khan

1769

. Bairam Khan

I7S2

Imam Sadin

will be transferred to the civil jail at Eohat, with the prescribed
warrants of Gommiunent.

" No. 235 Sepoy Eooshal Khan and No. 290 Sepoy Noor
Khan will be made oTer, with the uenal warraDts of commitment,
to the officer of tha civil jail at Eohat, and they will be paid up
and dismiseed, and their names struck off the rolls of the 29th
regiment Punjab Native Infantry, from this date.
" Signed F. Roberts, M.G.,

" Commanding Eurcnm Column.
"Camp Kurram, 28rd December, 1878."

Remarks by Major-General Roberts on the General Court-
Mar tial.

D. 0. No. 392.— "With reference to D. 0. No. 381 of this
date, the following remarks by the Major-Qeueral commanding are
to be read, on the first convenient occasion, at the head of each
native regiment in Urdu, and also in Pushtu where necessary.

"Major>General Roberts canDotconfirm the several eentenoea
awarded by a General Court-Martial to the prisoners of the
29th regiment Punjab Native Infantry, without expressing bis

itizecy Google

AOTIOH OF THB PEIWAB EOTAL, ETC. 161

deep regret that cironmstanoes oeceeaitate his having to perform
this painful duty.

" The Major-General feels deeply for the stain reflected on a
gallant and diatinguished regiment by the misconduct of some
few of its membera, and he is certain that the officers and men
of the S9th Punjab Native Infantry will sympathise with him in
having to carry out .the seotenoe which the Oourt-Martial has
found it necessary to award.

" Sentence of death has been passed on Sepoy Hazrat Shah,
who stands convicted of an act of groas treachery, and which,
had it succeeded, would in all probability have involved not
only his own regiment, but the rest of the force associated with
it, in one common disaster.

" In the case of Sepoy Mira Baz, who fired the second shot,
the treacherous motive ia not so distinctly proved,

" For Jemadar Razan Shah there is no excuse. He not
only failed at the time to report the sepoy who was guilty of the
treaoheroue act, but there is every reason to believe he would
have screened it altogether, bad he not become aware that a
wounded sepoy had given evidence which inculpated him. His
crime has been rightly punished by a sentence of seven years'
transportation, carrying with it, as it does, degradation from the
poeitioQ of a commissioned officer to that of a felon.

" The eighteen men who deserted the field of battle have
been sentenced to punishments varying from one year's imprison-
ment to fourteen years' transportation. These sentences the
Major-General sees no reason to modify ; they are severe, but
not more than the crime required : indeed, the Court-Martisl
would have been justified in sentencing one and all of the
prisoners to death.

"The sentence of death passed on Hazrat Shah will be
carried out to-morrow morning before alt the troops present at
Knrram; and the Major-General tmsts that his fate, and the
heavy punishments in store for the other prisoners, will serve tm

11

itizecy Google

^P*^ WITH TBS FP^H^f FIBLQ FtSfJB.

p jFttming. wi tb&t bU native sol4ier8 vtbo eplig^ in the servif^
of Her Majesty the Queen of England &nd Empress uf IdiIIb
irill clearly understand that, while in that eervioe, they must
loyally and faithfully carry out all and evefy duty tbpy inj^y he
called upon to perform."

D. 0. No. 380. — " The sick and wounded, capLure4 ordnance,
$0. usder escort of the 5th Punjab Iniantry, to cros? the rivef
to Ehote, en route to Eohat, on aflemooif of Tuesday, S4th
instant."

Tbe Afghan carriages were ia such a dilapidate^ condition
that it seemed doubtful if they oould be dragged along the difiGcult
Aq4 bad roads that were before them as far as ThuU ; but by
placing the guos on elephants there was no great str^n on the
Qfi^ages.

The captured 7-pounder ordnance were also placed on the
elephants, the guns find oarriages being easily carried inside the
framework of the cradles.

In order that there should he no difficulty on the road, a
pompany of the Stb Punjab Infantry, undnf Lieutenant Sparling,
^ae previously iuatructed in the method of mouutjng ^d
dismounting the ordnaqce, and soon became as skilful in the
drill M the gunners themsetres.

Supply of Firewood for hailing Barley.

D. 0. Ko. 881. — " The Commissariat is authorised to supply
firewood, for the purpose of boiling the barley issued to the
hnllocks of r/A RH.A. and G/» R.A., which bullocks Ijave
been found by a Committee to be in a low and debilitated
condition."

The Commissariat Department supplied only barley for all
the animals in the force, in an nnground etata.

Each of the batteries carried with them a grain-crushing
machine, so that tbe drawback of giving unbroken barley to the
■nimsls was thus avoided. But even this was not sufficient to

itizecy Google

ACTIOK OF THE PEIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 163

keep up the condition of the ordnance bullocks, which in peace
time Bre fed on grwn — a very ranch more fattening food than
barlej' — and so, when these bullocks came to experience what hard
work on a less nutritious food was, they suffered in consequence.

The effect of boiling the barley, added to the rest they
received daring the winter months, restored the bullocks to a
fair working condition in the spring; but the question of the
supply and maintentince of ordunnce bullocks during peace time
is one tbnt requires consideration.

To allow bullocks to eat too much, while they are not being
taught to be of use in draught, is a waste of resources. And
this is what is going on all over India. The siege train and
bullocks for the 2nd line of waggons are kept up at various
' stations, but, with the exception of a few, are all out of work,
and thus not accustomed to draught. As compared with the
little country bullocks who are used in the Government Bullock-
tr^iin carts, one pair of these is equal to three pair of ordnance
bullocks, in bad ground.

The remedy would seem to lie in providing work for the
ordnaqce bullocks in peace time.

MovemenU.

D. O. No. 391. — "The following mpvements are ordered : —

" 1. Head-quarters, Ist Brigade, squadron lOlh Hussars, and
F/A Royal Horse Artillery, to march on Friday the 27th inst.,
by the Darwaza route for Razir Pir. Three guns, F/A Royal
Horse Artillery, and a company of the tith Foot will leave
Hazir Pir for Thull, on Monday, dOth inat., arriving there on
Wednesday, Ist January 1S79.

" 2. Head- quarters, and three conipsnieB of the 72nd High-
landers, with the drivers and horses of Q/8 Royal Artillery, to
march on Friday, the 27th, to the Peiwu Gaotonment.

" 3. Field Forc«, HBad-qu»rt«n ubA Wing JStb Bengal
Cavalry, to march on Friday, the 27th, vi& Ibrahimzai, for

11 •

D,g,l,i.aD, Google

164 WITH THE KUHRAM FIELD POEOB.

Hazir Pir, the IStb Bengal Cavalry to leave a post of two
doffadars and eight sowars at Ibrahimzai.

"4. The detachment of the 8th Foot, and SIst Punjab
Native Infantry, at Ibrahimzai and Saddar, to march to Hazir
Fir, on Sunday, the 29th inst., the whole moving together under
command of Lieut.-Colonel Cochrane, 8th Foot.

" a. The dth Goorkhas and one company of the 72nd to move
to Enrram Fort on Thursday, the 26th. The troopa at Enrram
to be under the command of Major Fitzhngh.

" 6. No. I Mountain Battery, and 29th Punjab Native
Infantry, to march on Thursday, the 26ih, vid the Darwaza pass ;
the mountain battery, and a ning of the 29th, to halt at Hazir
Pir on arrival there. The head-quarter wing of the 29tb Punjab
Native Infantry to march to Thull, arriving there on Sunday,
the 29th inet.

" 7. The wing of the 72nd Highlanders now en route from
Eohat, will march to Hazir Fir, and halt there.

" 6. Two gunsKo.SMonntain Battery, two troops 5th Punjab
Cavalry, and 28th Native Infantry, now at Thull, to march from
tbence nnder command of the senior officer, on Monday, 30th
inet, arriving at Hazir Pir on Tuesday, 31 st. The 28th Punjab
Native Infantry will pick up, en route, their detachments at
Ahmed-i-Shama and Tullamai.

" 9. The 2nd Punjab Infantry will march for Feiwar Eotal
on Thursday, the 26th inst,

" 10. When the above movements have been carried out, the
disposition of the troops will he as follows : —

" Dupoailion of Kurram Field Force.
" December 28rd. —
Three gnne F/A Royal Horse Artillery\
1 troop 5th Poigah Cavalry I . .p. ,,

1 company 8th Foot
Wing 29th Foiyab Native lolantrr

.coy Google

ACTIOK OP THB PEIWAB EOTAL, ETC.

Three gnaa F/A Eoyal Horse ArUUery\
I company 8tb Foot I * ti ■

Wing 12th Bengdl Cavalry f -**.^'^"

Wing 29tb Punjab Native Infimtry }
Sqaadron 10th Hnssare
No. 1 Monntain Battery
No. 8 Mountain Battery
8 troops 5th Punjab Cavalry
Wing 72nd Higfalandeis
Slst Punjab Native Infantry
28tb Punjab Native Infantry
1 company 7Snd Highlanders.
_ J troop I2th Bengal Cavalry
5 th Goorkhas

With Head>quar-
ters. 1st Brigade
at Hazir Pir for
Khost colamn.

At Fort Kurram.

At Peiwar Kotal,
and its Wcinily.

3 Companies 79nd Highlanders,

Wing 8th FooU

Three gane G/8 Boyal Artillery

A squadron 12tb Bengal Cavalry

Snd Punjab Infantry

Sapper company

" When the snow falls, the squadron 12th Bengal Cavalry,
and the 2nd Punjab Infantry, will be all sent to the Peiwar
Cantonment."

The 28rd Pioneers were not detached in ibeee orders for any
Bpecifia garrison or field duty ; but they were ordered to leave
on the 24th, after the general parade of the troops, to proceed to
the Darwaza pass to make a good road, and they remained till
this was finished, after which they rejoined the troops in camp
at Hazir Fir.

December 24th. — The whole of the Eurram Field Force
paraded at 11 o'clock a.m. to witness the execution of the

itizecy Google

1C>6 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FORCE.

sepoy of tho 2!fth Punjab Native Infaniry, Hazrat Slinli, who
wna condemned to be banged.

The troops were formed up in a bollon' square, the infantry
in froDt, the artiUery in their rear, while the cavalry was on
the flanka right and left.

In the middle of the square was the gallowi, tthfth waa
merely a beam supported on trestles, with a tude platform
beneath.

The prisoner was led up to the scafibid by some SikhS of his
own regiment, and met his fate with the usual calmnefts of a
Mussulman. Beyond remarking that he would have pfeferred to
have died in his own country, he tnad6 no statement regarding
the justice or otherwise of bis fate. Afler having bed his
puggree removed, and a cap drawn over bis face, the plat-
form, on which he stood, was drawn from under hii feet by
four European soldiers with ropes. He fell heavily, and soon
died.

The execution, no doubt, produced a salutary effect on the
minds of those of the native soldiers who might have been
tempted, by the action of the Amir's agents and mullahs, to
forget their duty to the State, in obedience to their religion.
As a rule, however, the latter cause has but seldom interfered
with the former in the ranks, otherwise the mass of the frontier
regiments would have been untrustworthy. Among the pro-
perty left behind at the Peiwar Kotal in the captured Afghan
oamp, were documents which showed that the Amir bad been
trying to stir up a religious war, or jehttd, for the past two
months.

Id one of the papers, the Amir's mullahs promise to make
every man fight agaioBt the English infidels. Another pro-
clamation stated, that the English were only invading Afghan*
btan, to revenge themselves for their previous defeats by the
brave Afghans.

These and similar appeals to the only point in common

itizecy Google

ACTIOS OF TH6 PStWiA KOtIl, B+C. 1B7

which binds together tb« separate Dationalittea of AfghaDisiitl,
produced some effect on the mindB of the southern tribes. Thh
mullahs in Rhost were inciting the people to sttack out tbm-
municatiotiB; the next valley to the sontb of Khoat, that tit D'bdf,
was being stirred np b j a looal mullah of great reptite ; and the
wave of religions exoitement had gone still flirther sdutbj till it
broke beyond the Waziri border, E^ainst oor frontier town at
Tonk, which was raided and effectnally destroyed by a party
of Mafasnd Waziri ahd Paoindeabs, with some Bithunnies.
This state of affairs would undoubtedly have continued snd
inereosed, ks the resistance to our power showed the p^oplb
their Etrength ; bnt the nefra of thb Amir's flight, which yiii
reoeived in oamp this day, deprived the nstional party, if ii
existed, of a head.

December 24th. — The 6lh Punjab Infiuitry, with the contej
of sick and wounded, started off to-day, taking with them all tht
court-martial prisoners of the 29tb Punjab Nativd Infantty.
To ensure their security,, these prisoners were fastened in batches,
their hands being secured to Solne of the Afghan artillery traces
h^ telegraph wire, as thtre wers no handcuffs or leg-iroh*
available for so many men. With their departure began the first
movement of troops into winter quarters. From the infoftnti-
tion thst h^ been obtaifted as la the moveoienls of the Afghan
army, it was evident that no attack would be made flrom Cabul
on onr positions by any of their fbgalar troops. In tbfi Eurram
valley itself there was no enemy to contend with, the ttiasa of tb6
people being only to glad to see our troops in place Of the
Afghan regiments, who had brutally ilt-used them for a long
series of years. It was necessary, ho«ev6r, to ke^p a garrison
at the Knrram fbrt, where tbs otAmnnitioD v^aS Stored, and ihe
commissari'it were collecting their supplies, so the wing ot the
TSnd (ind the dth Goorkhas were detailed for this purpose. Tbb
barrack accommodation at Eurratn in the two forts Was insuffi-
cient to house the whole of the men, so it became necessary to

itizecy Google

168 WITH THE EUBRAU FIELD FOBOB.

qaarter three comp&nieB of the 72nd at the Peinar Canton-
ment.

This was the Afghan station for troops, which had been
knowD by the name of the nearest village, Habib Eiila.

Another advantage firoin this arrangement was that in tliis
poedtion the TSnd Highlanders coald act, if neoeesary, aa a
support to the Peiwar Eotal garrieoa.

The hardly-won Peiwar Eotal had to be retained at all coats
daring the winter months, to prevent its falling into the handa
of any inimical tribe, which might oblige us to retake it : its
garrison of four companies of the S/8th King's, with three gune,
0/3 Royal Artillery, was sufBcient, with the Snd Punjab Infantry
and the Sappers, to hold it against any first attack ; by this
Ume the log barracks were in a fair state of completion, and the
gnus, placed in-commanding situations, with block-houses barring
the approaches, made the place as defensible as such a position,
buried in deep woods, could be.

The troops which bad been employed in the first advance
were, aa detailed in the order already given, to rest during the
vinter months to recruit ; while those regiments which had formed
the reserve during the time that the others had been actively
employed, were now detached to form the column that was to
explore the Ehoet country, and aecertcun its capabilities of
offence. No. 1 Mountain Battery, however, could not be spared,
and it, as well as No. Z Mountain Battery, formed the artillery of
the £hoBt column.

The time previons to the breaking-np of the camp at
Kurram wae employed in committees to investigate the claims
of certain native officers and men of regiments who had distin-
guished themselves in the operations at the Peiwar Eotal on the
Snd December, and several men of the 6th Goorkhas, 29ih
Punjab Native Infantry, and No. 1 Mountain Battery, were
recommended for various grades of the orders of merit. A
subsequent order directed officers commanding native regi-

itizecy Google

AOHON OP THB PBIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 169

meots to submit the names of any soldiers killed in the
gallant performanoe of th^ir duty, who, had they survived,
would have been recommended, with a view to the claims of
their widows to the piOTiaiona of the order being taken into
consideration.

Before starting to explore the condition of the Ehost valley,
it was necessary to leave a representative of the British Govern'
ment in the Hurriab valley, who would be able to supply infor-
mation as to the temper and actions of the Jaji, Qhilzai, and
Mangal tribes. The native official who bad been deputed to
Alikbeyl had been withdrawn at his own request, as he had not
liked the prospect of being snowed np for the winter in a Jaji
village: but as it was important that this place should be
filled, a British officer. Captain B. H. E. Bennick, S9th P.N.I.,
was selected for this difficult and dangerous duty. In addition
to a great knowledge of native character. Captain Bennick
posaesaed a perfect acquaintance with the Persian language, and
was thus enabled, by freely mixing with the people amongst
whom he was thrown, to win their confidence, and to obtain
all the information that was required.

A small escort of infantry was supplied to Captain Bennick
for his protection, bat a small body like this would have been
useless, unless Captain Btnnick had been able to keep his
position by force of character instead of force of arms, and that
he was able to dn this is in iteelf sufficient praise. The Jaji
tribe was hostile to us, they hod fought against us at the
Peiwar £olal, and though overawed by the defeat of the
Afghans, they had remained sullenly passive ; it required talents
and courage of no mean order, for one who was suddenly thrown
among a hostile population of this kind, not only to conquer
their prejudices, but to conveit their bate into personal friend-
ship.

The weather at this time continued cold, though the health
of the troops did not appear to suffer, but the bitter winds that

itizecy Google

170 WITH THB KCBIUM FIBIJ) FOBOBi

liltin across the Kumm valley from tlie samnirt at Sika Raid,
iQ&da the prospect of leaving the vallejr for the warmer eituatibn
of Hazir Fir a pleasing ehauge for those who were liibkj
enough to get it.

No snow was as yet seen on any of the higher raountttiiis ;
indeed, bad not the usual fall been most fortnoately postpOnfed,
the opentioDS Id the Kurram and Hurriab fulIuyB would have
been brosght to a standsdl) maeb earlier than actaally oocHrred.
On the other hand, a fall of snow on the Shutargardan and
neighbouring passes would have prevented the flight of the
Afghan foroe, wbjob would have probably all fallen into out-
hands.

December 2edi-27th. — The movements detailed vrere carried
out as ordered. The head-quarters marehed to Ibrtthimzai,
distance about ID miles ; the track turned off at the ford where
the toad to the Darwaza pass crossed the river, so that up to
this point, about two miles from the fort, the same road was used.
Luckily none of the baggage went astray, but there was every
possibility of its doing so, as both the troops who were going by
the Darwaza pass and the cavalry escort for the head-quarters
started at the same time, and the road, which was only abbut
18 feet wide, was completely blocked with baggage. The troops,
10th Hussars, F/A Royal Horse Artillery, 29th Punjab Native
Infantry, and No. 1 Mountain Battery, passed through the
Darwaza defile without more difficulty than the loss of some
camp-followers, and an accident to the store waggon of the
battery, which was upset down a steep bank, luckily without
injury to the horses or drivers, but, the perch being broken,
the waggon bad to be left tilt it eoald be recovered. A
working party of the 28rd Pioneers was rrear the «p6t when
the camp-followers were attacked, and succeed^ in capturing
three of the marauders, who were sent in to the camp nt Hazir
Pir.

A party of Eahars, who had been invalided, and who would

itizecy Google

ACTION OF THE PEIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 171

have been forwarded to Hazir Pir under the usual convoy escort,
being in a hurry to make their way hack to India, set off without
leave to cross this defile. Beiag unarmed, aud starting late in
the afternoon, they fell into the hands of the maraudera, who
out up two or three of them.

This band, which numbered about sixty to eighty men, lired
like beasts of prey, among the rocks on the hill-sides which
formed the pass; requiring no bouses or shelter, and but
liule food more than the dead and dying camels, which were
on the road, supplied, they could readily pounce down on an
unwary straggler, and kill him, taking to flight on the first
appearance of danger.

December' 27th. — The march to Ibrahimzai was a pleasant
one ; the road passed along the banks of the Kurram river, and
then in its dry and stony bed, till the stream which drained the
Eermanah valley, and which is known by the same name, was
crossed, at its juncture with the Eurram river.

At this time the Eermanah river bad dwindled down to a
single stream of a few inches in depth, but the width of its bed and
the size of the boulders in it, showed that the melting snows of
the Eermanah valley must come down in a large volume of water.
After crossing this, the road takes to the left bank again, and
is chiefly Uken along the upper edge of the cultivation which
lines the river-side, and which varies in width from half a mile
to a whole one.

About six miles flrom Eurram a fort known as Wali Dad's
fort is passed. Beyond being on a little larger scale than the
villages in its neighbourhood, there ia nothing to diatinguish it
from any of the walled enclosed hamlets in the valley. Its
tower was more massive and better built, but from the road this
could not be perceived. The alopea of the mountains eame
down in spurs to the left of the road, forming here and there
bays, which were terraced and cultivated like the rest of the level
ground, hut at this time of the year the fields were dry and bare.

itizecy Google

172 With the kubram field fokce.

and the traok sometimes lay straight across them instead of
following the curved outline of firm ground at the foot of the
slope.

At the end of one of these projecting spurs, in a position of
great natural strength, a village was situated. The spur was
huilt of conglomerate houlders, and rose like a wall above the
track; high up in it were caverns, n hie h were used by the
villagers as storehouses, and, on the top of the terraced level
surface, the walls of the houses rose up in line with the natural
Boarped base. Apparently only one road led into the village, so
that if held, it could offer a very respectable defence to anyoae
unprovided wth artillery. On this occasion, however, the walls
were lined with women and children, while the men, collected on
the hank below, saluted the General as he passed. A similar
receptjon was given at each of the other villages passed on the
road, and ultimately about 2 p.m. the village of Ibrahimzai was
reached Here the camp was pitched on the dry terraces close
to the village, which was the only available ground free from
stones ; this village was built at the edge of the slope over-
looking the level cultivation in the river-bed. The water-supply
was provided from an irrigation canal at the foot of the slope.
The village was divided into two parts, as it were ; the lower
part near the level was in a balf-ruined condition, while the
uppar part was in good repair. There were some fine chunar
trees in and about this village, which was situated about a mile
above the bend of the Eurram river to the south. The land-
scapes all about this part of the valley were very fine ; to the
east lay the Zymukht country, which partly bounded the valley
in this direction, rising up into a fine range of rugged mnuntains
which, bendiug away to the south, determined the course of the
river in that direction.

To the north the country was ruggtd, but not quite so hare.
The lower bounding range of the Sufaid £oh, which enclosed
the Eonnnnah valley, rose up, covered with vegetation and

itizecy Google

ACTION OP THE PEIWAB KOTAI,, ETC. 173

timber in its higher parts; while beyond this was the Snfaid
Koh itself, which, still free from snow, looked dreary without
any peaks to mark its outline. Between the spurs of the
Su&id Koh to the north and those of the Zymukht range to
the south, lay a broad open valley, which rose with a gentle
slope from the bed of ibe river till it attained a considerable
elevation where it out the sky-line.

This valley, though level in appearance, was seamed by water-
courses and ravines. A large mountain torrent, which must
have taken most of the drainage, fell into the Kurram about
three miles distant &om Ihrahimzai, close to the village of
Saddar, This stream is also known as the Kermanah river, as
it drains a part of the Kermanah valley.

The inhabitants of these ranges, the Musazais, Mammoozais,
and other sections of the Orakzai clane, determined to keep aloof
from us, and would not send in any of their tribal elders to see
the General. They showed no open hoslility, however, and no
shots were fired into any of the camps at night at this time.

December 28th.— The head-quarters and wing liith Bengal
Cavalry marched to Hazir Fir, distance about sixteen miles, the
road going through or along cultivation the whole way, except
when some of the drainage ravines, from the mountains to the
left, bad to be crossed.

At Saddar a halt was made. The company of the 31st
Punjab Native Infantry who were quartered here were employed
in making a road across the fields towards Hazir Pir, which was
much needed, as the native track by which we had marched
only allowed the cavalry to file along. The march had been on
the left hank of the Eurram river, which had to be forded to
reach Hazir Fir. At that time of the year there was no difBoulty
in doing this; the river was crossed about a mils above Hazir
Pir, at the usual ford, which lay in the track between the villages
on the banks.

December 28th and 39th. — The oamp at Hazir Pir was

itizecy Google

174 WITH THE KURRAM FIELD FOECE.

pitched on n terraced slope iit the angle fwrmed by the confluence
of a fliream which drained the vnlley lending to Khost. The
strenm flowed below the camp at a distance of a quarter of a
mile, and afi'orded a good supply of water, though, as it was open
and shallow, sentries had to be placed to prevent its pollution
above the point selected for drinking- purposes. The 2 let
Punjab Native Infantry, No. 2 Mountain Battery, and 5th
Punjab Cavalry were already camped on this site, which, shel-
tered fh)ra the north by a low range of hills, had a aoutherly,
Tarm aspect. The Horse Artillery, wing of the 2inh, and
subsequently the detachment of the 6tb Foot, were camped at
the further side across the Ehost stream, about half a mile off,
on the ground where the Afghan winter quarters used to be;
but on the departure of ilie Ehost column all the troops were
camped for the winter on the first-named site, which, owing to
its position, formed as perfect a oamping-gronnd for the purpose
as could be obtained anywhere.

An irrigation watercourse ran as usual at the top of the
terraced fields, and gave a further supply of muddy water, suit-
able for animals, and for all purposes except drinking.

The capture of the three marauders in the Darwaza pass
stirred up the band to retaliatory measures, and the camp was
liable to he disturbed by these robbers, who prowled in the
Ticinity, where a thick growth of dwarf palm jungle favoured
their operations.

A bheestie going after dark to the stream to fetch water was
8et upon and wounded close to the line of sentries, and some of
the oamel-men out grazing were also attacked, but made good
their escape. The three marauders captured were sentenced to
be hanged for morder, after their guilt was clearly established.

Posit eMidblithed between Kurram and Haair Pir,
December 29th. — D.O.No. 417. — " Military poets, each con-
sisting of two dnffadars and eight sowars, one havildar, two

itizecy Google

AOTIOH OP THE PEIWAB KOTAL, ETC. 176

Daicks and fifteen sepoys, from the li^th Bengal Cavalry, and
S9tb Punjab Native lufiintry at Hazir I'ir. will be esCabtiebed at
Wali Dad Kban's fort and at Badesh Kheyl. Tbe former lies
between Fort Eurram and Ibrahimzai, about Ave miles fronLtbe
latter .place. Badesh Ebeyl is about two roiles on tbe Hazir Fir
dde of Ibrabiiozai. Supplies for the above posts will be sent
out from Hazir Fir. -

" Tbe cavalry posts having already taken up their positions,
the infantry will maroh to-morrow.

" One or two Fusbtu-speaking men should, if possible, be
detailed vith each detaobment."

PoHt-O^ce Arrangementi.

Aq order was alao published tbie day, detailing the arrange-
ments to be made for tbe post at places where do o&kh
existed. Officers commanding at such places were respoDsiblo
for the receipt and despatch of tbe post, and for registered letter
receipLi. An officer might be appoioted by the commandite
officers to superintend tbe postal arrangements.

Mr. Walsb, the Field Postmaster, was directed to remain iit
Hazir Pir for the present.

MovemenU,

D.O.No. 428. — "A wing of the and NatiTfi Infftiitry, Queen's
Own Light Infantry, will move from Eobat to ThtiH pn ^*^
arrival of tbe Ath Punjab Infantry at the fopner st^tinn.

"The headquarter? of thp ^ndQijeep'e Pvn Lighj Jnfftiitry
to remain fit Kohat for t)ie pre^ejjt."

'^ran^er <^ Tents.
Deoamber 80th. — D. 0. No, 429. — " The oDder-mentioned
corps will make over tents, as Ipllows, to officer commandiug
wing 72nd HighUndera :

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176 WITH THE KURRAM FIELD POBCE.

F/A B H.A., four sepoy tents of two pals each ;

Sdth Punjab Native Infantry, eight a^poy tents;

6th Regiment, seven bell-tents ;
and the ofBoer commanding ?2nd Highlanders will maki; over,
in exchange, tents as follows :

F/A B.HA., six Earopean private tents;

29tb Punjab Native Infantry, four European private tents
and three ataff-eergeants' tents ;

8th Foot, five Earopean private tents.
The above exchanges to be carried out to-morrow."

This order was necessitated from the left wing 72nd High-
landers having been obliged to proceed on field service with the
heavy Indian tents.

The Ordnance Department in India kept up a reserve stock
of heavy camp equipage for the Buropean regiments, and also a
reserve for the native regiments. On the declaration of war, it
was decided that all troops crossing the frontier should be
equipped with the lighter native pattern tent, but the reserve
stocks of these were not sufficient to meet the demand, wd a
certain amount of time was required for their manufacture.
Another oircnmstance delayed their supply, and this was the
epidemic of fever that spread over the north-west and Punjab at
that time, which stopped work of every description for several
months.

The reserve stocks of light tents from Madras and Bombay
were sent up to meet the deficiency as far as possible ; but even
when all these had been distributed, some regiments were still
unsnpplied. A delay of two ox three months occurred before
the Field Force was complete in the light camp equipage. The
transfer of the heavy tents to the regiments and battery that
were to pass the winter in a standing camp was therefore a ready
way of obviating the difficulty as regards the 72nd Regiment,
who were thus provided with light tentage at once for service,
without having to wait till it could be supplied.

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ACTION OP THE PErWAB KOTAL, ETO. 177

Sir Days' Battont/or Khost Column.
December 30th,— D. 0. No. 430.—" Officers commanding
native troopa forming the Ehost column will draw rations to-
morrow-up to and for the 4th January 1879."

Re-arrangement of Hospital for Sick and Wounded.

D. O. No. 481. — "Previous to the departure of the Ehost
column, thu following arrangements for the sick are directed.
The sick of the 10th Hussars will be located in the hospital of
F/A Royal Horse Artillery, those of the 72nd Highlanders in the
hospital of the S/Sth Foot.

" Medical ofScera in charge of the squadron 10th Hussars
and wing 72nd Highlanders must leave behind the requisite
supply of medicines and a portion of their hospital establishment
snffioient for the wants of their sick, and also hospital tents if
required.

" The sick of the native portion of the column will be made
over to the medical charge of Surgeon-Major Constant, of the
13th Bengal Cavalry, who will form a general hospital for this
purpose.

" Medical officers are directed to leave portion of their
hospital establishment and a sufficient supply of medicine, with
tents sufficient to accommodate the number of sick they leave
behind.

" The medical officer in charge 28th Punjab Native Tnfontry
will detail one of his hospital assistants to do duty in the general
hospital under Dr. Constant."

The abolition of the purely regimental medical system, and
the introduction of a system of hospitals, adapted for lime of
war as well as peace, would obviate the necessity of on order
like Qie one just quoted, which breaks up the regimental system
OS soon as the necessities of a campaign separate the men imable
to move, from their regiments,

12

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176 WITH TSB BDRIUM yJXlD FOB08.

The 28th FuDJab Native Infantry and the two gone of No. 2
' Moaotain Battery marched in from Thull this day, and their
arrival oempleted the Ehost oolumn — which was now ready to
Btart.

itizecy Google

,1,1.0, Google

.„ Google

CHAPTER VI.

Expedition to the Ehost Yallet, and Eteuts in
Jandary 1879.

fANUARY 2Dd, 1879.— The object of the Khost expedition
wae, as already stated, to investigate the resources of the
E.Sost countcy is men and supplies, and to ascertain to what
extent the combination of the inhabitants of the country against
ns could affect our line of communications.

There were secondary advantages to be gained from making
thia reconnaissance in force, but these had no influence on the
expedition apart from the original idea.

The force at the disposal of General Roberts did not amount
to a sufficient number to undertake the conquest of a hostile
population, and, therefore, no idea of the annexation of the
Khost valley formed part of the programme, till it was formally
made over to the General by the Afghan governor. The secon-
dary advantages to be gained were, that from the Khost valley
it might be possible, when necessary, to despatch a force for the
oonquest of the Waziri tribes, whose chief town, Eaaigoram,
was not far distant ; also there might be a chance of exploring

12 *

itizecy Google

180 WITH THE KUMIAM FIEU) FORCE.

the road to Glmzni, which was known to cross the Mangal
monntaics at the west end of the valley.

Some theoretical strategists have assumed that the Khnst
expedition was undertaken solely with the object of placing the
Karram force in relation with the Candahar one, which at that
time was advancing on and had not reached Candahar, and that
the withdrawal of the force [from the Ebost valley implied
that the plan was a failure ; whereas the mere fact that the
expedition started with only fifteen days' supplies should have heen
sufficient to convince anyone that no further operations than
those indicated were in contemplation, and that the withdrawal
of the force, though it was postponed for a fortnight beyond the
original intention by the circumstances of the case, waa yet only
in accordance with the original plan.

The disturbances on the southern Wazin border, which
occurred about this time, being easily settled by the frontier
troops in that direction, there was no necessity for any expedition
on a large scale being organised against thai tribe.

It is very probable, moreover, that the presence of the force
in the £host country, almost within striking distance, may have
had its due effect on the tribe as a whole, and may have pre-
vented any general rising, which the people had been urged to
undertake by the letters and direct influence of the Amir, as
well as by the pressure brought to bear on ihem by the preaching
of their mullahs.

As regards the exploration of ihe road to Gbazni, it would
have formed a very desirable termination to the Ehost expedition,
but to carry it out would have required a much larger force than
was available. The level of the Khost valley above the sea is
8,500 feet, and that of Ghazni is knovm to be 7,800 feet. At
the west end of the £hoet valley the road towards Ghazni ran
in an open level valley as far as could be seen for about fifteen
to twenty miles, when it appeared to he blocked by the range
occupied by the Mangal tribe.

Digitizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KHOST, ETC. 181

The (Itatnn.'re to Gliazui from this point might be about
eighty miles, but to get there two ranges hod to be crossed, id a
difficult and hosdle country, and the diderence in elevation
showed thflt the road must for the greater part he an ascent.

It would, doubtless, have been satisfactory to have ascer*
tained all the particulars about the route, but in the time and
with the means at hand it would njt have been practicable.

If ever the Khost valley should come again under our domi-
nation, it will be time to explore this and the Ghazni end of the
Gomal road, through the Waziri country, though this last has
been traversed by Ferrier, and is therefore known.

The Khost country had till this time been represented
on the map by a blank space; the streams which ran into
the Kiirram river at Hazir I'ir were juiit marked at their
embouchure as the roads by which tlie Amir's sirdars went to
collect the revenue. Beyond this fact nothing was known,
except that the Afghan governor, after the flight of Shere Ali,
had expressed his willingness to make over the charge of the
country to us. This of course implied that the expedition would
he a quiet walk through the country, which expectation was very
nearly realised. The first march and to a little distance beyond
had been reconnoitred by Captain Carr, D.A Q.M.ti., who had
reported the country open and accessible for cavalry, so far as
he had seen from the summit of the Dhanui Eotal, a distance
of about Gfteen miles from Hazir Pir.

The camp was struck at 8 a.m. and the march began at 9 A.M.,
preceded by the squadron of the 10th Hussars, and with flanking
parties of the 5th Punjab Cavalry.

This day's march was to Jaji Maidan, a collection of Tillages
at the head of the valley up which the march was made. This
valley was on an average about three miles wide, increasing,
however, to about five miles, at the point whore the Darwaza pass
o a<l cnnie into it on the north side.

The riuigos bounding it on the south were of no great eleva-

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182 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

tiou. The rond tnken was along the soathenimost of the tuu
stroams that drttioeJ tlie valley, and weut very nearly due \vet>t,
avoiding the vindings of the river, vhich it crossed twice on the
wiiy.

The country was quite unctiltivated, and only one sninll
villftge wag seen in the direction of the Uarwaza pass ; the Boil,
however, looked fertile, and there seemed fewer stones on the
surface than in the Kurrani valley. The dwarf palm grew in
profusion in every direction, and gave cover to black partridgea,
which were heard calling, but few could be seen.

There is no doubt but that the whole of this fine valley is
fertile, and that it should be so little cultivated is accounted for
by the fact that it is debateable ground, but the scarcity of
population in these parts is due more likely to the effect of the
Afghan rule. Under the Afguan military occupation of the
Knrram valley the population could not be expected to increase.
As the rulers set the example of violence, there was nut
likely to be any redress against the plundering habits of the hill
tribes, who, living above this valley, would have soon made an
end of anyone occupying it without their leave.

The villages at Juji Maidan were situated at the west end of
the valley, which line terminated at the range of monntains, the
main chain of which, starting from the Peiwar Kotal, ran nearly
due south. The valley ended, as it were, in a cul de-sac, but
there was an outlet to the south to the Dhannt pass.

The chief village, near which the camp was placed, occupied
a central position at the end of a ridge, on both sides of which
the ground sank rapidly to the level of the cultivated and
irrigted ground.

There was but little space for the camp, which had to be
pitched along the ridge in two parts, where the ground admitted.
The head-quarter camp was down below, just above the
cultivation.

With a convoy of ovtr 1,000 camels for the supplies, the

itizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KH08T, ETC. 188

baggage wns not up till 4.80 p.m., haviag tftken thna atx hours
to do tie diatoQOfl of ten mileB.

The inhabitantB of the Tillages beloog to the Joji tribe,
thuQgh they are quite detached from the main body of the
tribe, which occupies the Hurriab and mountain portion of the
Eurram valley. They were moderately civil and brought
supplies, but, like all the savages in these parts, bad no idea of
the value of money, asking a rupee for everything.

Colonel Waterfield, the Political Officer with the force,
inquired from the villagers who were assembled how it was that
the village headmen or maliks were not represented by the old
men of the tribe, and was informed that when old age prevented
anyone from taking bis positioo as a fighting msn, he lost his
influence ia the tribe, even if be were not expelled altogether.

Living tbua in a state of chronic warfare with their neigh-
bours, the ohanoe of anyone living to an old age must he
exceptional.

With such neighbours, it is a wonder that the night pAssed
over without more attempts at robbery. Only oue thief tried to
steal in amoug the mules in the head-quarter camp, but made
his escape, without being hit by the sentry who fired on him.

The other villages or hamlets were situated on the slops of
the range which blocked the valley. A better and more com*
pact campiDg-ground would have been obtained by crossing the
ravine at the end of the ridge and going there, bat it would
have lengthened the march by nearly a mile, and the shortening
winter day did not allow of much time for selecting and marking
out ground.

January 8rd.— The camp was struck at 8 a.m., and the
troops moved off at a.m. in the following order : —
Squadron 10th Hussars,
.'ith Punjab Cavalry.
liSlh Punjab Native Infantry.
No. 2 Mountain Battery.

itizecyGOOglc —

184 WITH THE EDBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

Wing 72nd Highlanders,

Then the baggage ; the mules leading, followed by the

camels.
No. 1 MouDtAin Battery.
Slat Punjab Native Infantry.
The road from the camp across the ravine below the ridge
had not been speoially reconstructed till just before the march
took place, when it was foand that the descent through ter*
raced fields to the side of the ravine, and then down its rocky
bank, was more difBcult than had been anticipated. A working
party was at once sent out to ramp down the terraces and make
a passable road, but this was hardly finished when the column
was formed up and the animals laden for the march.

To defile a convoy over a difficult piece of ground, where
even the cavalry bad to go in single file, naturally made a
great delay in starting, and it was not till close upon 13 o'clock
that the rear-guard moved out of the camp. After orossing this
difficult ravine the road went to the south, leading up a fairly
open valley, with a gradual aecent, drained by a main water-
course, into which numerous feeders carried the rainfall.

No notice would have been taken of these watercourses by a
single man riding along, who could easily go down and up, but
these narrow and worn passages were not so well adspted to
laden animals whose loads projected on each side, and where
any water was left at the bottom the passage of the leading
animals scon made the opposite bank into a slippery street of
mud, up which it was difficult to take them.

As the road continued up the valley, the cultivation depending
on the village of Dhanni was passed. The villagers, as usual,
sat in lines on the terraced banks, and one volunteered the
jnformntion that some Mnngnls had been seen the previous
evening in the neighbourliuod. About a mile beyond the village
the summit of the pass was reached. The view down tlie
further side only extended into a long valley wooded with small

itizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KHOST, ETC. 185

trees and brushwood, in vhich a river-bed ehoEe at intervale ;
the valley to the left was shut in by a spur descending from the
pass, while to the rigbt it was more open, but the ground rose
irom the rivei-bed on the right or western side till the summit
of the raoge was reached, in the valley beyond which, at a
distance of about six miles, the Mangals were supposed to
live.

The descent was not diffionlt; it was about a quarter of a
mile long, and well woro in a number of tracks, showing that it
formed one of the principal ruads into tbe'country.

At the end of the valley, about six miles distant, the plain of
the Khost country could be distinguished, with a distant bins
line of mountains blocking the horizon to the south, in front of
which several smaller ranges appeared.

When the General reached the summit of the pass, about noon,
it was evident, from the delay that had occurred on the road,
that the convoy could not expect to reach the proposed camp at
the end of the valley before dark ; he therefore ordered it to be
halted at this point, where the ground was open and suitable,,
with a satisfactory water-supply in the neighbourhood, and the
mules with the bnggnge of the troops who were to go on, were
only allowed to proceed. The aist Punjab Native Infantry and
No. 1 Mountain Battery were to halt to protect the convoy, and
to bring it on the next day.

The road from the pass, after the descent, led through the
valley, keeping close to the foot of the hill on the left through
a jungly tract, which would have afforded Cover to an enemy
had there been any, and at a distance of three miles, reached the
stony bed of tbo river, which it followed for about half a mile ;
then it was taken on to the left bank for another mile. To
prevent straggling on the part of the baggage, it was all collected
in the river-bed previous to the ascent of the bank. The road
then recronsed the river-bed, which was about half a mile wide
At this point, with three streams in it, and, mounting the right

itizecy Google

186 WITH THB EDBBAU FIELD FOBCE.

Iiank, prooaeded along ao irrigatioa watercourse to the village of
Hakb, ft einall bamlet pleasantly situst«d in the open valley, and
nbout half a mile from the foot of the hills. The oamp was
pitched to the south of the village, at the extremitj of the cul-
tivated land and close to a vide tract covered with dwuf palm ;
nD irrigation surface canal supplied it with water, though of bad
quality; good drinking-water could, however, be obtained from
a karez, or underground watercourse, in the neigbboorhood of
the village.

The head men of the village were not very desirous of paying
their respects to the General, but cune on being sent for. They
were cautioned as to their behaviour, and told that no injury would
be done them if they behaved well. The prices to be charged
for supplies were settled with them, so that there should be no
disagreements on this score.

The climate of this valley wag a pleasant change after the
cold of Korram, the thermometer only just reaching freezing
point in the night.

January 4tb. — The force halted to allow the convoy and rear-
gnard to come up, whicfa they did in the forenoon, after which
the camels were sent to feed on the slopes of the bills, about a
couple of miles from camp.

The open valley, or plain, of Bakh was about six miles long
and four broad ; it seemed to be bounded on the south by a low
swell, which separated it from the next plain. There were also
three isolated wooded bills to the east, which stood up out of the
plain and gave it a character of its own, relieving the monotony
of the level surfaces. The survey party, under Captain Wood-
thorpe, B.E., ascended the highest hill of the range to the north-
west, and then commenced the survey of the country, which was
continued in every direction till the whole of the valley was
mapped down.

An ordtr was published this day calling altenliun to the
cwelese way in which camels were loaded, and directing regi-

itizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KH08T, ETC. lH7

mental offiuers to see to the loading, and ioBpect each load before
starting.

By careful attention to this point much delaj ffoald often be
avoided, aa aa ill-adjnsted load, wbiob requires to be put to
rights oQ the march, will delay the whole baggage column in its
rear for some time, while the portion of the column in front
proceeds on its way, thus making a break and increasing the
length of the convoy annecessarily.

At this camp, before leaving on the morning of the 5tb, a
havildar of the S8th Fanjab Native Infantry was murdered.

The man had gone out in the dark of the early morning at
about o'clock, when he was cut down within fifty yards of
the sentries of the regimental guard. Though his cries brought
the guard at once to the spot, the search for the murderer
was ineffectual, the ground being covered with the dwarf palm
jungle, in which any number of men could have been conoealed
without observatipn.

The murderer was supposed to be a man of theJaji tribe,
who had been flogi^ed at Hazir Fir and bis arms taken away
from him, when, on the occasion of the three men being hung
who had murdered the followers in the Darwaza pass, he bad
threatened to avenge their deaths. The man had been reported
as having been seen at the last camping'ground, and as in all
probability he was the murderer, no steps were taken against the
maliks of the village of Bakb, who protested their innocence and
their ignorance of the crime.

■Tanuary 6th. — The maroh was resumed at 9 a.m. this morn-
ing. As the country was all open, the baggage was ordered to
proceed in two columns, under charge of the 2Htb Punjab Native
Infantry, the camels in one, and the mules in another, and aa
there was nothing to hinder it, the front of each column was
made as wide as possible. By this means, the maroh of six
miles was finished by 1 o'clock.

After leaving Bakb, the track led alongside of OQltivattid

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188 WITH THR KrRtlAM FIELD FOBCE.

land, whicli wna interspersed with pntohea of dwarf palm, for
about four miles, till Che low swelling ground which marked the
end of this part of the valley was reached. At about three miles a
large walled serai or fortified encloBore, the sign of the.AfghaD
occupation, was passed, and at four miles a Tillage perched on a
high bank above the road marked the watershed between the
plaiD which bad just been passed and the next one, which was
similar to it, but of smaller extent, and apparently not so much
cultivated. Two miles across the plain a river was reached, which
flowed through the alluvial soil at a depth of about twenty feet
below the level of the plain, where the road crossed it. The
ground, on approaching this river, became marshy and water-
logged, and one of the cavalry advance guard, who was preceding
the column at a distance of half a mile to the right, got bogged
in the marsh. Major Stewart, of the Sch Punjab Cavalry, who
was riding on the left of the road, also stuck in the mud, but
both be and the sowar were rescued after some trouble. The
river is known lower down aa the Kam Ebost, or Little Ehost
river, and its course here was from west to east. At this season
it was only about a foot deep and ten yards wide, but when in
flood it would be impassable. The water was muddy and
dirty.

The village of Eubie, or Yakubi, is situated on the southent
bank of the river, at the further side of the ford. It is a diriy,
straggling village, with no trees about it, nnd might coutsin a
population of l,OnO souls.

The camp was pitched on dry fields to the east of the village,
parallel to the river.

One of the inhabitants of this village had been in our service
as a sepoy in the 5th Punjab Infantiy, and having served his
time had taken his discharge. He wns natunilly pleased to see
the British troops again, and would have been more pleased if
the country had been annexed altogether, as his life, owing to
his having served under the British Government, was not made

itizecy Google

EXPEDITIOX TO KHOST, ETC. 189

too pleasant for liim by the Afghftns. This man Hnd no great
idea of the Mang&ls as a fighting tribe, and he was of opinion
that a force of 2,U0O men would keep the whole tribe in cbeuk,
and prevent their harrying the Khostiwals.

The commenoement of the morrow's march was visible from
the camp, the road going across a triangular plain, till it hit off
a pass in the snrrounding bills at its apex, at a distance of about
three miles. The whole of this land was under occasional culti-
vation ; but as there were no irrigation watercourses in this
direction, the oultivation must have depended on the rainfall.

The General and staff proceeded at once on arrival to recon-
noitre the pass tbrongh the range ahead, but having ridden for
two miles, a party of horsemen was observed ooming towards
them.

Concluding that this must be the Afghan governor of Malnn,
ooming over to pay bis respects, the General returned to camp,
avoiding a meeting on the road, which might have appeared as if
the General hod done him the honour of going ont to meet him.

The Governor of Matnn, Akram Ehan, and bia brother, who
was employed under him, with a miscellaneous retinue of armed
attendants, were received by the General at 3 o'clock in the
afternoon.

The visit was not a long one, but the Governor promised to
make over the fort, and all the records of the valley, when the
General should reach Matun.

This man bad not long been governor of the Ehost valley,
having previously served for seven years in the Kurram valley
as deputy -governor, nnder Sirdar Wali Mahomed.

lie had DO regular Afghan troops under him in the fort, but
some local militia, or matchlock men. The inhabitants of tbe
district, according to bis report, were not directly opposed to the
British Government, and he thought that there would be no
trouble as regards their behaviour.

The interview, which took place in the durbar tent, having

Digitizecy Google

190 WITH THE KDEBAM FIELD POBCB.

terminnttd. Divine Service wna performed in it by the cbaplitiD,
tli« Rev. J. Adams, who accompanied the force,

January flth, — The order of march this day was directed, as
follows, by the officer commanding I at Brigade, Colonel Barry
Drew: —

Sqaadron 10th HnBsars.

28th Punjab Native Infantry.

No. 2 Mountain Battery.
Mules, gnus-cutters, ponies, and oamels, in three columns,
escorted by the 26th Punjab Native Infantry, and dth Fnnjab
Cavalry.

21st Punjab Native Infantry.

No. I Mountain Battery.

72nd Highlanders.
The baggage column got on well enough till the entrance to
the kotal was reached, when, as there was not room on the
traok for the three colomns, some delay occurred in making tbem
file through. The pass itself was not difBculi in any sense of
the word, but the track naturally became narrow as it wound
through the valleye, whose eloping atony sides prevented any
laden animals from attempting to leave the beaten path.

Flanking parties of the 28th Punjab Native Infantry and
6th Punjab Cavalry nrowned the heights on both sides, while
the convoy proceeded through the winding valley for about two
miles.

Lieutenant Spratt, B.E., with a company of the 28th and a
gang of labourers firom the village, had been ordered to precede
the column and improve the road where necessary; but the local
labourers were so tardy in coming in the morning, that the head
of the column reached the working party before anything had
been done to the road. The only place where there might have
been some trouble, was where a stream with deep vertical banks
crossed the road, but the passage down and up bad been worn
away Buffiuiently to allow the convoy to cross without assiEtanoe,

itizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KHOST, ETC. 191

On clearing the mnge of these low hills, the road descended an
open valley, with an easy slope towards the plain of the Matan
valley.

As the advanced gnard of th« 10th HusBars had halted on
the brow of the slope overlooking the plun, the Governor of
Matnn, and his eaoort, rode up ; and the Qeneral and staff
arriving shortly after, he proceeded with the Governor, and
escorted by the squadron of the 10th Hussars, to Matun, which
was distant aboot three miles, the rest of the column following
close behind.

On arriving within half a mile of the Fort of Matun, the
squadron of the lOth Hnssars was halted on the open ground,
on which the camp was subsequently pitohed, and the General
merely taking a few files as escort, to avoid any show of in-
timidation, rode on with the Governor, the staff accompanying.

The Fort of Matun is a sqoare-walled enclosore, with ciroulm-
oorner basUone, the length of the side being about 100 yards.
In the oentre was the keep, a smaller square enclosore, witli
round towers at two of the angks. The interior of the furt was
occupied by huts along the out«r walls, which were used as
barracks and Btables, These were in a very ruinous, dirty, and
dilapidated condition, while the inside space between them and
the keep was chie% a series of excavations filled with litter, filth,
and stagnant water.

Over the gateway leading into the fort, which was reached fay
a road crossing the exterior ditoh, which was also full of stagnant
water and reeds on this side, was a sat of rooms, which were
inhabited by the Governor's brother, while he himself occupied
a better style of accommodation in the keep.

As the fort was approached, its garrison, which oonnsted of
about 100 local militia, who were collected in a mass near the
open mosque, a mud building just outside the fort, formed up
into two lines facing inwards, with red silk triangular banners tit
(he euds of ths lines. A vigoroas salute on their tomtoms

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192 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

greeted the GcDeial, wliilu each matohlock-mnn ealuted by raising
his band to his forehead as he passed along, aud rode through
the gateTray into the fort to the door of the inner fort, or keep.

Dismounting at the entrance to the latter, the party was
condncted to a room on the ground floor, raised abont three feet
above the level of the garden, which occnpied the centre of the
enclosnre. This room was open to the garden, the window
spaces being filled up with sliding shutters when nec^sary.
The floor was covered with a coarse felt cloth, above which
on three sides of the room were placed strips of white Gandahsr
felt, ornamented, with an intricate blue pattern, which set off the
room and gave it a habitable look, though, as regards the British
officers, the arrangement, which was meant for visitors to sit
cross-legged on, was useless.

The General remained in conversation with the Governor,
Akram Ehan, for about half an hour, during which tea was
served in the Afghan manner, without milk.

Akram Khan was an elderly man, of about forty-five to fifty
years of age. His face was unpleasant, not marked by any
special Afghan characteristics, such as the heavy brow and
Jewish nose, with a heavy sensual mouth, which distinguished
some of the followers, but the face was not one which gave
any confidence in its owner.

The water-supply of the fort appeared to be derived from the
surface irrigation canal, which passed close by it, and which
was diverted into a covered-in tank, opposite the mosque, close
to the gate. An attempt bad been made to dig a well inside the
fort, which had been excavated to a depth of about sixty feet,
through the alluvial soil of the valley, without any sign of water
being reached. This well, after its excavation, hod been stopped,
and had been utilized as a reservoir for water, aud a roof had
been placed over it, to keep the water cool during the summer
heats; but like the rest of the fort, it hod been allowed
to fall to deoay, nod the roof had fallen to the bottom of the

itizecy Google

BXPBDmoS TO KHOaT, ETC. 193

oxoavatiOQ, which dow added another and more dangerotiB hole
to the pitfalls already existlDg in the enclosure.

This scanty water-supply was sufficient to condemn the
fort SB a military post, ae the irrigation canal could at any time
be diverted at the point where it started from the Mataa river.
The covered-in tank, if it bad been cleared out, wonld have held
a fair supply ; hut it now only held a ooaple of feet of water,
the hottom being silted up with mud. The nearest permanent
water-supply was the Matun river, which ran about half a mile
to the south of the fort, too far off to be of use in case of an
attack. *

Outside the fort, to the east, was a walled-in orehard, and
between the orchard and the fort there was a road leading to the
villages on the south side of the valley. Beyond the orchard, to
the east, at about a quarter of a mile's distance, there were the
remains of a standing cavalry camp, or cantonment, where a
regiment had been quartered previously, but of this there were
only a few mined walls and mud mangers to mark the site.
Between this site and the camp, which was pitched on the north-
east edde of the fort, ran a drainage watercourse, which carried
off the superfluous water after irrigation, and at the same time
carried the wat^r irom the Shamil river to the fields of more
distant villages at a lower level of the valley. This watercourse,
which varied from twenty to ten feet deep, with more or less
precipitous sides, formed the southern boundary of the camp,
and at the same time ita water-supply. The water was, of
donrse, dirty and muddy.

The camp was all pitched by 2 p.u., the head-quarters teut
in the centre, the squadron 10th Hussars on the right, then the
72nd and 2Ist facing the east, the ftth Punjab Cavalry to the
south; to the left of the bead-quarter camp the two mountain
batteries of artillery, and then the 28th Punjab Native Infantry
facing the west. The convoy of camels was collected between
the Fmyab Gavalry and 21st, and the 6th Punjab Cavalzy. By

18

DigiliLO, Google

184 WITH THE ^UpEj^ pi^fp jffl^pB.

^bi^ Qp^gemaDt the camp was pitched as compaotly as poBsible,
and no rear-guards were required, as the c^mps all faced out-
^^d^. jDrormatioq was brought in about J °'pI°p!^ ^^''^ the
]^^g^)^, who )iad till then been invisible, had come down intp
t^e T^ll^T- And were opcupying the villages in the neighbourhood.
"^bff folitfoal Pflpcer, Colonel Waf«rfield, was requested to sepd
" Bl??^^ * ^ ^^^ ^f'^ji^B of t|ie nearest villages lo vam them
fbat if they allowed any I)ostile ffjbes to b^ harboured, without
BtyiDg i^qtipe of theif occupation, their villages would be
dgsfroyed.

The entimy, however, thought better of making a ntght
f(^^, fin^ though the ]>ioketB had been strengthened in antioi-
gptiop of ttieiE advance, and half the fofoe had been |letailed as
(^ ITjInng pjcket to sleep- accoutred, the night passed oif
Tlt^^}!^ any (jjisturb^nce.

.{^Qua^'y Tth.— Tn the morning the I^aDgals and other
jtrijjesp^e^ i^^*^ ^ swann out of the villages it) which they
))^ p^sed the night, bat at 8 o'clock pone of them bad
^J9Q in to any of the nearest villages to the north-west, which
^pf^ situated about a mile from the oamp, and a mile and a half
fP fwp miles from the line of hills to the north of the valley,

^o^e i^rvants who had gone to these villages for supplies
HSiTfi. however, warned by iheir occupan^ not to go beyond
|hfqi, as the other neighbouring villages bad been occupied, and
jrfTp BtJll f)ill of anned men,

'iphe nearest villages to the east of camp were about half a
mile distant, and to the south-west there wap a small village
abput t^ree-quu-t^rs of a mile distant, and another about half a
inile further in this direction, on the bank of the Matun river,
jwross which to die ^onth, within a radius of two miles, were
,feveral other hamlets.

Tb^ enemy could be obse^ed assemblins, chiefly to the

Digitizecy Google

SSPEDITIOH TO KO-QSJ, VTO. 1@5

Bortii-vett, and u they seemed disposed bo mats as attack f^ ^)^t
tittf, til* UQops fell in about 9 ah., but were qooB d'sii^iMed
l^uD, as the iDtentians ol the enemy bspAcae pioro uvid^nt,
wbjoh vsre to make a eimalUDeDUH attack on the oamp in aT6^
direotioa aa soon a^ tlie forses vbioh vote ^o^tlered tbroogb tba
valley sonld b« got in basd. Ja tb« naars^t Tillages to t^
ifortb-eaM no sneay bad besn observed in tbo morfiiiig, or b[i ^
18 o'clock, when a sudden nisb of tbe camp fqllpireia, gI^»f^•
onttsra, and eamel-m«i, who had gone thither to pqrohasA fo4d^
for their aniands, ahoved that the sarrounding ngT^qf^nt f*»
aonpleted.

A recoaasisaiiM of a troop of tbfi 5tb Pnnj^ Cf^ralFF ^84
b»ea sank out io tba north-veat direotioa, with Obtain C^,
D.A.Q.U.a., ^ont 9.80 «.h.. and returned, having be^ lGre4
tipoo, abont noon, with tho information ^at t^v sp^my «««
oooapying tbe villages nearest the hille, and bad fflao fakep ^p (f.
positiQn along the lonwi alopea, wbiuh. indeed, eould })b np^^
from the oamp.

The retiun ot this reconnoitring party, ui4 the aH^ck of
(be enemy on tha east, irhere, beeides kiljiag f^ painel-[uap> t^ey
bad captured eoms few camels that bad b^^ ip tgi^ (ih^rge,
■bowed that th* time for action bad ooroe.

It wat a UuJtt hebrQ I o'clock when tt>e tfoopf were ordpr94
to &U in again, fai tbe cgvalFy were wat oiit sgaiast ^be' aaep^y
ia the northrveBt dir«ctioa, to he Gillowfld by tbe 36tb Puqjab
Native Iiifantr)r aadsr (4»Htenant-Cqlonel £{)t4B0^i fU)d ii<*- %
Mountain Battery under Captain Swinley. The arrival of the
eavalry under Colonel (Sevgh, p.fi-, V.C, frightened fjie rem*ip-
ing occnpaats of the T'll^g^s iq t)ie plaiu4> who withdraw a^
quickly to the foot of the hills as they could, followed, by tbo
•Avalry, wbo, bawsser, were too lata U> cat«b any of tbe men in
tbe ppea. The squadron of the 10th Uu^ara was 4iaHiouptei],
•q^ wat vrdeHid t« skinaiah up ft small If^oH \a th* west, ()i)t
of which thsy drove the MBWy. wllfl ylatjed ^SS^elv^f QP

13 •

itizecyGOOgle

196 WITH THE EURRAM FIELD FOBCE.

another ipnr of the hill, on wbicb they were gathered in a mass.
A squadron of the 5th Punjab Gavalry was sent up this spur,
the ascent of which, though at first stony and rough, was not
impraclicable. Charging as far as they could, the enemy retreat-
ing before them, they, too, dismounted and opened a brisk fire.
The enemy, who had the advantage of ground, retired before this
attack, and the troopers 5th Punjab Cavalry pressing on, very
nearly captured a red standard which marked the position of one
of the leaders of the Mangala. The exchange of fire had been
going on for about half an hour, when the arrival of the 28th
Punjab Native Infantry under Colonel Hudson brought a more
effective fire on the ridge where the enemy were now collected.
The 7-pounder gnna came into ao^on below and pitched three
shells, with precision, on to the sky-line of the ridge, where the
enemy showed in force. Unaccustomed to artillery fire, they
gradually disappeared over the reverse side, though still a number
of men round a white flag on the highest point of the ridge kept
their position for some time, disappearing behind the crest when
the pnfF of smoke showed that the shell was coming, and then,
after the explosion, continuing their war-dances and brandishing
their knives on the sky line. The fall of the standard bearer
oansed the flight of his companions ; and out of the swarm of
at least 2,000 Mangals who bad occupied this portion of the
valley,' all had fled beyond the reach of pursuit, which, however,
was not attempted, as nothing would have been gained by follow-
ing the enemy into the recesses of the mountains.

The General, in view of the proposed attack, had made the
following diepoeitioQ of the troops which were to remain aft«r
the despatch of the 28th and two guns to the attack of the
enemy, as stated.

The defence of the camp was entrusted to Brigadier-General
Barry Drew, commanding 1st Brigade, who had under his orders
the 21st Punjab Native Infantry, the wing of the Tiind High-
landers, and No. 1 Monntuo Battery.

itizecy Google

BXPBDITIOH TO KHOSI, ETC. 197

The 21st Punjab Native Infantry were disposed in irittg:
the right wing under Major Collis, commaiiding the regiment, at
the north-east front; the left wing under Captain Carmthers,
at the south-east comer ; fifty of the 72nd under Captain
8pena*were detailed to the south aide, where two guns nnder
lieatenant Jervis, No. 1 Mountain Battery, were also stationed.
The other two guns of this hattery, under Captain Morgan, were
employed by General Drew with the right wing of the SIst.

The remainder of the 72nd under Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke,t
were in reserve in the oamp, Mnjor Stookwell and Captsin Kelsey
being posted with fifty men on the west front, to protect that flank.

The General and staff started soon after I o'clock to watch
the progress of the attack under Colonel Gough, C B., V.C.,
already described, but as it appeared that, through some mistake,
the twenty-five men of the 5th Punjab Cavalry who should have
remained in camp under the orders of Brigadiui General Drew,
had proceeded with their regiment, he directed his personal
escort of eight sowars to be placed nnder General Drew's orders,
and went on across the plain without any escort but his staff.

Immediately after the Major-General had left the camp, tbe
enemy who occupied the villages in the north-east direction began
to show themselves, spreading out from each side of tbe nearest
village. Captain Morgan's two gans were brought into action,
and threw several shells into tbe mass of men who were here
collected. The effect of this fire was marvellous, tbe enemy
could not face the bursting of tbe shells, and began streaming
off towards the villages in their rear and to the south.

Captain Kennedy, D.A.Q.M.G,, was ordered with tbe few
sowars who were available to try and cut off the men who were
moving towards tlie eontfa, but on galloping out about half a
mile, tbe party waa palled up by the watercourse which ran
along the south front of the camp, which was quite impassable

* Eilled in Mttou in Cabul.

t Since deoeiMad on his return from Cabul invalided.

itizecy Google

at this point, and he relumed to eamp nUheat hkvin^ tielilfeved
aii;thit)§ at this time.

Htrd there been anj mora eavnlry avaiUble, tfie Artng of
cRinels which had been seized in this Tillage sad irfaieb fren
being led anay to tfae north, might hare been recovered, &#
they utrtb visible on the plain abont tbreb miles dteiant j bai it
Vonld not have been posslhie, with the mast of men still faimgidg
about the seeond and third villages in ihis direetioni td attempt
their recapture without ranfaiDg the risk of theif feeing eal off
on their retnrii, besides whibfa xhite were no ei'dera for anj ef
the troops to Itove the eamp.-

At Boon as the giins bad openetl fire in front, a gefieral
fusilade in the rear to the south showed that the enemy bad
intended to close in, in this directioii, where the cover afforded
by the old Afghan cavalry lines allowed them to approaeb
witliiii half a mile of the camp Without being perceived. They
occupied also the wailed viDago about three-qnarteta of s mile
distant on this side.

The left wing of the Slst, Aligned behind ^ remaiBS of a
mad wall, opened fire on the cavalry line^^ while the tifto guds of
No. 1 . Mountain Battery, supported by the fktty of Highlanders
ander Captain Spens, oommeuced shelling the village, vriih aa.
occasional shot in the direction of the lines. As on the other
flank, the effect of the artillery fire surpassed our expsotations:
the enemy oould not stand the shells, and »otm began to dear
out, retreating to the nexi village ahonl a c^uarter of a iful«
further on, which was just without the rai^ of the gun*, aild
hidden by the nearer one.

The fort did not appear to he oecnpied by tbA enemy^
though the retainers of the Goveriior, who Still lived in his
quarters, had collected on the roof, watching the progress of
affairs in the valley all round, when if matters had gone against
us, they would doubtless have made common cause with the
swarms who had come down firom the hills.

itizecy Google

£iif%:]ii!ti6& U fiM6s$, fixe. 1^

It was reported tti&t the previoad night ^i^^la had b'eeb
flashed ^ob the roof of the buildings in ibe fori, EtS if titikll
qnantities of powder h&d be€o throito tin cb'arcottl ; alid it ^Hk
quite [iosdbie, that the QoTemor, or his ret^iiera, had k ^fivata
code of BigDals with the leaders of the enemy.

The General returned to camp abont 2.&0 ^ h., to find thb'
attack driven off in ev^ry direction, and he ordered the irihgi of
the 3 1 St Punjab Nativd Infantry and the 72nd on their flank to
^llow np the euemy to the east and south-east, with the montl-
tain guns, and to bum the villages Which fiad harboured ihb
enemy. Brigadier-General Drew led the detachment of t&6
Highlanders, under Lieut -Colonel Clarke, And th6 right 'Mihg of
the SIst Punjab Nativ^ Infantry, for about three miles, setdn^
alight to five villages in this direction ; one man of the &liik
being killed during the operation at the second village, hnt prao-
tically therb was no defence, and the enemy fled. The villag^
htld all been deserted And were quite empty in this direction, iM
also in the south-east, where the Slst, under Captain Camitbet^,
occupied the first village Without any losS. The two mountain
^ns then proceeded to Shell the aecotifl village, in which th«
6nemy ^eSmed disponed to tn&ke a ^tattd. When the flrgt villag^
hid been Occupied and set alight, the camp-followers, who h!i4
been on the watch for plunder, swooped down on thetii tth9
oArried off i^hatbver was portable, though there was nothing left
in Any of thetn to speak of, 6x6ept a few fbwls aiid ft charpdjr
Or two.

ihe Second village was occupied by thb Slat iOiA S^t alig|h^
and then a third village about half ft mil^ off was visited, to fihli
ft equally deSerted. On brossiug ttife Maiiiti riv^r lit the beoond
village, on the way to the third one, the plain to the tottiB #iti
o1)sgrved covered with the fugitives, and the grins hastened their
flight by several well-directed shells, driving them away to tU6
spurs of the rauges which closed the valley to the sotith;

When the General left th6 troops undeir Oolonel Oougb,

itizecy Google

200 WITH THE EOBaAH FISLD FOBOB.

C.B., y.C, to return to the camp, he ordered a party of the 5tfa
Fanjab Oavalry to follov him, so that there should be some
oavair; at his disposal for offensive action.

Major J. G. Stewart with forty sowars was detailed fbr this
duty, and following at an easy pace, he reached the General on
the sonth side of the camp jaet after the wing of the Slat had
commenced Lheir advance in this direction.

Reporting his arrival to the General, he was ordered lo
charge and disperse the enemy, who oould be seen to the
number of about 400 running aoross the plaia on the farther
side of the rivm.

Before starting, he was informed in reply to his inquiry as to
whether he should take any prisoners, that he should confine his
attention to dispersing the enemy.

Grossing the river-bed, at this place about half a mile wide,
he soon caught up the fugitives, and charging among tbem,
about thirty were killed, with the loss on our side of one
duffadar.

The ground where the enemy was reached happened to be the
stony bed of a broad nullah, where owing to large boulders it
was difficult for horses to move very quickly, and from this
cause more of the enemy got away than otherwise would have
happened, or if the Sth Punjab Gavalry had been a lancer regi-
ment, as many escaped by throwing themselves flat when the pur-
suer was near, and were out of reach of the tulwar. Following
up Uie enemy for about half a mile on this ground, the open
stony bed became commanded by a high bank, which was lined
by matchlock-men, who thus covered the retreat of their com-
rades into the village behind them on the bank, from which a
fire was opened.

Major Stewart drew his men out, and fell back out' of
fire.

A reinforcement of infantry was now approaching, on seeing
which the defenders of the village began to evacuate it on the

itizecy Google

BXPBDinoK TO EH08T, ETC. 201

farther side, out of sight, aod make their way to the next village
uroes another ravine.

When it iraa found that the7 were again on the move, it was
decided to intercept their retreat, which was accordingly done,
and about eighty to ninety men were thus cat off, who ran back
into the village they had quitted. After some parley these men
surrendered, and (hey were ordered to oome unarmed out of the
village, which after a time they did, and the place was searched
to find if any more of the enemy were concealed in it.

Only a few wounded men were found, who were left alone,
and the remainder were about to be liberated, when it was dis-
covered by Colonel Waterfield, the Political Officer of the column,
that most of thefje men belonged to the Garbaz Waziri tribe.
It was then decided to take them all book to camp for the orders
of the General, which was accordingly done, and the General
ordered them to be kept and placed under charge of the Slat
Punjab Native Infantry. It was too late to examine any of.
them then, as it was just beginning to get dark, so they were all
tied up for the night. As these men had come oat of their way
to attack us, the General resolved that they should be kept till
their friends should pay for their release at the rate of fifty rupees
per man, which would inflict a good fine on the tribe for their
conduct, ae they were quite nnconnected with the inhabitants of
the Khost country.

The defeat of the enemy was 80 thorough in every direction,
that not a man turned on the small handful of troops who were
thus carrying fire and sword into their villages.

The fact of these latter being deserted proved that the
inhabitants of those that were destroyed fully felt that they
had incurred the punishment that was to be carried out on
them. The nearest villages to the west were not touched, as
they had acted up to their engagement and warned the camp-
followers not to proceed beyond their protection, and those that
lay beyond them which had allowed the Mangals to pass the

itizecy Google

di^i id tbeih, tboDgh ih6i ibi^hi tlkei tli^ others bdte been
deetroyed, were spared, sufficient panishment UitTfilg Btleii inflicted
on ihi oBeniets to allow 6ome idercy ib f>e stiowfi.

Th«l eottibiQ^on of tr!li6(( brouglit against ibe odhi^ tbia day
■niti estifijated at blboiit ft.OOO meu, 6^ ^booi t)V^ 2,000, cbi^fli;^
MangalS, fougbt od tbe nohh-weat Tlir^ J^dt^ds kai QiThk±
Waziris ftiti^'ht oh Uie sdtlth tthi Hit aides, tt^getber «itli tbdse
of the EbMttwals, who bad leAgtaed tbetntelTes vlth thebi. tbi
chief fighting that occurred t6oli jfltlce on tbe hlU-SiSe, 4rbbre
the Mangals BaA tolleeted, and i^ber^ t^e^ H^rk well ^ikcked
aiad Vt^t id bind by ib^ lOtb i^i^isitM dnd Stb t'unjati Ck^alty,
till tlte arriv^ of the Sflib ted tii6 tdtKiniaiti guhs completed
their dlscomfitnfe. I'beir Ibsij ih Killed KdcI- itound^d in thia
affart itas about SO, Inoladifa;^ tbe mallk, whose stiiiddrd had
beeil jiearly captured. The fitb Cairalry lti6i 1 killed and i
wounded here, Another niatl Killed and 1 woudded id Ihiit
charge id the bed of thi xiy^t.

Th^ 21st Ibst 1 ^an killed ; tHus onr total lote ^t^ 8 killed
and i «dudded, i^^ile that of the en^my fuhoddted to tibbitt
89 killed and wounded and 8f( priaoiiert.

The several pursuing parties were brtidght biot to caihp
b^finB S o'clock. So as to have ■nJon's out after du^k, but ddtbet'
tiled flbt iatin^ the bight was tll^re afay attedtpt od the pkri bt
the enemy to resume hostilitiea ; they had been tauglit 4 ItfSsod
OB tbflt day which laatcd dnriilig Ib'e ivst of tbe time the force
riffiained in Kfaost. Tbe Mad^^uls once appeared id force' Mgflid,
but the recollection of tbe effeo-t of artillery fire kept thtid from
Kttiick, 6d tbe day when Kfaost was tevacuated.

¥be news of ihe tbteate'oed attack by ikdothef party of
Mtegals and .Tajid od the ^o^iUbd&t; tb'ePtilwar Eotd fedob^d
tht camp this day ; but jndgiiig from out experience bf them id
Ebost, there was do cduse lor ilatld for the Safety bf tte
Piiwaf.

January 8th.— The day jassed withbnt dnjr oocorteace of

itizecy Google

BlFEDlTKnr TO KHOSTy STCj SOS

DOte. There wen no skgbn of tny enemy in the aeiglilidarilQadi
Ml the preeaBdOD of delailing extra pickets, vitfa s atrotif(
inlpng picket &t tiijfht,* waft not relaxed.

The Qenend ordered thM thd prietmeTs taleh tih<mld M
detained till the fines to t)e letied on then were paid up,' dad &iM
tbej were ts be rapplted with foodj Rod &at tweaty «t ft tlinif
sfaoiitd be freed, to cook and to take exerciM.

In thb oVening, bbwerer,' soon after dark, lit 7 P.lt., aM
before tbe mooa had risenj thi oAinp wfes fdamed ij a iJbot bottt
the eoAth-eaet 9ank, followed by inotber/ tfieA the ^tokd tm diS
Boadi-weat Sank Sred several ehots j and sabeeqnently nlor^ firing
took place where the first shots had been heard;

The troops fell id and took op tbe p68itimis orderefl in case
of i night attack, and in lees than five mibutes after the flnt
alarm, every one was at bis post;

Thd star-light was sufficiently bright to show oi)r|eet8 ifaditl«
rinctly lit a little dlstinoej bat bbyoml abbiit fifty yards notbhi^
eoald be serin elearly. This led to imaginary enemies being
seen, itnd some aDoecessary firing at tfaera 4aa Ae resnlt. Tbt«
Was not oootiDnons, nor in any one s|lot, bnt wbeo the effect tff
imaginatiOD bad converted a blaok mark in tbe plaid into kfr
Aiemy advancing, it was difBonlt to cheek tfiis fire; It soon ww
stepped, however, and in Rboal a quarWr 4t in boar tb^ risfdg
neen, Bhowing objects more plainly, aHowed tbe trotips to
return to their tents, and an inqairy td be inads urte Ao eriuie
of tbe firing.

It appeared that there was an orgsnisefl attempt tO lesMM
the pHsotMrs of^tilred the pnrions day, wbo w6re rinder * itibng
gnard of the Klst Panjab Native Infantry, eommanded by i
tnbadari Makkan Singh; This gdsM was nbt hr ttoA Hit
drainage watereodrse on tbfa sonth-^ist of the camp, Aith an
fiiltlying picket about ISO yards further is this dtrectiori;

One of the prisoners had managed to escripe ttom the gtiar^
bnt Was shot, fired at by the picket near whiob be passed. Tbe

itizecy Google

204 WITH THE EITKRAII FIELD POBCS.

result of this shot was that a shot was fired from the hank of the
water-course in return, and on hearing this, the whole of the
prisoners, who were secured by their hands being tied to ropeswhich
were pioketted down to tent-poles, rose as nueman and began to try
to free themselves, crying out" Now is the time to run." Those
that succeeded in freeing their hands closed on the sentries, and
endeavoured to wrest their rifles from them. One attempted to
take his sirord from the native officer, but was shot by one of
the guard. The native officer of the guard called out in Puahtn
that unless they sat down quietly again they would be fired into,
but still their efforts continued, and the subadar gave the order
to the guard to fire.

The effect of six men falling dead in their bonds, while thirteen
more were wounded, induced the survivors to throw ihemselves
flat down, and thus an attempt to escape was frustrated ; a result
which would have been arrived at without any loss of life had
the prisoners listened to the instructions of the native officer.

For a few minutes, till the alarm in the camp had enheided
and the troops were dismissed, the mass of the prisoners lay on
the ground ; but Major Collis on bis return to the spot ordered
Uie dead and wounded to be separated at once. from the living,
sn operaUon in which the officers of the regiment assisted, and
which took some little time to effect, as the ropes had got so
entangled that it was not easy to see where to cut them. Some
of the prisoners when thus liberated were very abusive and
yiolent, and one man rushed at the sepoy who had just liberated
him, and it required three men to secure him.

When all had been separated and examined, it was found that
1 prisoner had escaped j 5 were mortally, 1 severely, and 7
slightly wounded ; 9 were killed, including the 3 who were shot
when clear of the rest. One of these was fifteen yards and
another five yards distant from the spot where the rest were tied ;
the third was shot by the outlying picket ; 63 were untouched.

The wounded were attended to at Once by Surgeon Griffiths,

Digitizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KHOST, ETC. 206

met P.N.I., and Surgeon Cotton, 7and Highlandera, and the
hospital osBiatant of the 31st Punjab Native Infantry, Chnnder
Ram Those mortally vounded were attended to first, and
anodynes given to deaden their pain ; their vounde were chiefly
bayonet ones. It took thesa ofiBcers til] nearly S ah. before
they had finished their careful attention to their patients.

The prisoners who were untouched were ordered by the
General to be separated in three parties and placed under
separate guards, so as to diminish the obanoe of another out-
break. The guard of the Sist which was placed over the
prisoners in the first instance was amply strong enough to deal
with eighty-five unarmed and securely fastened men. There were
ten sentries over the prisoners, and the rest of the guard were
quite close, and available to suppress any disturbauce.

The firing oo the south-west flank of the camp, which
occurred at the same time, arose fi-om a party of horsemen riding
along their front, just within sight, and not replying to the
challenge.

This was a very unfortunate occurrence, as the leader of Lhe
party was a friendly malik, returning home with hie followers
after having been in our oamp. Ue had been passed out on the
south side, but had turned round to ride along the south-west
point.

The molik was wounded in the shoulder.
The accident might or might not have occurred by the sentry
on the south-west flank being excited by the firing on the
opposite side, but otherwise both the firing at this point and at
the 2l8t oamp was fully warranted by the circnmatances, though
it was unfortunate that the two oocuirences happened at one
and the same time.

The firing which took place after was due to the excited
imagination of the soldiers. The word was gradually passed
round the camp that a party of horsemen hod attempted to ride
into the oamp, and this bond of imaginary enemies was often

itizecy Google

0O» WI7B T^ KDBBAH BOLD SQBGE.

W0n Flien (1)M0 V68 nope in sight, but the firing was neither
fiOUt■m^0^» nor burned. Tlie meu vere drnwo up ia opeu ekir-
mishlng OT^er «|1 round tbe camp, and s shot here and bbsn
«|pog tl)« (tout, IM a man iqaagiifed that he sav sometbipg moving,
wrVDd .tA kesp up tbe »Jcit«meDt for a fev minutes.

To wske aerbuB that there aren ao men still ia (ha
vjeinity Pf the canp. *b» oaTalry, vho wen all readjr to turn
PDb almost iipniediavlf the altma bad sounded, ware ordered to
aooQE ths Muntry rouad, after the infantry bad been diamisqed
to their testa- Vo enemy of any kind was, howoTer, found vithia
• radius <tf tbreerquarters of a mile, aad with tha axception nf
the offieers and mea atteading on the wounded prisqoefs, dieie
ivas apthiag to he done bat U> ttim io.

January (Itb.-rrXbe iiihabitanta of the aearast villages whiefi
werp parUy burnt on the Ttht sot having retumed to their
ft»nwi. and trowing no dispoeitioa to do eo, the QeueiB) ordered
fiDt tnq foraging parties, at 1 A M., to piopeed to tbe nearest
villages on the east and south of the camp, to take poasaasion of
ikfi grain vbicb was s|jll left in them, and shich had not been
Ittwit-

Paptain Oolijuboun, B.A., with tvo oompaniss Slst under
Captftiv Pyer, fad twenty sovara t>th Punjab Oavalry under
Lieutenant Pycroft, was sent to the eastern villages; vhilp
Major Hill, 2Rth Punjab Native Infantry, and two eunaptsieB of his
|r«gimept with some oavalry, were «eBt in tb» sputbem direotion.

Xbe MrdATB wera for bptli partiw to be back in camp by
i-96 r-H-

The tvD rilUgM U> tb^ east fiiniiihed IQS sawel load? and
]f|0 (pule loada of grain, or, roughly, about 70O manads of
unhusked rice. Without pulling down any of the bouses for
^fir timber, about tea loade of firewood was brought back into
fiamp besides, Rn.d bad more carriage been avulable, about eighty
mors eamtj-l^ads pf grain could have b^en taken.

Cwparati¥«)aF litilD 4m<e* ^^ i>*^ ^on* ^7 tiift $m whitk

itizecy Google

^ZpEpiTfON JO EHjOST, ETC. §fff

}iad been |jt iq tfae89 vijla^e?- £xcep|i bhoos^ (chopped straw)
and some 8nf»ll .strai^p ^f^^lES o|il:$|,de the villa^s, tb^re yr^a 19,01
jnnob iflflamipaftle ntt^t^rjpj jij tfipgp pj^es. flje ptfol? afp
protected by mud, and it requires a very big fire ip^i^e t^
l^oases tfi faake i.'^ejfi burn. <?r|jn, ?fl^ti fto^d j^ rpome of
this ^ind, will ^pl; ^mqulfler, l?nt ^^ Ife^p ^i|l D<^t ^i^m re^^fl?-

The^e yiljagps wgrg ppt ^Jogf jfftjr jf.^Je(} ja, bi^t only g^tiajly
60. Each house yr^sf, faQwey^):, bfiilf in jl.^ pwq ,c,9)art-y;^i^, ^ith
f df)pr l#.u^n^ ipto the Yipdipjf l^e tl)^| ffay^Fs^ the p|^ ;
Ijat qn the outekirte only ^ ^Pf f *1J P^9W^ ^FS fepf ^ijjb Jtarpe^
access front ^>.b conotfy int« iKefg $i}plo^r^s.

This ifloroing, on tb^ low rap^ep of biJJs )» th^ ff,9fl^, F^^^P
the road from Y^kubi comes ia^o the plfin, a j^ge coj^pt^^
of men were seen perched op l^p ^d?^ pf fi^o )f|ll, fn^ 4flff
ap £1^ as the plain itself.

They appeared to be armed, b^^ tlieif ^^|^'4Qf >4 P9J!''^S
do^n ^nCo t^e valley showed tht^t they w^re in 09 ^}iTfy to |t|^c)(,
apd they wer^ ]^^^ ^°P^ ^}l A}?}^ ^V^1l*^9Ji^ WTS jdi^p^ypf^^. Ji
appeared t|)&t the news of the defeat ^^,4 (Ij^pef^jpn of tl)e
Mangals apd other tribes had, by the tinje it re^)}^4 Tt^''^)-
been transformed into a glorjons yictory fpr ^^ f9]\^VPTS ^f f^
Prophet, and it was said diat oar camp w^ b^iSg plppdered,
afljer tlje to^al apnihilation of the whole forpe.

This exciting news Btirre4 ?p the ffi p^tj of Y^u^j tip
action, and af^r some ie^^Jt ?? which t^e fa|^ gf <f^T po^ f)f
severs was being .^^E^cd, they started o^ to i^p in fli^ p})(p^f.
Great ^as their astonishment^ op arrivipg at the epd of tfip pggs
overlookfng the plain, to &t\^ qnr teuts standips and tlj^ R4il>l>
perfectly quiet. Naturally t^ey stopped U) cgnsidep ^h^y h|d
Dfjt ^ome to ^gii^ bnt nter^ly to plupder, and their pfdoula^pos
wefe qqite npset by the sight oefore tbeni. Q):)u|ual^y they
disappeared home, where op their refpri) thev cop6i4ered it a
prpdent aot to liberate fbe sqw^s ?^Pin they had made pr(aoner»
.before a^rting.

itizecy Google

208 WITH THE KUBBAM FIBLS FOBCE.

The maiiks of Yakubi had undertaken the protectioD of this
cavalry post, and, as the eowars left there were all Mahommedans,
it waB thought that there -waa no chance of their being disturbed
in an; way.

The post, whioh was placed there for carrying the mail
towards and from Hazir Fir, consisted of eight men. When
the collection of armed men sbout the village showed that the
inhabitants meant mischief, the sowars shut themselves up in a
small " gurki " or tower, and prepared to make a fight of it.
The maiiks came up, however, with the Koran on their heads
in assurance that no hann was intended them, and thus thrown
off their guard they consented to open the door to allow an old
woman to bring them food. As soon as the door was opened a
band of at least fiOO men, who had been concealed near, rushed
in and overpowered them, and before any resistance could he
attempted, the sowars were stripped of their arms and accoutre-
ments. Even the clothes on them were taken off, and thus,
naked and unarmed, they were exposed to the jeers of the people.
Their horses, of course, were taken as well. One of the grass-
cutters belonging to the sowars wss badly wounded, but none of
the sowars themselves were touched.

When the maiiks foond out the real state of affairs, and that
instead of having acted up to their promises and oaths, they had
treacherously broken them, and allowed the men committed to
their care to be ill-treated, as far as one Mahommedan can ill-treat
another short of killing him, they became rather alarmed. Ven-
geance had fallen on the villages nearest the camp for ipis-
conduct, and their consciences told them that their behaviour
would doubtless he soon followed up by punishment of some
kind. They tried to rectify their fault, and collecting all the
property of the sowars, horses, arms, accoutrements, and clothes,
they made them over to their lawful owners.

The sowars, however, turned the tables on them when they
got back their arms, and loading their carbines, they threatenad

itizecy Google

BXCEDITION -^0 KHOST, ETC. WV

to shoot the maliks, then and there, unless the; acoompanied
them straight to camp, which thus they were ohliged to do, the
villagers, who had previously been ezoited, and urged by them
to make oommon cause against the English, not daring now to
lift a finger in their defence.

With the two maliks, who were then bronght into camp,
came a third. This man had done bis best to induce the others
to act np to their obligations, and had assisted and protected
the post as far as lay in his power.

A careful inrestigation was made into the circumstances of
the case by Mr. Archibald Christie, G.3., Assistant Political
Officer, who had been ordered to do so by Colonel Waterfield,
and the evidence obtained against the two maliks, was sufficient
to authorize their being dealt with in a summary way, but as no
lives had been lost, the extreme penalty of the law was not
resorted to.

Tt took several days to obtain and record all the necessary
evidence, during which time these maliks were kept with the
other prisoners in the camp.

Janu^ 10th, — The Fort of Matun had as yet been nn-
occupied, but as there was a bnilding in it which contained two
good rooms, it was decided to utilise the place as a hospital.
Captain Colquboun, R.A., was ordered to go to the fort, and
take over any ammunition and material that belonged to the
Afghans. There was not much uf this, however. About 600 lbs.
of coarse gunpowder, some bullets, Sints, and lead, with a mis*
cellaneous stock of iron, wrought into horse-shoes, ladles, and
vessels of different sizes, were all that was obtained. The horse-
shoes were made over to the Gth Punjab Cavalry, as they conld
be ntilised by them, being adapted for small horses ; the; were
of the ordinary Afghan pattern, covering nearly the whole of the
foot with an iron plate, with the exception of the frog.

The iron was of particularly good quality, soft, and of good
fibre. It appeared that all this iron-work formed part of the

H

Dijiii.e ..Google

210 WITH THE KUBBAU FIBLD FOKOB.

taxes levied by the Afghans from the oouatry. There is no iron
of any kind to be obtained in Shost, hat the whole of this was
imported from the W&ziri conntry by one of the trihee borderiDg
the Tolley, the Thuiuiies, who in lieu of paying their bixes in
grain, like the rest of the inhabitants of the oonntry, had to
supply it in iron.

The tax in grain did not appear to be bronght into Matnn,
except as required, as it was all left stored in the villages, from
whence, under the information supplied by the Governor, Akram
Ehan, it was subsequently collected and stored in the fort when
the occupation of the country was decided on.

Three ont of the fonr red silk triangular flags vrith green
edges, which had adorned the ends of the lines of the Afghan
militia, which had welcomed the General, were also made over at
this time ; the fourth flag had been carried off by the levies, who
had been disbanded at once on our arrival.

At this time there were only about a dozen of the matchlock-
men iu the fort, and these with the Governor and officials, got
notice to vacate, as the fort was now to be ocoupied by us.

The Governor was accommodated in a tent iu the camp with
bis attendants, where they stayed till he was sent to Kohat. As
soon as the fort was vacated by its late ooonpants, a company of
the 2l.8t Punjab Native Infantry, under Subadar Makkan Singh,
was moved in.

Its condition was so filthy, that no accommodation conld be
found for the sepoys, and consequently tents had to be pitched
for them at first. The task of clearing and cleaning the place
was at once taken in hand, laboar being obtained from the
neighbouring villages ; but many mule and bullock loads of
litter and filth were removed to the outside of the fort, and
burnt there, before the place became at all habitable. Then the
holes and excavations had to be filled up, and even by the time
the fort was evaonsted, there was still a good deal to be done in
this direction.

Digitizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KHOST, ETC. 211

Janaary 11th.— The GeoerAl decided on making a recon-
naissanoe towards the west end of the valley, and an order was
iseaed for the troops who were to take part in this, as well as
those remaining behind at Matnn, to indent for rations up to
and for the 1 6th ; eitra carriage, which was now available, as the
supplies brought into Ehost had diminished, was also to be
indented for.

The field treasare-chest in Khost was under charge of one of
the Commissariat officers, Lientenant G. Eliot, and the General
sanctioned an advance of SOOO rupees from it, for the collection
of supplies by purohase for the troops who were to remain,
according to the arraQgements which were at first decided on,
in the Khost valley, after the withdrawal of the force.

January 12tb. — All the sick men, Europeans and natives,
were moved into the fort this day, and accommodated in tents,
and in the building already mentioned, which bad by this time
been made somewhat habitable. All the prisoners who were still
to he liberated on payment of fifty rupees per man (some having
already been allowed to go, after the amounts had been paid in
for them) were also removed to the fort.

Major OoUis, 21st Pnnjab Native Infantry, was placed in
charge as Commandant, and Mr. Archibald Christie, C.S., was
to be left with him as Political OEGoer.

The garrison of the place was, during the absence of the
rest of the force, to be the 2Ist Punjab Native Infantry, and
a troop of the 6th Punjab Cavalry, under Captain Vousden.

Lieutenant Eliot, Sub-Aesietant Commissary-General, was
left as Commissariat Officer, to arrange for the oollection of
supplies,

January 18th. — The camp was struck at 8 a.m. and the force
detailed marched to Dehgan, a village six miles to the west, in
the following order : —

Squadron 1 0th Hussars.

Wing 38th Punjab Native Infantry.

w

Digiliieo, Google

212 WIIH IHE EUBBAU FIELD FOBCB.

No. J Mountain Battery.

Baggage, with ooe troop 2th Pnnjab Csvalry on eaoh£aDk.

No. a Mountain Battery.

Left wing 7J2ttd Higfalandera.

Wing 28th Punjab Native Infantry.

Troop 5th Fnnjab Cavalry,
The road passed to the south of the fort, and soon crossed
the stony bed of the Matan river, which ran close on the west,
about a quarter of a mile from the fort. The river-bed is aboat
a quarter of a mile wide here, the banks being about eight to
ten feet above its level. On the further side the road or track
ooQtioaee due west for two miles, crossing a terraced cultivated
ooantry. The terraces were low, not more than six inches high,
and as this was the winter season, the fields and the track were,
except where irrigation waterconrBsa crossed the road, perfectly
dry. Two low detached hills marked the turn of the road, which
now skirted their flank, leading north-west for two miles further,
through similar open country. A rather deep irrigation water-
course crossed the road at this point, but the path presented no
difficulties to the baggage, as the banks bad been worn down.
On either side of this crossing-plaoe it was impassable for laden
animals and difficult for cavalry, the banks being steep and the
ditoh about 10 to \2 feet wide.

A village was situated about a mile from the road to the
east and at the point where it turned due west again, about
half a mile beyond the ditch. Another collection of houses
nearer the road showed where the owners of the cultivation lived.
Soon after this the path crossed a broad nullah, which comes
down from the mountains bordering the valley to the north ; the
foot of which was here about two to three miles distant. On
reaching this nnllah a halt was made ; snob a Urge number of
people appeared in the neighbourhood of the village of Debgan,
at which we were to camp, that it became necessary to find out
their intentions previoue to advanoing.

itizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO EHOST, ETC. 213

Mahomed Hyat Khan, C.S.I., Assistant Political Officer, was
accordingly deepatcbed to ascertain the meaning of this unusual
crovd ; for tboogh the inhabitants of most Tillages generally
turned out to see us, yet the number on this occasion was
beyond precedent. He soon returned with the information that
the gathering was merely a peaceable one of Tillagers, who had
come, partly on their own account, and partly to sell their supplies
of fowls, eggs, and milk, to the camp.

The prices here ranged the same as in MatuD. Fowls, four
annas each ; eggs, four for an anna ; sheep four to five shillings
each. Grass and firewood were expensive, as both were scarce,
having to be brought From the hills at some distance.

The ez-Oovemor of Khost accompanied the reconnaisance.

The camp was pitched on an open, triangular plain, to the
south-east of the village of Dehgan. The river Sbamil ran
about half a mile to the south, while a watercourse, running
south-east on the north side of the camp, fell into the nullah
that had been crossed just before coming to the spot. A broad
irrigation watercourse ran on three sides of the camp, abont 200
yards distant, and below this and towards the river, whose
course was due east nearly, there were dry terraoed fields. To
the south, on the further side of the river, the valley opened out
into a broad semi-oiroular plain, with a sUght rise towards the
hills which enclosed it. Due west, beyond Dehgan, there was
a large cluster of villages and cultivation, while to the north the
country seemed open and uncultivated to the foot of the hills,
about five miles off.

January 14th, — Halted st Dehgan. The General and staff,
escorted by a troop of the 10th Hussars and one of the
6th Punjab Cavalry, rode to a village, Durgai, belonging to the
Thunoies, at the southern end of the valley. I'here was no
road, but the plain being open and uncultivated to within a mile
of the village, offered no hindrance. There were only one or
two slight Watercourses met with on the way. The plain was as

,, Google —

214 WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FOBCE.

usual covered with stones, but they wure of small size, and did
not prevent a growth of small plants and graBB, wbicb, tbougb
dried and withered at this time of the year, must make the
country look green and pleasant in the spring.

Tbe climate was now perfect, the days warm and bright, and
the nights, though Bomewbat cold, were warmer than at Eurram,
from the absence of the bitter wind.

The Thunnies are a small clan occupying some six or seveD
Tillages at this end of the valley ; but there is another section
of the tribe who occnpy the mountun ranges between the
Waziri country and the Ebost valley.

The General rode into tbe centre of tbe first village, and
halting at an open spot, was received by the male popalation
generally.

One of the headmen bore a scar across tbe face, showing be
had been wounded in some border fight.

Addressing the headmen, the General, speaking in English,
which was translated sentence by Bentence by Mahomed Hyat
Ehan, warned them that they had nothing to fear as long as
tbey behaved well and committed no overt act against us ; at
tbe same time that he held them responBible for the actions of
their brethren in the hills, as these could not descend into tbe
plain without their knowledge.

The chiefs presented the General with a sheep, to show
that they were not ill-disposed towards the BritiBbrule; and
after some further conversation tbe General rode through the
village with the staff and a small party, and passing round it,
was joined by the cavalry escort, which had remained halt43d at
tbe edge of tbe terraced cultivation of the village.

Tbe next village to be visited was one towards the west end
of the valley, about four milea from Dehgan. A track led across
the open plain between tbe two villages, running in a north-
western direction. Keeping on this, the village was reached
about 1 P.M., after crossing a broad and deep nullah,'Witb steep

itizecy Google

EXPEDITIOH TO EHOBT, ETC. 215

banks of olay worn into ravines and miniatoie motutains, and
another halt was made here while the General addreBBed the
headmen to the same effeot as before ; and then riding on throagh
coltivated land, by wateroourses over which there were shaky
bridges, and through walled paths, a third village was reached,
where, after talking to the headmen, who presented the osnal
sheep, a halt for an honr was made to feed the hones. From
this point to the camp, with the exception of crossing one
river-bed, the road lay through a succession of villages set in
the midst of thin fields, which were irrigated by wateroonreee,
on the banks of which the traok generally was taken ; but at this
time of the year the dry fields formed a pleasanter riding-road,
diversified with jumps across the ditches of varying size and
depth. The villages were surroanded by orchards, and willows
grew all along the streams. There were a few " chunar " trees,
but not so many as near Matnn.

On reaching camp about i P.u., after a pleasant ride through,
to all appearance, a peaceful country, it was provoking to be
greeted with the news that the Mangale were coming to disturb
oar rest. It was reported that S.ltOO of them had sworn an oath
on the Koran to attack the camp. Suitable arrangements to
receive them were made, shelter trenches being thrown up in
front of the pickets, but, as usual, the Mangals thought better of
it, and we were left alone.

Captain Woodthorpe, B.E., had gone out to the range to the
north-west of camp, escorted by two companies of the SAtb, in
the very direction that the Mangals would have come down, bat
he was not interfered with in any way in his surveying
operations.

January 16th. — The Mangals not having attacked in the
night, the camp was struck at 7 ah., and march ordered at
9 A.U., returning to Matun in the same order as on coming
to this place. There had been a little diffionlty at some
of the snull irrigation surface wateroourses mentioned, which

itizecy Google

216 WITH THE KtmEAM FIELD POBOE.

were jast too wide for the baggage mules to step oorosB. To
remedy this, the mules belonging to the two mountain batteries,
which carried entrenching tools, were ordered to proceed with
the Deputy Assistant QuartermsBter-General and the edvanoe-
gnard, so as to rectify any small difficulties which might cause
some delay to the baggage convoy. Matun was reached at 12
o'clock, and the camp, which w&b now pitched nearer the fort,
was protected on its north side by the watercourse that had
guarded the south. It was orraDged in the same way as before,
the regiments facing outwards, and was made a little more
oompsot than it bad previously been.

January I nth. — An inspection of all the baggage animals in
the column took place. All the mules in private employ, as well
as those in use with regiments, were paraded and examined by
the transport ofBoer, Lieutenant Q. Money.

The supply of fifteen days' provisions brought with the
column hod nearly run out; some supplies had, indeed, been
purchased, and the store of grain belonging to the Afghan
Qovemment was being brought in daily to the fort, where it was
kept for the use of the garrison that would be left in the valley.
This was originally to consist of the aist Punjab Native Infantry,
two guns of No. 1 Mountain Battery, and a troop of the &th
Punjab Cavalry. The arrangements regarding the disposal of
the troops and the occupation of the valley bad not, however,
been concluded, and till they were, the departure of the column
had to be postponed. This involved another convoy being sent
out, and orders hod been sent to Hazir Fir for fifteen days'
supply, which should reach camp before the 1 8th.

January 16th. — There was no forage to speak of for the
camels in the bare open plain of Matun, and but little on the
hills where they could go and feed, so the General decided to
send back some 400 of them, whose loads had non been eaten, to
Hazir Fir.

There were no troops available in the force to escort a large

itizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KH08T, ETC. 217

oonvoy like this, so arracgements were made with the Taris of
the Eurram valley to send over Ein armed party of mea, or
"badragga," to take the camels back. This was aooordiDgly
done, and the Turi escort, marohlng by the eastern road ont of
Eboat, met mth no difficulty.

January 17th. — A general ooart<martial was ordered to
assemble for the trial of the two maliks of the village of Yakabi,
who incited the population at that place to attack and plunder
the post of eowars of the 5th Punjab Cavalry, as already stated.
Colonel Oough, C.B., V.O., was president, and all the senior
officers of the force were members.

The offence of these men was a purely military one, against
the military law established by our presence ; and in the absence
of any civil government, could only be tried by a military court
or commission. They were sentenced to seven years' trans-
portation.

January Iflth. — The ration of atta (flour) for the troops daily
was 1 seer (2 lbs.) for every fighting-man, and f seer, or 1^ lbs.
for every follower. It was found, however, that this amount was
in reality in excess of the requirements. Nearly every native
had his own store of Soar, which he either hoarded or sold, the
accumulation of the unexpended portion of his ration. By
collecting it, the weight of baggage to be carried by the regi-
mental mules became increased, without a corresponding inorease
in the number of animals, who were thus apt to be overloaded.

The General decided on putting a stop to this system, and
ordered the ration of atta to be reduced to three-quarters of a
seer per man, till the troops should advance in the spring.
Compensation was, however, to be paid to the soldiers, and ethers
entitled to it, for the difference in the amount of ration.

January 1 8th. — The convoy from Hazir Pir, escorted by the
33rd Pioneers and a party of the Sth Goorkhas under Captain
Cook, reached camp this day. A draft of recruits for the 7Snd
Highlanders, with several young officers, also came in with the

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218 WITH THZ EUBBAH PIELD FOBGE.

convoy. Ail the banghy parcels which had been ooUeotiDg at
Uazir Ptr arrived at the same time, and many creature comforts
vrere the result of this loog-wiehed-for supply.

January 19th. — The detachment of Ooorkhas under Oaptsia
Cook marched this morning, eecortiog the remainder of the
camels vrhose loads had been disposed of.

To carry on the surrey operations it was necessary that the
highest mountain in the southern range should be ascended.
This mountain, as well as the surrounding country, lay in the
Waziri territory ; and it was deemed best to obtain the permis-
sion of the owners to enter their country in a peaceful manner.

To effect this, the chief of this section of the Waziris, the
Atakheyls, was invited into camp to settle the arrangements
which were to bo made ; and during the day he rode in, accom-
panied by some of his men.

The Waziris are one of the finest races, physically, that are
on the borders, and this chief, who stood about 6 feet 6 inches
high without his turban, was a particularly good specimen of his
tribe. With his large blue turban on, he towered as a giant, his
loose blue coat and wide baggy trousers adding to the breadth
of his figure.

Hie hair, which, like that of the southern frontier tribes, was
worn long, hung down in black curls below his beard. The faoe
was in keeping with the rest of hie appearance as a professional
bandit, the eyes being small and cruel, the rest of the face pufiy
and bloated. He rode a particularly well shaped and strong
Waziri horse, which, however, looked small beneath him. None
of his followers were as well dressed or mounted as himself,
but with their long lanoes and active thin horses, they formed
a suitable escort to their chief.

This chief, Keeput by name, was quite agreeable to the visit
of the survey party, and only made the stipulation that they
were not to go beyond his territory, where he would be powerless
to protect them.

itizecy Google

BXPEDITION TO KHOBT, ETC. 219

January I9tfa. — The snrvey party, Oaptain Woodthorpe, B.E.,
LieutuTianC Mannere Smith, 9rd Sikhs, Captain Wynne, superin-
tendent of army signalling with the force, and lieutenant Spratt,
R.E., assistant engineer, left at 8 &.li., accompanied hy Keepnt
and his fbliowers, and an escort of the 28th Punjab Native
Infantry, tjaptain Wynne went with the party with a view
to signalling bow they were getting on, and also to open
CO mmuoi cations with Bannu, He had previously arranged for a
telegram to be sent to that station to be on the look-oat for his
signal, but his message was delayed and had not reached Bannu
when his flash was observed. In the afternoon he beliographed
that they bad got on very well daring the day, and bad reached
a ridge aboDt half-way up the bill, near which they were to pass
the night.

January 80th. — The cavalry were paraded for the General's
inspection this morning, under Colonel Oough, and ^e
ground being well adapted for their movements, the review
was a very satisfaotory one.

This afternoon was devoted to soldiers' games on the plain
about half a mile from the oamp. Several races, horse and
foot, with the asual " tug of war," wrestling, and single-stick,
completed the programme.

The Qovernment telegram to the General reported that large
stocks of ammumlion and supplies had been taken by the troops
who had captured Candabar, and that one of the infinential
chiefs on the Kbyber side had oome into Sir Samuel Brown's
camp, which pieces of favourable intelligenoe were followed by
the news that the Waziris were threatening the Derajat.

A royal salute was ordered by the General to be fired is
honour of the capture of Gandahar.

January 21st. — The 23rd Pioneers left the oamp this morning
to return to Hazir Pir by the eastern road out of the valley,
which the regiment was to improve and make where necessary.

This route was nearly unknown, except that the Turis had

D,3,l,:«,.,,G00gk'

220 WITH THE EUBBAU FIELD FOBCB.

taken the conToy of camel? by it, and tbe second detaohment of
unladen namels bad followed tbem. Witb this convoy, Colonel
Perkins, commanding Hoyal Engineers, bad gone to inspect the
road, and had not found it difficult in any way.

Major B. Williama, commanding 5th Punjab Cavalry, pro-
ceeded with tbe SSrd Pioneers on his return to India on remount
daty.

Tbe signals from the mountain, Lazam Peak, in tbe south
were eagerly looked for, and at last tbe welcome flash showed
that tbe party had gained the wished-for point ; and during
tbe rest of tbe day a beliograpbic conversation was kept np
with the signallers, who soon opened a commgnication with
Bannu.

It was purely accidental that the flash irom this peak was
obserred at that station, and that there was an officer capable of
reading and replying to the signals. Colonel Noel Money,
commanding Srd Sikba, was the only officer instructed in army
signalling at tbe place, and he soon put himself in communication
with the party. Colonel Godby, who commanded the Punjab
Frontier Force, happened to be at Bannu at that time, and he
sent a message to the Qeneral that the Mahsud Waziria had
raided and burnt Tank.

The camp in Khost was thus by means of an intermediate
station able to communicate directly witb India, tbe distance
between the two places being over fifty miles, tbe distance of
the flash visible to tbe naked eye being twenty miles in a
direct line from I^zam peak to Khost, and thirty miles or more
to Bannu. A telegram was sent by the General to the Viceroy
in Calcutta, by means of this signal party, and tbe message
reached him in two hours.

The nights began to get colder, the thermometer falling
to 17°; the cold and indiiferent vrater-eupply rather affected
the health of the troops, and some intermittent fever, pneumonia,
and dysentery began to show itself. The pneumonia waa

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EXPEDITION TO EHOBT, ETC. 221

ezoMsively fotal, and nearly every Dative regiment loA some men
from this oause.

Oaptain Arthur Conolly, B.S.O., Meyvar Bheel Corps, had
been appointed to the Transport Department of the force, and
bad joined on the 19th January in Khoat. This officer vras now
selected to command and raise a hody of Khost levies, 200
horsemen and 300 footmen, who were to replftoe the garriaon
which had been at first detailed to occupy the Khost valley.
There was not a great rush of the inbabitauta fo take up this
daty ; the temper of tbe Mangals, which had already been
shown, had not improved by their defeat on the 7tb, and the
local militia service which it would have been easy to raise if
the people knew that there was a British force to fall baok on,
was, owing to the fear of the Mangals, at a discount.

By degrees, however, the necessary oumbers were nearly
collected, and though not many of the Ehostiwals would take
service, tbe ranks were filled by Tnris, who hod not the fear of
the Mangals before tbeir eyes.

January 2'^nd. — The Qeneral and staff, escorted by a detach-
ment of the lOth Hussars, rode toward the east end of tbe valley
to a collection of villages known as Lakkan Bazar.

These villages were the largest and most populous of any yet
seen in £host, and the whole traffic of the valley is centred in
them. All the grain which had aa yet been purohaeed, bad come
from this part of tbe country.

The headmen of tbe villages were interviewed, and the usnal
instructions given them by the General, who returned to oamp
at 4 P.M., after having ridden over twenty miles.

The aurvey party continued their work on the Lazam peak
and its vicinity, and more signalling was carried on with Bannn.

Captain Badcock, Principal Commissariat Officer, who had
proceeded with Major Palmer, Superintendent of Transport, to
Thnll, when the column marched into Ehost, rejoined the
head-quarters to-day, and with them came Shabzadft SulUn J«i)|

.,,Googk'

•£l1 WITH TEE KtlBBAU FIELD FOBOE.

aa extra Aesietfint-CommiaBioner, who had been employed at
Eobat in the Fnojab CommiBsion. This Dative nobleman was of
Afghan descent, belonging to the ex-royal family of Cabnl ;
but he, as well as they, preferred absenting themseWee from their
native country to serving at the risk of their lives under the
opposite faotion. Of qniet mannera and distinguished appearance,
no better possible selection could have been made by the
Qovemment to carry on the temporary charge of Ehost till the
oonclnsion of the war should show in whose hands it vas to
he left.

January 28rd. — The General received information early this
morning that a targe number of Mangals were collecting about
twelve miles off, for the purpose of attacking the camp at night.
In case the threat should have raore reality in it than the previons
ones, the General decided upon throwing up an intrenchment
round the oamp, which should have the effect oi breaking the
force of any sudden attempt to charge into our midst. In the
absence of Colonel Perkins, C. BE., and Lieutenant Spratt, B.C.,
Captain Colquhoun, H.A., was ordered to make tfais intrench-
ment all round the camp at about 100 yards distance, the work
to be completed before dusk.

There was a scarcity of intrenching tools. The 28th Panjab
Native Infantry bad its fnll complement, but the SJst Punjab
Native Infantry was deficient, owing to its supply having
miscarried; the 72nd had their complement,' and the two mountain
batteries had a small amount of tools. 'I'here were no baskets,
or means of carrying the earth from the excavation to any
distance. In all there were about 140 pickaxes, 90 shovels, and
60 mammooties ; the estimated perimeter of the line to be
protected was about 700 yards. It was impossible with the
means at band to execute suoh a length of intrencfameot in the
given time. The tools were divided between the SIst and 2f)tb,
and the general trace of the work was marked out all round the
oamp, in sooordanoe with the inBtructions received. The fort

,, Google

EZFBDITION TO KHOST, ETC. 22o

and the walled garden fonned the soutbem line of defence ; the
dratoage watercourse, which ran due eaet and west at this point,
was impassable, except at two places on the left front, the banks
being vertical and twenty feet high ; but, the ground sloping to
the east, the banks were of no depth and of easy slope opposite
the right front of the oamp; so the line of intrenohment was
drawn firom the deep bank of the nullah to a picket-shelter
trench already existing, about 100 yards beyond the camp; this
front was about 300 yards, and the task of completing it was
assigned to the 28th Punjab Native Infantry, who had fifty picks
and fifty sboTels to do it with. The 72nd worked from the
north-east angle along the soutbem face for 120 yards, and then
the 21st Punjab Native Infantry had about 800 yards to complete
the eastern front. No. 2 Mountain Battery was set to work to
join the enst front to the garden wall, and No. 1 Mountain
Battery to continue the defence from near the fort on the
south-west side of camp towards the west, about fifty yards

Tbns the whole of the available tools were distributed along
the intrenchment, which it was thought advisable to throw ap on
the most open ude of the camp, where there was but little to
hinder a large force collecting in the dark quietly, and swooping
down with a rush.

The west side was equally open, bat the ground was
not 80 oonvenient, being terraced, with a drop of a foot and
more between the fields, whioh would prevent any quick
movement in the dark. Tt was, however, necessary to fill up the
gap on the western faoe of the camp before dark, and there was
no means of doiug so except by utilising the oamel-saddles
belonging to the force There were about 1,200 camels in oamp,
and their saddles, placed three high, would form a temporary
breastwork of 400 yards long, whioh would just fill the gap.

This arrangement was accordingly carried out, and all the
camels' saddles were brought by the camel-men and placed one
above the other, and then piokettad down by lopes and tent-pins

itizecy Google

224 vnia the kubram field fobob.

to prevent their being tbrown over. Before dark the wall was
complete, the paeeageB over the deep part of the nuljah borriooiled,
as also the road past the fort, and an earthen bank three feet six
inches high and three feet six inches wide thrown up, with a
ditch fonr feet wide and two feet deep, finished the line of defence
within the time ordered.

To have attempted more would have caused gaps in the line,
and the parapet though weak was sufBoient for the purpose
for which it was pat up, namely, to break and hinder any
organized attempt to rush into the oamp at night.

By bringing the line of defence in oloaer, the perimeter would
hare been much less, and a better profile could have been
destgned ; but the object of throwing it 100 yards from the camp,
was to prevent anyone from taking up a position so near the
tents that they could be fired into at 100 yards distance f^m
the parapet Very few matchlocks wonld carry sufSoiently well
to reach the ooonpants of the camp at this distance

The cavalry, under Colonel Oough, were despatched on a
recosnaissanoe towards the direction in which the Mangals were
reported to be collecting, and riding for six miles beyond the
village of Dehgan, failed to discover any large number of the
enemy ; but the hostile attitude of some of the occupants of the
villages skirting the north range of this end of the valley, showed
that they were hidden there. No shots were fired, but some
of the inhabitants danced war-dances, and brandished their
knives at the cavalry as it paseed.

The survey party came back to oamp in the afternoon, having
completed the survey of the Khost ranges, and connected their
work with the triangulation of the trigonometrical survey of
India. The Waziri chief had acted well towards them, and
brought them back without any adventure. The place where
they stayed for the night consisted uf two hoases only, and these
belonged to the chief; the rest of the population did not re([nire
any shelter.

Digitizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KHOaT, ETC. 226

While all these airaDgements were being made for the
reoeplion of the hostile MaDgals, a party of this tribe who had
settled in the Earram valley came to see the General, and to
obtain some of the rupees and turbans that were distributed to '
those who showed themselves friendly to the British rule. The
leader of this Jirga weis dressed in a dark green frock-coat, made
after the Afghan cut, of good broad cloth, with very full akirte,
plaited at the waist. He was the only well dressed individual of
the olan, the remainder appearing in the usual unwashed aud
dirty blue cotton clothes. These Mangals came from the
Keraiah end of the Kurram valley.

An express message was sent after Colonel Carrie to recall
the 28rd Pioneers to the camp, which, though intrenched, would
require a larger number of men to garrison it, in the case of a
determined and continued attack, than the column could afford.

In order to show the Mangals, or other enemies, bow we were
prepared to deal with them if they should attack in the dark, a
few star shell were fired after 8 o'clock to try the effect No one
in the force had had any practical experience in their use, or
could say what amount of light they would throw.

The result was very good, though the stars did not all ignite.
Out of thirteen not more than nine were lit ; but the light
fVom these as they deRCended to the ground was sufBoient
to illominste a strip of ground about 600 yards wide by 400
broad, at a distance varying from 400 to 600 yards off, and if
there had been any collection oFmeu in that neighbourhood they
must have been visible. The T-ponnder guns were fixed at an
elevation of Bft", with twelve-tenths of fuze.

January 24th. — The nigbt passed off quietly; the Mangals,
hearing of the intrenchment, and possibly seeing the stars of the'
star-shells burning high in the air, thought better of making an
attack, and information was brought in that they were dispersing.

The task of completing the defences, and of making tl>em
stronger, was, however, continued by Lieutenant Spratt, R.£ ,

16

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aiJo WITH THE KUERAM FIELD POBCE.

who improTed the trace of the vrestero Aroot. replacing the
breastwork of oamel-saddles by an eartheu parapet.

The ditches on the other froDta were also taken iu hand and
deepened, the parapeta being thickened in proportion.

A royal ealnte of twenty-one guns was fired in camp this day
in hononr of the fall of Candahar.

As there was no immediate necessity for the 23rd Pioneers to
rejoin the oamp, their march was countermanded, and they
remained at Hazir Pir, which place they hud reached before the
recall was seat

January 26th (thermometer minim nm 3U°). — Morning slightly
cloudy, but it cleared by If am. Lieutenant Spratt, R£., con-
tinued the defeocea, making a new bastion at the south-
east comer; trous-de-loup near the exits in front of the
baetions; a fougasse and abbattis in front of the south-east
bastion; and filling the ditches with water ^om the irrigation
flurfaoe canal that supplied the fort. These arrungements
completed the defence of the camp.

The headmen of the Khost valley, with the village councils,
were ordered to assemble this day to be addressed by the
General ; and at the same Ume invitations had been sent to all
the Mangals, Jadrane, and Makbals, who chose to do so, to
come in and pay us a visit.

All the momiag parties were seen crossing the valley and
collecting in the village to the north-west of camp. At 9 o'clock
in the afternoon they were sent for.

The durbar tent was pitched, and the visitors from the Khost
valley were made to sit down on three sides of a square, in front
of the tent.

The Mangals, Makbals, and other tribesmen were not
admitted to this interview with the Khostiwals, but were made to
sit down in rows some distance off. All these arrangements
were made by Mahomed Hyat Ehan, who was resplendent in his
political uniform, mnoli embroidered with gold. He must have

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EXPEDITION TO KHOST, ETC. 227

formed a Etriking object to the savageB who beheld him, if not
with awe, at least with envy. To the more educated minds
among them the eight of a native ofBcial under the British
Government, who, judging by hie clothes, had arrived at a position
of eo much honour and wealth, must have been a lesson that
was worth much.

The General entered the durbar tent at i p.m., and addressed
the Xhostiwals in a speech which was translated b; Mahomed
Hyat Khan sentence by sentence as spoken. He told them
that they had been called together to hear the arrangements
which were to be made on the departure of the British troops
from the Khost valley. He reminded them that the present
quarrel had only been with t3here Ali, who had been so ill-advised
as to throw himself into the bands of the Russians, by whom he
had been buoyed up with hopes of men, arms, and money, but
that Russia, with an empty treasury after the Turkish war, was
not in a position to help anyone. Unless Sbere Ali agreed to
the British terms he could not return to Cabul, and if Yakub
Khan persisted in fighUng, he would have to follow hia
father.

After alluding to the defeat everywhere of the Afghan troops,
'he said that it had been intended at first to have a British
garrison in Khost, but that it was now arranged to leave the
Shahzada Sultan Jan, a man of good family, to govern Khost
temporarily, till it were settled what arrangements should bs
made ; but whatever these might be, as long as the British mis
existed they would be certain of protection, and their interests
wonld be looked after, and everything would be done to make
their country prosperous, which, owing to its fertility, only
requirea peace and security to develop its resources. It wonld
depend on the people themselves ; if they would combine in a
common cause, and, by supporting the Shahzada, guard theil
own country from the invasions of the neigbbounng hill-tribes,
they should be able to do so vritbout the assistance of British

16 •

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226 WITH THE EDKBAU FIELD FOBCB.

troope, thongh those at Hazir Fir would always be within reach
to quell disturbances, if necessary.

After the conclusion of the speech, Colonel Waterfield, the
Political Officer, entered into a conversation with the headmen,
and bestowed rewards of money and clothes on those who had
deserved some recognition of their services. The General went
oil to the group of hillmeu, and addressing them in a good-
humoured way, through Mahomed Hyat Khan, told them that if
they wanted to fight, we were always ready for them, and that
he advised them not to try. However, we did not want to hurt
them in any way if they would only keep the peace.

He ordered twenty sheep to be tilled and divided among the
representatives of the various tribes, so that they should have a
dinner before returning home, and a few rupees were also
distributed to pay for their expenses.

The specimens of the tribes who were thus fnasted
hardly differed in appearance from the ordinary Pa than, or
hillman, on the frontier. They were dressed and armed in the
same way, their clothes dirty and in rags, and their fine-
drawn condition marked a dtfierence between them nnd the
Khostiwals and other dwellers in the open valley. Their
unkempt and savage appearance was heightened by the wild
look in their eyes, which was comparable to nothing but the
restless glance of a wild animal, who is always on the watch for
prey or enemies.

Some of these gentry were induced to sell their arms, but the
wily Mangal took care not to port with any weapon that he
valued, and only the worst arms, either matchlocks or knives,
were transferred for hard cash, and these, except as curiosities,
were not worth the money paid for them.

The band of the 2lBt Punjab Native Infantry was ordered to
play, to see if music would have any effect on their savage
minds, but they did not appear to care much for this kind of
entertainment, and gradually walked away to the outlying

itizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO EHOST, ETC. ZZ9

villages, those thai remained behind being turned out of oamp
at dusk, iu case any had been disposed to do miachief.

January l!Cth (tempurature minimum 24°). — The time
had now come to leave Ebost : the Shahzada baTing been
inetalled as Governor after yesterday's durbar, the oolumn could
retire.

All the powder in the fort was made over to Sultan Jan, who
also took donn, with the assistance of his deputy, a ressaldar
of the 5th Punjab Cavalry, and a man of known and proved
merit, a list of such of the provisions which had been accumulated
for the garrison, that had been allowed to remtun for his benefit,
and there only remained the transfer of the nadve levies. These
men, however, finding that they were to be left by themselves,
began to lose their courage, or saw their opportunity for
demanding higher pay to meet the increased risk they ran, and
virtually struck till the problem wns solved, which took all day
to do, as it was not settled till dark.

The orders for the march in the morning were published, and
another order, which directed that whenever the pickets were
ordered to throw up breastworks for their protection, camel
saddles were to be made ase of.

The camp-followers discovered a grievance which, if it could
have been seen from their point of view, was a serious one. The
Commissariat Department, to utilise the Indian com that had
been uken as belonging to the Afghan Qovenimont, issned it
when ground into flour to the camp-followers. There was
nothing against it as flour, but it was not wheat; so the
recipienu objected and grumbled, without any result, as they
had to take it.

To utilise the stock of unhusked rioe that was obtained here,
it was issued to all the baggage animals for whom rations were
demanded ; each animal got a seer (two pounds) daily, and thus
the barley rations which were carried for the cavalry horses were
economised.

itizecy Google

230 WITH THE EDBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

News of Sirdar Wall Mahomed reached the General to-day.
He hod made his escape from Cabul, aud by liberal payments to
the LogarrieB and the Gbilzais bad, with the assistance of the
latter, crossed the Shutargardan in the snow, a task of no little
difficulty, and had reached Rokian, six miles from Alikheyl,
from whence he had written to the General, as also to Captain
Rennick, the Political Officer at Alikheyl. Instructions wore
sent at once to this officer to receive the Sirdar in a suitable
manner, and to escort him to Hazir Fir to meet the General.

Sirdar Wali Mahomed is a half-brother of the late Amir
Shere Ali, being a son of Dost Mahomed, by a womaa
or the Turi tribe from the Shaluzan village in the Karram
valley. The fact of bis coming over was an important political
event, as it showed the presence of a party opposed to war, and
led by one of the highest of the Afghan chiefs.

January a7th (temperature minimum 22°). — The march
was ordered to Sahhri, distance twelve miles.
Advance party :
One troop 10th Hussars.
One squadron 5th Punjab Cavalry.
One wing 28th Punjab Native Infantry.
No. 2 Mountain Battery.
Baggage flanked by one troop &lb Punjab Cavalry on either
flank, and escorted by wing 28th Punjab Native Infantry.

Main body :

21st Punjab Native Infantry.

Wing T2nd Highlanders.

No. 1 Mountain Battery.

One squadron lith Punjab Cavalry.

One troop lOth Hussars.

The baggage filed out of camp at 8.30 a m. There was some
delay in getting it out of the intrenchment, and then across the
nullah in front of the camp, though three crossing-places had

itizecy Google

EXFEI>i:riON TO EHOST, ETC. ^Bl

beeu partly prepured, but the trend of maoy feet soon made the
bed of the Birenm in a slippery, muddy coaditioD, and difficult
to cross. A little bniabwood would have been iuvaluable in a
case like this, but tbere was none to be bad.

The road lay across dry cultivated land, passing; to the north
of the villages burnt in this direction on tbe Tth, and gradually
crossing the pUio, it reached tbe skirt of the range rising up out
of the valley.

Tbe force b^ted at about four miles from Matun, close to
the village of Madhi Kheyl. Near tbis village were three
detached bills, np to which point the enemy had been driven on
tbe 7th. The centre bill appeared to have been fortified at some
period, end the remains of a field-work that surroanded its crest
were said to have been made by Timur, in one of his invaaionB
of India. The position would be a very strong one if water
were available on the summit

The march was continued along tbe skirt of the range,
and as it lay across tbe drainage of the country, there were
several ravines and irrigation water-conrses to be crossed, before
entering into a goi^e about seven miles from Matan, which led
in a north- north -east direction, with a slight rise and descent
into the next small valley Tlie pass was not defensible, but
tbe mountains on both sides were very rugged. The whole
of the southern aide of the range that had been passed on tbe
march was perfectly bare; the colour of the rooks was very
light yellow, almost white in places, but tbe stratification was most
extraordinary. It would be impossible to give any idea of the
turns and twists that the strata had assumed ; sometimes they
were quite vertical ; tbe dip of tbe more horizontal ones appeared
to be towards tbe south The ascent of the pass for half a mile
followed tbe dip and was easy enough, though stony ; on the
further side it dropped steeply for a short distance, and then
descended gradually past a *small village, Zonakbi, which was
inhabited, and another one a little higher up which seemed to

itizecyGOOgle —

232 WITH THE EUBRAM FtELD FOBCB.

have been abandoned, to the banks of the Kam Khost river,
where half a mile on, after cro&Bing the dry fields on the level
hank of the stream, the river had to he forded. It was not more
than twenty yards wide, but the stream was strong and about
two feet deep at this time of the year. Regaining the further
bank and crossing a rather difficult watercourse, the usual
accompaniment to the bank of every river in Afghanistan, the
road lay still nurth-east, and towards a gorge somewhat similar
to that already passed through, but less steep and stony. About
half-way through this gorge, and one mile from the Earn KfaosC
river, a glen leads out on the right, through which a road was
reported to lead to Thull in a south-east direction. About a
mile beyond this point the Sabbri valley is entered. The village
lies on the hanks of a stream which runs into the Earn Khost
river. It is on the left bank of the stream, which is about thirty
feet below the level of the banks, which have the usual deep
watercourses on their slopes. The water was low, but quite
clear; there were any number of fish in the various pools.
The road did not cross the stream here, hut following up ita
right hank reached an open grassy plain about half a mile to
the west of the village.

With the exception of Sabhri, which was on its western
face, there were no villages in sight in this valley, which
trended away in a northerly direction for five or six miles
with a very gentle ascent. The ground sloped upwards from
the camp towards the west, where the valley was bounded at
about a mile distance by some low ranges. Beyond them in
this direction was another village, Ali Shahr. The ranges
through which the march had been, bounded the plain to the
south, rising to a height of over 1,500 feet above the level of this
valley, which was somewhat lower than that of Khost.

In such a desert place as this, it was not surprising that the
villagers, without any competition, should ask exorbitant prices
for their produce.

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EXPEDITION TO KHOBT, ETC.

233

The General ordered eight RDDas to be givea for a camel-load
of firewood, or of grass ; but the demand for the latter was ao
great, that in one case two rnpees was given for a load bjr some
of the sowars. The inhabitants were only acquainted with rupees,
and were ignorant of any smaller coin, one of the villagers
being doubtful if two four-aana-bits really represented eight annas.

The day had been cloudy, and, owing to the absence of sun,
liad in the momiug been bitterly oold ; the sun came out a Utile
in the middle of the day, but it clouded over again at 4 p.m.

The Sufoid Koh range, which since the column had left the
Kurram valley had beoome a beautiful mass of snow mountains,
and showed strikingly at a distance of some forty miles in a
direct line from the camp at Matun, should have been visible
from this place ; but the range was covered with clouds, which
foreboded more snow fbr the occupants of tbe Peiwar Kotal.

The 23rd Pioneers bad marched along the road traversed,
with the object of preparing it for the column, but apparently
nothing had been done on the liae taken by the force to
improve any of the passages across the various watercourses
met with in the march, so that some delay occurred in bringing
along the convoy, and though it had started about 9 a.m. the
baggage was not all in till 4 p.u., distance eleven miles. A good
number of fish were caught in the shallow pools by driving them
into a blanket or cloth.

On the road to Sabbri, the General was met by a kasid or
messenger from Cabul, bringing the latest news from that part
of the world.

January 25th (temperature minimum 2i°). — Halt, at
Sabbri. Arrangements had been made with Colonel Gordon,
commanding 29th Punjab Native Infantry, at Tbull, to send
out a reconnaissance from tbence to meet a party which would
ride in that direction from this camp.

The General and stafi', with the cavalry, rode along the
road passed in yesterday's march, but failed to come across the

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234 WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FOBCE.

party from Thiill, who, however, had gone by another rood to a
point whence tbey could overlook the Ehost valley.

Both pardea had to return so as to be back before dark, hut
the results of these excursions proved that the Khogt valley
could he entered from Thnll without any great difficulty.

The survey party ascended the hill to the north-east of camp
and about four miles distant, with an escort, as this range of
hills was not particularly safe. Some thieves attempted to carry
off some of the camels which were feeding on the lower slopes,
hut the guard coming up, the animals wore recovered.

From the top of the hill neither Thull nor Hazir Pir could
be seen, nor were any of the signallers from the latter place
observed on the highest intervening ridge, where they had besn
ordered to sution themselves.

The halt at Snbhri was, as stated, for purely reconnoitring
and surveying purposes, and had been arranged several days
previously, but, as it turned out, it had a second and greater
advantage, and that was that it kept the cohimu within easy
distance of MatUD.

At 10 o'clock at night an express reached the General from
that place to the effect that the news of the departure of the
force had encited the Mangals, who had resolved to come down
and attack the fort and destroy our governor and the garrison.

The General then decided to relieve the Matun garrison and
to leave the Khost country to the care of the inhabitants, or of
the Mangals. whose preserve it was.

Half the force was ordered to return in the early morning,
and half was to stay in camp, to be ready to bring it on when
ordered.

Tills consideration obliged the first idea to be given up, of
mounting 300 infantry-men on mules, so as to enable them to
keep up with the cavalry, for if the necessities of the case should
have obliged the camp to return to Matuii, all the carriage would
have been required at Sabbri.

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EXPEDITION TO KH03T, ETC. 235

29th January. — At 6.15 A.M.,ju3t ns Jl wuh getting light, the
General started with the staff, a party of the 72nd Highlanders
under Lieateaant-Colonel Clarke, the squadron lOtb Hussars,
the Srd Punjab Cavalry, the 28th Punjab Native Infantry, and
No. 2 Mountain Battery.

Brigadier-General Drew was left in oommaDd of the troops
at Sabbri, with inslruotiona to place the camp in a state of
defence. The troops at his disposal were 200 men {inoluding
the sick) of the 72Dd Highlanders, the 2lst Punjab Native
Infantry, and No. 1 Mountain Battery.

The gathering of the Maugals was evidently a serious one,
and if they had meant to do more than seize the fort at Matun
it would have been very easy for them to detaoh two or three
thousand men to attack the camp. This camp, which was
pitched in the same way as that at Matun, but with wider
streets, occupied a rectangle of 500 yards by 250 approximately,
or of a perimeter 1,500 yards, to be defended by about 1,000
men.

The first oare was to send two oavalry vedettes out to the
west, to be posted on the low hills, about a mile off, so that
they could give notice of the approach of tho enemy, who must
come from thai direction ; the second business was to reduce the
size of the camp to more defensible proportions. This could
only be done by striking half of it, and, accordingly, the tents
of the troops who remained behind were struck, leaving those
that belonged to the force under General Roberts standing, as
far as possible.

Another reason for striking this half of the camp was that
some broken ground on the banks of a small ravine, which
carried off the drainage of the southern range, obliged a post
of observation to be placed by which it could be overlooked,
and thus, as there was not a sufficiency of men to occupy out-
posts, the line of defence was necessarily taken in this direction.

Tho General, on leaving, had ordered Captain Oolquhoun,

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236 WITH THB EUBBAM FIELD FORCE.

B.A., and Lieutenant Spratt, R.E., Aasistant Engineer, to
stay behind to carry out the defence of the position. This
was begun at 7 a.h. and was completed by 11 a.m. In this time
the whole of the etttnding oamp was surrounded with a breast-
work of about three to four feet high, made of every available
object wbich required to be stowed away. Tents rolled up
and piled one on the other, men's kits and officers' baggage
arraoged along the line in a continuous heap, camel-saddles
placed as in the Matun entrenchment, and commissariat fiour-
bags built into a wall three feet six inches high, formed the
various means of shelter employed.

The diameter of the enclosure being roughly over 888
yards, each face of the octagon was about eighty yards
long. A space of ten feet wide was kept clear all round the
inside of the work. When all the camels and other animals were
brought into the enclosure, there was rather a squeeze in the
middle road, where all the mules and horses were picketed.
Each camp covered a space that included its baggage animals,
80 that room for those belonging to the troops who were away
bad to be provided.

Captain Wynne, with a party of signallers, ascended the'
southern range. From the peak of one of the hills be was
able to overlook the Matun fort and plain, and he signalled
about 12 o'clock that the whole valley was black with the
crowds of Mangals that had come down. Subsequently
he reported that the force was returning, and he came back to
camp. Shortly after 2 o'clock the General sent a message to
the same effect, and as ihe troops who were on the way would
require their tents and baggage, the enclosure was ordered to be
dismantled. Beginning about 2 o'clock, the camp resumed its
ordinary appetirance by 8 P.M ; and when the Oeneral arrived
shortly after, everything with the exception of the camel-saddles
and grain-bags was back in its place. These were left standing.

The General, starting at 6.15 am., had reached Matun by

Digitizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO EHOBT, ETC. 237

9.f)0 A M , and proceeding at ooce ioto the deserted iatreDoh-
meot had alluired the troops to rest for an hour.

The Mangals were obaerred at the skirt of the hill whera they
had been previonsly defeated, bat at this time none hud ventured
into the plain

The early march of the foroe had diaarrnnged their plans,
and they were not prepared to face British troops, when they
had expected only to put an end to the levies, amounting to
about 300 men, that had been left behind

The movements of the enemy were watched by a party of
the cavalry, while the troops within the enclosare bad their
b res k fast.

I'be only thing to be done, as fur as the fort of Uatun was
ooncerued, was to empty the place of all the powder and grain
that had been left.

As many camels as fouli be spared had been taken to carry
off the grain, biit there were nut many unladen camels in the
foroe, 80 that the whole could not be removed ,\Vhen the
animals were- Inden up, the convoy was started off, escorted by '
the Turi levy, whose lives had thus been saved by the timely
action of tlie General.

The powder was taken out of the fort and poured into the
wet ditch, the flints and bullets were pocketed by tbe men of
the levy, and so, with the exoeption of the grain that could not
be carried off, and which was sut alight, there was nothing for
the Mangals to wreak their vengeance upon. The task being thus
over, there remained only two alternatives — either to fight the
host of Mangals or to retire. The latter course was decided
on ; the enemy were in great force, and even if they had been
driven back to tbe bills, nothing would have been gained, as
they could not have been pursued Our men had marched
twelve miles, and had tbe prospect of marching back the same
distance or else of bivouacking in the plain ; if an engagement,
which could hardly have been decisive, bad been entered upon,

itizecyGoOgle '-

'Zm WITH TBB KUBRAM FIELD FOBOE.

it would have token them several miles further from the camp,
thus making the return journey longer.

While the vork of olenring the fort aa far ns it could be done
was heing earned on under the cover of the eutrenchraeuts, the
Mangals, emboldened by our seeming inactivity, had ventured
out into the plain, and had gradually formed a line about a mile
long, stretching from the foot of the hills towards the second
and third villages to the nest of Matun.

They were still about two miles off, but their numbers, which
were estimated at a guess at about 6,000 men, were sufficient to
show the necessity of action. Had only the whole force been
available in the intrenchments, or had the men been fresh to
go out and do battle against these savages, the result, if, as
might have been expected, we had been victorious, would have
done more to the pacification of the Afghan independent tribes
than any patched-up money-bought pence

As long as there are border tribes like the Mangals and
Ghilzais, savage and unconquered, who can boast of their freedom
and offer refuge to all discontented and necessitous Mahometans,
the idea of peace in any lasting sense of the word can hardly
be entertained.

Had there only been a few more regiments a blow might have
been struck on that day which would have liberated the oppressed
inhabitants of Khost, and put an end to the power of ,the
Mangals for harm, but unless the victory could have been
followed np by the occupation of their country and its ex-
ploration, no good would have resulted, and the opportunity of
breaking down one of the barriers to civilisation in these parts
had to be postponed till a more convenient season.

A little before 12 o'clock the retirement began, while ths
enemy were still at a distance, and waiting to begin the attack.

The 28lh Punjab Native Infantry and the Mountain Battery
moved off, while the cavalry trotted out and took up a position
ftbont a mile Arom the enemy.

.coy Google

EXPEDITION TO KEOBI, ETC. 239

The aqundron of the 10th Hussars, under Oaptain Bulkeley,
was thrown forward in skirmishing order, about 600 yurds in
front of the 5tb Punjab Cavalry, and a few of the marksmen
were dismounted, to try the effect of the Martini- Henry carbines
on the mass of the enemy.

When the Mangals saw this slight screen of cavalry in their
front they began to skirmish forward in regular order, obeying
the directions of their leaders, some of whom were mounted, and
as they advanced into the range of the carbine fire, they were
greeted with a few Bhots. One of these was luoky enough to
knook over one of the mounted leaders, who had made himself
conspicuous on his white horse against the dark background of
men. Every bullet must have told, aimed at the dense mass of
the enemy, and, had the firing been conlinuoua, and the whole
aqnadroD on foot, their loss would have been much greater.

The fall of the Mangal chief arrested the forward movenient,
and great was their astoniBbinent, when they recovered from
their surprise, to see the cavalry skirmishers turn about and
trot off.

This movement was interpreted by the leaders into a wish
on our part to entice them into the open country, where oar
cavalry might ride through them, and they were not willing to
face this prospect, so their temporary halt became a longer one,
while they tried to fathom our tactics.

These were simple enough, but in their very simplicity they
were too deep for the Mangals

The infantry and artillery, marching off about noon, had
by half-past IS increased their distance from the enemy to over
three miles and a half.

With this start, and the probability that the Mangals would
not follow very far into the open valley, there was no object in
keeping the cavalry too far detached, eo, soon after the hussars
had got the range of their opponents, they were ordered to cease
firing and retire.

itizecy Google

240 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FOECE.

This morement was effected by nltemale Bquadrons, as on a
parade, aad gradually the distance between the halted Mangala
and the cavalry increased.

At last the enemy made up their minds that we did not inteud
to fight, and, as the retiring squadrons were Tanishing oat of
sight, with one accord they swarmed into the empty intrench-
ment and fort.

The rescuere, with the rescued, leached camp about 6 o'clock,
having done a good day's work, and marched over twenty four
miles.

To show his appreciation of the men, who bad bad a good
deal of fatigue to undergo, the General ordered a free ration of
nim for the Europeans and natives who dmnk it, or of tea and
native sugar for those who did not take spirits.

There was still the chance that the Mangals might have
changed their minds, and followed np the force under cover nf
darkness to attack us ; so, after the camp was re-pitched,
all the oamel-saddles that were availiihle were taken to form a
series of picket defences round it, nhich would have formed
convenient posts for rallying on in case of a night attack.

These precautions turned ont to be needless, as the enemy
did not follow up the retirement, but they were necessary as long
as bis plans were unknown.

The Tari levies were accommodated in the village of Sahbri,
where they were apparently comfortable, as in the morning they
were in no hurry to turn out.

January 30th (temperature minimum Si°}. — The march was
ordered at 8 a.m., the distance being twelve miles, to a place
culled Zerkoma, about hnlf-way to Hazir Pir.

The Qettera) and some of the staff, starting at 9 a.m., and
escorted by a troop of the 5th Punjab Cavalry, reached Hszir
Pir by I o'clock, their baggage and mules reaching that place by
6 P.H, The troops under General Drew reached Zerkoma about
8 P.M., but the water at this place was so shallow and stagnant

itizecy Google

BZPBDinOH TO EHOST, ETO. 241

tbat it was decided to move on to the Eurram valley, whioh was
reaohed at about 4 o'clock, the camp being pitched near a village
called Bagbzai.

The road from the camp at Sabbri led north-east for nearly
three miles and a half, across an almost level plain. The soil was
of fine quality, but for some reason, whioh ooold hardly have
been waot of water, the whole of this fine valley was uninhabited
and unoolUvated. One email rained hut was passed, but scarcely
any fields showed near it. After ascending the gentle slope
of this triangular valley till its apex is reached, the road turned
into a gorge through the hills that fill up the whole of the
ooontry intervening between the Eurram and Ehost valleys.

The track passed through this open defile, the sides of the
hills being covered with a brushwood growth, while the bed of
the valley was filled with thorny bushes and small trees, mixed
up with the inevitable dwarf palm. A little water was found
here in the pools. After getting through two small valleys,
at a distance of about four miles a slight kotal or pass is-
reached, which takes the road into a broad and open plain
which runs very nearly straight from this point north-north-eaat
to the Eurram river, into whioh it disoharges its drainage water.

About four miles and a half down this open and uncnltivated
valley, the road following the course of the stream, the village
of Zerkoma is reached The actual village is out of sight,
though there was a collection of straw and grass huts, which
marked the temporary residence of some shepherds near the
water. The direct road to Hazir Fir, by which the General had
gone on ahead, struck up a ravine to the left, and, if this roat«
had heen practicable fbr the camels, the attempt might have
been made to follow him, when it was foond that the water-
supply at this camping ground was bad.

The only alternative was to go on down the valley to
Bagbzai, whioh was reached by the head of the column at
4.90 P.K., the baggage not being all in till 8.80 7.11.— aAer dark.

16

Digitizecy Google

242 WITH THE KOBKAM FIBIiD FOBOE.

MoBt of the camels were, however, up in time for the camp to b«
pitched hefore dark.

There was do actual difficulty on the road, and only in one
place, at the junction of the ravines at Zerkoma, was anything
required to be done to the track, and here the soft alluvial
perpendicular bank had to be ramped down to make several
paths for the baggage animala to get out of the nullah ; but
beyond this point the route presented do obstacle, though the
numerous side ravinee with steep hanks, across which it was
taken, delayed the march of the camels, though not of the
males. Descending thus gradually the whole way, the stony
river bed, which at this point was perfectly dry, was at last
reached, any water that was in it bedng below the surface This
river-bed had to be orosaed here and recrossed agfun a mile
lower down, where it had opened out to a width of nearly
half a mile, and then, just before its waters, when there are
any, reach the Eurram, the track comes into the road leading
along the right bank of this river.

The camp was pitched on dry terraced rioe-fields along the
left bank of the side valley, as the available ground in the
Eurram valley, between the foot of the hills and the village of
Baghzai, was too small to allow it to be placed there.

The ground was quite commanded by the sloping side of the
spun enclosing the Eurram valley.

The village of Baghzai, about 400 yards away from the end
of the spur, was remarkable only for an isolated hill, ronnd
which it was built.

The column marched next morning at 9.30 a.u., and Hazir
Fir, distant four miles and a half, was reached at 1 1 o'clock,
the road which bad been taken in hand close to that place
being the native track along the upper edge of the cultivatioo,
and following as a rule the bends of Lhe spurs ; but occasionally
it went straight aoroas the fields, which as usual were dry.

The view of the Su^d Eoh, blocking up the end of tlw

D,j,i,:«^:,y Google

BZPBDinOM TO EHOBI, BTO. 248

valley, was very grand; the coveiing of bqow os the higher
range had quite changed the colour of the landscape.

A passing allnsion was made, a few pageB back, to the report
from Brigadier-Geneial Thelwall, C.B., as to the expected
attack of the Mangals on the Peiwar Kotal, and though, in
order not to hreak the thread of the preyions narrative, the
subject was not i^aiu touched on, itj will he desirable to record
at the olose of this chapter the events connected with this
attack.

The Mangal tribe can furnish about 20,000 fighting men,
armed like their neighbours with matchlocks of varying
excellence, and the usual knives. The tribe, being off any of
the roads travelled by Afghan troops, did not oome much into
oootaot with the A%baa Government, and considered itself
virtually independent, though acknowledging in a way the
anpremaoy of Cabal, aa long as ita obedienoe wae not tested
by a demand for tribute or taxes.

The sabetitution of one form of government tot another
should, tinder these circumstances, have been a matter of
indifference to these people ; but egged on by the fanaticism
of the " mullahs " and their own vanity, they threw in their
lot with the Afghans rather than with the English, as the
latter, they knew, would not put up with their partioolar
weakness of helping themselves to the property of others.

The expedition to Ehost was a chance that they oould
hardly expect to get again. The English troops were broken
np into detachments, too far separated to be able to support
eaoh other quickly, while they eould, with the assistance of the
intervening tribes, oollect, as far as numbers went, forces
very oonsiderably larger than those of the enemy they wished to
annihilate. Had the Mangals, however, trusted more to their
numbers than to their bravery, the result might have been
different ; but they divided their forces, and so brought defeat
on UwmMlves.

16 •

DigitizecyGOOgle

244 TnTH THE EUBBAM FIELD FOBOE.

The dlBOomfituie of the Msngals who attacked at Matun has
heeo described ; the failure of the proposed assault on the
Peiwar Eotal has dow to he recorded.

The garrison of the Peiwar Kotal at this time coosieted of
fbur companies of the 2/etb King's, under Major Tanner ; three
gQQB G/8 Royal Artillery, under Major Parry ; the 2nd Punjab
Infantry, under Lieutenant- Colonel Tyndall ; a party of the 13th
Bengal Cavalry and the company of Sappers and Miners — in all
about 1,000 men. 4,000 of the Mangals, aided by 2,000 of the
Hasan Eheyl section of the Jajis, or about 6,000 men, determined
to attack this post almost simultaneously with the attempt on
Matun. Their plans were well laid, and the secret was well
kept, as it was only at midnight on the 4th that an express
reached General Tbelwall from Alikheyl, to the effect that the
tribes were adrancing in force to retake the Feiwar Kotal, and
that they might soon be expected to arrive.

The report received was not quite explicit as to the time the
MoDgals meant to attack. They bad come down into the
Harriab valley by the glen nearly opposite the village of Byan
Kheyl, and some bad turned off to seek shelter and food in the
villages to the west of this point, and had got as &r aa Alikheyl.
Captain Beouick, with his small escort, was posted here as
representative of the British Oovemment. His position was doc
a pleasant one; the few men with him might at any time
previously have been overpowered by the inhabitants of the
village itself; but such had been his tact in dealing with these
hostile people, that when the time of trial came, and they were
pressed and urged to join the cause of their brethren in ridding
Ibe village of the presence of tbe infidela, they not only held
back but refused to join the coalition. There was no doubt in
Captun Bennick's mind but that his death would be amply
avenged if it occurred, and this sentiment had its due effect on
the misds of his friends. Had there been any wavering on bis
part, or had he subsequently left tbe post, whicb he might have

itizecy Google

BXPEDITION TO EHOST, ETC. 245

done in obedienoe to instmotionB reoeived from General Thelwall,
vithout any blame being attached to him direotly or indireotly,
the Maagals, and the laction trho were on their side, would have
claimed a victory, and their elation might have led tbem to
attack the position at the Peiwar Eotal ; but it can easily be
ooDoeived that the resolute attitude of this officer had the effect
of Btrengthening his position at Alikheyl, by drawing the
villagers who were favourable to our cause into closer connection
with him, and at the eame time this alliance bad a oorreeponding
effect on the Mangals and Hassan Eheyls. If one Englishman
posted in a native boaBe with twenty soldiers was able to induce
the villagers of Alikheyl to side with him, what ofaance was there
of the tribes being able to make any impression on the Sritish
garrison of the Peiwar Kotal ? This was a question that cansed
much difft^rence in the councils of the Mangals, so much so that
it pnt an end to their campaign.

However, when the cavalry videttes in the neighboarhood of
Byan Eheyl reported the advance of the Mangals into the
Hurriab valley, the garrison of the Peiwar Kotal prepared to
meet them if they came on, as they were expected to do at once.

The posts to be defended had all been previously prepared,
and 60 when the alarm was given everyone knew where he had to
go, and what to do. The plans of the enemy were not decided
at first, and it was doubtfiil whether they meant to attack at
once or not, but they were watched.

When the report reached General Thelwall in the middle of
the night that the tribes were within four miles of the Peiwar
Kotal, and that they had every intention of attacking, the
troops were at once turned out so as to be in readiness, and
took up the positions that had been settied by General Thelwall
in concert with the commanding officers.

The position of the Peiwar Kotal would under some circnm-
stances have been an easy one to hold, bat these ciroumstanoei
involved a larger garrison and less cover for the assailant*.

itizecy Google

246 WITH THE EtIBEAM FOLD FOBOE.

Neither of these favourable cooditiooa existed when the prospect
of having to fight for its oconpatJon tnrned oat the defecdeis
OQ a cold winter night, with the thermometer Bereral degreee
below zero.

The main defenoes at the Kotal consisted of blook-hoases on
three points, all within rifle-range of eaeh other, formiug the
three angles of -an isosoelee triangle, with sides ahont 600 yards
long; the hsse ahont 650 yards.

The blook-bonses were eaoh [ooteoted hy a parapet of &Ilen
trees, fonning an outer line of defbnee, and enolosiDg a space
for the garrison, wbiob was larger than the boases could bold.
The work at the apex of the triangle contained Qeneral
Thelwall's faead-qnarters, and also two of the three guns of G/8
Eoyal Artillery, which oonld bring a fire on either of the outlying
block-houses which barred the aooess to the Eotal on the north
and south sides, or on the only remaining means of approach, the
western gorge leading to Zahbardast Killa. The third gun of
G/8 was plaoed in the southern block-house, where a company
of the 8tb was stationed in wooden huts just below the block-
house itself. The gun commanded Hhe approach on this side,
which could only be made in force along the ridge leading to the
position.

The garrison was divided between these three points, leaving
a strong detachment of the 2nd Punjab Infantry under Colonel
Tyndell to occupy the slopes of the western gorge, in case the
enemy took this, the easiest, road to advaooe to the attack.

To face an enemy in the day, when the means of attack and
defenoe are evident to all, is a simple matter compared to
undertaking the same duty in the dark, when ample cover in
the pine woods surrounding the position prevents his approach
from being seen. The garrison of the Peiwar Kotal had to
undertake this difficult duty, and to keep alert hour after honr
all through the night, waiting and wishing for the attack, which
never same off.

itizecy Google

EXPEDITION TO KHOST, ETC. 247

They were fairly clothed, tot the most part, so as (o be able to
resiat the Arodo weather that they bad to contend with, but the
exposure on this and the sahsequent nights told hardly on the
weaker men, especially on the nfitives.

It speaks well for the discipline of the garrison, that, with
many causes to create exoitement, there should have been no
false alarms during the night. The troops had been for some
time at the Eotal, and were acquainted with the ordinary sights
and noetamal noises of the forest ; but allowing for this ezpe-
denoQ, it shows that the saddenness of the order tnming
the soldiers out into the cold and dark, had not oTer-exoited
the men. After weary watching the dawn came, and with the
day more certain news as to the movements and plass of the
enemy.

Janaary fitb. — General Thelwall, finding that he bad not
been attacked on the night of the 4th January, and that the
assault had been postponed, determined to utilise the time at
hie command by sending to the Feiwar cantonment at Habib
KiUa and to the Korram garrison for reinforoements, as the
numbers of the enemy opposed to him were safBoiently large to
make the odds against him very great, the position being more-
over an extended one.

In obedience to his order 160 men of the 7Sud Highlanders
oame up under Captain Guinness, while later from Kurram 300
Goorkhas under Captain Cook arrived, having done their march
of over nineteen miles, with the steep Peiwar bill to climb at
the end, in six hours.

As soon as these reinfbroementa, which were all that were
available, reached, they were placed in position with the other
troops.

The day had been passed in keeping a good look-oQt for the
enemy, and in strengthening the position of the north blook-
honse by throwing out towards tbe south a parapet for ISO
yards along the orest of the ridge, made of the stems of the

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243 WITH THE KUBRAH FIELD FOBQE.

trees out donn in its froDt and rear, piled one on tte top of the
other. The parapet thus formed mure fully secured the weetem
Bide, where ou the slope of the hill, away &om the oentral
position, the valley could not be searobed.

When all these additjonal precautioDS had been taken, the
garrison, now reinforoed, were ready for the attack, and agun a
night of expectation was passed ; the crack of falling trees, which
Bounded like distant moiketry, being the only cause of disturb-
anoe. Tbe intense cold was, however, a greater enemy than the
Mangal, and the exposure was very trying, as well as tbe want
of rest.

January 8th.— Tbe morning broke upon a pleasaatei
prospect: the enemy bad feared to make the attaok in the
night ; a party of them bad come up to within a short
distance of tbe Bobtbem blook-house, bnt after recunnoitriog it
had withdrawn, not likiog to cross the cleared ground iu ^nt
of tbe gnn. Now, however, it seemed as if they really meant to
try conctasionB with us.

They swarmed into tbe Harriah valley, and in a black dense
mass began to advance towards tbe Feiwar Kotal. At 10 a.u.
the advance patrol of the 1 3th Bengal Oavalry had sent in
reports of their approach, and everything was in readiness
for them. After a time their advance was stopped, and the
plan of attack apparently became the subject of discussion
among the leaders of the Mangal and Hassan Eheyl Jajis, and
as tbe question could not be settled, the tribes began to disperse
again, and gradually melted away. It was known, however,
that a porUon of tbe enemy, to the number of 1,500 men, were
on the mountain to the left of the southern block*house, and
it was from this band that the reconnoitring party had come
which had explored tbe approach to the position. A number of
them, no doubt, had joined the swarm in tbe valley, bnt some
were sUll in the neighbourhood.

The headmen of the Tun villages in the Kurram valley bad

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BZFBDinOIt TO EHQSI, BIO. 249

proffbred their BerriMS vhen th« news of tbe Mangal inTauon
had arrired, and the offer was accepted.

In every way they were equal to the enemy, and, at any rate,
they looked upon him with contempt and hate, and the presence
of three or fonr hundred of these men was useful, as, while
adding to the numbers defending the Eotal, it showed the spirit
that animated the Turis ; the only drawbitck was, that if these
luris had been let loose on the Mangala, it would have been
very hard to,distingiUBh firiend &om foe ; the latter onder ordinary
oiroumstanoes bote such a strong familyresamblance to the former,
that it required a very good jadge to piok out one firom the
other.

To obviate the chance of any unpleasant accident from this
cause, Genera] Thelwall took tbe precautjoa of placing his allies
out of danger, on the eastern side of the Peiwar Eotal, where, if
they could do no good in case of an attack, they were, at least,
out of harm's way and unlikely to be taken for enemies.

There was no opportunity, however, of testing the figliting
qualities of our allies, as the Mangals bad retired into their
native fastnesses, not even having attempted to force tbe friendly
Jajis of Alikbeyl to give op Captain Benniok to their tender
mercies ; not hot what the Sniders of the small escort of the
S8th Punjab Native Infantry may have had something to say
to their not proceeding to extremities, but beyond a orowd of
several hundreds clamouring for his head and thus bringing
moral persuasion to bear on the Alikheyl maliks, they did
not attempt to nee any violence. Tbe headmen of Alikheyl,
moreover, were true to their engagements, and turned a deaf
ear to all Uie pressure that was brought on them, and Captain
Bennick, who bad placed his life in their hands as it were, had
no cause to regret the conRdenoe he had reposed in these rude
hillmen.

The enemy having disappeared, the reinforcements no longer
required returned to their garrisons, after an experience of as

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360 WITH THK KUBBUC FIELD FOBOB.

serera oampaigning as had as yet beeo the lot of any of our
troops.

Luckily the bdow had oot fallen at this time, bnt this
addidoaal evil only was required to make this three days'
ezpeditioii aa unpleasant, as regards exposure and want of
fighting, as any serrioe in the field could be.

itizecy Google

261

CHAPTEB Vn.

Pbspabationb rcffi thb Adtanob to Oabdl.

^jEBRUARY 1st (mioimam 84°).— The obief ovent of this
■^^ Akj was the iirriTal of Sirdar Wali Mahomnied at the
oamp at Hazir Pii. Under inBtniotions from the General
he had been aooompanied from Alikheyl by Captain Rennick
and a suitable escort, and se be Beared tbe camp Captain Arthar
ConoUy, B.S.O., who was ooting as Political OfBcer, was ordered
to ride out with Lieatenant Neville Chamberlain, aide-de-oamp
to tbe General, to welcome the distinguished stranger, in
aooordanos with the customs of Oriental etiquette, and when the
Sirdar was thus brought to the camp at noon be was met at
the end of tbe head-qaarter street by the General and staff, and
conducted to the General's tent, where there was a guard of
honour of the S 1st Punjab Native Infantry and tbeii band, to
complete tbe ceremony of reception.

There was thus nothing done which could have either hurt
his feelings or shown the light in which bis arrival was viewed.
It would have been as Miy toi the Sirdar to have proceeded to

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2S2 WITH IHE KOBB&M FIELD FOBCE.

the bead-quarters of the Ehyber oolamn, and probably he vonld
have gone there had lie knowa that he would have been sent on
to JellaJabad, but after baviog placed himself in commnnioatioD
witb Captain Reniiiok, who was the nearest English officer with
whom he could treat, he preferred to come in to General Roberts
by the Shatargardnn road. Up to the present time this road
had, owing to the extraordinarymildnessof the season, been oom-
paratjvely iVee from snow, and if only this oontingenoy could
have been foreseen, it might have altered the ooarse of the
campaign. The viotory of the Peiwar Eotal might hare been
pushed home by following the retreating ^Afghans to Cabal,
and there dictating the terms on which peace would be made ;
but the risk of placing the impenetrable barrier of the Shutar-
gardan in rear of the Kurram column, with the prospect of
its long convoy of baggage and ammanition being caught in a
BDOwstorm, was enough to prevent this plan &om being oariied
out at the beginning of the war

To return to Sirdar Wali Mahommed. In appearance he was
ft tall man of good proportions, dressed in a grey cloth coat,
wtib the usual high black lambskin Afghan cap. His face was
not a striking one in any way, escept that it was of a lighter
complexion than that of most of his countrymen, and that his
beard was of a brownish red tinge, instead of the usual black or
grey. He rode a fine oheanut Turkestan horse. Among the
followers who accompanied him were several of the maliks of
the Logar valley, who had assisted his escape. The presence of
these men might'be looked on as a better omen of success than
that of Wali Mahommed, for on the inhabitants of the Logar
valley depended the success of our march into Cabul, when it
should ocoar, while the Sirdar, who had by coming in cut
himself off firom the national party in Cabul, was powerless
to assist ns with more than advice. His object was doubtless
to obtain some benefit for himself. Report said that he
wished to occupy the position of Amir, now that the situatioit

itizecy Google

,1,1.0, Google

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FBSPASATIONS FOB ADTASCB. 269

waB Tooant, the report of Shere Alia death liuviug beao
telegraphed by General Tbelwall fk>in the Peiwar Kotal, but as
yet there was no oonfirmation of this news. Had tfae Sirdar
been recognised as belonging to the real reigning family, there
might have been a chance in bis favonr; but being only a half-
brother of Shere Ali, and not a man of any marked ability, be
had no following in Cabul to sustain his pretensions.

However, hie arrival was a matter of some politioal impor-
tance, ae giving a clue to the feelings of the various Afghan
parties, and so it was considered by the Government, who
ordered that he should proceed with all convenient despatch to
Jellalabad, where Major Cavagnari, the Political Officer in Sir
Samuel Brown's force, was, so that he could discnss the political
sitnation with him.

To do further honour to the man who had shown his
confidence in the British, General Roberts invited the Sirdar to
dinner as a conclusion to the civilities with which he had been
treated on arrival. The compliment was one of mere form, as
the gaest would not eat anything except plain bread and
water, his Mahommedan prejudices not allowing him to partake
of any food with unbelievers.

Almost immediately after the Sirdar and his party had
crossed the Shutargardan, the long-expected winter snow fell,
blocking the road. Had he postponed bis journey for only a
couple of days, he would not have been able to come by this
route, and it is quite possible that be would have been unable to
oome by any other.

The garrison of the Peiwar Kotal now began to feel the
comfort of having log huts, with fire>pIaoes in them, instead of
tents, as six inohes of snow fell there this day.

February Snd (minimum 81°). — Colonel Macbean, Deputy
Commissary- General, arrived in camp on a tonr of inspection
of bis department. Captain Badcock, Principal Commissariat
Officer, wfao had gone to Thull to receive him, aooompanied

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264 WITH THB EUBBAU FIELD FOBOB.

faim, as also Captain G. Uarriott, ExecQtive OommiBsaiiat
Offioer stThiill.

Colonel Maobeao bad previoaaly visited the Ehjber foroe,
and was able to oompare the relative positions of the two as
regards the means of keeping ap sapplies, which depended
altogether on the oonditioD of the roada.

The route from Kohat to Thnll had gradually been made
available for wheeled traffio, hut was not in a very satisfactory
condition. The road onward from Thull on the right bank was
much in the same state as when the force had passed ap in
November, and though there was no actual diffionlly for the
camels, it was narrow in most places, and not suitable for convoys
passing each other. It was ordered to be at once widened
and improved between Hazir Fir and Thull, and working
parties were sent to put it in order while it was still used
as the only means of communication ; hut from the commence-
ment of the campaign it had been foreseen that the permanent
road would have to be made on the left bank of the river,
and thus the neoessity of having to cross the Enrram river twice
would be avoided.

The S8rd Pioneers, after their return ^m Ehost, had been
directed to cross the river at Hazir Fir, and commence operations
on this new road, and they had, with the assistanoe of the
Engineer officers, with working parties of local labour, already
made several miles of it.

February Srd (minimum 2S°). — The General and staff rode to
Ahmed-i-Sbama, retoming by another route through the hilla,
to see if the line of road could be improved by leaving the river-
bank, but this was not found to be the case.

The wing of the SUtb Punjab Native Infantry, who had been
in camp at Uazir Fir during the absence of the Khost column,
being no longer required for the protection of that place, marched
to-day for Tboll to rejoin their head-quarters, and the squadron
of the lOth BoMan^ wbiob had bewi ordomd to iqcnn tbt

itizecy Google

FBBPABATIONB FOB jU)TANOB. 25&

regiment id the Kbyber ooluma, tdso left, muob to the regret
of eyeryone.

The detoohmeDts of the 12th Bengal GaTalry, which had been
posted in the Eurram valley between Hazir Fir and Knrram
Fort, bad been relieved by two oompanies of the Sflst Panjab
Native Infantry, tinder Captain Carrutbere, and tbey were
picked np by the regiment, which marched in to-day to be
quartered at Hazir Pir, where grass and forage were plentiful
compared with that part of the Kurram valley about the Peiwar
Eotal and Habifa Eilla.

Another company of the 2Ist Punjab Native lo^try, pnder
LieuteDant Yooog, was detached to Tullamai on the right bank,
to commence improving the road towards Thull from this point.

February 4th, — The weather became uncertain in the
lower valleys, now that anow had began to whiten the mountains,
and though as yet no rain had fallen, it was very cloudy and
hazy when the camp at Hazir Pir was broken up by the
departure of the General, with the escort' of the Sttth Punjab
Native Infantry, and No. ft Mountain Battery, fbr E-urram
and the Peiwar Eotal.

The troops who were to remain till further orders at Hazir
Pir were three guns F/A Royal Horse Artillery, left wing 72nd
Highlanders, wing Slst Punjab Native Infantry, 12th Bengal
Cavalry, and wing 5th Punjab Cavalry.

Sirdar Wall Mahommed, who had been ordered to proceed to
Jellalabad, also started this day, accompanied by Captain
CoDolly, B.S.C., who had been nominated for this duty, as
Assistant Political Officer. Every attention was shown the
Sirdar on his arrival at Thull, Eohat, and Peshawui, and with
the exception that not much time was lost on the road, he was
made as comfortable as he could have desired, but it was advisable
to get him to Jellalabad as early as possible, as Yakoob Khan
was reported to be preparing to follow his uncle's step, and to be
-coming in to Kr Sam Browne.

itizecy Google

256 WITH THB EU^UH FIELD FOBOB.

The Oeneral's escort marched at 9 a.m., and kept to the road
OD the right baok of the Eurram, till it reached an impaesahle
spur of rock, when it was necessary to take to the river-bed.
The bank at this plaoe was perpendicalar, with a drop of about
ten feet into an irrigation stream ahont fifteen feet wide. It
had been eligbUy prepared for the passage of the troops,
bat not rery satisfactorily, and some delay was experienced
in getting down the baggage animals. The main channel
of the river was about fifty yards wide, with a strong onrrent
running in it, the water being about three feet deep in the middle.
The ford was not quite in a direct line, but skirted the edge of a
shallow rapid, where the stones and boulders were of a la^
size. Above the ford and the rapid the water was about font
feet deep.

There was no great difficulty in fording the current, but it was
aeoessary to have a fatigue party from the 28th Punjab Native
Infantry and the monnt^n battery to help the baggage animals
across, and to keep them on the right track, so aa to prevent
them either getting on to the broken bed of the rapid, or into
the deep water, when the loads would, in the case of the mules,
have been wetted all through. .

It was not a pleasant duty to hare to wade into the ioy
stream up to the waist, bat it was done well and cheerfully, and
very few mishaps occurred. Two men were taken off their legs
and carried down. - One had tried to cross higher up the stream,
and was rescued by the native officer of the mountain battery, and
the other by Lieutenant Dennis, 28th P.N-I., who was in
charge of the rear-guard, and who had to ride some vray down
the river before he was able to get below him and stop him.
Bain began to fall while the passage of the ford was being made,
and continued all through the day, getting heavier towards the
afternoon till about 5 P.H., when it cleared a little and showed
the mountains covered with snow all round ; hut Che rain soon
reoommenoed and continued tilt 10 p.u. The General stopped

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PBBPAItATIONS FOB ADVANCE. 267

on the way at the village of Soddur and was intervitiwed by the
head-men, who prayed for a remission of the fine that had been
imposed on the village, but this was not granted, as thoy had
not ahowti a iiiendly spirit at the commenoement, having
listened to the voice of their mnllab, and refiised to assist in the
ounstrnotion of the telegraph line.

The oamp was pitohed to the south of the village of Ibra-
bimzai, on the same ground as on the previous occasion, but it
was not a good situation, being too small for the troops and the
convoy that was marching with them.

February 5th. — The morning was fine, and the view of the
snow-clad bills all round against a bright bine sky was lovely.
The tents began soon to dry in the warm sun, and the march
woe resumed at 10 a.h. to Enrr&m, which was reached about
S P.M. The General visited Wali Dad's Fort on the road, and
was met shortly after by the commandant of the Enrram
garrison, Major Fitz Hugh,- 5th Goorkhas, who had ridden out
to meet him. As the open part of the Knrram valley was
reached, the view, which had been shut in by the low ridges
and spurs coming down close to the road, opened out in alt
its grandeur.

The monniain Sikarom and the Sufaid Eoh range generally
seemed quite altered in form by the covering of enow that
bad fallen on them. The grey, cold, savage grandeur of the
range, which had till now darkened the landscape, bad disap-
peared. All was now bright, and the valley, lit up by the warm
sun, bore a reflection, as it were, &om the snovry mass of
mountains that bordered it. The origin of the name of the
Sufiiid Koh was evident. The white mountains were there,
prominent to a degree that must have stamped their name on
the minds of the unlettered Afghans, and they well deserved
that name. There was, however, one drawback ; as the sun
sank behind the range, the cold wind, which hsd been tempered
by the bright sun during the day, came down with increased

17

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2S8 WITH THE ETBBUf FIELD FOBCE.

Strength. Notbiog seemed capable of keeping it out, «ni, to add
to the diaoomfort, there vas no firewood avoilahle. No notice bad
been given of the expected anlTal of any troops with the General,
BO that arrangements had not been made beforehand for any
quantity to be brought in from the neighbouring villages, and it
was not till late in the eveniDg that the deficiency was made
good.

Febtnary 6tfa. — ^Tbe General inspected the npper and lower
forts at Enrram.

The interior of the lower fort had been all lerelled and
cleared, and presented a very different appearance to what had
been the case six weeks previoasly. A convenient row of
sheds had been erected ronnd two sides, in which the com-
missariat supplies were stored.

The field- hospitals were also completed and ooonpied inside
this fort.

As yet, however, the inner keep, where the ordnance stores
were, had not been tonobed, as the whole of the efforts of the
Engineers had been directed towards the completion of the
above-mentioned works.

In the upper fort but little had been done ; a mess-house for
the officers, and sheds for the company of the 72nd in the
garrison, marked the progress that had been made. Most of the
Goorkhas were, however, camped inside it, where the walls helped
to keep off the cold mountain wind.'

The 7th company of Sappers and Miners, ander Lientenant
Bagot, R.E., marched into Knmun en route towards Thnll, for
road-making purposes near Abmed-i-Shama, where their services
ooald be better utilised than at the Peiwar Kotal, where tlie
snow-fall had stopped their work.

February 7th.' — The General, No. 2 Mountain Battery, and
S6th Punjab Native Infantry, marched for Peiwar Kotal and
Habib Killa at 10 a.m.

Brigadier-General Cobbe, who had remained at Koziam, had

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. PBBPABATIONS FOB ADTAHOB. 269

now saffioietitl; recovered from his wotind to be able to travel,
and he took advsDtE^e of the escort of the 7tb company of the
Sappers to proceed towards TboU on Biok leave.

A small convoy of sick men in doolies end onladen camels
accompanied the Sappers, as did several other officers proceeding
on dnty.

The detachment was ordered to march viA the Darwaza pass,
to Hazir Pir, hut at the last moment it was told to proceed
by the left bonk of the Earram to Ihrahimzai, as there waa
some chance that tbe Mangals might ventore to attack a small
party with a convoy large in proportion to the escort.

With the inspection of the Feiwar Xotal the first part of the
history of the Karram Force comes to an end. The troops were
all disposed in tbei^ winter quarters, and there was but little
chance of any organised attack being made on any of the posts.
The Pciwar Kotal was virtually secure ; while the snow was on
the ground, the Eurram garrison hod no enemy except the cold
wind; the camp at Hazir Pir waa not within striking distance of
the Mangals or other hostile tribe, and tbe only place where
any trouble from marauders was to be expected was at Thull,
where, though in our own old border, tbe oamp was likely to
be disturbed by thieves at night. The Waziris could hardly be
expected to fbrego the chance of lifting a camel occasionally or
slaughtering any unarmed follower they could find at a distance
from camp ; while the continnoos stream of stores passing
along the Miranzai valley between Eohat and Thull offered a
perpetual temptation to the Zymukht tribes, who had on
several ocoosioas made small raids into our territory, and as
no notice had been taken of these, beyond ascertaining who
the offenders in each case were, it might be expected that
tbe difficulties would increase rather than diminish when the
tribes concerned fbnnd that attacks could be made with impunity.

The construction of the road on the left bank of the rivet
between Hazir Fir and TbuU offered additional facilities to these

17 •

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260 WITH THE EUBBAM FIELD FOBCB.

robbers to cootinuc their prt^dutory habits ; liitheito tlie^ bud
been at some distanoe from the line of traGBc in this direction,
bat now it was to be brought to the foot of tbeir hills. The
23rd PionoeFB were employed at this time in making ibe road on
this bank across the difficult portion about ten miles from Xhull.
Ab yet they had not been interfered with in any way, but they
they were quite capable of taking care of themselves and their
work.

Every arrangement having been made for the troops in their
winter quarters. General Roberts proceeded to visit Thnll and
the base of operations at Kohat.

The camp at Thull had been moved at the outset of the
campaign to a small plateau overlooking the cultivated bed of
the river, so as to be able to protect the bridge over the Kurram.
The time that bad lapsed since then had been employed in
putting the place into a state of defence, by building a stone
wall on the river edge of the platean, and by clearing the spur
of the hill that commanded the camp to the north, and making
a hedge of brushwood round the crest, within which the
outlying pickets were posted.

The plateau had been cleared of all the loose stones,
with which roads were lined out, and houses and walla built.
The CommisBiiriat Department was enclosed in a thick hedge of
briers The Ordnance Park was also protected in a similar way.
A small bazaar had sprung up, and the place was beginning to
assume quite a civilised appearance.

The small gamson that had held it, however, was quite
inadequate to the extent of ground to be protected, and ocoa-
sionally the outlying pickets were unable to be relieved from
sheer want of men, when any large demand for esoorta for
commissariat convoys, which were of frequent occurrence, had
reduced the number of available effectives.

The garrison at this time consisted of the S9th Begiment
Punjab Native Infantry, and a wing of the 14th Bengal Lancers,

itizecy Google

PBEFASATIONS FOB ADVANCE. 261

whicb had taken the place of the wing of the 5th Fuojah
Cavalry, which had been stationed here, and which had now
returned to Eohat

Till the return of the left wing of the 29th Punjab Native
Infantry, a wing of the 2nd Native Infantry (Queen's Own) bad
for a time formed part of the garrison, but this wing had also
returned to Eohat. The left; half-battery of F/A Royal Horse
Artillery were also in the camp.

ThoQgh the thorn-hedges inside the camp served effectually
as barriers to enclose the ground allotted for different purposes,
yet they were not without their drawbacks, as woe discovered
when the telegraph-t«nt was burned down.

This tent and an adjoining hut of grass were burnt one night
by a drunken signaller, who lost his life. They were situated in
a space about 50 yards wide, between the Commissariat and
Ordnance Park tents, which were enclosed by hedges, ae already
stated. Luckily, there was no wind on this occasion, or else
the t«nt8 which contained rum on the one hand, and those with
ordnance stores and powder on the other, must have suffered
After this, these hedges were moved and replaced by walls.

The road to Kohat was still being made in places, thoagh
for most of the distanoe it bad been lined out as a thirty-feet
road.

Its Aonstraotion was not at this time very satisfactory; a
ditch bad been out at each side of the road, and the earth thrown
into the centre, but as there had been no rain, the soft soil had
become fine dust. In order to give some solidity to this, a track
of ten foet had heeo overlaid with loose shingle, bat the resalt
was no better, as the trafiSo which should have worn this down
into a hardened mass carefully avoided the road, and wandered
either inside along the soft edge, or found more desirable firmer
ground to the sides. To improve matters, a layer of dwarf
palm leaves was strewn along the top of the shingle, and
again apiinUed with earth to keep the fronds down ; and that

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262 WITH TEE SnBBAM FIELD FOBOB.

it wa& hoped the difficulty was overcome, bat ereti thie did not
tempt the driTcrs of the postal mail-cart or of the haokeries to
Tentnre npon it if it could be ayoided. Notwithat-anding these
difficulties, the mail>cart geoerally managed to accomplish the
distasce of sixty-three miles to Eohat in seven hoars, which
■wea a very fair rate of speed, especially as the continnons
stream of hackeries going and coming, which were sore to have
halted or broken down in some narrow part of tbe road, often
mEide anneoeesary delays.

It was hoped that when the rain ehoold come the road would
improve, but this expectation was not realised, as that which fell
at last on the Ist March only turned the loose dust into mud,
and the soft soil of the fields through which the track was taken,
into a hopeless moraes, effectually stopping traffic while it
continued, and for some time after, till it bad began to dry op
again.

Wa]led serais, for the protection of tbe baokeries at
night and for the convenience of travellers, were in course
of ODuatruotion at the varioae encamping- grounds, and police
were entertained and stationed in watch-towers at intervals along
the road, to protect it and the telegraph-line from injury. The
telegraph-wires were never oat in this part of the line, after these
precaationary measures had been adopted, though in other
respects tbe road-polioe were unable to do anything as regards
the prevention of raids and thefts.

It was evident, however, that if the communications of the
Eurram force were to be kept op in a satisfactory manner, more
troops than those now available would be re<juired, and
tbe timely diversion of the Punjab oliiefe' contingent from the
Ehyber line, on which they were to have been stationed, to the
Earram force, relieved any anxiety on this score, and set free for
field operations troops that voald otherwise have been kept in
the reu.

The loyal co-operation of the Punjab chiefs, in placing their

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FBBPABATI0N8 FOB ASTANOB. 26S

states and troops at the disposal of the British GoTemment,
fiiniiBhed most opportanely the men that were required for this
particnlar duty. It vaa not, perhaps, one that they would have
selected, as the Sikhs would haye preferred to have been put into
the fighting- line, and had a ohance of renewing their enmity
with their national foe; but as they had undertaken to be of use,
they performed willingly and obnerfully what fell to them in the
way of duty.

The Fnnjah Chiefs' Contingent arnved at Eohat on the 9th
February, and half was sent to Bannu on the Idth Febmary, in
order to strengthen the foroe there in ease the Waziris should
feel disposed to give any farther troable.

The detailed aooount of the work done by this Contingent,
which has been kindly prepared for me by Mtgor W. Anderson,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral of the force, is given in original in
Chapter XI., and is most interesting, as forming a record of the
loyalty of the various Punjab chiefs, whioh deservsB to be handed
down to posterity. The command of the foroe had been given
to Colonel Watson, G.B., V.C, commanding Central Indian
Horse, with the rank of Brigadier-General.

His staff coneiBted of Major Anderson, Assistant Adjntant-
General; Captain V. Bevay, Deputy Assistant Quartennastsr-
General ; Captain Pearson, R.A., in charge of the artillery of
the Contingent Captain Massey was the Political Officer, and
Surgeon-Major Deane the Medical Officer.

The troops composing the Contingent bad been armed with
Enfield rifies from the Firozpnr arsenal, while the artillery
were furnished with S. B. bronze guns of various calibres from
thence and ttom the Feefaawar arsenal.

The troops of the Contingent detailed tot the Earram valley
marched for Thnll on the Uth, and reached that place on the
l&th, in time to he inspected by General Roberts, who arrived at
Eohat on the 20th February.

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264 WITH THE EUBRAM FIELD FOBGB.

Redittribution of Troopt in Brigades.

D. O. No. 591. — Febmar; 19th. — "The following disposi-
tioDB will take place Arom the date of Ute receipt of this order,
which will be communicated to officers commanding posts by
brigade-majors and station staff-officers.

" The 2Dd Brigade will consist of troops in advance of
Enrram from Habib Eilla to Alikheyl.

"All other troops across the frontier, at Karram, Hozir Pir,
and on the road from Enmun to ThuU, will belong to the Ist
Brigade. Head-quarters at Hazii Fir. The troops of the
Kurram YaUej Force in British territory at Thall and Kohst,
will be under the command of Brigadier-General Watson, G.B ,
and V.C."

Contervancy Dead Animal*.
D, O. No. 69.^. — " The Major-Q«neral directs the atteniion
of officers commanding posts and stations to the necessity for
seeing that dead camels, or other baggage animals, are buried or
otherwise satisfiuitorily disposed of. It is the duty of transport
officers to see this done, but it is equally the duty of commanding
officers to see that it is done, and the Major-General will hold
them responsible in the matter."

Trcmsport Cavalry Detailt.

D. 0. 59^. — February Slst, — "The officer commanding
14th Bengal Lancers will detail one duffadar, one lance dnffadar,
and nine sowars for duty with the Transport Train.

" Tliese men to report themselTes to the Saperintendent of
Transport at Thull.

" Fending further orders, the men will consider themselves
permanently attached to the Transport Train.

" The sowars at Ahmed-i-Shama and Jallamai will return to
regimental head-qaarters on being relieved by the oavabry of the
Puujab Ohiefe' Contingent."

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. fBEPABATIONB FOB ADTANOE. 265

The Kohat garrison at ttiis time ooDsisted of tfae fith Punjab
Infantry, squadron titb Lanceis, left wing 2/Uth King's, left half
battery G/8 Boyal Artillery, and tbe head-quarter wing of the
ilth Bengal Lancers — all of which troops belonged to the
Enrram Field Force — and also of H.M.'e 92nd Gordon High-
landers, and the 2nd Native Infantry, Qaeen's Own Light Infantry.
These latter regiments had not been detailed as yet to join the
Field Force, and remained under the orders of the Commander-
in-Chief, but the 92nd Highlanders were only waiting their
orders for field service, which they shortly after received, and
then the regiment came under the orders of General Roberts,
who inspected it and the various troops of his command during
hie stay at Kohat.

The oommand of the station of Eohat, which usually devolved
on tbe senior officer present of the regiments of the Punjab
Frontier Force at that place, was now given to Colonel Osborne
Wilkinson, commanding Srd regiment Bengal Cavalry.

The remaining days in February passed without any events
worthy of record. Every department was working to get mattere
ready for the looked-for advance in the spring, and though the
troops were resting in their winter quarters, the supply branches
of the force were taking advantage of the oessation of the
movements of men, to utilise as far as possible the whole of the
available transport in getting a two months' supply to the forward
base at Eurram. Fvery effort was made to add to the number
of country carts employed between Kohat and ThuU. About
2,000 of these were now running ; but in fair weather it took
nearly a fortnight for the journey there and back, and in rainy
weather the time of transit was considerably increased. The
roads being heavy it was not possible to load the carts beyond
the minimum weight of twenty maands (16 cwt.) for four
bntlocks, and even then at some of the nullahs additional bullocks
iweie required to take tbe carts np the banks.

The camels of the force, were utilised as far as possible on

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266 WHS TEB EUBEAH FIELD F<»ICB.

the road between Tbnll and Karram, and this necosBary employ-
meet helped to dimioiah their nambers. To replaoe losses,
oamels were purchased by the oitH aathorities in the Banna
district, but a large percentage of these were fband onfittod for
the work, and soon died off when used. In addition to hired
csrtB, the Commissanat made arrangements with owners of local
transport for the conveyanoe of stores, as also with the Oabol
Povindiabs, but not many of the latter were employed. The
majority of the animals thus engaged belonged to the Jowaki
section of the Afndis, a tribe whom it bad been necessary to
ponish severely the prerions winter, and who now were reooaping
themselves for their losses by honest labour.

The arrangement made with the local transport owners was
for the carriage at two rupees a mannd of stores between -
Eobat and ThuU, and it was ourions to observe their animals,
laden with double the load prescribed for Government camels,
going along without any difScolty, while ilie deserted and dead
camels on the roads showed that the work was too much fbr
those employed by Qovemment. The whole secret lay in the
fact that these animals were ased to the climate and food of the
oonntry, also that the private owners of camels knew how much
each oonld do, and in addition to the unfettered liberty of the beaat»
who was allowed to roam along the road at hie own paoe, they
halted at fruqaent intervals, and where forage was scarce they
supplemtjQted it with liberal food The Government camels
were tied in a string, head to the tail of the preceding one, and
tbne all bad to go along at the same pace, whether they were
equal to it or not, and being tied, could not stop to piok up a bit
of food by the wayside. They had to perform the regular
march without the loads being eased, and on arrival in camp
were only allowed, if their owners chose to pay for it, two
pounds of barley per camel, mnch too small a ration when Uie
size of the animal is considered. It most be remembered,
however, that barley was not a part of their onstoma^ food, and

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- PBBPABA.TIONB FOB ADTANOS. 267

a larger ration of it, if it coald have beeo given, vould have
most likely been as fatal to them aa the want of iiuitable diet.
The most fatal disease they suffered from was iaflammatioa of
the lungs, induced no doubt by the cold ; but enteric disease in
the way of diarrbsa, also carried off a good number. Others
broke dowo vritbout any perceptible disease.

Though the want of food may in some cases have killed off
the camels, yet it oould not have altogether been from this cause
that the chief mortality oocnrred, as ia the Punjab Chiefs'
Contingent, in whiob no expense was spared to feed the
baggage animals, the mortality was as great. The explanation
mi^st be therefore looked for in more general natural causes, uid
the severity of the weather, much felt by animals bred in the
warmer plains of the Punjab, would, most likely, joined to the
change of diet, be safficieat to account for it In some cases
the cold affected the lungs, and in others the stomach, the camels
having to sit all night on the oold frozen ground. Their warm
clothing, though it protected their flanks, ounld not possibly
prevent the oold striking up into the lower portion of their
stomachs, and tbne oaasing internal injury of a more or less
serious nature.

When a camel once loses his condition it requires a whole
year's rest and nourishment to bring him round. As this
treatment cannot he pursued in the field, the animal has to work
until he can do so no longer, and when his mind is made up on
this point, he sits down aud refuses to move on any pretence
whatever. The oamel-men can tell at a glance when this stage
has arrived, and taking off the load and saddle, leave the animal
to his fate. Sometimes after having remained seated for two or
three days, the poor beast will muster up energy enough to get
on his legs and look for food, when he is probably driven off by
the nearest villE^ers, either to be taken care of, or generally to
be killed and eaten ; but the usual fate in store for him is to die
where he has succumbed, leaving his oaroose to taint the ait.

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zoo WITH THE EXmBAlf YTBhD FOBGB.

tiil eveti the valtares, snrfeited with toujoura chameau, refase to
do their Rccnstomed work.

The weather had remained perfeotljr fine during the month of
February, too much so in faot, as the failure of the usual winter
raio in the Punjah had prevented agricultural operatioDB and
threatened future scarcity, owing to which the prioes of food
supplies were raised to famine rates, involving much hardship to
the people, and afi'eoting the CommisBariat Department. This
state of affairs was relieved somewhat by the welcome arrival of
the rain, which came on the 1st of Maroh, at a time when
military movements were all suspended. The rain in the lower
valleys, and, in &ct, all over the Fonjab, fell as snow on the
Feiwar Kotsl, and in the upper part of the Eurrani valley ; but
coming late as it did, it did not remain on the ground at Enrram
or Uabib Kills, and soon melted off. At the Feiwar Kotal of
course it did not melt, and gradnally increased till there was
about three feet of snow in the sheltered parts, and more where
it had drifted, till it had overtopped the line of breastwork made
to keep out the Maogals. The oold was of course most severe
in this Arctic vreather, but now that the night duties were
reduced to the ordinary routine the garrison did not suffer to
any great extent; in fact, the health of the British troops
improved in the bracing air.

The rain lasUd at Kohat for nearly three days, with heavy
thnnderstorms at intervals, and when it cleared off, on the 8rd of
March, it took with it the last of the winter, and the spring
weather set in, which had been looked forward to fbr the
renewal of active operations, from the date when the passes
should be free from snow.

On the night of the Snd March, a raid was made by
some men of the Alisherzais and Mamuzais, sections of the
Orakzai Afridis, on the serai which had been built as a
proteotiou for the transport carriages and animals at Oondioor,
about nine miles from Thull.

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PBEPABATIONB FOB ADVANCE^ 269

The wall enclosing the space where the carts were ooUected
bad been bnilt, bat as yet no gates had been put ap, so that
there was nothing except a small gaard in the serai itself, which
had a roQnd bastion or tower overlooking the cart enclosore at
one end, to prevent anyone from going in.

A party of abont IdO men oame down about 8 o'clock P.U.,
when there was a half-moon to give light, and going into the
enolosore oommenoed killing and wounding right and left.

The guard in the eerai was not strong cnongb to venture out
to the assistance of the unarmed followers and mule-men who
were being alanghtered, and they remained inactive inside their
post, which bad a gate. Alter killing four comnuBsariat
servants and one police constable, and wounding seven mnle-
men, the raiders retired, carrying off with them twenty-nine
moles, and escaped witbont any loss, the guard not venturing to
pnrnue them.

After this experience this post was strengthened by half a
troop of cavalry of the Sikh Contingent, and it was unmolested
for the future.

Uaroh dth, — In view of the expected spring operations it
was necessary that the varions detaobments which had been
separated for road-making and other purposes should be collected
again. The 15tb of March was the date originally fixed for the
reassembly of the force at Kurram, and in advance of that place,
and the fallowing orders were published giving effect to this
arrangement

D. 0. No. 618.—" Camp Eurram, 4th March.

"The following movements are ordered:—

" 1. Wing 89th Punjab Native Infantry from Thull to Cbapri
or other convenient site, when carriage is available. To work
on rot'd towards Manduri. Head-quarters to remain at ThuU.

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270 WITH THB EURBAlf FKLD FOBOB.

" 3. Half F/A Royal Horee Artillery from Thnll to the ounp
of the 2Srd Pioneers (at MaDdori) on the 8th inatant.

"3. Half F/A Royal Horse Artillery, aSrd Pioneera. and
7th company Sappers and Miners, to reaoh Shinnak (opposite
Hazir Fir) on Sunday 9th instant, Ibrabimzai on 10th, and
£urram on the 11th ; not to march before 9 ajc. on the Uth
instant.

" 4. 2lBt Fuojab Native Infantry to cross the river from
Hazir Fir to Shinnak as soon as carriage is availaMo, and
woric on the road towards Alizai. When the serrioes of this
regiment are no longer required on the road, it irill march to
Eurram.

"6. Head-quarters Ist Brigade, half F/A Royal Hortie
Artillery, No. 1 Mountain Battery, and wing of 72Dd High-
lenders, to march from Hazir Pir, reaching Badesh Eheyl on
Sunday 9th, Wali Dad's Fort Monday 10th, and Kurram on
Tuesday Uth instant, not later than S a.m.

" 6. Wing of 72nd Highlanders to proceed to Habib Eilla
on 1 3th instant.

. " 7. ISth Bengal Cavalry and the oompany 6th Punjab
Infantry noir at Hazir Fir, to remain there till the oommissariat
stores have all been removed from that place, then the troops
will marob to Eurram.

" 8. The squadron 9th Lancers and 6th Puiijab Infantry
will maroh from Eohat on the 6th, and on arrival at Manduri
will halt there for further orders. To arrive at Manduri on
IStb instant."

Stagea on Thull*Kurram Road.

D. 0. No. 614. — "The following stages for oamel'Oonvoys
for the new road along the left bank of the river are published
for information.

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PBBPABATIONB FOB ASTAHOB. 271

mies.

1. ThuU to Gh^ri .... 7

2. Ghapri to Alizai . . . . lii
8. Alizai to Shinnak ... 6

4. Shinnak to BadeBh £heyl . . 9
6. Badesh Eheyl to Wali Mahomed

Fort 7

5. Wali Mahomed Fort to Eurram 10

51 miles."

Bacorta — Offie«ra'.

D. 0. No. 617. — " The following instractioDB regarding
escorts for ofiBoers travelling are published for general informa-
tion.

''The officers commanding at Badesh Kbeyl and Wali
Uahommed's Fort vill see that they are duly observed,

" 1. Officers travelling on duty or on pass must be properly
armed, and will be allowed an escort of one sowar from post to
post.

" 2. No separate escort will be allowed for baggage ; it mast
either accompany the owners or be sent with a oommiseariat
convoy.

"3. Except in case of urgent necessity, no escort should
leave a post so late in the day that it cannot return before dusk.

" 4. Travelling after dark is forbidden, except when required
by the public service."

StaffOfficera not to act at Praaa CoTreapondent:

D. 0. No. 630.-^" Under inatmctiona from His Ezcellenoy
the Gommander>in-Ohief in India, staff-offioers serving with
tioopB in the field are prohibited from undertaking the duties of
newspaper oorreapondoits. Thia order ftppUea to ti\ staff-

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272 WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FORCB

officers, whether general, personal, or belonging to the civil
departments of the army."

D. 0. No. 626.— Maroh Tth.— "Brigadier-General A. H.
Cohbe resumed oommand of the 1st Brigade on the 2nd March,
1879."

Transport — Private Carriage Charges.
D. 0. No. 628. — March 8th. — " It is notified, in accordance
with GommtsBory-General's letter No. 1241, dated Lahore, 18th
Febranry 1879, that private oarriage must he paid for by officers
and others at the rates at wbiob it has been engaged. When not
required by the officers it may b« used for Qovemment purposes,
and paid for by tfae State."

Officers to ** armed.
p. 0. No. 629.— March 8th,— "The Major-General directs
that officers are invariably to be Armed whenever they leave the
precincts of their camps. He has lately observed that some
officers do not consider it necessary to put on their revolvers
when walking or riding."

Conservancy Camping grounds,

D, O. No. 680. — " Officers commanding posts ure required
to see that the camping-grounds are kept clean, and clear of
dung and litter. If necessary, they are authorised to hire local
labour for the purpose, the cost being recovered by contingent
hills on the Field Treaenre-chest, which are to he submitted
through the Assistant Quartermaster- General of the force.

March Bth. — The three guns, F/A Royal Horse Artillery,
under Captain Harvey, marched this day to Manduri, as ordered-
The road crossed a steep ascent to the west of Thull, over one
of the spurs of the Kadi Mukb mountain, which ran down to
the edge of the river, and finished there in a precipitous front,
along which it would have been difficult at the outset to make

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F BPABATIOHB FOB ADTANOB. 273

tbs road. The Bsoent was kDown as the Eafir Eotal, and it
began shortly after leaviog ThuU to vind op an open valley, till
it reached the paaa at its head, at a distaDoe of about five miles.
The deeoent on the further aide dowc to the liTer-baok was
fthout half a mile, and rather steep, several sharp zigzags having
to he made on the side of the ravine in whiofa it was taken, to
keep the road in the ravine. The gons orossed this path vith
some diffioalty, the horses being rather out of condition, as
forage bad been very scarce at Thnll, and some of the waggon
trains were much tried daring the rest of the march, which
oontinaed along the bank of the river at varying elevations, and
espeoislly towards the end, where at a mile and a half before
reaching Manduri, another steep ascent cat in the fooe of an
ahtaoet perpendicular padding-stone cliff, required several halts
before it was surmounted. The road was not more tlian ten
feet wide along the faoe of the cliff, and it had to be taken high
np to avoid the labour of cutting down large masBes of the hard
rook, of which they consisted. The camp of the wing 2Efth
Punjab Native Infantry was passed at Cbapri, at seven miles
from ThoU, and the escort of the 14th Bengal Lancers, which had
accompanied the guns, returned Ax)m this point, the dangerons
part of the road having been got over.

There was no vill^e, or anything in particular, to fix the
locality of Chapri, which was represented only hy the camp of
the wing of the Sftth Punjab Native Infantry, who bad been
employed in making the Kafir Eotal road. The name is a
common one, and is applied to any collection of temporary huts,
known as cbappars. Sobsequentiy a serai and fortified post was
built with the stfme name, about a mile from the spot on which
the a9th had camped.

The camp of the SSrd Pioneers at Manduri was pitched on a
low plateaa, in the open gorge of a valley leading into the
Zymakbt country, not far from the vill^e, which was merely a
QoUection of a dozm hats, from which the name of the camp was

18

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274 WITH THB EUBBAH FIELD FOBOE.

taken. It waa ft trial to the tired horaes to have to drag the
oorri^es op the stony baok of the plateau, but some of the 2Srd
Pioneers were turned out to aeaist, and the half battery were all
in camp by S p.u. There had been some showers on the march,
and later, when the tents were pitched, the rain came on heavily
and lasted till the middle of the night.

Colonel Lindsay, B.H A , commanding the artillery, and bis
ai^utant, Lientenant Osborne, who were returning from inspootion
duty at Eohat, aooompanied the half battery.

The Pioneers bad bees employed in making the new road
along the face of the oliff already referred to, and also in the
difficult parts of the next day's march, where a good qnantitj
of blasting had been required.

March &th. — The run having stopped in the middle of the
night, the march was resumed at 10 A.U. The 7th company
Sappers and Miners led the way, then the Artillery, to be
followed by the 2Srd Pioneers and the baggage.

A difBonIt ascent and desoent Just at the village of Manduri,
ontside the camp, over a projecting ridge of rooks, delayed the
gons somewhat, and several others, in which additional leaders
required to be booked on, still farther kept them back ; so
the Pioneers were allowed to pass by them at the first place
where, the road not being finished, along an overhanging clifF,
obliged the guns to take to the bed of the river. A party of
the Slst Pnnjab Infantry were at work here.

The rest of the route, with the exception of another somewhat
similar plaoe, was along the alluvial bank of the river, and
oonaeqaently presented no difficulty. There were signs of
onltivation in terraced fields occasionally, but no honses or
villages were passed, till the village of Alizai, about seven milea
from Mandori, was reached. A serai was in course of eoaatrao-
tion here, being built by local labour. The workmen were
oheered at their work by the pleasing sounds of a dnun and a
surinai or reed pipe, on which the musicians played vigorously.

PBEFABATIOHS FOB ADTAHCB. 275

the iroiimen oooaaionall; responding at the telling passogea by
a vigorous oheer, vbioh seemed to lighten their labour.

The (zaok, which hod followed the rirer, was now tamed in a
northerly direotjon, still keeping on the bank, but the oultiration
had inoreased in proportion with the Mdth of the alluvial bank,
and several vill^es in a more or less riiinons condition were
passed. There was no difficulty of any kind on the load, which
as a rule kept along the top of the onltivated land at the foot of
the stony alopes and spurs, though ocoaaioDally, it was necessary
to take it across the fields to avoid too long ditours. Towards
the end of the march it left the river, and was taken np a
side ravine which brought the drainage of tbe Zymokht hills
into the Eurram, and crossing this, which was nearly dry, turned
again towards the river along the side of an elevated plateau, on
tbe summit of which, nearly opposite the camp at Hazir Fir,
was the camp of the iJlst Punjab Native Infantry at Shinnak.
This was a long march, the distance being about sixteen miles,
and though the road, with the exception of the ascents, was
' feirly good, the march occupied from 10 a.h, till 4 f.u. The
bagg^fe, however, was not up till nearly 8 p.u., nor the rear-
guard, owing to the camels breaking down, till 8 F.H. To add
to the discomfort of those whose tents had remained behind,
tain began at 8 P.M., and contmued all night.

Orain/or Regimental MaUa.

D. 0. No. 681. — Haioh 9th. — " The Executive Commissariat
Officer is authorised to issue three seers of dhall daily fbr each
of the regimental moles of the 6th Goorkhas."

The allowance for the ration of transport moles waa only one
seer a day, but the mules of the 5th Goorkhas, as of the
regiments of the Pui^ab Frontier Foroe, were of a larger
deecriptioD, ttnd required more food in the absence of grass at
Knrram Uian the smaller transport animals.

18 •

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Maroh lOth. — The camp &t Shinnok was on a fine open
plateau, about 150 yards wide and a mile and a half long, raised
aboal 100 feet above the level of the allavial bank uf the
Euiram, which it overlooked on the west, the plateau being
north and soatb. On the eastern side was the valley in which
the road lay, which gradually ascended further on to the level of
the plateau. This was composed of puddiug-stone, but over*
grown with grass and small plants, while the sides, which were
at an angle of 45°, were well clothed with larger bashes. As as
open site for a camp it ooold not be surpassed, and the view
from it looking up the Kuiram valley north to the Safaid Eob
was very lovely, when the clouds and rain clearing away, showed
the line of the high range glistening in the light. The air full
of moisture softened the distant colouring of the mountains,
which, instead of being bare and light-ooloured, with dark
patches where the pines grew, now appeared in varying hues of
bine and purple. The old native track ran along the foot of the
western slope, and by it ran a watercourse which supplied the
camp with water. The village of Shinnak lay nestled here in a
grove of molberry and other trees, which were just beginning to
come into leaf. The tents had been too much wetted to think
of marching to-day, and the morning bad not been bright enough
to dry them before the rain came on again at 2 P.U. and
oontinued till 8 p.h., when it stopped.

March llth. — The 28rd Pioneers and the three guns F/A
oontinned their march towards Eurram. The Slst Punjab
Native Infantry marched to Alizai to work at the road-making
in that neighbourhood, and the 7th company of Sappers was
ordered to return to Manduri, to complete some blasting
operations which were beyond the power of the working party of
the 81st on that section of the road.

The Major-Oeneral and staff arrived at Shinnak at 3 P.M.,
from Atauduri.

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PBBPABATI0N8 FOB ADVANCB. 277

The Nahha Contingent ordered to Bade$h Khetfl,
D. 0. No. eSS.—March llth.— " Brigadier- Qeneral Watson,
C.B., V.C., is requested to make the neoessary arrangements for
the Nabha OontiDgent to move to Badesh Kheyl by the following
stages:—

" To Chapri, Sacday the 16tli instant.
„ Alizai, the 17th instant.
„ Badesh Eheyl, the 18lb inetant.
" The Contingent to halt at Badesh Eheyl till flirther orders,

" Movements of Troop*.

" The 6th Punjab Infantry end squadron 9tb Lancers will
maroh to Kuiram by the following stages : — To Chapri, Saturday
15th instant; Alizsi, 16th; Badesh Eheyl, 17th; Wali Mahom-
med'sFoFt, 18th; Enrram, ]&th."

The wing of the 29th Punjab Native Infantry at Chapri was
ordered to Mandnri to prepare a site for the camp of His
Exoellenoy the Commander>in-Chief, who was shortly to arrive
at Eurram on a tour of inspection, and the head-qnarter wing of
the 21et were also ordered to return to 3hinnak for a similar
purpose, while the left wing of this regiment was to proceed
firom Badesh Eheyl under Captain Carmtbers, who was stationed
there with two companies, to Ibrahimzai, partly to keep the road
in repair, as also to clear the site for the Commander^in-ChicTs
camp. The wings of the Slst Punjab Native Infantry were to
remain at Shinnsk and Ibrahimzai until further orders.

Under these arrangements strong bodies of troops were
eohelonned along the new road, so as to afford protection and
seonrity to the march of the Commander-in-Chief.

At the camp at Hazir Pir, on the opposite side of the river,
there was only the 12th Bengal Cavalry and a small quantity of
oommiflsariat stores under Lieutenant Spenoe, Sub-Assistant
Commissary- General, awaiting removal on the arrival of unladen
oamels f^om Eurram.

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278 WITH THE EUBBAH riELD POBOE.

The troops whiofa had been there had marobed for Enrram,
bat were now detained at Badeeh Ebeyl, owing to the rain
having made the road impasBable.

Brigadier-General Watson, who bad been paying a flying
visit to the Earram valley and the Peivar Eotal, met Oenera]
Roberts at Shinnak, and, as the Commander- in -Chief was
expeoted shortly at Thull, the two generals returned to that
place.

Colonel Tjndsay, R.H.A., commanding the artillery, did not,
however, aocompany the Mf^or-Qeneral, but was ordered to
await bis arrival at Enrram.

The road &om Shianak to Badesh Ebeyl passed over some-
what similar cottntry to the last march, bat the oaltivated land
being of greater extent, the path had to be taken more often
aoroBs it For fotu miles at first it was very good, then for two
miles it led tbroagh the fields, passing at some distance firom
most of the villages, which were situated on the river-bank
abont three -quarters of a mile distant.

The road was then, as uaaal, taken along the npper edge of
the rioe-fields, along the side of the stony bank, for two miles.
There was more wood here than in any other part, mixed
with large-grown dwarf palms. The rice-flelds bad again
to be crossed for a mile before the village of Saddur waa
reached. Here the road, which had been foirly dry ap to this
point, became very soft, and the gone were only able to get
along it by means of a track of brushwood, which prevented the
wheels from sinking in too far. The road passed outside the
village, and soon after oroBsed the Eermanah river, where some
labourers were employed in paving the ramp leading down to
the ford.

The troops from Hazir Fir had been camped before the raia
set in, on the terraced rice-fields oa the other side of this river,
whiofa, when dry, bad afforded a good place for a camp, but the
banked fields became ponds when the rain fell on the 9tb, and

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PBBFABinOHS FOB ADTAKOE. 279

the soft soil retainiog the water bood became a spongy mad,
which was not pleasant to lire in. Till the rain stopped the
tents oould not be shifted, bat as soon as possible mora suitable
bard and stony ground was selected, half a mile further on.
where, though the rain fell oontinuoasly firom the night of the
ISUt for thirty hours, the troops suiFered no inconvenience.
The camp-followers and mole-men were not so well off, and
their spare blankets, wbioh were pitched as shelter-tents, gave
but little protection from the rain, while the want of the blanket
made the cold more intense, as the sorronnding mountains were
covered with snow. Tbe rain continued for six bonrs on the
night of the 14th, but the day being tolerably fine the 12th
Sengal Cavalry broaght in the oonvoy of the commissariat
stores from Hazir Pir, and went on to oamp at Ibrahimzai, two
miles beyond Badesh Eheyl. The !J8rd Pioneers had been
camped half-way between these places, bat they marched on the
nioniing of the ISth, and halted four miles short of Kurram to
improve the road at that point. The troops in the Badesh
Eheyl oamp marched on the same day to Wali Mahommed's
Fort, and camped on a stony drainage snrJaoe, cat up into
channels covered with long grass, about 400 yards from the
fort.

This place, previously known as Wali Dad's Fort, was less
defensible than most similar ones, being merely a sqnare mad
bailding, with faces of about sixty yards, and a wall of fifteen
feet high. There was even no protection to the gateway, nor
were there any loop-holes or platform of any kind to stand on to
fire over the wall. In the centre of the fort, as previously
menUoned, was a tall well-built square tower, which commanded
a good view all round, and gave an appearance of strength to
the fort.

The gateway led into a walled passage, which divided the
fort into two parts. These were sub-divided into two smaller
pqpares on the one tdde and three on the other, opening on to

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280 WITH THE EUKBAH FIBLD FOBOE.

tbe oentrol passage with doorways. There were some habitabla
rooms in a small building at the right-band of the gateway, with
(tolonred glass windows, and in the squares there were fants along
tiie walls for the garrison. This plan of building walls aoross
the interior of forts had the advantage of breaking the force of
the winter wind, and so keeping the place warmer than it ooold
otherwise have been.

On the leth March, Brigadier-Oeneral Cobbe, with F/A,
No. 1 Mountain Battery, the wing of the 72nd, the 6th Panjab
Oavslry, and the 12th Bengal Oavalry, marched into Knmm.
The road from Wall Mahommed's Fort avoided the river-bed,
and was taken in a direct line aoross the open andalating
country which sloped down from the Eermauah range, orossing
the Eermanah nullah about two miles ftom Eurram, at some
distance from its junction with the Eurram river. The camp at
Eurram was pitched about a mite troia the fort, on an open level
between two drainage dry watercourses. The tents of the 12th
Bengal Cavalry were, however, pitched on the bank of the stream
about half a mile from the fort, where the force had been
encamped in December. The wing of the 72nd did not remain
at Eomun, but marched on the 17th March to rejoin their
regimental head-quarters at Habib Eilla, their place in the camp
being taken by the 28rd Fioneera.

ChargetfoT CommUaariat Suppliet.

D. O. No. 641.— March 1 8th.— Extract icom Controller
Military Accounts Circular No. 442, dated 2nd January 1879. —
" Charges for rations issued to native troops to be supported by
the receipts of commanding officers, which should oontus a
certificate that the rations drawn are for the hon&Jide consump-
tion of the men for whom free rations are authorised, if the
details asually afforded in indmts cannot be conveniently given.

" When extra rations are indented for, the quantities supplied
should be specified in the oommanding officer's oerdfioate, whiok

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PBHPA&AZIOHS rOB ADTANOB.

281

flhonld ftleo contain a note of the month's general state, in which
the value of the supplieB will be credited. A edmilar course
should be followed when extra eapplies are made to oEGoefs and
individnals.

" In respect to the value of supplies for which payment haa to
be made, and the hire of private carriage, it is desirable, in the
ease of officers, individuals, and troops who are in account with
ihe Pay Department, that credit should be afforded in ' General
States and Fay Bills.'

" Becoveries on account of extra supplies, rations, &o. for
officers and followers should he made at the rates given in
Commissary-General's Circular No. 1 1, which will be sent to the
regiments.

" Private carriage will be charged fbr as follows : —
" Each camel, 16 Bs. per mensem.
„ mule, 18 „ . „

Detail of Troop* for advance on Cabul
J>. 0. No. 642.— March 16tb.— "Camp Thull.
" Under instmoliona from army head-quarters, the following
troops will form the column detailed in view to an advance on
Cabul :—

F/A Boyal Horse Artillery.

G/8 Royal Artillery.

No. 2 Mountain Battery.

Squadron ftth Lancers.

lath Bengal Cavalry.

14tb Bengal Lancers.

72nd Highlanders.

5th Goorkhas.

28th Punjab Native Infiintry.

93nd Highlanders.

Otb Punjab Infontry.

21st Puqjab Native Infantry.

"Artillery

" Cavalry

" In&ntry,
Ist Brigade

" Infantry,
Snd Brigade

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382. WUH IHB KUBEUC SIELH VO&CB.

" Infentrf, ( 28rd Fiooeen.
2iid Brigade \ 7th oompany Sappers.

" Scale of Sic& Transport.
" The above will take with them doolies and dandies on the
following scale : —

5 doolies ) per cent of strength of
2 dandies ) British troops,

fi dandies ) per cent of strength of
2 doolies } Nadre troops.
"The Eabars are to be selected onder the orders of the
Deputy Sui^OD General, and are all to be in every respect fit
for active service.

"The Deputy Surgeon- General will be good enough to issue
the necessary orders to have corps completed with sick transport
on the above scale."

Reserve of Doolie- Beareri.
D. O. No. 646. — Uaroh l8th. — "On the recommendation of
the Deputy Surgeon-General, the principal commissariat officer
is requested to take a reserve of ten per cent, on the total
nnmber of doolie-bearers directed to accompany the - oorps
detailed for the advancing column,"

Command of Posit.

D. O. No. 647. — " OfBcers passing through a post, though of
superior rank to the officer in permanent command, are forbidden
to interfere with his local arrangements and orders, except in
case of an attack or threatened attack, when the senior officer
present will at once take command of all the troops available.

" Transport officers will exercise their right of command in
such a case, although they are attached to the civil department
of the army."

March 22nd. — The Oommander-iQ-CJhief, Sir Frederick Faol

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PBBPABATIONB «» ADTANOB. 283

HainM, G.O B., O.C.S.T., C I.K.. reached Korrun with ihe
Axmj Head-qaartet Staff, cooNstiiig of Major-Gener&l Lamsden,
0J5., C.S.I, Adjutant-Genflral, Colonel T. Gordon, C.S.I.,
Deputy Adjntant-Geaeral, Colonel Freeton, Military Secretary,
Major-Geoeral C. Jobnaon, C.B., Qnartermaster-Qeneral, Colonel
Macgre^r, C.B., O.S.I.,C.I.E., AeaiBtantQaartermaster-General,
Surgeon- General Ker Innes, C,B. Dr. Bradshaw. Aides-de-
camp — Captain McCall, Captain Grant, and Captain Haines.

General Roberts and the staff of the Knrram Field Force
accompanied the Commander-in-Chief from Tbull. On nearing
Eturam the Commander-in-Chief was met by Brigadier'General
Cobbe and the Brigade staff. The troops were ordered to
parade for the inspeotioQ of the Commander-in-Chief at 8 p.h.,
on a piece of ground aboat a mile to the north of the Ennam
Fort.

This ground had been prepared, to a certain extent, by
having some of the surface stones cleared off &om the marching-
past line, hat no amount of labour oould have tamed it into a
parade-ground, the ground being seamed with water- channels
old and new. The banks of some of these were smoothed down
to allow the cavalry and artillery to move past more easily, but
nothing more was attempted.

The troops were drawn up in two lines, the infantry consist-
ing of one company 72nd Highlanders, 5th Punjab In&ntry,
fiSid Pioneers, and 6tb Goorkbas in the first line, under
Brigadier-General Cobbe; while in the second line, under
Colonel H. Gough, were F/A Royal Horse Artillery, the
squadron 9th Lancers, the 12th Bengal Cavalry, the wing
8rd Punjab Cavalry, and No. 1 Mountain Battery.

The troopti all turned out as smart as possible, the Horse
Ardllery, 7iiad Highlanders, and the squadron 9tb Lancers as
neat and clean as on parade in India, while the native troops
were in no way behind them. The Atb Fuigab Infantry turned
out in their posteene, which, adding to the size of the men, gave

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284 WITH THE EUKBAM flELD FOBCE.

them the appearanoe of being pbyaioaU; bigger than the 28rd
Pioneers, but these left nothing to be desired in their appearance.

After the usual parade movements commanding officers were
called to the &ont, and the ConuBander-in-Chief, addressing
Genera] Roberts, ootnplimoDted bim on the appearance of the
troops, and expressed his satis&ction at meeting them in sight
of the Feiwar Kotal, where their gallant action was fongbL
The troops who had formed part of the attacking force, bat who
were not on parade, were not omitted as regards thdr share of
the praise bestowed.

The Commander-ia-Cbief alluded to the remarkable good
conduct of the Eurram Field Force, not an instance of an^
complaint as regards the behaTtonr of the men having been
brought to his notice. At the same time he said that the other
columns of the Gabul force had behaved equally well, and Uiat
thongb they bad not bad the good luok which bad fallen to the
Karram Force, yet they merited as much praise, as in no way
was their oondaot behind that of the Eurram troops.

The appearance of the 23rd Pioneers was then referred to,
and Colonel Currie was complimented on the excellent way in
which bis regiment had marched past, as if tbey had never been
off the drill-ground, though instead of this they had done
excellent service in road-making.

The troops were then dismissed, and the Chief Inspected the
flirt and the ordnance depot, taking a look on the way at
Captain Woodtborpe's map of the Eurram and Ehoat valleys.
The Native Field Hospital, which was located in the fbrt, was
tb«i visited, bringing the day's proceedings to a close. Next
morning, Sunday the S8rd, the hospitals of all the troops in
camp were inspected, after which the Commander-in-Chief and
General Boberts, with their respective stafis, marched to Habib
Eilla, escorted by the 6th Fnnjab Infantry, the 33rd Pioneers,
and a detachment of the 11th Native In&ntry, which bad come
firom Eobat as escort to the GonuDaDder-in-CbieTs camp.

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FABPAfiATIONS FOB iJJTANCE. 286

The day was very hot, aud the marcb very trying to the
camels, many of whom gave up hy the way. The head-quarter
and General Roberta' camps were pitched on the stony slope
below the cantonment, side by side ; those of the escort near
them wherever the ground admitted of tents being pitched, but
this was not an easy matter. After 8 p.m. the clouds, which
had been gathering and falling in rain aud snow on the hills all
the morning, spread over the valley, but the rain did not begin
to fall till 10 P.U.

March 24th. — It rained all night heavily, but this did not
affect the ground in oamp, as the water soon ran off the atones.
Aboat 10 A.M. it faired somewhat, but soon after the rain came
on again and continued more or less all day. Six inches of
snow fell on the Peiwar Kotal this morning, and the road was
reported to be too bad for His Excelleuoy to attempt it. Colonel
Baker, the Military Secretary to the Viceroy, and a party of
officers, however, went up to see the place, though the day was
very much agunst sigbt-seeing, Captain Bennick, Political
Officer at Alikheyl, came into oamp to see Qeneral Boberls.
He reported the snow to be only two feet deep on the Shutar-
gardan road, and melting rapidly. There had been no &ost at
Alikheyl for the last four nights. The greatest difficulty in
regard to an early advanoe was the want of forage for the horses,
but Captain Bennick expected to get enough ol this to last for
the time the troops would take to march Arom Alikheyl to the
Logar valley, but if the advance took place at an early date there
wonld be no fodder for the baggf^e animals.

The huts at Habib Eilla, like all flat mud-roof ones, leaked
very much after the previous dry weather, and the troops in
them were not as well off as those iu tents. The cantonment
had been protected, a^r the threatened Mangal attack, by
throwing up waits of atones on the southern side, and blooking
all the open exits by the same kind of defence, so that the place
was more secure against attack tban previously. At the same

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286 WITH THE KUBBAH FIELD FOBOS.

time, loose stone walls offer no great seonriiy, as the; oim as
readily be demolished as they are pat together.

March 26th. — The rain cleared off daring the night, leaviog
the mountains standing out in an nnbroken line of snow, dotted
here and there by the outcropping rooks above, and the distant
pine and other woods, which showed slight spote of shade beneath
their white covering. As the sun rose the mass of Sikaram,
vhich first received its rays, was lighted up, while its projecting
spurs and bnttresees threw bright blue shadows across the face
of the mountain, forming a striking piotnre not likely to be
forgotten by those who saw it.

The cold was, however, severe at this time of the monung ;
the wind blowing straight from the snow had not hod time to
lose its coldness, though later in the day the heat of the snn
soon reduced it to a pleasant temperature. In the morning the
Oommander-in>Chief inspected the garrison of Habib Killa, formed
by the 72nd, 2nd Punjab Tnfantry, and No. 2 Mountain Battery.
He was particularly pleased with the 72nd Highlanders, and
■complimented Lieuteuant-Oolonel Brownlow on having such a
fine regiment.

The 2nd Punjab Infantry were also praised, as also Captain
Swinley's mountain battery.

When the inspection was over the Commander-in-Chief rode
to the Peiwar Eotal, and inspected the wing of the S/tith King's
and the half battery of G/3 Boyal Artillery.

His Ezoelleucy repeated some of the complimentary remarks
about the Eorram Force ; when addressing Colonel Drew after
the inspection of the wing of his regiment, he praised the
behaviour of his men, who had done their ebare towards the
capture of the position they now held, and had kept it under
circumstances of great hardship and discomfort. Colonel Drew
asked to be allowed to return thanks for himself and his ofSoers
and men, fbr the honour that had been done the regiment by
being thus addressed by their honorary colonel.

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FREPABAXIONS FOB ADYASOB. 287

NotwithBtandiDg Uist ihe snow was lying six inches deep and
more everyTfaere— except on the paths, where it had been trodden
into a mnddy sluah— the Commaoder-in-Uhief visited one of the
block-boasee, and from it was able to take a bird'B-eye view of
the poeitioD, which was explained to him by General Thelwall.
Shortly after this the party returned to Habib Killa, the descent
of the Bteep road, which hod been trodden into sticky mud about
a foot deep, being rather worse than the ascent.

March 26th. — The inspection of the troops of the Karram
Field Force having now been concluded, the Commander-in-
Chief began his retaiD jonmey to India. In going to £urram,
however, instead of following the direct road across the ■
valley, he was taken through Shaluzan, a oolleotion of several
detached villages on the bank of a torrent which debouched
into the valley about half a mile above the village nearest
to the foot of the faille. After riding .acroas a bare desert
stony plain, it was pleasant to come into a cultivated district,
with fruit-trees of various kinds coming into blossom all round
the houses. Most of the large trees were walnut, mulberry, and
the " amlok." The latter produces a small purple plum-like
fruit, whioh is dried and shrivels np like a small indifferent
prone, but the fruit has two or three seeds instead of a stone
inside. The smaller trees were aprioots and plums, white with
blossom.

The Tun inhabitants of Sbaluzaii were well pleased to see
the party riding through this place, and were civil to the best
of their Ability. After leaving this place the track led all along
through thin cnltivation at the side of a babbling stream, whioh
gradually diminished io size till, at about three miles off, it had
sbmok down to a shallow ditoh about one foot wide and two inches
deep, whereas the watercourse on leaving the village was about
five feet wide and two feet deep. Some of the water had of
ootttse been diverted into side channels, which had thus reduoed
its volume, but as it was taken over stony abingly ground

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288 WITH IHB EDBBAH HBLD FOBOB.

fkirtbei on, there mast have been a great loss of water from
percolation. A few spring flowers were beginning to show
themselves among the stones that oovered the plain, and the late
rain had enabled the yonng grass to oome up snEBciendy to alter
the colour of the ground at a diatanoe, which began sow to lose
its bare and desolate appearance. A ride aoross the Kumm
T&Iley OB ft bright da; in the spring was as pleasant a jonmey as
one could wish for.

The 2nd Punjab Infantry, who had suffered muoh from ezposnis
in the beginning of the campaign, were now ordered to be
withdrawn from the Kurram Force, and their place was to be
taken by the 1 Ith Native Infantry. A detachment of this
regiment had come ap as escort to the Commander-in-Chief's
oamp, and this was now ordered to remain at Habib Eilla, while
their place was taken for the return march by two oompanies of
the 3nd Punjab Infantry, to be followed later by the remainder
of the regiment to Eohat

General Roberts accompanied the Commander-in-Chief on
his return jonraey as far as Shinnsk, whence he returned, but
Major Coltett, Assistant Quartermaster-General, was ordered to
lemun at Peiwar, aa the cantonment of Habtb Eilla was now
ordered to be called, to prospect for sites in its neighbouriiood
where a permanent cantonment should be builL

March 27th. — The Commander-in-Chief marched fbr Badeeh
Eheyl at 6.80 a.m. During the night a party of Musazais came
down to steal what they could from his oamp, but finding it too
well proteoted they went on a mile further and tried to attaok
the village of Saddnr. The villagers tamed out, sounding the
alarm on their big kettle-drum, but they were able to drive off
their assailants without any assistance from the camp. The;
wounded one man and captured another unhurt, both of whom
were sent into Eurram in the afternoon. The Commander-in-
Ghief was so pleased with their conduct that he preaented the
village with 100 rupees, to be spent in T^oioiagt. The Hnlloh

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r^PiB&nOSS 70K ADTANCB. 289

Oomrao, whom house bad been bornt by as, was in the viUaj^e,
bat be bad made his peace witb General Boberts, and was acting
as maob now in our interests as be bad been formerly opposed
to tbem.

Maroh 20tb.— General Roberts returned &om Sbinaek, riding
fltraiglit baok to Kurram. It rained all day and night, making
tbe road in a bad oondition for riding, for where the road was
taken aoross the cultivated fields tbe ground was like a bog, and
elsewhere it was slippery.

Captain Beunick wrote that all was quiet at Alikbeyt, and
that the people there were anxious to assist in making the road
for tbe advance. Tbe orders for the commenoement of the road
had been published on the 24tb instant, when the 23rd Pioneers
were ordered to proceed to a village, Gobazan, beyond Zabbar-
dast Eilla, to remain there until the road to Alikbeyl waa
reported fit for oamela.

MovemettU.

D. 0. No. 660.— Maroh 24th.— "On the arrival of tbe lat
Bengal Cavalry at Eohat, the head-quarter wing 14th Bengal
Lancers will march to Thull."

Movementi.

D. O. No. 661.-" Half C/4 Royal Artillery, witb tbe 67th
regiment, will march for Eurram as soon as possible after the
arrival of the latter at KobaL"

Movementt,

D. 0. No. 663. — " On the arrival of tbe 8nd Punjab Infantry
at Thnll — probable date 2nd April— two oompaniee 2/6tb King's
will march from Kobat for Kurram. The remainiog two
companies 2/8th will remain at Kobat"

Tratuport — Carriage of extra Clothing and Blanket*.

D. 0. No. BBS. — " Tbe GommiSBariat Department is author-
iwd to supply two oamels per cent, of etiength of native troops,

i»

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290 WITH THB KOBaUC FIBU> FOBOS.

fbr the oarria^ of extra blankets aod wana clothing recently
isBQed.

" The weight of eaoh kit, inolndiag artdoles of extra clothing,
should not exceed thirty-two pounds, and no camel is to be laden
with more than ten saoh kita."

Movemen/t.
D. 0. Mo. 664.—" The 26th Fnnjab Native Infkntry will
march to Alikbeyl by detaohments, aa carriage can be prooaied."

Movementw.

D. 0. No. 078.— March 26th.— "The a8rd Pioneera will
move to Alikbeyl by wings on Friday and Saturday next.

" The 72od Highlanders will march to Alikheyl on Monday
next, nnder instructions A^im the Assistant Quartermaster-
General."

Volunteering Jor Native Artillerff.

D. 0. No. 676.— "The 2nd Ponjab In&ntry will halt
to-morrow, for the purpose of giving rolunteers to Nos. 1 and S
Mountain Batteries."

Captured Arma to be relumed into Store.

D. 0. No. 691.— March 27th.— "The Major-General having
been informed that some regiments have in their possession
Enfield rifles captured firom the enemy, officers commanding
corps are directed to cause all snoh arms to be collected and
returned into store to the ordnanee dep6t8 at Eohat, Thull, and
Enrram."

The re^ments returning these arms were oompenaated by
payment for each repiurable rifle.

Information regarding Invalid*, dc. to be aent to Kohat.

D. 0. No. 692. — "Whenever invalids or others are sent
from the front to Eobat, officers commanding corps will see that
the officer or non-oommisnoned officer in dtatge of anob party

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raXPl&kTlOKB FOB ADTAKCX. 291

IB fiiniiahed with doonmentB sbowing the oanse of their despatoh
and ultimate destinatioa. Duplioata oopies to be sent by post
to ibe station Btaff-offioei, for the informatjon of the offioer
commanding."

Movement.

D. 0. No. 698.—" Camp Enrram, 27tb Harah.

" The following movementB are ordered : —

" 1. The ftth Qoorkbas to Habib Eilla (Peiwar) on Tnesday
(April Ist), under orders vhioh will he issued hereafter.

" a. The 21at Punjab Kative Infantry to Eorram as soon as
osrriage can be aupplied."

Diminiihed Ration.

D. 0. No. 699. — "The ration for native troops will be
oontinaed at three-quarters of a seer only. Sanction is ezpeoted
fbr a special rate of compensation for the quarter seer short
issued. This rate will shortly be notified to the troops."

March 29tfa. — The moTements which have been referred to
in the foregoing orders had been caused by the nocesaity of
occupying Alikheyl in force before the whole of the snow on the
Shntargardan pass had been mettod off, which might have
allowed the enemy, had they been so disposed, to oome down
and occupy it. The first regiment pushed forward, the !^th
Punjab Native Infantry, had to begin its march in the snow,
which had not all melted off from the Peiwar Eotal glen ; but in
desoendiug the Hurriab valley it was soon left behind.

The 23rd Pioneers followed to improve the road, as already
stated, and subsequently the 72nd moved on, and assisted in
making the road in the neighbourhood of their camp beyond
Zabbardast Eilla, but not so far as the Pioneers were statioDed.

As the troops were withdrawn from the Kurram valley, the
r^ments in the rear were pushed on to take their place. Thus
the STth, with C/i Sojal Aitillary and the head-quartet wing

X9»

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292 WITH THE eubbam field fobcb.

14th Bengal Lanoers, were brought forward, and the regimenta
in the Kurram yalley itself whioh were to form part of th«
advancing force, the 0th Goorkhas, and the Slat Punjab Native
Infantry, were eaoh moved up nearer their destination.

The moantain batteries of Native Artillery bad had np to
this time only four effeetive guns, hut under the orders of
Oovemment these batteries were to be equipped on the six gun
scale. Eaoh battery had maintained its two spare guns, with all
the necessary equipment and ammunition pertaining to it, at its
depdt, but the men and mules required to work them were
wanting. To remedy this deficiency as regards men, volunteers
were called for flrom the Snd Punjab Infantry, to sapplement the
number of recruits who had been left with the battery depots,
while arrangements had beeu made previously to obtain the
requisite number of mules by sending an experienced officer.
Lieutenant Shirres, B.A.. No. 1 Moantun Battery, to purchase
as many mules as were required.

The depot of No. I Mountain Battery was at Eohat, that of
No. 2 at Abbottabad fiirther distant; but in dae course each
battery became completed as its equipment reached Kurram.

The was very little difference between the total number of
rounds between the four and the six gun scale, and the nnmber
of males required to complete the batteries was not very great,
which waa fortnnate, as otherwise it woald have been impossible,
owing to the scarcity of suitable mules, to have obtained a lat^r
nnmber, even at ibe long prices good mules fetched. As it was,
some of the best mules in the transport were transferred to one
of the batteries to complete it, the fall nnmber required not
being obtainable in India.

Before the orders were issued to move on the troops to
Alikheyl, the Commissariat Department had taken the precaution
to push fbrward supplies by local transport irom Kurram to
Hahib Killa, and to Alikheyl itself. The Jajis generally
undertook the Intter part of the carriage, while the Tons oanied

Digitizecy Google

FBEFJLBATIOKS FOB ADVANCE. 293

the Btorea ttom Kunam to the Habib Killa oaDtonmeiit, where a
depdt was formed.

To keep pashing on atorea to the front while the troops
in and about the valley were ooneumiog large quantities of the
provieions brought ap was no easy task, and it could ouly be
effeated by making use of every oamel and mule that was uot
required during the time that the troops were in winter quarters.
When, therefore, the movements for the advance were ordered,
there was some diffiouky in finding the requisite carriage, when
all the camels and nearly all the mules were employed between
Eurram and TbuU. Heuce there was eome slight delay in
poshing on these troops, wbiob oould only be done in detach-
ments.

March 80tb. — When the transport was thus wholly required
by the Commissariat Department, there was none available for
the supply of the Ordnance Field Park, bat it was as necessary
that this should be moved fbrward as the supplies tbemselveB.
When the transport animals became available for this duty,
whioh might be expected to be only just previous to the advaoce,
the 780 camels which were required for the Ordnance Field Park
might be sapplied, but in the meantime other arrangements had
to be made. Local transport was out of the question if it could
have been used, but it was a different thing entrusting a box of
ammnnidon to a stranger to carry than letting him convey a
sack of flour. Greueral Roberts ordered the artillery horses and
mules to be mads ase of, to replace the transport animals whioh
were otherwise employed. Between Eurram and Alikheyl there
was the Peiwar Eotal to be Burmonnted, and the task of carrying
about 200 tons of ammunition up this hill would have been so
exhausting to the transport animals, that it was decided to spare
them this journey as much as possible, so that they should be
fresh for the advance.

The arrangemeuts ordered were for the artillery to convey the
reserve ammunition to the foot of the Peiwar Eotol, where it wag

vGoogIc

294 vnia. the eijbbam fibld tobcs.

to be Btoied under a atroDg {^ard, and that it should he gradually
taken up the £otal hill byKahars, and placed under the guard of
the artillery, who were quartered there close to the toad, from
which place it would be moved on, as carriage was available, to
Alikheyl.

The horses of the half battery G/3 Royal Artillery had been
stationed at Uabib Eilla all the winter, while the guns and
gunners had been at the Kotal itself; and No. Z Mountain
Battery was also in the garrison there. The distance from
Habib Killa (Feiwar) to the foot of the Peiwar Eotal was six
mites, while the distance to Karram was twelve miles. At
Kurram the Horse Artillery Battery and No. 1 Mountain
Battery were stationed. ThoBe dispositions facilitated the use
of the battery animals for transport service.

March Slst. — ^Arrangements were made by Colonel Lindsay,
commanding Royal Artillery, for six waggons F/A Royal Horse
Artillery without boxes, to take twenty boxes each of ammnnition
along the road to within three miles of Peiwar, where they would
be met by the teams of Q/S Royal Artillery, who would take the
waggons on at once to Peiwar, and drive them the next day to
Turrai, the village at the foot of the Kotal.

The mole batteries were to do the same, taking 180 boxes <ni
ninety mules.

The waggons and mnleswere to start on the Ist, Srd, 6th,
and every alternate day till about the 22nd, when it was
calculated the whole of the reserve ammunition and stores would
have been moved ; the empty waggons commencing to return
from the Srd, and being brought back by the teams of F/A.

In addition to this arrangement; the second line of bullook-
waggons were utilised ; but as all the bullocks were at Enrram,
these waggons made the journey to Torrai and oame back
nnladen.

It vontd have been possible by lading the waggon-frames and
the moles more heavily, to have token oat the anununition mon

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PBKFABAIIOKS FOB AOTAfiCB. 295

qniokly, but it wbs evident that tlie advaooe oonld not be made
from Ali Ebeyl before the Ist May, bo that there vas no
neoessity for oTemorking the animals, eapeoiall; as the latter
part of the road to Tarrai was a Bleep aaoent, while the rest of
the road was all uphill against the oollar.

Captain Hall, of the 5th Punjab Infantry, was Bent oat firom
Peiwar to Tanai with two compames of his regiment to pioteot
the ammunition depdt, and pitched his tents ntiar the village
itself on narrow-terraoed ground ; bat as it would not have been
poflsible for the artillery waggons to have approached his camp,
it was decided to uuload the waggona, when they should arrive,
on an open piece of ground near the road, where though the
ground had been terraced, the fields were sufficiently wide to
lUlow the waggons to drive on and off them without difficulty.

The left wing 21st Pnnjab Native Infantry marched on to
Earram.

April Ist. — Brigadier'Qeneral Cobbe lefl Eurram to take
command of his brigade, which was now beyond that plaos.

The command of the iind Brigade .was vacaot at this time, as
Brigadier- General Thelwall had proceeded to India on siok-leavo
on the 2gth March.

April Snd. — The Slst head-i^uarterwin^, under Major Gollis,
marched into Earram. The left wing of the 72nd Highlanders
marched from Peiwar.

Apnl and.— D. 0. No. 711.—" Gamp Byan Eheyl.

" Movements,

" 1. The 6th Goorkhas from Peiwar to Tarrai on the Bth inst.,
Alikbeyl 7th.

" ft. Company of the Tand Highlanders from Eurram to
regimental head-qnarters, on relief by tf2nd Higblaaders.

"3. 92nd Highlanders to continue their march to Peiwar,
leaving one company at Eurram. This company to rejoin

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296 WITH IHE ECBBAU FIELD fOllCB.

regimental head-qaarters on arrival of tbe 67th Begimeat at
Karram."

Follower* to be effieettva.

D. O. No. 713.— "Tbe Major-Qeneral dnires that officers
oommaDding regimeota and batteries, nnder orders for tlie
adrance on Cabal, will take particular care that none bat men
thoroagbly fit for active BerTice are taken aa doolie -bearere, or
other regimental followers.

" Commanding officers are also requested to see that baggage
in advanoe of Alikheyl is rigidly restricted to the scale
authorised in Qoartermaster-General's oircular &949, dated
NoTsmberSth, 1879."

April 8rd. — The Field Force head-quarters were established
on the 1st April at Byao Eheyl, where the General had gone to
iospect tbe road-making.

The Pioneers were working in both direotions, the 72nd
meeting them and working back to the parties of the S/Sth
King's, who were making the road through tbe Kotal
glen.

There had been some difficulty in getting local laboox to
assist in this road-msking, for though the Alikheyl Jajis had
expressed their willingness to work, they rather repented of their
agreement when tbey found they only reoeived payment at the
rate of three annas a day, whereas the labourers who had been
employed by Brigadier-Oeneral Thelwall, had been paid at the
rate of four annas each. The General on hie way to Byan
Kheyl, got some of these villagers oolleoted, and told them that
if they did not work for the recognised rate of three annas a day,
they would have to work for nothing at all. Ke told them also,
that it was by a mistake that men had been paid at the rate of
(bar annas a day.

The villages in the Hurriab had been almost deserted by
tbeti inhabitants, owing to the oppression of tbe Afghan lole;

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PBEPABATIOKB FOB ADVANCE. 297

but DOW that this had been remoTsd, the people were beginsiDg
to returo to their old bomeB. Five families returned, after an
abaence of some years, to the Tillage of Byan Eheyl ; tbia showed
that there was some oonfidesoe in our rate, though they might
not altogether like us. Their dislike did not often take an aotire
form, tbougb the previous night some men fired two shots into
Lieutenant Spenoe's tent at AUkheyl.

Tbe tent was pitched outside a house on the edge of the
village, and the scoundrels coming up along the edge of the next
detached house, fired from within fifteen yards into tbe tent,
laokily without wounding the occupant, though the bullet went
through his jacket, which was hanging on the pole.

The weather was very fine in the Huniab at this season,
though below in tbe Karram it was beginning to get warm.
The snow had nearly all disappeared from the valley and tbe
lower ranges, the sun for tbe last few days having caused it to
disappear rapidly ; but tbe passes over tbe higher ranges were
still blocked.

Beports came into camp of the Amir's troops having been
sent to Eusbi, at the foot of tbe Shutargardan, to oppose our
advance.

MovementM.

April 8rd.— D. O. No. 714.— "The wing 29th Punjab Native
Infantry, under Major Gbanner, V.C., will march to Sbinnak for
the protection of camels grazing there."

Field Engwuert.

B. O. No. 715. — " Tbe following appointments are made, sub-
jectto confirmation: To be Assistant- Field Engineers — Lieutenant
Bum Murdoch, B.E., Marob 2nd, 1879 ; Lieutenant Longe,
R.E , Febrnnry 24th, 1879."

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298 miB THE EDaBAM FIELD FOBOB.

Superintendent of BignalUng.

D. O. No. r 1 6.—" Captain J. Barstow, 72nd Highlanders, will
offloiate aa Superintendent of Signallers, until the arriTal of
Captain Stratoo, 22nd Regiment, vice Captain E. Wynne."

filBt King's Own Light Infantry proceeded on Biok-leave.

Free Ration* at ThuU.

D. 0. No. 724. — " It is notified that the Oorerntnent of India
is pleased to sanation the grant of firee rations to the natiTO
troops and followers at Thall."

April 4th. — The oamp of the 2Srd Pioneers was fired into
last night ; a man crept up olose in the shadow of some hushes
to one of the sentries and fired at him, the ballet passing throngb
bis puggree ; it was not wonderful that after this esoape, be
missed his assailant, thoagb be fired two shots at him in the
moonlight before be disappeared.

April eth. — There was a thunder-storm at Kurram after an
opptessiTsly hot morning ; the rain oontinaed all through the
next day in showers.

April Oth. — General Roberts returned to Kurram from Ali-
kheyl.

The oondition of the transport animals, especially the camels,
was beginning to cause some anxiety; it was evident that the
continuous and severe work during the winter and early ^ring
bad told on them, so that the force, if it were to advance, must
do so with even a smaller scale of ba^age, and less zeserre
ammuoition than bad been at first airanged.

In order to give the camels a rest previous to the expected
advance, so that they should be in good oondition for the work
required of them, alt that could possibly be spared were tamed
out to graze in the lower Kurram valley, some at Badesb Kbeyl,
where tbey were looked after by the Sikh Contingent, and others
at Shinnak, where the wing of the 28th Punjab Native Infantry
was proteoling them.

oy Google

PBBPABATI0N8 FOB ABTANCS. 299

This month's rest conuDg at the right time of the year, was
of nDdoabted benefit to the animals whose oonstitutions bad not
been too mooh enfeebled, bnt it was not long enough to bring
lonnd those that were weakly, and these oontinued to die, though
there was everything in their favoar. The weather was not oold,
the spring had brought out the young leaves and plants on which
they could snbeist ; they were fed and doctored when necessary,
but the mortality continued, and instead of having 0,000 camels
available to go on vrith the force, not more than 4,000 conld he
counted on.

The result was that only 100 rounds of infantry ammunition
per man, and fifty rounds per cavalry soldier could he taken.
The artillery ammunitioD wae not reduced to any great extent, as
the importance of this branch necessitated the carriage of nearly
its full lerarve to complete the number of rounds taken into the
field to 300.

The Oommissariat Column waa to be reduced to fifteen days'
supply ; bnt at this time, the arrangements that had been made
with the malike of the Logar valley, who had promised the
necessary supplies after entering their country, warranted some
diminution in regard to the bulky articles of food which could be
obtained in the country.

The continual references and orders between the various
depdts and the base at £ohat relative to the advance, had thrown
so much work on the tele^jraph ofQcee, that much inconvenience
resulted both to the senders whose messages were delayed, and to
the telegraph etgnallers, who were overworked.

A divisional order was published, directing officers to make
their telegrams as concise as possible, and that no telegrams
were to he sent unless the interest of the service required that
delay should be avoided.

In addition to the telegraph line that wae laid as &r as the
Feiwar Kotal, and was being continued to All Eheyl, the army
signallers were at work regularly with their heliographs between

300 WITH THE KDBIUJI PIBLD FOBCB.

Koiram and the Feiwsr £otal, and thenoe oawuda to the Tuioiu
osmps.

The messages thns sect serred to relieve the pressure on the
telegraph ; hut it was not possihle to signal from the Feivar
Eotal to Thull, as the distance was too great, so the electric wire
only oould be employed in this direction.

MovemenU.

April 8th.— D. 0. No. 78B.— " Half G/3 Royal Artillery will
halt at Etirr&m till further orders.

"The draft 72nd Highlanders, and the company &om the
fort, will march to-morrow for AUkheyl, nader command of
Major J. M. Tingoombe."

April 9th.— The half-battery G/3 Royal Artillery, under
command of Captain Bell, B.A., marched into £urram this
morning with H. M.'b 92nd Gordon Highlanders.

The battery horses were in very good condition, and thoagh
there had been one or two accidents on the road &om the
carriages going down banks, the only damage done was that one
of the waggon-perches was slightly twisted.

With the battery were brought up on elephants the oases
containing two small Gatling guns, and eighteen boxes of
ammunition. On unpacking them it was found that only
one drum had been sent from England with each Gatling,
so that the weapon was only partially effective. No imple- -
mentB either, of any kind, or spare components, were sent with
the guns, so as to remedy any trifling defect or loss in the
field.

The Qatlings were of a small dze, adapted for mole oairiage.
The carriage was somewhat similar to that of the 7-poundsr
moontain gun, but lighter in every respect. To work these
nev weapons a small detachment of gunners under Lieutenant
Adys, R.A., had left Eohat on the !i7th March, and during this
interval the time had been occupied in purchasing ponies sad

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FBEPAKATIOKB FOB ADVANCE. 301

arranging their eqnipment ttnd gear. The Afghan monntain
battery eqnipment that was taken at the Peiwar Eotal was
p&rtidlly made nee of with great advanti^e, as only the saddles
for the Galling guns and carriages were sent up, and none for
the ammunition-bozeB.

It was evident, BOon after the battery was formed, that drivers
of some kind or other would be required to look after the ponies,
both in action and on the line of march, and tinder General
Iloberta' orders eight volunteers, from the 72nd and 93nd High-
landers respectively, were attaohed to the battery for this purpose.
Lieutenant Adye's detachment did not arrive till the 12th, and
till they arrived, the battery, though fairly complete, was not in
working order. The ponies had all been put in training for
carrying loads, under the superintendence of Colonel Lindsay,
B.H.A., commanding the artillery, and nearly all were broken
in and steady by the time they were handed over.

April 9th. — In the afternoon the General rode out with
Colonels Gough and Lindsay to pay a visit to one of the leading
head-men of the Kurram valley, Noor Mahommed, a Turi ohief,
who lived about six miles from £urram, in a walled-in villus or
fort near the mouth of the Kermanah glen. The chief
happened to be absent, but the hospitality of the place was
offered to the General, and a fine mg or carpet was presented
bim ; this was refused with thanks.

April loth. — Noor Mahommed returned the visit in state
on the following day. He was dressed in a red cloth frook coat,
with wide and loose skirts, plentifully embroidered across the
breast with gold. But for his brilliant clothes he would not
have been distingaished from any of his ragged followers, who
attended him on horseback and on foot.

There had been a ease of small-pox among the 11th Xative
Infantry, who were now on their way up to the Earram valley ;
BO this regiment was ordered to halt at Shinnak, and the wing
of the 3ffth, who were at that place, were ordered to move on U)

,: .«:,yGoOglc

302 WITH THE KUBBAM PIBU) FOBOE.

Eurram, irhete they were reqaired to relieve the SXst from the
datjes of that garriBon- The I4th Bengal Lancers were also
ordered up to £urram.

Movemantt.

D. O. No. 788.— "Half G/8 Royal Artillery will maroh
ftom Enrr&m to Feiwai oantonmeDt' on the 1 1th inst., and the
whole of 0/8 Royal Artillery to be at Alikheyl on the 17th inst.

" F/A Royal Horae Artillery will maroh from Eurram under
the orders of the officer oommanding Royal Artillery, so as to
reach Alikheyl on the 15th inst. Colonel Lindsay will aee that
both F/A Royal Horse Artillery and G/3 Royal Artillery arrive
at Alikheyl with baggage on the scale allowed for the advauce,
except KB regards tents."

Doctor Aitohison, Indian Medical Department, lately in
medical charge 29th Punjab Native Infantry, joined the force as
botanist. His fame and skUl as a medical man enabled him to
visit all the outlying parts of the Eurram and Hurriab valleys,
attended by only a slight escort for the protection of his tents
and stores, and in no instance was he molested in any way,
though he was often alone, and always away from the neighbour-
hood of troops. The resnlt of his appointment was the com-
plete knowledge of the plants and trees of the Eurram and
neighbouring valleys, which bat for him wonld have remained
nnreoorded.

April ISth. — Heavy dust-storm in the sAemoon, rain till
6 P.M. A large number of Ghilz^s, returning to Cabul with
their flocks, passed through the camp this day They were not
very willing to sell their sheep, but a few were sold at four
rupees and four rupees eight aonas each. Their oamps were
pitched on both sides of the Eurram, some right in the centre
of the valley, and in the evening General Roberts paid one of
these camps a visit, where he was hospitably received. The
SSnd Highlanders and half G/8 Royal Artillery marched to-day
for Feiwar oantonmeat.

itizecy Google

raSPABlTIONS FOB AltTANOB. SOd

Tb« propoBuls that hftd been disousBed by tbe Major-General
with all the commanding offioers as regards the diminntion of
baggage were definitely settled, and the lesolts published in a
DlTisional Order this day.

There had been a general agreement as to tbe neoesBity for
taking oamp-eqaipage if it oonld possibly be done, and so the
■oale laid doirn included tents, though the nnmben of men they
were to contain were nearly doubled.

Reduced Scale of Baggage.
C. 0- No. 748. — "Followers, baggage, and oamp-equipage will
be allowed to the troops of the advandng force on the following
teals, which mnst on no account be exceeded. Commanding
officers will see that all baggage is weighed, and that no animal
carries more than the authorised load.

" Comp-Eqaipage.

" Officers, natiTe doo- [One half of the weights allowed to each

tors, medical aubor--l in Quartermoster-Qeneral's Circular,

dinatea, [ No. 6910, dated 8tb November 1678.

" British troops : 40 men to one Sepoy's tent of two pals.

Lascar pal.

16

" Native troops : SO
24
20

Bell tent.

Sepoy's tent of two pals.

Lascar pal.

Bell tent.

" Native cavalry, according to instrnotionB, which will he
issued by Colonel H. Qongh, G.B., V.G

Tbe full amount sanctioned by
Quartermoster-Oeneral's Circa-
Ur, No. 6949.
" No camp-equipage will be allowed for followers or i
" Eatrenohing tools as per regnlation.

" Hoepital8,British andNative
guards.

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304 WITH THE EUBRAH FIELD POBOE.

" Baggage.
" AH officera, medical Bobordi ■ (T'^-thirds of the weight allowed
natea. and native doctor*. m the Qaartemiaater.Gei.eral-9
y Circular.
" Britisli troops, noD-oommissioDed officers, and

privates 26 lbs. each

" Native troops SO „ „

" Oooking utensils, qaBrtermaster's stores, veterinary stores,

stable gear offices, armourers' tools, signalling implements, anna

of sick, mess stores, followers' baggage, according to regulation.

"Medical stores according to special orders issued by

Assistant Quartermaster- General.

"Commanding officers will take cars that the doolie-bearers
and other fbllowers get transport for the allowance of baggage to
which they are entiUed.

"FollowoTB.
" The following nnmbers do not include doolie-bearers,
hospital establishments, or mule and oamel men, but they show
all others for whom rations will be issued.

" F/A Royal Horse Artillery .... 46

G/3 Royal Artillery 43

No. a Mountain Battery 60

Gatling gun 14

9th Lancers 4S

Each Bengal Infantry Regiment . . . 175
Native Cavalry Regiment . . 200

Native Infantry Regiment . . .120

company Sappers 80

Engineer Park ISO

Ordnance Park 80

" Staff officers and others not included in the above list may
take the number of servants to which they are entiUed by

Dy Google

PBBPAKATIONB FOB ADTINCE. 306

the regoIatioD, but the Major-General desires that an; decrease
Uiat is possible may be made.

" At and beyond Alikheyl ratJona for horses will only be
issued for the authorised nnmber of charges, which is as
follows :

" General Officers, discretional,
Aflsistaiit Adjutant- General . . .2
„ Qnarterm aster- General . it

Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-GeDeral . 2

Brigade Major S

Aide-De-Camps and Orderly Officers 2

Field Engineer 2

Commissary of Ordnance . .2

Deputy Assietaot Commissary- General , 2
Other Commissariat Officers . . .1
Officer commanding Royal Artillery . 4
Officer commanding Royal Engineers . i

Transport Officer 2

" Officers, Artillery and Cavalry, as per regulatJon. All
others, including mounted offioers of British and Native Infantry
and Sappers, one each.

"All baggage becoming surplus under this order will be
stored at Eurram, and no regiments will proceed beyond that
BtatJOD until they have reduced their servants, baggage, and
oamp-equipage in accordance with the above scale.

"A similar reduction will be made at once by regiments at
Alikheyl, and at Peiwar Cantonment ; surplus followers, baggage,
and camp-equipage being sent back to Kurram under a small
guard of sick and weakly men."

Mopementg,
D. 0. No. 751.— "1. The 92nd Highlanders to march to
Tunai on 11th, to Alikheyl on 15th.

• 20

itizecy Google

306 WITH THE KURBAM FIELD FOBCB.

"S. F/A Royal Hotbb Artillery to Peiwar on 14th, and to
Alikheyl under orders from Colonel Lindsay.

"8. Half G/3 Royal Artillery to Peiwar oa IStli and
onwards under orders from Oolonel Lindaay.

"d. S I St Punjab Native Infantry tn Peiwar on Ifitb. This
regiment to esoort treasure to be despatched by officer in charge
Field Treasure Chest.

" 5. 67th Footand No. 1 Mountain Battery to Peiwar on the
16th, Turrai 16th, Byan Kheyl on 17th. These corps to march
ftom Eurram with the reduced scale of bagge^e, as laid down for
the troops of the advanoing force."

This last order was changed, and the march of the 67th and
No. 1 Mountain Battery was postponed by one day, these troops
not arriving at Byan Kheyl till the I Bih in'st.

April Iv'th. — The 67tb Regiment, under Colonel Enowles,
marched in this morning to Eurram. This regiment had been
brought from the Madras Presidency for field service, having
been taken by rail to Jhelum, and thence onward by route
march. All the doolia- bearers that accompanied the regiment
were Madrassees, and its tents and cooking utensils were also of
the Madras pattern, different from those in use in Bengal. The
latter were particularly heavy and solid, the vessels being of a
square shape, but fitting into each other ; the tents had only one
door, with a projecting fiap to keep out tho sun and rain.

The half of C/4 Royal Artillery. Major Auohinleck, R.A.,
accompanied this regiment, and brought up with them thirty-
seven elephants, with equipment, for onrryiDg the 9-porinder
guns over the mountains. These elephants were intended to
bring np Qatling ammunition as well, but on their arrival, out
of thirty boxes brought up only eight turned out to be Gatliog,
the remainder being Martini-Henry.

Before the General went oat to meet the 67th Regiment, he
inspected the squadron 9th Lancers, with a view of ascertaining
what progress the regiment bad made in dismounted drill with

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PHEPABATIONS FOB ADTANCB. 307

their oarbines. All the lonoer regiments on the ontbreah of
hostilities wore armed with Martiai'Henry carhines, but not
mnch tims siiioe then bad been available to give thetu tnstruo-
tion in the nse of their weapons.

As the ayoe of a cummisaariat oondaotor was returning witb
his master and some doolie-bearers ftom Alikheyl to the Peiwar
Eotal, he was set on by a band of eight Mangals, vho backed
him to pieces with their long koiTes not above a quarter of a
mile down the Kotal glen. The alarm was given at once, and
the guard turning out, ran down to the place; but the murderem
had taken refuge in the hills and pine-woods, and it seemed
hopeless to pursue them. Luokily there had been a fall of snow,
wbiuh had not melted off, so the tracks of the party were followed
for two hours by Lieutenant- Adjutant Whalley, 2/Bth King's,
and eight men of the regiment, when just as they were about to
give up the pursuit as it was getting late in the afternoon, on
crossing a spur they found some men sitting in tbe hollow.
If there had been any doubts as to the party being the
murderers, it was set at rest by their all rising to oommenoe
their flight, one firing a matchlock. The men of the 2/8th fired
ft volley at them before they were hidden again in tbe pine-wood
a few steps on, and shot three men, besides wounding some of
the others, one of whom, the leader it was ascertained, died
afterwards at his village, so that just punishment was inflicted
ibr the loss of tbe man they had so wantonly killed,

The lesson was not thrown away on the Mangals and Jajis,
as there were no more oasea of attack on tbe road, though tbe
facitities for doing so were greater than in the winter, as it
would be hopeless to attempt to track on hard rock in pine-
woods.

MovftnenU.
D. 0. No. 763.— April 18th.— "The 67th Foot will reduce
their doolies to five per cent, on strength with bearers in

20 •

.: ., .„Googlc

808 WITH THE KDBBAM FIELD FOBCB.

proportion, sarptna doolies and bearers being returned to the
oommiBBBriat at Earram.

" No. S Mountain Battery will march to Tarrai od the 15th,
and to Alikheyl on the 1 6th iost."

The weather still continued unsettled, bat owing to the rain,
which fell in April showers, the temperature was reduced, and the
olimate was very pleasant.

The movement of the artillery firom the Karram valley to
Alikheyl put a stop to their employment as transport, but not
before they bad convoyed to the depot at Turrai the greater part
of the ammunition on the reduced scale, so that their assistance
in this matter was very great ; the remainder of the ordnance
stores had been despatched on camels to Feiwar, en route to the
Turrai depdt, on the 12th inst.

April 14th. — F/A Boyal Horse Artillery marched at 7 a.h ,
reaching Peiwar at 10 ah. On the arrival of the ammunition
convoy at Peiwar on the 12th, it was found that the camels
were needed for the 93nd, which had been delayed in its march
owing to the want of transport.

In place of camels 300 mules, including those of the
6th Ooorkhas and 6th Punjab Infantry, were finally allotted
to take on the ammunition and ordnance stores; but this
arrangement necessitated breaking up all the camel-loads,
and gave an infinity of trouble, as it had to be done in
a hurry and by unskilled men. Even then there were some
twenty bulky loads which, as they could not be subdivided,
had to he left at Peiwar till camels were suppUed several days
later.

The Eahars who were to carry the ordnance park up the
Peiwar Kotal, happened to be at Peiwar, and these men were
utilised to carry part of the ammunition, leaving the remainder
for the mules as far as they were available ; but some of the
mules bad to be allotted for the carriage of the kits and tenta of
these men who were to remain in camp at Turrai till die whole of

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FBEPABAIIOHS POIf ADTAKOE. 309

the ammunition hod been taken np tbe bill. Ths 9Snd
oomped at Tuirai, about a quarter of a mile from the Ordnance
Dep6t. ThiB had been enclosed with a loose stone breastwork,
making a square, whose side was fifty yards.

The top of Sikaram was visible over a gorge in the
dosoeodiog epur on tbe north side of the valley at this place ;
and during the night the cold wind rushed down with such force
f^om the snows, that the tents of the &th Punjab Infantry gaard
were blown down.

This wind blew every uight at this point, with more or less
▼iolenoe at this season, but seldom so stroDgly as to blow dowo
tbe tents.

April 15th, — F/A Boyal Horse Artillery reached Turrai in
the morning, loaded their guns and carriages on the elephants
which had been sent to await tbeir arrival tbe night before, and
proceeded with but little delay to tbe Peiwar Eota], where tbe
uarriages were packed for the night, the battery remaining in
camp at Turrai with the horses.

As the other battery, 0/3 Boyal Artillery, was to make a halt
of a day at the top of the Peiwar Kotal, instead of passing
through it, tbeir elephants carried up all tbe hay that was
required for the horses, and then returned to wait for the
guns.

Tbe Kahars oommenoed taking the ammunition up the hill,
two men carrying a box on a doolie-pole ; the distance was not
much more than a mile, but as they took three bonre generally to
get to the top, and delayed then and on tbe way down, it was
difficult, in tbe absence of much supervision, to get more than one
turn out of them each day, as about two boors had to he allowed
them for their cooking arrangements.

April i6th.— The e7th and half 0/4 Royal Artillery marohed
to Peiwar this momiog.

During tbe night ten camels were stolen from the camel lines
at Kurram, which were placed for protection close by tbo opper

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310 WITH THE KUBEAM FIELD FOBCE.

fort After tfaie experience s wall foar feet high was ordered to
be bailt, to prevent their being takeo away ao readily.

The same party of thieves came acrosa three hnrsea of the
i^th Bengal Cavalry, whioh had been picketed outside their
camp at a lit'Je diatanoe, as they were supposed to be infectiouely
diseased with glanders.

The loss was reported at onoe, and at 2 o'clock in the
night Mahommed Hyat Khan, G.3.I., Extra-Assistant Com-
mandant, sent word out to the villages on the further side of
the Kurram river, to stop all the passes leading into the Uakhbal
hills, which was the most probable direction that the thieves
would take.

This speedy action was successful, as when the robbers were
about to enter their country they found the way barred, and
making their escape they left seven camels and three horaee
behind them ; the other three camels were reported to have been
taken to a village about six miles out on the right bank of the
river, and when this news came into camp at I P.M. with li>e
recovered animals, a squadron of the J 3th Bengal Cavalry, under
Captain Green, was ordered out to look for them in this direction,
and a squadron of the 6th Punjab Cavalry was sent to soour the
foot of the hills on the north eide of the valley, in oase the
camels might have been taken that way.

The village to whioh the 12th Bengal Cavalry were taken
turned out to be sixteen miles off instead of six, and well away
irom the hank of the river, concealed between the spurs that sloped
down from the Makhbal ranges. After surrounding the village,
the head-men were made prisoners, as they could not acoonut for
the missing camels, and they were brought hack into camp about

10 P.M.

The General ordered out a party of the S9th Punjab Native
Infontry to proceed in support of the cavalry, when no signs of
their return was perceived at sunset. The fith Poigab Cavalry
came back about dusk.

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PfiEPABATIONS FOB ABYAHOB. 311

Hone Rationa not free at ThuU,
D. O. No 778.—" The free ration at ThuU notified in D. O.
No. 724, does Dot include ^aiufor horses of the Native Cavalry."

Trantport Carriage of Pansori Stores.
D. 0. No. 780. — " The Commissariat Department will supply
camels as authorised to regiments of the advancing force, for
the carriage of ' Fansori ' stores (j>. spices, opium, &c,), if
oommaoding officers require them."

Parched Qrainfor Troopt,

" %. The Gommiasariat Department baa been ordered to take
snch a supply as is available of ' Channa Chabena' [i.e. parched
Indian com and peas), and 'goor' (coarse sugar), fur the use of
the native troops for the few days they may be n&able to cook
thair food."

April 1 7tb.— >The Gatlings were worked in the presence of the
General, but proved a foilnre, the mechanism working so stiffly
as to jar the barrels and alter the elevation; every bullet missed
the target, consequently, at &00 yards and 1,000 yards range.
Most of the Eurram garrison had turned out to see the new guns,
and the failure was as disappointing as the expectation of the
zesult bad been great.

Dr. Townsend, Deputy Surgeon-General, arrived in camp,
and took over charge of the ofBoe of Principal Medical Officer ;
and Brigadier-General Forbes, Commandant Bhopal Battalion,
who had been nominated to the command of a brigade in the
Eurram Force, also arrived and was posted to the command of
the 3nd Brigade, from the date of bis arrival at Thull.

Grain Ratiotu/or Uor$«a, MuUk, and Ponitt.
D. O. No. 788. — " In consequence of the limited supply
of barley with the force, the Commissariat Department will, when
seoessary, issue grain for horses on the following sosle.

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812 WITS THE KtmitAM PIELC POBCE.

Buley. DImU.
" Royal Artillery and Briliah

Cavalry (Walers only) . 3 setsrs. 2 seers.
All other horsefl eclitled to

ETain . . 8 „ 1 „

Battery and regimeotal mnleB

and ponies (Ordnanoe) . 2 „ 1 „
Ditto (Baggage) . 2 „ 2 „

All othermnlea and ponies
entitled to grain . . — I „ "

The advance portion of the Punjab Chiefs' Contingent with
General Watson, C.B., V.C., and his staff, reached Enrram this
day.

I'hese troops, consisting of the three arms commanded by
their own officers, were esoellently equipped for the campaign,
and with the exception of their arms the men were equal, if not
superior to, physioally, the same classes that were in onr
service.

The lltb Native Infantry marched into Eorram, under
Lieut.-Colonel Harris.

April Idth.— The 1 1th Native lu&ntry halted this day so as
to dispost) of their surplus tents, &o. before marching on. The
native armourer- master of this regiment was sent for in the
absence of any other trained workman, to put some of the locks
of the Galling guns to rights, which had got out of order.
Though the man had never seen any kind of lock, ezoept that of
a Snider rifle, be was able without any instruction to remedy the
defect.

The intelligence of some of the native artificers as regards
mechanical cootrivanoes is very great ; and when it is considered
that they are never at a loss for a tool, inventing or adapting
any tool they may require, it may he imagined that they form
a most useful class of workmen, ospeoially on field service.

The necessity of having an armourer to overhaul the Ootlinga

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PKEfABATIOHS FOB ADVANCE. 313

was becoming evident, and ae small repairs and alteratioDs were
oonstantly being required, tbe armourer-sergeant of the Utad
Regiment was ordered to oome back from Alikbejl to try hia
hand upon tbem. Though he had never seen any GatlingB
before, be was able when he came, by a little judicious filing and
smoothing, to reduce the stiffness of tbe working of these guns.

Though the artillery had all moved on to Alikbeyl, there
was but little forage to be had for the horses, so only two gun-
teams of each battery were retained in case of the guns having to
he used at different poiots ; but all the rest of the battery-horses
were ordered back to Feiwar, where they were to remain till
actually required for the advance.

The tribes near AU Kheyl, the Ahmed Kheyl and Hassan
Kheyl Jojis, were reported to be collecting, and threatening an
attack on Ali Kheyl.

There was a certain amount of desultory firing in the dark at
the camp, but no harm was ever done by it, nor was any notice
taken of it, and gradually the praotios was given up.

Baggage and Detail* at Kurram Fort,
April 18th.— D. 0. No. 701. — " Oamp Kurram. Officers
commending corps are directed to send to the officer commanding
Enrram Fort, an acourate list of all property deposited therein ;
rolls of the several parties left in charge, and of all followers and
animals requiring rations or forage, should also be furnished.

" Tbe pay of soldiers and followers detached to Kurram to be
arranged for regimentally.

" Attention is called to Divisional Order, No, 828, dated
December 7th, 1678 (Last BatJon Certificate)."

Command at Kurram.
D. O. No. 781.—" Major G. N. Channer, V.O., Sflth Punjab
Native Infantry, is appointed to the oommaod of tbe forts at
Kurram."

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314 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FiillCE.

Superintendent Army Signalling.
D. 0. No. r9i.— " Captain E. Straton ,• 22nd Regiment, is
appointed Superioleudeut of Army Signalling with the Eurram
Force, and will take over charge firom Captain T A. Barstow,
72nd Highlanders.

Distribution of Troops, Kurram Field Force.
April l«th— D. 0. No. «00.— " Gamp Kurram. The fol-
lowing distribution of the troops of the Eurram Field Force is
notified :

" Column for the Advance.
" Royal Artillery DiTidon, ander command of Lieat-Colonel
G. H Lindsay, R.H.A.
F/A Royal Horse Artillery.
a/8 Royal Artillery.
No. 2 Mountain Battery.
CaTalry Brigade, under command of Colonel H. H.

Gough, C.B.. V.C.
Squadron &th Lancers.
12th Bengal Cavalry.
14th Bengal Lancers.

" Infantry.
" lat Brigade, under command of Brigadier-General Cobbe.
T2nd Highlanders,
dth Goorkbas.

28th Punjab Native Infantry.

23rd Piuneers . . .[Attached temporarily

7th compHDy Sappers and Miners] for discipline & orders.
2nd Brigade, under command of Brigadier- General H.

Forbes.
92nd Highlanders.
Mh Punjab Native In&ntry.
Slat Puqjab Native Infontry.

* BubiequeDUf killsd durmg the battle of KwririlM*!

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PBBPAEATIONS FOR ADVAHCB. 315

"Uotil further orders, the troopB of the Kurram Valley
Beaerve, are attached for disoiplioe and oorreapondeooe, as
follows :

" Half C/4 Royal Artillery
No 1 MoQQtaio Battery

Sth Pnojab Oavalry . . To Cavalry Brigade.
2/8th Eiog's .
llth Native Infantry
67tb Regiment .

To Artillery Division.
To Cavalry Brigade.
To Ist Infantry Brigade.

Oreen Foraj/efor Artillery Horiea.

D. 0. No. 802. — " The Commissariat Department is au-
thorised to supply a ration of green barley daily to eaoh of the
horses of the detachments of F/A Royal Horse Artillery and G/8
Royal Artillery at Kurram, in lieu of one seer of dhall, on
aooount of their low condition."

April 20tb. — The General, accompanied by Colonel Colley,
Private Secretary to the Viceroy, who had arrived the previoos
day to make a flying tour in the Kurram valley, started at 6 A.H.
to ride to Rokian, in the defile beyond Alikheyl. They returned
the same day to the Feiwar Kotol, where they stopped for the
night, having thus ridden over seventy miles ; the road, which
was in good order up to this point, having been made beyond
Alikheyl by Captain Rennick and the Jajis, allowed qoick riding,
there being no obstacle except the Feiwar Kotal to check the
pace.

The morning was very cold, and later in the day a heavy
gale and dast-storm came on, which lasted for some time.

Aa the last preparation for the advance. Field Hoapitals were
ordered at Alikheyl, Feiwar, and Kurram.

Lieutenant-Colonel Healheote.

D. 0. No. 804. — "Lieutenant-Colonel Uark Hesthoote,
Asaietant Qiiartermaster-Qeneral, having reported his anival

.,,Googk' —

31b WITH THE KDBRAM FIELD POllCB.

at Eohat on the 12th inst., assumed charge of his duties, and
is attached to the Eurram Field Force from that date."

Po9ting», Staff Offxer*.

D. O, No. R06. — ■" LieutenaDt-Oolonel Heathoote will join
Brigadier General Watson's staff, under the provisions of 1^90
No. 243 of 1869. Captain C. D. Branson, 28th P.N.I.,
is appointed Station Staff Officer at Kurram, in addition to
his other duties, with effeot &om the Slst April 1879, the date
of the departure of the head-quarters 2nd Brigade, subject to
confirmation."

April 21st. — ^Tbe General and party returned to Eurram
from the Peiwar Eotal by the Spingawi route, revisiting it for
the first time since the action. A road had been cnt along the
top of the Afghan Hill, and most of the trees cleared away irom
it, thus altering the aspect of the place ; but this road enabled a
better view to be got of Sikaram, which towered up high above
the tall pine-trees, mailing a beautiful picture. Patches of snow
were still lying abont, but wherever it had melted, the paper
cartridge-cases of the ammunition that bad been used by the
Afghans in the fight still remained tu show the various positions
held.

The trees on both sides of the ravine in front of Afghan
Hill bad been carefully searched fur the bullets that were
embedded in them, and most hnd been carefully cut out, the
places where the bark had been peeled off to allow ibis to be
done, showing hare, in some cases, as high as twenty feet from
the ground.

There was another dust-storm in the Kurram valley, and
the usual strong wind, but this time it came from the east. The
day was cloudy and very cold, owing to the rain, which fell in
showers all around in the valley, bat in snow on the Peiwar
Kotal and the apper ranges.

April 22nd. — The bad weather continued to-day with a

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PBEPABATI0N8 FOB ADVANCE. 317

bear; fall of bdow od the Koul and the hills all round, reacbiDg
as tn as the valley.

The Eotol road was very slippery aud moist from the melting
snow, and as the Ghilzais, who were returning to the Logar
valley by this road, were marching in large numbers this day,
they bad great difficuliy in the ascent. The olay surface of the
road, which was good for dry weather, was like a sheet of glass,
so their camels could hardly crawl up ; had t)ie track remained as
it used to be, oovered with stones, the asoent, though steeper,
would have been less troublesome.

The nth Native Infantry marched through thePeiwarKotal
firom Turrai for Byan Eheyl, but they started before the
Ghilzais, and reached the top of the ascent at about 10 ah.
The snow was just beginning to fall, and the temperature was
low — more so than was pleasant to the feelings of most of the
men of this regiment, who, being pure Hindoos from the lower
part of India, were unacquainted with snow except from

April 2t2nd. — The elephants which had been stationed at
Puiwar bsgan to suffer from foot-and-mouth disease. One of
them died: this was a serious loss, as there were only just
enough to carry the guns and carriages over the Shutargardan,
if they were able to do so, when the time came.

April 28nd. — The General, accompanied by Brigadier-
General Watson, rode to Badesh Eheyl to inspect the camels
that were grazing at that station. A committee of experienced
officers, with Major Macqneen, commanding 5tb Puiyab Infantry,
as President, had been carefully examining every camel brought
before it by the traosporl officers, to decide whether their con-
dition warranted their being taken on. Out of 2,700 camels
looked at, only 1,900 were passed as fit to carry loads and in
fairly good condition, and the remainder were practically useless.

No officer in the force had the special knowledge of Major
Macqueen as legards camels, and his knowledge was of courw

318 WITH THE KUHIIAU FIELD FORCE.

inferior to that of the oamel cbowdrees, vho were accaetomed
to deal in these animale. It requires a keen eye to know
whether the deterioration of a camel has proceeded to the
limit at which he ia nnfit for work, as the points from whioh
this can be judged are not very evident, and do not always
depend on bia external Appearance or low condition.

Mopementa.

April 88rd.— D. 0. No. 818.— "One company of the
2/8th Regiment will march to Peiwar on the 24tb and to the
Eotal on the 2Sth, to be relieved by a company from regimental
bead-quarters, which will move to Peiwar on the SSth and
Eurram on the 26th. On its arrival the relief of the second
oompany now at Kurram will be similarly carried out."

April 94tb. — The Galling guns were tried again at Eurram
before being taken on to Alikheyl, the result being still
unsatisfactory. One gun worked fairly well with the exception
of one lock, which jammed, and in the other four locks refused
to fire the cartridgee.

There were no dummy cartridges sent with the guns, so
that it was only possible to test their condition by firing the
service ammnnitiou, which was not of auy great extent, only
15,000 rounds per guQ, so it was not desirable to fire off too many
of these in getting the giins into working order.

April 2''ith. — Tthad been decided, in the event of an advance,
that the second line of waggons of the artillery should not be
taken, but that their nmmunition should be carried on camels.

Boxes for this purpose had been used with the Ehyber
columns, hut it would have involved much delay had they been
demanded for the Enrram batteries. The drawback of a box
to bold ammunition for a pack-animal, is that its strength mutt
be great to stand the wear and tear of loading and unloading,
and this strength means increased weight, owing to thickness
of wood and iron fastenings, in.

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PBEFABATIONB FOB ADVANCE. 319

In Ilea of these bozee General Roberts SBaotioned the use of
slinga for the oairiage of the shellB of the batteries. These
sliDga were opea bags, in which two boxes of infantry ammnnition
were meant to be placed, so that it woold form a load for a mule
or bullock, one box being on each side. They were made of a
coarse packingmaterial known as tat, or double gunny. The slings
were adapted for the carriage of the shells by being sewn along
one side, and then in three longitudinal seams aoross, eo as to
make four pockets, eaoh to contain three shells, or twelve on each
side.

After the shells were placed in the bags the open ends
were sewn up; a supply of needles and twine being given out
with the slinga enabled this to be done when necessary, but the
ammunition being only occasionally wanted, the aewing did sot
require to be frequently touched.

The cartridges were packed in boxes, which held two
oartouohes or thirty-six cartridges, with the fuzea in their ten
cylinders.

A small box contained the gun-cotton primera for eaoh
division.

The waggona of these batteries, together with their atore
and forge waggons, were thus left at £urram, and it was
determined to utilise them for the protection of the artillery
horaea of both balteriea, which had been sent back from
Alikheyl.

Orders were issued, therefore, to " laager " these waggona
round on three aidea of the horse-lines and drivers' camp, which
was placed resting under the wall of the upper fort. As there
were not sufficient waggons tu go all round this space, a stone
breastwork, with a ditch in front, was built up to replace them
on the south side.

The gunners of both batteriea were at Alikheyl, and the duty
of defending the horse-lines and camp fell on the unarmed
drivers. These men were accordingly armed from tbe Ordnance

D,j,i,.e,.,,Googlc

320 WIIH THE KURRAM FIELD FORCE.

Dep6t, partly vith Snider oarbineB, which had been returned into
store there on reOeipt of Martini-Henry carbines by tbe batteries,
and partly with the Enfield rifies that had been captured.

The European garrison at Kurram was ao small compared
with tbe importance of the place and tbe extent of ground to be
defended, that every precaution was necesBary wbioh might
diminieb risk of loss and surprise. With this view Generals
Roberts and Watson had inspected the defences of both tbe forts,
and where thece were faulty — as, for instance, the parapets at the
tops of the walls, whiob were too high to fire over — the necessary
orders were given for their improvement. The remains of an oater
wall at the edge of the ditch of thelowerfortwere also ordered to
be removed, and that there should be no delay in carrying oat these
necessary alterations, fatigue parties irom tbe Sikh Gon^ngent
were turned out to work daily, under the orders of Captain
Pearson, R.A., till the defences were completed. The European
detachmente were also employed in like manner on tbe upper
fort, bot there was less work to be done in this one, as tbe walls
were not so high, nor vas the commanioation continuous round
the roof of the sheds built against part of the wall. The com-
mencement of a bazaar was undertaken close to the upper fort,
BO that tbe camp-followers should be all together, and more
nnder protection.

Eacortt.

D. 0. No. 625.—" Commissariat and other stores en rouU
from Peiwar to Ahkheyl will be escorted by guards furnished by
posts on the road.

"The fith Punjab Infantry will give the escorts between
Feiwar and the Eotal, tbe 8th Foot between tbe Eotal and half-
way to Byan Eheyl, the fl7th and 11th Native Infantry from
that point to Byan Ebeyl, and the Alikbeyl troops from Byan
Eheyl to Alikheyl.

"Tbe escorts will always return to their stations foe tb«

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PBEFABATIONS FOB ABTANOB. 321

Dight. Dae notice to all ooncemed will be given by the officers
commanding at the several posts to ensure the punctual relief of
escorts.

" Oavalry esoorts from Peiwar are not to be given, except in
ease of urgency."

April S6tb.— A man, supposed to be a madman, prowling
about Brigadier -General Watson's camp, vas shot by one of
the sentries in the night. Nothing could be ascertEdned about
him, except that he had been noticed in the bazaar by his
conduct, which was ecnentno.

Some of the elephants suffering from foot-aod-moutfa disease
were brought back to Kurram for treatment.

There were tbirty-four sound elephants at Feiwar, and eight
sick ones who were nnable to travel ; but all of tbem were
getting round, under the care of Veterinary Sui^eon Gillespie,
B.H.A. The disease was attributed to the animals being fed on
rioe-straw.

Cmation of Rum luue to Native Troapi.

April 87th. — D. 0. No. 843. — "In consequence of the
iaereasiag mildness of the weather, the bi-weekly issue of rum
to native troops is discontinued. In future rum will only be
issued on the reoommendatiou of the Deputy Surgeon-General,
and on special occasions when authorised by the Major'
General."

April 38tb. — By this time all arrangements had been mads
as regards the onward movement of the troops beyond Alikheyl.

The advancing force, with the exception of the cavalry and
most of the artillery horses and the Gatling guns, was in camp
at that place. The horses of the artillery and the cavalry
brigade were, however, ready to oome on whenever called for, or
irheo the spring allowed the grass to grow in these high
latitudes. As yet there were but few signs of its approach ; the
tree-buds on the willows were beginning to form, but otherwise

21

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322 WITH THB EUBBAU FIELD FOBCE.

ID the Hurriab valley do Btart had beeD made, and beyond tbit,
towarde the Shntargardao, the wiDter was hardly over.

Id the village of Alikheyl itself were stored the proviaioDi
for the advance. Preserved stores, iooladiog tioned meat, soup*
of various descriptions, " army food "—a kind of pea-soup— tod
biaonits, were all ready to accompany the force through Uie
desert monntain passes, as also the grain rations for the horses.
Everything was ready with the exception of forage for the
camels, and grass for the horses and mules, and this hindranos
would have been overcome had the order to advance been
received.

The Ordnance and Engineer Parks were complete. The
Field Treasury wea fully famished with the money required to
pay the troops, and to purchase the necessary commiBsariat
supplies. The field hospitals were prepared at the various
stations, as ordered, to facilitate the passage of the tnck to the
rear. The regimental hospitals were equipped according to the
scale ordered, and nothing remained to be done except to
move od.

The Jaji population about Alikbeyl and the Hurriab valley
were fiiendly. They were perfectly willing to work fbr us and
our money, of which they must have earned more than they had
ever seen before, or were likely to see hereafter. The Ahmed
Kbeyl and Hassan Kbeyl sections were still opposed to US| ts
were their fiirther neighhoars the Mangals; but their conntiy
was beyond our present line of action, and they could Dot do us
much harm.

Id the Eurram valley, the preseDce of the Pat\jab Ghieft'
CoDtingent fiilly restraiDed any desire the Zymukbt tribes might
have folt to interfere with onr communications at this time, and
there was do reason to antioipate any great obaDge in their
demeanour, so that on this side also there was nothing to cause
any hindraDoe to the advaooe on Cahul. The people of the
Eurram Valley proper were getting mors aaonstom«d to as

L.g,i,:«.,, Google

FBBPASATIOHS FOK ADVANOB. O'AO

and our wa^, and showed do signs of changing their friendly
attitude, even when their own especial customs did not quits
agree with our more civilised practice. An instance occurred
about this time which marked this very completely.

The 5th Punjab Infantry were still in the Peiwar oantonment.
As this was placed in an utterly barren plain, it was necessary to
get forage fi-om the nearest village of Sbaluzan. A bavitdar
with a small escort detailed for this duty, on nearing the village,
saw a crowd of the inhabitants close by, in a field.

On inquiring the cause of the disturbance it was ascertained
that they were about to pat to death an unfortunate woman.

The havildar, accustomed to judge more from an English
than a Fathan point of view, remonstrated at first, and finally
took oharge of the woman, brought her away to Peiwar, and
reported the matter. The woman was subsequently returned to
her friends by Colonel Waterfield, Political Officer, and the
havildar was rewarded for saving her life by a present of 100
rupees, while each of the sepoys got twenty.

This was a case in which, had the temper of the people been
in any way opposed to us, this interference with their established
customs and laws might have led to unpleasant oonseqaences,
especially for the havildar, who stood between the woman and
her judges; but no complaint was made against the action of
the n on- commissioned officer, and it was only from his own
report that the matter was known.

The presence of the General in the neighbourhood may have
been used with good effect by the havildar as a shield to protect
himself from the knives of the angry Turis, but it was a brave
action on bis part, as he and his men had only their side-arms,
and were at the mercy of the armed and raging mob.

21*

Digiliieo, Google

WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FOBOB.

CHAPTER Vm.

OONCLDDINQ EVSNTB.

mYPBIL S9th.— The General arriTed at Alikheyl, and hit
(^^ camp vas pitobed on the same plateau bb that ooonpied
by the let Infantry Brigade.

The 2nd Brigade vaa encamped with the Artillery on
another plateau at about 600 yards diBtanoe, and separated from
it by a deep nnllah — one of those that drained the foot of the
moonlain Matungi.

Each camp was surrounded by a breastwork of loose stooe
walls, and picket towers were placed on commanding sit«s, which
still further protected the approaohes along the open parts of th«
plateaus ; and after these precautions were taken, the amusement
of firing long shots at the camp by night was given ap.

These defences formed only a portion of what bad been done,
since the arrival of the troops, in the way of fortifications. The
spur from Matungi, that interveoed between the plateaus and
the village of Alikheyl, bad been crowned with a series of works
on each rising point of the ridge. The highest of these, towards
the north, oonsisted of picket towers protected by ditchea, stakes,

itizecy Google

COHOLUDIKO BTEHTB. 325

soarps, Stc, every meaiiB being taken of making the approaolt
difficult. The moBt important work was a redoubt that com-
manded C plateau, with emplacements for field guns, and with a
parapet on each dde for infantry.

Other positions on the elope of the hill were occupied, which
commanded a raviae that ran at right angles with the main one,
at the northern end of the camp of the Ist Brigade. Altogether
the poeitJons of the camps were in themselves strong, but that
on B plateau was somewhat removed from the shelter afforded
by the oom man ding ridge.

The northern oamp on B plateau was terminated by a stone
wall, which cut it off from the rest of the nearly flat spaoe on
this side, which extended for about half a mile, till it oame to an
end at another ravine, on the further side of wbtoh was the third
plateau. A, onoccupied for the present.

The General inspected all these positions and the fortifica-
tions on the 80th April, finishing up with the commissariat store
at the village of Alikheyl, which was placed in some native
houses at the foot of a detached occupied hill, in the centre of
the cultivated and terraced bay between the first-mentioned ridge
and the next one to it.

The position at Alikheyl was one of great strength, but its
weak poiut was the water-supply.

The Hazardarakht stream flowed at a distance of about half a
mile irom both plateaus, and but little water was found in the
ravines.

Water was brought into the 2nd Brigade camp by means
of a surface irrigation cut, and stored in two tanks formed by
damming up a hollow ; but this was not fit for drinking-
parposes. Subsequently water was brought along the ridga for
about two miles firom a spring hidden at the head of the ravine
leading to the Alikheyl village, till it was taken through
plateau. Though this arrangement was very good for peace
time, yet it was liable to damage in case of disturbance, wbea

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326 WITH THE KOBRAM PlEIJ> FOECE.

tlie rirftr supply vould hare been almost the only source. There
irere some Email springs In the ravine to the north of the camp,
but the water trickled into them so slowly as to be next to uselesa.

An attempt was made to sink a well not far from there, is
the main nullah, but after going down through alluTial clay and
boulders for about tea feet, the Pioneers gave up the task as
hopeless.

The presence of the camps in the Hurriab valley, far from
disturbing the J^is, added much to their sense of security.

Though the spring had hardly set in, the villagers everywhere
had commenced ploughing up their lands, and flooding ^ose
intended for rioe-onltivatlon, and more land was brought into
use than had been tilled for many years.

May let. — The General and General Watson rode op the
Hazardarakht defile as far as Drekulla, along the road that had
been made to tliis place in the bed of the stream by native
labour. This kind of road-making consisted simply of tracing
two lines in the required direction and clearing away the ]ai^r
boulders and stones, leaving a more or lees defined track.

A party of officers of the 93nd were allowed to proceed in
the same direction up the defile, but turning ofi' at Bokian, they
tried to ascend a high sugar-loaf peak which overlooked the
Ohilzai country to tbe north of Matuogi. Clouds having
come over the summit, tbey had to give up tbe idea of reaching
the top, which tbey bad nearly gained, and they returned to
camp without any accident or adventure.

Tbe survey party were also out on a reconnoitring expedition
up to the Lakkerai Kotal, a pass over the western range of the
Snfaid £oh, across which is the best road between the Unrriab
valley and Gandamak, through Jagd&lak. The highest point of
this pass is 10,600 feet. There was, as far aa was known, no
obstruction beyond the summit of the pass on the other side,
and tbe ascent on the Hurriab valley side presented no greater
difficulty than is met with in mountainous oouotries where toada

COHCLtJDING BVEHTS. 827

do not exist Tlie track started from the villa^fe of Belnt, and
proceeded np the Laridar stream for eight miles, after which,
iMving the stream, it was takeo up one spur after aaother,
through forests of piues with snow lying thick od the ground,
till th« summit was reached, and they began to descend the
Bortbem side, where the snow was very much deeper. The
guides told them that it reached a depth of over six feet in
' the winter. After proceeding for a mile and a half down to get
a look at the valley of the Sarkh-ab river, which mna into the
Oabul river, and the villages in this valley, which are inhabited
by Mangala, the guides asked them to return, as the neigh-
bonrhood was not safe. Nor bad the eoutbem slope a much
better reputation, tor in the bed of the Laridar nullah, when Uiey
wanted to halt at a place where there were several springs of
pare water, the guides objected, as the spot, though a beautiful
and pleasant one for a halt, was generally for this reason
ocoupied by marauders. However, aa the escort was thirty
Goorkhaa, in addition to the armed " badragga " of Jajis, there
was not mnch fear of being attacked, though one shot had been
fired at the party near this ptaoe on the way up.

The Gatliog battery was at Peiwar, and before it was allowed
to proceed to join the force it had to be reported as serviceable by a
Committee, of which Colonel Lindsay, commanding the Artillery,
was President. By degrees all the various defects that were
discovered in the working of the guns had been elimiBated.
They were now tested for rapidity of fire, at a short range,
in which trial they came out as satisfactorily as any machines
that depend on manual labour and intelligence could do.

The cylinder or drum which held the cartridges required to be
tamed round by hand so carefully that there never should be any
want of cartridges in the hopper or receiver below it. If it were
moved too slowly, the cartridge dropping from the column above
the hopper was apt to fall crookedly, or if too quickly, the
hopper got overcrowded ; in either case the rwnlt wm «

. .,.,, Google

328 WITH tHS EDBHAM PISLD FOBCfi.

stoppage. Tbeee defects, inherent in tbe weapon, oonJd only Iw
overoome bjr conUnued practice of the men employed, and even
then it might be expected that in the excitement of action some
little hurry on the part of the gonnera would throw it out of
gear.

May 2nd. — The next day tbe practice waa reaamed with tbo
GatlingB at a long range of 1, 1 00 yards with satiafaotory results,
all the bullets striking the target when neoeaaary, or spreading
on each side when tbe horizontAl movement of the barrels was
brought into play- Under these circumBianoea the oommittee
reported the battery as fairly serviceable, and likely to improve
by practice in the weapon.

The guo-teama of the two batteries marched from Peiwar to
Alikheyl, where tbey were required to take part in a grand
parade, which was to beheld chiefly with the object of impressing
the surrounding tribes by an exhibition of the force that was in
their midst.

It had been for some lime the wish of army medical
reformers to do away with a great deal of the regimental hospital
system, which was not altogether adapted for £eld service. Tbe
eslahlishment of European and Native Field Hospitals, when
organised, deprives the regimental hospital of much of its value,
and as a necessary sequence, the regimental sick transport, in
the way of doolies and dandies, would he disestablished if tbe
hospitals were unnecessary. As by the introduction of this
system there would be some economy of transport and other
collateral advantages, the Major-General ordered the formation
of a corps of doolie-bearers, as tbe field hospitals were already
in existence, and Surgeon-Major Bourke, A.M.D., was appointed
to tbe charge of it. Tbe doolie-bearers were to be encamped at
Peiwar, and trained to carry their doolies, a duty which but few
of tbe men entertained for the purpose were really oompetent to
perform.

Another great advantage of the systematic training of these

itizecy Google

OOKCLtJDIHa ETBHIS. 329

men was, that by tliis means, they would acquire some sense of
discipline, and that all the weak and useless men woald ha
difloovered, and got rid of before it was too late.

While the Commissariat Department kept the control of the
Kahars in its own hands altogether, the mtgority of these men
were employed as labourers for handliaft and carrying stores,
and if thoia were any sodden demand for manual labour in any
department, or for making roads aod cleaning up the camps,
Kahars were always asked for aod generally obtained.

By this moans, however, the original purpose of their
entertainment was forgotten, and the men, however strong and
able they might be, got out of the habit of carrying doolies,
their shoulders becoming soft and unfitted fur the purpose.

The improvement of the transport department came also
under the notice of the Major- General, and twenty more native
soldiers were to be detailed from the force, to serve under Uie
orders of the transport officers, in addition to the detachment of
the 7th Bengal Cavalry, which had been employed on this duty
firom the commescement of the campaign.

May 8rd. — The troops were drawn up at 10 a.u. fbr the
inspection of the General, but the effect of the parade was
greatly m&rred by a heavy thunder-storm, with rain and hail,
which came down as they were marching past. The troopa
from Byan Kheyl marched over to take part in the parade, and
after it was over they returned to their oamp thoroughly
drenched.

The native population of Alikheyl and the neighbourhood
generally came in to see the review, and crowded in lines in rear
of the marching-past ground, their ardour for the sight not being
damped by the wet.

In the afternoon the rain, which had stopped when the
parade was over, came on again, and it was pouring heavily at
8 P.U. when a durbar was held by the General, to which all the
leading natives of the Uurriab bad been summoned. The

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880 WITH THE EUBRAU VULO FOBOE.

darbar tent vu only a unall shamiaua, or flat-roofed tent,
Bupported on poles, with oloUi aides to it. One aide bad not
been fixed, and before it were seated, on three aidea uf a eqoare,
all the ohiefe and eome of theii followers, wbo crowded thioklj
behind them. In appearance there was nothing to ohooae
between the leaders and their men; all had the same expression,
and were clothed in the same way.

About half-past 8 o'clock the tienerai, accompanied by the
two brigadieis and the political officers, Uolonel T. Gordon, C.S.I.,
Captain Rennick, and the staff, entered the lent, and sat down,
while Tarious presents and rewards for good oonduo^ in the
shape of turbans and dresses of honour, were bestowed on thoss
wbo had merited them. MabommedHyatKhim, 0.3. 1., Assistant
Political Officer, uabered np the recipients, and translated the
General's remarks to each as be came forward to get a token of
the good-will of the BritiBh Government.

When ail the presents had been bestowed, the Gteneral mad*
a Bpeeofa, which was traaalated into Pnsbta sestenoe bj
sentence by Mahommed Hyat Khan for the benefit of the

The chief object of the dnrbar was to announce to the thbea
the intention of the Sritisb Government to annex the Kurrom
and Hurriab volleys. The Jtgis were warned that as before
this declaration they had shown themselves loyal to the Cabnl
rule, paying attention to tbe orders of Yakub Khan, they wen
now to show the same spirit of obedience to the British mie, in
return for which their religion would not be interfered with, and
their mullahs might come and go as they pleased, as long as
they did not- preach sedition and stir np tbe people to rebel
against us ; all the men of the tribe wbo bod been imprisoned
by UB would be liberated on the conclusion of peace. The
Hassan Kheyl leaders were spoken to, and through them, as it
were, a message was sent to the Ahmed Kheyls, who still kept
aloof, " that if in a short time they did not coma to paj u ft

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OONCLUDIHO ETBNTB. 331

vieit, we should have to pay them one, aod perhaps in a way
they woald not like." In conclusion the Jajis were recommended
to pay attention to agriculture and trade, by which they would
increase their means, and in return for their disposing of their
produce to the English, they would obtaio protecdoa for life
and property, such as tfaey had not before experienced.

At the conclusion of the speech, the head-men having got an
inch proceeded to ask for an ell, and petidoned for the immediata
release of ten of their men who were prisoners, and were not
very well satisfied when they were informed that this could not
he done.

May 4th. — Judging by the telegram that wa8 received from
OoTemment and circulated in camp for general information, they
would not hare long to wait, as the first signs of the tenninatiou
of bofltilities became apparent this day, when the news came
that Yakub Eban had decided to pay Sir Samuel Browne a
Tisit at Gandamuk, at which place be was to arrive on th«
8th instant

Tbe weather was still rainy and showery, but the camp was
in Bucb a good site that the rain soon disappeared, and tbe atony
ground dried up rapidly.

As there was some probability of the troops remaining in
camp at Alikheyl for some time, officers commanding regiment*
were allowed to bring up the snrplns camp-equipage for tbe men
and mess tents for the officers, which bad been left behind at
Knrram, when the reduced scale of tenti^ for the advance was
ordered.

May Otb. — 'All the horses and drivers of the batteries, except
two gun-teams, as before, returned to Peiwar ; and all the Kafaare,
except the few retained by each regiment, proceeded to the same
place, to be worked into shape as doolie-hearers. An interesting
oottversaUon occurred this day between tbe General and a
Ohilzai, which, if it eould he relied on as giving more than an
individual expretsion of opinion, would form a very iatis&etory

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332 WITH TBE ETJSBAM FIELD FOBCE.

baaiB in helping to have & clear understanding as to tbe method
of dealing with tbe tribes.

This man said that the Gbilzais had been waiting for as on
the ShutargerdaD, but that they bad all dispersed now and gone
to their bomea. He quite acknowledged that tbe tribe could
Dot do as much hann unless they were backed up by regulars.
His next assenion was important, showing that even among the
great fighting tribes of tbe Gbilzais there existed a strong party
who were not inimical to us. He said that the old people of tbe
tribe would welcome us, but tbat it was the young men alone who
wanted to fight.

This showed that the feeling against us was not general, and
theie is no doabt that tbe chief of the Qhilzais, Fadsbab Khan,
was at this time in oat favour as well as the other old men.

It was natural for the young men to wish to fight, as this is
a part of the occupation of their lives, but beyond that it was
not probably caused either by public feeling, or by any higher
motive than the hope of plunder.

The survey party started again for uiother excursion to the
Shutargardan, and with them went the Political Officers, Colonel
Gordon and Captain Benniok, Captain Carr, D.A Q.M G.,
Lieutenant Spratt, B.E., and Dr. Duke. These officers went to
explore some of the side roads to the Shatargordau plateau,
which might be of use in order to turn the position if it were
held against us.

The telegraph line was being pushed on ap tbe Hazardarakht
defile. Tbe wire was laid as far as Rokian, and above this the
posts were erected along tbe hiU-stde as Car as Jaji Thanna.
The Jigis objected to work beyond their boandary, which comes
to an end about that place.

May Ath. — Tbe survey party and the others returned fix)m tbs
Shutargardan at 2 p.m., having started from Kasim Kbeyl Tbanna
at 7 A.M. Lieutenant Spratt and Br, Duke returned by the
Thabai pass, which enters the Hazardarakht defile at Jiyi Thuuta,

.coy Google

OOKOLUDINa BTBHTB. S33

This roul wu reported as impracdoable ftit laden oamels and
mnlea, being merely the narrow and ateep rooky bed of a
monntain torrent tall of large bonldsra. The rest of the party
oame back by the Oogizah road, whiob entered the defile at
Dreknlla. This was a fairly good road moet of the way, but a
part of the valley it passes through was steep and narrow, not
being more than thirty to fifty yards wide, with precipitous olifis
on eaob side fbr about 3,00U yards ; but as long ss the
Hazardarakht defile waa open to us, there was no object in
trying another route. The road up this latter defile was com-
pleted by this to beyond Jaji Thaana, and there was hut little
of the pass in the Ohilzai oonntry which remained to be done
when the advance sfaoold take place.

With the reoonnoitring party two Afghan soldiers arrived
from Cabul. These men had deserted from a cavalry regiment
and ridden off on their horses, starting alter dark the previous
nigbt ; they brought a boy with them also. They had ridden
their horses over seventy miles, and neither seemed to be any
the worse for the journey. One of the men was an Usbeg, and
wore an immense brown fur cap, aboat the size of a Grenadier's
bear-skin. His uniform was a red cloth tunic, but over this he
wore a ohoga, wbioh concealed it.

The other man, who bad originally been one of the trading
A^haoB of the Hindu religion, but was a convert to
Mahommedanism, was not distinguished by any peculiarity of
dress, but both had carried away their arms with them.

Their objeot in coming in to us was not very dear ; there
could be no reason why two such dissimilar men sbonld unite
to desert together nnless they had carried off the boy. According
to their own aocoant they deserted beoaase they had not been
paid ; but as this was the ohronio state of the Afghan soldiery,
the reason did not seem a valid one. They did not impart very
mneh information, but their idea was that tbe Oabnl garrison
would show fight.

Digitizecy Google

834 WITH THE EURBUI FOLD POBOB.

May 7th. — The spring voa now beginaiDg to make itself
•sen in the grovth of all the planta and shrubs that foQnd
•ubsisieDoe on the etony plateaus, and on the bare alluTial
ridgea that came down to them from the surrounding moun-
tains.

Though during the winter the ground seemed to produce
nothing but stones, yet now it was covered with every variety of
wild herb : mint, sage, thyme, peppermint, and wormwood scented
the air as they were pressed under fuot ; the latter especially
grew in large quantities, and filled the breeze with an aromatio
odour, almost too strong for some refined tastes. The slopes
were oovered with a yellow briar rose, but otherwise there were
not many fiowers, except some small oommoD English wild onea,
such as the soarlet pimpernel, forget me-not, yellow crowsfoot,
wild liquorice, and a pretty broom ; the young grass, too, began
to shoot, and made the place look green.

Among the stony hill sides there was a kind of wild leek, or
bulbous plant, which was brought in by the villagers and sold
as a vegetable. It made a capital spinach, and no doubt con-
tributed largely to the health of the camp Small wild onions
grew in abundance, and dandelions added to the stock of vege-
tables, making a capital sakd. At Kurram there had been a
plentiful supply of watercress, but these had all been consumed,
and with the exoeption of dandelions, there was not much in
the way of vegetables to be bad. At Alikbeyl, however, the
troops were better off in tliis respect, and later on quantities of
wild rhubarb were brought down from the higher ranges, where
it grew in abundance.

From the surrounding forests an edible Fungus, about the
size of a large turnip, was sometimes brought in ; these were
particularly good. The root of the arum is also eaten by the
villagers, but no one tried this as a change. Supplies were
tolerably plentiftil. There was at first a dearth of fowls till the
Bpring ohiokens began to fill out, and sheep were soarw. It wm

itizecy Google

OOKOIUDIHa ETBHTB. 385

possible, howsTer, to buy a yonng Bm&ll-sized oow to eupplement
the ration meat when necessary, and tfae streams on eaoh side of
the oamp afforded a pleatiftil supply of fish.

Fodder was still the aoaroest article, and all the dried grass
that waa brought in by the villagers was stored in one plaoe
noder a guard, and retailed by a sergeant in small quantities, joat
enough for the rations of one horse.

Tbe trees that flourished on the sides of the plateaus and
ridges at Alikheyl were chiefly a kind of arbor viue, wbiob grew
to ft good size, the edible pine, and some juniper mixed with a
f(Bw oaks, and sorubby prickly thorns ; hut the sspect of these
spurs being chiefly to the south, there was not snfScient
moisture on them fbr any fbrest growth. On all the other faces
of the surrounding mountains there was a forest growth of pines,
deodars, and hill oaks, while the ground below them was covered
with wild strawberries and anemones.

At this time there was regular April weather, showery and
fine ftltemately. Sometimes it was more than this, however, and
oD the 8th the hill-tops all round were whitened with enow,
which did not stay long.

A ease of emall-pos occurred in the 36th Punjab Native
Infftutry'e camp on C plateau. Tbe man being isolated at once,
the infection did not spread.

May 9tb. — The news of Takuh Khan's telegram to the
Viceroy on his arrival at Gandamak reached the force this day.

Whatever bearing this news may have had on the probable
advance of the force to Oahul, it had none on the prospect of the
troops who were to remain in the Knrram valley ; and as it was
oecesaary that the site for the cantonment in tbe valley should
be decided on, tbe General, with Major Oollett, A.Q.M.G.,
Oolonel Villiers, Lord Melgund, and Captain Fretyman, A.D.O.,
rode to Shaluzan for tbe purpose of visiting some of the aites
that had been eeleoted by Major Oollett

May 10th. — The survey party started at ft A.H. to oaiiy their

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986 WITH THE KUBBAU FIBLD FOBOB.

plane-tablea to the top of a peak on the soathem rsnge, s little to
the right of the Manjiar pasB.

They were esoorted by a few of tbe Oooikbas, and a
badragga of villagers. A eignalliug party went with then. At
10 A.U. tbeir flash from the top ebowed that they were at work
in the desired position. Captain Martin, after haying got in bia
eights, thought it advisable to go down a spni aboat a mile away
from the rest of the party, so as to be able to fill in some
ground that conld not be observed. About 1 o'clock, however,
the party were alarmed by seeing a crowd of armed men coming
up to their poBttion, which was a strong one on a peak, and
tolerably clear of brashwood and trees. Luckily, Captain
Martin bad rejoined his party by this time, or elae he might
have been cnt off.

A warning had previously been sent to them to be on tha
look-OQt, as there was a hand of 800 Mangals in their neigh-
bour hood.

This was ascertained purely by accident. A party of Eahan
bad been sent on to tbe soatbero slopes of tbe valley to gather
firewood, about a mile irom tbe end of tbe camp across the
Hurriab stream. They bad a small guard with tbem. The
Mangals, finding a few unarmed men, could not resist tbe
temptation of firing on them, and tbe fire was retnmed by
the esoort, and also by some of the 92nd, who were fishing in
the river, aod had their rifles with tbem. These men at once
went to tbe assistance of the Kahars when tbey ran down the
bill, and the Mangals, seeing that tbey were attacked, retired.
The noise of tbe firing so close at band startled tbe oamp, and
oc reoeiving precise infonnation of what had oocnrred, General
Cobbe, who was in command, at once ordered ont a wing of the
Goorkbas to go up tbe road taken by tbe Mangals, and to bring
back the survey party.

These, of course, had not beard the firing, nor could they
for a long time see the Mangals, who on their side were ignonnt

Dijiii.e.,, Google

CONOLUSIKa EVENTS, 337

of the HDrvey party being close to their line of retreat ; but
when they Baw them standing out against the sky-line, they
determiDed to exohange some shots, which they did. SkirnuBh-
ing up behind the forest trees, they did not ' offer maob of a
mark, bat their bullets oame flying about the bill-top.

Their fire was of coarse returned, and with interest, for
several were wounded ; and the fight would have gone on for
some time longer, had not the sight of the Goorkh&s down
below, aa they ciosaed the open land in the neighbourhood of
the village of Sappri, warned them that tbey were being followed,
on which they withdrew down the eouthem slopes of the
range.

While this little skirmish had been going on, there was at
the time a jirga of 300 Mangels in o&mp, who had come in to
see Colonel Gordon, the Political Officer, so it was evident that
tbis slight disturbance was, as it were, unconnected with any
large movement against us.

After these men had been dismissed, another jirga oame into
camp in the opposite direction. This time it was the neighbour-
ing Ghilzais, who had come in to show their liking for our money
and tarbans, the result of these visila being that nearly every man
of importance walked out of oamp with a head-dress more or less
embroidered in gold, according to his rank and behaviour.

Some of these turbana, which were all made at Peshawar,
cost as much as twenty-five rupees, but the majority were of
cheaper manufacture, costing from five rupees upwards.

More rarely " ohogaa " were given as dresses of honour, bat
the number of turbans that were distributed in the Knrram and
Hurriah valleys to show our good feeling, must have been large.
That tbey were worn by the recipients shows that they were
appreciated, and this was the case, as several men who thonght
that their merits had not been sufficiently rewarded, asked for
this visible sign of oar aentimeots.

May 11th.— Sunday.— Divine Service was held at Byan

22

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838 WITH THB EUBRAM FIELD FOBCE.

Eheyl at 7 a.m., at the Feiwar Kotal at 9.30 i.M., at Fcivar at
11 A.M., and at Alikheyl at 4.30 pu. These arrangeineDts,
made by the Chaplain, the Bav. J. W, Adams, inTolved a ride
for him of nearly foRy miles, with fooi services, every Sunday
vbile the camp was at Alikheyl.

May 12th. — Another reoonnoitring expedition on a large
scale started this morning to explore the range of bills to the
sonth of the Hurriab valley, between the Manjiar pass and tlie
Peiwar Kotal. Four parties of tvo companies each went oat,
while a fifth detachment stayed at Sappri in reserve.

The 92nd detachment, with Captain Martin as survey officer,
started at 6 a.m., followed by the 72nd party at 8 a.m., who
were kept in reserve, as stated, at Sappri, about fonr miles and a
half irom camp. The dth Goorkhas companies, with Lieatenant
Manners Smith, ascended a broad ravine sboat two miles
from Alikheyl village, and reached the summit of the range at a
place known as Dmkuli Ehud

Captain Woodthorpe, R.E., with the 28th Punjab Native
Infantry detachment, had further to go in the same direction,
ascending the range nearly opposite Byan Kheyl, to explore
(he " Jabtra " pass.

This party oooasioned some anxiety by not returning to
camp till long after dark, the delay being caused by Captain
Woodthorpe's natural wish to stay as long as he could on the
top of the range, and so to get in as much ground as posaible
on his map. The sepoys of the ZHth Punjab Native Infantry
were, however, done up by their long day out, and as they could
Dot return in the time be allowed, they were benighted some
way from camp. Their march was thus much liindercd, and they
did not come in till 9 P.M.

May 18th. — Colonel Gordon, Captain Rennick, and
Lieutenant Spratt, R.E., rode out to Jaji Tfaanna, to line
ont the road above this point towards the boundary-line at
Karatiga. The Jajis who were making this bit of road required

itizecy Google

COHOLUDIHa BVENTB. 339

■ me assiatHDoe to line it out in places, aa vhen the road was
token on to the hill-side Bome more skill was reqaired than
to clear off the stones from the liTer-hed.

May l4th. — The Qenerol retnmed to Ahkbeyl from tb»
Korrsm valley.

The moootony of the camp was broken a little by soldiers'
games, in which the garrison of Byan Kheyl joined. No news
from Gandamak, which wonld imply that the negotiations
were proceeding satisfactorily.

May Idth. — More soldiers' games took place, varied by a
show of all the horses that had been seen daily by the force.

A long order was published this day, giving the particulars
of the system on which the Transport Department was in future
to be worked. The system was not, however, to come into
operation till the 1st Jane. This order being too long to enter
into the body of this work, has been relegated to the Appendix,
where it will be fband.

No time was afforded before the conclusion of the campaign
to test fairly the working of the system, which appeared to he an
improvement on the previous arrangements, as it recognised
more clearly the necessity for feeding transport animals, but its
weak point was that it did not recognise sufficiently the fact of
hired carriage, and not Government cattle, forming the basis
of the transport, and that hired animals should not be separated
from tbeir owners.

May 16th. — The Gatling guns were tried again to-day at
1,S00 and 1,400 yards. The result was fairly satisfactory, bat
the difficulty in managing the drums had not diminished, and
there were a few stoppages. There was some improvement
visible in other points, though as regards the stoppages, there
had been fewer at the previoas prantioe.

The 23rd Pioneers' artificers bad constructed a drum out of
the material at their disposal ; but though this was excellently
made it failed at this trial. The base-plate, being made of sheet

22 •

.. '^ ...GooqIc

340 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD FOBCE.

copper, wonld not stand the veigbt of the cartridges above it,
and became bent, tbna preveDting its rotation.

Tbe first sign of ibe close of tbe campaign ooonrred to-day,
wben LieatenaDt-Colonel tbe Hon G. Villiere, vho bad bees
attached to the staff of tbe Eurram Field Force since its
commencement, took hia departure.

May l7th. — A reconnaisance started at 6 a h. to explore
the range to tbe south-west of Alikbeyl, and to overlook tbe
Ahmed Kbeyl villages from the point. The result of this
reoonnaisssDCe vaa satisfaotory, as it enabled the anrvey officers
to map down the course of the Hazardarakht stream after it had
passed the camp, for a distance of aboat six miles, till it took a
tarn to the south, and for foar miles down this part of its
oonrse, where a turn to the left oconrriog, showed that it flowed
into tbe Kurram valley, and that the Hazardarakht stream was
tbe source of tbe Kurram river.

Tbe valley in which tbe Upper Kurram ran to the sonth
was fairly cultivated along the banks, and in the distance the
villages of the Lajji Mangals were seen.

Tbe open valley to tbe west was also observed, ap which lay
the road to Ghazni. The stream which came down this valley
was a small one, and fell into tbe Hazardarakht, or Upper
Kurram, jntt above the bend to the south.

The oountry in the basin of this valley, occupied by the
Hassan Kbeyls, was very well cultivated, and tbe villages had
orchards of firiiit-trees round them.

Id addition to tbe road to Ghazni, there is another from
this valley to tbe Logar, and as tbe nomad Gbilzais take this
road in preference to tbe Sbutargardao one, it is evident that it
must be generally easier, and that its elevation must be some-
what less, as tbe bounding hills of the ranges enclosing the
valley do not attain so high an altitude as tbe mountain Saratiga
(over 12,000 feet), to the west of Alikheyl, from which they are
derived-

itizecy Google

COHCLCDMG BVESTB. 341

Haj ITtli, — No opposition was offered to the reeoDDaisaanoe
hj the Ahmod Kheyle or Hassan Ehayls, and it returned to
oamp at 6 p.h., after a good day's work.

Payment/or CommiKtariat Suppliei.

D. 0. No. eiS.— " With reference to D. 0. No. 641, dated
15th March, stafT-officerB, heads of departments, and officers
commanding corps, are directed to forward to the Chief Com-
missariat Officer, statements showing recoveries on aoooant of
commissariat snpplies and carriage which have been credited,
and the month or months in which each credits have been made
in Fay Bills and General States.

" In fiitare all recovenes due to the public are to be credited
monthly in Pay Bills, and the detailed statement sent to the
Chief Conunissariat Officer."

Commands.

D. 0. No. 9!6.— " Brigadier-General J. Watson, C.B., V.O.,
Inspector-General of the lines of communication of the Karram
Field Force, will take charge of the road between Thull and
Earram, and of those two stations, the troops at which (except
the ISth and 14tb Bengal Cavntry) are placed at his disposal.
This order does not affect returns, which will be addressed as
aanal."

A telegram was received in oamp, appointing Colonel Oshome
Wilkinson, who was commanding at Eohnt, to the command of
the reserve brigade of the Eurram Field Force, which might be
left in the Hurriab valley when the advance should take place.

To assist General Watson in the duties of bis sew office,
two officers ware nominated by the Commander-in-Chief.
Captain Wolseley was to act as Assistant Adjutant- General and
Assistant Quartermaster- General, and Colonel Thackeray, V.C,
B.E., was to be Commanding Engiueer on his staff.

May 19th,— It had been decided that the road from th«

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342 WITH THE KURBAM FIELD FOBCE.

Feiwftr Eotat to Alikherl, should be made of the same width
as tliat of the remainder of the road to Kohat, viz. thirty feet,
so as to allow ample room for a double string of cameiG, going
and retuming, laden. The first road, along the bank of the
Uurriab river, oould not in some places be made of this width,
as it would have involved a great deal of labour in outting down
the bank, besides which this, in some precipitous places, was
being undermined by the river.

It was only possible to get a road of the cecesBary width by
leaving the river-bank at Zabbardast Killa, and striking across
the centre of the Hurriab valley to the village " Belat," which
was situated on the bank of the Laridar stream, which was here
about 100 feet below the level of the plateau.

The 67th Regiment, which was camped at Byan Eheyl about
one mile and a half from Belut, bad been ordered to make ihia
part of the road, and the General and staff rode out to see
the work that had been done. The new bit of road struck up
the Byftn Kbeyl stream with a zigzag along the bank, which was
about 120 feet high, and then crossed the plateau to the north
of the Byao Eheyl camps till it reached the Laridar stream,
where it was taken down and up the banks to the village of
Belut.

At the first stream below the camp, the road-making was
particularly diffioult, as numerous springs of beautiful warn
poured out of the hill-side, making the ground boggy. The
diffioulties were very well overcome, and a capital road made,
with which the General was much pleased, tbs spring water
being run into drains and collected in pools for drinking and
other purposes.

The way in which information is passed along in these
mouDtainoDB regions was strikingly exemplified by a oommuni*
cation from Padshah Ehan, the head of the Ghilzais, in which
he wrote to the Political Officer that he did not consider it
right of us to have gone to the ShntargardaQ without aakiog

itizecy Google

ooNca,m>nio bventb. 343

bis leare. At the time (the 6th May) the surrey party with
Colonel OordoD went up, Padshah Khan was with Yakub Ehao
on his way to Qandamak, at the first march from Cabul— a
place called Batkhan This must have been about forty-five
miles from the Sbntargardan ; but a messenger reached him
the next dav, informing him that a firitisb force of several
regiments was on the Sbntargardan, preparatory to advancing on
Oabul. He came back post haste to Dobandi, where, on the
8tb, he ascertained the real facts of the case, bat being put oat
by his unnecessary ride, he oonsidered it a grievance, and wrote
rather strongly on the subject of our taking advantage of bis
absence to spy out the land, &c.

As the party had gone up without any troops, but with
merely an esoort of villagers, the answer to his objections was
not diffioolt.

Notice for Escorts.

D. 0. No. 981. — " When escorts are required for the protec-
tion of officers travelling on duty, or of convoys, stores, or
, baggage, between Peiwar and Alikbeyl and intermediate stations,
notice mast be given to brigade or station authorities the previous
day, by 2 o'clock."

Transport of Private Stores.

D. 0. No. 984. — " It has been brought to the notice of the
Major-General that the Transport Service is much burdened, by
having to send to the front, for regiments and individual officers,
paokages which arrive at Thull by bullook-train; in future,
officers who have parcels for transport must apply to the
Assistant Quartermaster-General, through the usual channel, for
tbe sanotiOD of the Major-General, without which Done will be
forwarded by tbe Commissariat or Trnosport Department

" Weight of Packages.
" Some parcels having reached Thull open, it is further
notified that none will bo forwarded unless properly secured.

344 WITH THE KtJRRAM FIELD FORCE.

tnd no package can be taken if it exceeds one nsand in
weight,"

May 20th. — The news of Taknb Khan's acceptance of the
terms on which the treaty of peace was to be drawn ont, reached
the camp by telegram, thus virtaally bringing the campaign to
a ooQclusion.

The boBtile section of the Jajia — the Ahmed Eheyls — who
bad till now stood aloof from all intercoarse with ns, changed
their Tiews, and decided to make their sabmission. Their
excuse was that until they had received an intimation that
they were no longer subjects of the Amir of Cabul, they did
not think themBeWes bound to submit to the British in any
way.

May Slst. — The Ahmed Kheyl " jirga " came into camp and
made tbeir submission in due form. It is not to be expected
that these men, who have been independent robbers f^om time
immemorial, and who live in an ont-of-the-way comer of the
world, will act up to their professions of good conduct.

May 22nd. — Another reconnaissance was made this day, again
to the south-west of camp. The spot chosen was a peak about
half way between those which had already been visited on this
range on the lOtb and 17th. The reconnoitring party consisted
of four companies of the TSnd, two companies of the Goorkhaa,
with a reserve of two companies of the dSnd, two of the
SIst Punjab Native Infantry, and two guns No. 1 Monntain
Battery.

Some of our late enemies, the Ahmed Eheyls, were invited
to join the party, as an escort, which was increased by some of
the villagers of Sappri, which was the first point gained on the
road. Here the reserves were halted, and spent a quiet day in
the open terraces round this village, which is pleasantly situated
in an open flat upland valley, whose elevation must be neariy
9,000 feet above the aea. The valley is naturally out into
plateaus by the various drtunage water-ooufBes whiob oome down

COHCLtJDING BVESTB. 345

its sides. All the tolerably level ground was terraced, tbongb
sot mnob had aa yet been cnltivated.

The sorrey offioera and the TecoDnoitriDg party, with the
M^or-General and staff, puahed on np the biU-eide, the track,
though very steep, being quit« fit for horses, though in eome
places riding through the pines and other trees was not easy,
owing to the branches which swept the road, and the dead
timber which lay across it. The ascent through these pine-
foresta was pleasant, the san being shaded by the foliage
overhead. There was, however, bat little water on the hill*
sides ; only in one place was a trickling stream foand in one of
the ravines. The soft porona soil soon absorbed the rainfall,
while the precipitous mountain-sides carried it off at once to the
bottom of the slopes. On reaching the top, on open stony ridge
covered with wormwood, and with shady spots under the pine-
trees, offered a capital place For a pic-nio, and water was soon
obtained by melting snow, which was sUU fonnd hidden in the
ravines, Here the troops rested while the survey pushed on to
the peak, which was about a mile on and rather higher, ending
in a precipitous bluff to the north. The general characteristic of
all this range was that it was well wooded on the northern
slopes and completely bare on the sonthem ones. The want of
vegetation on this side, allowed the rainfall to act on the
surface and wash away the soil to a great extent, leaving
the country bare and inhospitable. The view, however, from
this elevation, 10,300 feet, was an extensive one to the south.
To the west the course of the Kurram could be traced in its
upper bend, till the intervening lower ranges shut it and the
higher part of Kurram valley from view, hut beyond this the
Makbbal ranges, terminating in the east at Darwaza pass, were
visible, beyond which again lay the hidden plains of Khost, and
the blue distant mountains which marked the beginning of the
Waziri oonntry. The climate was perfection; a warm sun with
a delightful breeze made this halting-place as pleasant a spot as

vGoogIc ^~

B46 WITH THE EUEEAM FIELD FORCE.

oonld be found anynbere. The reserve ammnuition males of
the infoutry vere coDsiderably tested on this occasion, and failed,
being unable to carry their two boxes of ammimitiOD np tbe
hill, though, as mentioned befbre, there vas no great difficulty
in riding up the path. The weight of the ammunition, two
maundsi was thus proved to be excessive for tbe small transport
animals, though the large regimental mules of the froDtier
regiments had no difQculty in following tbe Goorkhas. The
return journey began about balf*paat 2, and was made by the
same track as on the ascent.

During the halt, signals were interchanged with the party
that had been placed on the further side of the Sappri valley
on the side of a wooded peak that overlooked the camp at Ali-
kheyl and the Sappri village, aud thus communication was kept
np with the reserve and the camp, which were both completely
out of sight. The attendant " badragga " of Ahmed Kheyla
and Hassan Eheyls were much astonished at this exhibition of
our powers.

There were not many wild flowei's out at tbis time; two
species of buttercups, anemones, a candytuft, and a tew wild
tulips were all that were observed ; the wild strawberry plants
that grew everywhere were not as yet in flower. The forests
were composed of the usnal trees, in these parts chiefly oaks and
pines, vrith a small mixture of abies {abies Webbiani), arbor
vitce, juniper, and a few other trees.

May 33rd. — A oamp-follower was murdered near Byan £heyl,
and another wounded. These men were Kafaars, and belonged
to a party who had been sent out to bring in firewood, bnt having
strayed away about two miles firom the escort, a party of Aka
Kheyl thieves fell upon them and killed them before any
assistance could reach. These robbers were probably some of
those against whom Captain Woodthorpe had been cautioned
when ascending the Laridar river, but hitherto they had not
shown themselves. The Kahars, by roaming aboat away firuni

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CONcmDING EVBNTB. S47

tbe neighbourhood of the escort, had innted the attack of thes
Tillains, and after this attempt they hecame more careful of
their lives.

The troops who vere to form part of the Queen's birthday
parade at Alikheyl moved up from Peinar, the tSth and l4th
Bengal Cavali; regiments halted close to the Byan Kheyl camp ;
the dtb Punjab Infnntry squadron, 9th Lancers, and No. 2 Moan-
tain Battery came on to Alikheyl, where they were camped on A
plateau.

RetuU of Reconnaistances.

May aSrd.— D. 0. No. 938.—" The Major- Creneral has much
satisfaction io recording bis sense of tbe excellent service which
has been performed by the reoonnoitriDg expeditions made by the
troops at this camp on tbe 12th, 1 7th, and 22nd inst. The
resnlts obtained possess a political in addition to their topo-
graphical value, and the people of this country now understand
that the paths over their preoipitoua mountains can be traversed
by British troops as easily as by themselves.

" The Major-Generol also wishes to acknowledge the industry
and ability displayed in the reconnaissance reports, and tbe
sketches sent in by the officers who have been employed on this
duty,

"Those executed hy Lieutenant Kane, 72nd Highlanders,
attached to the Quartermaster- General's department, and by
Lieutenant Spratt, R.E., are deserving of special commen-
dation."

May 24tb. — A grand parade of all the troops forming the
Korram Force was held to-day in honour of the Queen's
birthday.

The weather was splendid ; tbe dust having been laid hy a
storm of rain during the night of the SSnd, allowed the move-
ments to he seen to tbe best advantage. The troops were drawn
up in three lines, but the ground was too ciroumecnbed to allow

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348 WITH THE KDBRAM FIELD FORCE.

the cavalry to form up behind the infantry, so that they were
drawn ap in rear of the marobing-past line.

It was a fine sight to see the whole of the Kurram Field Foroe
collected in one spot, every regiment iuming out as smart as the
Bmall allowance of kit allowed. There were 5,500 infantry,
fifteen field gDiis itnd twelve mountain and two Gatling guns
with 1,200 cavalry, on the ground.

After the usual three cheers and the feu deJQie, the Major-
General rode to the Otb Goorkha Uegiment, and dismonoting,
called Captain John Cook and the men of this regiment who
were to he decorated to the front. Captain Cook received the
Votoria Cross for distinguished conduct at the Peiwar Kotal on
the 2nd December, and for saving Major Galbraitb's lifb. A
subodar, a jemadar, two bavildars, one bugler, three privates,
and the hospital assistant of the regiment reoeived the third
class order of merit for distingnished gallantry on the some

General Roberta, addressing Major FitzHugb, expressed his
pleasure in making these rewards publicly, and that Major
Galbraith, whose life had been saved by Captiun Cook, and that
Major FitzHugb himself, whose life was saved by Jemadar
Frussao, Khattri, were both present to witness the presentation.
Addressing Captain Cook, the General said thai lie bed heard of
him by reputation before he had made the acquaintance of the
6th Goorkhas, as one of the finest officers of the Punjab Frontier
Force, which he had the honour to command, and that be was
glad that he had had the opportunity of distinguishing himself.
He was always glad that the fith Goorkhas belonged to suob a
distingnished body as the Punjab Frontier Force, and he fialt
sure that their comrades would agree that the orders of merit
received by this regiment were well earned.

"The behaviour of the regiment in the Manjiar pass, in
which Captain Powell had splendidly protected the baggage of
the column, had added to the distinction already gained."

D,3,l,zec:,y Google

CONCLUSINa BTEKT8. 849

After deooratiDg eaob of the offioers and men, tho Oeneral
prooeeded to the saluting-point flag, and Captain Cook and the
others fell in in front of the flag, while the troops marched past
and returned to their camps.

The afternoon vaa taken up with a series of rifle matches,
and the Jajis were encouraged to join in some of the short-range
trials. The fire of their matchlocks was very wild and uncerttun,
as might have been expected.

The orders for the return of the troops to the Kurram valley
were published. The 6tb Punjab Infantry were to marob on the
S5th to Jadran, half-way to Peiwar, and to that place on the 26th,
returning to their quarters at Peiwar, and furnishing two escorts
of flf^y men each for the two batteries which were ordered to
that plaoe on the S9th inst. It had been decided that the artillery
should be kept in our camp in the Eurram valley pending the
orders for the advance, which seemed now further off than ever.
The advantage of keeping the batteries collected instead of being
separated, with the horses and drivers in the Kurram valley
while the guns and gunners were at Alikheyl, was so great, that
aa soon as the necessity for the separation bad ceased, no time
was lost in putting an end to it.

May 20th.— The 1 2th and t4th Bengal Cavalry marched to
Tnrrai from Byan Kheyl.

May iidtii. — The head-quarters marched to Shaluzan,
the cavalry reaching Peiwar, where they camped on the terraced
uncultivated fields below the cantonment.

The Punjab chiefs had, now that hostilities seemed at an end,
determined to celebrate the employment of their troops by
giving a feast, and invitations had been issued in their name by
Oeneral Watson to all the ofBcers of the Eurram Force to a pic-
nic at Shaluzan, and on this day, at the hour fixed, the Oeneral
and his staff, vrith about 100 ofBoers of the different regiments,
were most hospitably entertained at a repast which would have
done credit to the donora in the midst of a civilised conutry (

350 WITH THE KUKRAU FIELD FORCE.

but when the surronndiDg oircumsCaDces \vere considered, it was
more than unexpected to be feasttd on luxuries after tbe Spartan
&re of the previous six months. To those who assisted at the
pic-nic it vill bo undoubtedly marked as a red-letter day in their
memories.

The tables were laid in the chequered shade of walnat-trees,
while a mountain stream which ran close to the terrace made
a pleasanter music than the well-meant efforts of the contingents'
bands. Art, in the shape of coloured flags, assisted the colouring
of nature, and conUraeted well with the dark foliage and the
shadows below. To ride suddenly from the bare and open valley
into this shady retreat was under ordinary circnmstances a
pleasure, but on this occasion it was intensified by the kind
welcome given by General Watson and his staff. After luncheon
was over. General Roberts made a speech, thanking the Punjab
cbie& for the assistance they had afforded to the Government,
and this speech was translated into Hindustani for the benefit of
the representative oCBcers of the various states by Mahommed
Hyat Khan, C.S.T , a^r which General Watson returned thanks,
and proposed the health of General Roberts, which was drunk
amid loud and enthusiastic oheers,

It is so seldom that ofBcers in Todia are thrown into contact
with the upper ranks of native society, that an occasion of this
kind deserves to be specially mentioned, as affording an
opportunity for at least an interchange of civilities, if nothing
more.

During the day a telegram was received by the General that
the peace of Gandamak had been signed, and thus the small
hopes that still existed in the minds of a few of the ultimate
advance of the Eurram Force to Cabul at this juncture were
compltitely brought to an end

May 27th. — The head quarters marnhed to Eurram with
General Watson. The weather was getting warm in tents, and
the flies were especially troublesome.

itizecy Google

CONCLUDINO EVENTS. 361

Captun Shofto, B.A.,* vlio Iiftd been in charge of the
Kohat Field Park since Captain L. H. S. JameB had been
invalided, had been relieved of that appoiatmeut by Captain
8. E. Pemberton, R.A. This officer bad, in anticipation of the
advance to Cabul, been posted as a GommisBary of Ordnance to
the Kurram Field Force, and by General Boberts' orders he was
directed to take charge of the Eohat Field Park, nhile Captain
Sbafto took charge of the Kurram Ordnance Depot, which he
did on this date.

May 28th. — The base hospitals at Eurram were inspected,
both European and native. Surgeon-Major Costello of the
fitb Punjab Cavalry was at the time in charge of the native base
hospital at Kurram. The European hospital, vhich was under
the general direction of Brigadier Surgeon Meane, was ordered,
owing to the increase of temperature, to the Peiwar Eotal. In
anticipation of the summer weather still finding the troops in
the Eurram valley, the lai^e Indian double-fly tents to accommo-
date sixteen soldiers had been ordered up from Eohat for tbe
artillery, cavalry, and Etimpean base hospitals. The interior of
the Kurram fort was piled up high with stacks of bags cootaining
gnun and flonr, and all the godowns round the enclosare were
quite filled by the efforts of the commissariat offioers, so that
had the advance been made at this time, there were ample
supplies in store here, ss well as at Alikbeyl, for the move, if
transport had been available.

May 80th. — The General, who had left Eurram the previous
day, marched from Shaluzan to tbe Peiwar Eotal, inspecting the
site which had been selected about half-way between the villages
of Shaluzan and the Peiwar cantonment for tbe artillery camp.

This site was an open stony plain between two drainage
nullahs ; one contained a small flowing supply of wa&te irrigation
water, and the other was quite dry. The nearest drinking-water

• Simoe killed in Okbul by the Bxploaiaa of tha Balu HiaMtf m

. _,..„Google

B^y2 WITH THE EUUIlAJkl FIELD FOBCE.

was about a mile and a half to the Dortb, where springe at the
base of the lower rangt^s aforded excellent water, bat it wag
rather far off. With thiB exceptios it bad the advantages of fiae
air and open space, and was as good a camping- groncd as could
be procured The artillery were now in camp Dear the Peiwar
cantonment, including the half battery of C/4, which bad lately
been withdrawn from the Peiwar Eotal, and after the General had
approved of the selection of their standing camp site, they
removed there under the orders of Colonel Stirling, who com-
manded F/A Boyal Horse Artillery.

The Field Treasury, under the charge of Major Moriarty,
B.S.C., and escorted by a wing of the 28rd Pioneers, reached
Turrai en route for Eurram.

The day was warm and close at the Peiwar Kotal, and it was
possible even at night to sleep in a hut with the door open, a
great change from the previous month, when scow had fallen
there.

The unpleasant news of cholera having appeared at Shinnnk
was telegraphed, which showed its gradual approach up towards
Earram. It had been raging all round Kohat, and the road
works in the neighbourhood of Thull had been completely
stopped from an outbreak among the Ehnttuk coolies ; but this
news marked its advance up the valley.

Native FQliower* — Bail Trantport uhen Invalided.

May 80th.— D. 0. No. 970.—" It is notified by Military
Department Letter No. 2403, dated I4tfa May, that free passages
by rail to the stations at which they were engaged, will be
granted to followers of the Kandahar and other forces who may
he returned to India as unfit for further service on accotmt of
sickness."

Trantpart ReorganitaOon.

D. 0. No. 971.—" With reference to D. O. No. 902, camel
transport will be handed over to regiments on the 1st June.

ug,i,:«.,, Google

CONOLODraO EVENTS. 353

"The officers selected by paragraphs 5 and 6 of the above
order vill attend at the camel-lines near B plateaa, for the
pnrpose of receiving the camels from the Transport Department.
Those of the let Brigade and S8rd PioDeers at 6 a.m. ; of the
Sod Brigade, No. 2 Monntaio Battery, and 7th company Sappers
and Miners at 6.45 a.m.

" Receipts to be signed by officers commanding corps."

Movements.
D. 0. No. 974. — "The following movements are ordered, in
relief of the troops of the Punjab Cbiefe' Contingent directed
to relum to India.

"To Tbull, including posts of Sarozai, Gandiour, Chappri,
and Manduri ; —

1. Wing 5th Punjab Cavalry from Eurram, let June 1879.
a. Wing 11th Native Infantry &om Byan Eheyl, Snd

June.
8. Wing 29tb Fanjab Native Infantry from Kurram, on

relief by the 28 tb Punjab Native Infantry.
4. Two guns No. 1 Mountain Battery from Alikheyl, on

Snd June.
The 11th Native Infantry to furnish an escort of fifty
rifles to accompany the battery from Badesb Eheyl to
ThulL
" To Badesh Ebeyl, including posts at Alizai, Shinnak, and
Ibrabimzai :—

1. Wing 14th Bengal Lancers &om Eurram, on Ist Jane

1879.

2. Four gnne No. 1 Mountun Battery from Alikheyl, on

Monday, HaA June.

3. Wing 11th Native Infantry from Byan Ebeyl on 2nd

June.

4. 21st Punjab Native Infantry &om Alikheyl, on Snd

June.

itizecy Google

WITH THE RUBBAM FIELD FOBCB.

" To Emram : —

28Ui Punjab Native InfaDtiy, on 3rd June.
" To Shaluzan :—

SSrd Pioneers, od 8rd June.

" Stagea—Alikheyl to Thutt.
" II. — The above troops will march by the following stages,
maldng one stage a day aod no halts : —

1. Alikheyl to Jadran.

2. Jadran (or Byan Eheyl) to Peiwar oaDtonmeot.
8. Peiwar oantonmeDt to EnrFam.

4. Knrram to Wall Mahommed's Fort.

6. Wall Mahommed's Fort to Badesh Eheyl.

6. Badesh Ebeyl to Shinnak.

7. Shinnak to Ahzai.

8. Alizoi to Chappri.

9. Chappri to Thnll.

" III. — The following poets will be occupied by the troops
detailed below : —

1.

Peiwar cantonment —

ISth Bengal Cavalry .

20

2.

Wall Mahommed's Fort^

l4th Bengal Lancers .

12

28th Punjab Native Infantry

25

8

Ibrahimzai-

14tb Bengal Lancers .

12

1 1th Native Infantry .

2C

4

Shinnak—

14th Bengal Lancers .

12

2l8t Punjab Native Infantry

60

8

Alizai—

14th Bengal Lancers .

12

2lflt Punjab Native Inftntry

Ugilize

20

:,yGOOt

CONCLUDING ETENTS.

6. Mandnri —

6th Fnnjab Cavalry .
Hth Native Infaotry.

7. Chappri —

Gth Punjab Cavalry ,

29th Punjab Native lofaatry

8. GandiouT —

6th Punjab Cavalry .
29th Punjab Native Infantry

9. Sarozai —

6lh Punjab Cavalry .
29th Punjab Native Infantry

Total . S40 men.

" The above posts will have their supplies sent to them
under re^mental arrangements by officers commanding; corps."

U»ele»» Kahari to be dinckarged,
" D. 0. No. 976. — "All executive medical officers who have
oommissariat hired doolie-bearers under their control are directed
to select the men whom they may think to be physically unfit
for further service in these parts, and return them to the
Gommissariat Department, Kurram, with a view to their being
paid-up, discharged, and Bent back to their stations with the
least possible delay."

Movemenis.

D. O. No. 984 — " Thu movement of No. 1 Mountain
Battery and the 28tb PuDJab Native Infantry is postponed nntil
6th Jnne

The 7th company of Sappers and Miners will march for
Chappri on the dlh June."

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356 WITH THE EUBEAU FIELD FOBCE.

The iDcreasiog beat of the weather, which, though pleasBOt
and bearable out-of-doors at Alikheyl, wae beginning to be felt
in the tentB, appeared to be affecting the troops in a way that
seemed to point oat the neoessity of less crowding, and in
consequence of aeveral oases of erysipelas in the camp on C
plateau, it was decided to shift some of its occupants on to
A plateau, so as to allow more room for those who were left, till
the maroh of the 28th Punjab Native Infantry and the company
of Sappers should leave the plateau unoccupied. The 72nd
Highlanders and the 5tb Goorkhas, with a section of the field
hospital, shifted their camp accordingly to A plateau. The
regimental tenta which had been left at Knrram had all been
brought up, BO that the overcrowding which had been Qeoessaiy
for the advance had been already reduced, and the tenta only
provided shelter for the proper number of men, but the effects
shoved themselves even when the numbers were reduced.

The 67th Regiment at Byan Ebeylrwere also affected, and
probably from the same cause ; but in their case the regiment
suffered more from a severe form of typhoid fever. The tents
of this regiment were of the Madras pattern for natives. In
this tent there was no ventilation possible in the upper part, as
there was only one door, and even when the small side-walls of
about one foot were raised clear of the ground, to allow a draught
through, the upper air in the tent was hardly affected. Colonel
Enowles, who commanded the regiment, consequently obtained
sanction to cat down the circular end of the tent opposite the
door, so as to admit a draught through, and this was accordingly
done, and with good effect. It was, however, still considered
desirable to detail some of the companies, so as to allow greater
freedom for the remainder, and two companies were therefore
ordered to be placed, on the 8rd June, in the oamp whioh had
been occupied by the llth regiment Native Infantry, near
Zabbardast Eilla, to be employed there for road*making purposes
nnder the Assistant Field Engineer.

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COKCLtlDIHG EVENTS. 867

The 1 1th Native Infantry had been making the road in this
neighbourhood for some time past, and in order to protect their
camp from a threatened attack by a email tribe who lived in the
mountains to the north — the Babbar Eheyls — they had thrown
up an eatrenchment with a very good profile all round the oamp
in ten hours. When tbsy vacated the post it was therefore
available for the 67th.

May 31&t.— The head-quarters returned to Alikheyl, taking
the new thirty-foot road ftom Zabbardast Eilla through Belnt
to Byao Ebeyl. The 1 1th Native Inhntry were at work near
their camp, and near Belut there were working parties of the
07th. After leaving Byan Kbeyl the road was being widened to
Alikheyl, and more of the 67th were employed here, meeting a
working-party of the 9Snd and 21st Punjab Native Infantry
nearer to Alikheyl. This road-making was an important feature
of the Eurram campaign, and not only contributed to keep the
men actively employed, but at the same time improved the
communications, while it benefited the troops pecuniarily as weU
as bodily, as they got working pay.

June 1st. — The transport was divided according to the late
orders this day, and each regiment and department wae furnished
with the numbers of camels allotted. After the distribution
bad taken place, an inspection of all the regimental camels was
carried out by the special committee, of which Major Maoqueen,
6th Panjab Infantry, was President, assisted hy Captain Turner,
dnd Punjab Infantry, and Captain Winter, SSrd Foot, who were
doing duty as transport ofBcers.

The General and staff rode up the Lakkerai pass for about
eighteen miles, with the object of meeting Captain C. Strahan,
B.E., and Major Stewart, Guide Corps, who were coming across
trom Gandamak to report on the road. After waiting for some
time without falling in with them, the General bad to return to
oamp as it was getting late, and it afterwards was telegraphed
that these officers had been unable tu cross the pass, as their

.,,Googk'

368 WITH THE ZUERAM YIELD POECH.

baggage animals bad beea seized by the robbers «bo infested
this road.

In Alikheyl itself a keen look-ont was kept towards tbe top of
Sikaram, where the flash of a mirror signal was expected from
one of tbe surrey party of tbe Kbyber colamn, who had
given notice that be expected to be there on this day. Mr.
Soott sQcceeded in reaching tbe aammit, but after great hard-
ships and exertions nas unable for some reason to communicat*
with the signallers below, though he had a birds-eye view, &om
bis high position, of the Eurram and Hurriab valleys. There
was not much snow left on tbe sonthero face of the Safaid Koh
range, but on tbe northern slopes, which were not so precipitona,
there was still a good deal.

Lieutenant Manners Smith, 8rd Sikhs, who bad been attached
to tbe Surrey Department, left the force this day with a detach-
ment of bis regiment, which bad been employed as orderlies to
the various staff ofBcers in the fleld, thus saving the withdrawal
of soldiers from regiments for the purpose. These soldiers had
been specially selected irom the Pathans of the regiment, so
that they could be of use as interpreters in a Pushtu-speaking
country ; but though they coald talk their own language, their
Hindustani was more than indifferent and hardly intelligible, bat
they were useful as foragers and helped as baggage escort.

Valedielori/ ordcrt, Punjab Chief* Contingent.

June 2nd.— D. 0. No. 998. — "The Punjab Chiefs" Contingent
baviag been ordered to return (o India, Miyor-General Koberts
desires to record his high appreciation of the valuable services
rendered by Brigadier- General Watson, O.B., V.G., and the
officers, non-commissioned officers, and men under bis com-
mand.

" Tbe Contingent troops have formed part of the Kurram Field
Force ibr more than three moDths, and during that time have
been oonatautly engaged in escorting convoys and protecting lbs

itizecy Google

CONOLODISO EVEKTS. 359

lines of oommuuioatioa. These arduous duties hare been oarried
out to tlie Major- General's entire eatiafaotion, and the loyalty and
alacrity evinced in their perfonnance have been equalled by the
excellent behaviour of the men, both in camp and on the line of
march.

" Their conduct, since joining the force, has not been the
subject of a single ooniplaint by the inhabitants of the country,
^nd their steadiness and good discipline leflectB honour on the
chiefs whom they serve."

With this farewell order the history of the Eurram Force
is ended, as its dissolution consequent on the signature of
peace, had oommenoed.

After this date, however, it may be desirable to note a few of
the occurrences during June and July, affecting the troops of
the original Kurram Field Force who still remained in the
occupation of the newly annexed country ; for though the war
with Cabal had been brought to a satisfactory end, as far as
could be judged from the events that had passed, yet operations
oould not be considered concluded, so long as independent tribes
remained on the line of communication s, who could give an infinity
of trouble, and yet hope to escape retribution, partly from
political causes and partly from the difficult and inhospitable
country they occupied.

As long as there was a prospect of fighting in the front,
attention oould not be directed to the Zymukbts, Orazais,
Alisberzais, and other tribes cognate to the Afridis. These tribes
bad, however, luckily given us but little cause to inquire after
them, though they had made a few raids ; but this forbear-
ance on their part could not be relied on to last, and till
they had virtually made their submission, their hostility might be
reckoned on.

The events that follow are not especially connected with them,
but may help to describe the life of the first English occupants
of the Kurram volley, and only for this reason are they worthy of

itizecy Google

360 WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FORCE.

reonrd. ThecbiefereDts are necessarily centred inreconndssaiices,
for though the valley bad been occupied for eight months, there
had been no time to explore its neighbourhood till lately.
Defences and road-making had absorbed the available labonr of the
troops. At this time, now that the sun was getting vertical, the
English soldiers were only allowed to work from 6.30 a.u. to
8.80 A.M., 08 the mid-day sun, even in the Hurriab valley, waa
warmer than was pleasant ; and as nearly all the road bad been
made, there was no object in working in the heat more Lhan
could be helped.

The laying out of the proposed new cantonment at Shaluzan,
and its roods, was begun. The artillery division and aquadroa of
the 9th Lancers were in camp about two miles from the canton*
ment site, and about half a mile from them were the 12th Bengal
Lancers, in camp at the edge of the cultivation dependent on
the Shaluzan villages. The English troops were comfortably
housed in European privates' tents, and in fact were better off
than their officers, who still had their small campaigning tents,
which were uncomfortably close. By pitching a Sy over them
the heat was avoided to a certain extent, but still a tent of six
or eight feet square was not very roqmy on a hot day. The heat
did not affect anyone in motion much, but it was trying to stand
in the sun.

Peace having been declared, and the Ahmed Kbeyl section
of the Jajis having previously submitted to our rule, there was
no objection to a visit being made to their country, which still
remained, though visible from the ranges to the south of
Alikheyl, unknown and unsurveyed.

A reoonoaissance, led by the Major-General, started this
morning to inspect their country, and to prospect, if possible,
Che road through it towards Ghazni and the Logar valley,

Marching down the Eurram river, the party, composed of
two companies of the 92ad, four ctfmpanies 5th Ooorkhas, and
two guns. No. 2 Mountain BiUtery, reached the bond of the

itizecy Google

COKCLDDINQ EVENTS. 361

river to the south, and passing through a deBle here and another
a little way further, both narrow and di£QcuIt, the seoond one in
fact only fifteen yards wide, the troops left the river-hed and
camped for the night at a place oalied Dobozai.

The villagers did not appear at all Mendly, though they
refrained from any hostilities, and their head-man, by name
Zaib, showed no alacrity in coming to meet the General, So a
polite message was sent to him by a Native Assistant Political
Officer, to come in and pay his respects, on which he appeared
in camp. The Political Officer, Colonel Gordon, G.S.I., met
with an accident during the ride- out, his horse falling with him,
breaking his oollar-bone. He was at once sent back into
Alikheyl in a doolie.

June 3rd.— The General and staff, with a badragga, went to
the top of a spur running south from Saratiga, the centre peak
of a series of spurs which spread out like a fan from the neigh-
bourhood of the Sbutargardan.

The original idea was to proceed straight up the Uaseao
Eheyl valley till the Eotal on the Ghazni road was reached, but
the head-man of the Hassan Eheyls, " Oassim," pointed out that
part of this road lay through the Mangal territory, where
opposition was likely to be met with. The idea was consequently
abandoned, bat as it was desirable to see as much of the
road as possible, the party were taken up the spur to a point
which overlooked it. Ghazni could not be seen, however,
ae it was on the further side of a low range of hills
which bounded the view to the south-west. In front of this
was another range of detached low hills, rising from high
upland country like that in which Ghazni is situated. The
Zarmat valley was visible to the west, and to the south lay
the ranges which enclosed the Jadran country to the west of
Ehost. Not much time was allowed for making any observa-
tions, as' when the Mangala in the valley below sighted the
party on the ridge, their drums beat, alarm was given, and

itizecy Google

362 WITH THE KtmRAM PIELD PORCE.

they began to collect vitb the object of fighting. As then
were only a few orderlies with the party in addition to the
Badragga, whose temper could not be relied on, fighting was
out of the question, and so the party returned to oanip, passing
through a couple of villages, whose inhabitants would doubt-
less have been ready to join the Mangale, had a shot been fired.

This reconnaissance having thus terminated rather sooner
than was anticipated, there was no object in keeping the
troops at Dobazai out for another night, and the whole party
returned to Alikheyl, reaching camp at 7 p.m.

June 4th. — The difficulties occasioned by the desertion of
hired camel-men, which have occurred in all Indian campaigns
where hired canine has been employed, were felt in the Eurram
valley, and in nearly every case the deserters managed to get
away, sometimes taking their own or other camels with them.
The neighbourhood of Thull to the Waziri country enabled
these desertions to be easily effected at that place, and it was
hat seldom that any men disappeared from the Eurram or
Harriab valleys. Two camel-men, however, attempted to desert
from Alikheyl by themselves, and naturally fell into the hands of
the Ahmed Eheyls, who inquired if they had any papers to show
that they had leave to go to Ghazni, which was the story they had
made up. Not having any papers to corroborate their statement,
they were seized, stripped, and their swords, which at once marked
them as British camp-followers, were taken from them, as also
their money, amounting to forty-four shillings, and they and their
property were brought into camp at Alikheyl. The camel-men
received two dozen lashes each and lost their money, which their
captors were allowed to keep, which puniBhment, when made
known to the rest, might have a salutary effect in checking
desertion, hut as long as hired men are employed in the transport
department, desertions must occur, especially among the class of
men who are merely the servants of the contractors who furnish
cumels All the camela employed with tfao force were branded with

itizecy Google

CONCLttDDia EVENTS. 3b3

a lai^ E on tba neok so ae to enable them to be recognised.
One of these was foand in the posBeeaion of Babri, the
Jowaki chief against vhom there had been an expedition the
previoas winter, and who now vas trying to earn an honest
living in the carrying trade. This camel was brongbt into
Kunam laden with eight maunda of stores, and was, of course,
isoognised. Babri stated that ne had purchased the animal for
three sbilUnge, it being one of those that had been left as broken-
down by the way-side, and that, by careful attention, he had
brought it into condition. The camel being a Government one
was, however, taken horn him, and inquiries were made as to
how he explained the fact that this animal, which could not carry
four maunde in onr servioe, could take double this weight for him.

His answer wau that by halting every two hours, where
feeding was obtainable, and by liberal ratioos of grain and ghee
where there was no feeding to be had, camels could be made
to carry heavy loads, and that early marching, which enabled
them to feed during the day, was absolutely necessary.

All these points being in striking opposition to our treat-
ment of camels, account for the very different result in the way
of the profitable use of the animal. As long as the owner of
the camels is with them and food is available, the hired camel
may work for a time, but, put in charge of a man who is merely
detached to look after it, and who most probably appropriates
any money that may be given to him to obtain food when it can
be bought, the result in the way of mortality is certain.

Another point in which private transport bad the advantage
over Oovemmenl camels, was that the owners of IodhI carnage,
whether Jowaki, Afridi, Tori, or Jaji, refused to carry anything
in the shape of a box, packing-case, or hard substance. They
always bargained for grain or flour bags, which were soft and
yielding, and which rode comfortably on the saddle without
injuring the animal. There was another indirect advantage to
them in carrying these provision stores, which was the ^uiility of

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3G4 With the kurrai* PEEtD PoaCB.

helping themselves to their contents ; a small quantity out of
every ha^ would never be missed in the weighment, or, when a
large quantity was abstracted, a stone of equal weight brought
the bags ap to the tally-weight, and so the owners of the local
transport found that they could save the whole of the hiie
paid them, three shillings a maund, and live on the plunder,
with bot little fear of duteotion ; the only wonder is that moro
food-stores were not pilfered in this way.

6th June. — To complete the ocquaintanoe vrith the mass of
mounttiins to the south of the Hurriab valley, it was necessary
to explore one more route, the Ishtiar pass, which, starting firom
Byan Eheyl, led across the range and came out in the opper
Eurram valley. The General started with a small force, com-
posed of two companies 28th Punjab Native Infantry and No. 1
Moantain Battery, as an escort to the staff and the surrey
officers, while, in order to check any hostile movement in his
front, which might have been awkward with such a small force
in the difficult country that might he expected, another detach-
ment of troops, consisting of the 1 2th Bengsl Cavalry and 800
men of the 3th Punjab Infantry, bad been ordered on the Ist
June to march from Peiwar to Eeraiah in the npper Eurram
valley, so as to he in a position to intercept any Mangals who
might para that way. In order to make sure of the baggage
keeping up, the regimental males of the &th Ooorkhas were
borrowed to carry the baggage of the troops, and the transport
mules were laden aa lightly as possible, as a certain amount of
provisions had to be tsken> A badragga of Jajia were to
accompany the force, and till the last moment the destination
of the march vas kept secret, and it was given out that the
troops were to go throngh the Manjiar pass, so that if the
Mangals thought of opposing the reoonnaisance they woold be
ou the wrong track.

No opposition of any kind was met with, nor was the pass
as rugged or steep as the Manjiar defile. It entered the Eurram

itizecy Google

COHOLUSDia ETENTB. 365

valley in a broad open volley at tbe west of or behind the range
that sloped down from the Peinar Eoul. This valley waa about
a mile wide at its mouth, and advanced up with a gentle elope
through deserted terraces, with a small amoant of oultivation, for
about six miles, till it reaohud the moantains of the main range
itself.

The camp was pitched in this valley near a village, and in
the neighbourhood of an excellent spring of water, whioh
bubbled up into a round tank, flowing away in a stream to
help in the cultjvatjon of the land The next day the march
was resumed to Keraiah, about eight miles off, the track passing
over boulder -strewn ridges, where, however, the signs of terrace
cultivation showed that more land had been in use previously
than now, and, passing close to the villages now existing, it led
above their cultivation to the open valley at the mouth of the
Manjiar pass, where the camp was pitched about half a mile
from the village of Eeraiab. The survey officers not having
been in this part of the valley before, had a great deal of work
to do in connecting their survey of the Enrram with that of
tbe Ehost country, which lay on the other side of the ranges
of mountains to the south. Several reconnaiesancea were
made among these bills across tbe Eurram river, which was
fbrdable in most places, but with a strong current. The villages
in this direction were pleasantly situated among their fields, now
ripening with the first crop, and orchards, and the inhabitants
were friendly enough, but while those at a distance did not object
to our movements, the people of Keraiab, or some of them, did,
as they used to creep up close and fire into the camp at night.
On one occasion a regimental mule of the Qth Punjab Infantry
was wounded, but otherwise no harm was done. The General,
however, decided to put a stop to this annoyance, and calling
the head-men into camp, ordered them to bring in thirty match-
locks as a punishment, and if another shot was fired, a larger
number would be taken. These arms were merely impounded.

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366 WLTB THE KUBBAU FIELD FORCE.

and were to be restored to theii owners hereafter conditionally
on their good bebavioar. After this no more nootamal diB-
tiirbancee took place.

The weather was rather warm, bnt a strong wind blowing np
the valley during the day, and down at night, moderated the
heat, at least to one's feelings.

On the ISth June the last reooDnaissance was to be made,
to enable the survey officers to map down the course of the
Karram river between Keraiah and the Ahmed Kheyl oountay.
The head-man of the Hassan Kheyls, " Cassim," and of the
Ahmed Ebeyls, " Zaib," were both in camp, and were quite
willing to protect the snrvey party, who were, according to the
proposed arrangement, to sleep in one of their villages on the
banks of the river, and to escort them safely the following day
to Alikbeyl.

A part of the road, however, in the valley firom the borders
of the Chamkaanis to those of the Ahmed Kheyls, did not
beloDg to them, bnt to the Lajji Mangals. Arrangements were
made with this tribe, who agreed to fumiBh ten hostages in oar
camp be security for the good behaviour of the remainder, and
these men were placed uoder a guard while the reconnaissance
started.

At the point where the Eurram river entered the valley, about
a mile and a half from camp, the gorge through which it passed
was not more than 100 yard» Rcmes, nith high rocky mountains
all inaccessible, some with nearly perpendicular clifTs, others less
steep bat equally impracticable, prevented anyone unacquainted
with the country from leaving the track, whioh, as a rule, k^t
to the bed of the stream, rising now and then to the cultivated
bank, wherever a sufficient space of alluvial soil bad allowed a
village to be bnilt in its neighbourhood. The GhumknnniB
owned this part of the river-bed, and their territory extended
for about four miles op ; beyond their border they were not
allowed to go. Just before reaching their last village one of

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CONOLUDINQ EVBNTB. 367

tlie badragga mentioDed oaaually that the Mangals would make
an objection to tbe advance of tbe party, vhich consisted of the
General and the staff, tbe eurve; party, Major Macqueen, Gtb
Punjab Infantry, and some eight of bis regiment, who were
detailed as orderlies, and four mounted orderlies belonging to
tbe Qeneral'B escort. Up to thia point there had been a
detachment of tbe 12th Bengal Cavalry, No. I Mountain
Battery, and 5th Punjab Infantry, who were to remain on
guard at this place to act as a support if necessary.

The General decided to make farther inquiry before com-
mitting himself to the defile, and the Assistant Political Officer,
Mahommed Hyat Ehan, was sent on to the first Mangal village,
about two miles np tbe stream, to ascertain if there were any
hitoh in the programme.

In an hour this officer returned, reporting the road as clear,
on which the Ghumknnni badragga started off, some of them
firing their matoblocks in the air and executing war-dances to
relieve their spirits, and possibly to show their contempt for
their neighbours. The first Mangel village was reached, aboat
two miles on, and the bead-men were interviewed. Tbey offered
the General some milk, and leoeived a few rupees in return,
Tbey did not make any objection to the party proceeding on,
and so, after a short halt, die road was resumed ; this waa
BJmilar to that already traversed, though now the bill-aides were
more practicable and covered with brushwood, with spnra
occasionally bending the straight course of the river, and com-
manding its bed. About three miles from the border line, tbe
straight confining walls of mountains were broken to the left
by a side glen, which came down in a stony watercourse to the
bed of the river. At its mouth was a large shady plane-tree,
and here a halt was called, to find out the intentions of soma
men, who were showing themselves along tbe sky-line, about
400 yards on the crest of a spur coming down to the side
r»?iae.

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iiWS WITH THE KUBRAM FIELD FORCE.

Tfaere were not many visible, only about three or foar, bat
their actions were hostile. Prolonged ahouts of "Allah!" and
ncoasionRl danoes on the top of the rocks, showed that the
opposition which was expected was to be met with here.

About three miles further up the Eurram, the Ahmed Rheyl
rillagee, which were the goal of the expedition, were in eight,
bat while there was a chance of the return journey being cut
off it was uaelesfi to go on. The malcontents on the hill-top
were asked to come down and talk over the matter, but their
reply was a shot, which fell close to the party. Two more shots
were also fired without effect, and shortly after, a small nnmber
of men were observed crossing the glen and hiding themeelvea
in the tree-growth on the right bank.

About an hour was passed in the fruitless endeavour to
bring the Mangtils to terms, bat they steadily refused to listen,
even to men of their own tribe.

When it was reported that the party of Mangals who had
crossed the glen were probably coming to take us in rear, some
of the Chumkunni villagers were ordered up the hill-side, to a
peak about 100 yards distant, overlooking the glen and the
plane-tree. At the foot of the slope of this hilt there was a wall
of rook about thirty feet high rising up fh^m the glen, and this
in all probability saved the lives of everyone, for suddenly,
while the General was discussing matters with the head-men in
the shade of the plane-tree, a volley was poured into the mass
from the peak.

The wall of rock sheltered most of the party from this fire,
while the thick stem of the tree gave protection to a few others ;
but both these positions were flanked by the ridge on which the
men were first seen, who still occasionally wasted their ammuni-
tion in the attempt to reach ns. Before matters had arrived at
this crisis, the General had ordered Captain Woodtborpe to
return with his survey party, and had at the same time sent an
order to the supporting party to be ready to advance if necessary.

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COSCLUDISG EVENTS. 369

Tbe fire of the enemy at this close range had been a little
more eSective, ae one man, the nephew of the Hassan Eheyl
chief, was severely wounded. The horse which was ridden hy
Lieutenant- Colonel Mark Heathcote, who had been allowed to
join the party, having come over from Eurram the previous day
on buBineas, was wounded in the shoulder. Colonel Heathoote
having a lucky escape. Major Collett had his crupper shot off,
and one sepoy was wounded in the foot.

Afler allowing a sufficient time for the survey party to have
got nearly back to the support, the General gave the order for
the nttum. There were only twelve rifles at bis disposal, and
be ordered Major Macqueen to take command of these men, and
to cover thu retirement. As soon as the enemy on the peak
observed the movement they swarmed down. Their numbers
were difficult to be estimated, but there may have been about
100, who ran down the hill-sides and took up convenient
positions, whence they could fire on the returning party. Major
Macqueen and his few men, however, kept them from closing in,
and gradually fell back, keeping up a fire, while the pursuers,
skirmishing irom rock to rook, and taking the advantage of
commanding ground, returned the fire with interest. The
badragga, who were supposed to act on our side, after letting off
their matchlocks disappeared, and were no more seen. It is
reported, and with some truth possibly, that they joined in the
attack on us, but luckily they produced no effect.

The supports were reached in due course, but after having
followed for about two miles the enemy gave up the
pursuit.

The whole party returned to camp at Keraiah, reaching it
about 4 F H. The object of the expedition, though not fully
carried out in the way proposed, was sufBciently so to enable the
course of the Kurram to be mapped down with all the precision
required ; and as far as the survey officers were concerned, it waa
a matter of some satisfaction to them that their original plan of

24
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870 WITH THE KtTRRAM FIELD FORCE.

sleeping tn the Ahmed Kheyl villagee had not been carried ont,
the temper of the Mangal neighbours having been showu to bo
more nncertain than was expected.

The Mangal hoetagee vere made prisoners on the return to
oamp, and nere sent to Eurram for detention till the fine of
1,000 rupees, which was ordered to be paid by the offending
tribe who had broken their engagements, was paid up. The
malika of Eeraiab, who had failed to warn the General of the
tactics of the Mangsls, were also arrested and sent to Kurram
for a time.

A halt was made on the 16th at Keraiah, pending the
investigation of these matters, hnt on the l7th June the camp
was broken up, the General returning to Shaluzan, the 5th
Punjab Infantry marching six miles to a village called Chappri,
on the bank of the Kurram, while the rest of the detachment —
No. 1 Mountain Battery and the two companies of the SSth —
moved further along the road, about half-way to Eurram, which
they reached on the following day. The 5tli Punjab Infantry
were camped about one mile from the head-quarter camp at
Shaluzan.

June 17th. — The aky clouded over in the afternoon of
this day, and there was some rain to lower the temperature,
hut the effect did not last long, as the air, even when it was not
raining, was 80 full of moisture as to make the olimate particu-
larly relaxing and unpleasant. The Kurram valley, like all the
trans- Indus country, is bo far beyond the effects of the monsoon
of the lower parts of India, that the customary bot-weather
rains do not fall there, hnt the influence of these rains in the
way of adding considerably to the moisture of the air is particu
lorly felt. It is this that adds so much to the discomfort of the
Peshawar valley in the hot weather, and it was felt, though in a
lesser degree, the heat not being bo intense, in Kurram. With
this moisture- laden, relaxing air came cholera. It was rather
bad at Thull ; other cases were reported in the Eurram villages,

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CONCLUDINQ EVENTS. 371

and at Slialazac itself there were premonitory symptoms. The
water-supply of the head-quarter camp was not very satisfactory,
the stream mtming from the irrigated land above.

The General inspected the source of the water-supply, and
arranged with the villagers that the water should be turned on
for 80 many hours every morning, and a party of the Pioneers
was stationed to carry this arrangement into effect.

Or the 18th June, Lieutenant Whittall, a promising young
officer attached to the 1 4th Bengal Lancers, died from cholera at
Badesfa Eheyl.

After his death the camp was removed to e higher table-
land, on a spur enclosing the Kermnnah river, where there was
generally a breeze. The only drawback was the distance of ths
water-supply, for though the river was about 200 yards below
the camp, there was rather a circuitous road for animals to get
down to it.

Some of the tribes in the neighbourhood of Badesh Kheyl
had nhown themselves friendly. The Musazais had made their
submission about the beginning of the month, but others in the
vicinity still held aloof, and a party of Alisherzais raided the
road about four miles from Badesh Kheyl, carrying off 100
bullocks employed in local transport duties, and their loads.
Two of the owners, Ehuttuks, were killed.

One the 25th June, Mr. Sinclair, O.S., Assistant Com-
missioner at ThuU, and several of the civil subordinates who
were in cnmp near him, were attacked with cholera. Mr. Sinclair
died the foHowing day.

On the return of the Punjab Chiefs' Contingent to India,
the site of their camp being vacant, the whole of the Thnll
camp was shifted to it There were several advantages in
this site, with the corresponding disadvantages of the water-
snpply being more distant, and of tlic ground in its neighbour-
hood having been polluted. As lung as the air is dry and the
sun is warm, filtli of ull kinds is rapidly dried up, and ii

24 •
,: .,.,, Google

872 WITH THG KUBRUf FIELD FOBOB.

imperoeptibte ; but when a sbover of rain alters these eondilJoiiB
its preaence becomes very evident and Doxione- The cholera
oatbreak at Tbnil occurred, like many other ones reported, after
a shower of rain.

JuDe iiOtb. — Dr. Smith, Indian Medical Department, who
was sent from the Eurram valley to TbuU on account of the
outbreak of cholera at that Btation, waa murdered at Cbappri, one
march short of that place, by some thieves. He had pitched
his tent in the cattle enclosure of the post, away from the guard.
During the night some thieves pulled down the loose stone wall
without disturbing anyone, and one man entering Dr. Smith's
tent seized and ran off with his pillow. Dr. Smith pursued and
grappled with the thief, who got away outside the enclosure.
Hie companions then attacked him, and so severely wounded
him with their long knives that he died soon from loss of blood.
This murder added another item to the score that was being
marked against the Zymukhts and their neighbours.

Colonel T. Gordon, G.3.I., who was now able to travel in a
doolie, lefl the Kurram Field Force, and his brother. Colonel
J. Gordon, who commanded at Thull, returned with him to that
place.

Captain Woodthorpe with a party of ofBcers made the ascent
of Sikaram for the first time. The ascent had been pos^oned
too late, for at this time of the year the haze obscured all the
distant views, but be was enabled to aaoertain the height, whiob
was 16,600 feet. The ascent was commenced early in the
morning — at 4 a. m— from the Spingawi plateau, and occupied
eight hours. Some signallers under Captain Straton accom-
panied him, and their signal from the top announced the
arrival of the party. The descent was made in about three
hours. Some of the party were unable to reach the top, partly
from the fatigue and from the rarefaction of the air, but this did
not affect all.

While the troops in the Kurram valley were being oppressed

itizecy Google

CONOLUWHG EVENTS. 373

by the heat, the head-qoarter wing 2Srd Pioneers were camped
at an elevation of ahout 9,000 feet, in as beautifol a gleu as ooald
be fonnd anywhere.

The object of placing them there was to work a quarry of
fine slate, which was to be utilised hereafter in roofing the new
cantonment. Skilled workers were obtained from men of the
British regiments who had been employed at this trade, and these
men reported favourably of the quality of the slate as far as tbey
had seen it, but they expected it to improve as the quarrying

The glen was a narrow one, with a torrent of water dashing
over boulders. Its course did not run altogether at right angles
to the Eurram valley ; for about two miles distance from the
valley it turned to the east, and asoended gradually in this
direction for about two miles more, when it turned again to the
north jnst before it reached the snow-line. The sides of the
glen were covered with trees, among them many walnnt-trees.
Above the foliage the high grassy Alps towered up, some of the
slopes being very nearly vertical, and seemingly impracticable
for pasture lands.

To complete the pre-arrangements as regards the canton-
ment, a number of wood-cutters and sawyers were employed at
the Peiwar Eotal, to cat down the timber that would be required
for the roofs of the new buildings.

All the smaller logs were slid down the hill by the shortest
road, but some of the largest beams were too long to follow the
curves on the hill-side, and they were left at the top of the Kotal
till suitable arrangements could be made to drag them down by
elephants.

Limestone boulders were also collected in the Shaluzan
torrent, and burned into lime by the men of the 23rd Pioneers.

The company of Sappers was in camp above the village of
Shaluzan, about a mile above the cultivation, and were at work
oottetructing a channel down the stream which should prevent

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374 WITH THE KDBKAM FIELD FORCE.

the vater being wasted e» much as it was, and it waa hoped hy
this means a supply brought from a clear source would reach
the new cantonmeiit. This was laid out in a series of roads,
crossing each other at right angles, after the usual arrangement
of all new towns in these practical but unssthetic days.

June 28tb. — The camp at Badesh Kheyl being situated on a
bare plateau, it was oeceseary to send out fatigue parties every
day to bring in a supply of firewood. Two parties of the Slst
Punjab Native Infantry and llth Punjab Native Infantry were
out for this purpose with an armed escort, but getting a little
out of their sight, they were set upon by a party of Oosherzais,
and a subadar of the 21st Punjab Native Infantry and his
orderly were killed before any of the escort came up. The
savages got clear away without any loss, and though they were
followed up the hill by the llth Nativa Infantry, who were
ordered out, yet nothing more was seen of them.

June 80th. — The second step in the reduction of the Kurram
Field Force waa ordered this day, when one of its brigades was
abolished Brigadier General Forbes, who commanded the 2ud
Brigade, was accordingly disestablished, and Captain Carr, 5th
Punjab Cavalry, and Captain Scott, V.C., Brigade Majors, were
directed to return to their regiments. Captain Scott was in
orders to remain as Brigade Major to Brigadier-General Massy,
who was appointed to oommand the brigade of troops at Alikheyl
and Sbaluzan.

Brigadier- General Cobbe, who had commanded the 1st
Brigade of the £urram Field Force, had been brought on the
list of Brigadiers, and was posted to the Agra Brigade.

No changes were ordered in the number or disposition of the
troops, nor was the appointment of Road Commandant abolished.
IstJuly. — The head-quarter camp was shifted to the Peiwar
Kotal, a move which was appreciated by all who lived in the
email Cabul-pattern tents. The heat and moist air at Kurram
were very relozjng, and as there was no object in staying thers

Digitizecy Google

CONCLUDING ETENTS. 375

wheu the alimat^ was beginniug to affect the health of all, the
change to the pine-woods, in a glade of wbieh the camp was
pitched, was very grateful. The snow had all disappeared from
the aouthem face of Sika-ram, which towered up high above
the tall pines, and its colouring was changed in oonsequeace, the
bare mass of limestone rock standing up yellow and light grey,
with hardly a change of colour on its face, till lower down the
green of the pine-forests contrasted pleasantly with it. The
troops at the Peiwar Kotal employed their spare time in digging
up the ground, which had been cleared of trees, and planting
potatoes, in the hope of their coming up. The chances were
against their doing so, for though the soil could not be finer,
the rain-fall at the Feiwar Kotal at this time of the year
seemed too slight to furnish the requisite amount of moisture.
Other ground was taken up by Dr. Aitohison, the botanist of
the force, on the southern slope of the Siifnid Eoh, and a large
quantity of potatoes was made over to the bead-man of the
village in the neighbourhood, with instruotions how to plant
them. The result, if Batisfactory, would be the introduction of
this vegetable all through the valley in the course of a few
years, and it would thus afford a supply of food to the wild
inhabitants, who have now to rob and plunder to get the means
of subsistence.

July 5th, — The Mangals, who had attacked the reconnoitring
party, in the bed of the Eurram, came into camp to make their
submission. They paid up 500 rupees in Dash for their fine,
and pleaded inability to pay the remainder, except in sheep to
the same value. Tlie matter was thus arranged, and the party
of head-men who came in, with two old women, to represent the
tribe, were allowed to withdraw to await the arriyal of the
hostages of their tribe, who had been telegraphed for. On
the morrow these arrived, but instead of ten only nine appeared.
The tenth man bad been sick when the order for their release
came, and was detained till ha should have recovered. He did

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876 WITH THE EDBBAU FIELD FOBCE.

not, however, like the idea of being left alone in the bands of
Btrangers after bis brethren had departed, and so resolved to
run away after them Ja the night. There was no great difficulty
in carr_viiig out this idea, but as be was passing by one of our
seDtries in camp be was shot dead, not replying to the sentry's
challenge. This contretempe was very unfortunate, as it seemed
to involve a breach of our engagements, and thoogh no one was
to blame except the unlucky man who was killed, the General
remitted part of the fine, and returned them their 500 rupees,
which, considering that the money value of a Mangal, according
to the tribal estimate, was only about 50 rupees, fiilly made up
for the loss of their tribesman.

Whenever a "jirga," or collection of the head-men of any
tribe, was received, tbey were always aocompanied by a party
of the tribe, or of their followers, who, as well as the bead-man,
were all armed with knives and matchlocks. A few bad shields
' as well, hut these did not seem very common. The usual pro-
cedure, after they bad sent on to say they were coming in, was
to discuse prehminary matters with tlie Assistant Political Officer,
Mahommed Hyat Khan, C.S.I., who would be engaged the
whole day in talking over affairs with them, repeating the same
story over and over again, till be was heartily tired of it himself.
After all the points for discussion had been settled in this way,
the jirga were introduced to the Political Officer, and subse-
quently to the General, who usually addressed them through
Mahommed Hyat Ehan, and at the conclusion of the interview
presents of money and turbans were made to the head-men and
others deserving of it.

It is a fact worth noting that no evil resulted from ad-
mitting sometimes as many as 20O or 300 armed men into
camp, anyone of whom was able and capable of using his knifti,
and though in all the interviews the General's hody-guaid of
four Goorkhas and two ^orderlies — Sikhs belonging to the J>tb
Punjab Infantry — were present in the background, yet there

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COSOLUDING BTEHTS. 377

was nothing to prevent any f&natic who did not object to lose
hie life, from murdering the General or anyone elae. No eztrn
precautions were taken at any time when these bodies of men
wure allowed into camp, and the result proved that this oon-
fldenoe was not misplaced.

Joly 15th. — Between the 5th to the l-')th the only event
worthy of record is the arrival of Brigadier-General Massy to
take up the command of the advanced brigade of the Knrram
troops, and on the lAlh, Major Cav£^nari, C.S.I, the newly-
appointed Envoy to Cabul, came into camp accompanied by
Captain Flowden, Deputy Commissioner at Eohat, who had
pohlioal charge of the frontier below Thull. He was followed
on the 16th by the remainder of the mission, which consisted of
Mr. Jenkyns, CLE., Surgeon-Major Kelly, M.D., and Lieu-
tenant Hamilton, V.C., Guide Corps, who commanded the small
escort of Guide Cavalry and Guide Infantry, about sixty men
altogether.

The 5th Punjab Infantry also passed through the Kotal, and
camped with the mission near ZabbardasC Killa on the I7tb.
The General and Envoy proceeded to Alikheyl, and the head-
quarter and mission camps were pitched on B. Plateau, outside
the walled-in camp there. This was rather empty, however, as
some of its occupants had moved on to DrekuUa, a distance of
ten miles up the Hazardarakht defile, with a force under
Brigadier- General Massy. In order to give as many officers as
possible the opportunity of seeing the Shutargardan, two oum-
panles from the three British regiments, with those officers who
were allowed to go on leave, a squadron of the 12th Bengal
Cavalry, the 5th Goorkhos, and four guns No. 2 Mountain
Battery, composed this force, which was made rather strong,
both for the sake of showing due respect to Her Majesty's
Envoy, and also to be on the safe side ngainst any treacherous
movement of the Ghilzais, though nothing appeared more
improbable than that there should be any breach of the peace.

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373 WITH THE KUHRAU FIELD FOBCB.

July 18lh, — The oavalry line lost three borses from poison-
' grass. ThuFO were at least two kinda of this grass, one a bright
green sncculent- looking herb, and another a thin viry kind ;
and there may have been others, known to the inhahitanU of
these parts, but all wero unknown to the truopa, and the con-
consequence was that from the very commencement of the
campaign horses had suffered, belonging both to the mounted
corps as well aa to priviito ofBoers. In some eases the effect of
the poison took a peculiar form, which resulted, afl«r several
days' infiammation, in the end of the tongue dropping off. The
animals so bereft did not seem mnch the worse, and it only
appeared to interfere with their drinking in a shallow siream.
In other more severe cases the horses died from the poison.

The natives of the country recommended a drink of whey for
any animal so poisoned, but another remedy, which was tried
with some snooess, was to bum the poison-grass and let its
fumes go up the nostrils of tho animal, when the smoke,
acting homoeopatbically, became an antidote.

The head-quarters and the Cabul Mission renohed Dre-
kulta at a.m., and then, preceded by some of General
Massy "s force, they marched on to Karatiga, which was reached
about 1 o'clock.

The road from Alikheyl up to this point was in very fair
order. Up to Drekulla it was nearly wholly in the bed of the
stream, but beyond this point it shifted from one side to the
other as tho bank allowed spaoe, crossing and recrostjug
the water many times.

At nearly every one of these passages small foot-bridges had
been thrown across, and though they were rough, and caused
delay while the men filed over them, they preserved them from
wetting their feet, which was an advantage when the beat of the
sun, even at these high altitudes, was considered.

On arrival at Karatiga, Captain Straton and some of his
signallers immediately ascended the slopes of a mountain over

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CONCLDDINQ EVENTS. 379

looking the camp to the north, and in about an hour reached a
point from which they could signal to a post placed high up or
the elopes of Miitungi, the mountain overlooking Alikheyl.

The camp at Earatiga was placed in the junction of the
main yalley with one to the south formed by the spires of the
mountain Saratiga.

Arrangements had been made with the Jaji tribes to supply
the camp with grass for the horses, but beyond this, in these
wild desolate regions, nothing was procurable.

Tbe evening terminated in a pleasant dinner, which was
given by the Envoy to tbe General and the staff; a dinner which
will live long in the memory of the guests, and if the good
wishes which were then expressed could have bad efiect, tbe
subsequent sad events in Oabul would not have taken place.

July i9th. — Tbe boundary of the Jnji territory was situated
about half a mile from camp, marked by a projecting clifT of
ligbt-ooloured rock, from which tbe simple name of the place,
Karatiga, or " the white rook," was taken.

Themeaning of Saratiga was the reverse of this, its translation
was " the blaok rook," which had reference to its dark-coloured
peaks, which stood up high against the blue sky streaked still
with snow in its ravines, but otherwise all the snow had melted
off everywhere, leaving high grassy mountains, which were
uninhabited save by bands of predatory Mangals.

Tbe arrangements for tbe day were that the Mission should
proceed to the Afghan camp at the Sbutargardan plain and halt
there ; bat tbe General and staff, accompanied by all the officers
on leave, were to be allowed to go as far as the Sbutargardan
pass itself.

About 8 A.M. news was brought into camp that the Afghan
envoy, who was deputed to receive Major Cavagnari, was at tbe
vhite rock, and shortly after, before the guard of honour had
reached the durbar tent, the envoy himself followed quickly on
tbe steps of the aide-de-camp who bad preceded him Captain

itizecy Google

3B0 WITH THB EUKOAH FIELD FOBOE.

Arthur CoDolIy, B.3.C., political officer at Alikheyl, in the plaos
of Captain ReDnick, who had been obliged to go on aick leave,
with one of the General's aides-de-camp, had started to receive
bitn as soon as his iotentiuns were known, and meeting him
about a quarter of a mile off, rode in with him to the oamp.
The General and Major Cavagnari received the visitor, and
sitting down conversed for some time. . After this, everything
being packed and ready for a start, the horses were brought op
and the march began. On rounding the "white rock" a
squadron of an Afghan cavalry regiment was found drawn up in
line on the bank. The men were dressed in old British red cloth
uniforms with white belts, more or less pipe-clayed, rather baggy
blue cotton trousers, with long hoots innocent of blacking.
The only purely native article about them was their head-dress,
which, however, was also a copy of the present English helmet,
but being made rather shapeless, of a soil dark grey felt, it was
not becoming. The officers were very much the same as the
men, but the colonel, who commanded the regiment, was dressed
in en old staff tunic with gold embroidery. Nearly every mao
carried a whip with a wooden handle, which was stuck into his
right boot when not required, and a large number of them
carried eye shades, which were slung round their necks when
not in use; they were great pieces of cardboard apparently
covered with cloth, and fitted on the helmet above the peak,
shading either the side or the front of the fooe from the sun, as
required.

Their arms were a smooth-bore carbine carried over the
thigh, muzzle downwards, and a tulwar. The best things about
them were their hoi-ses, which looked well fed and hardy. They
were superior, as a rule, to the general run of Cabal horses
imported into India, and thoagh a little heavy in the forehand,
they were well adapted to a mountainous country. They followed
their leaders, scrambling along the hill-side quite independently
of the path, which seldom admitted more than two abreast.

itizecy Google

CONCLTTDIKO ETENTfl. 381

About a mile beyond Karatiga, the Sarkhai Eotal was crossed ;
the asoent, though steep, was not muoh more than 300 yards
from the bed of the stream, and then the upland plain of the
Shutargardan was gained, after descending down a abort valley
for about a quarter of an mile.

At Gassim Kheyl, in the centre of the plain, the Afghan
onmp was pitched, and all was in readiness to receive the Missioo
suitably. A large tent was conveniently placed near a running
streamlet, and the water was diverted from it into a ditch dug
along the length of one of the sides. This side, instead of being
closed the whole length, with a doorway in the middle, as in our
tents, had open window spaces cut in the tent oloth, thus giving
lots of light and air, and enabling the arrangement of the water
outside to be seen. The top and the floor of the tent were
covered with a clean white linen cloth, which added much to its
light and pleasant interior.

Not much use was made of the durbar t«nt at this time, the
BDmmit of the Shutargardan being the goal of most of the
party, whence they might take a look at the promised land
of Cahul, from which, as it was thought, they were for ever to be
excluded. A ride of about three-quarters of an hour brought
the whole of the party to the summit, and there a halt was made,
while every one tried to fancy what the intervening road, from
the point where it dipped out of sight to where it appeared again
in the bottom of the valley, was like. It did not look a pleasant
road to travel, nor were the plains of the Logar valley more
enticing when seen from this high elevation. The misty haze of
summer showed but little more than a green streak, which
marked the course of the Logar river. On the further side, the
Pnghman range was hidden in the yellow haze, while to the
far north an indistinct outline showed where the Hindoo Eoosh
ranges might be found. The city of Cahul was hidden by the
spur of the mountain that enclosed the valley leading to the
Sliutorgardao. The sun was bright and hot, but (he air at this

itizecy Google

aoa WITH THE KORRAM FIELD FOBCB.

elevation was delightful, nnd in altered conditions of Itfe tbe
Eummit of the Shutargardan, though bare, stony, and treeless,
would not be a residence to be despised, when the malaria and
heat of the valleys rendered a change necessary.

'I'he Afghan escort was drawn up in line, while the party was
scattered along the brow of the hill, and its colonel was disposed
to be friendly. His conversation, however, represented the
Afghan character altogether : bad he and his regiment, and
the other Afghan regiments wfaich were still at Herat, been
brought down to Cabul, instead of being left there, the British
would not have been able to face them, and they would have kept
the Feiwar Kotal against the invaders *

In appearance this Afghan colonel, and in fact the whole of
his men, were quite dissimilar from the tall hooked-nose class of
Pathan, who represents to the ordinary Anglo-Indian the type of
his race. These fine Jewish -looking men, belong altogether to
' the nomad sections of the Ghilzai clan, and are quite different
from (be Hazaras, a flat-faced Mongolian race, or from the
inhabitants of Turkestan, from which this cavalry regiment was
chiefly recruited, and from the other tribes or clans is
Afghanistan, Of amall size, their faces were of pure Cauca-
sian type, and the whole of them might not have paeeed for
foreigners if found in the ranks of the Spanish or Italian
armies.

The Afghan camp at Cassim Kheyl was again' reached on the
return journey about 1 p.u., and this time most of the party

* Judged by the light of after-eveats, this oonvenMtion hod its aignifi*
oauca. 'Whan the Afghan regimeutB from Herat did roach Cabul they wei«
inflated with the B*me oocoait. They hod been able to oppress and ke«p
down the Hsratis, and therefore thay were inrinoible. As yet they hod
had no opportunity to diBtinguisK themselveH, but now they saw their
chance. How they took it, and the results to them and to the Uisaion, doet
not belong to this story, bat it wm » bod day for the old Afghanistan,
though possibly a good day in the history of the world, when these mntinooa
regiments tried to oorry on the policy whioh their previous moattt h*d
lolled in, and which thsii then master had renonnoed.

I ,„ Google

CONOLTJDlHa EVEHTS. 383

were accomniodaled in the white-lined teot, where the Afghan
Sirdar, Khnedil Khan, received the English Envoy and the
General with due ceremony. This man had been the Afghan
Governor of Turkestnu, and was recalled, it ie said, for his pro-
Russian proclivities. His face showed hie Turkish origin, and
had he worn a fez instead of a black wool Astrakhan cap, he
might have passed as an Osmanli Turk. His face was not a
pleasing one ; heavy dark eyebrows shaded his eyes and a heavy
moustache his mouth, hat the expression of the eyes, when seen,
was sinister, and the whole face was cruel, and though to some hia
very studied abstraotion seemed to denote good manners, to others
his silence with downcast eyes did not betokena willing performance
of the duty he was engaged in. He was well dressed, in a black
cloth coat and breeches, with black boots and belts ; a costnme
which showed the externals of civilisation, while all the other
Afghans present were dressed in a more Eastern fashion, with
loose chogas and baggy pyjamas. Among these men, and
wearing a blue cloth choga with gilt embroidery, and a gold
embroidered puggree, both the gift of the British officials for his
services up to this time, was the chief of the Ghilzai dan,
Fadsbah Khan. Below his outer garments his clothes were
much on a par with chose of hie humblest followers, and in his
appearance there was nothing to distinguish him from the crowd
but the bright ooat he was wearing. An elderly man with a
tliin face, hooked nose, and grey heard, the eye hungry-looking
and restless, like all the half-starved mountaineer robbers of his
clan, he could have been mistaken anywhere for a labourer, but
still he was a man in authority, and for a time held the fortunes
of Gabul in his hand. The ex-Amir Shere Ali, to bring over
the tribe to his side, had appointed Padshah Khan as Wazir, or
Prime Minister, of Cabnl, which appointment he still held. Up
to this time, however, he had been in friendly relations with the
British, and had managed to please both parties, and his
presence augured as well for the successful results of the missiou

,l,:ec:,y Google

384 WITH THE KURRAlI FIELD fOBCE.

as the dark looks of Ehusdil Ehan might seem to tell againtt
its BucceBs The evident wish of the Afghan raler to do bononr
to the British Mission was, however, the most promioent objeot
in yiew, aod at this time concealed altogether any dark designs,
if there were any existing, which is improbable, against the
lives of the Mission. It had been settled that this Mission
should be only a temporary one, to return to India in the
autumn with the Amir, so that no anticipation ot evil clouded
the minds of those assemhled in the white-lined tent.

About 1 o'clock all were invited to partake of a dinner, served
in Afghan fashion.

Only four chairs, for the Envoy, his Secretary, Mr. Jenkyns,
the General, and the Afghan Sirdar, were in the tent, and these
were useless when the dinner was brought in and placed on
the floor, on large trays about six feet long by three wide, and
raised about six inches off the ground on short legs. These trays
were painted papier-maoh6 work in Arabesque designs, somewhat
coarser than the Cashmere work of the same kind, but there was
not much space left to see the ground-work. Each tray was
covered with dishes of all kinds of food, prepared in the native
style, which gave one a higher idea of the Afghan cooking, and
thence of their civilisation, than could be entertained of the
race, judging either by their words or actions.

The trays were filled much in the same way ; there were pilaos
of mutton and rice, curries, broiled fish, and kababs by way of
solids, some plain puddings, and sweet-meats ; but the most
excellent portions of the menu to European tastes were the
pickles and crenm-cheeee. The dinner was very good in its way,
but there were some drawbacks connected with it which rather
detracted from its excellence. There were no plates, knives and
forks, and only one spoon to each tray. Large cbapattis were
served round to represent the firat, and one's fingers did duty
for the second, but it was difficult to drop a handful of rice into
one's mouth without spilling most of it, while to sit cross legged

Digitizecy Google

CONCLUDING STENTS. 885

on the floor in riding-boots and spurs for an hour, was trying,
and added much to the diffioalty.

After the attendants had passed round a hasin and ever to
wash one's fingers, the tables and their contents were removed
OQtside, where a crowd of hungry attendants soon demolished
the piles of food which had remained nntouched, Eind tea was
brought round in oupa, without milk. After this was disposed
of the teapots oame in again, but this time a brew of hot milk,
sweetened and spiced, furnished the entertainment, and soon
afler the final adieus were exchanged. The mission remained
for the night at Cassim Kheyl, and the G-eneral's party rode back
to Earatiga, which was now deserted, save by two companies of
Goorkhas, who were waiting there for the Cteneral and the
survey party, who had taken the advantage of being in the
neighbourhood to go to the top of " Saratiga."

They had left at 5 a.m., and were escorted by thirty
Goorkhas and a badragga Just after the General had left the
oetmp they signalled down for instructinQe, as the badragga had
objected to go any further, being afraid of Mangals, some of
whom were supposed to be on the war-path. There was no one
in camp to give an answer, and so as no Mangals were in sight
Captain Woodthorpe determined to finish the day's work, relying
on the Goorkhas alone. After some difficult mountaiQ-oIimbing,
where a false step involved death, the summit was reached after
a climb of about seven hours. The summit was only just large
enough for the plain table and the surveyors, but the work to be
done firom this point, which was over 13,000 feet high, was so
important that they were loath to leave the cramped space till
the very last minute. The General reached Karatiga about
3 o'olock, and expected that the survey party would have
returned or be close to that place by this time, but it was evident
that the surveyors, who were seen high up on the mountain,
oould not be back till at least o'clock.

Half the Goorkhas were left at Karatiga as a support tor

26

. ,Goo;

386 WITH THE KOBEAM FIELD FOBCE.

them m case of necesBity, aod the General with the rest of the
party, prooeoded on to Dreknlla, to which place the troopi
bod retarned daring the day.

The Buirey party did not reach oamp till 8 f u , haviBg been
on foot the whole day, nnce 5 a.h.

July dOth.— With the departure of the Cabnl Missioa, all
the political work in the Karram valley had terminated. Any
further questions which related to tribes beyond the new frontier
would be settled at Cabul itself. Most, if not all the questions
affecting the tribes within our border, had already been disposed
of. All the land that bad been taken up for road-making
and other purposes from indiridnals had been paid for, end
there was nothing now to be done but to allow our new posses-
sions to consolidate themselves with as little interference as
possible.

On the return of the General to Alikheyl a durbar was held,
to which all the chiefs and head-men of the surronnding clans
were invited.

It was a kind of farewell meeting, as the command of the
Kurram Valley Force was soon to be mode over to General
Massy, and the opportunity of receiving all these people near
their own homes would not occur again to General Roberts for
some time. The bead-men knew this, and saw that their cbanoe
of earning more rewfu-ds had ceased for the present, and, there-
fore, the greater was the disappointment of those who fonnd
themselves undistinguished by even the usual turban. Their
remarks became loud and angry while they saw their neighbours
disappear with the evident tokens of the rewards they considered
they had earned in their own estimation ; but there is little
doubt but that every man who hod, in reality, done anything to
farther British interests received his due reward, those who went
away with nothing having done nothing. There would have been
no advantage in the indiscriminate bestowal of presents on the
undeserving as well as on those who bad been of real aasistaooe.

itizecy Google

CONCLUDINQ ETENIB. 387

Gradually the crowd of hill-men cleared away out of camp, and
with their reception the history of the Kurram Field Force of
1878-79 closes, ae hetween this date and the departure of General
Soberte oa leave, there was no event worthy of record-

Digiliieo, Google

WITH THE EUBRAU FIELD FOBCB.

CHAPTER IX.

ACCODNT O? THE PUMJAB CHIBPa' CONTINOEMT. BT MAJOB W,

Andebson, ABSiaTANT Adjutant-Gen EBAL.

fH£ Punjab Chiefs' OontingeatB, oonsistiDg of troops
furoished by the Pattialla, Jbeeaa, Nabha, Eappurthalla,
Farid Eoti and Nahun States, assembled at Lahore during
the second veek in December J 878, and after having been
reviewed by His Excellency the Viceroy on the 17th December,
they left Lahore in the following order, tn route to the Punjab
Trontier : —

QnnB. Cavklzy. lufuitrj.

Farid Koti .

18th December 1878

-

62

210

Kappnrtballa

19tb

„

3

lOS

491

Jheena .

20th

„

8

203

900

Nabha .

2 let

„

S

207

467

Pattialla .

2Srd

„

4

804

817

Nahun .

8th

Janoary

1879 .

-

—

2IC

Each Contingent had its own political and military oEGoers,
ivbo worked together in all matters concerning the troops of

Digitizecoy Google

THE PUNJAB CHIEP8 CONTINGENT. 389

tbdr CoDtiDgents, and all orders ivere issaed to the " alkara," or
political and military officers, jointly.

The " alkara " with the Fattialla Contingeot ore— BuoGhw
Gunda Singh, Syud Jurdan Ally, and Lolla Bhugwan Doss.

Jheena Contingent — Sirdars Juggut Singh and Battun
Singh.

Nabha Contingent — Dewan Beshun Singh, Bnnshee Budroo-
dan Ehan, and Lalla Nnthoo Lall.

Kappurthaila Contingent — Dewan Ram Jas, Sirdar Nahhi
Buz, and Colonel Mahomed Ally.

Farid Koti Contingent — Sirdars Golan Singh, Alhail Singh,
and Buh Singh.

Nahun Contingent — Colonel Whiting.

The undermentioned British officers were appointed to the
Contingent : —

Brigadier-General J. Watson, C.B., V.C., Bombay Staff
Corps, to be Commandant and Chief Political Officer.

Major W. G. Anderson, 8rd Punjab Cavalry, Assistant
Adjutant- General and Assistant Quartermaster-Gteneral,

Captain V. Riyaz, 4th Punjab Infentry, Deputy Assistant
Adjutant-General and Deputy Assistant Quartermaster- General.

Captain J. Pearson, R.A„ Brigade-Major of Artillery.

Captain F. C. Massy, Bengal Staff Corps, Political OflBcer.

Captcun J. D. TambuU, I5th Bengal Cavalry, Aide-de>Canip
to Brigadier-Qeneral Watson.

Surgeon-Major J. R. Drew to the medical charge.

Captain Burton, 1st Bengal Cavalry, and Captain Abbott,
43nd Native Infontry, were attached for general duty to the
Contingents.

Mahommed Enzat Ally Khan, brother of the Kawab of Malari
Koltah, was appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Brigadiei-Geneial ;
also Sirdar Gholah Singb.

Ten non-oommissioned oEBoers from the legnlar army were
attached to the Contingents to help in teaching the men the oh

. _,.,, Google

390 WITH THE KUBBAM FIELD POECB.

of the Enfield rifle, sod giving instruotioa in moBketry. These
DOD-oominissioned officers belong to the let Beng&l lo&ntrf,
9th Beng&l Infantry, and 30tb Punjab Native Infantry.

The Jheena, Nabha, Eappurtfaalla, Farid Koti, and Nahun
troope balled at Jbelum, and vent through a coarse of mosketry
and tai^et practice. The PatUalla Contingent hailed at Rawal
Pindi for the eame purpoee.

On leaving Pindi en route for Nonshera, orders were received
for the Jheena and Kappurthalla Contingents to proceed vi&
Kohat to Bannu, the other Contingents to proceed to Thull and
the Knrram valley.

The Contingents had their own carriage, and the States
supplied these troops and camp followers with every necessary
required for a campaign in the Punjab Frontier. They had
their own hospital establishments.

The Jbeena and Kappurthalla Contingents, on arrival at
Bannn, wore employed in garrisoning the outposts of Bahadnr
Eheyl, Latamma, Eurram, Tochi, Jani Eheyl, and Tajurie, and
took up some of the station guards and orderlies at Bannu.

The Nabba and Farid Koti Contingents arrived at Thull on
the 19th February, the Pattialla Contingent on the SSrd
February, and the Nabun troops on the 6tb March.

On arrival of the Contingents at Thull, they occnpied tbs
posts of Raizan, Hangu, Mozum Talao, Sarozai, Oundiour,
on the Tball and Kohat road; Kapynnga, Ahmed- i-Shama, and
Jallamu, on the right hank of the river Eurram, and relieved
the regular troops of the arduous and wearisome duty of
escorting convoys from Thull to Karram and back. The
Contingents employed their own carriage for their baggage and
rations.

On the 17th March the Nabha Contingent marched for
Badesh Kheyl, where it arrived on the 19th, and soon after
entrenched their camp. His Excellency the Commander-in-
Ohief inspected the Contingent on the 20th March.

itizecy Google

THE PUNJAB CHIEFB* CONTIKOENT. 391

On the 17tb M&rcli His Exoellenoy the CommaDder-in- Chief
ArriTed at ThuU, and inepected the Pattialla, Farid Koti, aod
Nahan troops.

The Pattialla and Nahan Infantry -were employed in making
a cart road to the plateau where the new cantonments of TbuU
are. The work was completed in a week, and does great credit
to the Contingent trobpa, considering they were never employed
on pioneering work before

On the Ilth April the Pattialla Contingent, consisting of
two guns, J50 cavalry, and 417 infantry, marched from TbuU to
Eurram, where they arrived on the I8th. The remainder were
left to garrison Thull.

From the 1 7th March the Contingent troops, besides garri-
soning the posts on the TbuU and Kohat road, aod those on the
right bank of the river Karram, occapied the posts of Chappri,
Manduri, Alizai, Sbinnak, and Wali Maliommed Killa, on the
left bank of the Eurfam river, thus keeping open over ninety
miles of Oeneral Roberts' lines of com muni cation, a doty wbioh
they performed most creditably.

The duties of garrisoning outposts and escorting convoys
were new to the troops of the Contingents, yet the soldierly
manner in which they executed all orders and performed all
duties demanded of them, and the eagerness and willingness
flfaown by aU lauks to learn and do their best, gained for them
the confidenoe and high opinion of the British officers with
whom they came in contact.

The troops suffered much from the inclemency of the weather,
yet their hardships were borne without a murmar. All ranks
performed their duties cheerfully, and displayed a soldier-like
and most loyal spirit. From the time of the OooUngents' leaving
Lahore, not a complaint of any kind has been brought to
the notice of either civil or military authorities against any
one individual, either fighting-maa or camp-follower, which
speaks well for the conduct and behaviour of the men, and the

itizecy Google

392 WITH THE KUEBAM FIELD FORCE.

excellent manner in vhicb the "alkare" managed their
Contingeata.

On the 6th May two men of the Pattialla Contingent — a
havildar and sepoy armed with onlj eworda, were attacked by
fifteen Zaimnkbte, overpowered and murdered, four miles and a
half from Thnll, on the Cbappri side of the Kafir Kotal.

On the 13th May the posts on the right hank of the river
Enrram were abandoned, and the Contingents' troops withdrawn.

On the 6tb May the Jbeena and Kappurthalla Contingents
oame round from Bannu to TbuJl.

Peace with the Amir of Cabul having been proclaimed, the
Contingents were ordered beck to tbeir States. The Jbeena
Contingent left TbuU on the 31st May, Kappurthalla left ThuU
on the 8rd June, Nabba marched from Badesb Eheyl 3rd June,
Farid Eoti and Nabun left Thull on the 6th Jane, and Pattialla
maiohed from Eurram on the Sth June.

The alkars of the Nabba Contingent were unbounded in
theii hospitality to all officers proceeding up and down the road.
The mees-tent under the chunar-tree at the Nabba camp at
Badesh Ebeylougbt to be remembered by many a weary, hungry,
and thirsty traveller.

The FatlJalla alkars gave a picnic at Sbaluzan to all the
officers of the Eurram valley. I SO officers were able to accept,
and about forty native officers. The entertainment was a great
suooess.

It is to be hoped that the Punjab Chiefs' Contingents have
left a favourable and lasting impression, and that tbeir services
will be appreciated.

itizecy Google

THE PtINJAB chiefs' CONTINGENT.

303

Casualties in tbe Cohuhobntb from 17th December 1678 to
Slet M&7 1679.

IXUIL

Ill

|-

H

lllli —

Csmp-foUowaro
HorsM
Mulea
GunelB .

18 ' 24

7 1 10

8 7
3 1

89 78
.. ..

9
ft
B

6S

as ' 6 ' 8 'l Chiefly from
11 1 Si 1 ; fevw and
2 1 ' .. 1 dyseiiterr.

124 i « , ai

1 .. 1 .. 1

Catuet of Morlaiily amongtt the CameU.

1. The climate vas not suited to them.

2. The graziDg yioB eoant; and uot what the camels were
accustomed to.

3. Camels accompaiijicg gaards escorting coDVoys remained
with the loads on their backs from 5.30 A.M. to 4, 6, and i 1 p.u.
Nothing to eat on anival at campiDg-grounds.

W. G ANDERSON, Major,

Assistant A^utaut<General.

itizecy Google

39-1

WITH THE KtlRRAM FIELD FOfiCE.

•»uoH gl* 8 ;S|«'- a--

LU

-g '9 idt I «

_WIW10H .Kl-m I L ;- ■ I ! i ; I - i : E_^

I ■>MHVO'o-Ji|'" i ; " I ^"''■•SS ""'3 I ; :•
I ■BMoaio I ; i : 1 1 : i ; ; :"

Ml

■Mri Hi
■i si is 3

si "Kill

Its

111

;lll

L,j,i,„,;,„ Google

THE PUNJAB CHIEFS CONTDIGENT.

Betush showing Outpobtb GABKieoNSD and Escobtb to Convota,
Furnished by P. C. C, from 1st March to 1st June 1879.

,ta»l]^ i Jl^a. I N.bha. ] «^PJ£^- I

From Ist March to tJlsl May the ConiingeDts furnished 453
cavalry and l,li>3 icfantry as escoris to cooitnissariol convoys
Besides thia, for six weeks the Nabha Contingent furnished daily
gnizing guards of cavalry and infantry for commissariat camels,
about 2,500, kept at Badesh Kheyl.

W. C. Anderson, Major,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

itizecy Google

,1,1.0, Google

APPENDICES.

,1,1.0, Google

,1,1.0, Google

399

APPENDIX I.

BxTUBH of McLXB and Fonikb employed with the Eubhui Faut

Hires.

»sss-

Tow.

Brought on EoU« in Ootober 1S78 . . .
„ November ISTB
„ Deoember 1878 . .
„ „ Jutnurjr 1879 .
,. February 1879 .
„ March 1879 . . .
„ April 1879
„ Utty 1879 ....

Total . . .

Deduct Cuoalties

Balanoe on Rolle on Slet Uay ■ - - -

1618

69

14S

S

S2

'ie

126
18
17

1618
69
148
8
83
158
IS
83

1962
365
1697

161
33
189

313S
287
1886

Dttail of CtwiKtUiM.— Hired Hnlet: 163 out, 75 died, 38 OMxied off.
OoTemmant Holes: 9 died, 30 inad« over to Ko. 3 Uonntain Battery.

itizecy Google

BxTDBx of GuaL-GABSuaB employed vith the Ecsouc Fmo

FOBOK.

HlndCuiUcXCWiuli).

Bho*

AmbalU.

Dint.
Mt.

,^i

Bwnight on the Bolls
October 1878.
November 1878
Deoember 187S
Jaaxurj 1879
Febniuy 1879
M»rohl879 .
April 1879 .

Str&yed auimali rec
81rt H»7 . .

In—

ad lip to

8190
2319
876
799
183
48
184

40

ISSl
681
S8

093

4£

86

4ias '

2319 \

?^'

806 ;

109

Totals . .
Camallia.

■trayed, and carried off. from let
Not. 1878 to Slat May 1879 .

Balanoe on Bolls Slst May 1879

GovtmmttU CamtU.

Brought OB BollB Irom Ist March to

airt May 1879. . . . .

8lBtMaylB79

Balance on Bolls 81st May 1879

AUtTott.
Total actnaUy broneht oa the Rolls,

Hired Camels ....
Government Camels .

Total

Actual Losses during Campaign

7478

eos3

3186
1600

HOB
1W6

10,861

1

8838

1895

685

63

3033 !

3088 1

777 1

2811 '

j

.. 1 ..

13,840 '

.. 1 ..

0406

Total Camels on Bo
Slst Hay 1BT9 .

l8 K

F. F. on

.. 1 ..

4S44

,1,1.0, Google

APPENDIX n.

BsTUBN of AlcinnanoN expended dnriog the EoBRUf CiHPAiaM.

DkM.

Pboe.

oSS^

StS^

BODUkB.

».pr.

Il«.

».pr.

J-Pt.

"■^iS

S:

Die 9

Ditto . . .
lluJluPui'

M

T

U3

S.

m

«M8

«3!

1 HoTM AitmoT

as

D,g,l,i.aD, Google

APPENDK m.

List of Stobks oaptubeo &om the Enkhy at the AonoN of the
Pkiwab Eotal on the Sod December 1878.

Asms:
Rifles, Enfield, long .

Names ol Btoras.

AOOOUIBUIEHTS :

Pouchee, leather, ammunition, brown
Slinge, musket

Habnbss im> Badduebt :

Saddles, park, mule ....
Collars, neck, horse ....
Pads, park, saddle, mnle .

Obi»(anob AMUUNrnoN :
GartridgcB S.A. balled, Enfield rifle .
„ matchlock .

S.A. blank .
filled gas. 18-pr. S.B.
» 6-pr. „

7-pr. B.M.L. S.B.
filled howitzer 25-pr.
Caps, percussion ....
Fnzes, time, wood of sorts
Portfires, filled, common .

. 114,669
22,490
17,670

. 200,000
906
280

,t,zec.y Google

AFFBNDIZ m.

403

Namee of Storeo. Ko.

SlieUs, common, 7-pr. E.M.L 967

„ BhrapDel

97

„ common, emp^, 24-pr. 8.B. .
Shot case, 7-pr. E.M.L. .

800

9

6-pr. 8.B.

16

,, 24-pr. howitzer

10

Shot, solid, 6-pr

480

Tabes, copper, friction, 7-pr. B.M.L.

160

Ordnahce:

,, „ camel or elephant

6

72

Garriagea, sun, 6-pr. 8.B.

„ 7-pr.B.M.L. . .

11

howitzer, 12 or 24-pr. S.B.

Braaa gim, 9-pr. S.B.

.. .. 8-F

„ howitzer, 24-pr.

Iron gaa, B.M.L. 7-pr. .

11

B.B.

,i,i«,„ Google

APPENDIX IV.

The Tenia op thk Edhram Y&llet.
May Gth.
Thx Bomioy Gazette aaye the following carioos petitioa, presented
in 1860, has been unearthed at Eohat : —
Petition of—

1. Sayyid Mirza Gul (of Ahmadzai, uncle to Sayyid

Badshah).

2. Mir Ali (Gnndi Ehel of Topakkai).

8. Ghnlam (Ja&r Ehel, Dnparzai, cousin to Dur Shan,
Dnparzai).

4. Adam Ehan (Saragala, Hamza Eheyl).

5. Mihr Ali (Sati Ehel, Uamza Ehel).

6. Arsala (Baragala, Hamza Ehel).

7. Samand (Drewandi, Mustri Ehel).

8. Nazar (Alizai of Ehaahta).

To Captain Henderson, Deputy CommisBioner of Eohat, the

Commissioner of the Peshawar Division ;
The Ehans of ancient lineage, high degree and great courage, and
to all the English people.
Greeting, — May ye ever prosper I

We and the whole Turi race greet yon ; graoiooBly accept our
greetings and good wishes I

Enghsh gentlemen I We appeal to you in God's name. By

,, Google

APPENDIX IV. 406

the DuraniB bare we been ruined, and reduced to the last exbreme
of distresa. The; plunder ua vithout restraint. With aigha and
tears we appeal to you to free ub &om these oppressors, from these
disturbers of our peace I Dishotiour and insult have been heaped
on OS t Dnrani rule we loathe t

For British rule we jeam I

Sirs 1 be aware we Tnris now number 20,000 households : some
6,000 will be left. Daily are our rulers diminishing our number.

Sirs I Eurram is a well-favoured and fertile country. If we ore
exterminated, it surely vnh be a sooroe of regret to yon. Take
then this valley under your protection. Move but a single step
forward, and you will free us from the burden of Donmi rule.

If ye refuse to aid us, rest assured that at the last great day of
judgment we will seize the skirts of yonr garments, and accuse yon
of this injustice before Ood Himself.

Ye are just ruleis, ye have been made aware of the oppression
we endure. If, therefore, ye do not respond to this appeal, nought
is left for ns but to trust in God, and wait with patience His
decrees. We shall not be held accountable at the last ; for we have
done aU that lay within our power to obtain aid and redress.
And so again we greet you !

Enow each day do three men unjustly suffer death at the hands
of oar rulers. No attention is paid by those in authority over
them to our complaints.

Aye, even onr daughters are daily torn away from us and married
by force, but no regard ia paid to our prayers fbr redress. We
have hereby brought this also to yonr knowledge.

A tall man with a silk turbau will deUver you this oar petititm.
His name ia Sayyld Mahommed Hussein; treat him kindly. He is
an exile in your country from Durani oppression. Once he was
chief of many Turis. Now he is a wanderer from door to door,
though by birth he is well bom.

Thou art a lord of mercy : thou canst also feel compassion for
others and show them kindness. Dated 7th Shahan A. H. 1277
(2nd March 1860).

(True copy.)

itizecy Google

406

APPENDIX V.

No. 902.

Gamp All Kbeyl, 16th Maj 1878.

Undsb inatnictionB from army head-qaarterB the whole of th«
tranaport vith the Enrram Field Force will be Teorganieed in the
foUowixig manner, as soon as the necessary arrangements can be
made.

2. The animals will be divided into the following classes :

I. Regimental Transport.

n. a. Ordnance Park.

b. Sick Transport.

e. Engineer Park.

d. Commissariat Beserre.

ni. General Transport.

8. Regimental carriage will be allotted as follows : the scale of
Cabal eqoipment, as given in Quartermaster-General's No. 6949 A.
dated 8th November 1878, is allowed for. Detailed statements are
in the Adjutant-General's Office, and are to be copied by each arm

itizecy Google

APFSHDIZ T.

407

Britlili lafut^
A ngtmsnt ol

A Huns or Field
BatMry, Bonl

ArtillerT . .
A Voontalii B>t-

A C01DPU17 lA

i. Each of the corps and departments marginally' named 'will have
its proper complement of animala
made over to it b; tbe present
Transport Department, and will
remain permanently in charge of
them. The Commissariat Depart-
ment replaces caaualti^ mider
instmction from the Assistant
QaartennaBter-General, to whom
Bequisition Form D. for fresh

HhObooikM.
»thF.N.I.

Hh P N^L

antP.N.L

lard PlonMis,

F/A^H.A.

0/SB.A.

No. a Uomitabi Batteu.

SthLuuMO.

— - — -~ — - — '*' °"i" ftTiimftlH are to be sent.

tartbBT aiden. B. In regiments of Bnush m-

fimtry commanding officers will
appoint a thoroughly efficient officer to the charge of the regimental
transport. It is essential that he should have some knowledge of
the native language and character, and possess a good temper.

6. For regiments of native in&ntry and cavalry a native ofGcer
will be appointed transport officer. He will work under the
supervision of the quartermaster (or such other officer as the
commandant may appoint) who will prepare and keep all written
returns and records, and be responsible for all money payments.

7. For batteries of Artillery, 9th Lancers, and in the Sappers,

itizecy Google

AfPEHDiZ V.

a QOD-oomioissioned officer will be appointed to the charge of the
transport, an officer (BritiBh) being similarly nominated to Bupemae
his work.

6. The tranaport officer, or traneport non-oommiBs
will be placed in charge of all the an^nals allotted to the regiment,
with their gear and attendants, and he will be held responsibis
under the officer in command for the efficiency of the transport.

CommaQding officers will select steady men as assiBtants in the
proportion of one man to every hundred animals, on odd fifty, or
nmnber over fifty, being reckoned as an hmidred. Thus a regiment
having 220 camels and 186 mules, total S&5, would have four
assistants for the transport enpervision.

10. The Government have sanctioned a horse-allowance of thirty
rupees a month, and free fbrage for one horse, for regimental
transport officers. The rates of pay for non-commissioned officers
and men employed as aeaist&nta will be notified hereafter.

n. It must be clearly understood that the entire responsibility
for the efBoimicy of the regimental transport rests on the
commanding officer. He must be vigilant to see that the
animals are properly fed and oared for, and must remember
that the wel&re and success of his corps will depend in a
large measm:e on the efficiency of its transport.

12. Officers and men for the supervision of the departmental and
general transport will be selected from the existing transport
department, and will be appointed in the following proportion : —

Ordnance Park—

1 officer for 500 animals,

1 assistant per 100 „
Sick Transport — 1 non-com-'

Depart-

Engineer's Park — 1

Under the saporision
of the transport
officer with the
, Ordnance Park.
2 asBistants. j

Commissariat Beserve supplies, at the rate of 1 officer
for 600 animals and 1 assistant for 100 animalB.

.coy Google

AFPEHDIX V. 409

General TrauBport —

(Gommissariat) Carta, local carriage, ka. :

1 ofScer at Eohat.

2 „ ThuU.

1 „ Kurram.
GommiaBariat reserve of spare and snrplus animalB as in the
Departmental Commissariat Beserre above.

18. Dnring ft halt the regimental or departmental carriage may
be employed on convoy, or any other duty, as may be directed by
the Mc^or-General commanding. When the carriage is so detached
it will be accompanied by its own officers and asBistantB, and be
entirely in their charge.

14. All references regarding regimental or departmental carriage
requiring the orders of the Major-Oeneral, are to be made to the
Aesistant Quartermaster-General through the usual channel.

16. General officers commanding brigades will exercise a closa
superrision over the transport animals attached to the corps under
their command.

16. Heads of departments will be responsible that the carriags
under their charge is maintained in an efficient condition.

17. The departmental or other carriage may be aub-divided and
attached to brigades whenever necessary.

16. Whenever carriage is transferred from one class to another
{4.g, from a regiment to the general transport, or from one regiment
to another) all hire and pay must be adjusted up to date of transfer
and last hire, last pay, and last ration certificates (Form E.),
pven.

19. The following returns will be furnished from regiments and
departments.

The proper forms of returns are in the Assistant Adjutant-
General's Offices, and are to be copied by all concerned.

Form A. Monthly retom of Government and hired camels.
„ B. Monthly retnm of Government and hired mules.
„ C. Monthly bill on the Gommissariat Department.
„ D. Beqaisition on the Assistant Quartermaster- General
for additional transport required.

,: .«:,yGoogle

4l0 AfPBKDiX V.

Form E. Last pay, ration, or hire certificate.

„ F. Nominal acquittance roll of hire of transport and

pay of cattle -attendants. Monthly.
„ Q. Punishment register for office record.
„ H. Indent for rations.
„ K. Uoming report of transport cattle. Separate report

to be kept for camels and mules.

All the above retmms are to be sent to the Assistant Quarter-
master-General at Field Force head-quarters. The word
" TuisaKo.i " is to be written on the cover.

Uonthlj retmms and bills to be despatched not later than the
4th of the month.

Weekly returns to be sent in on Satorday.

20. Commanding officers are responsible that when the regiment
or a detachment marches, not more transport is employed than is
allowed by the regulations. On these occasions, indents showing
the detailed requirements for carriage will be sent to the Assistant
Quartermaster- General, who will issue the Miq or- General's orders
as to the disposal of surplus animals, or arrange to supply

21. The following instructions regarding the care and manage-
ment of transport ftnimiLlR are published for the guidance of all
transport ofBcers.

The Major-General requires the strictest obseiTanco of them.

I. Transport animals are of two classes, viz. animals the
[owperty of the Government, and those which have been hired.

n. Government animals receive the following rations : —

Camels.
1 seer of grain i

10 seers of bhoosa, or green fodder) ^'
8 chittaoks of salt a month.

Mules.
2 seers of grain
7 seers of dry grass or bhoosa, or! j^_

10 aeers of green grass )

The grain is to be obtained on indent from the Commisaariat

itizecy Google

appbSdiX v. 411

Department; bhoosa or green fodder and grass are to be par-
chased locally. Adyancea for this or any other purpose are to be
taken from the CommisBariat Department, applications for which
are to be submitted through the Assistant Quartennaeter- General.

Advances are to be accounted for (Form C.) in bille drawn monthly
on the CommiBsariat, which must show the qualities of forage
purchased and the prices paid. The quantities of forage thus
consumed must tally with the number of animals on the rolls, and
the authorised scale of rations must not be exceeded.

in. Hired camels do not get grain or fodder when good jungle
grazing is available. If there is no grazing, or if the grazing be
had or inaufBcient, the camels are to have the same, or a pro-
portion of the same, ration as the Oovemment camels. The
necessity of the issue of such ration must be determined and
certified to by the senior military officer on the spot.

IV. Hired moles when in work must get a seer of grain ; if out
of work, and if the grazing be good, the grain ration need not be
issued. If mules should be baited where no gracing is available,
then both grain and fodder must be given to them on the same
scale as for Oovemment mulea, and under the certificate mentioned
in paragraph III.

V. Grain and fodder for the hired animals are to be obtained in
the same manner as for Government animals, but separate bills
(Form C.) must be submitted for the cost.

VI. Commanding ofBoers must see that every fiioiUty and assist-
anoe is given to the owners of the hired cattle to purchase forage.
Generally speaking, they will do this of their own free will if proper
arrangements are made for them.

VII. Transport officers are responsible that the animals in their
charge actually get the rations above detailed. The assiatants
must invariably be present at feeding time, and effective measures
most be taken to enanre that the grain and fodder are not mis-
appropiiated, and that full rations are given to the animals.

VIII. Transport officers are to make weekly inspections of the
saddles and other gear ; they are responsible that it is kept in
good repair and serviceable. Government gear is to be repaired
under regimental arrangements.

itizecy Google

AtPESDIX V.

The coat of materials and of working them np is to be recovered
by bills (Form 0.) on the Commissariat Department.

The following are the articles of gear for Government
Camels : —

guleetah

Saddles and trees
Jhools .
Leading ropes.
Nathea .

Two per camel.
One per two camels.

;}

One per camel.

Head chain

Heel „

Heel strap

Jhool

Surcingle

Pack-saddle and pad

Bridle .

Brush

Onrry-comb

Pegs, iron

Hanmier, iron

•One per mole.

One per three moles.
Two per three mules.
One per 26 mules.

Owners of hired carriage must be compelled to keep their gear
in proper order.

IX. It will be the duty of transport ofGcers to draw and disburse
all pay and hire for the transport animals under their charge, and
monthly bills (Form 0.) should be submitted on the Commiaaariat
Department.

X. The following are the establishmenta maintained and the
rates of hire for transport animals.

For Oovemment camels : —
One nail chowdrie on 60 mpesa per 1,000 camels per meniiemi
One misaldar on 20 rupees per 880 camels.
One jemadar on 12 rupees per 160 camels.

,i,:«:,y Google

APPBHDH V. 413

One snrwan on 8 rapees for ever; three camels for regi-
meatftl transport.

One snrwan for every four camels for departmental and
general transport.
For hired camels : —

One nail chowdrie on 60 mpees per 1,000 camels.

One misaldar on Ifi rapees per 880 oameU.

One do&dar aurwan on 4 rapeoB for ever; 100 camels.

Surwana at the same scale as for Government camels paid hy
owners.
Camels : 16 rupees per mensem.
Spare camels : 7 rupees per annmn.
For Government mules : —

One jemadar for every 100 males on 14 rupees.

One dafiadar for every 60 mules on 11 rupees.

One driver for every 8 mules on 8 rupees.
For hired mules : —

One jemadar on 16 rupees per mensem for every 100 mules.

One dnfiadar on 12 rupees per mensem for every 60 mules.

One driver to every three mules paid by owner.
Mules : IS rupees per mensem.

Nominal acquittance rolls (Form F.) should also be kept up and
sent in to the Assistant Quartermaster-General.

XI, Surwans or drivers can be flogged by Provost Marshal
Establishment by order of commanding ofBcers or heads of
departments. Men of enperior rank should, as a rule, be punished
by fines, which will be credited to Government in the monthly
bill (Form C). Power to fine and to inflict corporal punishment*
flan be exercised by a transport ofScer when absent from his head-
quarters on convoy or other detached duty.

XII. It is the transport officers to attend carefolly to the follow-
ing details : —

I, The daily grooming and cleaning of all the animals, eamels
u well as mules-

* A regiater of all pnnishment* intlioted is to 1w kapt by sll
«Soen (Foim A.).

itizecy Google

414 APPENDIX V.

2, Watering and feeSitig to be at fixed hooTB. Da£Eadara and
jemadajTB mast be present at these times.

8. The cleanliness of the mules and camel lines.
4. The animals to be picketed in regular hne.

XIII. All sick animals are to be placed in separate sick lines,
and transport officers must pay parlioulu; attention to see that
they are properly treated and oared for.

XIV. Depdts for sick animals will be estabhshed at the principal
posts in charge of salootries, and animals not likely to get well for
some time to be sent thither for treatment. All animals so sent
are to be etmck off the regimental or other rolls.

XV. The rationing of all carriage attendants will be amnged
for by their respective transport officers, and will be obtained on
the osnal indents (Form H.) from the Commissariat Department.

22. The foUowiag roles concern the employment of the r^-
mental carriage on convoy work. This is a very important dn^,
and the animals when thus employed will require the utmost care
and attention from the transport officers and their assistants.

I. When the transport of a regiment or department is required
for convoy dnty, the nnmber of animals to be employed will be
notified by the Assistant Quartermaster-General.

n. The animals will be sent as directed to the Commissariat or
other department in charge of the transport officer and his
asBiatants.

m. An assistant should be left in charge of any animals which
may remain in the regimental Unes. The commanding officer iB
responsible that these animals are properly cared for, and the
officer of the day or some other officer must be ordered to look
after them.

IV. The transport officer will take over the stores for the convoy
and give receipts for the quantities received. The despatching
ofGcor will famish him with an invoice of the stores, by which they
must be carefully checked, both on receipt and dehvery.

The transport officer inonrs no pecuniary responsibility in the
matter, bnt it is hii dn^ to protect the interests of the State to the
ntmost of his power. If any stores are plundered or lost witliiik

J ..c^yGoogle

APP&HDIX T. 41S

eireamsUtifles of his awn cognizanoe, he will give Iobb certificates
to the department concerned.

V. When the animals are being loaded np, the stores are to be
made over by the transport officer to the camel owners or attend-
ants, who ore to he held individually responsible that the stores are
delivered in good order and not tampered with en route. If
stores are stolen or damaged, a report of the circomstances is to be
made to the Assistant Qoartermaster-Oeneral, in view to the value
being recovered.

VI. The aBsistanto with the convoy ahoald be placed by the
transport officer in personal charge of a definite number of animals
which sbonld not as a role exceed 100 to each assistant. The
assistants are responsible that the animals are properly loaded,
and that the loads do not exceed the authorised weights, which are
as follows : —

For camels . . .4 mannds.
For mules . .2 mannds.

Thd assistants will also check the number of bags, Ac, made
over to their camel-men.

Vn. Spare animals at the rate of 6 per cent, are to he allowed.
These animals are never to be laden with stores, except to meet
oasualtisB occurring on the line of march.

The transport officers will detail 8 per cent, of the surwans to
follow in rear of the convoy with the spare animals. The best
enrwans should be selected for this purpose, and their camels
distributed among the other men. A man can easily lead four or
five camels on the line of march.

The surwans in rear will take charge of ftnimiyla which fall oat,
and, if possible, bring them.on to the encamping-ground.

Vin. The transport officer or his assistants will carefiilly
examine the backs of all the animals after arrival at a halting-
ground.

This is a very important matter, as the camel-attendants will, if
possible, conceal the &ot of their animals having been mbbed. A
Bore back taken in time is very easily cured.

IX. When at work, the saddle and gear must be examined duly

, CiOoqIc

416 APPENDIX T.

utd the ammals carefolly examined for wounds, lamenesa, and
licknesB.

X. Ooremment only grant compensation for animala killed or
oarried off by the enemy, or which die in consequenoe of the
minsnsl severity of the weather.

Claims for compensation are to be referred to the Assistant
QoartermaBter- General for the Major- General's orders.

XI. Animals are to be unloaded immediately on their arrival at
tlie new encamping-gronnd. The assistants will check the loads
and report the nmnber, complete or otherwise, to the transport
officer on his arrival. Reports of oasnalties are to be made at the
same time. No time should be lost aft«r arrival in seeing the
animals off to graze.

Xn. When the transport of two or more regiments is working
together on convoy, the order of march is to be changed from day
to day, so as to give the animals an equal rest and time for
grazing.

Xin. When two or more transport officers are with the same
convoy, the senior will command the whole.

XIV. The above rules for convoy work apply equally when the
transport is employed on the line of march with troops.

itizecy Google

417

APPENDIX VI.

THE AFGHAN DESPATCHES.

The Oatette of India contaming further deepatches relating to the
Afghan War has now come to hand. The following is the order of
the Governor- General in Council, dated Simla, 11th July : —

The Governor- General in Council hereby ordains the publication
of further reports reoeiyed from the Commander-in-Chief, relative
to the more important operations of the campaign now BucceaafdUy
terminated in A%hanistan.

2. The Goremor-General in Council takes this occasion to offer
to Hie Excellency the Commander-in-Ghief his oongratolations on
the skilful conduct and satis&ctory conolusion of the war.

8, The gallantry of the troops, both British and Native, of all
branches of the service, has been conepicnoualy displayed wherever
it was tested on the field of battle ; whilst the steadiness of their
discipline has been nnintermptedly maintained in the orderly occu-
pation of positions rapidly secured by Aeii valour, and patiently
protected by their presence.

4. The political objects of the war have been completely attained
by its military results ; and these are largely due to the efficiency
with which, under the orders of His Excellency the Commander-iu-

,, Google

418 APFBHDK TI.

Chief, the tasks allotted to them have been carried out, and the
difficulties opposed to them surmounted, by the general officers
commanding the forces employed in the campaign.

6. The QoTcmor- General in Council has received with pleasure
from the Commander-in-Chief His Excellency's acknowledgments of
the ability with which in the elaboration of his arrangements he
has been assisted by the heads of the general staff of the army. .

6. For their steady courage and disciplined endurance through-
out the vicissitudes of this campaign, the highest praise is due to
the officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of the British
and Native forces engaged.

7. The services rendered by the superior and subordinate officers
of the medical, ordnance, survey, telegraph, and postal depart-
ments merit from the Government of India an acknowledgment
which cannot be too unreservedly recorded.

8. The work required of the Commissariat Department— supply
and transport — was of an exceptionally difficult and arduous
character : and in acknowledging these difficulties, as also the zeal
and energy evinced by the officers generally in overcoming them, it
is incumbent also to place on record, that great credit is due to the
civil and political officers from whom that department received such
valuable assistance.

9. The other duties devolving on the political officers attached to
the operating columns were of a very delicate character, requiring
for their successful performance much tact and discretion. They
have been performed to the entire satis^tion of the Goveraor-
Oeneral in Council.

10. Special recognition is dne to the valuable and self-denying
labours of the clergy of all denominatiooB, who were present with
the troops in the field.

11. The Governor-General in Council desires tc express his high
appreciation of the cordial co-operation of His Honour the
Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab and of the administrative
officers of that province, in the proseoution of a campaign materially
aided by the experi^iced advice and loyal aBsistance of the Puigdtt
Government.

12. His Excellency the Governor of Bombay, by his personal
supervision of the colleotion of supplies and transport in Sind, has
rsndered to the GovemmeDt of India servioes whiob are most

itizecy Google

APPENDii VI. 4lS

highly a^sreoiated and gratefoll; recorded by the Govemor-Oeneral
in Goancil.

18. The prompt and practical loyalty with which the juat casM
of the British Govemment in its declaraticm and prosecution of
hostilities against the Amir of Cabul has been espoused and sup-
ported by the chiefs and princes of India, cannot be too warmly
acknowledged ; and the Governor-General in Council highly appre-
ciates the efficiency with which their miUtary duties were performed
by the contingents from the Punjab States, under their able
commander.

14. The Goremor-General in CouncU deeply deplores the many
T&laable Uvea lost, not only in action with the enemy, but also by the
fiital effects of exposure and disease. He desires to express to the
relatives of all who have thus perished in the cause of their country
his deep sympathy in their bereavement.

A nominal returo-of casualties will hereafter be published.

16. The Governor- General in Council has recommended to Her
Majesty's Govemmeot that a medal, with clasps for those present
at Ah Muajid and Peivar Eotal, be awarded to all oEBcers and men
engaged in the late Afghan war.

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