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32X

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4 5 6

jgNREGISTERED according to the Act of the ProvbcUl
oTTh ';!^"^f^^' 5^ JOHN HENRY WILTON, at the Office
of the Registrar of the Province of Canada, in ihe year one
housand eight hundred and forty-eight.

i 1

SCENES

A SOLDIER'S LIFE:

BKiire
A CONNECTED NARRATIVE

THE PRINCIPAL MILITARY EVENTS
SCINDE, BEELOOCHISTAN, AND AFFGHANISTAN,

During 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, and 1843,

UNDER GENERALS LORD KEANE, BROOKS, SIR R. SALE, WILI'SIIIRB,
POLLOCK, NOTT, ENGLAND, M'CASKILL, AIJD SIR 0, NAPIER.

BY J. H. WILTON,

AtrraoB of "ethaldi," "the ootoast," "the desbktkrs,*' etc. etc.

"Still question'd me tlio story of my life,
From year to year ; the battles, sieges, fortunes.
That 1 liave pass'd.

•1 ran it through, even from my boyish days.
To the very moment that he bade nie tell it ;
Wherein 1 spoke of most disastrous chances ;
Of moving accidents, by flood, and field ;
Of hair-breadth 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach ;
Of my being taken by the insolent too.
And sold to slavery ; of my redemption thence,
And portance in my travels' history ;
Wherein of antrea vast, and deserts idle.
Rough quarries, rocks and hills whose heads touch heaven,
It was my hint to speak, such was the process."

Shakgpere't Othello.

» « » .■ « » ,

* . • * V

*t ' » *« •

k • i • •

» » * « • > ■

R. JC^l} qv CHALMERS; t^/fTDON, LO^C-MAK AIID COMPANY;
••. ' *»NfeJr VoRK\ B1JRPOB16 ANI> eOMP/iNY.

1848;^

KOJrTHBUt :
PrJnfd bj LoTMU. «d Qmo,, 6t. Nleholw

SfcTMt.

J ■^ . *> '>

THESE

SCENES IN A SOLDIER'S LIFE

AMI

MOST KBSPtCTFDLLT INSCRIBED

COLONEL A. QUQY, M . P. P.

lATB adjota:»t oksterai. op MILinA,

AS A TOKEN OP THE ESTEEM ENTEBTAINBD FOB HIM

AS A

losal ^vih\ett, ^Itii?r» <^tate$(matt« ani) i^Unh,

BT BIS MOST OBSOICirr AND BVHBUC SBR7A1IT,

THE AUTHOK.

S6l5a

■*">

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Alexander, Sir Jas. Edward A. D. C. to Com.,-in-Chief,.

Adams, Major. 28th Regiment,

Adamson, Captain ,.2l8t N. B. Fusiliers,

Anstay, Lieutenant 20th Regiment,

Anderson, Dr Rifle Brigade,

Artrick, Q. M. S Rifle Brigade,

Adamson, Rev. W. Agar Montreal,

Aldridge, Thomas 23rd Fusiliers,... ."..".*.'.*.".* .".'

Adamson, J. A Montreal

Allen, H., Sergeant. 23rd Fusiliers,...*.*!!.'!!.'.'!!!!.""]

Anderson, J. F St. Lawrence Main Street,....

Agassiz, Lieutenant 23rd Fusiliers

Abbott, Rev. J Montreal,

Ajrres, S. II.. Bank of B. N. A., Q*ue*bw,!!!!

Aitchinson, J Standridge & Co.,

Alloway, R. M The Derries, Ireland

Andrews, Captain 28th Regiment

Andrews, Mr. Water Street, Manchesier,....

Anderson, Lieutenant, 56th Regiment,

Anderson, J Manchester, !!!!!!!!!!

Alms, Captain 7oth Regiment !..!

Bainbridge, Colonel P. D. Q. M. Genl.. Dublin

Blennerhassot, Captain 71st Regiment, H. L. L

Bell, Lieutenant 23rd Fusiliers

Black, Hon. Judge Vice Admlty. Court, Quebec,.!

Barclay, Captain 56th Regiment, .

Bainbridge, Mrs. R R. & C. Chalmers '

Bowers, D. A. C. Gen St. Johns

Browne, Ensign, 71st Regiment, II. L. I !!'

Belden, J Montreal Academy,

Blackburn, J. Royal Engineer Department^.

Baltour, Lieutenant, Rifle Brigade

Broom, Templeton, Notre Dame Street!!!.!!!!!!"*

Beer, J., Corporal 23rd Fusiliers

Bowers, J., Corporal, 23rd Fusiliers, !.!.."!"

Birks, R.

5*^°» J Dorchester Street,

Boys, Armourer Sergeant, 23rd Fusiliers,

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

|ur; "^^^^^ 23.d FuslHe.

Jel'vear.L. 1 23rd Fusiliers. >

Burn, Major. •M.Joseph Street,... J

grazior, S. Wal Artillery. . J

Babington, Mr......' Compain Street,... I

Beandage, L.. Commissurittt, '

Betbune, S..., "— • '

Birch, Mr... Advocate,... *

S^"^^' J '.'.'.'.*.".'. Provincial S^reUr^sBLnt''' ]

Broom, Frs Quebec,.... '''"v » -Uept.,.. j

Bali. Shirley'.* ^'*y Bank,.'.' *

Banks, G. Dublin,.. I

Barnes. WZ:;:;:;;;^ j? ,T«'-k I'iace, London f

Barnes, Color Sergeani li'^ ?J^«^t. Liverp^T;

Boautflower. Rev.I! i^"^ Koffiment.... i

Beachcroft, W ' ^nry, Lancashire,. I

^cket, Mrs. J ^ravesend,... *

5«''\n. cj ■;:;;;;; S'T^^'^'^^«nche'ster J

Bowker.T R Market Street Mnnl '

Street. Salfoni; 2

Brooks, S^m.:.' " ?-ton. up^n IrwS Cottl'"^ ?

Brode,J. p. Manchester, ""^^^ ^^'tage,.. I

Buckley, Edmund.'M.* p ^ejvcastle under Lyme o

Bickert'on, jju^;."?.."^' '^''^^f ^V AfanThesfer, .

Bames, H...... ... "atManuft '

«"""'«' " p"" ^^a"u:acturer, London i

^f'N. •; ^^^^^^^^t^I-ane, London

Byles, Captain I^Jymouth ° '

Bujteel, £ ;; ..-Seth Regiment',.*; J

^a;^:; ::::::.:::•:;:::} Belle vue. l^^^^ci;;^ I

Beautflo;er. i:: Jer Captain Lawtf SST' '

Beautflower J."^--; ^l^'/ancasWre.!."'. '^^'' ]

I^SiifT'"''— ^^^^ ^^-h^sie;:::;:;;;: }

^'\^- .v.'.*.';.'.': ^"^'•'"ans.Man'c'h'e's'ter""

Chamberlain. Sir TJ H Montreal,... "''"er,....

Campbell. M^jor.AD c''"^'-^^':^ fusiliers';..*;:

Croker, Captain...^:; *° *5^ Governor Gene'mi

Coston,Lie^utenantc'o'i;;nei '^'^ ^'S'"^-^t,JZ, t'''

t^otton. Lieutenant S «« , .

Crofts, Lieutenant, ..: ffj Regiment J

Cruikshank. D. A. C. Geni l^'^ Fusileers, »

Chalmers, R ^' "eni Kingston,. '

cuii;rnghame;*w;A;"M:; ^^^"^r^'-'^-z:::.: ;

^'«t i^g»meut, H. L. I ,

U8T OF BUB8CRIBERB.

at*?, I

''a Dept,'..* I

'on .*.'.' 1

oJ, I

[' 1

Salford, 2
'ottage,.. 1

e 2

>don 1

'D 1

•in Cox, 1
Jment,. i
5th Be, 1

•••«•• 1
••••• 1

Cary, Lieutenant, 77th Regiment. i

Garden, Lieutenant 77th Kegiment, 1

Connoliy, J. N. Montreal, ' 1

Connor, Serjeant 77th Regiment Z'" i

Cordial, J.^ : ^»ff'« ^'aM Rifle Brigade,... I

Crawford, Captain Rifle Brigade I

Colman, J Dundas, C. W •••••••• ^

n'^'u-^-r". 23rd Fusiliers, .*.*.' i

Campbell, R., junior Montreal, i

Crookshank. A Commissariat Staff, Kin«ton; 1

Gary, T. A Montreal, 1

Chester, Captain 23rd Fusiliers i

^l"*f • *^V; 23 St. Nicholas Tolentine St.i 1

Clarke, Mr St. Johns, i

Campbell. A. D Montreal, 1

S''f«^' V ""^ ^^' Townsend's, '."1

Collins, J. City & District Saving's Bank, 1

Coote. W. St. Johns, 1

Grossman, C. E Scott, Shaw & Co., l

Carter. George Advocate, Montreal, I

Cosgrave, R 23rd Fusiliers l

C apham, J. H. Quebec 1

C apham, J. Greaves Quebec, * 1

Clark, R. B Quebec, "."' I

Carrole, N. G Quebec, ',' 1

Clarke, T.M. Quebec; :::;;:::. 1

Coles, R Quebec 1

Cameron, Lieutenant 26th Regiment l

Chetewood, E. J. Dublin 1

LjiarKe, J.-..-.... Solicitor, Manchester, i

Clayton, E.F Dublin 1

Cormuck, H Deansgate, Manchester, '. I

Cotton, Lieutenant Colonel S 28th Regiment, l

Conran, Captain 56th Regiment, '.' l

Cox, Captain 56th Regiment 2

^'^o«»Pio°'P- Bury, Lancashire, 1

Coward, W Bury Bank, Lancashire ;

Campbell, Dr 56th Regiment 1

Campbell, Lieutenant 60th Rifles \

Creed, R.. ggc. London & Birm. Railway^ 3

rS!^n^^* e ^^^^ Master, 22nd Regiment, I

Cha inor. Sergeant, 17th Regiment 7. ;

Chalhnor, Levi. Stanley Street, Manchester,... 1

Dyneley, Colonel, C. B. R. A...CornwaU Terrace, Montreal... 1

Dyde, Colonel J Montreal ... 1

Dilke, Lieutenant W. W. E., 77th Regiment '. !. i

ijickens. Lieutenant. 23rd Fusiliers 1

i^areU, Lieutenant Royal Navy, 1

LIST 0*' 8UBSCWBER8.
pelHoste, Malor
J^»vid«on, Major ^- Q- M. OonornI Rom.

Sa?!{S:;:; •'''-•''^'Zl^sr ^•^^•' '

5»vie», J 20 AfftinSfreet. '

gawson, B 23rd Fusiliers, ^

Jow, Andrewr...'. ^"^ro I^atneStrm ^

5? Wolden. T.. «» ^t. Josoph Street '

J«rbishire, P. 23rd Fusiliers ^

I>erbishire,J.. Montreal,.. ' ^

I>avies, D.. Montreal, *

JaJIas, Rev.'.T.'. 23rd FusiliVri '

^ans, J. Wanchestor, '

proper, Captain.*.;.' lY^^P!" StreorManciiG8t«r '"'' !

}>udIey.Dr. K .' ^- A. General, D?S'--

»tIoundet
Street, A
Hos,

Jre^; SerjeantV;.;;;; 28thRefffmont?'.'.'.'.' '

5«minuck, J. • Newcastle under LymeV

under Ljrne,.' J

S«Jan.'cc;i^rseH;a;v m^.nm:;:!:^'^''^''^^:^!

pore, John .^"""^ 22nd Ke^imen * >

T? ^.■~--' .' Jfr'^'^stlo under L/me

^arell. Captain :;::;;: ST..?.^'-«^^ Man^ch";

1
o

I
1

^ewhurst, J... 60rh Kiflcs.., 1

|van«, T., Major Gon,r^i-Vr;vI^;fl^,Bn^^^^^^^

%erton Majo'r. " . •'^' ^^- 'I'f, ^^"\Regiraent. Momr'ealoo

Evans, Lieutenant... ^/^'' Regiment ''"'^«a^'20

Ivan"; VT"^«'^^«''^nel.'^\*''i1ir^^

£^vang, J. A ;J;*th Ke/^iment,...

■English, D.. Montreal,.. .

Eagjeton, Co'rporai'w;: T^J S^'^^'^'^'^'b^rg,

fgie, Sergeant J.. ^Srd Fusiliers,.... ^

Evans, Serjeant MaVor of !? fusiliers ;;;; J

Edwards,—..... "J"''^- 23rd Fusiliers, ^

Ellerj, Miss,.. Manchester,. *

U6T OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Bombay,...,!
Bombay,.... I

Major,'.*.*.".' 1

c::::::::: \

•ester,.... i

n 1

10 1

P I

?ster, 1

>ntreal,20

...... I

". I

n,.... 2
m,... 1

land, 1
I...... 1

Ileromg, T Ch., Exchange, ManchMt«r,.«

Fleming, Dr. M. 1) Brouehton View. ManoheitM*.

Fortune, Quarter Master 23rd Fusiliers,

Fojr, Miyor. 71»t Highland L. I

Ford, A. J... B. E. Department

Florence. J., junior 400 Broadway, New York,....

Fftvy, J 23rd Fusiliers,

Ford, P 23rd Fusiliers,

Fletcher, J., Q. M. Sergeant 23rd Fusiliers

Farrow, J Canal Basin,

Famden.G St. Louis Street

Fisher, J. C, L. L. D Quebec

Frew, J Quebec,

Frazer, Dr Biflo Brigade

Fazakerley, — Bridgewater St., Manchester,.

Foulkes, E Solicitor. Manchester

Freeling, Clayton Dublin,

Freke, Surgeon R Dublin

Freke, W Solicitor, Dublin

Farmer, '^T Winchestor House, London,...

Greenock, Lord A.F. 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers,...

Granville, F., Major 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers,.. _

Gugy, Colonel A., M. P. P De Bleury Street 10

Granthan, Dr. D., 23rd Fusiliers,

Grant, Daniel Bury, Lancashire

Garman, Rev. N Head Mas. Gram. Sch., Man.,

Glass, John Montreal,

Galway, Lieutenani W., 77th Rpgiment,

Gallogher, J 23rd Fusiliers

Green, R. J 23rd Fusiliers,

Goodrich, C Burlington

George, Sergeant 23rd Fusiliers,

Gilbert, Color Sergeant 23rd Fusiliers,

Gordon, J Montreal,

Griffin, Gilbei-t Montreal,.

Grant, p Ordnance Department, Quebec,

Gillespie, A Ordnance Department, Quebec,

Gale, D Quebec

Goodfellow, — Water Street, Manchester,

Gough, C King Street, Manchester,

Goldsmith,— Gravesend,

Grettan, Lieutenant Royal Navy, Manchester,

Grundy, E TheWylde', Bury,Manche8ter,

Graham, Dr Royal Navy,

Guise, Lieutenant,

Grix, Sergeant Major. 56th Regiment

Grundy, Miss..... Bury, Lancashire,

Hoghton, Sir H. Bold, (Bart)... London,

"ST OP SUBSORIBEKS.

'^arria, Colonel ^ ^,

HalJoway, CoJonoJ,. ' f?'^'^ ^ "siJiers, .

«opton.L:fiufcenant
gammond, Lieut

goger, JunieC S'«« Bn-feade,:;: f

gare. Captain... <-''envii]e '

noffftrth. .Mnjor'c B 5^'^ Regiment,.." |

Hare. liev. lij^'^ 26th Kejiment...

Hughes, Lieutenam;:;:::: 9^/nV/,^>P'- Har^riei* '£•;• i

Hughes LioutonanC. ?;"S^ J^'?^/^^"*,... ....." ^'S' f

namilton, J... *

H«ney,J ;;;;• Custom House J

HoJmot), ,T... Court House '

Haij. J. ,.;;;;;;• • Trinity Hous'e"*..".'.* }

Handley, Sergcant^VV.' ^'^^I'T'^ J>epartra;nt; J

Hitchcock, Serffeunt j; ^^"^ -"^usilier^^ ' J

Hutchins, J. lif ';"' ^^ 20rd Fusiiiers..:;:

Harvey A. G f> I'auJ Street,... f

gf>wel}. Sergeant. ' Montreal J

Howell, Lieutenant.:: of'? S"''^'«''« ."•'::: i

Hartley, W M. B P''^ f^usiliers ^

JJeuderson, Peter. Montreal,

liar
1%

Vor,^. ;;;•;• 36 St. George StreeL

1
1

{j*>'««. M. ;;;;; care of MnLoveridJ; ;

Hayes, ~ Montreal ^' *

Harris, Charies'" Montreal....*::: ^

Hughe., N. "^t Mr. Philjin* a'^I*^ ^

Hooper, A. C. Montieal,... ., '-•• »

Hall, Georffe Quebec '" 1

Hall, G. b! Quebec 1

iS&S,^g5^^^^s;gh:r^"^^^^^^ ' "*'

Tx , — » - B ..:; J^V'g street Manchester"

Henderson, Rev. J.... ^o^''-'' or, Manchester,. '

*%wood^ T. Manchester *

Hutchinson, W:::;:;:;;;; J^T''^-ay, iiancheVter f

^*ooper, J. DuMin, '' *

Hulme, — ' ^ankofEnWanH mIU'u *

HardcaWj;:::;::;::;:; ^'« s'-Kfi?'*'' J

Hargre^ve^fe z:z::t::^,?^''j^^ I

LIST OP SUBSCRIBEBS.

Jth Keg! I

I
1

/»••••• 1
nent, i
•<>•••• 1

... 1
1

St, J

'' 1
a... 1

• ••• 1

• •ff • 1
>«•• 1

... 1
... 1
er, 1
... 1

B., 1
.. 1
.. 1

Ilardman, E..., Chambers Hall, Bur j.Lancas. 2

Halkett, Miss Craigoe 1 Si I wood Place, Bngh. Sussex,

Harris, J. C » Radford, „

Hawker, W. H Plymouth, ,

Holt, B Bury, Lancashire,

Harper, — Solicitor, Lancashire,

Harrison, J ...Ir well House, Lancashire,

Harrison, Jnc Green Banks, Lancashire,...,..

Hodgson, E. W Leberts & Co., Bradford,

Hollond, Dr Philo, Soci., Shef., Yorkshire,

Heeny, Color Sergeant 22nd Krgiment, ,

Hindle, Sergeant Major 60th Rifles, .'.

Hogg, Cajptain 90th Rcgiaient .'.

Harvey, J. Commissariat. Bombay,

fngilby, C. H Lieutenant Royal Artillery,...

Isaa^json, J. H Notary, Montreal,

Idler, Ernest, Corner of Dorchester Street,.

irwin, Corporal 23rd Fusiliers,

Ibbitson,H. I Globe Works, Sheffiield,....'.*..

Jones, Captain 23rd Fusiliers

Jones, D. Captain 60th Rifles,

Jarvis, Judge Cornwall, ,.**.'..'

Jane, Assistant Surgeon 71st Regiment, H. L. I., *..".

Jarvis, Color Sergeant 77th Regiment,...

Johnson, S 23rd Fusiliers,

Johnson, James 2 St. Mary Street,

Johnson, J. G Montrpal,

Jones, George Quebec,...., '„,[',

Jackson, G Bridge Street, Manchester,....

Johnson, — Bury, Lancashire,

Jerrutt, Frederick 22nd Regiment,

.Tones, J. Sergeant :....22nd Regiment, ."]

Kerr, Lord Mark A. D.C.tothe Gov. General...

Kaye, Alderman Manchester,

Kingsford, W , Montreal

Khriecoff, Cornwallis Great St. James Street,

Koane, a , Ordnance Department,

Kinton, J Barclay Place,

Keary, Sergeant, 23rd Fusiliers

Knapton, oerjeant 23rd Fusiliers

Kays, J Gain Street ,

Kain, C

Keith, John Campbell Bryson,

Knapp, — DeBleury Street

Kelly, Color Sergeant 22nd Regiment,

*^«ijvv, -oaj^iaui r\uvvcasueunaerijyrae,

Love, Captain 9 1st Regiment, late 60th Rifles,

Lawson, Captain 56th Regiment,

LIST OP SUBSCHIBERS.

Lindsay, Charles t^ . ,

La Merf, Captain......; .V; .ftrH'^'lvV

■L«e, Josephs iJJ'^" ^'gnlanders,.

LancasterrFk Montreal, .7

Lamart, N..... '.*.*.'.*.*.'.'.*.'.'.* S' ^"ffjneer Depa

T -^r"'^' p !?.,"• - ;r apartment,

Laidly, DC. General... Mon.^T^ ^^epartraent,

Lindsej, W. B... Montreal,

Lindsay, W.,, "' St. Johns .\\ '

^Lettle, G.. ,..'.*.* ^^' Johns, [[''[ *

Library..."".'.".';;* '•••!* ^'-Antoine Street,*.*. J

Lyman, J.. Kine Brigade, J

Laggatt, H.;;;.';;; jf^'^'e Dame Street,'.;;; 7

Langslouffh, — . t'S'^^^ ^^ame Street,. ,

Lay. Alexander;;; -Montreal 'J"' J

Large, Sergeant W:;:::Z oZ^T^-

Lyons, M., ^^'" Fusihers

Leslie, E. S.;;;;;;; Cigar Divan, Montreal

Lyons, SamI Montreal,

Loveridge, D. ^^^I^ ^ame Street,..

Lamb, J, ; ^t- Mary Street '

Library....^..; -Artist, Montreal,...; * ,

Lavicount, A.*K * 2^^^^ ^''^J^ery,...;.; :

^evy, -^ i/nibroke Street,..

Low, S ;; Notre Dame Street,."

Longmore, M..*;;;;."; ^^^'® ?^ ^he Barrack Master *'

Lovis, J <:;'Oiirier Office, '"*

Lanauze, Lieutenant.*; fLu'^'^^^'^''^''---'''''^.\'yy.''.'.

Lanauze, — ^^^" *^^g'nnent,.... ,

j^e, Joshua;.*;;;*;; p*' ;;;;;;; ,

Lyons, John... ^H?.'''^' Lancashire,.... ,

Lee,-— Dublin, *

Lewis, Coionei;;;; ^''''^i'^^^'SbeffieidVYorka'i;-'"" J

La Motte, -...;;;;;; g-yal Engineers, Dublin,. !'''

Longworth, Sergeant.*.*. f^olton, Lancashire, ;'

Macdougall, Sir D M n"\""'lt^ insiliers

MaclainS, S r I M^rf;""'-;-^"^^^'' ^^--vice Club '

Maelaine,' Coionei fl ^^"^^^'-United Service Club, .V;"

Markham, Lieutenant'cd;nd""30nd'^

Majonbanks. Mrs. Campbell '^rfr ^'"iment

Messiter, Lieutenant Cdoner'"olh ff •^'''^'''^^^•' ^'^"^on
Munroe, Colonel. '""^'- rj'th liegiment, '

Montizambert, E. ZZZl 49T m"^ ^l^' t'-^' (D"blin;y.;;; ^

Montizambert, C. N A? u "''" ^*- ♦^^"es Street, 1

Morrison, Lieutenant.;;.*;;; ^"^itTv"--

Montague, P. "ovalLngmeers,

Macdougall, d"l Montreal,

Mackenzie, Dr.*. m'd Montreal

-aiann, jjr., M. D ^'''.'r'''^^^*^""^«''Lyme,.. 9

' Bndgewater Street, Mandir; I

1
1
1
1
1

•••••«.......,

1
I
4
1

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Molson, Mrs. Wm Montreal

Meason, W. L 71st Kegiment H. L. I, '.'.

Mofftttt, Ogilvy Montreal,

Macdougall, L Montreal,

Maggridge, Lieutenant Royal Engineers

J.?.?**^!i^* Royal Engineer Department...

Mills, Thomas... Chambly,

Murray,. — , Commissariat Department

Mostyn, Lieutenant 77th Regiment,

Maitland, J. H St. James Street,

Montgomerie, H. E Sherbrooke Street,

Mess, Sergeants, 77th Regiment,.

Monarty, Color Sergeant 77th Regiment,

^usson, J Quebec

ManseU, M 23rd Fusiliers

JJundy,D Lachine Canal Basin

Moore, Sergeant Alfred 23rd Fusiliers

Montague, J. M. P Montreal '.

JJann, D 3 St. Mary Street,

Maffre, J., juni Montreal,

Merritt, F

Meredith, W. C Advocate

Morgan, W Sadler, Montreal !...,!!!!!

Merntt, H. S Bank, B. N. A., Quebec,

Miller, Lieutenant P. F Royal Artillery, Quebec,

Macdougall, John Quebec,

Mainwaring, C Whitemore, Staffordshire,.!!!!!

Mayes, C Mr. Baines, Clements Lane,

Mechanics Institute Bury, Lancashire,

Mosley, R Sec, South Western Railway*,

Myhns, Captain 26th Regiment,

f; J- M. 8th Regiment,

Margeson, Lieutenant. 56th Regiment,

Murray, Lieutenant Colonel F....17th Regiment, late 60th Rifles

Mangnall, — King Street, Salford, Lane.,...

Morton, Sergeant 22nd Regiment,

Maud, Sergeant W 40th Regiment,

M'Gill. Hon. P Donegana's Hotel

M'Carty, Lieutenant 77th Regiment,

M'Pherson, Duncan Quebec,

M'Limont, A. N Quebec, !!!!!!!!!!!!*"

M'Dermott, G Newcastle under Lyme,!!!!!!!!!

M'Keuzie,— , Beaver Hall,

M'Gregor, J Nazareth Street, *..

M'Coy, Jno St. James Street

M'Indnfi. M". . Hf^rv^^ — 1

. ,- J .. .-......,,, •■tiii»i««iii tTiVTlLX ceil** •••••••*•««••• X

M'Millen, Jas 3 St. Mary Street, !...!!!! 1

M'Gumess, J Montreal, 2

LIST OP SUBSCKIBEES.

M'Veagh. - -

M'Guire, ~. ;;; S-f^^/^nd Regiment, Montreal. 1

Note, M. Genl. Sir W "k* P 'r^*' "^^Jl^f-; 1

Norman. Major. ..^^ ^'^- ^Z2 ?f ^ri"dley & Co.,Lond 3
>^apior, D. C ^^^" K<'giment j

Nixon, Lieutenant j'p )^'' Regiment, n.'Ll,',',',',,]] i

Nixon, Lieutenant J..."lZ[l'"' f H. E. J. C. Service 1

Norris, Thos.. A ^ otrvice

NuttalJ, J... ^"""y. Lancashire, y

Newton, Qr. Mas'tti';:;:;; ^^"P; Lancashire :;;;;;; i

Oakley, Captain fl'l V/-V"^"' I

Ormrod, Jus... ^'Gth Kegiment ,

O'Noil, J Haliiwell Lodge, Bolton, . '" i

Overburjr, Colo^ Se;-g;anV J ^^Ti' ^¥'^ ^'^Soons,.,Z 1

O'Neill. Sergeant J__ o. J I '■■""' 1

Orr,John... :^3rd in&iliers, j

ogfien, G. P.;;;:;;;;;; ,^"^rf Dame street, ;;;;;;; i

Ordnance Libr— Quebec,,

•Jiry.

Pritchard frrW"",**: l>ublin, *

p^^^^u'"'' ^- ^- ^-f r'^'.-..::^::::::::::;;;:

l^aris. Rev. A....." w!^^^^'' ^■^' ^'' M. g! O.* 2

Jassey, Major E. w' W r! u^»"''? ^^^ctory g

Potter, Rev.— / :^6th Kegiment ,

Mips, Lieutenant.:::::: oZh^^'P''''^''''' *::: i

pollock. Lieutenant.. p '^ ,*"«^llf -^ 1

Percival, V., Surgeon jj^'^ ^^^t.'ery, Montreal i

Pasley. Lieutenant" .' p''^^' Artillery, Montreal }

Proctor, T fl^^jai -H/ngineers, j

Perry, G. L.....'.,', 23rd Fusiliers ;;;" j

Prince, J. Jt. Urbain Street, .

Patrick, W.:: JfT^^' "ear Bostoii,...'*.*.* 4

Phillips, J ;;;;;;;;; ^; Jf. General's Department;: 1

Patton, Duncan.... n u ^''^ ^'^^^' Academy,... i

Patton, James : Q^^*^^' 1

^?rk''nson.j :;;; g"j;bec

Philipps, J, Lloyd.. -j^uO. Lancashire, ^

Quinn, Major J. !)..,['.','. 1"^,^^ %^' ^h^'*"^' Exchange St. 3

Roper, Sir H -^Srd Fusihers, " j

Rushbrook, Cd'onei: *M " P t 1 ^^'^''^^ J^"stice of Bombiy: 1

Ross.Thos... ;J"i itegiraent, j

Robert on, E.x:.v;;::;:::- fc::^^!' :.';:: i

lingers, W.M. "--"yui

Commissariat Department..... 1

LIST OP SUBSCKIBEES.

'> Montreal, 1

••• 1

Co.,Lond. 3

rtment,.... i

-»•!.. 1

:e 1

ton, 1

>ons, 1

'\i'.'G."0. 2

real i

real, i

tment,. 1

ige St. 3

mbaj, 1

E\ I

It..... 1

Robertson, Mrs. Dr St. James Street i

Kowe, Thos.. Royal Engineer Department! 1

Koss, Color Sergeant Rifle Brigade i

Riley, Alexander 23rd Fusiliers, ..'.'." y

Robinson, J 23rd Fusiliers ."*' i

Robertson, D Montreal, " i

Ready, J. M., 1 Durham Place, '..,.'.'.['.' l

Rapsey, Color Sergcaat J 23rd Fusiliers i

Renaud, E. J Montreal, 1

Roberts, Serg^eant, 23rd Fusiliers, *.*.*.*'.*.".'/.'." I

Robertson, Messrs 2 St. Paul Street, " l

Raffan, J.. careofMr.Mann,3St.Mary8t! I

Routh, J., D. A. C. G Montrenl, i

Rogers, Rev. E. E St. Helens ."..*.* .*"* i

Ross, D. M late 1st Roynls, " i

Ready, Captain C D. Q. M. General's Offiee....*.*. 1

Richardson, Robert Quebec, i

Roe, F. N Oueb^o' ,

Raban, Lieutenant 56th Regiment, i

Raine, Henry Bury, Lancashire, '.ZZ 2

Ramsay, Lieutenant Fox Maule,56th Regiment, i

Robson, Lieutenant 5th Dragoon Guards,..!,'.'.*.'.*.*.'.'.' i

Rose, R. J., J. P No wcjiPt'e under Lyme,.... i

Ryarie, R.... care of Captain A. Ry arie',!.*;.' 1

Ramsay, Sir Alexander, Bart,. ..of Balmain, .... i

Rogers, Sergeant R 56th Regiment, ...' l

Ryan, Dr., M. D 56t»i Regiment, '" i

Richards,F.C ...Manchester, i

Robertson, W. N. City Bank, i

J'ce. G St Johns .'.'

Sale, M. Gen. Sir R.,K.C B. &c.,Uted.Ser.Club; forLady'sde'
Saye and Sele, Lord care ofMrs. Thornton, London,

If' T^-'"n Crompton Fold, Bolton Lane.

Stopford, Rev. G j

Sutton, Lieutenant, 71st Highland, L. T, i

btehelin. Captain., Royal Engineers "' i

Seymour, R. A Montreal, '„,„',['. 1

ou //' ?"A'": Ordnance Department .'.*.*!.* i

bhaddock, Serjeant, 20th Regiment, Kingston, l

Sabine, A. F St. Franyois Xavier Street,... 1

Savage, D. Notre Dame Street, i

Shipman, J,. Montreal, o

I ^r'^xr^r; •• ^^ S'- Urbain Street,...*.*.'.*.';.','; i

Smith, W. H 23rd Fusiliers, i

Smith, Ferdinand F. Morning Courier, ....'.*;" i

Sm»»ie, D Montreal J

snnn'°v^« ^°y^^ ^^^^'' Quebec,.'.;.;;;;;;;; i

Spong, W.H Q. Master General's Office,... l

LIST OF SUBSCKIBEBS.

1
1
1
1
1

Stewart, G. Mayor of Quebec,

Sealy J Quebec,

Skinner, A WAe Brigade, Quebec,

Scott, Wra.. Quebec

Sterenson, H. E Quebec,..

Sherrier,-, J^^'Jf^fc—; J

Supple, J St. P: ul Street I

yijj^jy B Shudohill, Manchester,

Sloan' J.*..*.*. Manchester,

Smith R.P Bank of England, London,....

Smith! J.....*.*.*.*.'.i .Manchester.......

Smith 8 Bolton, Lancashire,

Smith, Warwick, Oldham Street. Manchester,...

Stork 'w Solicitor, Glossop,

Stisted, Captain 2ud, or Queen's Royals,

Sndlow, J.. Solicitor, Manchester,

Sparkes, Lieutenant R. M 86th Regiment

Svdnev & Horsman, .Market Street, Manchester,....

Swan, J l^i"ff Street, Manchester,

Swaine, Q. Master J ...56th Regiment,....

Schofields, S Oldham, Lancashire,....

Smith R Harewood House, Leeds,

Slade,*R^'vVj.*.'. Vicar of Bolton, Lancashire,. 1

Smith, Captain 56th l]?Sl"^^''y''y--'-:"'r: ]

Smith, Sergeant J 78th Highlanders, (late 40th.) 1

Tenterden, Lord London....... J

Turner, Major General Cork, Ireland.............. }

Talbot, Major, A. D. C to Commander in Chief, 1

Tomkins, Captain 77th Regiment,, 1

Taylor, J., O. R. S RifleBrigade^...................

Thompson, E Su Franyois Xavier Street,....

Thomas, R 23rd Fusiliers

Thomas, J • 23rd 1 usiliers,

Thomas, J., P. M..Sergeant 23rd Fusi hers

Tuite, Sergeant J 23rd Fusiliers,

Townsend, W. A Notre Dame Street

Twibyen, — ....-^ Water Works,

Turner, Captain Montreal,.

Travers ..Custom House,

Tipson, Captain, Steamer Iron Duke

Tims, F , Quebec

Tim8,W Quebec,

<T«|^i* Dublin,

Taylor, — Temple Street, Manchester,...

Taylorl Manchester,

Tl.rti.ntnn. T.iplltenant. J ff TT__— TlnvV/^'Iir fttraot

Thornton, W. S 'Y Portman Square, London,..

Thornton, Mrs. W. H. )

LIST OP atlBSCRIBEBS. '

Todd, Rev. J. H. Trinity College, DabHnH^.;....\H

Townsend, J '..King Street, Manchester,.....;"!.''

TraflTord, J. Manche:: ier, i

Thornton, J. Butler, Sounds Street, Lpndon, 1

Thompson, C. N Winchester House, London,.;. j(^

Taylor, C Oldham Street, Manchester,;.. Jl'

Tanner, R....... Market Street^ Manchester,... I.

Travers, J Bridge Street, Manchester,.... I

Taylor, Color Sergeant St. Helena Regiment, a^

Udell, Sergeant J 23rd Fusiliers i

Vaughan, Captain Sorel, 2

Vincent, Lieutenant 23rd Fusiliers, ..... i

Van Kleck, C. A care of Mr. J. Gordon,....!!.*.'.* 1

Vickerman, — Bookseller, Bury, Lancashire, 1

Warre, M. Gen Sir W.,K. T. S.Manchester, i

Wemyss, Major General., C. B.. Manchester i

Wilson, W.J Quebec, !. i

Wyke, Major, 56th Regiment l^'jii'uy;;r*° ^' ^" '^^ ^'"^

West, Colonel Lieut. Gover., Longford'Fort*! 1

Wegg, Major 56th Regiment, Isle of Wight, 1

Waddell, Captain 56th Regiment, i

Weatherly, Captain Montreal, !!! i

Walken, C Royal Engineer Department, 1

Walden, Miss St. Paul Street i

Williamson, J 23rd Fusiliers, !! i

Williams, J 23rd Fusiliers, *** i

Walls, H 23rd Fusiliers i

Warton, J. D., Corporal 23rd Fusiliers, !. i

Watkins, Thos ; 23rd Fusiliers, !!! i

Watson, W 28 St. Joseph Street l

White, J 23rd Officers Mess i

Walsh, P. Montreal i

Walcott, — Commissariat Department 1

Weaver, Sergeant 23rd Fusiliers, i

Walker,— Sherbrooke, !!! i

Whitney P Missisquoi 2

Walsh, J Quebec, !. i'

White, Richard P Quebec i

Wade, M. B Quebec, !!!!!!!!. 1

Wynn, Captain W. W 23rd Fusiliers, !! i

Washington, G Ravvtenstal, Lancashire !!! i

Westall, Mr. Spread Eagle Hotel, Manr.,.!. 1

Wemyss, Lieutenant Manchester i

White, Major, Dublin, !..!!!!!! 1

Willis, J King Street, Manchester^.,.!!! i

Williams, Mr King Street, Manchester^!!!!!! i

Wynne, — Bury, Lancashire, i

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Wetherall, Colonel, C.B. D.A.G.St. Antoine Street

Woodford, Lieutenant 66th Regiment,

Ward, Lieutenant F. 56th Regiment, ,.

Woodcock, W. P Solicitor, Bury, Lancashire,.!!

Walker, J., M. P. Belle Vue, Lancashire,

Washington, Sergeant 4Ist Regiment

Webb, J « Sadler, Birmingham,

Yates, — Norton Hall, Sheffield

Young, T. A Quebec,

Young, Seijeant Major J 4Ist Regiment,

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER L

War in Central Asia; Army under Sir John Keane; Her Ma-
jesty's Ship Wellesley; Embarkation of H. M. 40th Regiment
for Kurrachie ; Brig Hannah, with the Bombay Artillery;
Arrival at Minora, mouth of the Indus; Fortification of
Minora; A Summons to Surrender; The Flag of Truce;
Preparations for Battle; Disembarkation of the Troops; Admi-
ral Maitland and Colonel Valiant; Ascent of the Troops up the
Mountains; Evacuation of the Fortress by the Enemy; Kurra-
chie, its environs ; Traffic; Native Government; Food soon
supplied; Markets; Difference of Camp and Quarters; Mise-
ries of the latter; Troops visited by Cholera; Awful ravages
of Disease; Unremitting attention of Surgeon M'Andrew;
Scinde and its People; United Hostility against the British ;
Faqueers or Native Priests; their power over the people; their
mode of living; Harrassing Boute from Minora to Kurrachie;
Precarious situation; Development of British perseverance.

CHAPTER II.

Safe arrival into Camp; Uncomfortable Lodging; Barren Coun-
try; Effects of Filth; Position of Camp; Second Grenadiers
Native Infantry ; Massacre of Captain Hand ; Exploit of
Lieutenant Clarke; Desperate Leap down a precipice; Cry of
Revenge; Troops in Camp; Dust Storms; Miseries thereby
occasioned; Force increased; State of Scinde ; Reserve Force;
Sir John Keane's advance on Cabool ; Rumours of capturing

"Dooprinfinn nf TTvrlrolinrl ■

r — — J

^Pr^Vt

•Cj

^e tu

T>_:*:-u

Functionary, Sir H. Pottinger; Ameers of Scinde; Removal )f

CONTENTS.

their Body Guards; Substitution of a BriHsh Subsidiary Force;
Scinde made tributary to tho British Government; Sir John
Koane resumes his March for Cabool; Monotonous life of
the Scinde Force; Troops put into Huts; Description of Huts;
Bad made Worse; Hospitals crowded; Minora selected as a
Sanatorium; Benefit derived thereby; Curious Phenomenon;
Boiling Spring; Sacred Alligator Lake; Picnics; Fate of a
Dog.

CHAPTER III.

Improvement of Kurrochie; News from Upper Country of the
Capture of Ghuznee ; Cabool; Coronation of Shah-Shooja-
ool-Moolk as King of Cabool; Sir T. Wiltshire takes Kelat
Return of Sir John Keane's Army; Arrival in Kurrachie
Favorable opportunity; Brilliant Staff; Prince Hyder Khan,
Presentation of New Colors to the 40th Regiment; Departure
of the Cabool Army for Bombay; Wreck of H. M. 17th Rp^t .
in the "Hannah"; Dreadful loss sustained by the Corps;
Prospects of an Insurrection ; Call upon Brigadier Farquharson
to supply Troops; His inability to comply r Despatch of the
Right Wing 40th; An Aifghan's opinion of European Power;
Preparations for March to Tatta; A slight retrogade step in
the story; Embarkation of Troops in the Ship Stalkart, laden
with Powder and Camp Equipage; Alarm of Fire at Sea;
Expectation of being blown up; Description of Scene; Dis-
covery of Cause; Effect Produced; Arrival at Destination; The
Murderers of Captain Hand; The Commander of the Party; A
Priest hanged; March of the Wing to Googah. Jts beau-
ties; Tatta; Embarkation in Boats; Arrival at Tatta.

CHAPTER IV.

Tatta: Its appearance from the Indus; The River Indus; Its
Inundations, like the Nile; Danger of being overpowered b/
the Current; Whirpools; Curious modes of Swimming and Na-
vigation ; Description of Jerrick ; dreadful Catastrophe ; Bum-
.H^ o. ^*, ni^t/c. u aiivi ltto uiiiurs, joniisn Omcers, by Firing

CONTENTS.

the Jungle; Impossibility of Escape; Surmise as to cause;
Shikarees or Hunting Grounds of Ameers of Soinde; Appear-
ance of Hydrabad from Indus; Lucknee Mountains; Pleasure
Boats of the Ameers; Description of Workmanship; The
Ameers of Scindo; The Power and Scource of Revenue; Lake
of Harran; Larkana; Arrival at Bukkur; Conjunction of
Troops; Description of Sukkur; Fortress of Bukkur: Its
Situation and Employment; State Prisoners; The Prince of
Shawl and Grand Vizier of Kelat; Strict Guard on them;
Their Treatment and Allowances; Short History of the
Prince; Release of the Prisoners; Their Employment by Go-
vernment; Ross Bell, Esquire, Political Agent; Captain Bean;
Defeat of Lt. Clarke's Force; His Death; Dreadful Loss of
Stores, &c.; Awful situation of Troops in Sukkur; Prepara-
tions for War; Press for Cattle; Effect of the appearance of
British Troops; March of Troops to Shikarpoor; Equipment
of the Force; Appearance of Shikarpoor. '

CHAPTER V.

DeseriptionofaMarch in the East; Extreme Change of Wea-
ther; European Constitution; Young Officers; Their Praise-
worthy Conduct; Preparations for Active Service completed;
Departure of Force; Destination ; Dadur; The Enemy^;
Nusseer, the Youthful King of Kelat; His Mother, Beebee
Qunjan; His Uncle, Gool Mahomed; Their Efforts to Anni-
hilate Small Forces; Attempt to recapture Kelat; Lieutenant
Loveday, Bombay N. L; Massacre of his Force; His life ran-
•omed by two Banyans; Becomes a Hostage; His Treatment;
Nusseer's unsuccessful attack on Dadur; Three times De-
feated; Arrival at Rojan; Fadguing March across the Desert
ofScinde; Confidence of Captain Boscawen in his Men; Cer-
tainty of British Valour; Enemy Encamped on the other
side; Arrival at the Spot; Decampment of the Enemy towards
Kunda; Cavalry despatched after them; Movement of Force to
Kunda; Appearance of the Enemy; Battle; Description of
Scene; Private Jeeiings; General Acknowledgment; My
First Battle Field; Prisoners taken; Arrival of Nawab*

UUNTENT9.

Mahomed Shereave; Sentence passed on Prisoners; Ma-
homed's Manner; Anecdote of an English Rifle; Night
Alarm; March to Oodana; Want of Water; Encampment on
a Barren Plain.

CHAPTER VI.

Another Retrograde Movement; Interesting Account of one of
the Banyans, who ransomed the Life of Loveday; Curious
Discovery in the Merchont; Sudden Metamorphosis into a
young Englishman; A brief History of his career; March to
Kotra; Re-appearance of the Enemy; Straggling Shots; 25th
Regt., N. I., left at Kotra; Welcome of the Force at Kotra
by the inhabitants; Havoc made by the Insurgents; Situation
of Kotra, with the Gundavie Pass; A Blockade; March to
Sunnee; A Night's March; Distressing Route; We reach
Seran; Mysore; Departure; Sudden Route; Ai rival of Des-
patches from Dadur, announcing a Grand Attack on the 2nd
November; Necessity of a Reinforcenent at Dadur; Dreadful
situation of Troops; Seven weeks on sentry; Orders to force
march to Dadur; Detention of Couriers for Guides; The
Mysore Pass; Midnight; Description of Pass ; Previous
Position ; Sudden Alarm ; Suspicions of Treachery ; Route
Intercepted; Discovery of ravine flooded; Impossibility to
proceed; Night 1st November; Interrogation of the Guides;
Their protestation of innocence; Another very long Route
discovered; Determination to proceed ; Troops re-formed;
Serious reflection; Miseries of the night; Credit due to the
Native Troops; The break of day; Poor progress made;
Energetic advancement; Determination to accomplish ; Dadur
in sight; And happy welcome.

CHAPTER VII.

Preparations for Battle; Energy of the little Drummers; Con-
junction of the Dadur Forces P'^sUion taken up by Mahomed
Shereuve; Captain Boscawen' . "vaxigem.ut; Young Malcolm's
Cavalry; The Advance; PosiiVn t^diilovementsof theEuemy;

CONTENTS.

Difoorery ofaTrick; Sudden Retreat of the Foe; Admirable
Practice of our Artilloiyi A Noblo Cavalry Movement; The
decampment of the Eutmy ; Retreat into the Bol n Tagg; Vexa-
tious Scene; Advance to the Deserted Camp; Appearance of
an European Tent; Distressing scene; The Discovery of
the murdered body of Loveduy; His last breath; His sor-
rant; His situation; Story told by him; Brutal treatment ;
Gool Mahomed, the insfigator; Feelings of the Troops; Two
of the Enemy f und secref'd; ^Effects of drunkenness; HinU
to Soldiers; Dangerous position; Slight wound; Too much
sanguinityaf times dangerous; Necessity of implicit obedience
in the Eciv.ct; Ability of Commanders; 38 th Regiment, N. I.,
left in charge of Prize; Encampment; Dadur; Its situation
with the Bolun; State of the Troops; Burial of Loveday;
Description of British Stronghold at Dudur; The severity of
the climate; The effect of the water; Painful malady; Scar-
city of Provisions ; Annoyance of the Enemy; Troops always
under Arms; Original recipes for cooking; Precaution of
Major Boscawen; 38th Regiment ordered up the Pass is
weatherbound.

CHAPTER VIII.

Sojourn at Dadur; The Kotra Force; Nusseer still determined;
Lieutenant Chamberlain; Colonel Marshall at Kotra; En-
campment of the Enemy near Kotra; Secret Expedition;
Silent preparations for Battle; Midnight Surprise; Glorious
Victory ; Escape of Nusseer ; Dreadful loss amongst the
Enemy; Colonel Stacy at Quetta; His Directions to Nego-
ciate ; Unjust liberality of the British ; General Brooks ;
A large lorce for further Exploits; Evidence of another War;
Assembly of a Grand Army at Sukkur; Its March to Mungal
Ka Shier; Left Wing 40th with the Grand Army; Orders for
the Right Wing to join Head Quarters; Second Grenadier
Regiment left at Dadur; March to Mungal Ka Shier; Arrival
at Aji Ka Shier; Route theieto; Night marching; Defile;
Arfivalin Cuuip at Midnight; Coraniissanat lost; Bad look-
ovX; Camp Surprises; Recollections of Major Clibborn's mishap;

i i

1 i

CONTENTS.

Despfttchfls to Diidur; CoUfotion of a meal; Arrival of a lost
fiiond; Conjunction with tho Grand Army; Stato of the
Country} l>;.8itiou und Tower of Political Agonts; Demand on
KojukforTiibuto; rrc'ri'mpt..ryKofu84l; Attempt at a Broach;
Colono! Wilson dtfoated and wounded; Rascally conduct of th«
f^opoy a; During Exploit of Mty European Artillery; Serious
loss; The Storm; Fall of its Commander, Lieut. Creed.

CHAPTEU IX.

iiotreatuf Uio Enemy: Possession of the Fort; An attempt at
swamping the Camp made; Admirable conduct of the Troops;
J»rovention of annoyance; Old Proverb realized; Despatch
sent to General Brooks; Reinforcement ordered; Sudden
March; Advantages and disadvantages; Threatening thunder
storm; Awful prospect; Description of scene; Precarious
situation; A dreadful stonn ; Miserable coudiUon of Troops;
Anxious prayer fur day; Horrible attacks of Cramps; Indes-
cribable prospect; March resumed; Arrival atKojuk; Lossof
Cattle, Ac; Plunder of the Fort; Ke-establishment of a Com-
misai-iut; Mode of making dry ground; Soldiers never lost
tor means; The Enemy disappears; Death of Colonel Wilson;
March to Dadur; Preparations for Route through the Passes;
Appearance of a suspicious Camp; Destination of 4()th is
learned.

CHAPTEK X.

Arrival at Dadur; Conjunction of Troops; Meeting of 41st and
40U» Regiments; Active J'repai-atious for marching up the
Country J Description of ground near Dadur, and the
mouth of tho P,uis; March of tho First Division; Road to the

- Enti-ance; A Boar Chase, Description of first day's Jlorch;
The Sorpoutiae Stream; Soldier's case; Sublime not always
pleasing; Second day's Moi'ch; Continuance of the stream;
Soldier's bouts; A three milo wade; Fatigue of the dey;
Third day; Appearuuco of tho Enemy: Halt at Bobee Naunp«:
Capture by the Enemy of Cattlej Rwovery of it; Destruction

CONTENTS.

of the Rebels; Precautions taken to prevent harrassment;
Fourth day; Abi Gaum, or the Region of Hidden Waters;
Romantic appearance; Scarcity of firewood; Entire want of
Forage ; Fifth day ; Curious appearance ; Awfully grand ;
Narrow defile ; Power of defence ; Sixth day ; Narrowness
anddangerofthePass; Descriptionof the Mountains; Length
of Pass ; Seventh day ; Description of scene ; Beauties of the
Valley of Shawl; Comparison; Emerging from the Pass.

CHAPTER XI.

Arrival at Quetta; Uncomfortable prospects; Scorpions unplea-
' sant companions; Effect of their sting; The venemous Sente-
pee ; Determination of Government to treat with Nusseer
Khan; Colonel Stacy's endeavours; Quetta and ite appear-
ance; The British Residency; Government Stores; Prepara-
tions for a long Campaign; A new Corps raised; Arrival of
H. M's 41st Regiment; Captain Blood's Artillery; Prospect
of taking the Khan; Despatch of a force; Harrassing route;
Spies; Forced marches; Wild Goose chase; Sickness; Troops
die in great numbers; Another failure; Feeling of the Troops;
General Brooks; His unpleasant position; His character; Who
was to blame? Peculiarity of situation; Trying circumstances;
Forced to make the best of bad; Thunder storm; Miseries in
Camp; Unexpected arrival ia Camp; The Prince of Shawl
turned Traitor; Dreadful havoc through sickness; Fever, Ague
and Dysentery; Hospital Tents crowded; Insufficient accom-
moda^'on; Scarcity of comforts; Enormous prices paid for
them J Indefatigable exertions of Dr. Mc Andrew and Mr.
Xavier, the Apothecary; The probable cause of the sickness;
Vast mortality; Death of Ross Bell, Esq. and Lieut. Valiant;
K raoval from Command in the Field of General Brooks and
Brigadier Valiant; Cause of removal; Sad affair; New Com-
manders; Arrival of Nusseer Khar; Levee; Review; Appears
ance of winter; Prospect of returning to Quarters; Prepara-
tionsj Route changed; General Nott's Despatch; Orders to
march to Caudabar; in Affghanistan.

CONTENTS.

' 1

1^ i

CHAPTER XII.
March to Candahar; The foot of the Goths; The Kojuk Pass-

tTL\ K r'"'' '^"'^ Cantonments; Their unfinished

T^Hv T 1:T^^^^ ^'''^-> I>-riptionof

the City; Tombof the Emperor, Ahmed Shah; Timor Shah-

SufterJung; Military fo.e; Vicinity of Candahar; Ghu':!;;

mwantof succour, Major McLaren dospatcli d; Is intercepted

by the snow; Groat loss; Unfortunate result; Winter sets in-

oZLtT '"- ''" '"'"^' ^''' ^^"^«' Appearance of an
nlaHf f' Al'^rm-'g prospect; Troops continually under arms;
Dreadful news from Cabool; Orders to Evacuate; State of the
Ki ^ 7^ I*"' '''^''' Preparations for Battle; The Citv
blockaded; Trade suspended; Precautions taken; The Enem;

Trt' " '''"'; ^r'"^ '' ""^^'^^ ^'-^^ «^ ^h« Enemy; Tooo

?sr;TroVKii;f^^^^^

CHAPTEK Xm.

«a e of the S.ck, M,scrte of Hospitals in India, Condoct of
N..ye Servants, Followers cut off, Massacre ^f a Gul

»s» of Cattle ,„ consequence, A Defeat, Great loss-
IWage prepared, Sad no,vs, The loss of Ghuznee, Tre t^'

beveo dajV b.vouacking. Description of Houte, Narr«^
.scape of General Nott, Skirmishes too numerous to det^
H«T^s.ng att^ks, Enemy Cowards, Unsuccessful jourty,'
The Return, Attack on the City, Valiant conduc of the
».ck. Bravery of the Troops, Noble conduct of an Ar" Uerv
Guard, Treachery of some Native Sentinels. '

CHAPTEK XIV.
"nTZ-l" ^"f"!^"' ^""^' "f "S""'-* '"' «"«"«»! A cold

niffbtS rest: Our wr.U/%.v.^ :_ *!-. .. . ' "

■ ~" -"^v lu. ui« ciiji Appearance of the

[i -

CONTENTS.

>juk Pass;
Je Desert;
unfinished
iription of
lor Shah;
GhuKnee
tercepted
r sets in ;
ice of an
er arms;
lie of the
'he City
Enemy
»y; 7000
January,

•antonment; The Herat Gate; Visit to the scene of death;
Discorery of two well known faces amongst the dead; Susjw-
don corroborated; Dost Mahomed's remarks; Good Friday
of 1842; Smart battle; Awful death of three young soldiers;
Disgraceful conduct of their murderers; The old shepherd;
Situation of Captain Craigio's force; Killat-I-Gilzie; General
England; His advance on Candahar; Route intercepted i
Cowardice of Native Troops; Forced to retreat; Enemy victo-
rious; Severe loss amongst the Europeans; Probablo cause of
defeat; Genera England's second and successful advance;
Arrival of a strong reinforcement; Abundance of news; More
War; Sad news from the Upper Country; Force despatched
to the relief of Killat-I-Gilzlo; Description of route; Can-
dahar attacked ; Bravery of young Evans; Another victory;
Active preparations for marching; Destruction of Ghrisk;
General Nott proceeds up the country; General England
down; Candahar is evacuated.

Forlorn
ndact of
Guard;
lormous
it loss ;
Treaty
•'arfare;
N^arrow
detail ;
lurney;
of the
rtillerv

A cold
of the

CHAPTER XV.

March towards Ghuznee; Strong force; Extensive supplies
required; Difficult to procure; Major Leech, an excellent
caterer; So far pretty quiet; Skirmish on the 28th August;
Bravery of Lieutenant Chamberlain; Severe affray with 3rd
Light Cavalry; Loss of Captain Reeves, and Quarter Master
Berry; Indignation of the General; Injudicious conduct;
Advice to young Officers; Awful example; Preparations for
Battle; Destruction of a fortress; Three prisoners taken;
March to Gowine; The enemy our constant companion;
Shooms-ood-Dicn Khan, the Commander; Arrival at Gowine;
The battle; Bad ground; Captain White's Light Battalion;
Anderson's and Blood's Artillery; Narrow escape; Unpleasant
discovery; The heat of battle; The charge; The return;
The enemy proceed to Ghuznee; March across the Plain of a
"Thousand Forts;" The Hazarahs, a friendly tribe; Provisions
no longer procurable; Discovery of grain and forage; Doings

lit Cahool : Trpnnhorir o* dhiianan. fii'«.,n4^:n.. .,i? /-1«1.,_„1 T>..1

CONTENTS.

broken, Palmor ,„„„„,, "Jfli^.^ . kerpriL T jl^
.™.tra.n., Awful .ituation, N,„t advances- J hTi ?
bor, Attack „„Gh„„,.e, Noble oo„d ctof the ,6 h Tr"

MornCof 'J «tJ « T k° ""'"" '""'"g' '" 'ho dark"
^ J..og of the 6th September, .Gl„ri„„, ,i^,. g^.^^

CHAPTER XVI.

uwftards Fruit; Preparations for destroying tho Citadel
death,'and r^^Z^JTZ^^'^''' '''' '"^""

of. night attack. Short ^r^^X2^r'y:;:r:i

^ CHAPTER ZVII.

State of the times; Detail of the unfortunate disasters at CabonI
Akbar Khun; The position of the Cantonmenr W o^^^^

retinue; His career an^ hi a Embassador; His

the enem; tLT- tt ™"'^''' ^'"'"'"^"S ^'^uation of
T^o7:L^;^Z^^J^/^^^-^ -a disposition;
Hiscon-Iuct. ThTjr^T ' ^'""''^^ Elphinstone;

prospoTcanturonf '^'T'^ Their conduct; Miserable

DetermLSn " . TT' '^ '''' ^"^"^^ «-«^« °^^^ting;
i^etermination to stand; Overpowered; Forced to retire quioU.

CONTENTS,

Meeting oftho Envoy and Chieft; Brigadier Sheltonj Britain's
honor at stake; State of the King's Palace; Hostile corres-
pondence; Proposed meeting between Akbar and the Enemy-
Secret development; The meeting; Serious misgivings; The
Envoy's life in danger; The seizure; Dastardly conduct of
Akbar; Massacre of McNaughten, and capture of his Suite.

CHAPTER XVni.

The retreat; Fearful prospects; Entrance into the Passes-
Treacherous attack; Awful position of the Troops; Situation
oftheForce; The dastardly conduct of the Affghans; Akbar'.
message to the General; Ladies and families given up as Hos
tages; Elphinstone's death; Total annihilation of the Cabool
Force; Dr B^^^don's escape; Brief remarks; March to Istaliff:
General McCaskill's Brigade arrived; The battle; Victory-
Brayery of the Troops; Fighting all over; Unfortunate deaih
of Lieutenant Evans; His character; Return to Cabool; Safe
?T\t ?^ prisoners-Ladies Sale and McNaughten; A
httle child brought in; Destruction of Cabool ; March through
he Passes; Evacuation of Affghanistan; Awful sight in the
Defiles; Road strewed with Skeletons; Their appearance,
Descnpuon of Route; Enemy hover about; Admirable precau-
aT^ ^^ c"'^^^'' Arrival at Tezeen; Jugdulluk; Grand
7 n I J^^/^'""^"^^ Gates; Beautiful valley of Nimla;
JeUallabad; Its appearance and destruction.

CHAPTER XIX.

March through the Khiva Pass; Dhakkah; Destruction of
Ah Musjid; March to Jemrood; Almost tlie last shot
wounds Lieut. Chamberlain; Favorable prospect; Arrival at
Peshawar; Our backs turned to the mountains; General
Avitabilo; March through the Punjaub; Description of coun-
try; Ferozeporo; Triumphal arch; Lord Ellenborough's Army
64,0U0men; Conjunction of Troops; Christmas Day of 1842.'
Shere Singh; Grand parade: Imposing sight; The Durbar-

CONTENTS.

Breaking up of the Army; General Nolt appointed Resident
at the Court of the King of Oude; His parting with his
brethren in arms ; The Troops separate.

CHAPTER XX

Arrival of Stack'sBrigadeinScinde; Sukkur; State of the coun-
try; LesUe's Troop of Horse Artillery; Prospects of an.Hher
campaign; Sir Charles Napier and the Governor General; Sir
CharlesatHydrabadwith2500men; Battle of Mennee; Vict(.ry
over 16,000; More War; Stack's Force ordered to Hydrabad;
State of Scinde; Some account of its origin and people-
Major Outram and the Government; Attack on his residence
Noble conduct of the Light Company of the 22d Regiment;
The Ameers; Their positions, conduct, and surrender; Ap-
proach to Khyrpore; Meer Ali Morad; Sir Charles Napier;
Meer Shere Mahomed determined on another battle; His
position at Dubba; Enemy muster 24,000; Major Stack
en route; His arrival at Hydrabad; The 22nd Regiment; The
Emaum Ghur Detachment; Conjunction of Stack's force; 24th
March, 1843; Battle of Dubba; Victory gained; State of the
Fortress; Prize taken; Departure of the 41st from Kurrachie
for England ; Departure of the 22nd for Bombay ; Their recep-
tion; Arrival of the 28th from Australia; Sickness amongst
Troops; Sufferings of the 78th Highlanders, and 28th Regt.;
Awful ravages of the fever and cholera; Dreadful state of
Troops in consequence; Scinde established as a Presidency;
Sir Charles Napier appointed Governor; A narrow escape;'
My arrival at Kurrachie; Hazardous voyage to Bombay; For-
tunate again; Remarks on Captain A. A. Nelson, 40th; Mr.
Smith; Mr. Harvey; Embarkation for England; Safe arrival*
in my native land; Ccnnl^ding remarks.

Resident
with his

ie coun-
an other
ral; Sir
Victory
drabad;
people;
isidence
s^iment;
r; Ap-
STapier;
e; His
Stack
t; The
»; 24th
* of the
prachie
rccep-
nongs'c
Kegt.;
;ate of
Jency;
scape;
; For-
; Mr.
rrival

SCENKS IN A SOLDIER'S LIFE.

'1i

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

^^'^^f^^^^^/^^V^r^^^V^^WM^K^^a

At the request of numerous friends who have
taken a lively interest in my welfare, and as I can-
not but appreciate their kindness, I will endeavor
to give a few of the very many ups and downs in
a Soldier's Life, and, as far as my humble talent
will admit, demonstrate the characteristic features
thereof, with a view to stimulate the soldier's feel-
ings, in pointing out to him how clearly British
honor and courage are developed, and how much
more honorable a position it is to serve in an army
than is generally conceived by those unacquainted
with it; to illustrate, by simple description, the
precarious situations the soldier is prone to; the
praiseworthy fortitude with which he combats
them; and t^~ unremitting vigour so universally
displayed amo c troops, in all ranks, owing

to the nobility oi * icipline, and the much-ad-

mired steadiness aua bravery consequent thereon.
The various climes in which a soldier, during his
career, is obliged to serve, if he be a thinking man,
give him an opportunity of contrasting and improv-
ing his earlier instructions ; travel teaches him to
study men and manners, and is calculated in itself
to convey much nrariical knowlpriirft. nnt nfhArwiaa

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

I; 5

M'i

to be obtained. The offices he may have to per-
form, the difficulties he has to contend with, the
glories held ont to lum, the self-denial, the toils of
t .0 held, and the pleasures of peace, coupled with
the ultimate bright prospect now before the descrv-
'ngsoMier, are all stimulants calculated to raise our
army to a pitch that will outvie the world for its
ability and respectability; and the soldier will be
ooked np to and acknowledged as the instrument
by which the glory and protection of our country is
so gallantly upheld. It is with this view, to point
out the vicissitudes consequent upon the safe keep-
ing of Britain's honor, that I am induced to devel-
ope the trials and privations suffered by these in-
struments.

Having been a participator in most of those disas-
trous events, so fresh in the memory of my readers
as those of Scinde, Beeloochistan, and Affghanistan'
during 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841,' 1842, and S'
and during the whole time kept a daily Journal'
composed of many thrilling circamstances, consi-
dered, perhaps, by many, as too trivial for the pub-
lic mind, but being connected with the murders as-
sassinations, treacheries, &c. &c., of individuals
whose near and dear friends, no doubt, are to this
day unacquainted with the particulars of them—
and as there must be many thousands of such
friends, ihey will, periiaps, prove doubly interesting
to them as also to the reader geuerally ; and if the
brief and simple statement of these facts, from n^r-

INTkODUCTORY CHAPTER.

sohal observation, will thus tend to aid the Hame,
and at the same time give any satisfaction to my
friends, I am willing to do my utmost; trusting
' never to be considered as unworthy of their kind-
feeling, I shall, in a few chapters, arrange so as to
give a plain narration of the principal and most
interesting events; and give in them some inci-
dents that will, no doubt, induce tl e memory to
reflect on their miseries and results — not tbrgetting
the murder of Captain Hand, the burning to death
of three British Officers, description of the Indus,
Hydrabad, Sukher, Dadur, the much-talked-of
Passes, the Bolun, Gundavie, Mysore, Kojuk, Te-
zeen, Jugdulluk, Gundamuck, Jellalabad, Khiva,
Peshawa, the Punjaub ; also, the battles at Dadur,
Kunda, Candahar, Baba Walla, Killa Shuk, Kil-
lat I Gilzie, Go wine, Ghuznee, Midan, Cabool,
Istaliff, Jellalabad, Ali Musjid, Meeanee, and Hy-
drabad ; the principal operations of Generals
Brooks, Keane, Wiltshire, Sale, Nott, Pollock,
McCaskill, England, and C. Napier; the army
under Lord Ellenborough; the massacre of the
Cabool Army, Sir W. McNaughton, Sir A. Bums ;
the prisoners under Shooms ood Dien Khan, and
his cousin, Akbar Khan ; Ladies Sale and Mc-
Naughton ; the King of Cabool, and the Ameers of
Scinde.

It is not my intention to enter into any length-
ened history of the country, further than will be
necessary for the iutroductiou of matters so ma-

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

terially connected with this narrative as to require
such detaii because, were I to do so, it wtld

tavo of 1000-but my sole object is to giv>B my
kind readers a soldier's simple story, and in such I
anner as wUI enable them to see their way
ear y-a„d if they will but weigh well such Z
cumstances, they will at once discover my object
I would also beg to remind my reader, thafin £

»y.ng oyer, the details of 1839, with Sir John
- Keanc, is simply because the campaign under him
has already ui.dcrgone such a series of description
and wou therefore be a mere superfluous s 2:
and would hinder the introduction of other incil
dents wh.d> have before never appeared in print
We find Lieutenant Kyre's_Dr. Atkinson's-Lady
Sale s and <rfhers, giving a very clear account of tha^
campaign ; but as I was connected with (hat army
and a great portion of my primaiy occurrenceTafc'
bong.ng thereto,! shall have often to revert t"
them For instance, Lieutenant Eyre gives a
description of the recapture of Ghuznee, by Shooms
ood Dien Khan, and of the prisoners at that Z
as well as at Cabool; and annexes Lieutenan
Crawford's own description. Now when we agZ
capt-ed Ghuznee in 1842, amongst otherreTa"
ch s I discovered in the pnsoners' room, letters
wntten on the wall by the Prisoners, which I cop ed
mi m themselves go far to shew their feelings, while
thus conhned; and in fact nearly every eircum^tance

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

which he leaves a mystery I have found opportu-
nity of discovering, and feel proud of being able
to corroborate his work. It is of course impos-
sible for one individual to be able to relate all
the events of so extensive an affair as the cam-
paigns of tliis country, and in common with every
day life, the oftcner a thing is gone over the more
can be added ; having been therefore one of the
last to go over the ground, I have endeavoured
to bring up the rear, leaving as little behind as pos-
sible. I would strongly recommend my readers,
should they be anxious for a comparative reference,
or a companion to the story — to get Eyre's Opera-
tions at Cabool, and as I propose making this the
same size, to form one. I shall, however, in order not-
withstanding, place this before my reader, trusting
my efforts will not be miscalculated. Of a vast region
like Asia, much has yet to be learned ; and I must
confess, that in my opinion, much more war will
accrue, and that ere long, another, and I fear, far
more serious affair it will be than before, although
the loss of souls on our side, during the whole affair,
must have been nearly 100,000. I would revert to
the subject of Colonel Stoddart and Captain Con-
nelly, but Dr. Wolff appears to give a very clear
account of his expedition ; yet nevertheless, one
fact is certain, that there are at this moment, many
of our countrymen in Affghanistan ; numbers were
missing, and they being yet unaccounted for must
leave it a mystery, as to what is their fate, in

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

our late victories of Aliwal, Sobraon, &c. We have

rafr?.. '^""•»P««''« l-elng discovered in the
ranlcs of the enemy ; the thought makes one recoil,
but let us not be too hasty, and as is too often
the case, judge the thing iUiberaUy-Could they
escape ? -^

One instance I know, a man named Howcl, on
Uw capture of Hydmbad by Sir C. Napier, was dis-
covered directing the enemy's guns on us: he
was taken and imprisoned. He said that they
held a drawn sword over him, to strike him dowi
If he did no direct the shot, and that he aimed in-
directly, till he could get a chance to escape
Whether this is to be believed or not I cannot deter-
mine,- but I must admit, that I cannot think that
such baseness, such cold-blooded treMhory, exists
in the breast of a Briton; I think it must be cir-
cumstances that alter these, as well as many other
cases ; however, I merely introduce this to point out
the uncertamty of the fate of many of our troops
even to th,s day. I shall also revert to the Som-
nauth Gates more fully than has yet been done,-
Ihe recal of Lord Ellenborougl, from the Governor-
Generalship of India, still remains unfolded, al-
though many surmises arc ailoat, and as the conduct
of a man IS the true index to his character, we may
better judge by that than any other.
It will be remembered, the Proclamation relaUve

to the evacuation of Affirbanistan !.!= o==„.,.i.i

Of an immense army of reserve, upwards of 64,000

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

men, with its attendant staff, including him-
self-^'iis directions relative to the prisoners, ami
his great cxpenditTirc of the public funds, the
Somnauth Gates — their history, — and in fact imih
merable other circumstances, all tend to enlighten
us, leaving us, as the old saying goes, to judge for
ourselves.

The operations in Scinde being also uijder his
guidance, and call down much serious reflection,
and more particularly because it was, after all this,
he was so suddenly called home by the Directors of
the East India Company, who did not even give
a public reason for it, but called a meeting, and
with scarcely one dissenting voice, directed his im'-
mediate removal from the seat of Govemmeut in
India.

I shall conclude these few remarks, with a hope
that I shall be successful in my attempt in the re-
lation of a soldier's simple Tale,

In order to prepare my readers to enter a counr
try which previous to the time of these campaigns,
was almost unknown, or at least, was seldom heard
of or alluded to, and as it will occur that names of
Individuals and places, during the narrative, will be
introduced, it will be read with infinitely more
pleasure to know something of them.

Affghanistan is an extensive Territory in Central
Asia, bordered by Hindoostan on the east, on the
south hy the Fersiau Gulf, ou the west by exteiir
sive Deserts, and on the north, by the Causacus

; V

it .i

INTRODUCTORV CHAPTEE.

mountams; in fact, gencrallymountaineous Ihronffh-
out the principal part of the country. The popn-
lahon IS nearly fifteen nullions, consisting chiefly of
Affghans, Beeloochees, Tartars, Hazarahs, Farias,
and other Indian castes, the former being theereat-
• est, amounting to nearly two-thirds. The lower
country Scinde and Beeloochistan, is flat and fertile,
but as It progresses towards Afl'ghanistan, becomes
thionged with Mountains, Passes wild and desolate;
but although so overspread with barrenness, from
the immensity of their regions, the valleys which
innumerably intersect the country, are rich with
productions <Jf grain and other vegetation. The
do ted plains of the Dooranee Empire, are crowded
with orchards,-trees having the richest fruit,-the
apple, peach, pl„m, grapes, of every possible fla-
vour and delicacy; large trees are almost unknown
m Affghams an; nothing but the small vine, and
bushwood, with here and there, a short timber can
be obtained, it is owing to the want of which that
domed* ' "''' "'"''"^ flat-roofed, or otherwise

The people are fine, tall, powerful, and in a great
measm^ handsome; the women are particularly
fair, and approach the European feature; they are
always covered from head to foot whenever they
move abroad, and generally wear white. The chil-
dren are usually very fair, and the males are schooled

«p to warfare. Thpir r.r!n„;„i »r-.

,- i*'"'-'F"==»n;iaanommeaanoi

the Soonee race, believing themselves the rightful

ut i rnniiW i i mi pi

INTRODUCTOKY CHAPTER.

successors of the three first caliphs ; but their oppo-
nents, the Sheahs coundu Ali, the prophet's lawful
successor, they being divided into tribes to which is
born a chief. The continual hostility, reigning
from this hereditary feeling, is productive of much
discomfort and struggle for power. They are par-
ticularly tenacious, and ambitious, filled with pomp
and pride ; and thirst for position at any cost.

Nadir Shah is the first we find to have borne any
very figurative part in this country worthy of note,
that is to say, which more immediately connects
it to this tale. Although Baber Shah, at an early
period, on taking possession of the Empire, lavished
great wealth in fortifying the mountains round Cabool,
for its protection, and which still exist. From that
time up to that of Nadir Shah, about 1728, matters
were extravagantly kept up in warfare, the people
ever raging and unsettled, and were called Abdaulees,
whom he succeeded in bringing into a greater state
of tranquillity ; they were then tributary to the
Persians.

Nadir Shah died about 1740, when one Ahmed
Shah, head of one of the old Tribes, took the reins
of government, and was crowned at Candahar. He
was filled with superstition, and notions of predes-
tination ; nay so far did he rely upon his fancy that
after a dream of a favoured saint, he changed the
name of his tribe from Abdaulees to Dooranees ;
hence the Empire of that name.

lli

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

The Dooranee will be better known to my read-
ers when it is remembered that it became an order
and was extensively and liberally distributed
amongst our officers and officials during the first
campaign The Dooranecs were divided into nine
sects, and were called Populzie, (their head,) and
from whence issued all the royalty. The Alleko-
zee and Barukzye ; the latter had for its chief Dost
Mahomed Khan, and were extremely powerful. Next
the Atchikzyes and the Noorzyee, also very nu.
merous and influential. The Alizee, Iskhaukzyee,
Khongaunee and Maukoo, tribes of somewhat infe-
rior race, but nevertheless of the aristocracy Ah-
med Shah having been crowned king, adopted the
Person mode of ruling. He was a fine enterprising
youth of about twenty-three, and was well skilled in

aterature; hisdelightseemed to be inamilitary occu-
pation and he had several brilliant encounters with
ine bikhs. The enormous extent of his dominions,
gave him great scope for practice, and it appears
to have been his continual toil to put down tumult
and war amongst the tribes, which, however, he
ill succeeded in, owing to their universal hatred to
their numerous and opponent tribes. No sooner
one tumult quelled, than another would rise. He
died m 1773 or 1774, and was succeeded by his son,
limor Shah, who was bom about 1746, and who
bore a character of being incapable of governing
the country, owing to indolenrp • ^uA iht. «,„„ ...I

INTRODU«"TORY CHAPTER.

proved by the insurrection in Balkh, Khorassan,
(tho famous place for steel,) Kashmere, &c. &c.,
which Ahmed Shah had succeeded in conquering
before.

Timor marched, in 1789, against the king of
Bokhara, Shah Morad, with 100,000 men, with
a vie\^ to overthrow him, which, however, ter-
minated amicably ; in 1793 he was attacked with
sickness, and died at Cabool. His demise cre-
ated much confusion amongst his family as to
the kingdom, but Shah 7cman succeeded him,
and reigned about seven years; he was cruelly
blinded by his half-brother. Shah Mahmood, who
deposed him, and assumed the government, by
the aid of an influential and popular chief of the
Barukzyees, named Futteh Ali Khan. This latter
chief played a very active part in the drama of
those days. He was notorious as a deceiver, and
disloyal. His conduct may be better judged than
described by the perusal of the works of Masson
and Elphinstone. His name brings us to the more
familiar part of the country's histcMry, and will tend
to develope the incorrigibility of the Chief. Shah
Shooja-ool-Moolk, who, after the dethronement of
Shah Zeman, being the full brother, was the right-
ful heir, and consequently, spite of the Proclama^-
tion of the usurped monarchy of Shah Mahmood,
and his agent. Chief Futteh Ali Khan, marched
with a strong force from Peshawar upon Cabool, but
was overthrown by the Chief, and fled to the hills ;

INTRODUCTORY CUAPTfiR.

but not satisfied witli this overthrow, he made two or
three otiicr attempts, equally unsuccessful ; but at
length obtained a victory in 1802, when he de-
throned and confined Mahmood. After havin-
gained the Turban or Throne, his first object was to
secure the rebel Chief or Futteh Khan, who ..'?',
Innco Kamran, the eldest son of the detVc
usurper, had repaired down to Kandahar, and with
a strong force held possession of it.

Shah Shooja was also successful in this afl-air, and
the Chief would have made terms, and did ofi^er alle-
giance to Shooja, which was, however, neremptorily
refused, and he retired to Chrisk ; being enraged
and disgusted at his bad success, he commenced an
intrigue, and his first attempt was to gain Candahar.
Ahmed Shah had at this time been appointed by
Shah Shooja, Governor of Candahar, and Futteh
Khan succeeded in persuading Prince Kyser, a son
of Zeman Shah, to seize the Governor and cast him

!f1^I'T»' '\ '^'t''' ^^""^'^^" ^^"»^ ^Wointing him
(Futteh Khan) as Grand Wuzeer, which was done

and they immediately marched against Cabool ; but
during their route, Ahmed was released and rein-
stated at Candahar.

The Prince and Futteh were defeated, and Ahmed
gave up Candahar alter his release, to Prince Kam-
ran; the young Prince Kyser after his defeat, find-
ing himself outdone at Candahar, surrendered to
fehah Shooja, who beinar ever distimyiikiioH f^^ i»-.
Charitableness and liberality of feeling, forgave the

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER,

young man. Futteh Khan now made oflf to Herat,
and commenced an agitation there, and concluded
by persuading Haji Ferooz, a brother of Shah
Shooja, to assert his right to the kingdom ; but the
latter, receiving intimation of the matter, sent a
force to stop its progress, and succeeded ; with this
tliird overthrow Futteh Khan again retired to his
home. The young Prince Kyser, who now began
to see clearly the treacherous disposition of his
former adviser, Futteh, and with a view to shew his
loyalty and repentance, and at the same time perform
a service to the King, in return for his kindness,
managed to seize the Chief, and would have put him
to death, but that Futteh Khan, who is described to
be a man of insinuating ways, proved, by his turn-
ing the wrath of this youth, who was about assign-
ing him to Shah Shooja, or rather to death, actually
succeeded not only in persuading the Prince to
spare his life, but to commence a fresh attack on
his benefactor. Shah Shooja. He was released, and
entered into almost immediate arrangements for
carrying his plans into execution ; but having lost
sight of the Prince for a short time, next found him
in the hands of one Kojeh Mahomed Khan, a Chief
of great power, who dissu;ided him from the plot,
and Futteh, finding that his plans were thus thwarted,
charged the young Prince with treachery and sedi-
tion, and offered to deliver up t^andahar to Prince
Kamran. Prince Kyser was about to take refuge
in the hills; but met, by appointment, Futteh

INTfiODUCTORY CHAPTEB.

Sil '.

Khan, at night, and great were the arguments ad-
duced on both sides, being men of vile dispositions;
it however terminated in that of Futteh, exacting
an oath from the Prince, to follow his plans under
any and every circumstance, and the following day
they proceeded to attack Kamran. Futteh Khan, here
again acting the double traitor, led on the van, but
privately advised Kamran to retire, saying that he
was merely entangling the young Prince Kyser •
but he found himself set at defiance by Kamran'
who determined on risking the result of the field'
which was in this case against him, Futteh gaining
a complete victory over him.

Shah Shooja, the King, not remaining as quiet
at Cabool as may have been all this time surmised
had gained by fight Cashmere, and Kojeh Ma^
homed, whose loyalty was very great, and whose
influence over the chiefs and people even more so
managed to remove the easily led youth, Kyser'
from the advice of Futteh Khan, who made off to
Ghrisk, where he again renewed his wily, cunning
influence over Kamran, who was foolish enough to
be led by him, spite of his proved hypocrisy, and
desertion in a former case. They, in conjunction,
went against Prince Kyser, and drove him to
Beeloochistan. Shah Shooja, finding these things
going on, headed a large force and proceeded to
Candahar, defeating Prince Kamran, who fled, and
Futteh Khan, who managed to insinuate himself, and
jomea im oiiati.

INTKODUCTORY CHAFTEli.

About 1808, Mahmood Shah, who, it has been
stated, \was dethroned and imprisoned, managed to
escape, and with the Grand Wuzeer of the Shah,
raised an insurrection, and was joined by Prince
Kyser ; they made an attempt on Cabool ; but the
Shah manfully opposed and conquered them, and be-
headed the Wuzeer who led them on. Shah Shooja,
up to this time, was in every place successful; but
in 1809 Futteh Khan, seeing an opportunity,
while in the Shah's service, of privately exciting
several influential Chiefs, and completely overthrew
Shah Shooja, who was necessitated from fear of
assassination to take refuge in the Mountain Passes,
and ultimately threw himself on the protection of
our ally,Runjeet Singh, the Maha Rajah of the Pun-
jaub, but afterwards made several attempts to rein-
state himself, unsuccessfully. Runjeet Singh, from
some private feeling hitherto kept close, threw the
Shah into prison, and treated him most shamefully,
using every means in his power to render his life
miserable. It was well known by the Rajah, that
Shah Shooja had possession of many costly jewels,
and one more particularly known as the ** Moun-
tain of Light," which the Shah had secreted, and
which he most determinedly refused to give up, and
after a long incarceration effected an escape, and
Went to the British dominions at Lodiona, for pro-
tection.

Cabool, after his defeat, was ruled by Futteh
Khan, under the sanction of Shah Mahmood, who

INTBODUCTORY CHAll'ER.

it.

treacherously possessed himself of Herat, and re-
pulsed the Persians, who demanded tribute, in the
name of their Kuler.

Mahmood reigned for some seven or eight years,
and, owing to circumstance of state, blinded Futteh
Khan, who was a short time afterwards cut to
pieces; some assert it was owing to his having ad-
vised Dost Mahomed to dishonor the sacred rights
of the Zenana or Ilarcm of women, in the viola-
tion of no other than Mahmood's daughter,— and
thus ended the career of one of the most arrant,
remarkable characters, that ever reigned in Asia,
who would turn with any body to attain power
or command—a man, who alas I stands not alone
for perfidy and treachery, for we see it developed
in almost every nation.

His brother. Dost Mahomed Khan, after the death
of Futteh, became King of Cabool and Shuruk, and
was much admired for his knowledge and manner.
Kamran took possession of Herat. Candahar, once
the seat of the Affghan Government, now became
low in its power, and after passing from hand to
hand, fell at last to be the depot for the Governor-
ship of a Sirdar or secondary Chief.
^ The vast Empire of Central Asia was now much
disordered, of which all the neighboring rulers took
advantage, and crept in and secured considerable
additions to their own territories, Runjeet Singh,
the Ameers of Scinde, not the least.
JLB xiw« Mvoii, iui a uuusiuuiciuie lime, a maiier oi

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTBU.

discussion amongst the Indian authorities, as to the
best mode of preventing a rumoured invasion of
the Russians, vtd Herat, on India, who, it was said,
were fast gaining power over the Affghans; even
as early as 1809, it was suspected that Na-
poleon was negociating with them to pass through
Affghanistan, and possess themselves of India ; and
in 1836, Burns was sent as an Ambassador to the
Court, to feel the way, but retired, with a fearful
development of the fact that there was a great
want of stability on the part of the Dost towards
us. A treaty of friendship had long existed be-
tween us and that Nation, but in 1837 things bore
a curious appearance, from the fact that the Persians
had gained possession of Herat, which established
treachery on the part of the Dost, and gave us
room to act our part. The first thing concluded'
necessary to be done, was that of removing Dost
Mahomed from the possibility of being influenced
by either party, and the Dost declared that be
would stand by the British, provided they would
prevent Runjeet Singh from making attempts or
encroaching on his power, Runjeet already having
taken Peshawar; if not, that he would offer the same
terms to Persia. Runjeet Singh was our ally, and
the existing relationship between him and us, remov-
ed the possibility of acceding, and the matter would
be still worse if the Dost was permitted to throw him-
self on Persia for protection ; and therefore the only
course left for us was to dethrone him, and reinstate

INTTIODUCTORY CHAPTER.

Shah Shooja, with the two-fohl object of gainujg poa-
session of Central Asia, and securing an influential
power over I'ersia. The remainder haa yet to be
told.

A large force was raised for the purimse, and Sir
John Kcanc took command, with Generals Sir W.
Cotton, Fane, and others, the upshot of which was
the surrender of the Dost, the capture of Ghuznee,
and the dreadful catastrophe, too well known, of the
destruction of an immense force, by treachery ; the
assassination of the envoy, Sir William McNaugh-
ton, and the massacre of Sir A. Burnes and ids suite;
and ultimately, by the murder of the reinstated
monarch. Shah Shooja, leaving the country desolate
and miserable, and teaching us a bitter lesson. The
principal features of the difficulties experienced,
will be seen in the various chapters of thi« simple
tale, and it now remains for me to express what
came more particularly under my notice, and I
trust the humble endeavours will be met in the view
they are intended. I claim no right to become an
historian : my attempt is not at that : but simply
to connect in a tale, the events, in one thread,
and place in the hands of my readers a period of
seven years, that was filled with a continued
series of events, which were overwhelmed by every
tact of treachery, cruelty, and villainy— 4eft, as our
unfortunate countrymen were, in a region almost
unknown to them, and open to the perfidy,, conspi-
racy, a«(i biOodmirstiiiess of an aiuiotit innumerable

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

foe. Let my readers, ere they venture an opinion,
weigh well the matter, and place themselves in the
unfortunate position of those whose lives arc devoted
to their protection, and who scruple not to relin-
quish every hope of worldly happiness, to secure
and uphold the necessary means of ensuring their
safety.

SCENES

in'

A SOLDIER'S LIFE.

CHAPTER I.

War in Central Asia; Army under Sir John Keane; Her Ma-
jesty's Ship Wellesley; Embarkation of H. M. 40th Begiment
for Kurrachie ; Brig Hannah, with the Bombay Artillery;
Arrival at Minora, mouth of the Indus; Fortification of
Minora; A Summons to Surrender; I'he Flag of Truce;
Preparations for Battle; Disembarkation of the Troops; Admi-
ral Maitland and Colonel Valiant; Ascent of the Troops up the
Mountains; Evacuation of the Fortress by the Enemy; Kurra-
chie, its environs ; Traffic; Native Government; Food soon
supplied; Markets; Difference of Camp and Quarters; Mise-
ries of the latter; Troops visited by Cholera; Awful ravages
of Disease; Unremitting attention of Surgeon M'Andrevr;
Scinde and its People; United Hostility against the British ;
Faqueers or Native Priests ; their power over the people; their
mode of living; Harrassing Route from Minora to Km/achie;
Precarious situation ; Development of British perseverance.

At the commencement of the war in Central Asia,
an army was formed near to Bombay, the command
of which was entrusted to Lieutenant-General Sir
John Keane, afterwards Lord Keane. whose death,
dm'ing the period that a second campaign was in
full rage, has deprived his country of an able Gen-
eral, a faithful subject, and a zealous servant.

PI' :

I I

Iff

\:i'<

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

The object of this armament was to place Shah
J^hooja-Qol-Moolk upon the throne of Cabool to
which he was said to be the legitimate heir. '

To effect this, it was first necessary to obtain
possession of Kurrachie, the key to Scinde, it
being situated at the mouth of the Indus, whither
Her Majesty's Ship Wellesley, commanded byAdmi-
ral Maitland, whose instructions were " to go to
Kurrachie and take it," was ordered to proceed,
calling first at Port Mandavie to take on board Her
Majesty's 40th Regiment, which a few days pre-
viously had received orders to march from its quar-
ters at Deesa', to that place, and to await the arrival
of the noble vessel which was destined to convey
tliem to the rendezvous at the mouth of the Indus.
Ihe utmost dispatch was observed, the regiment
arrived at Mandavie, and immediately after came
the Wellesley; they were embarked, and within a few
hours she again put to sea, with th« regiment on
board, and sailed for Kun-achie, attended by the H
h. I C. brig Hannah, bearing the 3rd Companv of
the first Battalion of Artillery, together with a nu-
merous train of natives, servants and camp-followers
On the 4th of February, 1839, these two vessels
arrived at, and anchored near to the fortress of
Minora, being the chief fortification at Kurrachie
and commanding the entrance to the Scinde Coun-
try, by means of the noble Indus.

Minora is a strong fortification. sitimtArl nn ih^
extreme point of a chain of mountains facing the
sea, and is capable, from its commanding situation.

SCENES IN A SOLDIEE'S LIFE.

of effectually preventing any vessel from approach-
ing the mouth of the harbour. It is strongly built
of stone, and presents a terriiSc front in three di-
rections, covering also on the fourth a safe retreat,
and affording, from its great height, an extensive
view of the whole country, which effectually pre-
serves it from any landward surprise.

A summons to surrender to the British Flag was
the first step taken on the arrival of the armament
before this fortress, and Capt. Gray of the 40th Re-
giment, was sent with a flag of truce to demand its
submission. The overture was rejected; the boat with
Capt. Gray on board returned to the ship. The offi-
cer commanding the British forces then sent to
warn them that he would allow them one hour to
consider their refusal. All on board was hurry and
bustle ; there w^as much anxiety to learn the result ;
the propositions foi' landing were expected ; all the
boats were prepared for the instant disembarkation
of the troops •, every man was in readiness, arms
in hand, and every one anticipated a fierce and
fearful conflict ; the difficulty of overcoming the situ-
ation of the fort, great as it was, could be contem-
plated, but none knew the state of the garrison.
The British Force, {. e. the Military, did not exceed
1200 men. The Military portion of the forces was
under Colonel Valiant, and the Naval under Admi-
i-al Maitland.

A TT^^m* Chin |-ki*kl-|l« ^-vt ** *Ti-«r-» y-vii /^ r^ M-m n w\ r\ -m^ i-* j^ o «^ < 1 .^'«'r./-k««w

man at his post, orders were given to open a fire

SCENES IN A SOLDIER'S LIFE.

apon the fortress; he gnns were well and rapidly
»eryed, and under the cover of the cannonading the
^Wiers got into the boats, rowed towardf the
.ho« and effected a landing without accident or
ZiZi '^ "'"' immediately drawn up in col-
umn of companies, and set forward to aaccnd the

rS'^h *u """'' '■"^"•"•'"^ circumstances
■iT^ . ^r '""''' "'"" themselves. On attain-
ng the platform on which the fort stands, and when
forming into order of attack, it was perceived that
the enemy had evacuated the fortress, but whether
from fear of meeting the European soldiers hand to
hand or m consequence of the destructive fire from
the shipping, it is impossible to decide

Itwas a great satisfaction to find that we had
obtained possession of such a strong fortress with-
t any sacrifice of human life, for the beauty of
pod generalship is to effect a victory with as little
loss as possible. The Wellesley had expended
about seven hundred and thirty 36-pounders, a
Mornsomc mode of administering such large pi Is,
which the defenders must have found anything bu
agreeable, and so preferred the adage of « Livins
to fight another day," which they fully kept after!
wards. ^

Kurrachie is situated about two and a half miles
from the outpost of Minora; the town is irregularly
bmit, and the streets nanow ; the houses are of
mud, and the general aDDearanra nf th^ „i„.. .-.
miserable and filthy. The suburbs are'somewhat

SCENES IN A soldier's LIPB.

more pleasant, having a few gardens, which arc,
however, much disfigured by the surrounding filth,
and the accumulation of the dead bodies of camels,
dogs, cats, &c. The town contains about two or
three thousand houses or hovels, and has two ba-
zaars or market places. Its general traffic is tan-
ning leather and selling fish ; and it is the emporium
of trade for a large portion of the interior of the
country. On entering the town, which surrendered
on our approach, we found it to contain little of
any value.

The natives of Kurrachie, although not of extra-
ordinary stature, have yet a very austere and re-
served appearance : some among them are excellent
workmen, when judged by the Eastern standard of
excellence, and are, speaking generally, a very
stirring people : they have a great number of large
boats, called " Patamas" or " Bugalows," which
somewhat resemble our wherries, or rather the
Chinese junks, in which they carry on an extensive
trade with India and Muscat, in indigo, cotton,
and other articles, which are brought hither, from
the interior of Sclnde, for exportation. Leather j
fish, grapes, mangoes, &c., arc great objects of
traflic, which are exchanged for food, clothing, &c.
Many of these boats are armed for their protection
at sea : they are built of teak or very hard wood
produced in the East, and are somewhat like the
Chinese junk ; the sail is formed, like ours, of a
number of seams, but their cloths seldom exceed

SCENKS IN A SOLDlKJi's UFE,

iri

8« or eight liichcs in breadtL, and arc of cotto...
Iwo, three or «elclo.n ,n«rc than four, manage
a Jargc boat, and ],ave a curions mode of «ittimr
down to work the vessel; in fact the greater po.^
tion of the work d.mc by the natives of the East,
>s seated; and without compass or chronometer thev
navigate thciu both fearlessly and expertly

It is governed by a Oiiief, called a .(en.edar, who
rtiecives a tithe on every camel load of goods which
may^be bronghtto the harbour for ex,,ortation, and
he Ameers ol Scinde (of whom more hereafter call
urn to a cose reckoning of the revenue thus col-
lected. I

Fish is very plentifid-somc beii>g very larsre •
tUey have tbe turbot and soles, lobrters, oysters'
crabs, cockles, muscles, and eels ; and / rock
salmon, very line, plentiful, and cheap.

On our first arrival the natives, probably from
fear, shunned us altogether, but, as they are great

few days began to venture into our camp, and, find-
ing that the Ferringees (|.:uropeaus) were not quite
such fearful ogres as they had anticiimted, began to
bring in their milk, fruit and Hsh, for .sale. A„!mpl:
supply ol tresh provisions was a desideratum to the
Army; and as the natives found themselves fairly dealt
with, our markets daily became more extended, and
the increased supply reducing the price, the demand
also increased, to the great satisfaction of all narti^,
11 lias oneu been a subject of surprise to me to see

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

how soon natives of other nations adhere to our
systems, that is to say, as far as dealing with you,
and will waive many circumstances to win you ;
they, amongst themselves, deal most unfairly, and
seem to delight in fraud.

It will naturally be supposed that the transition
from a comfortable barrack to an encampment would
be greatly felt by the liluropcans, when thus sudden-
ly removed from all the cleanliness of an airy, well
ventilated barrack, excellent bedding, and proper
nourishing food, to the cold, damp, and ill-regulated
accommodation of a tent, which, containing about
fourteen square feet, is expected, and indeed does, ac-
commodate sixteen soldiers, allowing about twenty-
one inclujs in breadth to each for all his domes*-
tic purposes. This great change in the soldier's
habits, added to the trying effects of the weather,
the extra exertion, and, as is too often the case, the
deficient supply of food, both as regards quantity and
quality, tviuds in no trifling degree to induce disease,
and I am sorry to say in our case, no exception to the
grand rule could be found. Early in March the
cholera visited Kurrachie and its vicinity, and it
caused a vast mortality among the Europeans,
There is something truly appalling in this terrific
and voracious disease. Even now you may be
speaking and jesting with a dear friend and an
esteemed comrade, and within an hour he may be

«l.„__x J. a J T — j.v_ i?„n J? J i— _

aiuiusi uurU^siiguicu uy luu luu uibUcicu, uuu in a

mmmmm

IB ' N

if'r"-

SCENES IM A SOLMEB'8 LIFE.

few Tsore short hours, all that is mortal of him will
Iwve been consigned to the grave

weiTaraXitn^rxi^r^'

=»ent, laboured most unremitt nl f„fls !«;
mghts conseeutively has he often' L't "a «

Elbe If;/' T "°"""«^ ^"'"'='> ^^^iled to

itss and IS .kP'"«"*- ""' '" 'h" -no^t fear-
less and prawcvvorthy manner, constantly cxnosed
h^ .own life to contagion and risk, as well as £
fatigue aud exertion he underwent to sa^ he Ll

nval before KuiTachie, that the town was full nf
the enemy's forces, but finding that the Europ in

felUh air /' ""^ '^'"'^''' '«*'-'«'l before they
leu the awkwardness of being driven back nr Z

other words, they fairly ran a;ay. ' "' '"

Scmde is inhabited by many tribes, each being

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

at enmity with the other, maintaining themselyea
by plundering one another, and never happy but
when engaged in those internal hostilities, and, like
the ancient Britons, only uniting against a common
enemy. Such being their state of policy it is no
great stretch of vanity to say we found ourselves
selected by them as an enemy worthy of their con-
federating together to work our overthrow. Oar
arms were chiefly conciliation and forbearance, but
as we severally obtained the friendship of some
rival tribe, we aroused the outpouring wrath of
another. These angry feelings were fermented
and nourished by the Faqueers, of which class there
are one or more in every tribe ; this man ofholineas^
they believe, can protect them from danger and
misfortune ; he is their priest, he prays for them
he interferes in their quarrels, and he possesses an
extraordinary influence over them, both for good and
evil, being supposed to be especially under the
guardian care of Vishnoo, the Preserver. The
Faqueers are a set of miserable and disgusting
wretches, scarcely human in appearance, and
obtain a vast influence over the ignorant multitude
from their ascetic devotions, and the self-torturing
vows which they impose upon themselves ; the wild
beasts are said to respect them ; it may be so, but
I should rather be inclined to suspect they have no
stomach to make a meal upon any thing half so
loathsome.

'■S.;»

SCK-NES IN A SOLDIEIt'S LIFE.

Many of tliesfi wretched specimens of degraded
humanity were so embittered against the Europeans
that they considered that they were doing the conn-
try and their Bett^j a service, if they could pro-
cure by any means, and at any cost, the massacre of
an European.

Those wretches are to be seen in every part of
the East ; even the most affluent make much of
them ; being buoyed up ivith idohitry and super-
stition, they arc in a great measure kept under by
them, and it would be tantamount to a curse of
fate to scruple to i-elicve them. I have seen them
m all the most disgusting forms possible ; they look
hideous, and, in fact, are barely human, being to a
Christian, the most detestable of all other objects.
The advance from Minora to Kurrachie, though
now often a subject of merriment to the parties con-
cerned, was a tedious and harrassing march to the
soldier : having advanced as far up the river in the
l)oats as was available, wc entered a little creek,
and rowed until the boats were aground, owing to
the shallowness of the water : we had stfll a con-
siderate distance to march ere we could arrive at
the road,-^no not road, track—which led to our des-
tined object. No difficulty must daunt a soldiery
tko obstacle must prevent his onward progress if
there be the most remote prospect of success. And
therefore, thus stranded in the middle of a swamp
we had no alternative but to attemptto wade through

SCENES IN A SOLDI lilt S LlFlS.

the saturated mud. Each step in advance occupied
several seconds, and the mud, which was black and
soft, aftbrding no resistance to our weight, at every
step we sank two or three feet deep into the hot-
rible mass. It must also be remembered that every
man was encumbered with a musket, accouti'ements,
and a pouch containing jibout five pounds of am-
munition, on the preservation of which depended
his hopes of success and safety ; this unpleasant
march of one mile and a half occupied nearly nine
hours, which, extraordinary as it may seem, will not
be apocryphal when it is stated that they crawled
along in this quagmire very much in the same style
that a ^y jprof]resses in a jar of molasses : some fell
at every other step, others actually stuck fast for
many minutes at a time ; some were in imminent
danger of being entirely and permanently sub-
merged ; others, overcome by the exertion, fatigue,
and hunger, were on the point of giving up all ex-
ertion. The officers, being in precisely the same
predicament ? • their men, could scarcely make any
exertion to encourage them in their efforts to sur-
mount the danger and difficulty in which they were
placed: but there is little which the indomitable
resolution, courage and perseverance of the British
soldier will not eventually overcome ; but what a
position to be in, as a preliminary entree into an
enemy's country I what an opportunity for a slaugh-
ter I At length, after terrific exertions, and Her-

SCENES I» A SOLDIfiK'g UPK.

«le.n laboar, the whole mass once more foand
tliemielves safe on terra Jir«,a. TOo danger and
toU waa no Hooner passed than it was forgotten
Md, regardless of the pressing calls of hunger
tkey urged on, impatient of delay, until they ad-
Tanced close to the town, which, as has been stated
surrendered at their approach. '

9 foand
ler and
'gotten,
liunger,
tiej ad-
stated,

CHAFTER It.

Safe arriTal into Camp; Uiicorafortablfl Lodging; Barren Coon-
try; Effects of Filth; Position of Camp; Second Grenadiers
Kwtive Infftntry ; Maasaore of Captain Hand ; Exploit of
Lieutenant Clarke; Desperate Leap down a precipioe; Cry of
Ilcvenge; Troops in Cunip; Dust Storms; Miseries thereby
occasioned; Force increased ; State of Scinde ; Reserve Force ;
Sir John Keane's advance on Cabool ; Humours of capturing
Hydrubad; Description of Ilydrabad; Policy of the British
Functionary, Sir H. Pottingcr; Ameers of Soinde; Remoral of
their Body Guards; Substitution of a British Subsidiary Force;
Scinde made tributary to the British Government; Sir John
Kcane resumes his March for Cabool; Monotonona life of
the Scinde Force; Troops put into Huts; Description of HuU;
Bad made Worse; Hospitals crowded; Minor* ittoctod as a
Sanatorium; Benefit derived thenby; Curious Phenomenon ;
Boiling Spring; Sacred Alligator Lake; ?iCfilc«; Fate of a
Bog.

Having now performed the duty allotted to them,
the men hegan to find time to reflect upon the ne-
cessity of immediately providing themselves with
some of the creature comforts which nature has
rendered imperatively necessary to the well-heing
of the hody corporate ; and as no provision could be
procured but from the ship, a barrel was filled with
pea-soup And sent ashore, and, under existing cir-
cumstances, was considered no small luxury by
every individual- In the evening, which followed
hard upon the dinner hour, pickets were told ofif,

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

and sentries were placed to prevent surprise, and
the remainder of the forces hivouucked on the sand,
and on the tirst dawn of the niornin^r the bugle sum-
moned the sleepers from their primitive beds, h hi
hdk (%ilkf to prepare the ground for an encamp-
ment ; the equipage was speedily disembarked, and
having procured camels from the town's-people,
the forces proceeded to the appointed spot, which,
in a military point of view, was eligibly situated|
about two miles north-east of the town, where the
tents were pitched in a jungle infested with every
Rwture that could lend wiidness to the picturesque
ellcct of the martial array, and on which each man
had to clear the ground before he could attempt to
pitch his tent. The surrounding country ai)peared
a wide expanse of dreary barrenness, with here and
there a small patch of cultivated ground, througli
which the natives turned with zealous care every
available stream of water. The little plantations
were rich in fruits, and amply repaid the labour and
care bestowed mmn tlieni. The insulferable stench
and malaria which arose from the tan-pits, and
from the decomposition of tlie dead carcases before
named, which were heaped around the town, would
have beeu, even at that distance, the source of much
disease, and, perhaps, death, to the Europeans, had
it not been for the perioditfal sca-bneiiis which blew
over the country, redoloni of he.ilth, and bearing
on their purifying wings the most refreshing balm
to the dwellers in the camp, which had occasionallv

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

to be moved, in order to prevent the troops suffering
from the consequent accumulation of otral— and it
may therefore be more easily imagined the trouble
and toil the entire rc-Jirrangements required, if
oidy even to change the front of the camp^ or move
it perhaps five hundred yards.

The second Grenadier Regiment of the Native
Infantry formed part of our force. The sepoys
of this regiment were indeed a fine body of men ;
and were witliout exception the finest specimen of
native soldiers 1 luid ever seen. Their equipment
was very nearly that of our forces ; and they seemed
to delight in the life of a soldier. Two of its
ollicers, Captain Hand and Lieutenant Clarke,
rode out into the country one; day, venturing about
thr'^e miles from the camp into the hills. Struck
with the beauty of the very romantic scenery which
surrounded them, they determined to ascend the to})
of a hill which promised to afford them an exten-
sive view, which, after some uiilicuUy, owing to the
badness of the road, they succeeded in doing.
Whilst enjoying the beauty of the surrounding
scenery, which greatly surprised them, they were
attacked by a party of one of these infatuated
tribes, about six in number, who, instigated by the
Faqueer, (Priest,) of the tribe, fired, and shot Cap-
tain Hand, who instantly fell from his horse ; they
also hit Lieutenant Clarke on the thigh ; Captain
Hand's wound was mortal ; when he fell they flew
upon him, hacking him most cruelly with their

:^^'

SCENES IN A SOLDlElt's LIFE.

scimitars. Lieutenant Clarkr, seeing all hope of
escape for his friend was vain, and very doubtful
ih his own case, grew desperate ; he was an eicei-
lent and an active horseman, and his charger
seemed conscious of his rider's danger, who, with
great presence of mind and a courageous heart,
clapped spurs to his steed and rushed to the edge
of the mountain ; a precipice presented itself; the
height was appalling, upwards of eighty feet ; yet it
was the only alternative, and he took the leap down
the fearful abyss. The horse fortunately found a
footing, and furiously galloped towards the camp ;
during all this time Lieutenant Clarke's thigh was
bleeding profusely, and when he reached the canton-
ment he fell lainting from loss of blood. Assistance
was instantly rendered, and, as soon as returning
consciousness permitted, he related the fate of his
friend. The scarcely-completed tale roused the
feelings of the troops ; a cry of horror burst from
every heart, and a strong party hurried to the spot
described by Lieutenant Clarke, and found the body
of Capt. Hand dreadfully mangled ; they brought it
back to the camp. A coffin was prepared, and in
a few hours the body was buried : Captain Hand
left a widow, and, I believe, two children, to deplore
the loss of a fond and an alTcctionate husband, and
a father. Lieutenant Clarke soon recovered from
his wound.

The sickness shortly afterwards disappeared, still
the weather continued very trying. During four

J"!

SCENES IN A SOLPIBB'S LIFE*

months in tbe year the weather is very hot, and for
six weeks blows one continued cloud of dust from
about eight, A. M., to four, P. M. This moving mass
of gravel dust is about twenty-five feet high, and
smothers every thing which offers any resistance
to the drift. During this disagreeable season the
situation of sixteen soldiers in a tent of four-
teen feet square must be any thing rather than
agreeable, their only defence against this bat*
tery of small stones being two folds of cotton can-
vas; consequently their flesh, their clothes, their
beds, were literally buried in it. Some would cover
themselves with their blanket, a'^-d try to sleep
away the day ; should they be for one hour in the
same position, a casual observer w^ould scarcely
distinguish the mass from a mound of earth. The
food whilst being cooked, was filled with dust, and
when placed upon the dishes, before it could be
eaten, would be covered thick with sand ; this, ac-
companied with ardent heat, and, its attendant, in-
tense thirst, rendered the soldiers' lives very misera-
ble. Sometimes, during the blowing of the dust,
it would rain, which, combined with the closeness
of their small tent, inflicted a misery upon the troops
which exceeded any thing described by Beresford in
his amusing little work, clever and comprehensive
as it is ; and, if the proverbial statement have weight,
that a man shall eat a peck of dust during his life,

lira aai n ViiiaViol aan\% in o Trooi*

T'ho nfinn an An f

1ap«

not visit Scinde, as it does India, although periodical

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

rains fall, more or less, every year; and in 1839
very severe and heavy rains fell, which did not at
all tend to increase the comforts of the campaign-
ers in that barren region.

The force stationed at Kurrachie, now consisted of
Her Majesty's 40th Regiment, 3d Company,lst Bat-
tallion E. I. C. Artillery, 2nd Regiment Native In-
fantry ,• the whole under the command of Lieut. Col.
Valiant, acting Brigadier, which, with an efficient
Staff, formed the Scindc Reserve Force. The
number amounted to about 3000, with the usual
Camp-followers, which generally exceeds that of the
Troops ; tlie Commissariat and Ordnance Depart-
ments were becoming very strong, and every arrange-
ment was fast proceeding for the establishment of a
strong force, and all bore the appearance of having
soon much to do.

Sir John Keane, who was in command of the whole,
had marched from the Presidency, and was advanc-
ing with a strong army towards Cabool, md the route
through Hydrabad. On his arrival at the latter
place he halted some days, and there was great spe-
culation and rumour in the army, as to whether the
town of Hydrabad would, or w^ould not, be attacked.
It will be hardly necessary for me to inform my
readers, how far public rumour has its effect, for if
a mole hill makes its appearance, it soon becomes a
mountain, and so it was with the conjectures on
this occasion ; more than once the whole forcp was
m route to join the attack, nay, had it taken, and

Inn

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

all settled ; if we believe one half of public rumour,
it is the extent of its right.

The fortress of Hydrabad is situated about two
miles from the right bank of the Indus, and has a
citadel of immense strength, commanding on one
side the whole country near it ; on the other it is so
hemmed in by thesuburbs, that, until they be destroy-
ed, full scope cannot be given to its efficiency. The
entrance is very strong, and through a well fortified
passage, crossing a very deep moat, which surrounds
the whole building. The walls of the fortress are
built of brick and stone, and are of immense thick-
ness ; it is about half a mile square, and contains
nearly 1800 dwelling houses; some of them are the
palaces of the Ameers of Scinde ; in its interior
there is also a very lofty tower, mounted by seventy-
six steps to the top, in which are placed four large
pieces of ordnance, 84-pounders, of Persian
manufticture. A successful attack upon this strong
fortress would be a difficult undertaking, and could
scarcely be accompFished without a great risk, and
probably a great loss. The Ameers being rich,
powerful,*and influential, perhaps induced our Resi-
dent, Sir Henry Pottinger, to endeavour to over-
come the obstacle rather by diplomacy, than by
force of arms ; and certainly he decided wisely, for
as the Indus presented our only advance into
Scinde, it was absolutely necessary that Hydrabad
should be neutralized ; the task of attempting to
take it by force might have failed, and the British

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^g LIFE.

' 'i

'iV.

Army would have been thus effectually checked on
their onward march. After a short durbar (con-
ference,) the political Aymt, Sir 11. Pottinger,
brought the discussion to a favourable issue. It
was stipulated that the Ameers of Scinde should
become tributary to the British, that they should
pay to the E. I. Company an indemnity of twenty-
seven Lacs of Rupees, (£270,000,) and that several
thousand British soldiers should be supported by
them in Scinde, for their protection against all
onemioB.

Prior to this arrangement the Klian of Kolat,
Merab Khan— had been accustomed to furnish these
Ameers with troops, he receiv;ag a certain sum,
*nd paymg and equipping the men. Of course when
the arrangements made by Colonel Pottinger and
Sir John Keane were carried into effect, these
forces were withdrawn, and replaced by our subsi-
diary force. It was also necessary, that, in order
to secure our more certain protection, the removal
of their hired men should take place at once, and
our own armies perform their duties. Besides, there
was reason to suppose that the Ameers were, in a
great measure, implicated in the up-country matters
which compelled General Keane to look before he'
leaped. The army then resumed its march, crossing
the river forCabool,in the greater security, as they
knew they had now a strong and friendly fortress
in the rear, which would serve alike to strengthen
them, and keep the disaffected in Pfl'pr>iii5,i ohao^.

SCENE3 IN A SOLDI^h'S LIFE.

During this time of excitement we yet pursued the
dull monotony of camp duty at Kurrachie, still form^
iijg the Reserve Force. In May, Brigadier Valiant
was called to Bombay to assume the command
of that garrison, and was temporarily succeeded by
Lieutenant Colonel Spiller, until relieved by Col.
Farquharson, which occurred in a few days. Early
in June, arrangements were made for "Hutting the
Troops," and by the end of July the men took pos-
session of them. They were of a very temporary
nature, being merely stakes of jungle wood driven
into the earth, in the form of oblong rooms, the
roof and walls being formed by pieces of coarse
India matting stitched together, and covered with
turfs, which, from the coarseness of the material,
was a very insufficient protection from rain or du^t,
and when the former fell in large quantities, which
was often the case, the roofing became speedily
completely saturated, and poured down upon the
men in continued streams of mud, deluging them, their
beds, their clothing, and even their food ; but when
the fine weather set in, things were comparatively
comfortable. Our Ufe of listlessness still continued
to wear on, and many and many a time was change
prayed for ; the mountain pass, the battle field, the
stormy torrent, or the dusty plain, all, or any would
have been preferable to the dull tedium of Kurra-
chie at that tiipe. Alas! it was to be, and to
heighten our anno)^ance, sickness again visited ns ;

liiiS tiiTiQ mQ ^COUfgC eajuC ill tuC suapC Qi iCYCF,

* i;

*l!lf

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

almost as terrible as cholera, and scarcely less
fatal ; this fcarfal malady was only preferable, in-
asmuch as it ^mvo the medical officers a better
chance to arrest its progress, as it was less sudden
m Its career. The hospital was crowded, the mcih*-
cal officers over-worked, and the men not positively
attacked were not in a condition to render any essen-
tial service; the wholecountry around Kurrachie, was
infected, and as a last resource a kind of sanatorium
was erected at Minora, whose lofty situation, and
sea-beaten sliore, contained tlie elements of iMialtli,
and thither were sent the sick, the invalid, and the
convalescent^ and the event justified the judgment
and discernment of the proposers of the plan, for
though manydied,avery large proportion recovered.
This baneful malady having passed away, we again
began to look for amusement, or indeed excitement
of any kind.

It will naturally be supposed that the wonders
of nature in our immediate vicinity were among the
first objects of interest ; and we made many plea-
sant excursions to a very extraordinary phenomenon
about five miles from Kurrachie ; it was a tank, or
well of hoi water continually boiling and bubbling
np, at a temperature of 196 of Fahrenheit, called
Muggeer Tank. It was situated near a small lake,
which was infested by a great number of alligators!
some twenty feet in length; these reptiles were
considered sacred, and were attended by a Faqueer,

who prayed to them and protected tl

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

Parties of pleasure would resort thither, forming
very delightful ric-nicR, and would make tea with
the water from the boiling tank — and most excel-
lent tea it made. One of the amusements of the
visitors to this sacred spot was to purchase dogs
and goats, to observe the ferocity with which these
amphibious godships would devour them. On one
occasion when a vciy large party were enjoying

♦' Tho cup which cheers but not inebriates,"

"at Piresco," among the veneiable trees which
shade tiiat silent lake's pellucid shore, a ftivourito
little dog, belonging to the Sergeant-Major* of the
40th Regiment, ventured to the margin of the lake
to quench his thirst, probably unconscious that it
was a temple devoted to a Scindian Deity, or more
probably finding its limped coolness more congenial
to his then wants, than the contents of the boiling
fountain. In a moment the unconscious and pro-
fane intruder was attacked, and in an equally short
space of time devoured. I could not learn that
they had ever attacked a human being.

*Thi8 worthy man, S. Snelling, is now Lieutenant and
Adjutant of the same Corps, having risen through merit, and in
every rank, from the Private to his present, he has ever proved
himself an amiable member of society, and a most valuable and
zealous servant to his country, and richly deserves all that can
be bestowed on him.

CHAITER III.

ImproTemontofKurrachie} News from Upper Country ofth»
Capture of Ghu.nee ; Cabool; Coronation of Shah-Shooia-
ool-Moolk as King of Cabool; Sir T. Wiltshire tako. v '
Keturn of Sir John Keane's Army; Arrival in Kurrnchie,'
Favorable opportunity; Brilliant Staff; Prince Ilyder Khan-
Presentation of New Colors to the 40th llegiment; ])eparture
Of the Cabool Army for Bombay; Wreck of H. M. irth Kegt
in the "Hannah"; Dreadful loss sustained by the Coins'
Prospects of an Insurrection; Call upon Brigadier Farquharson
to supply Trqops; His inability to comply; Despatch of the
Right Wing 40th; An Affghan's opinion of European Power-
Preparations for March to Tatta; A slight retrogade step in
the story; Embarkation of Troops in the Ship Stalkart. laden
with Powder and Camp Equipage; Alarm of Fire at Sea-
Ji^xpectation of being blown up; Description of Scene; Dis-
covery of Cause; Effect Produced; Arrival at Destination ; The
Murderers of Captain Hand; ThelCommander of the Party A
Priest hanged; March of the Wing to Googah. Its beku-
ties; Arrival ^t Tatta; Embarkation in Boats; Departure
up the Indus. ^

Our Hyes now became much more at ease at
Kurrachiej daily improvements were malting to
perfect the state of the camp ; a place for landing
was formed on the shore of the creek, and two
small steamers were sent from the Presidency to
ply up and down a small river, to enable the troops
to move with ffreater facility nn *ho /..^„«*^ u:-i-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

almost every day was now being called for — ships
arriving with stores of food, ordnance, troops and
equipage, and adding every thing towards comple-
ting the efficiency of the field force ; and by the
end of 1839 the arrangements were so much so
that Kurrachic was indeed the key t'> Scinde.
The natural consequence of these constant arrivals
wan the circulation of varieties of rumours ;
many a time the hundred tongues of a celebrated
babbling old lady of ancient days had destined ns
to proceed onwards ; sometimes we were positively
going to Hydrabad ; again it was confldently
asserted we were to proceed to join the force before
Ghuznee ; and another as positively aflSrmed that
we were to share in the attack upon Kelat ; but
alas ! for our wayward destiny ! there lay the force
in Kurrachie, hearing of wars and rumours of wars,
but living a life of inactive peace on the inhospita-
ble plains of Scinde, surrounded by a treacher-
ous foe— and more galling still, doomed to hear in
rapid succession of the glorious career of the
remainder of the army under Sir John Keane, a
few of the Kurrachie force only proceeding with
him, and returning soon after to relate the fall of
Ghuznee, the conquest of Cnbool and Kelat, and the
coronation of Shah Shooja-uol-Moolk as Kingof Aff-
ghanistan ; returning with the glories so much prized
by the British Soldier — the victory over an enemy.
There is sor^ething particularly envious in the

^^:^.j ^e ~ i>_ii.;_i- cj-u? i~ „ i i, n ■, . .-,

iiiiiiu ui a liAiiiSii KjUiUiUf J Vfiieu iiC uCarS Oi uVkXm,

• 'M

'!i ■

I <H

SCKNKS IS A BOLDIEii's LIFE.

m\\

victory, or exploit, cacli seems to tliinic he ought to
have sliared, and arc ever saiH^niine to join in tlic
efforts to distinguisli and uphold the dauntless
fame of the service ; they look upon fate to be
wnkind, in not allottin^^ 8omethin*r for them to do,
in order that they may reap laurels, and be held up
as a participator in that strange name. Glory. Such
was the case with the Scinde Ucscrve Force.

In February, 1840, Kurrachie showed another,
sight ; we received intimation that the army of Sir
J. Keane, having completed its operations, was now
on its march to embark at Kurrachie for the Presi-
dency ; the troops soon followed the news (which
was brought by the few of our men wht were at-
tached) of their coming. In a few days the town
was crowded with the army, which consisted of u
squadron of II. M. 4th Light Dragoons, (he 2nd or
Queen's Infantry, and H. M. 17th Regiment, toge-
ther with a number of native Corps, the whole
accompanied by the usual numerous host of native
servants and followers.

Early in the year the officer commanding the
40th had received a case containing a new
stand of colors for the regiment, and as they
still remained unpresented, this was considered as
a most auspicious and fitting opportunity for their
presentation, as there were some very distinguished
persons then in Kurrachie, among whom was Prince
Hyder Khan, the younger son of Dost Mahomed the
dethroned King of Cabool, who was kept under

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

the protection of Sir John, and is now, I believe, in
England for education, whose presence would cer-
tainly add to the appearance and sensation in wit-
nessing the splendid spectacle.

Sir John Keane undertook the honouring and
Iionoured office of presenting the colours, and on the
16th February the lieginient was drawn up in
Iteview order, and, after having been inspected by
the Lieutenant-General and Prince Ilyder Khan, it
was formed into three sides of a square, and Sir
John Keano, Prince llyder. General Wiltshire, and
a very splendid Staff, formed the fourth ; the two
senior Ensigns were in the centre of the opposite
side, and somewhat in advance of the line, bearing
the two old colours.

The new colours were brought out and consecrat-
ed by the Rev. Mr. Burnell, as is usual in these
cases, who read a history of the achievements of this
distinguished old corps, and a splendid category of
noble deeds it displayed. Its renown, begun in
Egypt, spread to South America, and was identi-
fied with every glorious battle-field in the Peninsula,
the South of France, and in the Netherlands, end-
ing with that fight, which will never pass from the
page of history, the battle which decided the fate
of millions, and restored peace to the world — the
battle of Waterloo. Eloquent as was the language
of this pious man, and reverend clergyman — glori-
ous as was the strain of gratulation in which he
spoke — not a member of the rnrns thpn nrosAn* hut

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

felt his heart echo the fervent strain, as he dwelt
upon feature after feature in the history of its long
and noble career, and when appealing from the
past to the present, and calling upon those who
then composed it to emulate tiie conduct of those
who had won for it such a splendid reputation,
the burst of enthusiastic concurrence could scarcely
be suppressed, and every one on the ground felt
that, come when it would, the trial would not find
them wanting, and that the colours, if the opportu-
nity offered, Tvould be adorned by names as bright
and glorious as any in the list the old ones bore
emblazoned on their broad bright folds.

The history having been concluded, and the con-
secration over, the two junior Ensigns advanced to
the front, the band playing the Regimental March,
until they reached the spot where Sir John had ad-
vanced to meet them ,• and there, whilst the bands
played the National Anthem, Sir John presented
the colours to them, the regiment presenting arms
and the officers saluting. So runs the ceremony.

Sir John addressed the regiment in a most kind
and affecting manner, pointing out to it the great
and important charge it had undertaken ; he related
several interesting events in the history of the regi-
ment, which had come under his personal observa-
tion, in engagements at which he had been present ;
and stated, in a manner higldy flattering to the 2nd
Somersets, that if he had ever again to command
a regiment, he did not know any which he could

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

prefer to the gallant 40th. Having concluded his
address, the band again began to play; the two
Ensigns bearing their new colours, took their post
in front of the line ; the Ensigns bearing the old
and time-honoured remnants withdrew with them
to the rear, when they were honourably consigned
to the care of a guard, by whom they were escorted
to the Commanding Officer's tent; the regiment
again presented arms, and the oflicers again saluted,
the band playing the " Point of War," as the new
colours, for the first time, were waved over the
ranks they were speedily to lead on to war and
victory. — This truly imposing and heart-stirring
spectacle being past, the interesting ceremony having
been concluded, the parade was dismissed, and the
men were dispersed to their tents, with proud hearts
and swelling bosoms, if I may judge of the im-
pression made upon them, by the feelings which
were excited in my own, feeling as I did as a
soldier.

To the eye and heart of a soldier^ out of the
many sights he sees, none can prove more inter-
esting than the presentation of standards or colours
to that corps of which he forms a part, and does,
in the strongest sense, fill him with patriotic feeling
such as it is impossible to describe.

I revert to this ceremony in a greater detail than
I had originally intended, because I know so well
the feelings of soldiers on such occasions, and parti-
cularly as it is somewhat remarkable that the ccrps

f f!

1,11 M:

i -:M

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

should be on acCive service with a set of colours,
whose remnant would scarcely cover a square foot'
and, after along sojourn in " piping peace," should
re-enter on an expedition, receive a new set in the
field, and, as will be afterwards seen, encountered
many fights, to add to the many honors already
borne on those gained by their predecessors.

Truly it may be said, they are a mere bauble,
but custom creates much inco/iSi'stency, and although
the true tenor of the br, j colors in a Regiment
is nothing in itself, >et they contain a history,
and a sort of gravity, exhibiting the many series of
conquests and trials which those who rallied beneath
underwent, and at once become a monument, and
a relic, and in common with other revered relics, are
carefully and warm-heartedly viewed by a soldier,
that determine him to go and do likewise.

Shortly after, a sufficiency of transport having
been obtained. Sir John, and the whole of the field*-
division of the army of the Indus, embarked for the
Presidency. H. M.'s 17th embarked on board the
" Hannah,"andwereonly preserved from the dangers
and difficulties of their land undertakings, to be ex-
posed to others even more terrific, and disastrous, at
sea, for, on their passage from Kurrachie to Bom-
bay, they were wrecked, and lost almost every thing
except what they had upon their backs, being obliged
to leave the vessel to its fate. The Prize Master of
the Kelat treasure was enabled, by great risk and
exertion, to save some of the more valuable portion

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

but the men and oflScers generally were left in a
state of almost destitution, and thought themselves
fortunate in being able to reach Bombay without
loss of life or limb. They were picked up by some
passing boats ; and one or two officers, who suc-
ceeded jn saving some clothes, shared with their
men. What a toil after that of so dreary a march
as coming from the upper part of Aflfghanistan I
Many of the men, who had succeeded, up the coun-
try, in getting valuables, lost their all, and were
forced to pocket the satisfaction of getting a new
supply of necessaries the best way they could, i -
truly the compensation granted for the indemnifica-
tion of a loss to the soldier, is little compared with
the inconvenience and misery endured in such
cases.

The compensation granted from government, is
far from sufficient to repay the soldier's loss ; be-
cause, in such a case the soldier loses his all, his
little collections, either in cash or curios. His cloth-
ing may from care, be superior, or more extensive than
the regulations require, but the allowance to meet
the loss barely supplies the stipulated quantity
thus is he left to toil afresh for another stock ;
the government never consider the privation or
suffering in this case, as it would indeed be ex-
pected, but the term duty envelopes dl this ; private
feelings or suffering, cannot be recognised ; it there-
fore remains for those for whom we suffer, to sym-^
pathize.

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SCENES lU A soldier's lilPB.

But & very short period had elapsed, after th«
withdrawing of the main army from the upper pro-
vinces, before the chiefs of Beloochistan, embittered
at the superiority gained by the British Arms,.de-^
termined to rise, and, if possible, annihilate the few
British garrisons then holding the different foris,
and posts of communication in that region, placed
there by Sir John Keane on his return, to keep the
country. The authorities having received intima-
tion of the proposed outbreak, directed forces from
Ferozepore and Kurrachie to co-operate with the
garrisons already in the covkUj, and make pre-
parations to carry on the campaign on^an extensive
scale. By the advice of, and in compliance with,
the desire of the Political Agent, Colonel Farquhar-
son was called upon to send the 40th Regiment on
emergent service, to proceed in pursuit of Nusseer
Khan, son. of Merab Khan, Chief of Kelat, who fell
on the stoming of that place by Sir T. Wiltshire,
but Col. F. found it impossible fully to comply with
the wishes of the political authorities, owing to the
very important station Kurrachie had become, and
which required a much stronger force to retain it
than there was present. But notwithstanding its
littleness, he directed the Right Wing of the 40th
to proceed, being one-half of his only European
Force — and Europeans do not figure very small in
an enemy's country, for an Affghan once told me,
when asked what he thought of the Feringees
(Europeans,) that he looked upon an Affghan to be

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

worth fonr Sepahee's, or Sepoys, (native soldiers)
and an European to be worth four Affghans. So
muchTor our discipline and courage, which have, many
a time made an enemy quake at even the thoughts
of meeting us.

The Right Wing was ordered to Tatta, to emhark
in boats and sail up to Sukkur. This was, at all
events, a commencement, and promised fairly to be
followed up with hard campaigning. A striking
incident happened at this time, which, although it
may not directly be on the journey up the Indus, yet
as it occurred prior to the final arrangement for that
expedition, I feel persuaded it will not be considered
by my readers unworthy of a place. A despatch
duty had to be performed to the Presidency, and
being done, the ship " Stalkart" was ordered at
Bombay to receive on board a detachment of fifty Eu-
ropean Troops, six ofiicers, two hundred foiiowers,and
cargo of camp equipage, and ordnance stores, ind v
ding about three hundred tons of powder,f or the mag-
azines and stores at Kurrachie. We sailed from Bom-
bay, and had been about five days on board, wending
our way through the unconsci . :.s world of waters, and
stemming the trackless deep most peacefully. AH
was light and comparatively happy ; the troops en-
joying themselves in the merry strain of a song, or
tale, on deck ; the natives were, ;^? Is very common
with them^ indulging freely ii' sn. iking the hookah
and relating their Arabian stories. — The mode of
smoking the hookah is, no doubt, well known : it

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

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11 ml

is, aiaongBt the common classes of natives, formed
of a cocoa nut-shell, many are made of glass, silver,
and sometimes gold for the more affluent, and filled
with water, with two holes bored in it ; in one is
placed a long tube, on the top of which is a bowl to
contain tobacco, and is usually half filled with the
weed, and filled up with red cinders of charcoal,
and a small pipe from the other hole enables the
smoker to draw the smoke from the bowl through
the water. This certainly makes tlie habit a greater
luxury, and far more pleasant than imbibing the
essence of tobacco direciiy from the crucible, as it
were, and H must be confessed, considering our being
so far in advance of Asia, th^:, they gi-eatly excel
us in the use of tobacco, purifyirg it through rose
or .^ring water, and consequently receiving it cool
and free from that oft-complained of burning effect
produced by the use of the common pipe or cigar—
not that I recommend the practice of smoking at all.
The natives being such incessant consumers of
tobacco it will not be wondered at, that the accident
I am about to relate occurred.

It appeared that, owing to the hurry in stowing,
boxes of powder, tents, shot, and provisions were
all placed Irregularly together, or rather, not proper-
ly separated, and it happened that one afternoon as
the officer whose duty it was to issue provisions, was
getting out more from below, a native close to, let a
cinder from his pipe fall down amongst the powder
in the hold— it passed between some of the boxes and

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

could not be seen ; an alarm waa immediately raised
that fire had got among the powder, and the ship was
expected every moment to be blown out of the water.
Every hand was on deck — some screamed, some
prayed ; none knew what was best to be done — each
looked for that moment to be his last, and every
voice uttered cries of appeal to the Great Giver of
life. At such a time, or such a crisis, a million
thoughts come into the mind. Every cheek lost its
colour, and many clung to the shrouds of the ship,
unconsciously, as though *,hat was safer than in the
hold itself. There were several females and young
children on board, and you may picture the situation cf
a mother then. I remember sitting on the step of
the gangway, awaiting the looked-for explosion of
the powder, and imploring that mercy so bountifully
promised and held out to us, wondering what had
best be done. — Several minutes elapsed ; it was
well known that the powder was covered with
pitched canvass, and a wrapper over that, and it
was conjectured that the cinder had fired the
wrapper, and that it was making its way, mA
although no explosion had yet taken place, it was
fully believed one would very soon. Never was a
scene so horribly depicted, or the career of human
life so near its end ! it would bafile all possibility
to describe it, and I must, therefore, leave it to be
imagined, which no doubt it can be, by my readers,
who will naturally like to know the upshot of the
affair. We waited for nearly twenty minutes, when

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SCENES IN A SOLMER's LIFE.

I proposed, ml desperando^ to go down with the
Purser, and if possible, discover what was likely
to be the result— at first it was negatived ; if a draft
was admitted, explosion was certain, but down we
»vent, and after removing box after box, we dis-
covered the cinder lying on the top of one, and on
examimngit, it appeared that when it fell and rest-
ed, it (as is usual with charcoal) became immedi-
ately covered with a white ash, and thus was almost
harmless.

I carefully picked up the " leetel " thing that
had caused so much uproar, brought it on deck, and
found even then, on blowing it, that it revived,
and was not harmless; but it was soon hurled
overboard, and all hearts leapt for joy. I must say,
I was never in so peculiar a predicament in my
life,— that is an acknowledgment, although I have
been in several disasters at sea, for on my first voy-
age to the East, the unfortunate ship I sailed in,
the "Morley," w^as twice dismasted, her provi-
sions short, and all hands on board, for a conside-
rable time, obliged to live upon salt beef, and
water, every other kind of provision fore and aft,
having been consumed— and in all, in addition to
being six months and a half in making the passage
from England to Bombay ; which on another occa-
sion, in the ship " Forfarshire," we effected in less
than 100 days— and the natives, who are naturally
black, most certainly depicted an inclination to
change colour on this occasion ; and it was the first

H .ii

SCENES IN A SOLDIEK'S LIFE.

time I had ever seen a Black nearly white in the face
through fear. We, however, soon got all tranquil,
and arrived at the Bay of Minora, and landed at Kur-
rachie, with an incident in each of our lives, never to
be erased, at all events, from mine, and I think I can
venture to say the same for the rest.

Before the small force proceeded on the duty al-
lotted them, our authorities had not forgottei. the
calamity that befel poor Capt. Hand, and had been
using every possible means to discover the perpe-
trators of so treacherous a piece of villainy. The
Chiefs had all been warned that unless the fugi-

tives were

forthcoming.

and that soon, that

Government would take other means to find them
out. It soon occurred that three of the party were
brought in, and were tried by order of the Ameers
of Scinde ; and it turned out that the party who
attacked the two unarmed men were six infatuated
miserable beings who lived in the hills, and were
part of the Brahoe Tribe ; and, as usual, were in-
fluenced by their Faqueer, who commanded and
directed the plan of attack. This despicable object of
the Em-opean's wrath was one of the three arrested,
and was sentenced to be taken to the spot where he
had ordered the murder to be committed, and there to
be hanged in the presence of the majority of the troops.
And never was the instalment of a revenge more wel-
come to those present ; the wretch himself seemed
to think nothing of launching into eternity ; the
rest were to work in chains for life. The other

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

three were not discovered, and there is every reason
to believe that they, and othvr jjarties of their
Tribe, were hired to take every opportunity of an-
nihilating small parties, as will be seen by the
sneaking unmanly tricks practised on us.

The wing, on the 10th August, 1840, marched
for Tatta, via Goojun, which was the first day's
march, about twelve miles ; the camp was pitched
in the centre of a cluster of tall shady trees, with
here and there a large Banyan tree, whose noble
arms spread and formed a canopy for a hundred-
it was bordered by a beautiful lake, whose clear
and murmuring streams added much to the plea-
santness of the scene, and seemed to lull the soldier
to sleep on his cold and flinty couch of war ; the
lake hemming in on the one side the loveliest or-
chards, and watering the grounds of Goojah, which
is the ruin of a once noble place, and even yet has
traces left of its Eastern grandeur, and overhung
by the lofty Lucknee Mountains, that run, intersec-
ted with lovely vales, from Dera, Himaylle, and He-
rat. The sun seemed to have lost its power, and
shone as it were merely to renovate the air, and
add to the magnificence of the view around, which
wov!d have done justice to the most choice portfo-
lio. But whatever the beauty, or however satis-
factory to the mind, the thing is but momentary ;
itpasseth,and the campaigner must move on, hoping
for change to meet his wishes, and lend its aid to
make each scene as lovely as those ah-eady thought

SCENES IN A SCii.DlER'8 LIFE.

so ; for in such aa that first day's march would
make one say, we'd like, <* To live and die in scenes
like this, with so. le we've left hehind us."

Here, however, as is almost universally the case,
it may he truly said, that God ma(1<^ the country
and man the town. A more wretched, miserahlc,
and filthy combination of mis-called dwellings, it
has never been my lot to s. ; no, no! even in Inte-
rior India, that region of miserable villages. I left
this spot the following day with a silent but heart-
felt sigli >i" regret. About one p. m.. on the 15th,
we arrived at T{Jtta ; the roads were „Jod but the
way was long, and the sun's power intense. Just
before we reached the place of encampment many
became exhausted from over fatigue and from the
effects of the sun's overpowering rays: numbers
fainted ; many became sick ; and all suffered more
or less. This harassing march was fortunately the
last we had to undertake, for some time at all
events, us on our arrival at Tatta we found three
small steamers, and a number of boats waiting
in readiness to convey us up the Indus, and we
embarked on board them, the same day. Cap-
tain Boscawen, and his company, in the steamers,
and the other companies under the command of
Capt. Adamson.

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CHAPTER IV.

I'atta; Its appearance from the Indus; The Eiver Indus- Its
Inundations, like the Nile; Danger of being overpowered by
the Current; Whirpools; Curious modes of Swimming and Na-
vigation; Description of Jerrick; Dreadful Catastrophe; Burn-
. ing of Dr. Hibbert and two others, British Officers, by Piring
the Jungle; Impossibility of Escape; Surmise as to cause;
bhikareesoi- Hunting Grounds of Ameers of Scinde; Appear-
ance of Hydrabad from Indus; Lucknee Mountains; Pleasure
Jioats of the Ameers; Description of Workmanship; The
Ameers of Scinde; The Power and Scource of Revenue; Lake
of Ilarran; Larkana; Arrival at Bukkur; Conjunction of
Troops; Description of Sukkur; Fortress of Bukkur: Its
Situation and Employment; State Prisoners; The Prince of
Shawl and Grand Vizier of Kelat; Strict Guard on them:
Their Treatment and Allowances; Short History of the
Prince; Release of the Prisoners; Their Employment by Go-

Derr^f r.^'r": ""T'^' I^o^^^-al Agent; CaptainBean;
Defeat of Lt. Clarke's Force; His Death; Dreadful Loss of
Stores, &c; Awful situation of Troops in Sukkur; Prepara-
Uons for War; Press for Cattle; Effect of the appearance of
British Troops; March of Troops to Shikarpoor; Equipment
of the Force; Appearance of Shikarpoor.

Tatta is built upon the site, and contains many
striking remains of a city of ancient grandeur, par-
ticularly a large round mausoleum, which stands,
near the centre of the city j several ancient tem-
ples, although now partially in ruins, are still beau-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

tifiilj and exhibit many splendid specimens of skill
in the art of sculpture. These temples are built of
brick, and covered with a sort of glazed or enamelled
square earthenware material, of different designs,
and though rude, their decorations show evidently
that much labour was bestowed upon them. The
larger dwellings are built also of brick, but the work*-
manship very so so ; the smaller dwellings are, as
elsewhere, of mud. This was the last city taken by
Alexander when he invaded that country.

The fact of the earthenware being enamelled,
struck me that the art existed at a much earlier pe-
riod than may be at first supposed ; and the designs
Introduced were very similar to ours. Blue, green,
and red, were the principal colours used; and
iheir style of gilding, although inferiorv to those of
finer European taste, is really most delicately caiv
ried out. Their general ideas of drawing arc
coarse, and amount to a daub, having no idea of
perspective. The bricks are commonly sun-dried
clay or mud, mixed with chopped straw, and are
about eight inches square, and two or three' thick.
Wood,, though small, abounds here; and the natives
are principally Murrees.

The general appearance of the town is noble, and
even elegant when seen from a distance, but when
:*s realities are " oculis suhjecta Jidelihus " that
impression rapidly fades away, and the whole place
is seen to be disfigured by the filth, wretchedness
and poverty of its interior, which may be consi-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

dercd as a reason for the virulence of the attacks
of cholera and fever, to which this town in common
with many others is subject. The 26th Native In-
fantry were stationed at Tatta, during the time we
suffered from the cholera at Kurrachie, and dread-
ful were the ravages committed among them by
that fell disease ; it was reduced to a perfect skele-
ton, and was removed to enable the number to be
again filled up. I found, upon enquiry, that trade
at this time was in a flourishing state at Tatta,
and the traflSc up and down the Indus very exten-
sive, it being generally considered as the mart of
the Indus. '

Our sail from Tatta to Sukkur, in the boats, oc-
cupied twenty-eight days ; there were twenty
men in each boat, and they canied thirty
days' rations each, in the same boat with them-
selves.

The Indus is in many parts very wide, and in
others very narrow, and it has many tributaries,
some of them being very noble streams. The
Indus, like the Nile, is subject to periodical over-
flowings, which are looked forward to with great
anxiety by the natives, and revered with a feeling
nearly allied to veneration. This inundation is
the most apparent cause of the vast inequalities in
the width of this mighty river, as the weight of
water frequently so much weakens and emaciates
the banks that they fall into the channel in vast
masses, and are afterwaids rapidly swept away by

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

the strength of the current, which in the sunnier
season is very great, when the whirlpools are very-
numerous, and very dangerous, sweeping away in
their vortex the ablest and strongest swimmers ;
inevitable destruction is the certain consequence of
being once caught in the range of their centri-
petal force. As the whole of many parts of the
country are entirely overflowed, the natives have
to remove, and return when it has subsided.

Alligators and porpoises are very numerous, and
attracted a great deal of attention during this long
voyage.

The various modes of native navigation are very
curious, and to strangers would s< . m particularly
dangerous, from the vast swarms of alligators to
which I have alluded, but I did not learn that acci-
dents often happened from their extraordinary
aquatic tactics ; one plan is to take i he skin of a sheep
or goat, as whole as possible, and making it into a
bag, which they ingeniously contrive so to stitch
that it is completely air tight, and which is inflated
when required for use. It is then laid on their
breast, and the two fore legs are brought round
and fastened together behind the neck ; in like man-
ner, the two hind ones are passed round the waist
and tied behind the back, the basket or parcel
which they carry is fastened either to their shoul-
ders or fixed on their turban, and they then lay
themselves down upon the water, and propel thenih-
selves by their arms and legs at a very rapid rate.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIPB.

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This mode of travelling is common to the couriers,
the fishermen, nml even to those who may occa-
sionally require to cross the river. There is ano-
ther plan equally strange and more surprising to
the European traveller, which is by means of a
large earthenware vessel of a globular form, with
an opening at the top ; the traveller places this
primitive argosy with the opening against his
chest and the air contained within it, as sufticient
to bear up him and his fishing net, and he boldly
swims or sails — I know not which to call it — up
and down the river, propelling himself by his legs,
and casting his net most dexterously. I have seen
few things any where which more excited my won-
der than these two extraordinary floats, or buoys,
-—for they are nothing more,— and the ease and
rapidity with which the navigators darted from
point to point was truly wonderful, particularly to
the stranger. The natives of the east are most
certainly a clever race, and require but to be culti-
vated in the higher branches of art, to make th n
eminently so. There is one general feeling I ever
observed amongst them — which is, the} seldom
can be prevailed upon to alter their old plans,
although it may be in the clearest possible manner
proved to them, the great £.dvantage to be derived
from a change — for instance, in cleaning their grain,
they never thrash it ; because custom says, let
the oxen tread it out, — and they still uphold it —
and innumerable other things, of which I shall say

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

«r

more anon— they adhere most devotedly to the laws
of Moses.

We passed Jerrick, or Dhyjrik, which stands on
a rock, facing the river, and presents a verv formi-
dable appearance — this place recalled the melan-
choly fate of three oflacers of the grand army, when
stationed here, in 1839. They went out on a
shooting excursion, and got into the jungle ; they
had penetrated a considerable way in, and found
themselves completely hid in the underwood and
buishes; they suddenly saw a large broad sheet of
devouring flame, sweeping onward in the direction
in which they wore, somewhat in the form of a
half-moon, and each moment it seemed as if some
gigantic genii of fire were approaching them, with
extended arms, to catch them in their terrible em-
brace. On, on it came, cracking, roaring, tl^undcN
ing, and stretching far and near for miles, .the ex-
tremities now so nearly meeting each other, and
at no distance from themselves, that all attempts
at escape were utterly impossible ; in the course
of a very short time the flames had entirely
encircled them, and they all fell victims to the de-
vouring elements. One was Doctor Hibbert, the
names of the others I forget. It is unknown if this
terrible calamity originated in design or accident ;
we were inclined to think the former, after poor
Hand's affair, and knowing the love they bore us ;
although its rapid progress must have been greatly

■ ! L,

6CENE8 IN A SOLDIEB'S LIFE.

increased from the long droughts and intense heat
which had prevailed for some time previously.

The hunting grounds of the Ameers of Scinde,
were in the immediate neighbourhood of Hydrabad,
to which we were now rapidly approaching ; they
are walled for upwards of fourteen miles, lie close
to the InduS; and abound in game., being preserved
by keepers, called Shikarees, much iU the same way
that these matters are managed in England. I am
happy to say, however, that game laws there, are
very diflferent from those which in Britain are the
fertile source of so much cruelty, tyranny and
crime. *

There is something magnificently sublime in the
panoramic scenery of Hydrabad and its environs,
where we arrived without accident. We passed
close under the termination of a lofty range of
mountains which reach to the banks of the river^on
the summits of which stand several splendid
mausoleums or tombs of the great, the warlike, and
the noble t their lofty magnificence, at such an ele-
vated position, made them appear to be strikingly
grand to the admiring traveller, and renders them
an interesting picture from whatever point of view
they may be observed.

The noble and sublime mountains sweep away
far as the eye can trace their swelling mound on
both sides of the river; they are intersected by
many roads and plains. On the bank of the river
stands a range, known as the Lucknee Hills, over

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

which Sir John Kcane led his forces ; and a pain-
ful, wearisome, tedious, and dangerous march it
was, the road being long, steep, and narrow ; its
summit could not be less than 1200 feet above the
water. And the road which wound about its sides
seemed like some great serpent crawling up its
almost precipitous slopes. The pleasure boats of
the Ameers are kept in little covers near this place,
and being built in a very curious and highly orna-
mented style, give a very flattering idea of the
taste and skill of the artificers. They are built
similar to our ancient state barges, and the work-
manship exhibits the great patience they are endowed
with. A considerable portion of the work in the
saloons is perforated, and whole doors, windows,
ceilings, are formed of carved wood, in small pieces,
perhaps not more than an inch and a half long,
some not a quarter the length, ingeniously joined
together, without the aid of composition or glue,
other than the fitting of the joints ; the carving is
extrejneVj? delicate,. and JHuJsl have taken an immen-
sity pi\^j)iot.M«i;ttmk^ib^^^ tools they
worKwiih.aresoJudf..; seldom ^n.deed, do we see a

carpektii-wittinjoYe-than ttree^^^ tejir eoarse chisel«,
a saw, and an adze, which is also his hammer.

The Ameers govern the whole of Scinde, and th«
larger proportion of Beloochistan, and derive their
revenue from an impost laid upon the possessions of
every individual in their widely extended domains ;
this impost appears to be very oppressive, and also

100

IP !

SCENES IN A SOLDIEB's LIFE.

very rigorously exacted. There are eight Ameers
brothers, Meer Shadad Khan, Meer Hosein Ali, Meer
Nusseor Mahomed Khan, Meer Mahomed Khan, Meer
Sobdan Khan , Meer Roostoom Khan, Meer Ali Morad
Khan, and Meer Shere Mahomed Khan. These
brothers are divided into the various portions of Terri-
tory, having one Rais or head, to whom they look op
as arbiter, but they are continually at logger-
heads, owing to jealousy in their divisions of power •
the turban or crown being allotted to one by
right, and the chicanery practiced by these Ameers
or Lords of Scinde, will be more fully pointed out
m the concluding portion of this narrative, when I
have to speak of the conquest of Scinde, in 1843
who resided in and near Hydrabad, in all the luxu^
nous indolence which is so characteristic of the
Eastern regions.

After leaving Hydrabad we came to Sehwan
which is in no wise distinguished from the genera^
htj of Scmdean towns ; its market was abundantly
furmshedwith.excellent.fish,^a|ia its .trade seemed
to be in a ffourishiflg'siate.; After ^ (ew hours
sail up the rivpr /rom thin place, it.opened into a
>yide expanse, ^tdch. is . catlei the Lakeiof. Harran
-another of these delightful spots the eye loves to
rest upon, and the memory to recall; as we saiJed
along, Its lovely banks rose at first beautifully, and
then as they receded into the distance, swelled mag-
nificently until the clouds of the horizon seemed to
rest upon the bright clear outline of the deep blue

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

101

summits. The breeze from the shore came redolent,
and laden with the perfumed sweets of the wild
violets and the indigenous roses; the melodious
warblings of the singing birds, as they hopped from
sprig to sprig, among the thick branches of the gi-
gantic forest trees which formed the undulating
foreground ; the waving play of the lofty cedars as
they gracefully yielded to the gentle breeze, just
permitting the azure tints of heaven sometimes to
gleam between them, and gleaming from point to
point, the dazzling tints of the bright and refulgent
sunbeams, lent a charm to this lovely spot, which
fixes it on the mind as one of those efforts of nature,
which are created to be once seen, and never for-*
gotten.

We passed on to Larkana, a place of extensive
trade, and in which is held a noble bazaar, and
is a mart for all the surrounding country. We
made no stay here, but started on to our des-
tination, Sukkur, which we reached on the 13^th of
September, heartily glad to know that, for the pre-
sent at least, our voyage was at the end, for although
the banks of the Indus are marked by many and
great beauties, the intense heat of the sun, from
whose scorching rays we were defended only by a
matting roof, prevented us feeling the delight we
should otherwise have had in beholding them.
Our boats too, being very small and uncomfortable,
did not tend to make the passage more convenient
or agreeable. On our arrival we found that the

7.02

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

lil'

two companies which had preceded us, had all
wrived safely, and re-union with them was a source
of mutual satisfaction. Our number of sick was
now very small, and the prevalent disease was
fever, from which India is scarcely, if ever, free.
A few days was quite sufficient to render the right
wing, now wholly engaged at Sukkur, perfectly
efficient for field service.

Sukkur stands on the left bank of the river,*
Rores on the right, and the fort of Bukkur stands
on a small island almost amid channel, and between
the two otlier towns ; access to this fort is some-
times, owing to the force of the current, very diffi-
cult, if not altogether impossible. It is a very
desirable position, and, garrisoned by Europeans, h
quite capable of offering the most complete resis-
tance to any native force ; it had, therefore, been
established as a complete arsenal for the accommoda-
tion of our forces, and at that time contained an
immense store of ordnance, provisions, ammunition,
and other apparatus of war. And what was still
more necessary, a very large amount of treasure —
that oil, without which the wheels of any machine,
however perfect it may otherwise be, will not long
continue in working order. It also contained the
State prisoners, the Prince of Shawl, and the Vizier
of Kelat ; the former was taken prisoner when
leading his troops to the assistance of the chief of
Kelat, and the latter at the storming of that place
by Gen. Wiltshire. These being two very influen-

SCENES IN A SOLMEn^S LIFE.

103

d all

lource

: was

was

free.

very

lial persons in Beeloochistan, their safe custody was
of very great importance to the British Govern-
ment, and they were, therefore, kept in close arrest.
As in one or two instances lately, means had been
found to forward letters and even weapons to them,
by f'.eir friends outside, the charge of them was
transferred to the Europeans, with strict injunctions
that they should be strictly guarded and closely
watched, for which purpose two sentries simultane-
ously mounted guard over them every two hours, with
imperative orders that they must never both have
their eyes ofif them at the same moment, that they
were to accompany them whenever they moved,
and never permit them to make use of any writing
materials whatever, or to retain in their possession
any knives or any thing else which they could in
any manner render available to effect their escape.
They were at first allowed one and a half rupees,
equal to three shillings each per diem, for their
subsistence, but after a time, the allowance was
reduced to one and a half rupees for both, which at
best, was certainly but a sorry allowance to maintain
the dignity of princes, prisoners though they
were.

They used occasionally to receive small presents,
such as a telescope or other small articles of that
description. They each had one, and were agree-
ably surprised at their powers, as they sat and
viewed from the fortress the boats coming up the
Indus ; and more than once has the Prince expres-

104

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

sed his anxiety to see Lonedone (Lcndon,) which he'
ujed to say must be very great.

The prince of Shawl at length became so familiar
with our men, that he learned to speak tolerably
good English. I gleaned from him that he was a
great warrior ; he showed to me, and to many others,
eight wounds which he had received in different
battles in which he had been engaged, with several
hostile tribes. The last was through the hand, from
a musket, in a combat near Kelat. He told me, also,
that he had a son, who was in command of about
2000 men, formerly belonging to Merab Khan.

Mahomed Hassan, the Vizier, wLd bore a very
noble and aristocratic appearance, was tena-
coiis and proud, was seldom seen to speak to any
one, and wore a very dignified air. His beai'd was
long and black. He seemed to pride himself much
in his hair, had it often dyed; his nails were
stained red; being a mark of superiority, and, in
short, his gait would at once impress the stranger
with his lefty station; he was subsequently released,
and sent on a mission with an officer of our service
into the Interior of the country; and about the
3ame time the Prince of Shawl was also liberated,
and, having entered into terms of amity with the
Company's officers, he was appointed contractor
for camels and other carriage to the British troops in
Beeloochistan and Scinde, receiving an advance of
6,000 rupees, to enable him to carry ou his new
office, which he managed with great tact and ability.

SCENEK IN A SOLDIBR'S LIFE.

105

There were some other subordinate Beeloochee
prisoners in the Fort of Bukkur, who were aftei^
wards also released.

The Fort of Bukkur is capable of being rendered
one of the strongest in India, and is of very ancient
origin ; it is the one mentioned in history as having
been taken by Alexander the Great ; but is now,
however, fast going to ruin, and some of the walla
have actually fallen into decay.

Roree on the right bank of the Indus, is very
thickly populated, and serves as a great support to
Sukkur ; it also fell into the hands of Alexander's
pervading power, but was restored to its people.
The Fort standing on an island in the centre of
the river, speaks much of its commanding situar
tion. It contained several hundred houses, and
was capable of affording protection to upwards of
20,000 people ; the citadel was of immense strength,
and m itself would contain a large army.

The Political agent at Sukkur was Ross Bell,
Esq., and Captain Bean was his Assistant. Cap-
tain Bean is the officer, who, with his lady, encoun-
tered such dreadful hardships during the siege of
the Fort of Kahun, which he so long and so gal-
lantly defended. Lieutenant Clarke, who was
wounded at the time Captain Hand was murdered,
a brave, but unfortunate, young man, was conr
ducting a convoy with succours to Captain Bean,
,«i,rv« !,« xwrna aiianlrprl unH nvftrnowftred : as SOOn

TTUC21 XIV TT 5X13 «J;ot*v,'«.i.".» • — • j- - ■■ -- -

as he saw himself attacked, he boldly led on his

106

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

u >

valiant troupe sword in hand, but, with one or twd
exceptions, they were all left dead upon the field,
yet not until, encouraged by the valorous daring of
the unfortunate Lieutenant Clarke, they had made
a terrible example of their enemies : a solid mass
of dead bodies marked the spot where this heroic
young man breathed his last ; in the true spirit of
English Chivalry his men fought around him whilst
he lived, and covered his remains with their dead
bodies when he was no more.

The weather in September was excessively hot
during the day, the thermometer standing often at
110«>and 115Vin the shade; but we suffered far
more severely at night, for the camp being between
some chalk hills, which, becoming intensely heated
by the sun's rays, retained them till the evening,
when they returned as to the atmosphere, rendering
it excessively close, sultry and oppressive. In these
regions the animal frame recovers in the coolness
of the night from the exhaustion of the day; but
this unfortunate circumstance prevented all hope
of rest or sleep, and induced such a feeling of
languor that our food was very often left untasted,
or taken in pure desperation. An attempt to eat
the smallest portion would at once throw us into a
state of the most extraordinary perspiration; to
leave it uneaten, left the un-recruited frame in such
a state of weakness as rendered it totally incapable
of performimr anv of the dntips allnffp<1 +n i* ki^
one could lie down on his mattress without imme-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE. 107

diately falling into a state of perspiration, which
entirely saturated his bed and bedding, rendering
him obnoxious to the severest cold from the most
gentle breath of air which might pass over him.
To make matters worse, at this hot season of tb«
year, a rash very commonly breaks out over every
part of the body, marked by small red pimples,
filled with water, and attended by a very severe
and uncomfortable irritation. This rash is forced
out by the great heat, and is sometimes so bad that
men who put on a clean shirt at eight o'clock in
the morning, after taking it oflf at eleven, to change,
were in such a state, from the rash, that large
flakes of flesh would come away with it : so dread-
fully painful is the burning irritation of this disease,
that men often, although conscious that it is at the
imminent risk of their lives, would go down to the
river and sit up to their neck in it, for the sake of
a few minutes of temporary relief.

The political functionaries were unremitting in
their endeavours to procure troops from all points,
and detachments were daily pouring into Sukkur ;
the 38th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry arri-
ved on the 9th of October, in perfect field order ;
the right wing of the 40th that same day received
instructions to hold themselves ready for a like duty
at the shortest notice. Sukkur now became the
scene of active preparation, and everything now

-_-~« J.lU« n-nw^nnr-n-nna nf imiTIPdinift WSLT. OOmC

WOic Xiic appvycii tiiivi-; •"-•I- *«•• —

difficulty having arisen in the procuring of trans-

I..:

hi!

■5#

108 SCENES IN A SOLDIER'S LIFE.

port, in consequence of resistance having been
offered by the native Chiefs of Roreeto the parties
sent out to procure camels and carriages, Major
^orbes then commanding, ordered the Grena-
dier company of the 40th, two companies of Sepoys,
and two 6.pounder field pieces to proceed at
two hours notice into the Roree District to enforce
obedience and compliance. The whole party
returned the next day, followed by vast numbers
of camels, which, it is presumed, were sent in con-
sequence of the sudden appearance of the British
Iroops, for their march scarcely attained the im-
portance of a demonstration, and of enemies they
certamly saw none. My experience in the eastern
nations has taught me that there is something in
Uie prestige of a British Force, before which the
bravest of the Native Troops constantly quail.

Had It been a suite of their own countrymen,
who so peremptorily demanded carriage, doubtless
there would have been much bloodshed, but I have
ever seen that when the British wish to effect an
oDject, they seldom or never fail.

On the 10th of October, the S8th Native Red-
ment marched from Sukkur under the command of
tapt. Burney, and on the 12th were followed by five
Companies of the Queen's 40th, under the command
Of Capt. Boscawen, who was ordered on his arrival
at bhikai-pore to assume the command of the whole
as a Field force, bavins^ hpftn min«ri w «v>^.,* oaa
irregular cavalry and two field pieces, then stationed

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

109

at that plaice, which was three days march from
Sukkur. Immpdiately on our arrival active mea-
sures were adopted to organise the whole force into
the most perfect and efficient order — each man
equipped for active service, and furnished with
extra rounds of ammunition, to he carried in his
pack ; his allowance of baggage was reduced to twen-
ty-eight pounds weight, including bed and bedding.
Each soldier carried his kit, weighing about eighteen
pounds ; his musket on his shoulder, his accoutre-
ments, bayonet and pouch, containing forty rounds
of ball cartridge—a havre-sack containing his knife,
fork and spoon, with sometimes two or three days'
rations, and also, a tin pot to drink out of; and,
in addition to all these, a small wooden canteen,
or round flat keg somewhat the shape of a
Staffordshire ciieese, but not so large in circumfe-
rence, holding, and to carry, about two quarts of
water — a tolerably good load for a long march.

The general appearance of Shikarpore is very
pleasing, but too close inspection shows the prevail-
iug vices of the country, tilth and misery. It appa-
rently carries on a flourishing trade, and contains a
very extensive depot of government stores, for the
use of the troops employed in Scinde, Beloochistan,
and Cabool. Food was very cheap, and fruit oi
many kinds very beautiful, and plentiiul.

We had here an exten.-' r^ godown, or store for

erain. &.C... and Owinor to tllA oroat cnnnliaa l>rn«<»K*

into this town's market, our stocks were kept lip at a

110

SCENES IN A SOLDIERS LIFE.

cheaper rate ; the plans adopted by the Indian
Government were excellent, and, as practice makes
perfect, so did they improve, although the expendi-
tures from tho coffers of the East India Company
were vast indeed. I shall give a brief account of the
enormous outlay of several departments, which will
give an idea what the total would be. .,

CHAPTER V.

Desoription of a March in the East; Extreme Change of Wea-'
ther; European Constitution; Young Officers; Their Frai8e>
worthy Conduct; Preparations for Active Service completed ;
Departure of Force; Destination ; Dadur; The Enemy;
Nusseer, the Youthful King of Kelat: His Mother, Beebe*
Gunjan; His Uncle, Gool Mahomed; Their Efforts to Anni-
hilate Small Forces; Attempt to recapture Kelat; Lieutenant
Loveday, Bombay N. I.; Massacre of his Force; His life ran-
somed by two Banyans; Becomes a Hostage; His Treatment;
21'us8eer's unsuccessful attack on Dadur; Three times De-
feated; Arrival at Rojan; Fatiguing March across the Desert
ofScinde; Confidence of Captain Boscawen in Lis Men; Cer-
tainty of British Valour; Enemy Encamped on the other
side; Arrival at the Spot; Decampment of the Enemy towards
Kunda; Cavalry despatched after them ; Movement of Force to
Kunda; Appearance of the Enemy; Battle; Description of
Scene; Private Feelings; General Acknowledgment; My
First Battle Field; Prisoners taken; Arrival of Nawab
Mahomed Shereave; Sentence passed on Prisoners; Ma-
homed's Manner; Anecdote of an English Rifle; Night
Alarm; March to Oodana; Want of Water; Encampment o»
a Barren Plain.

Having fairly got on the march, it perhaps will not
be out of place here to give my readers an idea of
an army on the line of march in the field, in India
as it materially differs from that of one in England,
where the soldier, surrounded by countrymen and

112

BOKNKB IN A HOI.DIF.K tl UKIfl.

frIimiU, luilt« ftt 801110 town tlio mxm day, woary
onou|(!i, I (Ifti'c say ; still thoro U a bllhit, a bed, and
« comfortable nical, altlioiigli he has often a long
way to go ere he finds out his resting place, owing
to some very great inlsnuinageujent In the arrange-
ments of billeting in Kurope. 1 lowever, the march
in the field proves a very dilVerent seene. Picturo
the bustle, confusion, and excitement of an army
(m the march, being preceded by the skirmishers
luid advance guards, accompanied by the Quarter*
Master (General, who, in the most systematic man-
ner, on the arrival at the destined encampment,
proceeds to calculate the relative dlt^tance reqnhred
for each cor[)s and department, and allots it to the
parties attached from each regiment, for their fur-
ther division. They from practical arrangements,
measure the necessary distance for each individual
and tent, murking the spot, and awaiting the arrival,
which quickly follows. The main body reaches
the ground, and each corps marches at once to its
quarters. The individual to the site of his palace
for the day. Shortly comes the numerous train of
baggage, carried by camels, elephants, mules, horses,
asses, bullocks, carts, &c. etc, many thousands in
number, and followers hv exceeding the number
of troops. The followers attached to the various
portions of baggage proceed at once to their spots
of ground. The tent and its baggage arrive toge-
ther, and all is prepared to *^ Pitch Camp." A
signal is given, and as if it were by magic, a town,

BCENKB IN A soldier's UFA.

113

a fort, and a Htrongfold in formed in a few minutes.
OuardH are mounted, pIckctH arranged, and scntricB
placed, and all Ih quiet and nettled for the day.
The ConnniHHuriut prooeedH to kill the cattle, and
issue the provisions. The ba^^gag(! cattle are all sent
out to grazes under strong guards, 'i'he bazaars (one
to each corps) open their stores of mer(;handise, and
expose it for sale, at an enormous and extortionate
profit, of which I shall speak more fully in some
future chapter. The authorities at the head arc
engaged in the arrangement of the objects in view;
emissaries are sent out ; chiefs are received and
negotiated with for the supply of provisions ; the
weary soldier, aftor smoothing down for his domes-
tic comfort his parlour of twenty-one inches by six feet,
lulled by the aid of that refreshing genius, sleep, be-
guiles the long dreary hours of the day, tilled with anx-
iety, and overpowered oftentimes with the intense
heat, rendered moreso by the trifling protection under
canvass.^ At length comes the night, and every
precaution having been taken, all is prepared lor a
fresh start,.tho cattle arc placed in front of their to-
morrow's load, each soul devolves into that earthly
heaven, which soon relieves the mind from the
world's anxiety and care ; at the dead of night is
heard the trampling of the patroles carefully visit-
ing the guards and piquets, and the reliefs cautiously
challenged by the watching sentries. And shortly
after midnight are heard the shrill tnimpets and
bugles arousing the tired soldier from the midst of

114

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

perhaps dreams of the happy hours of boyhood anJ
home. The sound carries with it a volume of direc-
tions; and in a few minutes all is again confusion — yet
regularity is there ; all on a tip-toe of bustle— yet
all is steady, and each at his place. The camp ap-
pears as one blaze of fire from the darkness of the
night, and bushes or piles of brushwood collected,
being fired to give light to enable the packing and
loading to be carried on ; and should you stray a
dozen yards perchance it will take you half an
hour to find your place again. And I have often
seen from the dream of the sleeper t' the move-
ment off the ground of more thp" .?0,000 souls
and cattle, not more than half an hour elapse. Long
ere day dawns, all are again on the march ; the
keen morning air striking chilly, through the wea-
ried soldier, disturbed from refreshing sleep, and
forced to trudge along an unknown path ; all passes
on in silence, nothing is heard, save the neighing
of the horses and the heavy measured tread of the
moving mass of men ; line after line of connected
camels and cattle, move on, carefully guarded and
guided by the troops and follov/ers, each eye heavy
from broken rest, and looking anxiously for the
opening of the distant horizon to admit the day,
and distribute the welcome rays of the sun,
which at first are pleasant in the extreme, but ere
a few hours are passed, become even more oppres-
sive than the midnight air. All this it is which
has 80 much astonished the natives of distant
lands, and placed our system at the iop of the tree.

SCENES IN A SOLDIER'S LIFE.

115

Within a few days the weather Jiad undergone a
very complete change, the mornings and evenings
were so cold that our wooden canteens, when we
arose at day break, were covered with, I had almost
said a thick coating of ice ; the mid-day sun was
just as hot as ever, and the extreme transitions
were very trying to the European constitutions,
although I have no doubt even this extreme degree
of cold was not without its attendant advantages.

I have often been surprised, when on service, to
behold how the oflicers, particularly the younger
ones, endure the hardships and privations to which
they are often and suddenly subjected: many of
them are carefully and tenderly nurtured to within
a few months of the period, when they may be all at
once deprived not only of the luxuries, or comforts,
but even of the absolute necessaries of life. The
hardships to which the warrior is subject may be
told, but not comprehended by those who have not
experienced them, and it has often been to me a
matter of great astonishment that their minds and
energies do not quail before the fearful phalanx of
evils, exceeded by none which flesh is heir to. It
seems as if nature rises with the difficulties which
present themselves, and by taking arms against a
sea of troubles, end them indeed ; but in a very
different manner i^o the rule laid down in Hamlet's
canon. I, myself, have been as tenderly brought
up as most in my class, have been educated in a
manner to teach me to maka the best of every

1 !

116

aCENES IN A soldier's UPE.

thing, and yet at times a leetle inclination to regret
my fate has floated tiirough my mind; I have striven
to overcome it, and have generally overmastered
the feeling. But if such were my sentiments, is it
not wonderful that those who felt, and must have
felt, their physical privations to be greater than I
felt mine to be, should have succeeded ? It was
truly gratifying to see how cheerfully our oflicers
submitted to that same measure of comfort which
was allotted to the men ; cheered by their example,
the best effects resulted, and the soldiers, prompted
by the zeal and energy of their officers, set to their
toilsome duty with earnostuess and good will, and
discontent was lost in the eager hope to be among
the first, whether on the battle plain or mounting
the imminent deadly breach.

Every preparation being now perfect, we were in
hourly expectation of immediate and active service,,
which we were taught to expect would be severe,
and most certainly our anticipations were not belied.
On the morning of the 16th we accordingly set
forth, our first destination being Dadur, a temporary
fort,in which Sir John Keane had left a small garrf^on^
our direct progress to which, iis will be seen, w<i«
however casually delayed. To understand tho i,«*ude
of the sudden movement it will be necessary to
digress '^ little from the thread of my narrative.

Nusseer ¥ban, son of Merab Khan, the chief of
Kelat, :fte %i^ 'a the defence of that place, was a
youth otiiiiiccn years- of age, and had been placed by

SCENES IN A SOLDIEJl'fi LIFE*

117

"his mother, Bcbce Gunjan, iindt^r the guardianship
of an uncle, Gool Mahomed, who having been, with
the rest of the family, dri en out of his possessions
at Kelat and its vicinity, acting under the advice
of his uncle and guardian, as well as his mother
and the other chiefs, who continued to share his for-
tunes, had resolved to take up arms, collect all his
fuiiowers, and endeavour, if possible, to restore
the fallen fortunes of his house. He proceeded to
attack the British out-posts, and had resolved, if
possible, to cut them off in detail, hoping by this
means to clear the country of its unwelcome in-
vaders. He had gathered a force of about 5,000
men, atl armed, and many mounted. His first effort
was to retake Kelat, which had been left with a very
weak garrison — one company of Sepoys, commanded
by Lt. Lovcday, 6th Bombay N. I. Though up to the
moment of attack, everything seemed peaceable and
quiet in Kelat, the arrival of Nusseer Khan and his
forces was the signal for a general revolt — every Bri-
tish soldier was slaughtered on the spot, and Lieut.
Loveday was only saved from the' same horrible
fate, because, if preserved, the chiefs thought that
he might hereaftc^r prove a valuable exchange, and,
moreover, great intercession was made for him by
two Banyans;* he was, however, detained as a
prisoner, closely watched, ai^ji ignominiously drag-

• A Banyan is a man of peace. He deals in every kind of
merchandise, and is generally a Hindoo, The Banyans ate
always exempted from taking up arms.

li:

118

SCENES IN A SOLDIEE's LIFE.

ged about from place to place as a spectacle. Nu*-
seer's next object was to destroy Dadur ; for tbis
purpose a large proportion of his force, which
was daily increasing, took up an excellent position,
about two miles from the fort, and immediately
commenced the siege. Three times had he tried to
take it by assault, and as many times had he signally
failed. Three hundred British troops were sufficient
to repel every attack of his numerous host, and the
siege was turned into a blockade, and they suc-
ceeded in cutting off all supplies, as well as pre-
venting the transmission of any correspondence,
either to or from the fort. At length the command-
ing officer succeeded in forwarding, in safety, a des-
patch to the political agent, Lieutenant Postens,
then at Shikarpoore, requesting him to send im-
mediate help and supplies to Diidur. It was in con-
sequence of this requisition that we received our
sudden but not unwelcome route. Nothing is more
agreeable to a soldier than variety — give him a
change, and he cares for no more.

We left Shikarpore on the 16th ; on the morning
of the 17th we reached Rojan, an extensive village
bordering on the Desert of Scinde, known as the
Gundavie run, which next presented itself to
us ; and news was received by Postens that the
enemy were encamped on the other side at a
place called Bushera. The distance across this
wild expanse of dustv, drifting, stormv plain, was
by the nearest cut forty-five miles, and we had then

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

119

marched seventeen, notwithstanding our commander
called our attention to the service required at our
hands ; and although it was contrary to his wish to har-
rasshismenhy forced marches, yet he felt sure that
every heart w^ould leap with approhation when be
informed us that our enemy was so near, and that it
was necessary for the safety of our comrades stationed
beyond them, to at once remove the insurgents; why
needed our captain for one moment to imagine a
single instance of unwillingness ?— it was doing an
injustice to the brave heart of a British soldier, for
had the distance been thrice multiplied, and he called
upon to go, who dares to question our acquiescence?
None will, and with such a commander too as Capt.
Boscawen, I firmly believe that had difficulties of
the most intense nature presented themselves, call-
ing upon them to proffer every heart, aye,— and had
each had a hundred hearts, alhvould have been de-
voted to him and his cause. So on the evening of
the 17th, we commenced the march across the bar-
ren plain, light as air, and as no water was procur-
able on the road, each man replenished his canteen,
and several camels were laden with mussocks
(leather bags) filled for our use. The night fortu-
nately was illumined by a beautiful moon, whose
rays aided our guides to navigate the trackless space,
and our ma.ch passed off in comparative quietude,
and about noon, on the 18th, having reached the
desired spot, we discovered that the enemy had
left a few hours ago, evidently having been aware

: 5: '

11^

120 SCENES IN A SOLDIEE'a LIFE.

Of our approach ; wc found their fires yet unei-
- "ng<i«l>ed and the natives of the village reported
that they had proceeded to Kunda.

Capt. Boscawen immediately despatched our ca-
valry to dislodge them if posible, and further be-
cause Bushara produced very little water, not
sufflcent even for the infantry, for we had to dig
smal holes, and filter the muddy water through
towels and drink it as thick as milk with clay
And after a march of seventeen miles, succeeded
imniedmtely by forty-five more without rest, it need
hardly be commented on by mc, the exhausted state
ot the troops, who had scarce half pitched their
ten s when every eye was dosed in sleep, save the
scntmcls, who were relieved evciy hour, to enable
them to gradually refresh themselves with rest

If any of my readers have ever been really
fatigued, weary, and nature almost exhausted, they
can easily enter into the feelings of this little band •
and It IS only those who have experienced these trials'
who can truly appreciate the sufferings of those
thus situated ; it is all very well to undergo trial
and privation, when there is a source from whence
you can back it up with refreshment and care, com-
forted with friends and homo, but when the same
prospect IS before you again and again, without
comforts It is then the soldier feels sympathy of
the smallest kind to be great.

On the moraing of the 19th we resumed our
march for Knnda, not without expectation of being

SCENES IN A SOLDlER^S LIFE.

121

intercepted by the enemy, who, we had reason to
believe, was mustering in strong force before and
behind us. We, however, greatly to our satisfaction.,
reached Kunda,our halting place, about nine, A. M.^
and immediately set to preparing the ground for an
encampment. The guards had just mounted, and
we were full of activity in our labor of love, when
our ears were suddenly assailed, and our senses
astonished, by hearing the bugles of the out-posts
sound the alarm, instantly answered by those of the
main body sounding the assembly. In a few mo-
ments every man had donned his clothes and accou-
trements, and, having seized his arms, was seen
hurrying to the rallying point of his company. Less
time was taken to form and tell off the re-
spective corps than it would occupy to describe.
Well for us it was that we were thus readily prepared,
for immediately we were drawn up, the enemy were
in sight, crowning the summit of the hills in front
of us, in considerable strength. The cavalry was
despatched to keep them in check, and the infantry
were moved forward to the strongest position which
the suddenness of the attack would permit us to se-
lect. As all the baggage of the detachment was on
the ground, the 38th Regiment (Native Infantry)
were ordered to form square around it for its pro-
tection. Our right wing was then moved forward
to support the cavalry, which was divided into two
divisions of one hundred each. We advanced in
double time over uneven and rugged ground, taking

fli'llli

122 SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

the enemy in front, whilst the cavalry moved by divi-
sions to either flank, narrowing the space as we
approached the enemy, until it became evident to
himself that our intention was to hem him in, and, if
possible, lu prevent his escape: this brought him'to
a pause, and as we advanced very close to his
front, the cavalry dashed off into a rapid charge,
and assaulted him on. both flanks, and we, of
course, not being idle in front, gave him a much
warmer reception than he had anticipated : about
one hundred and eighty of them were cut down; the
rest perceiving the fate of their friends, being well
mounted, and doubtlessly deeming discretion to be
the better part of valour, instantaneously wheeled
about, and, owing to the excellence of their houses,
were soon safely out of all risk of pursuit, which, owing
to our long march, and our ignorance of the face
of the country, it would have been extremely difficult
for us to make. We were, therefore, ordered to
halt : five prisoners only were made upon the ground,
one of whom, olTering considerable resistance, was
killed, his head being struck off,- the other four
yielded quietly, and we returned to our encampment.
As we recrossed the field of strife, I counted, and
was obliged, in ^roprid persond, to stride over
upwards of fifty dead bodies of the enemy. I stood
for the first time on the field of slaughter, and I
thmk, ages of ages, should I live so long, would fail
to obliterate the sensations of those few minutes.
The fierce and angry feelings of the strife had passed

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

123

away. I stood upon the ground on which those, I
could not call my enemies, for we had never met he-
fore, and who a short time since, had stood in the proud
array of battle, full of hope and full of con^dence ;
and where were they now? — scattered, dispersed,
dead! It is a strange situation to be in^to stand
calm, cool and collected, amidst the dying and the
dead, who have fallen by our own hands, and against
whom we have not had one angry feeling, save a
country's right, — and that is much. It is well for us
soldiers that w^e feel that sensation but once ; the
constant recurrence of it would unman us quite.

It is not every one who will confess this, but I
think I may venture to say, if every soldier whose
lot has led him into a similar situation, will confess
to himself the true sentiment of his heart, he will
I am sure consider with me, as regards the feelings,
which is far from being daunted or overpowered by
fear, but nature will give vent at times.

As we halted, to re-form in our original position,
previous to our resuming the march to our encamp-
ment, there they lay around us — the scene of
death in every direction was awful : there lay, the
young, the brave, the beautiful ; the son, the sire,
the brother and the friend : headless — limbless — dead
and> dying ; some groaning in the agonies of extrem-
ity, and thirst — others, iu the last stage of ebbing
existence, too weak even to wail, or to weep, — too ex-
hausted to ask that drop of water which they would
have freely bought, had they the means, with the

124

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

lltj

li w

•world's wealth. This was my first action ; wonflcr
not that I shuddered at the scenes which on every
side met .ny sickened gaze ; and wonder not if,
oven in the moment of victory, and the excitement
of success, I paused to contemplate the horrors
which on every side met my aching sight ; fancy
not tim t it was fear — the time of fear has passed
when the first shot is heard : hundreds, thousands^
have quailed before the fight, scarce one has quailed
In it. The thunder of the cannon, the roar of the
musketry, the shouts of the combatants, the bray-
ing of the trumpets, the rolling of the drums, the
neighing of ihe horses, and the cries of the wounded
and the dying, leave no time for fear.

The excitement of the battle hurries along the
^coward and the brave: the latter is sometimes
distinguished by his presence of mind. Even in
the midst of that fearful scene, a sweet, delightful
vision rose up to mind's eye, and, as I stood there
amidst the mangled and bleeding bodies of my
foes, my feet upon their native soil, death, misery,
and desolation all around me, I could not repress
the thoughts which rose to my mind, in deep and
bright contrast to the sad scene around me, and my
mind dwelt in anxious suspense for the future on
the land of my birth, and the home of my childhood.
And I could not but feel too, that for me years must
elapse ere that loved scene could again shed its
balmj^ sweetness to greet my returning footsteps ;
haply that I was doomed never to see it again, never

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

125'

to meet the cheerful and happy greetings which ever
welcomed my return, even from the short absence of
my boyliood's school seasons. If these feelings did
obtrude, if they did obtain the mastery, it must, in'
excuse, be still remembered that I then stood on my
first battle-field.

We had now leisure to complete our encampment,
and to survey the surrounding country. Kunda
was a small town, and at a short distance, which, as'
well as all the surrounding villages, wc perceived to
be almost entirely evacuated ; they formed the prin-
cipal residences of the force by which we had been>
attacked, and their ill success was soon well known
in every direction.

In the course of the afternoon a Nawab, a petty
Governor, named Mahomed Shereave, of one of the
more distant of the neighbouring villages, and who'
was an ally of Sir John Keane, camo down to inves-
tigate into the affair. And as we had, during the
day, succeeded in discovering several of the enemy
who had secreted themselves in huts in the town,,
he immediately proceeded to enquire into their con-
duct. A small hovel was speedily converted into a
justice hall, and Mahomed sat there, and began to
examine and condemn the prisoners, brought before
liim, and after mature deliberation he ordered about
eleven of them to be put to death, and this sentence
was speedily carried into execution. When the
executions were over Mahomed Shereave offered
his services and the aid of two hundred men to Capt.

126

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

ii :l

Boscawen, which were readily and cordially accepted/
and it was agreed that he should accompany us to
Dadur on the 22nd.

Mahomed appeared to be a man of letters, and
exhibited a degree of dignity and command not to be
resisted by those over whom he exercised authority.
His figure was commanding, his height being over
six feet, and his form robust, he was armed with an
English manufactured rifle, a scimitar sword, a solid
shield, attaghan, &c. His rifle excited considerable
attention, and many were the surmises as to the
manner in, which it came into his possession ; there-
were not wanting many who did not hesitate to
attribute to him a wrongful possession ; for although
he professed himself an earnest and iaithful ally of
the British, still he was a Beloochee, and therefore
belonged to a class it was very unsafe to trust.
Several very exaggerated reports obtained currency;
some were of opinion that it was a prize taken from
some murdered officer of the British Army, some
were charitable enough to surmise that he might
have obtained it by traffic ; but the real fact came
out at last, that it had been presented to him by an
English officer of the grand army, for some former
services which he had rendered the British force.
Our loss in this short but brilliant affair was one
man killed and four wounded ; we had also two
horses killed. We captured eighty camels of first-
rate quality which were sold, and the proceeds
added to the prize money gained by that action.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

127

The Government being at that time greatly in
want of cattle, ordered fifty of them to be selected
for the Commissariat Department.

As the night closed in we received orders to sleep
on our arms, and a numerous chain of sentinels sur-
rounded the camp, as it was the general opinion that
the enemy would make another attack upon us at
night. We were not disturbed, and remained re-
cruiting our strength until the 22nd, when we march-
ed on towards Dadur, via Oodana, and a long and
dreary march we found it to the latter place, where
we were to halt ; but finding no water we had to
continue our march beneath the burning rays of the
sun, until we could meet with a stream or spring.
The heat was so intense that many of our men faint-
ed by the way, and it was seen that the whole force
would have to wait until the evening set in. To
march in the beat of the day is, in India, fatal to
pidny, and it would have been a great risk to sacri-
**^Q Europeans, on whose intrepid courage every
'R this expedition depended. About one
o't , P. M., Mahomed Shereave discerned, in
front, a pool of water ; fortunately, indeed, although
in the midst of a plain of the most apparent des-
titution and barrenness, an immense plain of dried
clay— sun-parched, and cracked bythe over-powering
heat — was all that presented itself. We, however,
soon arrived at the spot, pitched our'camp, and halted
xmtU the next day. And glad indeed we were.

CHAPTER VI.

Jknother Retrograde Movement; Interesting Account of one of
the Banyans, >vho ransomed the Life of Loveday; Curious
Discovery in the Merchant; Sudden Metamorphosis into a
young Englishman; A brief History of his career; March to
Kotra; Re-appearance of the Enemy; Straggling Shots; 25th
Regt., N. L, left at Kotra; Welcome of the Force at Kotr»'
by the inhabitants; Havoc made by the Insurgents; Situation
of Kotra, with the Gundavie Pass; A Blockade; March to
Sunnee; !A Night's March; Distressing Route; We rea^h
Seran; Mysore; Departure; Sudden Route; Arrival of Des-
patches from Dadur, announcing a Grand Attack on the 2nd
November; Necessity of a Keinforcenent at Dadur; Dreadful
situation of Troops ; Seven weeks on sentry; Orders to force
march to Dadur; Detention of Couriers for Guides; The
Mysore Pass; Midnight; Description of Pass ; Previonsr
Position ; Sudden Alarm ; Suspicions of Treachery ; Route
Intercepted; Discovery of ravine flooded; Impossibility to
proceed; Night mt November; Interrogation of the Guides;
Their protestation of innocence; Another very long Route
discovered; Determination to proceed ; Troops re> formed;
Serious reflection; Miseries of the night; Credit due to the
Native Troops; The break of day; Poor progress made;
Energetic advancement; Determination to accomplish ; Dadur
in sight; And bappy welcome.

One of the Banyans who ransomed the life of
Loveday for 2,000 rupees, was a young English-
man, an outline of whose extraordinary adventures

X^ mubl givu uv;iC, lu Oiuui iv siuij^my uij laic. xic

8CENES IN A SOLDIES'S LIFE.

129

resided in Kelat, in the character of a Hindoo
dealer, unknown to all, and finding that an insur-
rection was rising, which would most probably re-
sult in the massacre of Loveday and his men, he
waited upon him, still disguised,and informed that offi-
cer of the rumours alloat ; the ollicer treated the hum-
ble Hindoo merchant, as he thought him, with c<m-
tempt, and rebuked hi^. ciudacity for even hinting at
such a matter. M. remonstrated in vain, and at
length left Loveday ; but next day visited him in
another form. After a few words on the subject,
M, addressed him in English, to the great aston-
ishment of the officer, and at length matters were
disclosed. And although it was then too late to
prevent the unfortunate result that happened, still
he said that it was agreed to ransom his life. He
informed him that he was not known as an Euro-
pean, or he should most certainly share the same
fate — and that it was his intention to proceed
down the country to the Presidency, there to ar-
range his own matters with the Government, in
whose secret employ he had been for some years.
Lieutenant Loveday gave him a letter to Captain
Bean, then resident Political Agent at Quetta, about
ninety miles distant, which place he would have to
pass.

It appears that this young man, in the earlier
part of his career, enlisted in the Artillery of the
East India Company, remained a few years with
thciii iii xjcngai, uuu acciuircu an extensive know-

130

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

ledf^e of the manners, customs, and various lan-
guages of the natives of llintlostan, but, from some
unexplained reason, became dissatisfied with hi»
position, and ran oli". ilo made his way, in the
character of a native, for many hundreds of milcs^
towards the Seiiih country, entered tlie service of
llunjeet Singh, but soon after left it, and then com-
menced a tour in the passes and mountains along
llemaylce and Bamean, to Bokhara, begging his
way as a " Faqueer." This seemed his delight,
and he made some excellent researches, being a
tolerably ,well educated man, and kept a note book
ia short hand, as in his travelling character he
could not carry an extensive oflice. In 1836, when
Sir Alex. Burnes was Envoy to the court of Cabool,
and passing that way, ho thought it would be as
well to make himself known to KSir Alexander, who
entered minutely into his ailfiirs, examined his rc-
{)orts of the country, and after a strict interrogation
into other matters, w^as highly gratified with the
information he received. The consequence Avas,
that he remained for some time with the Baronet,
who wrote to the Presidency, forwarding his opinion,
and obtained for him a pardon for his misdemeanor,
and a salary of 400 rupees per month, to continue his
travels, and reconnoitre the country for the benefit
of Government, on which mission he left Cabool
to proceed tow^ards Herat and Persia. It so hap-
pened that on the road to the latter place, he was
attacked bv sickness, and lav ill forsnmo fimo nnij

SCENES IN A SOLDI RR's LIFE.

181

after his recovery was detained a close prisoner for
a very long period. Now, about this time a report
was rife that the Russians were likely to attempt to
invade India, via Herat, through Affghanistan, and
Scinde — what an absurd idea I — and shortly after
this, the atfairs which compose my chapters occur-
red. All this time nothing is heard of him, fur-
ther than reports arc received that he is in Russia,
Bokhara, and the surrounding countries, and in
consequence of his, probably somewhat indiscreet-
ly, discontinuing to correspond with Government,
it was suspected that he had eng^iged with the
Russians, and was acting as a spy for them. This
impression was intimated to all the political au-
thorities about, and all were on the alert ; nothing
more was heard of him until the disclosure made
by him to Lieut. Loveday, who I mentioned as having
given him a letter to Captain Bean, which letter
was nothing more nor less than an order to arrest
him as the Russian spy, whicJi Captain Bean did ;
but he succeeded in refuting the foul imputation,
and being released at once, he proceeded down the
country towards Bombay, called at the different
posts occupied by the British troops, and amused
the messes and men with most interesting details
of his really hazardous undertakings. This I had
from his own lips, and, but that it would digress too
much from my story, and would take up too much
space, I would say more, but perhaps I may at some fu-

^t-,'^^ ,.-,n-^ln.A nt\A mriva ar\ if T ♦lifvnrrV»+ ii virf\n\A a4-

132

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

i i

ti -

all add to the amusement of my friends. He, how-
ever, readied Bombay in safety, was received most
graciously by the authorities there, and appointed
to a situation sufficiently lucrative to enable him
to do well ; he was also appointed a member of the
Royal Asiatic Society. He is now in Europe, and
has figured highly in the literary world, since his
return.

We resumed our march, our halting place being
appointed at Kotra, which we reached without
much inconvenience, except a few random shots
fired at us by a flying enemy, who hovered around
our front and flanks ; but as we had sent out a strong
party of active skirmishers, we kept them at a res-
pectful distance, and moving steadily on, entered
our place of encampmen^, little delayed by their
unwelcome attention, and with no loss. On our
arrival at Kotra, we found orders awaiting us, de-
siring that we should remain there until joined by
the 25th Native Infantry, and two field guns, under
the command of Major Smea, who made his ap-
pearance with his forces on the 24th.

We found that an attack had been made on the
fort of Kotra by the enemy, who retired on our ap-
proach, having first, however, plundered and des-
troyed the place, leaving the inhabitants totally
destitute of the most common necessaries of life.—
The inhabitants welcomed our arrival with every
_. J. .J „.^^^ „ ....^^j^_j3^ ivucuiiiig ana
lifting up their hands to hail our approach, and to

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

133

implore our protection. We had come too late; the
wolf had fled with the lamb, and pursuit would have
been fruitless.

On the 26th we again set forward, leaving the
25th Native Infantry, and the two guns to defend the
place, being a position of importance, as it was
situated only six miles N. E. from the entrance of
the Gundavie Pass, which lies between very lofty
and rugged mountains, and it was not unreasonably
supposed that the enemy had wisely secured that
narrow, and easily defended defile, where he could
with little effort, and less risk, offer a most effec-
tual bar to our further progress in that direction ;
and as our force was so small that it would have
been almost madness on our part to attempt to
force it, it was resolved that we should proceed by
another and a more circuitous route, leaving the
forces named, at Kotra, to prevent the enemy from
, leaving the Pass, should they be posted there.

We proceeded to Fort Gundavie, and afterwards
continued our march to Sunnee on the 29th : this
march was very harrassing ; we moved all night, a
distance of eighteen miles, through a narrow defile
in the mountains, and, shortly after day-light, when
we expected to be at our encamping ground, we
found we had to traverse five miles of a hot, dry,
arid plain, covered with loose stones, such as the
English roads are paved with. It is almost impos-

<j!.!ji.-u v\j ?^uo\,iiWw LIIC iaLl^UC Ui DUCU il JUUiilUV.

to men who had marched without any refresh-

134

SCENES IN A SOLDIEE'S LIFE.

ment whatever. The men and cattle were quite
knocked up, after having gone twenty hours in
heavy marching order. On the 29th we pro-
ceeded to Seran, another long march of seven-
teen miles, hut not so harrassing as the last,
hecause the roads were much better than those we
had travelled to Sunnee.

It may be easier imagined than described— the
condition one would be in to travel across a road
like that to Sunnee, a vast plain of loose stones
presenting itself, and no alternative but to traverse
it, with tender feet, from excessive marching, and
fatigue from loss of rest ; but it is impossible to
know what can be done, until tried ; had it been
laid out to me what I have undergone by way of
fatigue, I could never have been brought to think
nature could overcome it ; it is well we don't know
what is before us.

On the 1st November we arrived at Mysore ;
as it was a short march of about six miles, we were
there about seven, A. M., and had a very grateful
and refreshing rest. There Lieutenant Postens re-
ceived a communication from the officer command--
ing at Dadur, to say that the enemy had made ano-
ther attempt to overcome him, but had failed j he was
anxious for assistance, as he expected that another,
and the grand attack, would be made on the 2nd,
and entreated him to urge with all speed to their
succour and defence, the enemy having now very
greatly increased in numbers : he also stated that

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

135

the soldiers in garrison had not been in bed for
seven weeks, and that they were constantly under
arms : and every effective man on sentry, posted
double, in order that whilst one watched the other
slept beside him; the enemy so constantly hovering
around them that they on the piquets did not dare
to retire to their tents or guard-rooms.

Captain Boscawen immediately issued orders that
we should march that evening for Dadur, and that
the Tappals, (Couriers,) who had brought the intel-
ligence from Dadur, should accompany us as
guide: for the route, it having been ascertained that
they had come the nearest way. At four, P. M.,
we commenced our march, and, after having gone
three miles, we entered the Pass of the Mysore,
which is also situated between two lofty, rugged,
and craggy mountains, with butting rocks over-
hanging the narrow way beneath, threatening death
and destruction at every stride : the Pass was so
narrow in some parts, that the camels could not
pass along without rubbing against the rocks on
either side ; and, as the shades of evening were
now beginning to mantle around the pathway,
gloomy, even at mid-day, our progress was slow,
and became almost nothing when the darkness of
night closed around our weary, unknown, and dan-
gerous road.

Our position was anything but agreeable ; we
were in an unknown < luntry, led by two guides
equally liable to lead jt to mislead us, and within

136

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

a short distance of a powerful enemy, from whose
attacks we were in no way secure ; if they oppo-
sed our onward progress we were no match for
them, aided as they were by their intimate know-
ledge of the localities, and we should be totally
without the means of resistance, should they as-
sault us, as it was most probable they would, if
in no other way, by rolling down upon our long
array vast portions of the superincumbent rocks,
which would be to them a work of little labour, and
to us one of utter destruction.

We had set our lives upon a cast, and we felt we
must stand the hazard of the die, for we had but
one path before us, so we boldly kept our onward
way, in spite of, though not unapprehensive of, a
fatal result. We were there to face danger, and
in good sooth face it we did, for every deep and
heavy measured tread of our advancing force,
seemed to shake the very rocks beside our path,
and more than once we were alarmed by the acci-
dental fall of some previously half detached boul-
der which came rushing, dashing and bounding
down the ste©p and rugged rocky precipice.

As we thus pursued our doubtful and weary way
unguided, as it so happened, by even one fitful star,
the bugle attached to the advanced guard suddenly
and unexpectedly sounded the "Halt;" and we
soon learned that our progress was stopped by a
deep and wide stream of water, which dashed and
burst across the road in the depth of the wild gully

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

137

we were then descending. This unexpected obsta-
cle, of course, raised suspicion against our guides ;
they were immediately stigmatized, and, in our
minds, convicted of treachery, and it was at once
concluded that they had brought us hither to delay
us, and thus enable the enemy to act upon us from
before and above simultaneously, and whilst our
column was in confusion, more than one voice de-
manded their instant execution as spies, and trai-
tors. Lieut. Postens, however, who was very con-
versant in their native language, proceeded to exa-
mine theiii, when they positively declared that when
they passed the defile in the morning the water was
not more than two inches deep ; — it was now more
than ten feet, and had increased proportionably in
breadth, and with a very strong current to-boot.
They attested the truth of their assertions, by
swearing by the most binding of their oaths, by
the stars, and by Mahomet. When Lieutenant
Postens found them thus pledging their truth by
the most sacred oaths, he felt half inclined to think
with them, that the flood had been turned through
the Pass by the enemy, to prevent our progress,
should we attempt to move towards Dadur by this
route, and as it is a national characteristic to turn
the floods of their various streams in many difife-
rent directions,-— and which to them, owing to the
nature of the soil, is not a very difficult task, —
this explanation seemed so much like the truth,
that it was resolved to retrace our steps, and by

138

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

another but far more circiiitous route. We did not
abandon the attempt until several ineffectual efforts
had been made to cross the stream j for could we
have succeeded, the l*ass would have given us very
great advantages in our attempt to relieve Dadur.
The road lay quite close under the mountainsj be-
tvven which and Dadur, lay r- -./.mp of Nusscer
Khan, and it had been chosei. enable us to get
into their rear ; this would have exposed them^o
an attack from the Dadur force in front, and by
ourselves from the rear and Hanks, by which means
they would have been most certainly entirely defea-
ted, and, perhaps totally annihilated. Our morti-
fication at being obliged to return was very great,
for we were at most not more than six miles from
them, when we were thus unwelcomely checked.

^ Our situation was now one of great and anxious
difficulty ; we could not safely conclude what steps
to take, whether to turn, or what to resolve upon.
In this state of uncertainty, one Ailse step might
prove our destruction ; and if the enemy had really
turned the water course across our ^ ath, we had
reason to believe that they would take equally ef-
fective means to prevent our advance by any other
route towards Dadur. The darkness of the night,
and the difficulty of the Pass, had all but destroyed
our formations ; each soldier had lost his comrade,
and like an ill-assorted pack of hounds, we had no
confidence in the advice of those we knew not.
«i^fc«aM xjOD\.anvu puruuiveu luis easiiy-to-oe-reuie-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

139

(lied difficulty, and ordering the buglers to assemble
each company by its own call, order was very spee-
dily restored. The men thus again surrounded by
their old familiar comrades soon recovered their
confidence, and wliilst our leaders were anxiously
engaged in discussing the most eligible plan of
future operations, the men began to amuse each
other with their reckless wild wit and uncouth
practical jokes, thus giving a striking proof that
even in doubt, danger and diniculty, circumstances
cannot effectually daunt the heart of the Bri-
tish soldier, and gives an additional proof that
however trying his position, his courage and
resources always rise with the surrounding dan-
gers.

The guides having been carefully re-examined,
one still pertinaciously adhered to his opinion that
he could lead us safely to Dadur by another road,
and although we were informed that it would be
adding twenty miles to our march, the confident
assurance was received with a truly British cheer,
and every man was impatient to proceed.

The buglers sounded attention, the strictest si-
lence was observed, and we received, in short but
clear orders, what would be expected from us, and
although we had then marched sixteen miles in the
darkness of night, and over roads of uncommon
difficulty, wc proceeded at once to obey. The " Ad-
vance," or rather it should have been the " Retire,"

140

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

was sounded about midnight, and we yet hoped to
reach Dadur early in the forenoon.

Many an anxious eye was turned to the point
from wliich the day should dawn, as our small army
slowly dragged its weary length along. After
some time the moon rose clear and bright, above
the dark outline of the gloomy rocks : her welcome
rays shed a bright beam upon our path, which ena-
bled us to make far better progress than we previ-
ously had done— they gladdened our hearts, and
called forth that energy and buoyancy which ever
accompanies the light, and we trudged on with re-
doubled vigour, enabling us by increased activity
to resist the bitter coldness of the night, which was
almost too much for the native troops, who, how-
ever, deserved the highest praise for the courage
and exertion with which they struggled against
that which is to them the most unendurable of ills
this mortal flesh is subject to— the night cold.

When the day light broke upon us, and the wel-
come and cheering rays of the sun began to glow
over the sublime scenery, we were all far better
able to encounter the fatigues of our march, but .
they revealed to us the unwelcome fact that we had
made but little progress. However, we reached
Dadur about eleven o'clock, A. M., on the 2nd of
November, to the great joy and relief of the force,
holdmg possession of the fort. They consisted of
a few companies of native infantry, with four ^uns

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

141

manned by native artillerymen, (Golundauze,) who
made speedy arrangements to join us in attacking
the enemy, who had so long held them in durance
vile, and whose camp we could see in full pre-
paration for the forthcoming conflict.

111'*- i' '■'i'i

lii:

CHAPTER Vir.

Preparations for Battle; Euorgy of the little Drummers; Con-
junction of the Dailur Force; P(»siti()n tukon up by Muhomcd
Shereuve; Captain Boscawou'surrungenient; Young Malcolm's
Cavalry; TheAdvance; Tosition and Movements of the Enemy;
Discovery of a Trick; Siuklen Retreat of the Foe; Admirable
Practice of our Artillery; A Noble Cavalry Movement; Th«
decampment of the Enemy; Ketreat into the Bolun Pass; Vexa-
tious Scene; Advance to the Deserted Camp; Appearance of
an European Tent; Distressing scene; Tho Discovery of
tliG murdered body of Lovediiy; Ilia last breath; His ser-
vant; His situation; Story told by him; Brutal treatment ;
Gool Mahomed, the instigator; Feelings of the Troops; Two
of tho Enemy found secreted; Effects of drunkenness; Hints
to Soldiers ; Dangerous position; Slight wound; Too much
sanguinityat times dangerous ; Necessity of implicit obedience
in the Service; Ability of Commanders; 38th Kegiment, N. I.,
left in charge of Prize; Encauipment; Dadur; Its situation
with the Bolun; State of the Troops; Burial of Loveday;
Description of British Stronghold at Dadur; The severity of
the climate; The effect of the water; Painful malady; Scar-
city of Provisions; Annoyance of tho Enemy; Troops always
under Arms; Original recipes for, cooking; Precaution of
Major Boscawen; 38th Regiment ordered up the Pass is
weather bound.

We were immediately deployed into line, piled
arms, and lay down to take a few moments rest,

TT«sxi^-f vii.\.- pitiiji u-i v^uiiitiuiia v» ao uiBCUBSCu UV 1116

principal officers. There was not one in the whole

t fit ii^l
III

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

143

detacliment who would not liavo slept gladly for a
few hours, but an important task lay before us;
at a distance of something less than three miles, the
enemy's camp was seen stretching from the north to
the west. Their forces were drawn out and prepar-
ing to move towards us, and the approaching sound
of their tom toms (drums) was heard ; but I doubt
if they inspired the courage of the enemy more than
they aroused that of our forces. Britons do not love
to be challenged, and it is difficult to restrain their
impetuosity when they behold an advancing foe. At
the first sound of their tom toms, our officer gave
orders to our drummers to sound the fall in ; and
in real earnest the little fellows laid on, as if they
thought victory alone could be won by the energy
of their response.

Anxious as the moment was I could not help
recalling to mind Faulconbridgc's Dauphin :

Start

An echo with the clamour of thy drum,
And ev'u at liand a drum is ready braced
That shall revorb'rate all as loud as thine.
Sound but another, and another shall,
As loud as thine, rattle the welkin's ear,
And mock the deep-mouth'd thunder.

Shakapeare : King John.

We were speedily in order of battle, and ob-
tained from the fort, if fort it could be called, the
assistance of the few cavalry attached to their gar-

liouiz, iiJiu L n u Oi liiuii guiio, uic iuiiuur uiiuui mu

command of young Malcolm, who was an oflScer ia

144

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE;

tho service of Sliah Shoojah, and a promisinj^ youth
lie was — and seemed delighted with the prospect
of being freed from his prison, and if possible,
giving his oppressors a sound drubbing. Wo
awaited tlie slow advance of the enemy with great
impatience ; at length their advancing line halted,
and their cavalry moved a short distance to their
front, to cover as it were some intended operation,
which seemed to have for its object a more ready
communication with the BolunPasH,which was some-
what more than a mile to the rear. Orders were
immediately issued to Mahomed Shercave to ad-
vance, accompanied by a detachment of infantry,
to a small hill which commanded the entrance to
the Pass, and whence he could proceed to attack
the enemy, should he ad\'ancc, or to annoy him
should he attempt to retire into the Pass. The
bugles sounded to the main body the welcome
sound to " Advance ;" and the object of the enemy
now being evident, as he had brought his cavalry
to keep us in check whilst his infantry, or rather
rabble, secured their retreat by the Bolun Pass,
Capt. Boscawen ordered the artillery to play upon
the retreating masses of infantry; at the same
moment we advanced to the attack of their cavalry
line, and Mahomed Shereave to that of their
retreating infixntry. The conduct of Mahomed's
force wab admirable ; they took advantage of the
confusion which the liurried retreat of the infantrv
had thrown them into, and which was greatly

SCENES IN A SOLDI Eli 9 LIFE.

145

increased by the dense crowd being jammed into
tlic narrow deliles. Tlie number of deud found
after tiro action amounted to nearly .300, and all in a
narrow 8[)ace ; indccMl they were slaughtered in
heaps — the dying falling upon the dead I

In the meantime we advanced cheerfully and
eagerly, but slowly, towards the line of cavalry, as
we had to cross a plain intersected by deep and
strong streams of water, and broad " nulhis," or
ditches, winch greatly increased the harrassing na-
ture of tl^ ground over which we had to pass.
And as we did, the enemy's cavalry still continued
to retire before us, at intervals, and very slowly.
By the time that we had come within musket range
they perceived that their object had been attained ;
their remaining infantry had gained the Pass, and
they immediately faced about and fled with the
rapidity of a route, leaving their camp equipage
entire, and a large quantity of treasure. It was,
however, not without vexation that we beheld the
imijority of the enemy we had taken so much pains
to get at, thus scampering off almost unharmed,
and unscathed, dashing up the, to us, apparently
almost inaccessible sides of the mountains ; our
guns played at intervals with grape and spherical
shot, admirably aimed, so as to burst and meet the
ascending foe on the sides of the cliffs, and it was
the only satisfaction left us to see them fall by
dozens on the explosion of each shell, as they were
driving furiously into the Boluu pass hy a route

SCENES IN A SOLDIEE'S LIFE.

which secured them from the attack of Mahomed's
cavalry, even had they been strong enough to
venture upon a pursuit, which they were not in any
one particular, principally owing to the long and
fatiguing march which their horses had performed
the night before. Our skirmishers, who consisted
of about one third of the Europeans, being called
in, and who, we were glad to find, had met with
Httle loss, and being once more together, our atten-
tion was now turned towards the deserted camp,
in the midst of which we perceived a very handsome
European officer's tent, which had met our gaze on
our first !^et' out towards their encampment, and which
we supposed to be one taken in the overthrow of
some small force, which was now become a daily
occurrence. On our arrival at the deserted camp,
1 with two or three others, ran immediately to the
tent, and alas what a spectacle presented itself I
There lay the body of poor unfortunate Loveday,
with his throat cut, and who had about that moment
breathed his last. A native boy was weeping across
his mangled body, who turned out to be his
servant, the only one allowed him, and that in con-
sequence of his being a Mahomedan, and who
used to cook for him, which none of the Brahoe or
Mm-ree Tribe composing the enemy would. This
native, who had faithfully followed and served his
master in oppression as well as in affluence, gave a
most melancholy narrative of the treatment of Lt. .
Loveday during his career as a prisoner in their

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

147

hands. We found the body in the tent laid on a
small piece of carpet, with nothing to cover him
save a pair of cotton " pajamas" or drawers. He
was barefooted, and his ancles were lacerated, owing
to the friction of the chains then upon him. Two
pieces of paper were near him ; one was addressed
to his dear sister, and the other, a partly written

one, to a friend.

It appeared from the tale told by the servant, that
every time the enemy moved their camp, poor Love-
day was placed on a camel, a most uncomfortable
beast to ride, and taken with them, well watched,
and often had to walk in tho state mentioned, except
that his man sometimes gave him his turban to pro-
tect his head from the heat of the sun. Often after
arriving in camp has he been exhibited in the bazaar,
and buflfeted by new comers of their tribes, and
beaten if he attempted to remonstrate. And often has
he expressed a sincere wish for them to serve him as
they did the small force he commanded at iielat ;
but as often they refused, and seemed to take delight
in being insolent and oppressive. He uttered
exclamations of delight when he heard the report
of the shots from his friends, and his heart throb-
bed with joy at the prospect of being so soon
amongst them, little dreaming his fate was allotted,
and the assassin in waiting, so barbarously to take
his life ; for it was arranged, on the appearance of
our forces in the front of Dadur, that should they
prove victorious, Loveday should be killed ; but thie

148

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

servant stated positively tliat Nusseer was against the
murder, Gooi Mahomed hcin^^ the solo instigator,
for early at the time of our advance, Nusseer, with
his mother, were the first that fled into the Pass,
and Gooi gave directions that the last leaving the
ground should cut the prisoner's throat, which was
most peremptorily carried into elfect; a deed of
douhle shame on the perpetrators of so foul, and
cowardly an act. Kevenge seemed to call aloud from
every hreast, and although ui)wards of forty-four
hours had passed since tliey had tasted food or slept,
and were of course extremely fatigued, and, in fact,
almost Qxhausted, they would cheerfully have pressed
forward had they been called upon to join in the
pursuit of the ruthless, and cold blooded murderers.
In the same tent were found four boxes containing
valuables, which, together with the camp military
chest, &c., were seized upon as prizes.

On emerging from the tent we began to recon-
noitre the captured camp, and I and a serjeant of
the force were proceeding to a email tent, or rather
a rug thrown over three crossed sticks, when from
amongst a heap of bundles rushed out two of the
enemy, overpowered with opium, and other intox-
icating drugs, who, in consequence, had become so
stupified that they were unconscious of their dange-
rous position— I regret to say, as is too often the
case amongst soldiers, who fbrget their duty, and
seem to take a pleasure ii? rendering themselves
unfit for it by inebriety. In a future chapter, I

SCENES IN A SOLDIERS LIFE.

fain St the
istigator,
eer, with
the Pass,
Lviiiff the
hich was
deed of
foul, and
[)ud from
jrty-four
or slept,
, in fact,
i pressed
in in the
irderers.
ntainin^'
military

recon-
•jeant of
r rather
en from
of the
r into.x-
come so
• dange-
ften the
iy, and
mselves
tpter, I

shall have to speak, much against my will, of the
awful consequences of drunkenness amongst the
soldiers in the field, the relating of which, if read
by a soldier, will, I am sure, cause him almost to
shudder at the result. How careful should the
men be of that simple virtue — sobriety I when they
know that the safety of their comrades, the honour
of their corps, and the maintenance of their country's
fame, depend on the conjoined steadiness of the
army at large ; and how terrible it must be to the
consciences of those men, in their sober moments, to
reflect, and find, that in consequence of their dissipa-
tion, they have been not only ciphers and useless
members to aid in the duties required of them, but a
burden to those who were called upon to perform
the duty, wliich their sovereign requires.

I shall, however, forbear here to dwell much on
the too many serious consequences of drunkenness
amongst the soldiery, as it will shortly occur, that
the relation of certain incidents, immediately con-
nected with this subject, will call for the remarks,
which I would otherwise give here, and would fain
find it out of my power to give at all. They n*-
tacked us, and one succeeded in cutting down the
sergeant, by a blow with the sword, which pene-
trated his cap and cut his ear ; the blow was scarce-
ly given when the giver lay lifeless, for at that mo-
ment I fired, and the ball went into his head ; at

uiiivihuiiavc

who had just risen from a drunken sleep, and knew

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

l*fw

not of the retreat of their force, had lost his sword,
and seizing upon a large knife, some twenty-eight
inches long, rushed at me and made a blow, which
I guarded with a musket I had in my hand ; but J
received a slight cut in the left hand, as I held the
piece at the charge, and I inserted the bayonet,
which went quite through him, and forced him
down, never to rise again. Several seeing the dan-
ger we were in, incautiously fired at them, and though
we were so near them, they very fortunately missed
me, though one ball grazed the serjeanf s epaulette.
Though no damage was done, it gave a lesson, that
soldiers, although it generally is good to be sanguine
and valiant, should wait for the orders of the officers
over them, whose superior judgment in the time of
need, I have, in nine cases out of ten, seen to be
used most effectually, with sound judgment and rea-
son. And although there may be many a Nelson
and Wellington in our lower ranks, still, when com-
mand is entrusted to one, who convinces all of his
ability to act, let every soldier study steadi-
ness, and strict obedience, forbear rashness, and
put implicit confidence in his officers, whose
intrepid conduct I have proved to be most praise-
worthy.

The 38th Regiment was ordered to remain on
the ground until the whole camp taken as prize was
taken to Dadur, near to which, the remainder of the

forOft WAS rPItinVAfl Qr\f\ ihaTT fn.vmnA 4i.^:~ r.^^

.. . ^-,,j „...,,vi txavj iViiUCVi LllCli CUUUillli-"

ment. Each man took some hasty refresnment,

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

151

which the native cooks were preparing in the strong-
hold during the affray, and within two hours from
the firing of the last sliot, save the guards, and
those on sentry, there was not a sleepless eye in
the whole encampment.

Dadur, situated about four miles from the entrance
of the Bolun Pass, is a rude town, and has but lit-
tle traffic ; it contains about 5000 inhabitants ; the
fort is an unimportant work, being simply a breast-
work, erected to protect some store-houses, with
the additional Security of a surrounding moat, or
trench. The enemy had plundered the town, and
all the surrounding villages, of every thing they
could remove, and in some instances had destroyed
their dwellings, leaving the inhabitants in a per-
fect state of destitution, which we could pity, but
were unable to relieve.

Lieutenant Loveday was buried on the follow-
ing morning, with every military honor our capabi-
lities would afford, for we could not spare powder
for the due form on these occasions, and the whole
force saw the last rites paid to him with feelings of
profound grief, as they laid him down, to take his
last rest in a soldier's grave. There was some-
thing peculiarly painful and distressing to see a
noble-minded youth thus cut off in the day-spring
of life, by murderous and felon hands ; there was
something inexpressibly sad in the reflection, that

J 1-

.1 !_l-_ J

" ;u

ne wno nau ueen ueiovuu aua cuuriouca hy the
kind, the good, and the gentle, should be thus con-

152

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE,

signed to the dark shade of the valley of death,
unwept by one of all those who had known and
loved him in his infancy, and in his childhood.
That of all the friends and relatives who had watched
his dawning years, there was not one who could
know that he was dead, until months had elapsed
since the hands of strangers had deposited his
mutilated body in a solitary grave, in the midst of
the wild deserts of a distant and foreign land.

" We thought as we hallowed his narrow bed,

And smoothed down his lonely pillow,*
That the foe and the stranger would tread o'er his head,

And we far away on the billow.

" Lightly they'll speak of the spirit that's gone,

And o'er his cold ashes upbraid him —
But little he'll reck, if they'll let him sleep on.

In the grave where a Briton has laid him." -

Wol/e.

Our camp was now arranged, and all made as
secure as possible. The force had sujQfered much in
the breastwork, which had been erected as a depot
for grain, &c., for transmission up the passes — it
was nothing more than a hard wall, about eight
feet high, and surrounded by a trench about twelve
feQt deep and twenty wide— in this there was erec-
ted a temporary citadel, for four guns in the centre,
a barrack for about two hundred men, stabling for
about fifty horses, and rather extensive granaries
for stores. During the repeated attack of the ene-

niV for thP. Insf fivp mnnflia iha mnn U^A ,»«,. —

,- •. , .. »..-.-.xii.i^,-, fiivr XilV/ii *IC%Vi XlCVCi

been unaccoutred— were continually under arras,

SCENES IN A SOLDIEE'S LIFE.

153

and for seven weeks previous to our arrival, had
all been postod as double sentries, one sleeping
'neath the wall, whilst the other watched, and wak-
ing his comrade to relieve him at the appointed
time, as mentioned in the last chapter. Every one
was alike, and most unremittingly did they labour,
and succeeded in keeping possession — and how
gladly were they relieved when we approached 1
their first trial became as nothing, and all was
again free. After a few days the enemy began to
re-appear, and alarm our guards at night — the wea-
ther, too, began to grow very cold, even so much so,
that by the end of November, although the heat
of the day would raise the thermometer invariably
to 125°— I have seen it 139"— the same night
would bring ice on our kettles of water, and was,
indeed, very trying to the constitution of us young
campaigners, having no other protection from these
varied powers than the canvas tents. The water
we procured, issued from the mountains by which
we were surrounded, and was from a spa, the rock
producing much lead and copper, and occasioned
much unpleasantness amongst the troops, in the
shape of large boils breaking out over the body,
and our hospital tents became crowded with men in
sound health, but disabled in consequence of this
painful malady. Almost nightly would our troops
be turned out three or four times, owing to some

our pickets, and in consequence all men fit for duty

1.54

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

'■

were constantly accoutred. From the 10th November,
1840, until the 13th of January, 1841, they never
knew what a sound night's rest was, nor free from
being equipped and lying on their arms. Food
was extremely scarce, the Commissariat supplies
being very so so. The men, for want of tea or
coffee, used to burn small biscuit crumbs black,
pound and boil them, and make a sort of wet and
warm mixture, minus taste or sweetness — but hun-
ger knows not delicacy. When biscuit became
scarce, we had to grind wheat with a hand mill,
mix up the coarse flour or chaff', add a little bitter
rock salt, &c., like alabaster, and in order to bake
it, dig a large hole in the ground, fill it with ashes,
throw in the dough, and after it had been in the fire
for some hours, it became not a bad though coarse loaf.
Our original ideas of cookery were much practised,
and many a lesson was learned. A mode of cooking
a fowl has since assisted me often when travelling,
and is certainly very simple : kill the fowl, enclose
in clay, feathers and all together, put it in amongst
hot ashes, much the same way as the loaf, and in
an hour it will turn out, plucked and deliciously
cooked. So much for experience. Thus we car-
ried on for weeks, during which time our small
corps of cavalry were always booted and saddled,
and our few guns loaded ready for action.
The precautions taken by Major Boscawen, (who

just now ffOt his nrftlTiftfion 'i in rwavan

1..^ atfwrxnttcirk

were most admirable, and were carried out in a

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

155

manner that proved the confidence we aU felt in our
leader. The quiet, gentle, and systematic manner
in which Captain White, 40th Regiment, performed
the duties of staff officer over our little army, will
not be soon forgotten by those who were present at
Dadur in November and December, 1840, and
January, 1841 ; he showed in this his preliminary
step or outline service, which was most fully ap-
preciated by the Government, how most deserving
he was, and it will be seen ere I leave off this
narrative, that Captain White proved himself a
thorough soldier, and worthy of all he afterwards
gained. When the enemy became tired of his
ineffectual campaign, he again retired into the
mountain fastnesses, and the 38th Regiment Native
Infantry J which had been relieved by the 2nd Grena-
dier Regiment, was sent up the passes to Candahar,
but were weather bound by the snow, which com-
pletely blocked up their route.

CHAPTER VIII.

Sojourn at Bad ur; Tho Kotra Force; Ntissecr still determined j
lieutenant Chamberlain; Colonel Marshall at Kotra; En-
campment of tho Enemy near Kotra; Secret Expedition;
Silent preparations for Battle; Midnight Surprise; Glorious
Victory ; Escape of Nussccr ; Dreadful loss amongst the
Enemy; Colonel Stacy at Quotta; His Directions to Hego-
oiate ; Unjust liberality of tho British ; General Brooks j
A largo jForce for further Exploits; Evidence of another War;
Assembly of a Grand Army at Sukkur; Its March to Mungal
Ka Shier; Loft Wing 40th with tho Grand Array; Orders for
the Right Wing to join Head Quarters; Second Grenadier
Regiment left at Dadur; March to Mungal Ka Shier; Arrival
at Aji Ka Shier; Route thereto; Night marching, Defile;
Arrival in Camp at Midnight; Commissariat lost; Bad look-
out; Camp Surprises; Recollections of Major Clibborn's mishap;
Despatches to Dadur; Collection of a meal; Arrival of a lost
friend; Conjunction with the Grand Army; State of the
Country; Position and Power of Political Agents; Demand on
Kojuk for Tribute ; Proremptory liofusdl ; Attempt at a Breach ;
Colonel Wilson defeated and wounded ; Rascally conduct of the
Sepoys; Daring Exploit of fifty European Artillery; Serious
loss; The Storm; Fall of its Commander, Lieut. Creed.

As we are sojourning here some time, 1 cannot do
better than collect the exploits of the detached por-
tions of our force together, and let my readers

lmi-»T»T rkrvTUT

IXIIV TT LIXJ TT

4lir*Tr nfi/\-^ r\t

^-J t^""

Uil.

1^ TUTilI Vkrw ■•*/\*v^rfc-»v%T%i-fc**rk^

XI, IT ill k;x^ x\:;iiiciiiUcxcu

that the 25fh Regiment of Native Infantry, with

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

167

two guns, wcrQ left at Kotra, to hold the entrance
to the Gundavie Pass, which Nussccr took care to
keep ; and lindhig liiinsclf overcome by the Dadur
party, he worked round by a route over the nionn-
tains of the Bolun, towards Gundavie, and prac-
tised several inana5uvres to annoy us, which to a
certain extent, liad effect, inasmuch as they har-
rassed the troojjs in the manner described in the
last chapter,— and Nusscer, not willing to g!ve
himself up to the British, and let his misled force
return to their homes, resolved to annihilate the
small force at Kotra. The few men there, after we
left, had been increased by two troops of Skinner's
and Haldine's Local Horse, one commanded by
Captain Hakline, and the other by Lieutenant
Chamberlain. Tlie valiant, noble, and courageous
conduct evinced by the latter officer will be seen in
several future chapters. The whole was under the
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall, 25th
Native Infantry. Nusseer took up his position
here similarly to the one taken up at Dadur, L e.
betwixt the hills of the Pass and the Kotra camp.
Major Boscawen, who left no means untried to pro-
cure information, learned from his emissaries, Nus-
seer's intentions, which he communicated to Marshall ,
who also had received information, and had already
arranged his plans to attack the camp of the young
Prince, and, if possible to take him. Colonel M.
ordered the maioritv of his force to prepare to march
that evening, or at a moment's notice, without tents,

158

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

or any camp cqnipago, or baggage whatever— to
carry some provisions with them, and to move as
silently as possible. Nusscer was to arrive at his
ground at sunset, and to pitch camp four miles N.
W. of Kotra, in a valley approaching the Pass.
Marshall directed his force to move at dusk, and all
proceeded without a word; they advanced by a
somewhat circuitous route, and every word of com-
mand was passed down the ranks in almost a whis-
per ; every precaution was taken to prevent the
glittering of any of the arras or appointments ;
and after the night had well set in, and the guns
were brbught up, they continued to move on, until
they came in sight of the fires of the enemy, who
little suspecting a foe was so near them, were bu-
sily employed cooking their victuals,, and others,
with the exception of a few of their anything but
alert sentries, had retired to rest for a few hours as,
at midnight, it was intended by them to have sur-
prised Marshall's camp. The Colonel, after having
satisfactorily worked round, arranged his force so
as to cover as much as possible the whole length of
their camp. The cavalry were posted so as to
effect a charge ; but the danger lay in this move-
ment as to whether they might not kill each other, if
they came into a personal contact with the enemy,
in the dark ; all being the same color, — for it
must be made known to my readers that the Local
Horse having no precise uniform, — it would be some-
wLai dimcuit iu distinguish them, so situated ; how-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIPB.

159

ever, they flanked, and the artillery were well sup-
plied with grape and shell. All was quiet and pre-
pared — the very horses seemed conscious of the pro-
ject, and forbore to neigh, — and the Colonel at length
got within musket range, in ambush, leaving the
cavalry a short distance in rear, lie at length gave
the word, and let fly into them a volley from all
pieces in the front ranks, and in another minute a
second from the rear ; the whole being immediately
reloaded, they charged into the camp. Tlie enemy
were so stunned, and taken so much by the sur-
prise they had intended for us, that they knew not
their duty, and many suffered themselves to be cut
up without offering even resistance ; and few, in-
deed, escaped to tell the tale of woe. The exact
numbers killed on this occasion I cannot say, — but
I know it was several hundreds, with but one casu-
alty on our side. Nusseer on this, as well as every
other occasion, managed to elude the vigilance of
the attempts to secure him, but how or where it
eould not be ascertained ; however, this havoc and
mishap caused him to reflect and see the probable
result of so foolishly attempting to overthrow the
British Forces. He took to the hills and fled to-
wards Quetta, and the few remaining of his force
left him and returned to the villages which they had
deserted in their country's cause. The gallant Mar-
shall returned with his brave little band to his
camp, crowned with a victory worthy of being rer
corded in our annais to the world's end: for never

160

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

was the overthrow of a treacherous enemy so com-
pletely accomplished as that by Lieut. Col. Mar-
shall's small force of the 25th Native Infantry,
Local Horse, and the Native Artillery at Kotra.

Colonel Stacy, then at Quetta, received inti-
mation of the flight of Nusseer, who, though a boy,
had caused so many disasters, and wrote to the
Government on the subject, who directed that he
should endeavour to negociate with him, and bring
him in, under promises of protection and other
advantageous terms. The Colonel made several
attempts after him with a mere guard, and several
times came in siglit of him, but could not effect an
interview, and at length returned to Quetta.

Oh, John Bull ! thou art too liberal to thy foes :
the fable of the woodman and the viper is very
applicable to thee.

Major-General Brooks was busily engaged as-
sembling a large force at Kurrachie and Sukkur —
consisting of two Brigades, the first commanded by
Brigadier Valiant, and the second by Brigadier
England — to be in readiness to proceed to the upper
provinces. From these proceedings it was evident
that the war in Affghanistan would be very shortly
resumed in good earnest ; — and in December,
General Brooks assembled his whole force at Sukkur,
whence he moved by easy marches to Mungal-Ka-
Shier, about twenty-four miles from Dadur. We were
now fiill of anxious anticipations, and were greatly
surprised that we had not received a letter of rea-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

161

'SO com-
)1. Mar-
Infantry,
iotra.
ed inti-
h a boy,

to the

that he

id bring

id other

several
I several
ilTect an

hy foes :
is verv

ged as-
ikkur —
nded by
rigadier
le upper
evident
' shortly
cember,
Sukkur,
?al-Ka-
Vevrere
greatly
of rea-

diness to rejoin our head quarters, which we under-
stood formed a part of the newly organized force.
We had no wish to be left longer to rusticate— or
rather, I should say, to rust, at Dadur, and it was
with a deafening and an enthusiastic shout of joy
that we responded to the order of readiness that
was promulgated to us on parade on the 1st of
February, that we must be prepared to march on
the 2nd to join the Left Wing, and to leave the 2nd
Grenadier Regiment in charge of Dadur.

Our baggage was soon in marching order, and
on the 2nd of Febniary, full of joyous hope, and
eager anticipation, we commenced our route to join
the army via Aji-ka-Sheer ; the march was long
and tedious, as we had to pass through a defile six
miles in length ; the roads were very stony, and
resembled nothing in nature that I had ever seen,
except a stone quarry immediately after a powerful
and extensiv- blast ; huge masses of stone were
strewed upon the path in every direction, and the
dismal and hollow echo of the measured tread of
the advancing troops, in the dead hour of the
night, did not much contribute to make our pro-
gress either more easy, pleasant, or agreeable.
" Time and the hour run through the roughest day,"
arose to my mind, but brought little consolation ; I
remember I once repeated it to my comrade, and
parodied it by saying, " Would I were time, or the
hour, in this rough way 1"

162

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE,

Patience and perseverance, it is said, will do
wonders ; on this occasion they worked what may
be called a miracle, for they brought us through the
defile, and when we gained the open country, we
got on better, as the road greatly improved, but it lay
through a jungle of large extent, and there being
no regular cut roads, the different detachments lost
each other in the dark.

When the day dawned, we fortunately found
ourselves at no great distance from the appointed
halting place, but some of our companions were not
so fortunate ; at length all arrived except the most
important department of all— the Commissariat—
the department which could be the least spared of all.
— Like Shakspeare's Hal, there were few of us but
could have said, " I could better spare a better
man." We had been marching all night, and we
had, of course, carried a very small portion of re-
freshment with us, and that small portion had been
long since despatched, and thus we were depend-
ing for our supply upon that, which was not yet
come. Every one asked our Commissariat officer,
where are they ? and hungry men, as echo, cried
where are they? Men were sent out in diiferent
directions to look for them ; they fired off their
muskets and pistols, they hallooed and shouted,
and called, but the more they hallooed, shouted and
called, the more they would not come. Their con*
tinned absence gave 4dat to all sorts of surmises
and suppositions; it was supposed that some ac-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

168

will do
at may
)ugh the
try, we
lutitlay
e being
nts lost

T found
pointed
^ere not
le most
ariat —
iofall.
' us but
better
md we
I of re-
d been
lepend-
lot yet
officer,
>, cried
liferent
[f their
louted,
ed and
ir con-
irmises
me ac-

tive party of the enemy's cavalry had succeeded
in cutting them off, but then, this could not be, for
we had not heard a shot fired, and would Britons
yield without one struggle? Oh I no— that could not
be. It was then conjectured that they had confi-
ded in some treacherous guide, who had misled
them, and placed them in the power of the rebels —
here, then, treachery could be suspected. This was,
indeed, a more reasonable conjecture than the for-
mer, for we called to mind the sad and unfortu-
nate affair of Major Clibborn, of the 1st Grenadier
Regiment, Native Infantry, who, when conducting
a large convoy of stores and treasure from Sukkur,
engaged two guides, who proved to be spies, and
led the force into the very mouth of the foe, who
succeeded in cutting off nearly the whole of his
men, and capturing upwards of six hundred camels,
bearing the baggage and treasure besides ; his Ser-
geant Major, and a warrant officer named Shean, only
escaping. This sad reverse of fortune will ever
be remembered with regret, as the difficulties and
the improbability of success are so numerous that
they cannot be imagined, unless by those who suf-
fer by it — and let it not be judged harshly or un-
wisely, but bear in mind that circumstances alter
cases. Mean time it was discerned that conjecture
and supposition were no substitutes for provision
and arrack, and that talking only made men more
hunsrrv. and it was resolved to despatch a commu-
nication to Dadur, stating the predicament we were

264

SCENES IN A soldier's LWM,

Mt I

placed in, and to request that two days supply of
provisions might be forwarded immediately, and at
the same time, Major Boscawen proceeded to the
town, near to which we were halted, and purchased
as much food as he could procure, for our present
pressing necessities,— -which he immediately issued
out to the men, who at once set to, to make up for
lost time— and having first solaced the inward man,
with the more solid comforts of this world, they
next sought for happiness and enjoyment in that
land of rest and quiet, which soldiers call the Land
of Nod. When we awoke, we were delighted to
see that the first supply from Dadur had arrived in
camp, and the Quarter-Master and his assistants a&
busy as they possibly could be, making arrange-
ments to issue out a fresh supply to the troops ;
his operations had scarcely ceased, when our own
Commissariat came in sight, nawindeed, like a use*
less Alexandrine, dragging its weary length along.
Never, perhaps, did the arrival of the Commissa-
riat and its stores in the jungle or desert, cause so
little sensation as this did, so far as rations were
concerned, and never, perhaps, had a Commissariat
been honoured with so many kind and anxious in-
quiries, as were made upon the present occasion j
one man's reply was very curious — he told me,
when asked the cause of their late arrival:
" We have been wandering like an ill-tempered
comet."

SCENES IN A SOLDIEH'S LIFE.

165

ipply of
, and at
to tlie
[rchased
present
r issued
e up for
rd man,
d, they
ia that
le Land
hted to
ived in
ants a»
rrange-
troops ;
ur own
1 a use-
along,
imissa-
ause so
IS were
issariat
)us in-
vasion J
Id me,
rrival :
npered

On the evening of the 3rd, we resumed ouf
march to Mungal-ka-Sheer, and on the morning of
the 4th, were met a few miles from that camp by
many of our companions of the Left Wing, who
had come thus far to welcome us home to Head
Quarters. About nine, A. M., we reached the
camp, and an imposing sight it was ; the army cott-
eistcd of 9,000, and this fine body of men, combi-
ned with all the pride, pomp and circumstance of
glorious war, made a great impression upon me,
as we drew near, having never seen so large a
force assembled before. We foand on our arrival
that the dreadful note of preparation had even now
begun, and that immediate and active operations
were speedily about to commence.

Since the campaign of 1838-9, almost every
territory in that vast region into which we were
now about to enter, indeed had in reality entered,
had been made tributary to our Government \ it
will be readily believed that the petty Sovereigns
of those diversified realms, were ill-disposed, save
upon compulsion, to pay a tribute, which pressed
so heavily upon their revenues, amounting in many
instances to nearly one-tnird of the whole, for the
aggrandizement of one nation, and that nation at a
great distance ; a nation, too, said some of them,
which had no claim ^ hatever upon their terri-
tory. Many of their native princes, miscalcula-

i-i^^ ^-U^Sm rvrirn nniirnv t\T miClllfl flTITI CT fllflf. Dl thP.
iiilig iUC;il \J~--X V\jr7\ji. vTi iiiir.- ii'-^i:,---:=.

" • J'

British, refused to comply with the demands of our

166

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

Political Agents for their respective tributes. In
almost all those places in which we had a considera-
ble force, there was also stationed an officer, acting
as Political Agent, whose duties were very various,
and very onerous ; he had to treat with the Chiefs;
to make contracts for the Government ; to lay fines
and duties upon all traffic ; to collect the tribute,
imposed upon the native chiefs by the orders of the
government, or by treaty. The Agents in fact were
kings, in all but name ; I had almost said despots.
Whenever they moved abroad they were always
accompanied by a strong guard; and it has often
happened, that when resistance has been offered to
the collection of tribute, they have not hesitated to
take immediate and summary proceedings against
the whole State.

Ross Bell, Esq., our Political Agent, having to
receive tribute from the Chief of a neighboring terri-
tory, Rojuk, sent to demand it; compliance was refus-
ed, and the chief went so far as to say that if the
Feringees wanted it they must come and take it if
they could ; as they were determined to resist its
collection. This was an affront to his authority,
which Mr. Bell could not submit to, and he accor-
dingly proceeded to give them a specimen of Ferin-
gee authority; and a force, consisting of the 3rd
Regiment of Light Infantry, six gunSj and one
troop of Bombay Korse Artillery, witi ihe 21st
Native Infaniiy, were placed undei' ih^. command
of Lieut.-Col. Wilson, of the 3rd Cat ^iliy, who had

SCENES IN A SOI-DIER'S LIFE,

167

ites. In
msidera-
r, acting

various,
e Chiefs;
lay fines

tribute,

irs of the

fact were

despots.

always
las often
•ffered to
itated to

against

aving to
ng terri-
as refus-
at if the
take it if
•esist its
iithority,
e accor-
)f Ferin-
the 3rd
md one
the 21st
ommand
vvho had

instructions that would justify him in attackilig the
town and fort, should they still persist in their refu-
sal to pay the tribute.

On arriving before the place. Col. Wilson made
the proper demand, which was most peremptorily
refused ; upon which he placed his guns, and at-
tempted to make a breach, but without eiTect. 1
Cavalry and Infantry surrounded the fort, and ud
their best to return the destructive fire which was
kept up from the walls of the fort. Their defence
was so obstinate, that Col. Wilson's sole hope of
success lay in a sudden and violent assault, and
accordingly orders were issued to storm ; but here
an unforeseen difficulty presented itself. The 21st
Regiment, on receiving the order to charge, most
unexpectedly and most provokingly hung back;
their officers vainly urged them forward, but they
had no stomach for the fight. The Europeans at-
tached to the Troop of Artillery, about seventy,
volunteered to accompany their officers, and alone
to make the attack. The event, with such a small
force, seemed inevitable failure ; there was now no
time for hesitation, and, therefore, leaving the
smallest possible number to take care of the guns,
the remainder were formed into a column of attack,
which, however, rather partook of the nature of a
Forlorn Hope, and were place under the immediate
command of Lieut. Creed ; they dashed forward
gallantly, and made an attack upon the principal
gate, and they were greatly surprised to see the

168

SCENES IM A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

Women in large groups, sitting on the walls, holding
the Koran in their hands, and pleading for mercy
and forbearance. Our little heroic band advanced;
they gained the gateway, and a long and despe-
rate struggle ensued ; they at length effected an
entrance, but as soon as the soldiers entered the
narrow and winding way they were cut to pieces
by the defenders, till at length, after a desperate
and terrific rally, they rushed in, and overpowered
the immediate defenders of the gate, but were
again driven back, and whilst re-forming in front
of the fort, the remainder of the enemy, taking to
flight, left the fort by another entrance, and sought
for safety in the neighbouring hills, leaving us to
enter and take quiet possession of the fort, dearly
purchased by the death of the gallant Creed,* who
fell in the first assault, having been the first to
effect an entrance into the gateway ; his loss was
generally and greatly deplored by the men and offi-
cers of his Regiment. Col. Wilson was crried
back to the camp wounded ; seven of the Artillery
were killed, and several were severely wounded.

* The father of Lieut. Creed is the esteemed and universally
respected Secretary of the London and Birmingham Bailwaj
Company.

holding
' mercy
v^anced ;

despe-
cted an
red the

pieces
isperate
lowered
t were
n front
dng to
sought
' us to
dearly
,* who
first to
ss was
ndoffi-
Cviried
rtillery
ded.

iversally
Railwaj

CHAPTER IX.

Retreat of the Enemy; Possession of the Fort; An attempt at
swamping the Camp made; Admirable conduct of the Troops;
Prevention of annoyance; Old Proverb realized ; Despatch
sent to General Brooks; Reinforcement ordered; Sudden
March; Advantages and disadvantages ; Threatening thunder
storm; Awful prospect; Description of scene; Precarious
situation; A dreadful storm ; Miserable condition of Troops;
Anxious prayer for day; Horrible attacks of Cramps; Indes-
cribable prospect; March resumed; Arrival atKojuk; Loss of
Cattle, &c.; Plunder of the Fort; Re-establishment of a Com-
misariat; Mode of making dry ground; Soldiers never lost
for means; The Enemy disappears; Death of Colonel Wilson;
March to Dadur; Preparations for Route through the Passes;
Appearance of a suspicious Camp; Destination of 40th is
learned .

Having thus obtained possession of the fort, we
were ordered to form an encampment, and to pitch
our tents. Wliilst we were thus engaged, the enemy
returned from the hills, having being greatly rein-
forced, and their numbers far exceeding ours, they
easily surrounded our camp and proceeded to hosti-
lities. The first effort at annoyance was to turn the
water course, at which all their tribes are very ex-
pert, their object being not to dt^irive us of a supply
but to give us too much; for, had they succeeded, our
encamping ground would have been converted into

170

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

...

a marsh or bay. As soon as we perceived this to
be tlieir intention, we set to work to counteract it—
and every man I'j !he u»p at once provided himself
with the li ost fUiia^ tools he could lay his hands
upon. SoHjo got picks, some shovels, and many who
could not find any other tools fitting for the purpose,
took their copper or brass dishes, plates, knives,
and pieces of sticks, and zealously dug away until
they had surrounded tlie camp with a trench or
large gutter, which carried the water past us, and
effectually foiled theattempt of the enemy; the only
consequence of their endeavour being to provide us
with a plentiful supply of water, as we might say,
even at our own doors. Of course we could not but
be very grateful to them for their kindness— our
fatigue parties were most especially so— and thus it
often happens that the most evil intentions of our
enemies are, by a benign Providence, turned to our
most unexpected advantage. A despatch was for-
warded to General Brooks to acquaint him with the
dilemma in which our little force was thus unexpect-
edly placed, and urging upon him the necessity of an
immediate and sufficient reinforcement. The mes-
senger was fortunate enough to outdo the vigilance
of the enemy, and arrived at our camp without hin-
drance or disaster. Immediate orders were issued
to the 40th Regiment, two Troops of Artillery, 300
Cavalry, and to the 25th Native Infantry, to be ready
to march within two hours to reinforce the Troops at

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE. 171

Kojuk ; and at four, P. M., the whole were fonned
into column of march, and set forward en route.

We had had some very unpleasant specimens of
night marching, and therefore had no high anticipa-
tions of ease or comfort, but with the exception of
a few camels and men going astray in the darkness
of the night, we had no very serious disasters. At
two, A. M., we halted for the day, and at four, P. M.,
we were igain on the line of march. To prevent
accidents on this occasion, the Artillery were put in
the van, and prec ded the main body for at least two
hours. The road for some distance lay along the half
dried bed of a river, and afterwards stretched across
a lovely plain, which was not intersected by a ditch
or a hillock, but the beautiful green verdure ena-
melled by a thousand beautiful, and to me unknown,
flowers, seemed to cheer and gladden every step we
took. There was a mild soft southerly wind which
just breathed upon our cheeks, and wafted on its
zephyr airs that calm refreshing glow which is the
more welcome in those desert regions, because it
most oiten rises just after the passing away of the
sun's scorching heat. It continued to blow until
after the glorious orb of day had sunk slowly and
majesti ally to rest behind the distant and lofty
mountain ranges of Beeloochistan, leaving us to plod
our weary way beneath the beautiful and glittering
canopy of heaven. For once we fancied we should
find a night march might be pleasant ; the breeze
had now acquired more strength, and its refreshiu^

172

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

coolness was doubly welcome, now that we began
to grow warm and fatigued with marching. En-
couraged by the delightful scenery and grateful
odours with which the night air was redolent, we
pressed on cheerfully, some of the men singing a
gay and merry stanza, in which all joined in the
full and hearty chorus with right good will, by which
many a weary mile was beguiled of half its distance.

Full of joyful anticipation, with no thought but
of the dismay our presence would cause to the
enemy on the morrow, we were still moving on at
a very brisk pace, when we were all at once sur-
prized to find the breeze suddenly die away, and the
light and fleecy clouds which had been flitting along
before, becoming slow, heavy, and dull. The bright
blue of the heavens gradually became dimmer, until
it presented one deep, dark, unvaried mass of murky
gloom ; the bright stars became more and more dim
until they began entirely to disappear, and one by
one, star after star, went out, and all was night.

The column, which but a few minutes previously
had been moving along proudly, safely and joyously,
was now scarcely able to advance at all, every
foot being set, for fear of accident, cautiously,
and doubtfully; each restless eye being involun-
tarily turned upward, in earnest and anxious dread
of what might next come. We were not long left
in surprise, for far, far away, in the horizon, we
heard the first low rumbling murmur of the distant
thunder, which gathered strength as it rolled along,

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE*

1T3

and came terribly on — until at length, it broke over
our heads in one wild, fearful and tremendous crash,
seeming to shake the veiy ground we trod upon.
The clouds gathered low and thick round about
us. Lightning in terrific flashes, and thunder ia
awful bursts, alternately smote our eyes and ears.
Owing to the intense gloom, numbers of the men
and camels were lost, and every now and then, be-
tween the rattling and roaring of the deep-mouthed
thunder, the bugles of the main body were heard,
shrilly sounding to recall the wandering footsteps
of our straggling companions ; still we contrived
to advance, tracing our pathway by the frequent
flashes of the lightning, the rain still continuing to
hold off.

The dreaded storm at length came— large drops
of water fell at intervals, a sure precursor to those
who are acquainted with the storms of the east, that
ere long, the flood-gates of the heavens would be
opened upon us ; and in good sooth, within half an
hour, we were marching in a flood of water, that
spread over the whole plain, and reached above our
ancles. We contrived to advance in this state for
some time, until the water became so deep that to
proceed would have been impossible ; we were or-
dered to halt, and gather as close to each other as
we could, and in this state we were compelled to
await the dawn of day. It is now impossible to
describe the sufferings of the men during the inter-
val, until morning came. Bome were seized with

174

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE*

the most violent cramps, which attacked many in the
limbs, and others in the stomach. So painful and
acute were their sulBFerings, that many fell down
struggling into the water, and shrieked aloud with
agony. The medical officers rendered all possible
assistance, and the officers, many of whom carriec!
a small quantity of brandy with them, generously
placed it at the disposal of the surgeons, although
they knew not but that they might be the next
victims. The conduct of the officers was most
praiseworthy.

About five o'clock, A. M., the day began to dawn,
and seldom has it dawned upon a more miserable
spectacle than that on which it dawned that day,
and seldom by any beings, however miserable they
may have been, has it been welcomed as we wel-
comed it on that occasion, although it lighted us to
a scene of misery, devastation and despair. Far
as the eye could reach, we looked forth upon a flood
of water. It was impossible to behold it, and not
to remember that beautiful verse in the eight chap-
ter of Genesis :

" The dove found no rest for the sole of her foot^
anS 9he return^ unto Nbahj into the Ark; far the
waters were on the face of the whole earths

With the returning light our energies seemed,
also, to a certain extent, to return ; but we were
more than half paralyzed by cold, wet, hunger, and
fatigue, and what was worse than all, in the pros-
pect before us, there was nothing to encourage hope,

SCENES IN A soldier's UPB.

175

that friend to all, when every other friend forsakes.
Effie Deans said, " Better sit and rue, than flit and
rue ;" a wise saying and a true one, under certain
circumstances ; but wise as it maybe, it would have
been anything but wise in us to act up to its spirit
on the present occasion, so we at once prepared to
move on, if our crab-like motion could be called
moving on at all.

I have seldom seen a more distressing sight than
I beheld that morning, and much as the men suf-
fered, the cattle suffered much more, for many of
them, after staggering and floundering about for
some time, would at last fall, and where they fell
there they lay and died. To render them assis-
tance was an impossibility to those who were una-
ble to help themselves, and thus we continued our
march, and at the expiration of ten hours we
reached Kojuk, at least as many of us as formed
the main body; but we had neither baggage, tents,
nor provisions.

Now and then a stray camel would arrive with
one or two tents, and as the rain had ceased at mid-
day, or soon after, the waters began to abate, and
here and there a small portion of land would appear
above the level of the flood ; thither the experien-
ced campaigners would proceed, and digging up
the spot, were enabled to procure a comparatively
dry site by turning the wet <^nrface downwards, and
on this they would pitch their tent. Those who

jiir >/

ij'4,r

17a

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

I'l

had no tents were glad to avail themselves of the
invitations of those who had,

to share,

Their lowly cot and humblo fare.

There we were, thirty and forty men crowded into a
small space some fourteen feet square. Rest and com-
fort soon restore the equilibrium of a soldier's tempera-
ment, '^'>^ we were now beginning to treat our late
calan ied as a jest, but when we began to over-
haul our stores, first we found our biscuits ruined ;
our flour made into paste, before the fruit was
gathered ; our rice softened before the currie was
dressed ; our arrack so diluted with muddy water,
that Farady himself, I believe, would have been
puzzled to analyze it ; and as for our cocoa, it was,
ayel where was it? none of us could tell. We
were very likely to be somewhat in the situation of
shipwrecked mariners on a desert Island ; we had
water around us, and earth beneath us, and heaven
above us ; and lo I all we had. We had, however,
this advantage, our ocean was fordable, and at no
great distance lay a newly captured Fort, and one
of us, not one of the sit-and-rue race, took it into
his head that where there had so lately been a
marauding garrison, there would very probably be
a Commissariat store ; he was not one of those deep
thinkers, who make discoveries only for themselves ;
no, with him once to think, was once to be resolved,
and hecried: ''Hey, boys, fora foraging party to the

SCENES *'; A soldier's life.

177

Fort ; ril engage ye, we find something to eat
there."

Away he dashed, and a noble tail he had ; their
search was short, but minute and zealous, and they
soon stumbled upon a magnificent store of grain,
cattle, and such other of those creature comforts
as the natives usually collect to preserve that union
of soul and body which some of us believe to be
Nature's first law, and some, I fear, the chief, per-
haps the only one, they care to obey.

We soon afterwards discovL A a grinding-mill,
and whilst some killed the cattle, prepared food,
made soup, &c., others ground the wheat into flour,
and made cakes, &c., so that ere long we were
feasting happily and plentifully ; and, as we had
worked our newly discovered mine to our own satis-
faction, we failed not to spread the golden trea-
sury to our famished comrades. 1 trust, under all
these circumstances, this little trifle of felony will
be overlooked, and that, for once, we may be looked
upon rather as self-invited and famishing guests,
than as daring and reckless burglars, which we
might be considered at other times, and in other
places.

By nightfall the waters had almost disappeared
from the face of the land ; and the sun, which,
after a long and desperate struggle with the clouds,
broke forth about four, P. M., shone brightly, glori-
ously and powerfully until a little alter six, when

1T8

SCENES IN A SOLDIEB'S LIFE.

he left us as happy as though the night of the 21st
of February had never frowned upon us.

The enemy, who had caused so much alarm at
our camp at Kojuck, only waited the arrival of our
main body ; and even in the miserable plight in
which we were, on our arrival, we could not help
laughing to see them scampering away towards the
distant mountains as soon as they saw our colours
and bayonets, without even staying to notice the
swarm of drowned rats we resembled, and who
could scarcely hav* given them any annoyance,
had they but staid to try our metal ; for our am-
munition was saturated with water, and our fire-
locks, in those days never the best in the world,
were so much injured by the continual deluge to
which they had been exposed, that I think they
would have missed fire three times in five.

Colonel Wilson died of his wounds a few days
after our arrival, and was buried with all the
honors the circumstances would admit.

There was no appearance of any enemy, and we
were very anxious to return to the main body of
the force, which we had left at Mungal La Shier on
the 20th, but this, owing to the flooded state of the
country, was impossible, as the roads were enilrely
impassable ; in the mean time that force moved to
Dadur, and was ordered to wait our arrival at that
place, which did not happen until the 16th of March.
We lay there for some time in a state of complete

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

179

le 21st

arm at
I of our
ght in
ot help
irds the
colours
ice the
id who

«j

3yanc
lur am-
ur fire-
world,
luge to
k they

w days
all the

and we
body of
)hier on
B of the
inilrely
)ved to
at that
March.
)mplete

inactivity, hut we were exerting ourselves greatly
in preparations for that coming campaign, in which
our young and inexperienced warriors looked cut
for that indefinable something called death or glory.
The again dull monotony of our existence \>as
inten-upted by our perceiving one morning by the
first rays of the break of day, that a large camp
had been formed during the night at no great dis-
tance from us, and of very imposing appearance.
Some of our men ran out hastily to reconnoitre, and
if possible ascertain if they were friends or foes,
and what was their object in comir,g so near to u>;
their sudden and unforeseen appearance caused much
excitement in our camp ; but we were not long
left in doubt, for it was soon ascertained to be an
encampment formed by the inhabitants of some of
the nearer villages, who having been plundered or
attacked, gathered up their treasures, and had come
to place themselves under tb' protection aHorded by
the vicinity of our cam.p.

It was now for the first time ascertained that
the destination of the 40th Regiment was Quetta ;
and that we should have to traverse the Bolun Pass
by the same route through which the troops of
Nusseer Khan had fled after they had been defeated
by Major Boscawen.

lH:i'

CHAPTER X.

Arrival at Dadurj Conjunction of Troops; Meeting of 41st and
40th Kegimeuts; Aelivo Preparations for marching up the
Country ; Description of ground near Dadur, and the
mouth of the Pass; March of the First Division; Road to the
Entrance; A Boar Cha&ej Description of first day's March;
The Serpentine Stro.iui; Soldier's case; Sullirae not always
pleasinp-; Second day's March; Continuance of the stream;
Soldier^s boots; A three mile wade; Fatigue of the day;
Third day : Appearance of the Enemy; Halt at Bcbee Naunee;
Capture by the Tnemy of Cattle; Recovery of it; Destruction
of the Rebels; Precautions taken to prevent harrassuient;
Fourth day; Abi Gaum, or the Region of Hidden Waters;
Romantic appearance; Scarcity of firewood; Entire want of
Forage ; Fifth day ; Curious appearance ; Awfully grand ;
Furrow defile ; Power of defence ; Sixth day ; Narrowness
anddanger of the Pass; Description of the Mountains ; Length
of Pass ; Seventh day ; Description of scene ; Beauties of the
Valley of Shawl; Comparison; Emerging from the Pass.

On the 18th of March we moved to Dadur, and
on our arrival saw a wing of the 41st Regiment also
marching into the camp, and many small detach-
ments which had lately been posted around in diffe-
rent directions. We halted here several days, and
during that time we were making great prepara-
tions for our expected passage through the different
and difficult Passes we were soon likely to encoun-
ter.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

181

The ground between Dadur and the Bolun Pass
is very irregular and uneven, and there are a great
many running streams which spring from the hills,
and are perfectly chalybeate, in consequence ot
there being several mines of metals of different
descriptions. The right wing of the 40th Regi-
ment, during the time they lay here, I mentioned as
having suffered very much by these waters, and
were not cured without great difficulty.

On the 25th of March a considerable portion of
the force under the command of General Brooks
and Brigadier Valiant, with a numerous staff^ en-
tered the Bolun. The force consisted of H. M.'s
40th Regiment, H. M.'s 41st Regiment ; the 1st
Troop of Artillery and several Native Regiments
were ordered to follow afterwards, as they should
be directed from Head Quarters.

The road to the entrance of Bolun Pass, for
about a mile, was covered with large loose stones ;
and the mountains forming ihr, entrance are exceed-
ingly rugged, of a light brown colored sandstone
rock.

We were highly amused, soon after we had
started, by the sight of a boar chase, which ani-
mals run wild about these regions ; two of them
were speared, and Drought back to the head of the
column in great triumph. After marching up the
Pass for about three miles, the mountains began to
rise to a much more commanding height, and the
way, which had at first been rather wide, began to

182

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

Ill

be much more narrow. From time to time we came
to a small spot of verdure, but sterility was the ge-
neral feature of the ground ; and loose and large
stones still continued to strew the road in suflS-
cient quantities to make marching particularly incon-
venient and disagreeable. A knee deep and ser-
pentine stream runs through the valley, or rather
ravine ; and in the course of nine miles we had to
ford its strong current not less than eighteen times.
When we first arrived on its banks, preparatory to
crossing it, the men sat down and took off their
boots, and having reached the opposite bank sat
down and put them on again ; this agreeable pro-
cess was practised three or four times, but was
eventually found to be so tedious and troublesome,
that on all future occasions they just marched on,
as though no stream was there ; but I must confess
our situation was anything but pleasant, and the
discomfort of having to struggle on, over the con-
tinued masses of detached rock, tended very much
to diminish our admiration of the celebrated Bolun
Pass. It was not for the first time in my life, how-
ever, that I made the discovery, that the beautiful is
not always the agreeable, and the sublime is not al-
ways the pleasing ; and I have no doubt that there
were many who marched through the Pass, who
scarcely deigned to notice the vast region of nature's
fortification, or could even describe its casual ap-
pearance. There are many amongst our soldiery,
who misuse the onoortunitv of makintr themselves

* *

SC5BNES IN A SOLDIER'S LIFE.

183

acquainted with the beauties of foreign countries,
oftentimes from indolence or want of taste. How
many there are who would gladly sacrifice much to
get the chance of seeing the world, as much as the
soldier has.

Our next day's march was to Gunnah, and we
had to cross our wandering and erratic friend eleven
times, whence it will be readily inferred that we
became much more intimate with him than we could
have desired, as we parted with him for the last

time.

Our boots suffered very much in consequence of
this continual succession of baths ; the upper and
lower portions parted company, and left our bruised
feet to the tender mercies of the rugged pathway
we had to traverse ; many of the men endured
great pain and annoyance, for they were only al-
lowed thirty pounds of baggage, including bed and
bedding, save what they could carr}^ on their backs,
and therefore they cculd not be supplied with a
reserve battalion of boots, and less would not have
availed to protect them during such a march as
this. In one part of this day's journey, the Pass
became so narrow that for three miles the stream
occupied its entire width, and we had to march that
distance, up the bed of the river, if it may be so
called, knee deep in water, which was of a very
black colour and very offensive. The bed of the
river was filled with large pebbles and rocks, over
and among which the water dashed, leapt and

184

SCENES IN A SOLDIEE's LIFE.

bounded, and made such an impression on my mind
and recollection, that I now never hear even one of
our native brooklets bubbling and foaming along
its pebbled bed, without thinking of that terrible
three mile wade,— for it could not be termed a march.
At our next halt, at Beebee Naunee, a high hill in
the centre, the Pass was very wide, hat the encamp-
ing ground, consisting of loose round stones, gave
us great trouble in pitching our tents, as it was
almost impossible to drive the poles and pegs, and
quite so without blunting their points.

At this place the enemy again made their ap-
pearance, and did their best to annoy us; they
made an attack upon the sheep and bullocks be-
longing to the Commissariat, and succeeded in dri-
ving off a portion of them. Our General, who
could not at all understand that any predatory band,
at least of such like pretensions as that which had
thus presumed to beard the lion in his den, should
do so with impunity, ordered the Grenadier Com-
pany of the 40th Regiment, and two guns, to pur-
sue them to their retreat. A straggler they met
with guided them through some mountain pathways
to the cave whither they had retired, after securing,
as they thought, the cattle in a secret place. On
approaching the cavern we set fire to the gra8.%
and threw in some shells and grape shot, which
killed a considerable number of them, and then,
having recaptured the cattle, we returned to th^
camp at a very late hour, and excessively fatigued,

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

185

aB we had been long out, and without food. The
force remained at Bee bee Naunee the whole of the
liext day, to enable us to recover from the eflfects of
the great fatigue >vl had endured. Our horses, car
mels and cattle ha<l as much need of rest as we
ourselves, and owing to the barren nature of the
Pass, theii condition was the worse, as they had no
chance of meeting with any green food during the
march, and in consequence many of them had died,
and many more wer likely to die. The Commis-
mriat alone lost seventy camels, during the three
days, whilst the loss of the Kegii ontai Depart-
ments was fully in proportion.

As we should have to cross the stream again, the
General ordered the Sappers to make a temporary
bridge, and a great comfort it was, for there was
something very unpleasant in crossing a strong
stream as cold as ice, before day-break, and then to
have to march forward in wet clothes for many a
long and weary mile, over tracts that deserve not
the name of roads.

On the 29th March we proceeded from Beebee Nau-
nee to the region of the Hidden Waters. It was called
AbiGaum, one of the most romantic places I had yet
seen in the country. The ground was strewed with
a much smaller kind of pebble, and had much of the
appearance of gravel in its constituent parts. The
running streams of water gave out a bubbling, gurg-
ling sound, which echoed among the high craggy
hills, and died away in hollow moimurs. All these

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186 SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

watercourseswere invisible, butonremovingthepeb-
bles, and scraping away the under-lying soil, to the
depth of an inch or two, a most beautiful spring of
clear, cold and refreshing water bubbled up. This
part of the Pass was very barren, and even bare of
any bushes that we could cut for fire-wood. Our
iatigue parties had, consequently, to seek at a dis-
tance, and bringing it home, most certainly justi-
fying their claim to the name of a fatigue pariv. We
inarched next day to Sir-i-aub-Bolun, halted in a
narrow part of the Pass, and pitched our camp in
a very irregular form, as owing to the nature of the
ground all attempts at systematic arrangement were
perfectly hopeless. Our next halting place was
Dungar, which we reached after a long and tedious
march, the Pass still continuing very narrow, and
becoming more dangerous. The heights, on each
«ide of the Pass, presented a very formidable front
and often over-hung the way in such a manner as
to cause a well grounded fear that the slightest ac-
cident might detach them from the larger mass
and topple them headlong down into the yawning
chasms below. These over-hanging masses grea<>.
fy increased the gloom of the narrow and serpen-
tine way along which we had to march. The
echoes were wonderful and startling, and a whisper
often reflected an unamiable sound.

Although the mountains of the Bolun Pass are
not so lofty as first impressions would lead us to
believe, they are yet striking and grand; their near

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

187

gthepeb-
oil, to the
spring of
ip. This
n bare of
)d. Our
at a dis-
ily justi-
riv. We
Ited in a
camp in
re of the
ent were
ace was
i tedious
)w, and
on each
le front,
inner as
test ac-
I* mass,
awning
J great-
serpen-
. The
vhisper

iss are
i us to
lirnear

approximation at different parts of the Pass, also,
induce the belief that they have a greater altitude
than they really possess ; their apparent height is
also increased by inequality and irregularity. Na-
ture has perhaps made few places more capable of
effectual resistance, and I have never seen another
place so fitted to destroy the advantages of num-
bers as some particular points in the Bolun Pass ;
there the merest handful of men might maintain
their ground against the advance of a host more
numerous than that of the Persian Warrior. In
many parts of the Pass even a few peasants, if
tolerably resolute, and judiciously placed, might
offer a very serious obstruction to a most determined
invader, by hurling down upon the advancing foe
those huge masses of rock which lie most plentifully
along the summit of the hills, and which also
afford the most effectual cover to the defending
forces. I have often been amazed at the supine-
ness of the leaders of the Native Troops in thus
permitting us to prosecute our march unmolested
through one of Nature's strong-holds. The Bolun
Pass leads through the mountains about seventy-
five miles ; at the seventy-third >iiile we began to
mount a very large and veiy steep ascent, and on
attaining the summit we looked down upon a most
lovely plain, which waa spread far and wide be-
fore us, looking gay, bright and smiling. We
gazed upon it with the greatest rapture, inasmuch
as for seventy-four miles nothing had greeted our

188 SCEKE8 IN A SOLDIEE'S LIPB.

When wl Tf". T^' '"^ '"'''*» °«'«°'«'''"-
When we looked down upon the bright snnnr

valley before ns the n.i„d wandered, involuntarilj

fT JT' *^ *'"' "«'<"■' «f Palestine, and I
thought that there was something that strikingly

S r V"^ ^''" '' *"«- *» ^eiof
ftsgah whence he surveyed the land ages before

predestined as a residence for that rebellious

to behold but never to enter. The face of Nature,
when undisfignred by the hand of man, is always
loyeIy-.s always pleasing. I cannot recall that
I ei^er gazed upon a landscape which awakened
80 many and such deep thoughts of holy reverence.
It was impossible to behold that region of sylvan
beauty and not confess with veneration and de-
votion, the hand that made it is Divine. It was
called the Valley of Shawl, and never a valley 7Z
a juster claim to the appellation. Its beauty and
fragrance could scarcely be surpassed.

CHAPTER XL

Arrival at Quetta; Uncomfortable prospects; Scorpions unpleii-
sant companions; Effect of their sting; The venemous Sente-
pee ; Determination of Government to treat with Nussoer
IChan; Colonel Stacy's endeavours; Quetta and its appear*
ance; The British Residency; Government Stores; Prepara-
tions for a long Campaign; Anew Corps raised; Arrival of
H. M's 41st Regiment; Captain Blood's Artillery; Prospect
of taking the Khan; Despatch of a force; Harrassing route;
Spies; Forced marches ; Wild Goose chase; Sickness; Troops
die in great numbtirs; Another failure; Peeling of the Troops;
General Brooks; His unpleasant position; His character; Who
was to blame? Peculiarity of situu ;« jn ; Trying circumstances;
Forced to make the best of bad; Thunder storm; Miseries in
Camp; Unexpected arrival in Camp; The Prince of Shawl
turned Traitor; Dreadful havoc through sickness; Fever, Ague
and Dysentery; Hospital Tents crowded; Insufficient accom-
modation; Scarcity of comfort? ; Enormous prices paid for
them; Indefatigable exertions of Dr. Mc Andrew end Mr.
Xavier, the Apothecary; The probable cause of the sickness;
Vast mortality; Death of Ross Bell, Esq. and Lieut. Valiant;
Removal from Command in the Field of General Brooks and
Brigadier Valiant; Cause of removal; Sad affair; New Com-
manders; Arrival of Nusseer Khan ; Levee; Review; Appear-
ance of winter; Prospect of returning to Quarters; Prepara-
tions; Route changed; General Nott's Despatch; Orders to
march to Candahar; In Affghanistan.

The next day we marched to " Sir-i-Aub," and
from thence to " Quetta," where we arrived on
the 2nd April. The first thing presenting itself
for our comfort was the ground being infested with

190

SCENES IN ▲ soldier's LIFE.

scorpions, and we were cautioned to search well
beneath the stones, and remove them if any were
discovered. They are the small light-green scor-
pion, scarcely as large as a small frog. There are
also the black scorpion, a most deadly reptile.
The sting creates most excruciating pain, and
causes the part affected to swell and turn black :
if the hand or foot be stung, the whole arm or leg
becomes inflamed, and swells twice its natural size.
The best remedy I ever found was the application
of an onion to the part, or tincture of opium. The
ground was also thronged with sentapees, another
dreadfully venemous reptile; it is about half an inch
broad across the back, and varies from three to ten
inches long, is of a greenish brown color, with
about forty legs ; the i*ting, as with the scorpion, is
in the tail, which issues from a small bladder filled
with the poison ; and which on the insertion of the
sting, is diffused. These creatures are commonly
found in beds, and clothes, very often in boots; it is
therefore very necessary to be exceedir \y cautious,
and examine everything, not only here in Quetta
but in all the Eastern climates. . ersons often suf-
fer much when stung in the jungles, some distance
from aid, as the pain being so great, overpowers,
and the result has often been known to be fatal
owing to the want of assistance. '

Government receiving despatches of this and
so many other disasters, occasioned by running after
this child, Nusseer, considered it better to try to ne-
gociate, and offer some advantageous proposal to him,

SCENES IN A SOLDIEB'S UFE.

jarch well
any were
reen scor-
There are
y reptile.
)ain, and
rn black :
rm or leg
ural size.
)plication
m. The
J another
f an inch
ee to ten
or^ with
>rpion, is
ler filled
n of the
mmonly
•ts; it is
autious,
Quetta
"ten suf-
listance
powers,
e fatal,

is and
ig after
r tone-
to him,

in order to bring him in, for as the old adage goes,
" prevention is better than cure." Colonel Stacy,
then in the Political Department, was directed to
treat with Nusseer, and with a strong guard went
after him ; but as often as he came near Nusseer,
Nusseer again fled, for he could place no confidence
in the British, inasmuch as his uncle, Gool Mahomed,
who was with him, was the headsman of Love-
day; he therefore looked upon it as a trap to catch
them, in order to be revenged for that officer's
death. However, leaving the Colonel after his
object, and to return to Quetta ; nothing of note
occurred by way of fighting or annoyance for some
time, save now and again, some robbers, I should
call tbem, would meet parties of our followers out
for forage, &c., and murder them, and other trifling
outrages of this kind. The weather was extremely
hot, and we still being under canvas, made it still
more uncomfortable and oppressive.

The town of Quetta is of mud, rather large, and
very irregularly built ; it has two entrances, and few
of the houses are more than kennels, to enter which
you had to stoop, and sit down when inside. The
surrounding country was lovely and fertile ; grain
and fruit were in abundance. The hills surround
the whole of the vicinity, about seven miles from the
Camp; within one mile and a half from the town stood
the British Residency, a beautiful building, of mud,
but covered and ornamented with white plaster. Capt.
Bean, Ross Bell, Esq., and other public function-

193

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

aries resided here ; the Camp stood about two miles
south of the Residency, and about midway was
erected a large store, with high mud walls, about two
hundred yards square, for the purpose of containing
our Commissariat, provisions, &c. j and as Quetta
was in the heart of Beeloochistan, surrounded with
plenty, Government dh cted that supplies should
be laid in for about two thousand Europeans and
five thousand Natives, for two years, as a store to be
kept up. Accordingly, contracts were entered into,
granaries were built, cattle were sent to a dis-
tance, with Natives, to cut firewood, (there are no
coals J and in fact Quetta became one scene of
business ; a new corps was raised and disciplined,
called the Bolun Rangers, and were employed in
attending convoys to the interior of the Passes, and
other intricate parts of the country. Quetta is
described as being very hot, but what is somewhat
surprising, about twenty-seven miles east lies
Moostoong, which climate is most delightful, the
Thermometer never exceeding 90°. About a month
after our arrival, the Brigade left below the Pass
arrived, and Her Majesty's 41st Regiment pro-
ceeded to Moostoong, and Captain Blood's 3rd Com-
pany of Bombay Foot Artillery marched on to
Kelat, which, by the bye, in consequence of its being
evacuated b-- the inhabitants, who had gone with
Nusseer, was again taken possession of by us.

Colonel Stacy had got some clue to Nusseer, who it
appeared had again collected a considerable mob,

SCENES IN A SOLDIER S LIFB.

193

WO miles
ivay was
ibout two
mtaining
IS Quetta
ded with
s should
sans and
ore to be
red into,
} a dis-
) are no
5cene of
^iplined,
ioyed in
ses, and
uetta is
mewhat
1st lies
tful, the
I month
he Pass
nt pro-
•d Com-
1 on to
;s being
le with
us.

, who it
e mob,

and determined on attacking and retaking his city,
" Kclat," as he had assembled in its vicinity ; the
rumour was well founded, so General Brooks
ordered a strong force to be in immediate readiness
to proceed after the enemy. And it was reported,
and authentically too, that tlicrc was a large por-
tion of treasure with them ; this is what we wanted,
as a few lacs would have been very acceptable to
.John Company, to make up ior the many losses he
had had in the rupee way, with Major Clibborne's,
Lt. Clarke's, and several other defeats. The force or-
dered,were Her Majesty's41stRegiment,eIght pieces
of Artillery, 1st Regiment of Native Infantry, and
followers ; after some delay on the part of the heads,
(which delay did not benefit the expedition) waiting
for some further intclligenco from Colonel Stacy,
the force marched on the second of June, when the
season was at the highest of heat ; the thermometer
stood in Quetta, in the shade, 110° in the hospital,
which is of course the coolest possible place. The
enemy gained intelligence of our approach, and
proceeded two or three marches ahead ; they kept
a line of communication from post to post, and thus
gained information, and though our troops made
forced marches, making three into two, and some-
times two into one, still the enemy kept in front ;
they pressed at length at some village all the
camels they could, and two soldiers mounted on
each, and getting them into a trot, made the
best of their way, beneath a sun hot enough to

194

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

broil a Bteuk ; all was of no use, tho enemy's spies
were out in every direction, und bcin^' better ac-
quainted with the country, rendered it dreadfully
harrassin^' to the force, making a complete wild
goose chase, at the risk of kiUing every man with
the heat.

It wiust here be observed that a campaign In
Scinde or Aflghanistan, in which country you are
compelled to remain, and on wliose tranquil inha-
bitants you are doijcnding for supplies, that to
discover spies was almost impossible and in fact
seldom looked for. The enemy's spies could bring us
supplies, in the 8hai)0 of fowls, milk, fruit, &c.,
reconnoitre tho camp during the sale, and go
round with them, without the least interruption or
direct suspicion; nay your very follower or servant
might be one, and how are you to know itV there-
fore it is not to be v/ondercd at them getting so
much information of our positions, strength and
movements ; many plans were devised and tried, to
prevent them from entering our camp; Major Bos-
caweU; I remember, issued an order that no native
was to be seen in the British camp without a blue
belt, which he issued to every one connected with
Government. Other oflicers have issued orders
for only certain castes or religions (lor any native
knows the difference of each other) to he admitted,
but it was useless, in they used to come, in the garb of
a villager, probably some of the very Tribes allowed,
who had become outcasts to society, and so forth,

SCENES IN i. soldier's UFB.

106

ly s spies
letter ac-
read fully
lete wild
luiti with

ipaign In
you are
uil inha-
, that to
id in fact
i bring us
uit, 6ic.y
and go
iption or
r servant
? tlicre-
itting so
gth and
tried, to
ijor Bos-
10 native
It a blue
ted with
il orders
y native
duiitted,
e garb of
allowed,
so forth,

would be amongst tho first to enter your camp as
spies ; it was through this that the harrassing chase
was caused to the force in question; they were mis-
led, and after a dreadful toil of twenty-nine days,
reached Noosky, where they were obliged to halt ;
the weather was so oppressive, that it brought on
tho fever amongst the men and to l very great ex-
tent; it grew worse hourly, and nearly every man
was laid up ; it continued, and raged like a plaguy; ;
the men died in numbers every day, which contin-
ued for about a month, and in July they managed
to return without success, reduced to a complete
skeleton, with scarcely one man in health ; this
shewed itself in the eyes of several judges, rather
unwise generalship, aiid raised a feeling amongst
the Troops of something in the shape of want of
confidence on the [)art of our General ; he blamed
lloss Bell ; Bell blamed somebody else, and somebody
else, nobody knows who; but here it ended — a second
failure in the short career of General Brooks in the
field ; it is not for me to enter into the private charac-
ter of the General, as he was always considered to
be an able one, when he commanded a station in
Quarters, and when in the field his character as awar-
rior bore to all a brilliant aspect ; had he been properly
tried in battle, and had the same opportunities as
others had, I feel fully persuaded, from his
manners, that he would never have been found
wanting in British valour. But several individuals,
through the exigencies of the service, were throwu

106

SCENES IK A soldier's LIFE,

3i'i

III

into very arduous and powerful positions — such as
wore quite inexperienced in such important matters
as life and death ; and have, in several instances,
from errors in judgment and otherwise, subjected
themselves to censure and sarcasm, by a world that
is too prone to err in judp^ment, and cannot ap-
preciate the intrinsic feelin<:^s of moments like
those I refer to. It may be truly said, why did
not Government make more certain arrangements ?
select more experienced men '? adopt more Welling-
ton-like plans? and such like ; true, but howcouhl
a Government make such, when our army was
in the heart of a country, surrounded by a treach-
rous foe, whose object was cutting ofl' corres-
pondence, and thus, very very often, despatches, &c.
never reached their destination ; and what was to be
done in the mean time ? Why, to make the argument
short, do as they do in France in such cases, '' as
well as you can." Quetta resumed somewhat
•of a more tranquil appearance ; a temporary race
course and cricket ground were made, which form-
ed the bulk of our pleasure. About one mile west of
the town is a curious spot, formed by nature ; it is a
spring or well, about two feet deep, has a floating
bottom of loose sand ; the water above was crystal
and clear, and nothing would sink to remain below
that floating bottom. I have thrown in huge pieces
of stone, or part of a camel's skeleton ; all would
descend past and through by the force of throwing, but
rise again and float ; several men have dived down, but

iiiii

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFF

197

-such as
matters
istances,
ubjected
orld that
nnot ap-
nU like
kvliy did
3nient8 ?
Yelling-
)w could
my Mas
, treach-
corrcs-
lies, &c.
as to be
'gument
es, " as
mc^vhat
iry race
h form-
west of
; it is a
floating
crystal
1 below
3 pieces
1 would
ing,but
wn, but

could find no bottom, but stated, immediately after
passing the loose sand, there was a clear well of
water. On the 28th of July, a dreadful storm of
rain and dust visited Quetta, blew down several
tents ; thi:^ was a common occ\irrence, but I men-
lion it for this reason, the camp was pitched in a
valley, and the rain that fell in the mountains
lodged there for some time; we had got com-
paratively dry, when the waters burst from the
hills, and flooded the whole of the valley below,
and the road from camp to town, for some days
was rendered impassable, and the reader may
judge the misery of the Troops, in tents at such a
time ; to describe every immediate circumstance
connected with these little catastrophes would be
laughed at by a soldier, as his life is one complete
chapter of trials ; but those who rest beneftith a roof,
at home, and on u soft bed at night, in aland free from
jeopardy, cannot dream of the sufferings the sol-
dier undergoes to secure him those comforts ; it is
for this reason I wish to point out a few of the most
glaring; at the same I must say that the innumerable
unmentionable privations of a soldier's life on a
campaign, would of themselves strike terror to the
minds of the inexperienced. Shortly after this, an es-
cort came into camp of about two hundred men, bring-
ing with them no other than the " Prince of Shawl,"
whom I mentioned as having been released from
the Fort of Bukkur, and appointed a Government
cattle contractor. He had been detected holding an

198

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

intercourse with the enemy, and was taken, conduct-
ing, I helieve, a convoy of stores, treasures, &c., to
Nusaeer Khan's force, he at the same time being in
our service; he remembered many of the 40th, and
after remaining sOme time in irison was released
for want of suflicient evidence to prove his trai-
torism.

Sickness I regret to say made its appearance at
Quetta, and rapidly increased ; the hospital tents
began to fill — it was thought well to change
ground — we did — still it grew worse, two and
three dying each day ; few who fell sick lingered
more than a week ; the whole force began to look
dejected and pale; the spirit of the 40th Regiment
grew quite abashed ; our Brigade Major, Lieut.
Henry Valiant, son of the Brigadier, and Lieute-
nant in the 40th, died— then Ross Bell, Esq., and
several other officers died. Early in September
there were one hundred and sixty bedfast in hos-
pital, and about as many convalescent. The regu-
lated number of hospital tents was found insuffi-
cient to accommodate the sick ; so there were one
or two taken from each company, to hold their sick.
Fever and ague, followed by dysentery, was the
prevailing disease, and I must again here mention
the unremitted attention and kindness of the sur-
geon, McAndrew, of the 40th, and Mr. Xavier,
the apothecary. Their exertions were great ; night
and day did these individuals attend over their charge.
The doctor used every effort to procure and adminis-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

199

, conduct-
s, &c., to
5 beinpf in
40th, and
} released
his trai-

ArancG at
ital tents
3 change
two and
: lingered
n to look
Elegiment
r, Lieut.
5 Lieute-
Csq., and
eptomber
in hos-
tile regu-
d iusufR-
^ere one
heir sick,
was the
mention
the sur-
Xavier,
it ; night
:r charge,
adminis-

ter every and any comfort the country and stores
would aflford. Comforts at this time, such as wine,
beer, spirits, &g. were extremely scarce. Some
few enterprising Indian merchants, had followed
the army thus far with a few supplies ; but they
were sold at most enormous rates. Government, in
order to meet the demands of the medical officers,
for comforts for the sick, had to pay as high as six
and seven shillings sterling for each bottle of beer,
f'oni twelve to twenty shillings a bottle for wine,
and so on. If Government had to pay so much
for comforts, taking large quantities, what of the
poor soldier ? — they were unknown to him. Those
who could afford it, paid most dearly ; not less
than a thousand, or even much more, per cent, on
every article. The men had to pay five or seven
shillings for simply putting on a pair of soles to
their boots— finding their own material ; and every
thing in like manner. Such was the state of the
times at Quetta, misery depicted in every counte-
nance, and scarcely one free from sickness. Not
only to the improvement of the sick, but for the
healthy, did these arms of valuable medical aid,
look to ; and I can proudly and happily say that it
is to the indefatigable exertions of these, and other
medical parties, headed by divine Providence, that
the troops at Quetta did even so well as they did,
which in the best was bad. The constitutional
part of this was to be attributed to that dreadful

200

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE,

II Hi

flight going to Kojuk, and the exposure since to
tlie different overwhelming climates and seasons.

As I observed before, the enemy made a practise
of meeting our couriers, destroying their packets,
and murdering them ; thus it was mere chance when
tlie correspondence readied either party ; but how-
ever a despatch arrived shortly after the death of
Koss Bell, ordering Major General ]Jrooks, and
Brigadier .Valiant, K. 11., to proceed to the Presi-
dency, the latter to command the Fort of Bombay,
and to resign their respective commands in the
iield, iq the two senior officers then present, who
were Brigadier England, K. IL, then Lieut. Colo-
nel of H. M. 41st, and Lieut. Colonel Soppett ; this
order came from the Supreme Government, and was
pronmlgatcd from the Board of Directors, who, in
consequence *of circumstances connected with the
Court of Inquiry, bold at Sukkur, to investigate
into and opinionize on the unfortunate affair of
Major Clibborne's defeat at ^' Noofoosk," these two
officers, one President, and the other a member of
the Court; and some injudicious conduct, contrary to
the custom of the service, in the eyes of Government,
led U) the withdrawal of them from their commands
in the Iield; there is now in print the whole of the
affair, under the head of the Clibborne Commission ;
and I would introduce more of the matter, but I
am necessitated to be rather brief in my details, as
they are so numerous and ooimooipA • iha «7Kr.io r.e
the correspondence, &c. &c., on that subject, may

SCENES IN A SOLDIEll'S LIFE,

201

c since to
icasOns.
a practise

packets,
nee when
but liow*-

death of
oks; and
he Presi-
Borabay,
s in the
)nt, who
ut. Coio-
ett ; this
and was
who, in
with the
^estigate
iffair of
lese two
mber of
itrarv to
rnment,
nmands
3 of the
nission;
, but I
ails, as

' ijvriV Vi

^t, may

be found on reference to that publication, which is
one of a most interesting character.

This removal worked greatly on the minds of
both these officers, and the few little failures I have
already shown would add to its weight. They
parted with their force amid the well wishes of all,
I think ; and Brigadier Valiant with his Regiment,
with a full heart, having anticipated glory and lau-
rels by their aid — which to such a soldier as Valiant,
was a rack indeed.

The encamping ground was again changed, as
the sickness still remained. About this time Colonel
Stacy sent in word that he had succeeded in win-
ning over the object of his searcli, " Nusseer Khan,"
who, under the promise of protection, restoration of
his territory, &c., would surrender himself to us ; he
was brought into the camp of Quetta, on the 8th of
September ; and much was made of him, he being by
birth the heir to Kclat, and of course the " Khan,"
(king.) He held a levee, and all officers who wished
to be introduced, attended, for the purpose of being
presented to " His Iliglmess Meer Nusseer Khan,"
Chief of Kelat ; on tlie 10th, Brigadier England or-
dered a general parade, for liis Highness, although
the majority of tlie men were in so weak a state as
to be pronounced unfit for service ; but they ap-
peared very well considering ; the artillery shewed
him what we could do at a long distance, and the

e^n^^„^t i%\nnf.i4-fr iirWl> iirViii^K iVio mort txronf inmiifrn

the different evolutions greatly surprised Nusseer?

^'02

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE".

who, no doubt, doubly regretted playing so long
with so fine a disciplined army as that of the
British. The mother of Nusseer, Beebee Gunjun,
also came in, but his uncle, Gool Mahomed, fled ;
and would of course have been put to death, if
ever he had been caught. On the 20th of September,
the camp was again moved, for the change of
air, but ail of no use ; the winter was fast approach-
ing ; even now the snow appeared on the tops of the
Hemayllee Mountains, and the weather was get-
ting very cold at night, but extremely hot in the day.
The ground was again changed on the 30th Sep-
tember, and back again on the 2nd October ; the
news of our sick state was sent some days before
to General Nott, commanding Scinde and Lower
Affghanistan, then at Candahar, who directed Bri-
gadier England to despatch H, M. 40th Regiment,
and all the sick troops that could possibly be
marched or carried, to winter at Candahar, in some
barracks that were just finished. This ne^s was
rather unexpected and unwelcome. Already we
were unable to march a day, and we had anticipated
going down the Passes towards Bombay ; nay, so
far was it arranged that even the stores and car-
riage were prepared for that purpose but one day
before this order arrived from General Nott, when
of course it must be obeyed, and the route was
changed to go still more into the interior of the
enemy's country— to leave Beeloochistan and enter
Affghanistan.

so long-
t of the

Gunjun,
led, fled ;
death, if
ptember,
liange of
pproach-
»ps of the
was get-

the day.
0th Sep-
3er; the
^s before
d Lower
;ted Bri-
3giment,
sibly be
in some
ews was
ady we
;icipated

nay, so
ind car-
one day
t, when
ute was
r of the

id p.ntpr

CHAPTER XII.

March to Candahar; The foot of the Goths; The Kojuk Pass,-:
Description of route; Troops greatly harrassed; The Desert;
Arrival at Candahar; The Cantonments; Their unfinished
state; Candahar; Its people; Trade and state; Description of
the City; Tomb of the Emperor, Ahmed Shah; Timor Shah;
Suffer Jung; Military force; Vicinity of Candahar; Ghuznee
in want of succour ; Major MoLaron despatched; Is intercepted
by the snow; Great loss; Unfortunate result; Winter sets in;
Troops desert to the enemy; Old adage; Appearance of an
Outbreak; Alarming prospect; Troops continually under arms;
Dreadful news from Cabool; Orders to Evacuate; State of tho
Country; War rages; Preparations for Battle; The City
blockaded; Trade suspended; Precautions taken; The Enemy
makes a stand; Orders to attack; Craft of the Enemy; 7000
Troops proceed to the Field ; March to the Fight; 12th January,
1844; Battle of Killa Shuk.

The preparations for commencing our march were
completed, and on the 6th of October, 1841, we
proceeded towards Candahar. I must now state
that I did not entirely escape a share of the sickness.
At Quetta I was attacked with the ague and fever,
and was in a very weakly state for several months —
but thanks to th i* Being who governs all things, I
recovered: The r^ad was not the worst we had

iraveueu, uui lucro vva.5 oni: giv;u,i uwjcoi, fj-^i^jix^ uo
to be got over, which was to cross the much

KMi

Nil

204 SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE,

dreaded " Kojuk Heights." I must here make
It known to my readers that I was laboring from
the severe sickness all the way to Candahar, but,
though sick, kept up my note-book as well as I
could ; therefore, the description of the route to
Candahar will be, in consequence, somewhat brief,
and will, I trust, be excused ; suffice it to say that
nothing of note took place, with the exception of
crossing the heights. En route to the mountains,
we crossed the head of the Laharra River, and
on. the 13th reached the foot of the Goth, where the
camp w:as pitched in the valley, and night came
on ; there was an advance force formed of the sick,
&c. to enable them to get over, ere the guns and the
main body arrived. So on the morning we com-
menced the ascent, which was very great, and
the road narrow, and caused much difficulty in
gaining the summit ,• so steep was the path that we
had often to stop to gain breath. Having gained the
top, the path led down a deep abyss ; it was in
the side of the mountain, and it perhaps may be
more fully understood if described as nothing more
than a shelf cut in the mountain ,• it was, from eight
to twelve hQt wide ; only one camel or horse could
pass at the same time,— on the right looked up
to an immense height, and on the left into a dread-
ful abyss, not less than from 1200 to 1400 feet
below ; there are several small valleys, occasioned
? by the ruggedness of the mountains, which form.ed a
/sort of circuitous route beneath ; the great difficulty

SCENES IN A SOLDIERS LIFE.

205

'C make
fig from
lar, but,
ell as I
•oiite to
it brief,
lay that
3tion of
intalns,
er, and
lere the
t came
fie sick,
and the
'C com-
t, and
ilty in
hat we
led the
was in
nay be
g more
eight,
I could
ed up
dread-
feet
sioned
meda
Sculty

was to get tlie guns and heavy baggage over the
height ; to allow the horses to draw them up would have
been madness, for the least fright, on the narrow ahelf,
which is the best name for it to be understood,
would have brought destruction on the whole con-^
nected with a gun, which would not be less than ten to
twelve men, and should be many more, and as many
horses, for had there been the least slip, they would
have been dashed to pieces down the awful craggy
precipice : the same with the camels, and many in-
stances occurred, of cattle lulling down, and of course
were destroyed ; therefore the whole of the Infantry
had first to cross the heights, and having arranged
their baggage, had to return ainl draw up the guns,
which rendered the march one of the most fatiguing
almost possible ; the deep ravine on the one
side, and the craggy hills on the other, rendered the
scene very picturesque. The narrow winding of the
shelf or path enabled those from the summits to see
the whole before, and as far as the eye could caiTy
behind him — soldiers, followers, camels, horses,
bullocks, and every thing appertaining to an army,
formed a very imposing sight ; the dreary appear-
ance and echo of the pass, was dismal, and seemed
to inquire why we intruded through so secluded a
path. In the mountains were small caves, in which
were a few individuals, who gained a livelihood by
plundering travellers, of whom there were com-
paratively few, and in this case dared not ven-
ture to practise their profession j they, however^

206

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE,

brought us out pomegranates/ grapes, &c., for sale,
which were very acceptable, to refresh the har-
rassed soldier. At length, after a very tedious
march, (for it was about twelve miles ere
the foot of the Goths were reached, and our toil in
dragging the guns over,) we reached the bottom^
and pitched our camp, tired and weary, and every
one glad to take a litde rest,— the whole or lighter
portion of the army's baggage not getting over till
midnight ; the force halted the next day, ami the
following was another long and dreary march,
across the Kojuk Desert, about twenty-three miles.
The road was level and light, which in itself was a
treat, and with the exception of its extreme barren-
ness, and there being no water, the march was
not to be complained of; the next day we had to
march to our destination, Candahar, after eight-
teen days on the route, into cantonments ; these were
three buildings erected for the Sepoys ; but as the
cold weather was setting in, and tlie Europeans had
suffered so much, they were ordered to take up their
winter quarters, to the great joy of every one, — for
anything before canvass, to protect from the vari-
able inclemency of the weather in Afghanistan.

The principal part of the Troops left at Quetta,
went down through the Bolun and via Soomeanee,
towards the Provinces, and the 40th were still
in the field, to await some farther opportunity of
distinguishing and adding to the established gal-

iiiiiiij vi liix: ^v

pB.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE,

207

for sale,
the har-

tcdious
lies ere
ir toil in

bottom )
d every
r lighter
over till
and the

niaicb,

;e miles.

If was a

barren-

reh was

had to
r elght-
ise were
t as the
ans had
up their
le, — for
e vari-
stan.
Quetta,
neanee,
re still
iriity of
ed gal-

llie Sepoy cantonment spoken of, in which wo
were quartered, v/as in an unfinished state, and
was built in three squares, each capable of holding
one Regiment, or about one thousand mei^ ; they
were built of nmd, the walls nine feet thick, about
two hundred and fifty feet square, arched roofs, no
windows, simply a sort of embrasures as ventilators ;
the rooms or barracks were ranged two on each
side, and formed three entrances ; they were about
sixteen feet wide, and the floors were nothing more
than the earth rudely levelled, no doors, and in
fact was short of being a good stable ; but even these
were comfortable indeed, when compared with the
tents, in which we had been nearly three years,
save in the wretched huts at Kurrachie, and as the
sickness of Quetta still prevailed, we hoped to rest
in obscure peace. This, however, was not to be.

Candahar is a city and fortress about three-fourths
of a mile square,contains four main streets, or bazaars,
abounds well with trade, and has about 10,000 inha-
bitants ; traffic and merchandize of every descrip-
tion carried on to a very great extent, and the
adjacent country appeared much to depend on its
general market ; almost daily conv^oys were arriving
from ^ Kelat,' 'Cabool,' and other distant places, and
generally speaking, produce was sold at a reasona-
ble rate — and trade at this time was flourish-
ing, as there could not be less than 9,000 or
10,000 Troops, who, of course, had to be supported
from their markets. On the west side of the

20S

SCENES m

jl soldier s life.

Fort stood a splendid (though almost in ruina,)
Citadel, the residence of the Governor ; it was well
fortified, and afforded a fine refuge in the time of
need ; it fronted one of the main streets, which led
to a large dome that stood in the immediate centre
of the town, and formed a sort of exchange,
and its rear formed part of the west wall of the
city. There are five gates or entrances to the city,
called : — The Topah Khana, or ^ general entrance,
the Herat, Shikarpore, Edgar and Cabool Gates.
The first named led directly to the cantonments,
which were about one and a half miles from the city ;
the Herat Gate was in the p«me side of the square
of the Fort as the Topah Khana. The other gates,
bhikarpore and Cabool, were called so from their
leading directly to the routes for those places, and
formed the entrances to the north and east sides ;
and the Edgar was tlic one used by the Governor,
as his private entrance on the north side, and was
called so from its leading to the Temple, where he
worshipped ; all the gates save the Topah Khana
and Herat were generally closed, and opened
only on particular occasions. Near the first named
gate, inside the city, stands a beautiful Temple or
Mausoleum, in which are interred several ancient
great families. Its entrance, like every other Eastern
town, is rude, dirty, and void of all taste ; nothing
more than a small gate in a narrow dirty lane, which
opened into a neglected though spacious court-yard,

in iha oanirn nf tvIiIpTi sfnnrl iho MonenloiiTn • -rht

V'W/ XTX-^^tiSJ-ViV' Vti-ii '

uj^vui

sd^l^ IF 1' 6QLDIER*8 Ltl^,

I rums,)
vas well

time of
hich led
e centre
change,

II of the
;he city,
ntrance,
I Gates,
nments,
he city ;
! square
r gates,
m their
;es, and
t sides ;
•vernor,
nd was
here he
Khana
opened
named

anple or
ancient
Eastern
lothing
, which
t-yard.

nine latge steps led to a fine portieo, and e^thtlyiteif^
a lovely piece of architecture, in the ^x^^ribr' and^
ihterior richly carved and gilt j it had otle citcvAkr^
domed roof, which was pecdliarly and bea^tiftilly
knit together in carved wood, aiid tCrriihiated witS*
a central ornament, from which was suspended' sf*
large piece of solid gold ; round the tempf6 i^erif^
boxes for pews, in front of which were niarble sf^tri^
With Persian inscriptions, from the Koran. 0|)pO8lt6
to the entrance stands an altar for the sacred voIume| ''
on a pedestal, and each book locked up, cchratta'
with scarlet and other cloths ; the flooi^waSCoVeredr"
with a splendid Persian carpet. To the left v^kA ihii^
Tomb of ^Ahmed Shah,' grandfather to the pt'e^eni^
King of Cabool, Shah Shooja, and grto gfatitf-
father to Timor Shah, then Governor of CatidaWsijr ;
the front was of white marble, and eov^ererf \<^iiii a**
crimson silk velvet pall, edged w'ith blad^'; at iih^
head stood the standard of thie resting Moftaifcihv wittf
the sacred symbol of their religibtf, ari o^^k hsthd!
There were several other tonlbs, the details of whicli'
I did not inquire into. In the streets leading from tiie '
Citadel, is a large building for general assemblies, to^^
wlr'ch are attached the Governor's baths, in which, '
also, are several fine gardens ; there are many other
ndble buildings in Cahdahar, arid arto^etter l''
looked upon it as one of the most flourishing aiid"
handsome Eastern cities I had s^'en.

Timor Shah, the Governor, arid Stiftur' Jung; the
Stib-Goveruor, his step-brothejr and son of Shai

210

BC£N£S IN A SOLDI EU's LIFK,

Sbooja, were present atCandaliar; the latter looked
after the dUpusitiuns of their army, and the former
governed the place.

Major General Nott commanded ; Major Kavvlin-
8on was the Political Uepresentativc. Captain
Anderson commanded the Shah's Artillery— Cap-
tain Leeson his Cavalry ; and each officer who com-
manded a IJegimcntol the Shah's Infantry, had lull
charge of it, and it was called after him. Shah
Shooja's Troops were in a very high state of disci-
pline, and, if 1 may he allowed the remark, 1 think
their general knowledge of the use of arms, bespoke
an unwise and ungovernment-liks act on the part
of our authorities, to permit the Troops of another,
almost strange nation, to be instructed in our art
of war; many times has this proved itselfa gross error.
Shah Shooja, having been placed by us on the
Throne, was permitted to have a certain number of
Regiments organized by British officers, and instruct-
ed precisely in the same art as we practice ; no
doubt with a good intention, being allies, &c. So far
was this permission carried out, that Shah Shooja
had not less than an army of over 1^,000 disci-
plined men.

About two and a half miles iimiik west of
the cantonment, in a low range of mountains, was a
narrow defile or pass that led to a fine fertile
CiM. jitvy called Babba Walle, and Killa Shuk, on
it^ ig!it hand, and on the left a still finer country,
Mirough which ran the River Urgun-Duub.

n ;i-

8C£NE3 IN A SOLDIE&'s LIFE.

bar was so completely surrounded by mountains,
that, turn which vvay you would, you must enter the
bills, and there appeared nothing but desolation
and hardship for the soldier.

The enemy up to this time had been pretty quiet.
Despatches were received from Ghuznee, that Colo-
nel Palmer, commanding there, was in want of as-
sistance, there being very great appearances of an
outbreak. Accordingly, (Jeneral Nott sent off a de-
tachment, well calculated to reinforce Ghuznee, under
command of that gallant oflicer. Major McLaren^
who commenced his march, taking with him pro-
visions for the force at Ghuznee. He had not pro-
ceeded far before the weather grew very inclement|
the snow fell profusely, and the country being very
mouiitanous, and tlie roads in many places narrow
and intricate, the snow filled up the defiles in a
great measure, and prevented their proceeding,
either forward or even back to Candahar. The
greater portion of the cattle carrying his provisions
were asses, and the remainder camels and bullocks;,
the weather was extremely cold, and there being
no shelter for the cattle, and nothing more than
a tent for the Troops, the expedition began to
look unfortunate, and the position alarming ; the
Major was anxious to return, or to assist the needy at
Ghuznee, but conld not ; he was also anxious to re-
fit his force by returning, but could not; but had to.
remain several days in camp, in tbe most awful oC
miserable weather ; the consequence was, that ik9i

8CENE8 IH A SOLDIER'S ..IFE.

cattle died in great numbers ; the provisions, having
no place to shelter them, became saturated with the
thawing snow, and were in great quantities des-
troyed; the road in advance was well known to be
worse than that already traversed, and therclbre the
distressed Major had with cxtreni j dilRculty to return
1o Candahar, in an alarmingly helpless state, with
(Comparatively no cattle, and the Troops sick and
weak, having suffereti great loss in every way. Daily
the weather at Candahar grew colder, which was
miserable for the Troops, particularly for the Sepoys,
not being able to stand cold so well as the Europeans.
About this time several natives of a suspicious
character appeared in the city, and were arrested
as spies; and, from intelligence gained, a rumour
broke out that all was not right, and seldom does a
rnmour exist in a camp, but there is some grounds
for it, though they may not immediately be discover-
ed ; this rumour was corroborated by occasionally
smal! parties of soldiers (dtscvpUnedJ belonging to
ihe Shah's Regiments, deserting, and more so by a
drcumstance which happened, which the reader
rtiay jiidge for himself.

Suftur Jung, stated to be in charge of the Native
Army, fnotdiscivUnedJ of the Governor, his brotlier,
and being of the same caste as greater part of the
dtsctplmed Troops of his father, had made an
agreement with numbers of these men, that they

-1 l-S J X J _j.-!al- U? i-x- J.!.- 1'11_ _ .11 i

oiiiluIU UUSUri UilU gV » iili iJiiii ililU lilt3 illiiS, COIieCl

the surrounding Tribes, join in one grand assembly

BCIINES IN A SOLDIIiR'S Uf^

219

havinff
vHh the
cs dea-
n to be
lore the
) return
e, with
ck and
Daily
ich was
5epoys,
[)peans.
picio'd^
rrested
rumour
does a
rounds
scover-
ionally
?ing to
50 by a
reader

Native
rotiier,
of the
de an
it they
collect
lembly

with Akbar Ktian, and attack the British at Canda-
har : this was settled upon, and it got out. Th^
European officers, who commanded the Shah'y
Troops, did all in their power to prevent sucji
a proceeding, but a number of them attacked two
of their oflicers und killed them, and afterward*
deserted to the enemy ; the greater portion of thesQ
wore belonging to the Shah's Artillery, all more or
less instructed in our art of gunnery, and disciplined
by us, thus bringing the old adage to bear — " You
make a rod to beat yourself." This of course greatly
roused the half-grounded suspicions of the Govern-
ment in Candahar, and they commenced to operate
on matters as they stood. On the 25th of December,
1841, about seven, P. M., a body of men were
seen advancing towards the city, with the intentioHi
it was thought, of making an attack ; the alarm was
sounded, and in fifteen minutes every man was
under arms, and drawn up ready for action in any
quarter. This was the first symptom of warfare
we had seen in Aftghanistan, and from this hour
our troubles commenced in right earnest ; but this
was soon lulled by the disappearance of the body
in question ; the night was dark, and no doubt from
the sound of so many bugles, trumpets, drums, &c.,
they judged it wise to make off. The Troops returned
to their quarters, but remained accoutred, and lay
on their arms all night. One thing bore out another;

AvrvKmc* ivv^ am

arms. No mail had been received since the 15th ImU

214

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

and it was concluded that the enemy had adopted the
plan of cutting off all correspondence ; everything
remained in anxiety, suspense, and anticipated
wretchedness. The whole of the Troops were con-
stantly under anns, the guns ready loaded for action ;
provisions lay ah iigsido the cattle, ready for loading ;
cattle were placed with each Regiment and Detach-
ment, ready to march at a moment's warning ; the
Commissariat had a month's provisions prepared to
place upon cattle; in fact everything was in uproar,
but order; and scarce any knew what was goingon.
Sentinejs were placed in the most advantageous
places. Field pieces were stationed to fire in any and
every direction, look-out sentinels were placed by day,
with telescopes, on the mountains near, and as night
came on, out-lying piquets and patroles were mount-
ed, and the rest lay on their arms and slept but for
short periods; the distant, lonely sentinel, would
probably observe Irom his post some party in the
distance ; shots would be exchanged, and this
Would of course raise an alarm ; every man would be
roused and stand to his arms ; this would occur many
times during a night, and thus was the rest of the
poor soldier continually broken. About the middle
of January, 1842, acossid (courier) having escaped
the vigilance of the enemy, arrived with des-
patches from Cabool, giving an account of the
awful catastrophe there — of the total annihilation of

ilin /Ld-fVi T?p<Thnonf anf\ ihn orrn\r (\C (^>\\\f\/Al Civflafa

were also received from General Elphinstone, to

•pted the
erythiiig
ticipated
ere con-
r action ;
loading;
Detach-
ng; the
pared to
I uproar,
joingon.
itageoiis
any and
3 by day,
as night
; mount-
i but for
, would
y in the
,nd this
vould be
Lir many
t of the
B middle
escaped
th des-
of the
lation of

;one, to

SCENES IN A SOLDIEB^S LIFE.

215

evacuate Ghuznee, Kelat-I-Gilzic and Candahar,
the former to be made over to Shooms-ood-dien
Khan, who would cause the Troops to be conduct-
ed safe to the provinces. These orders were, it ap-
pears, under the direction of tlie Envoy, M'Naugh ten,
at Cabool, who found it necessarry to evacuate
Affghanistan ; but Major Leceh,the Toiitical Agent,
and Captain Craigic, Commanding at Kelat-I-Gilzie,
and General Nott at Candahar, could not, under
existing circumstances, comply with the order. Of
course obedience is the first duty of a soldier, but
in this case it remains to be judged whether such
disobedience was discreet or not. The Troops still
remained underarms, the enemy was a great source
of annoyance, which, with the coldness of the nights,
and the heat of the days, made the men weary of
their existence. The awful intelligence was cor-
roborated by the arrival of another cossid from
Cabool, reporting the murder of Sir Alexander
Burns, Sir Wm. M'Naughten, and several others,
also of the taking of Ladies Sale, M'Naughten,
and a great many other prisoners. The loss
of the British Troops was said to be upwards of
12,000; this was dreadful news indeed ; the reader
may no doubt imagine the feelings of the Army at
Candahar; the same enemy was en route to, if
possible, destroy every British Force in Affghanis-
tan, and that enemy in numbers four to one against
us. General Nott, however, was still in possession
of Candahar, and issued an order that every inha-

^l§ SCENES IN A soldier's LIPB.

.Ijjtant must immediately Jay in six months' pmxi-
j^ions at least, as he expected to be besieged ; all
.possible purchases were made, of any and every
.^ind, for the Troops; all valuable property, stores,
,&c., were piaccd in the Citadel, and everything was
,}n readiness tor battle. General Sale had reached
, Jcllalabad from Cabool before the out-break, and
ivas then similarly situated to Nott, with the 13th
.Light Infantry, and the 36th Bengal N. I., and all
,^aited the approach of the enemy. It appears that
jthe insurrection was under Akbar Khan, son of Dost
Mahoined Khan, the late King of Cabool, and now
,ja, prisoner in our hands at Calcutta. Akbar, find-
ing that matters, in their present state, were all in
}d^ Oivour, and having a strong army, determined
fto make t^e best use of it.

^ 7he particulars of this unfortunate aifair, I will
.give in their own place, when I shall relate the story '
,of the days at Cabool, briefly, but sufficiently clear,
to enable my readers to know the principal features of
tUe facts. It is impossible to describe the feelings
.of the Troops at Candahar, at learning the sad situa-
tion of the ladies as prisoners— the women, the pride
of Britain, the joy of our hearts, and the only source
jof happiness in our worldly travail ! Can it be sup-
posed we could evacuate the countrj^ in which they
were incarcerated? I should not like to be the man
to say yes ! unless I intended to war with mankind
,and become the most odious of my sex. '

gcd; all
id every
', stores,
ling was
reached
;ak, and
he 13th
and all
<irs that
of Dost
nd now
ir, find-
e all in
irmined

, I will
e story
V clear,
fcuresof
eelings
I situa-
e pride
source
e sup-
h they
eman
Qkind,

9f^E§ IN ^ soldier's life. 217

The state of Candahar, in January, 1842, was
unenviable, and the Troops dreadfully harrassed,
and in the depth of winter; but to proceed.

Suftur Jung, mentioned as having leit Candahar,
had taken the tield and joined the rebels, who had
come down from Cabool, and collected themselves
under Actar Mahomed Khan, a general of Akbar's,
and who had dispersed them in several bodies
hovering round the vicinity of the city; they annoyed
us very much' by attacking our outposts, and small
foraging parties, destroying the mills and crops,
murdering the work people, hamstringing the cat-
tle belonging to the tranquil natives bringing in
supplies, turning off water, and in many other ways ;
thus woe and misery were the ruling features ; the
sentinel on his post at the dead of night would be
fired at, and alarms would consequently be raised.
We had all been under arms, booted, spurred and
accoutred, since the 25th December, night and day ;
twice, thrice, or even oftener, we would have to
fall in ready for action during the night, in conse-
quence of the shots of the enemy coming into
camp ; the guns were distributed in such a man-
ner that, come w Jch way they would, they confront-
ed the enemy; this was, night after night, and
week after week, carried on ; our rest, little as it
was, broken, and each hoped with the dawn of day
to see the enemy, in order to have a contest, and
end the miseries we were enduring ; and at length
our wishes were in some measure realized.

218

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

The spies our functionaries had out, were con-
Ihually bringing in accounts of the movements of
the enemy, who now appeared to have made a sort
of stand, and taken up a determined position at
Killa Shuk, about eight miles northeast of Canda-
har.

General Nott, having become somewhat confident
as to their numbers and probable power, determined
to attack them, and on the 11th of January,
1842, warned about 7000 Troops, including Ar-
tillery, Cavalry and Infantry. The 40th, being
the oply European Regiment then at Candahar,
of course became the base of the Army, and the
General remarked that every man with a white face
. was looked up to as the stronghold for the support
of Candahar. In consequence of the order to be
in readiness to march at daybreak on the following
morning, all became bustle. The cantonments
were to be evacuated. The sick of all the corps,
together with all heavy baggage and stores, were
to be left in the Citadel, where already our Com-
missariat, Treasure, Ordnance, and the Governor,
were. Four 18-pounders were placed in front of
the Citadel, facing the dome, and up the principal
street. These were primed and loaded— ready for
action—as it was surmised that, after the Troops
named, had left the city, no doubt the inhabitants
'would rise in rebellion and attempt to take the Cita-
del. These precautions— together with the whole of
the gates of the city being ordered to be immediately

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

219

vere con-
inients of
de a sort
sition at
f Canda-

!onfident
iermined
Fanuary,
ing Ar-
h, being
mdahar,
and the
tiite face
support
;r to be
)lIowing
)nments
B corps,
3s, were
ir Com-
)vernor,
front of
rincipal
iady for
Troops
ibitants
le Cita-
^hole of
idiately

blocked up with bags of sand, flour, rice, &c.
in fact anything brought by the natives, — were very
praiseworthy.

The troops proceeding to the field were lightly
equipped, taking nothing more than one shirt and
a pair of socks, also a towel and a day's rations in
their haversacks, ready cooked ; all the bedding
and additional necessaries belonging to the men
were thrown in a heap in labelled bundles, and
with the sick and unfits, were sent to the Citadel.

On the 12th, at daybreak, a very cold morning,
we commenced our march for Killa Shuk. The route
led through a narrow defile, situate about one-and-
a-half miles from the cantonments, and from thence
into a lovely valley, intersected with small rivulets
and nullahs ; here and there was seen a village,
and a few tranquil natives, driving their asses
and camels to our camp. As we approached,
the country became more level, and in the dis-
tance were seen small bodies of the enemy, and
again came deep nullahs or ditches — these had to
be jumped or wsded over. The sun had now risen,
and shone upon an immense sheet of water. This,
it appeared, arose from the enemy having turned
the water over the land, with a view to swamp the
country, and, if not intercept our approach, greatly to
annoy us. The country was in this state for about
three miles— and, what with the severity of the wea-
ihpr liiivinor in vvnrlpi im to the hiDs throuffh water,
and standing continually or walking through it ankle

220

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

deep— greatly tried the younger branches of the
force, who were just recovering from the awful effect
of the late sickness. But this was not to be con-
sidered when the enemy was so near, and we advan-
ced as well as we could. Having come sufficiently
near the "field of fight," though the ground would
not admit of the General making any very practical
formations, we were drawn up in columns oi divi-
sions. The force was in two brigades ; we advanced
and soon saw the main body of the enemy in front
situated behind a bank or ridge of a dry ditch in
which position it was impossible for them to lose
many, and whilst thus situated they could rest their
matchlocks on the banks, and take uninterrupted and
deliberate aims at us from the traverse. Seeing our
near approach, they commenced a heavy fire upon us;
the balls whistled through our ranks and over our
heads, and each thought his time had come. Gen-
eral Nott threw out skirmishers to the front, to cover
the brigades during formation : they advanced in
gallant style, and kept up a fine irregular fire in
opposition to the enemy. It was towards the left
of the enemy's line a man, apparently a chief, sat,
taking ccol aim, with pieces loaded for him by par-
ties hid behind the bank. This chief, distinguished
by a white turban, killed five, but was at length
popped off by a shot from one of ours, which hit
him just in the head, and soon quieted him. The
brigade having formed up, the bugle sounded the
retire for the skirmishers, and the enemy, seeing

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

les of the
wful effect
'0 be con-
we advari-
ufficiently
md would
r practical
IS oi divi-
advanced
^ in front,
' ditcli, in
m to Jose
rest their
iipted and
eeing our
I upon us ;
over our
e. Gen-
, to cover
anced in
ar fire in
i the left
hief, sat,
1 by par-
iguished
t length
hich hit
n. The
ided the
, seeing

this, and being unacquainted with onr tactics,
thinking they had driven them back, raised a shout,
and waved their swords and banners to come on.
A buzz was heard in our ranks, with an anxiety to
get at them. The British courage being roused at
this shouting, Lieutenant Lee, of the 40th, wishing
silence to be observed, held up his hand to draw
the attention of his men to his orders, when he
received a shot through the palm. Up to this time
our loss was about twelve men. The line advanced,
and at length arrived at the river Urgun Daub,
which we had to cross : the stream ran very rapidly
and with great force ; its depth was about up ta
the hips of a middle-sized man, and it was with
great difficulty we got over. Several men were
carried down the stream for some distance. The
shorter men were unable to protect their ammuni-
tion, and the artillery was very hard to be dragged
through the stream. Immediately any got over
/^.y were thrown out as skirmishers to cover the
Tling of the rest, and at length having re-
. /rmed, a heavy fire was opened ; the skirmishers
were called in, our artillery played well on the
enemy and town hard by, which was thronged
with men, women and children. The General
offered a reward of 5,000 rupees for Actar Maho-
med, dead or alive ; several more haughty shouts
came from the enemy. But we, exhibiting that
snlp.ndid nart of our discinline. steadiness in the
ranks, heeded' not their cries. At length, after a

222

SCENES IN A SOLDIEK's LIFE,

smart battle for some time, the General gave the
word "Charge !" Every heart was filled with apparent
desperation; arush ensued; the enemy flew like chaflf
before the wind; the guns played with grape, shell,
&c. The Cavalry and Infantry charged in line style
and in the course of a few moments, hundreds of the
enemy lay dead on the ground, though many, princi-
pally mounted, escaped ; had we but had a Kegiment
of European Cavalry, not a man would have escaped.
The town was routed, and after a severe action
of about four hojrs, a victory was gained, and I
am happy to say, with comparatively little damage
on our side.

I gave the
li apparent
v like chaff
ape, shell,
line style,
reds of the
n y, princi-
Kegimcnt
e escaped,
ere action
led, and I
e damage

CHAPTER XIII.

The Return; Severe Weather; Miserable Prospects; F(»rli)ni
state of the Sick; Miseries of Hospitals in India; Cnnduut of
Native Servuiith; i'ullcuors cut off; Massacre of a Guard;
Fighting for F(>rii;^o; Severity of the Winter; Enomioug
loss of Cuttle in consequence; A Defeat; Gfeat loss;
Forage procured; Sad news; The loss of Ghuznee; Treaty
broken; Kneuiy still about; Preparations fur hard warfare;
Seven days' bivouucking; Description of lioiite; Nairow
escape of Genenil Ntitt; Skirmishes too numerous to detail;
Harriisaing atta«!ks; Enemy Cowards; Unsuccessful jotiiney;
The Return; Attack on the City; VaUant comluct of the
8iek; Bravery of the Troops; Noble conduct of an Artillery
Guard; Treachery of some Native Sentinels.

The Cavalry having returned, the force was
ordered to march back to Candahar, in consequence
of the extreme frost at night, and the men having
walked and stood so many hours in water ; on
reaching about half way, the advance guard saw
another or the same body of the enemy assembled
on a hill to our left, but seeing us advance towards
them, fled, and we arrived at the cantonments
about sun-set. Immediately after the sun went
down, the frost came on very severe ; we repaired
to our nominal rooms, tired and weary, cold and
miserable, the frost so severe that the wooiiea

224

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

trousers of the men, being saturated with the water,
were frozen stiff round our legs ; and to render it
more wretched, the men had no bed or change of
clothes, as previous to marching to the field of fight,
as before stated, the whole of the baggage was sent
to the Citadel, and thrown into a heap, so that it
was useless at that hour of night to attempt to find
and distribute it; besides every man was so weary
and tired; no fire, no food, because that day's
rations were taken with them, and eaten ; in fact
there was no comfort wherewith to nourish the
poor harrassed soldier, just returned most miserable
from the scene of death. Most awful sensationg
visited me, as well as I may* say every one, who,
comparing our present situations with that of home
and tranquillity, with friends to console and soothe
our affections. It was oft in these extreme trials that
I have thought on by-gone days ; but, it was but a
thought, and 'twas over; it recurred to my mind I
was a soldier, and it ill became me to give way to
so weak and disadvantageous ideas, and I have
found myself raised by hopes that it would soon
end, and that I was serving my country.

Next day, every one was busily employed in
re-fetching and regulating their few necessaries.

The city during the battle of yesterday, was all
quiet ; trade of all kinds was suspended by order of
the General, and those natives who were in ih&'
city seemed anxious to know the result of the
battle. The sick of our Troops were very miserably

BCKNE8 IN A 80LDIEUS LIFE.

-I'JLiJ

lie water,
render it
hange of
1 of fight,
was sent
that it
pt to find
JO weary
at day'i
; in fact
irlsh the
(liserahle
tnsations
ne, who,
of home
d soothe
ials that
as but a

mind I
s way to

I have
lid soon

oyed in

irics.

was all

order of
in the
of the

iserably

nituated, 8iuldei\ly removed from off a still bed in
the hospital of the cantonments, to that of a cold
hovel, with every privation, scarce attendance
cnou^yjli to perform the common necessities of nature,
so weak and furlorn; coarse food, badly cooked,
none to sympathize, none to ask the soothinc: ques-
tion, " is there auythinf? you wish for, or that I can
do for vouV" none to administer those little comforts
SO beneficial to one in a state of sickness ; with a
mattress of straw on the cold ground, amid every
kind of disturbance and uproar, unable to rise
from off the pillow, to even reach a draught, and
afraid to ask, lest a reluctant and indolent native
attendant should feign ignorance, refuse or neglect.
If there is one thing more than another which ought
to be strictly looked after and attended to, on a
line of march, it is a sick soldier. It will be almost
impossible for any one unacquainted with the life of
a campaigner in India, to even conceive the miseries
of an hospital in the field. A more dejected, lost
creature, does not exist, than a sick soldier on a
long march in India ; it must, nevertheless, be ad-
mitted, that the allowances of Government to the
medical branch of the Army in India, is on a most
liberal scale ; surgeons, apothecaries, apprentices,
stewards, and a most extensive establishment of
not less than three hundred attendants to each
Regiment, are allowed for the sick ; no stint is given
to the allowance, comforts of any and every kind

at the discretion of the

surgeons ;

but it is the

22(3

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

atterdon evinced by these attendants ; it becomes a
more nominal duty to them ; they are of different
castes, Hindoos, Mussulmen, &c., and they perform
their respective duties to a certain extent, but do
not enter into that fine feeling of humanity towards
the Christians, as is shown in an English Hospital.
Let a man be ever so sick, though in the last stage
of life, if the Troops are ordered to march, he must
be carried in a palanquin, and jolted on the
shoulders of four men a day's march, averaging
about twelve miles. The chances are, on his reaching
the new ground, through the non-arrival of the
liospital tents, that he may lie exposed to the heat
of the Indian sun two or three hours in the palan-
(piin, perhaps in a high stage of fever or dysentery
(and several times have I seen when the palanquin
has been examined, that the poor wretched man
was a corpse ; none knew the exact time of his
death ; suffice to say, he was alive when he left
camp in the morning,) or on the arrival of the tent,
tossed helpless into it, on an unprepared bed, on
damp ground, with perhaps bad brackish water,
and have to remain so, four, six, or eight hours,
before the coarse meal would be ready, and when
ready, issued in a most rude manner ; truly it may
be said, every nicety of comfort cannot be expected
in a place like ihat, which will be readily admitted ;
but it is merely to point out the absurdity of our Go-
vernment in India, in placing so much trust in these
native attendants, whose general idea is to plunder

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

227

Bcomes a
different

perform
, but do
towards
lospital.
ist stage
he must

on the
i^eraging
reaching
il of the
the heat
e palan-
^sentery
alanquin
led man
le of his

he left
the tent,
bed, on
I water,
it hours,
ad when
Y it may
expected
Iraitted ;
our Go-
in these

plunder

the allowance of the poor sick, and who, from a
conviction that the Europeans are in a sphere above
them, and infidels in their belief, contrary to their
caste, and averse to the white face, feel an inward
pleasure in privately (for openly they dare not,)
oppressing and filching at any little opportunity
they can. I could speak at a far greater length on
this subject ; but, perhaps, my readers may be able
to form an idea of their general conduct from what
I have already said, and one cannot be found that
could exaggerate this subject ; it may be said, Does
not the surgeon prevent this ? Yes, would be the
true answer, when he can ever detect anything ;
but they are too cunning : who is there that has
travelled in India, but will agree with me in des-
cribing the general character of the menial native,
to be that of the most hostile to humanity, and
whose extreme craftiness and truly mean, dishonest
disposition, render them almost hated ? In short, the
menial native servant of every European feels a
pleasure, and considers it a matter of course, that
a portion of anything entrusted to him, is his, and
it is well known that an imaginary item in a gen-
tleman's account of expenditure, is, so much pilfered
by these servants ; and there is no evading it.

But to proceed. The day following the battle,
all was arranged as before it, still the enemy ho-
vered in the vicinity of our camp ; a few days after
our Commissiariat sent a quantity of wheat to be
ground at a neighbouring mill, accompanied by

228

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

about seven men with twenty camels. The enemy
attacked tliem when there, destroyed the grain and
mill, took away the camels and heads of the seven
men, who were discovered next day.

A few days after this a small out-guard, consist-
ing of a Havildar (Sergeant) and six Sepoys, were
attacked at dead of night, and all but one were
beheaded ; the one left was tied, to tell the tale, and
he would not have been allowed to escape but it
happened that he was a Mussulman, same as them-
selves ; those that were murdered were Hindoos,
and belonged to the 16th Native Infantry. They
were discovered when the new guard went to relievo
them the next morning. It was never known how
they came upon them past the sentinels, but it was
surmised the guard was not as alert as it ought to
have been, or an alarm must necessarily have been
raised, which would have been heard in camp.

On the 21st of February, a considerable force
was sent out for the purpose of collecting forage
for our cattle, consisting of about four regiments,
and five hundred followers, with several hundreds
of camels, mules, horses, &c., and on their arrival
at the place, a village about four miles south of
Candahar, it was found to be occupied by the enemy
in apparent great numbers; the ground was a fine
plain, and our troops formed a line, and the enemy
sallied from the fort and village, and attacked in a
manner worthv of nraise : we kpiit nn n finp fim
which was opposed strongly by them; they endea-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

229

5 enemy
I'ain and
le seven

consist-
's, were
le wer<}
ale, and
3 but it
IS them-
findoos,
Thev
► relieve
ivn liow
t it was

'Ugllt to

ve been
ip.

e force

: forage

iments,

indreds

arrival

)uth of

enemy

3 a fine

enemy

cd in a

np firo

'■}

endea-

voured to work round our flanks, but without effect ;
a charge was attempted, but they retreated into the
fort ; they again sallied out, and I regret to say that
after a severe contest of about four hours, our force
was obliged to retreat, with the loss of about fifty
Sepoys and one hundred and fifty followers, together
with a great number or nearly all the cattle. I
watched the battle for upwards of three hours, from
the top of the mountain that I have already de-
scribed as being situate opposite the cantonments,
and used for two sentinels, one European, and one
native, with a telescope ; it was by means of a
glass that I was able to discern the exact move-
ments of the battle; several others went up to look
at the affray, and the whole camp was in uproar,
fully expecting that a reinforcement would be sent
out ; but the retreating force soon arrived in camp,
and sad indeed was the loss of cattle, because car-
riage of every description was extremely scarce,
and had we then to proceed on a long march, I
question if we could have moved with facility, for
want of carriage. In consequence of the severity
of the winter, the number of casualties amongst the
cattle was enormous ; every morning would be seen
the carcasses of ten or twenty camels, besides bul-
locks and horses ; the Commissariat, as well as every
other Department, lost nearly all their camels. ^ To
shew more clearly the extent of the loss sustained
•„ au« r<-^,r^«^, ./^«+ nnii\n nn* nf thft nnmbfir of

camels brought from Quetta, in October, 1841, to

230

SCENES IN A SOLDIEB'S LIFE.

Candahar, which were seven hundred and thirty,
only thirty-three remained on the 1st of March,
1842, independent of all the private and public
cattle belonging to other sources. The same epi-
demic appeared in all the stations of troops down
the country, such as Killa-ab-Doola, immediately
below the Kojuk Heights, Quetta, Dadur, Shikar-
pore, Sukkur, Hydrabad, Tatta, and Kurrachie;
the total loss of camels, from the latter place to
Candahar, was not less than twelve thousand
during the winter of 1841, besides the loss sus-
tained ^ith the force which advanced on Ghuznee,
under Col. McLaren, who, in consequence of ex-
treme inclemency of weather, it will be remembered,
was obliged to return; what those were in the
Upper Provinces I know not, but if compared with
these now named, they must be very great ; each
camel costs Government from eighty to one hundred
and thirty rupees, — about thirteen pounds ; the
almost innumerable incidents that occur to me,
I fear too often draw my attention from the
precise subject, but I trust I shall be excused,
as it is with a sincere wish to convey as much in-
teresting matter as possible to enable the reader
more fully to define the situation of our troops.

After the failure of the foraging party, the Gene-
ral was determined to route the insurgents from their
rendezvous, and directed a still stronger force to pro-
ceed to the same place, under Coloiiei Wymer, S'Sth
Bengal Native Infantry ; and great care was taken

[ thirty,
March,

public
me epi-
s down
idiately
Shikar-
rachie ;
)lace to
ousand
'SS sus-
iuznee,

of ex-
nbered,
in the
!d with
; each
undred
5 ; the
to me,
m the
[cused,
ich in-
reader
ps.

Gene-
n their
to pro-
r, 38th
taken

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE. 231

to have a good supply of ammunition, and a rein-
forcement was held in readiness ; they marched early
in the morning, and on their arrival found that the
enemy had evacuated the place ; but not before
burning and destroying all the forage and grain in
the fort and vichiity.

On the 1st of March, another force was despatch-
ed about four miles on this side of Killa Shuk, and
the 40thj together with a native Regiment, were
desp ttched in a hidden direction through the narrow
defile, as a reserve force, in the event that the party
should be attacked; several were seen hovering
about at a considerable distance, and in order to
prevent the tranquil villagers from bringing in
supplies, they used to hamstring their asses, and
strew their loads on the ground, and thus render
them useless to all parties. Nothing of moment,
however, occurred, and about sunset, having got
in a fair supply of forage, we returned to camp.

Candahar still remained dormant as to the
receipt of news ; the Kojuk Heights, and the vari-
ous passes and routes from the upper c(»untry
being in possession of the enemy. Sometimes a
casual cossid (courier) would arrive with a secret
letter for the General or Political Agent; the
cossid must have escaped miraculously, for death
was the lot of any native found carrying any letter
or succour whatever to us ; it was by one of these

secrei pomoiis ui uuiiccpx/Jiviv^w, v^.-.^v —

the fate of the force at Ghuznee ; news arrived

232

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

one morning from that place, and brought us the
sad intelligence that the prisoners of Cabool were
still in the hands of Akbar Khan, and that Sirdar
8hooms-ood-Decn Khan, a General, and relative of
Akbar's, had been despa+^hed to Ghuznee, with
instrueiions to treat witl lel Palmer, who had

already received directioho from General Elphln-
stone, to the effect, that he should give up Ghuz-
nee to the Sirdar (General) on his arrival ; and that
he, the Sirdar, would see the force at Ghuznee
safely conducted to tlie Provinces. This treaty, it
appears,! was entered into by the parties; but on
the Sirdar obtaining possession of the fortress,
instead of conducting the force, as anticipated, he
caused them all to be made close prisoners ; kept
the officers, and a lady, Mrs. Lundy, as state
prisoners in the Citadel, and numbers of the Sepoys,
of the 27th Native Infantry, were sold as slaves to
the surrounding farmers.

This second act of treacher} led us to conclude
that Akbar was at the bottom. The bare idea of
entering into a solemn negociation, and then with
all the odiousness of an assassin to break it, and
become an oppressor, called forth the loudest
acclamations of revenge from every British sub-
ject in the country.

We also learned the fate of M^Naughten, at a
greater length ; he was killed by Akbar Khan, at
a. hostile meeting, called for the purpose of further-
ing the subject of evacuating Affghanistan. The

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

233

particulars of this will be seen iu a future chapter
—treating on this particular subject.

Killat-I-Gilzie, the stronghold in our possession,
between Candahar and Ghuznee, was still besieged,
and the provisions there were reported by Captain
J. H. Craigie, commanding, to be about sufficient

for four months.

The enemy still kept up thrt spirit of warfare,
by hovering round the vicinity of the camp ; and so
great was the annoyance, that it was dangerous to
walk even a few yards from the cantonments, as
the chances were, that some infatuated few of the
rebels would be secreted behind a bush, and rush
out with drawn swords or huge knives, and spite
of the almost certainty of being killed, would risk
it by making a cut at a passer by.

On many occasions did this occur, and, of
course, the consequence was that the wretches
generally, not more than two, were killed on
the spot. So repeated were the acts of this out-
rageous nature, that it began to open the eyes of
the General, and he determined to rout them if
possible ; accordingly he issued orders, to the effect,
thai, he anticipated a movement of the, greater
portion of the Troops for a few days, for the pur-
pose of scouring the vicinity of Candahar. His orders
were voiy rigid, and his arrangements in the town,
prior to his moving, excellent. He prohibited any
traffic or trade during his absence, directed all the
gates should be blockaded as before, and that a

234 SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

guard equal to two Ecgiments, composed of iiartics
Of all coq)s and also the sick and convalescents,
to be left ,n the Citadel, where the Governor
Timour Shah, resided; all the baggage, as be^
fore, was deposited there-the Troops proceeding
were to take no tents, only one blanket, (which
weighed about two and a half pounds,) and one
change of linen, to enable us to meet any difficulty
chance threw in our way. Thus equipped, on the

iT.niuV*"' ^*'' **'"■'''''*''•' 40th Europeans, the
16th,38th, 42nd, and43rd Regiments Bengal Native
Infantry, together with European Artillery, (six
guns) marched east of Candahar, and in full hopes of
having a chance of soundly drubbing the cowardly
rebels, who had been the cause of so much harrass-
ment to us during the last three months.

The emissaries had given information of the
enemy s position, and in short, everything led us
to hope that we should soon have the opportunity
we wished for. '

After marching about eight miles under a chain
of mountains, already described as being situated
near Candahar, we halted ; this was about sunset,
and in a village some half mile in front of our
bivonaked encampment, we saw the enemy throng-
mg into it, and seated on the walls. An attack was
surmised; but the General was of opinion, that
as It was growing dark, we should defer it till
the morrow, when, no doubt, they would be greatly
.«-xv«;,^u, aiiu ua me morrow, we should have a

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

235

r parties
esceiits,
)vernor,

as bc-
ceeding

(whicli
nd one
ifficiilty

on tlie
ins, the
Native
Yi (six
opes of
tvardly
irrass-

Df the
led us
tunity

chain
uated
unset,
►f our
rong-
twas

that
t till
eatly
ive a

long day to thrash them in, and with a decidedly
better chance of a glorious victory. Our night's rest
was not to be envied. The force being divided,
formed a square, having the guns at the angles ;
each Regiment being in line, broke into open
columns ; the rear rank facing to the right about.
Each man had to lie on his arms, in case of alarm :
nothing remained to be done but rise, take up hia
piece, and closing the ranks, every man was in his
place, ready for any movement. Our scanty meal
was cooked, and we sat on the cold ground, in the
dark, to partake of it ; some sat up awhile to talk
over the various rumours in the camp, and in a
short time, every one, save the guards, rolled him-
self, in his martial cloak, and lay down to rest.
The comforts and pleasantness of such a bed, such
a place, and such a position, may be easily imagin-
ed. The simple act of lying out all night in the
open air, and exposed to the heavy tropical dews-
is nothing of itself, as a hardship ; but when coupled
with the probability of a night attack of a treacher-
ous foe, in a country almost unknown to any of
us, rendered it alarming, indeed. So much for a
bivouac.

After a cold night's rest we found the enemy had
evacuated the village, and we recommenced our
march at six, A. M., towards the valley of " Kuk."
We came to a wide plain betwixt the hills, when,
about seven o'clock, on the left was seen the
enemy assembled in large bodies. The Brigades

23G

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

wlieeled into line, flanked by Artillery and Cavalry •
the General ordered each Kegiment to advance by
echellon from the left.

The enerny seeing our movement, advanced also.
Our skirmishers were thrown out at a considerable
distance to cover our advance. The enemy adopted
our plan, and threw out an advance to meet our
skirmishers. The lire kept up by both sides was
almost terriiic. As we came up, the enemy fired a
volley, but happily without effect. We again
formed line : the skirmishers were called in, and our
artdlery played in fine style. Several mobs of the
enemy seeing us formed up, began to retire.
VVe still advanced, and it was really amusing
to see the havoc our shells and grape had on the
mobs here and there ; about eighty or a hundred
would be assembled, when suddenly a spherical case
shot, or small shell, would burst immediately over
their heads, and of course kill a number of them
Ihey would scud away as if frightened to death,
and decamped, evidently with their weak nerves
astonished. The plain was, as usual, intersected
with deep nullahs and ditches of water, the crossing
of which greatly affected our line, and those ac-
quainted with military discipline can easily imagine
the difficulty experienced in advancing in line
nnder such circumstances, as a line, if possible,
should never be broken ; an irregular fire was still
kept up at alternate periods when opportunity
J „„.^^ „^ i^ii^m we arnveu on tlie banks of

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

237

the river IJrgiin Daub, which was wide, and its
sides were too steep to /i^et the g^uns over. The
enemy had ah-cady crossed, and we could not, with
discretion. The General lindinj^ it impossible to
£(et at them, directed us to retire two miles and
form camp. 'J'lic bafi^ga<]^e had been kept en masse
in rear of the line. We retired accordingly, but
not without inwardly expressing a deep regret at
not having the satisfaction of thrashing the wretches
who had caused us that day so much fatigue. We
had then marched about fifteen miles after them,
nearly seven of which we advanced in line, and with
extreme harrassment, and what rendered it more
galling, we could plainly see them entering a fort
about a mile and a half from us on the other side
of the river.

They must evidently have suffered a great loss,
but to what extent we never can know, because, as
usual, they carried off th^ir killed and wounded.
They will not permit their dead to lie on the field, if
there is the slightest possibility of carrying them
off. Many tie themselves to their horses, and, when
killed, the horse scampers oft* and is caught by
some of them. As we came up we saw several
horses lying dead, and two or three wells half filled
with bodies.

Having retired sufficiently, we again formed our
gipsy camp about two, P. M. The sun was very
hot, so to shade ourselves, some piled their arms
and threw a blanket over the bayonets, to form a

238

BC£N£S IN A SOLDIEli'S LIFK.

covering ;

others got bu8he8,jungIe8tickH,rainrod»,
in fact anything to sticic in the ground, throw their
blanket over it to form a sliade Hiniply sufticicnt to
protect the head and eyes from the sun's rays, in
order to indulge, after so fatiguing a (hiy, in a lit-
tle sleep. Having again regaled ourselves with
the soldier's sorry meal, the sun set, and the usual
precaution for the protection of the camp attended
to, we lay on our arms to wile away the night,
ready again to proceed after them on the morrow,
as the General was determined, if possible, to drive
them, or lose by it.

As day broke in the morning we rose and march-
ed about six, A. M. We had not proceeded far, say
half a mile, coming nnder the brow of the mountains
to our left, when about thirty of the enemy were seen
in a crag, one of whom fired his matchlock, and the
ball whizzed close past the General's ear. I shall
never forget the feeling that ran through the ranks,
fearing that our dear commander was wounded ;
but happily it was not so, and immediately skir-
mishers were sent to man the hills. They were
very steep and craggy. As we advanced, several
more small bodies of the enemy hied from crags in
the dark hills, in numbers of two, three, four, six, eight,
and so on ; and from the firing of our men, distributed
on the sides of the hills, the tops of the mountains
socn became covered w ith the insurgents. So lofty
were the mountains that the men looked about two
feet high, and they evidently were taken by sur-

SCENES IN A BOLDIEU'S LIFE.

239

)w their
ciciit to
rays, in
in a lit-
us with
ic usual
ttcnded
) night,
nurrow,
lo drive

mar(!h-
I'ar, say
untains
jre seen
and the
I shall
J ranks,
unded ;
ly skir-
y were
several
I'ags in
c, eight,
ributed
untains
3o lofty
)ut two
bv sur-

prise, and no doubt were part of the enemy who
had been dispersed yesterday. The fire of our men
told in fine order ; every now and then would be
seen one or 4wo dropping from an attempt to climb
and escai)e. The body, when shot, if only slightly,
would roll with great violence down the precipice
and be dashed to pieces. The enemy kept up a
fire into our ranks from their high station. They,
however, at length finding that British valour was
not so easily overcome, managed to retreat to the
other side of the mountains ; and the General, un-
willing to harass his men more than was actually
necessary, called in the skirmishers, and we pro-
ceeded on to Pang Wail. The loss on their side
was very great, and on ours vice versd. We marched
in open columns, the road being pretty wide, and
on the right, about a mile and a half oif, we saw
a strong body u^ the enemy approaching. Notice
was not just now taken of them, and we pro-
ceeded to a fort about eight miles from our last
encampment. The fort was reported by our spies to
be one of the places of rendezvous. A short distance
from this fort was a small hill detached from the
chain of mountains, which was occupied by about
fifty of them. A company was sent to dislodge
them, which was soon done, and we took pos-
session of the fort, which was found lo be evacu-
ated. The enemy on our right made off in the
direction of Candahar, it was thought ; but we

A i.,->,i c ;ij^..i,, „,^ 1

240

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

of glasses, we were surrounded by large bodies in
every direction, and we of course formed up in the
same manner as yesterday, but divided into bri-
gades ; and as the enemy worked round into one
mass, we proceeded towards them with a view to
attack them. They retired as we advanced — and
being principally mounted, the General considered
it was useless to attempt to follow them, as it
would only be killing his infantry, and determined
not to harass his troops by hunting so dastardly
a set of cowards, we repaired back to the fort
and fprmed camp round it. It was in a deserted
state, not a soul occupying it. The roofs were in
a great measure knocked in, dirt and filth in every
place. A few bags of wheat and barlev Avere
found, and the dead bodies of two old men, who,
apparently, had starved from want, being too old to
join the insurgents, and no one left to comfort them.
This was not the only fort that was evacuated,
but every village or town we came near was in
like manner deserted. The lovely valleys whose
crops were springing up in fine order— the fertile
lands were going to decay— buildings were des-
troyed — and every inhabitant had left all to join the
rebels, and would sooner serve an idolizing monster
than tranquilly Avork to cultivate their lands and
homes, which, for want of care and industry, would
be entirely lost.

V/U» \;auip 11113

^:^\.4.

liigui was much annoyed hy
straggling shots from the enemy at our videttes.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

241

An extra piquet was placed at some distance
from the camp, and in short the arrangements
entered into for its protection cannot be too
highly spoken of; but when we remember that
Major General Nott was the commanding officer, it
is quite sufficient to guarantee the correctness of
the system ; for where so brave a man as Nott
acts under such soldier-like principles, all must
go right; and I think I may confidently speak
for every one who ever served under lum, that a
braver or more discreet, kinder and better man,
could not possibly rule over an army, in difficulties,
and in the field; and I fervently trust that his
name may be honored with glories, and that the
just meed due to such worthiness may be showered
upon him, for, in short, he was beloved and honored
by all who knew him ; but alas I he is dead.

We may as well now, I think, advert to the state
of Candahar. The majority of the trcops having
left, it was strongly suspected that the enemy would
attempt an attack on the town, as th^y would ver}'
reasonably judge, from the strength of Nott's army
in the field, that few remained in the city ; and on
the 10th it was attacked at the Herat-gate, already
described as being one of the five entrances, and at
the same side as the " Topa Khana," facing the
cantonments. The General, prior to his departure, ,
had taken care to leave two 18-pounders, to be

Pio/tn/l in
iSS-WV: ill

f,'n.nt nf 4Ua PUi/IaI 1*

xr VXX.S;

tUV \^'3.VIXX

7T rtO OL£\/aSg

*&v

thought that in the event of the enemy attempting

242

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

to storm the city, the inhabitants would rise in re-
bellion in the interior, open the gates, and annihi-
late the British in the Citadel ; but strict orders
were given to the officer commanding, in the
event of such an outbreak, to open a destructive fire
of grape and shell from these large pieces of ord-
nance, and destroy all before them. Guards of
artillery were stationed on the ramparts over each
gateway, and every available individual, sick or
well, if able to fire a shot, was placed- at equal
distances round the walls of the town, to expel the
enemy from the embrasures. It may easily be
imagined what were the feelings of so small a force,
especially when it is considered that the majority of
that force were weakly and sick ; but it is not in
the heart of a Briton, I think,' to scruple to lose
his last drop of blood in defending a cause
tJiat places the honour of his country at stake.
Such was the case at the time under our notice.
The enemy fully determined to have possession of
the town, but finding that the gates were blockaded
inside, they collected from their stores large dubbas
(bottles made of skin) of oil and ghee, (clarified
butter,) and set it on fire at the foot of the gate,
with a view to effect an entrance by burning it
down. The entrance to the gates I have already
described as being a somewhat circuitous route,
and the space would contain about two hun-
dred. About this number had assembled to rush
bx aa soon as the fire had sufficiently disabled the gate

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

243

for them to force it down. Another party of them
proceeded to the government gardens hard by, and
cut down the young trees, and made scaling ladders
to get over the walls, but were despatched as fast
as they attempted it, by the heavy fire kept
up frf^in the sentinels placed round the ramparts.
The artillery guard immediately over the Herat
gate, being unable, from that situation, to level their
pieces down into the body assembled there, got a
large thirteen-inch shell, cut a fuze short, lighted
it and threw it down. It immediately burst in the
midst of them, and dreadful indeed was the result.
It killed nearly one hundred, for it had full
effect, and a great number were wounded: I
should say, that in no one instance did ever a shell
burst with greater effect. This of course discour-
aged them much, and they declined any further
attempt upon the town, but decamped, taking with
them as many of their wounded aM possible towards
the cantonments. And much credit is due for the
precaution taken by the guard over the gate in
dispersing, with so much advantage, an enemy em-
ployed as they were with every probability of suc-
cess, in forcing an entrance by firing the gate.

Nothing on the part of the native inhabitants in
the city appeared to give rise to suspicion as to
their becoming hostile, though not a British subject
placed the least dependence in them ; for there was

_^-. ~i^ ~ ;i — Vi. 4^u„* u^A i-Ur^ ^^^.^-.^ ^«v^A«j

scMii;ci^' u uuuub mill iinxx uic ciicui}^ cucciuu ciii

entrance they would have joined them, and not

244

SCENEfl IN A SOLDirn's UPB.

one in the Citadel would have been left alive. I
must here observe that some persons among the
native sentinels (who were principally Shah-Shooja's
Infantry) acted most basely, and a suspicion arose
that they were hostile to us ; the fact of a great
number of balls being found on the ramparts and
in the trench, on the following morning, fully proved
they had fired blank at the enemy and tlirown away
the balls. Such facts caused a great deal of con-
sternation, and could it only have been proved, the
guilty parties would of course have suffered for
their treacherv.

CHAPTER XIV.

Retarn to Candahar; Prospect of fighting for Quarters; A cold
night's rest; Our welcome in the city; Appearance of the
cantonment; The Herat Gate; Visit to the scene of death;
Discovery of two well known faces amongst the dead ; Suspi-
cion corroborated ; Dost Mahomed's remarks; Good Friday
of 1842; Smart battle; Awful death of three young soldiers;
Disgraceful conduct of their murderers; The old shepherd;
Situation of Captain Craigie's force; Killat-I-Gilaie; General
England; His advance on Candahar; Route intercepted;
Cowardice of Native Troops; Forced to retreat; Enemy victo-
rious; Severe loss amongst the Europeans; Probable cause of
defeat; General England's second and successful advance;
Arrival of a strong reinforcement; Abundance of news; More
War; Sad news from the Upper Country; Force despatched
to the relief of Killat-I-Gilzie; Description of route; Can-
dahar attacked; Bravery of young Evans; Another victory;
Active preparations for marching; Destruction of Ghrisk;
General Nott proceeds up the country; General England
down; Candahar is evacuated.

The General, considering it useless to hunt after
them farther, and looking upon it as a wild-goose
chase, at the imminent risk and great discomfort
of his few men, directed his force to return; but
not before reducing the fort, around which we had
taken up our position, to ruin, and after a cold
and dreary uiglit^s bivouacking, had but one satis-
factory hope, that of returning to Candahar.

246

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE,

We had not proceeded far, before it came on to
rain heavily, and there is scarcely anything'which
adds greater misery to troops on the march, than
rain, but onward we pushed, and were met by a
cossid, who stated that tlie enemy, after having
been defeated at the city, had taken possession of
our cantonments, and made one into an hospital
for their wounded ; therefore we ha^ the comfor-
table prospect of having to fight for our barracks,
ere we obtained our hope of rest in temporary
quarters.

The General did not, as was expected, proceed
direct to the city ; but pitched camp about four
miles south, and under the impression that a night
attack would be made, it was ordered that the cattle
should remain laden, and all ready for a movement.
Night now began to appear, and with it came a
keen wintry wind, and occasionally rain ; we, after
walking and exercising the best way we could,
being fatigued, lay down to make the attempt to
sleep ; the small gravel dust, driven by the strong
wind, came like a battery of small shot, and the limbs
soon became numb with cold, and the morning was
most anxiously looked for, which, when it did
appear, was, as oftentimes before, most welcome.^

Many a time has this seven days' bivouac been
talked over ; but it was no sooner over, than, like all
other privations to which a soldier is exposed,
it became a siibip.p.t for ipsf nnrl Uo-ht nAmmrao^i'/^Tt .

but it has always appeared to me, that the British

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

247

soldier is a child of invention, and is a perfect
dread-nought to difficulty and exposure ; enjoying
very little comfort. A pipe and tobacco, generally
speaking, are the only companions in such places
and cases, to many. The extortion practised on the
soldier is beyond conception, but may be easily calcu-
lated, when judged by the enormous rates charged
at Quetta, for comforts, and articles of merchandize ;
it was a common price to pay fifty rupees for a pair of
imported Wellington boots ; eleven rupees a pound
for tobacco, which in the presidency could be pur-
chased for as many pence, eight rupe'js a pound for
English cheese, and so on; but the soldier, unable
to meet such extortion, was necessitated to content
himself with his ration.

We recommenced the march to the city, and
reached there without molestation, about noon. On
entering at the Cabool Gate, the natives seemed
most heartily to welcome our retuni. Each regi-
ment went at once to its old quarters, we to
the cantonment, which it appeared on our approach
had but just been evacuated.

Our barrack rooms, which, by the exertions of the
soldiers, had been made somewhat comfortable
before, were now rendered almost unlit for use.
The enemy had made stables of part of them. The
horses had raked up the clay floor, and the rascals
had taken down what few window frames and doors
there were, which were in only four small staff rooms :
and the whole place was one scene of dirt and filth.

248

SCENES IN A SOLDIEK's LIFE.

The otbcr buildings had been formed by them
into au hospital for their wounded, and here and
there were large patches of congealed blood, which
left them very uncomfortable ; however, such tri-
lies are not to interfere with the campaigner ; he
must take things as they come, and right well they
did, for in a few hours after our return everything
looked almost as if nothing had happened.

The next morning I, with several others, visited
the scene of destruction occasioned by the attack
on the Herat Gate, and an awful sight presented
itself ; the space ixn the gateway had been .cleared,
and the bodies killed by the explosion of the shell,
had been brought away, and heaped up some distance
Irom the city walls. I counted fifty-two ; the re-
mainder had doubtless been carried off, and but for
our arrival these would also ; their appearance was
truly dreadful ; some without heads, others without
arms, legs, many with their skulls half blown off,
and their brains dragging in the remaining hair ]
more with their entrails trailing after them, and
lying in most agonising positions. The majority of
them were fine, tall, noble-looking fellows, and on
examining their features, we discovered two of
the inhabitants of the city, one a goldsmith, and
the other a saddler ; the former had his skull shat-
•tered, andthe latter had his left breast and arm
blown off. These rebels, being natives of the town,
and very influential men too, went fully to corrobo-
rate the already well grounded suspicion, that

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

249

had they gained an entrance, the whole city would
have joined them, and there would not have been
a British subject left to tell the tale.

Not only did the fact of discovering the bodies of
these two men amongst the enemies killed, prove
the probability of the inhabitants of Candahar being
connected with the rebels, but many others were
discovered, — that of a sentinel on the gate, some
time prior to the outbreak, whose duty it was to
examine all parcels or cattle laden, entering the
city, discovering two camels, apparently laden
with boosa (choppcd-straw,) in which were secre-
ted, arms, matchlocks, swords, &c. Query, for
what purpose? No doubt it will be concluded, with
me, that nothing was wanting but a breach, and
aiiwouldhave risen, and acted in the manner of those
at Cabool in the winter] of 1841, and at Vellore
some years ago.

Having now once again returned to cantonments,
we fully hoped and thought that we might in a
great measure rest in peace; for after the very
numerous conflicts, and arduous attempts to convince
them of our determination to conquer, and the
awful manner in which they had suffered from so
triflin ga specimen of our force of arms and bra-
very ; it might have been expected that they would
retire to their homes, and as usual after peace resume
their tranquil labors ; but fresh hardships awaited

us^ and I cannot better account for it. than bv rem'ud-

. , „ . .....,,... ..^.

ing my readers of the very numerous tribes, who

250

SCENES IN A SOLDIEK's LIFE.

seemed at home incombinin^irapralnstacommon foe ;
«o extensive a country, and so numerous a people,
are not easily conquered, and ] Joat Mohammed, very
sententiously, and somewhat wisely, observed ; "You
may takemy possessions, destroy my cities, and kill
numbers of my i)eoplc, but conquer you never can,
because my tribes are born to hardships, and inured
to difficulties; they can live in the hills, can sow and
reap in almost barrenness, therefore the mountains
are their protection, where you cannot come, and
where you could not fiiul meauH to subsist, did you
even reach them." How true the remark of the
Dost ! None can form a sulliciently strong idea of
the intricacies of this mountainous country, whose
high and barren hills intercept the direct route
through the vast territory of Affgliauistan ; range
after range meets the eye of the traveller, and
when compelled from service to crown the heights
of the lofty eminences bordering the route ; the eye,
when cast around, would fall on dell and hill, as far
as it can possibly extend, and would often cause the
soldier to reflect on the precarious situation in which
he was placed, 'mid the gloom of these regions, inha-
bited by a race of beings, awaiting every opportunity
to oppress and destroy us ; it was in these various
regions that the many tribes were detached from
each other, so that when a few of them combined,
warred, and were defeated, others would come in the
same direction, with the same view, to our destruc-
tion, and thus w^rc our lives rendered those of the
most ei|;ited and miserable.

SCENES IW A soldier's LIFR.

251

ion foe ;

people,
ed, very
l;"Yon
and kill
V'cr can,
I inured
sow and
•untains
ne, and
did you

of the
idea of
, whose
t route
; range
2r, and
heights
he eye,
I, as far
iuse the
1 which
s, inha-
rtunity
i^arious
d from
ibined,
3 in the
estruc-
of the

It was on Good Friday of this year^ that another
large botly of the insurgents assembled and hovered
about the camp; it was of course necessary to
remove them from tlicir position, an'l, as usual, a
force, about 4000 men, was despatched to attack
them ; the scene of action lay in a valley about
three miles from camp, and on our Troops coming
within sight, a heavy fire was opened from our artil-
lery ; we advanced, we met, and the battle was kept
up fiercely for some time ; now would the enemy
retire, and now, taking fresh courage, advance on
the attacking force ; the weather being in the day
excessively hot, and, coupled with the overpowering
numbers of the enemy, the battle bore the appear-
ance of a losing game ; the commanding ofiicer
immediately sent olF to camp for a reinforcement,
which was despatched and soon reached the field ; it
had scarcely arrived when the fury of the battle was
much in our favor, the enemy were falling fast,
numbers were seen decamping, and after a smart, and
indeed hazardous fight, of several hours, we all
returned to camp deliglited, though greatly fatigued,
satisfied though oppressed, at the favorable result
of our fracas. The Troops returned to the hovels,
bearing the name of barracks, and no wherewithal
to appease or comfort the wants of those, whose
very lives had been risked so rigidly, save the small
pittance of a told out ration, which, what with being
coarse in material, and worse cooked, was poor
indeed !

SCENES IN A SOLr.IER's LIFE.

It mu8t again he observed, that the enemy, not
choosing: to remain in one body, hovered about, in
amall parties, with a view no doubt of reconnoit-
ring, and acquainting their main force with our
position, and would often in their trails, meet a few
of our men, perhaps strolling a mile or two from
camp, to some neighbouring tranquil village, or in
the fields for recreation. It happened about the firsl
of May that for some time previous, pipe-clay, an
article much used by soldiers, had become very
scarce, and none could be got in camp for money,
save a small quantity, which two merchants brought
from the Presidency, and for which they charged a
rupee-and a half a pound, (three shillings;) this of
course was quite inadequate to a soldier's purse, and
it was necessary that something should be got as a
substitute. It had been discovered, that in the hills
about two miles from camp, a great quantity of the
article could be got, which, if manufiictured, would
do as well as the best, and a deal of it was brought
mto camp ; three young men, thinking by going
further, better could be got, and tliey could have a
walk in the fields, which was now a luxury, unfor-
tunately bringing to bear the old adage, "go far-
ther and speed worse," determined on trying, and
armed themselves with bayonets fastened to the end
of sticks, but had not proceeded more than a mile and
a half, when they were attacked bv eight of the
insurgents, who fired their matchlocks at them, and
shot one ; they then flew at them, and the struggle

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

25d

^my, not
ibout, in
iconnoit-
vith our
)et a few
wo from
?c, or in

the first
clay, an
ne very

money,
brought
iarj[^e(i a

this of
rse, and
jot as a
ihc hills
y of the
, would
brought
Y going

have a
, unfor-
go far-
ig, and
ihe end
lileand

of the
m, and
niggle

WAS very great ; the two remaining men killed two
of their opponents, when the other six succeeded
in disarming the two poor fellows, who by this time
were quite overpowered, and one who had received
a severe wound, fainted from loss of blood ; these
unfeeling wretches tied the two soldiers together, and
dragged them some distance, and kindled a fire, round
which they sat for some time, smoking and amusing
themselves by stabbing the two bound, miserable
mortals, miable to defend themselves. They, not
satisfied with piercing them with their swords,
thinking that insufficient torture for them, began
to burn them with fire-sticks, and after keeping
them in excruciating torture for some time^ the
men begging to be put to death out of their agony,
were, according to their wish, killed, their heads
were carried off as a prize, and their three bodies
left, as food for the beasts and birds. It, how-
ever, fortunately happened, if fortunate it may be
called, that an old man, a tranquil shepherd, was
watching his flock hard by, and witnessed the
whole proceeding. At the cantonments, when the
roll was called in the evening, the three men of
course were missed, next morning the same, and
until the afternoon of the second day, all kinds
of surmises were afloat, but none knew the right
one ; several parties of men armed themselves, and
went out some distance, in hopes of finding their
comrades, but returned unsuccessful, till suddenly
the old shepherd appeared with the three bodies tied

254

SCENES IN A SOLDIEK's LIFE.

on a bullock, carrying them to the camp, and related
the whole affair. There were several versions of the
tale told, but I managed to get the old man in the
bazaar, and through the medhim of the Chowdry
(a petty magistrate,) who was an interpreter, I suc-
ceeded in getting the exact detail, which I give as
above ; the heads of the three men would of course
be a great prize to their chief, and would entitle the
men to a large reward, though they lost two of
their number ; the old man stated that the three
young soldiers fought most desperately ; ho could
not s^y which of them killed the Afiglians. On exa-
mining the bodies they were found to be awiully
hacked and cut in several places ; the whole were
quite young, and had not joined their regiment
more than three years, this was another warning
to the men not to venture too far from camp, which
was contrary to orders. Let the soldier strictly obey
orders, and he will be much safer; the old man
was rewarded for his trouble, and would no doubt
have brought in the bodies much sooner, but was
afraid he would be detained as being connected
with the massacre. I regret very much to say that
this was not the only instance of these acts of desr
perate cruelty, and but for such outrages the coun-
try in our vicinity was now in a great measure
tranquil, but this tranquillity will be easily account-
ed for, by concluding that the Affghans had gone
to some other of our outposts to trv if no better luck
attended them, than contending with the deter-

SCENES IN A SOLDIEB'S LIFE.

256

id related
)ns of the
m in the
^howdry,
er, I suc-
I give as
of course
sntitletlie
t two of
ho three
hf could
On exa-
! awfully
ole were
regiment
warning
p, which
;tly obey
old man
10 doubt
but was
mnected
say that
J of desr
le coun-
measure
iccount-
ad gone
;ter luck
J deter-

mined spirit of our gallant Nott. The General had
received secret communication from Captain Crai-
gie, and Major Leech, who still held possession of
Kelat-I-Gilzie, stating that provisions were falling
short ; that the enemy had surrounded the fort, and
it would be impossible to hold out much longer.
With a view to explain the situation of this portion
of our army, which consisted only of a regiment,
(one of Shah Shooja's,) under command of Captain
Craigie, a few Sepoys, and some other Native
Artillery in charge of Lieut. Cormick, and the
whole under the Political Superintendence of Major
Leech, of the Bombay Engineers ; it will be as
well to describe the nature and position of this fort
or stronghold, which was indeed worthy of the name,
and will be recorded as one of the greatest moment.
Killat-I-Gjlzie is situated on the top of a high
hill, in the centre of the only main road from
Candahar to Cabool ; the summit formed an oblong
of about two hundred yards ; near the centre there
was a large mound of chalk, from which issued
a most beautiful fountain of water,- the road
led in a serpentine direction from the foot to the
height, which was upwards of 2800 feet above the
level ; this oblong space was walled round, and ren-
dered a complete fortification ; the soil that was dug
from the interior was applied to building barracks
magazines,and storehouses; these were tolerably well
suDDlied. and the little for^e Qocnni^rl u -n^r^ia^^*:^^

that part of the country from all invaders. This

256

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

post was formed by Lord Keane's army, and it may-
be said was a complete Alexandrian, for one of
greater power commanding so much space to so
great an advantage could not possibly exist ; it was
in this fort that the enemy, finding it impossible to
get them out by storming, which they had tried
several times, determined to besiege it, and know-
ing well that their provisions could not last much
longer, anticipated a complete triumph. This was
of course coupled with cutting ojDf all correspondence
and supplies. Wheat, barley, and water, were the
principal stores in the fort, the latter being the
grand and main thing. The little oppressed band
remained for some months unable to procure any-
thing else, except on a few casual occasions, when
the enemy would retire a short distance, and a
flock of sheep would be passing, a detachment
would venture out under the cover of the artil-
lery, and capture a few, which was a luxury
indeed. It was on one or two of these favorable
opportunities that the Commanding Officer mana-
ged to send a couriei* with despatches, to General
Nott, at a great risk, and reward in case of safe
delivery, and from the extreme case of the latter
communication, the General determined on sending
a Brigade to release the force, and destroy the
stronghold, and directed the whole to return to join
him at Candahar, but owing to the unsettled state
of the weather, the non-arrival of the correspon-
dence from the authorities, the General thought it

SCENES IN A SOLDIERS LIFE.

257

I it may
one of
e to so
; it was
isible to
d tried
know-
t much
lis was
•ndence
ere the
ng the
1 band
e any-
, when
and a
jhment
! artil-
1 usury
rorable
muna-
reneral
of safe
! latter
ending
[>y the
to join
1 state
espon-
ight it

better to await the arrival of Major General Sir
R. England, who was daily expected to cross the
Kojuk Heights, from Quetta, with a reinforce-
ment for the Upper Provinces, and a convoy of
stores, cattle and treasure. There being still no
mail, we were quite in the dark as to
when his movement, towards Candahar, would
' be made. At length a courier arrived with news
for Nott, and reporting the departure of General
England early in February, from Quetta, for Can-
dahar, with a large convoy of cattle, &c., and a
force consisting of eight guns, three regiments of
Light Cavahy, II. M.'s 41st Regiment, 21st Regi-
ment Native Infantry, and eight light companies of
different corps, forming a Light Battalion; the
greater portion of these troops, by the bye, were
recalled when en route to the provinces, which I
mentioned as having left Quetta in 1841 for that
purpose. It appeared that on their reaching the
second days' stage, a strong body of the enemy,
who had long held possession of the passes and
main road, intercepted their route.

Mahomed Shereave, who had been in our employ,
had joined the rebels and headed a strong force
against us ; and held possession of the Kojuk
Heights, cutting off all supplies and correspondence
from both Candahar and Quetta. On the approach
of General England, he formed for an attack. The
General directed the baggage to collect, and the
4ist Ileglment, with a Native Corps,

rvcre

258

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

ordered to advance up a hill which was held by
Mahomed's force. The light company of the 41 st
was commanded by Captain May and Lieutenant
Evans ; the line advanced a short distance, when
the Sepoys began to lag, and all but refused to
advance; spite of the entreaties of their European
officers, they still hung back. The portion of
the line formed by Europeans was considerably in
front of the others, and were in action long before
the rest. Mahomed having possession of all the
cover, took advantage of their approach, and several
of the 41st were cut up. The Captain of the light
company was killed, and the command fell on Lieut.
E-^ans, a gallant young officer. He cheered on his
men, and, I regret to say, the majority of the light
company of that Regiment fell ; a finer set of fel-
lows could not have been, and their loss was much
deplored. The success of the affi-ay terminated in
the favor of Mahomed. General England was
necessitated to effect a retreat with a severe loss,
but I believe nothing could be more praiseworthy
than the conduct of the Europeans, and the greater
portion of the Natives, on this occasion. The 21st
Native Infantry were much to blame, for it was
believed that, had they advanced to the charge with
the 41st, victory was certain. The cause of this
catastrophe I never learned, further than the General
was proceeding under the guidance of the Political
Agent at Quetta, a Lieutenant Hammersly, whose
youth was much ae^ainsf him t* i^ 4K« ^««^*: c

SCENES IN A SOLDIERS LIFE.

259

the Indian Government to place young men (who
douhtless are exceedingly clever in a scholastic
view,) in charge of the political powers of certain
portions of the country, whose duties I have already
detailed, and whose orders were always to be con-
sidered peremptory. Now, when we consider the
fact of an experienced General, like England, Nott,
or Pollock, commanding a large army, and necessi-
tated to act under the directions of a mere boy,
whose negotiations with chiefs are likely to have
been misled, owing to their taking advantage of
his youth or consequent want of practical knowledge,
the chances are ten to one against their success. Sir
T. Wilshire would not listen to them, nor did Nott.
The force generally regretted the result, lest it
should be said, or even surmised, that anything
was wanted to establish their valour. They acted
nobly, and I was told by Lieutenant Evans that
the affair w as most unfortunate ; that the General
had been assured by Lieutenant Ilammersly that
the route was secure, and there was no danger of
being intercepted. He told me that the conduct
of the men, except the 21st Natives, was all that
Britain could wish ; and I must confess that when-
ever I saw the 41st engaged, they always behaved
most nobly and courageously. It was unfortunate,
because it w^as the Jrst engagement Sir Richard
had had an opportunity of commanding in the coun-
try, but he was known to be a gallant officer from
his earliest career. News was still a stranger to

260

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

US : correspondence was cut oflf in every direction ;
we were a completely ignorant mob of beings.
However, after a short time a courier arrived with
the news to the General, that England was to make
a second attempt to advance on the 1st March ;—
and Nott, under the impression that the enemy had
got possession of the Kojuk Heights, despatch-
ed a brigade of two Regiments and four guns,
to the pass, in order to act in conjunction with
General England, who was on the other side, and
thus hem in the enemy, and at once capture him.
On their arrival, however, they found that the foe
had disappeared, and the whole returned to Can-
dahar without even the risk of placing a spot on
British fame. I would speak much more on this
subject, but my incompetency to judge the acts of
fighting Generals further than what I see, bespeaks
I should not express my opinion ; but this I must
say, if General England in this case was unfortu-
nate, it was not for want of courage. When all were
together at Candahar, we mustered a force of 9,000 to
10,000 men, which, under such command, were
able to stand against almost any force the Afghans
could raise. Amongst the host of arrivals with
General England's force, were several camels laden
with boxes of letters, newspapers, &c., being the
gatherings of upwards of four months' European
mails, which left us in possession of abundance of
news. The press had been hard hi work about us
cw what had becoiui; of us. One pa-

4% fV 9\ t^^Tk

^ It,.-.-.

.^rft*SS<l**^;

SCENES IN Jl soldier's LIFE.

261

iirection ;
f beings,
ived with
i to make
March ; —
lemy had
lespatch-
tir guns,
ion with
side, and
turc him.
t the foe
I to Can-
. spot on
e on this
le acts of
bespeaks
i I must
unfortu-
i all were
'9,000 to
id, were
iffghans
als with
els laden
;ing the
European
iance of
bout us,
jiie pa-

per issued an advertisement, — *' Lost, stolen, or
strayed, the 40th Regiment," &c. Amongst other
parts of the news came the accounts of the disas-
trous doings at Cabool, Ghuznee, &c., developing
all the treachery of the insolent Aftghans, and the
determination of the government not to , mit
British honor to be trampled on so indignantly
without being rejected. Orders were received to
scour the country from right to left, and it had
been decided on sending a strong army into the
country to revenge the insults practised on us.
A strong division was assembled at Peshawur, at
the mouth of the Khiva, under Major General Pol-
lock, who was prevented from immediate advance
towards Jellalabad by the inclemency of the weather.
Orders were also received by Nott to move towards
Ghuznee. A large army was forming at Feroze-
pore, called an Army of Reserve, under the com-
mand of the Governor General Lord Ellenborough.
The mails brought so much news that we were all
on the tip-toe «;f information, and many indeed
were the different versions of the stories. Letters
from public and private parties all tended to add —
and I must here remark the ecstasy that is felt at
receiving a line from dear friends must only
be felt to know; for, true, indeed, it may be
said, that " Absence makes the heart grow
fonder.'' The press of matter now will, I fear,
nrevp.nt mv p.ntp.rino' ton frp.p.lv into the spntiment
of feelings — as this part of the narrative, up to the

1 1

262

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

end, will be one series of successive trials, that
tiiey will alone, 1 feel persuaded, speak for them-
selves. I will endeavour to point out the various
places as we come to them, as clearly as possible,
biH not so lengthy a description as I could wish,
did space permit. ,

The first thing the General considered necessary
was the relief of the oppressed force at Killat-
I-Gilzie, of which I spoke in a preceding chapter.
Accordingly, on the 18th May, 1842, a force, con-
sisting of the 40th, the 2nd Native Infantry, and a
brigade of Artillery, were despatched under the
command of Colonel Wymer, to the assistance and
relief of Captain Craigie and Major Leech. The road
from Candahar to Killat-I-Gilzic, which is nine
days' march, was somewhat difficult, owing to the
many ascents and descents met with. The moun-
tains on either side are particularly lofty— contain
beautiful springs watering the valleys, which were
plentifully cultivated. As wc pas, ad through
these beautiful dales, filled with grain just ripe-
ning, and merely awaiting the hand of the
industrious reaper to collect a rich crop, we were
obliged to destroy hunareds of acres in pitching camp
and grazing cattle : and thousands of acres remained
this year ungathered, owing to the natives, who
inhabited the hills, having deserted them and joined
the mob ; our cattle, therefore, fed most sumptuously
on the neglected harvest of the foolish Alfghan

VillaJO-PTS. Tn flirnii «,. f«»- x. c

.— _ — ,„ ,.ii»vv V4 iuui piiiio oi our route.

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

263

Is, that
►r t hem-
various
'ossible,
Id wish,

cessai/
Killat-
bapter.
;e, con-
, and a
ler the
ice and
iie road
is nine
to the
moun-
iontain
Ii were
irough
t ripe-
>f the
3 were
^camp
mined
, who
joined
lously
QTghan
route.

where the springs from the mountains were hidden
from our view, the wells dug proved brackish, and
tended greatly to discomfort us. On the 28th of
the month we reached the desired spot, and glad
they were to see our approach, and happy at the
sight of friends once more ; immediate prepara-
tions were commenced for evacuating the place; and
prepare to brave the field again with an aux-
iliary on whom they could depend. It appeared
that, five days before our arrival, the enemy, who
had succeeded for so long a time in keeping off
supplies, and had rendered them in consequence
most wretched, and no doubt aware of our
approach, made a general attack on the fort,
making several attempts to storm it, but were ably
kept off". On the east side of the hill it appears
they made a noble one, having got scaling lad-
ders, &c., up to the wall, but were not so fortunate
as they might have expected : the small band in
possession, seeing their drift, waited an opportunity
of attacking them when they were on the side of
the mountains, and succeeded so far that the enemy
retired, leaving a great number on the hill side,
dead; I carefully examined the plan of defence,
which reflected the greatest credit on all parties.
I have already given a description of the command-
ing position of Killat-I-Gilzie, and when we consi-
der the difficulties this small force had undergone in
keeping off the enemy, and holding out for so many
months, it is indeed one which must crown Captain

264

SCENES IN A soldier's tIFE.

Craigicwithfamc; asalsoMajorLeech. Afterallthat
was considered useful had been taken out tl.e build-
ings, the. ,...» ilx^trojcd, and the force returned

brigade he folks at Candahar were not permitted
to be Idle; for the enemy, which had assembled
under Suftur Jung, made H» .appearance, under the
impression that General Nott had again left the
city bare of troops, and that this time they would
most certainly effect their purpose. They emerged
from the narrow pass described as being near the
front of the cantonments, several thousands in num-
ber, when the General directed a brigade to move
out and attack them. n,e 41st, with some other
troops (natives), advanced to meet them ; .^nd Suf-
tur, finding that the Fort was not so empty as he
expected was forced into the fight ; the General
commanded, m person, and throwing skirmishers
out-commanded by young Evans, who performed
his duty most nobly-the General formed up and
chased them, and after a smart affray, forced them
decamp with a great loss. 1 very much regret-
ted having been absent from so gallant an affair,
being with Wymer's Brigade ; 1 read the des-
patch of the General to Government on the
subject, and he spoke in the highest possible
terms of tiie conduct of the Troops, particularly
the 41st Regiment, and Lieutenant Evans, who
never permitted an opportunity to pass where
ne saw the least chance of P-ainin<r hnnn,. *i,„ -ii„.

♦^.

SCENHIS IN ▲ ROLDIBR'B LIFB.

265

Regiment were a fine body of men, and when it is
remembered the extensive marching they had
undergone, for, I believe, they marched, whilst
in India, more than any other corps ; they kept up
their discipline and appearance remarkably well.
After this the vicinity of Candahar became tolerably
quiet, and early in June, Suftur Jung, doubtless
tired of the life he had been leading, fcurrcndcrcd
to the General, as a prisoner, and was accepted, to
the great disappointment of the Force at large,
who fully expected he would have been hanged as
a traitor, after such crimes as he had committed.
Soon after this, orders were received from Lord
Ellenborough, to evacuate Caudahar, and retire to
Ilindostan ; this was indeed glad tidings, such as
had not been heard for years ; and my readers may
imagine the effect of such on the minds of those
wlio had been so long subjected to the hardships
of the field — the joy we felt at the prospect of a
return to a tranquil spot; active preparations were
at once commenced for our departure ; all heavy
stores, for which carriage could not be procured,
were destroyed ; and the General, with a view to
prevent the possibility of the inhabitants of Canda-
har irom acting upon us as they did at Cabool,
ordered every gun and implement of war in Canda-
har, likely to be of the least use in such a case, to ! e
destroyed, leaving them armless and harmless ; there
were about thirty pieces of Persian manufactured
uruiiance, coiisistirig oi nine ana twcive poiiiiUcrs,

266
with

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

immense quantity of amal! arms. Manv „.
our own pieces, suoii as belonged to men "^de-
ceased, or surplus armoury, wore all destroyed.
The Commissariat was collecting all the cattle jpos-
sible, purchasing at any price, camels, mules,
bullocks, asses, or any beast calculated to carry at
all, in order to prevent the destruction of Govern-
ment property as much as possible. Carriage was
very limited, and the quantity allowed to indivi-
dual, was very small; one camel only to be allowed
fi)r ten men, and each camel's load not to exceed
three , hundred pounds ; therefore, the extent of
the soldier's comfort was wrapped up in a pigmy
packet of thirty pounds weight, including his
bed ; but this had been the constant practice", and
therefore was no deeper felt now than before.
One very gross act existed, that the soldier, who
was undergoing all the hardships for his country,
had to pay out of his small pittance, for the carria^^e
of this twenty-eight or thirty lbs., at the rate of tvvo
or three shillings a month.* The Commissariat were
directed to carry with them forty days' supply. It
was arranged that General England should proceed
down the Passes towards Sukkur, and on his way,
collect all the Troops stationed in any part of

The soldiers lost during four years in the field, owing to wear
and tear-having to pay extortionate prices for necessaries,
carriage, &c.,-not less th»n 200 or 300 rapes each-and the
Government compensation was about 80 or 100, setting aside
tae hardships and privations.

BOKNRS IN L SOLDIER'a LIFK.

267

Sdnde and Beeloochistan, whilst General Nott
proceeded towards Ohuznec, in favor of our com-
rades, who were in " durance vile." Prince Timor
Shah, not willing to remain in the city without the
protection of British Troops, was placed under the
charge of General England, to proceed to Sukkur ;
all having been satisfactorily arranged, Candahar
was evacuated by the British on the 5th of August,
1842, and formed in camp close to its walls, with
positive directions from the General, that neither
soldier nor follower was, under any pretence what-
ever, to re-enter the city.

At Candahar, the Troops passed one of the
severest winters known in Affghanistan j the ther-
mometer for some time being much below freezing
point. The Monsoon does not visit Affghanistan,
although we had some very rainy weather; on
more than one occasion, it prevented a move-
ment against the enemy. The weather in June,
was the hottest I had ever felt it, the thermometer
standing as high as 148°. During this sojourn in
camp, we were awaiting a small force, who had been
despatched to Ghrisk, a stronghold affording great
security for the enemy, and Nott determined on its
destruction, ere he left it. In short, his work was
intended to be one of destruction generally, and
he was evidently determined to lose no chance of
revenging the foul treachery of the massacre at
Cabool. The Troops ever since, had been kept

ili CUilliilUiil VJAV;iLCiUClit, auu C^\pua\;vi tu \^7\.ij axiiu

268 SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

of danger and hardship. The sick of all the Regi-
ments, unable to proceed with Nott's Army of
Reserve, were attached to General England's division
downwards. The party from Ghrisk returned : the
General issued most rigid orders on the subject of
plundering. He stated, that as we were abou. to
march through an enemy's country, he trusted
every man would feel he was a Briton, and that
none would attempt to violate the law by plun-
dering; and he declared most positively, that
any one, either soldier or follower, whom he dis-
c^overed so offending, he would surely hang, and
that nothing should prevent his order being carried
mto execution.

CHAPTER XV.

irarch towards Ghuznee; Strong force; Extensive supplies
re(iuired; Difficult to procure; Major Leech, an excellent
caterer; So far pretty quiet; Skirmish on the 28th August;
Bravery of Lieutenant Chamberlain; Severe affray with Srd
Light Cavalry; Loss of Captain Keoves, and Quarter Master
Berry; Indignation of the General; Injudicious conduct;
Advice to young Officers; Awful example; Treparations for
Battle; Destruction of a fortress; Three prisoners taken
March to Govvinc; The enemy our constant companion
Shooms-ood-Scen; Khan, the Commander; Arrival at Gowine
The battle; Bud ground; Captain White's JJght Batlalicn
Anderson's and Blood's Artillery ; Narrow escape; Unpleasant
discovery; 'Iho heat of battle; The charge; The return;
The enemy proceed to Ghuznee; March across the Plain of a
Thousand Forts; The Ilazaras, a friendly tribe; Provisions
no longer procurable; Discovery of grain and forage; Doings
atCftbooI; Treachery at Ghuznee; Situation of Colonel Pal-
mer's Br'j^adc; Misery experienced; Treaty signed and
broken; Puhner tortured; Officers taken prisoners; Their
treatment; Awful situation; Nott advances; 5th of Septem-
ber; Attack on Ghuznee; Nob's conduct of the IGth Native
Infantry; Storming of Balloon Hill; Success; Unwelcome visi-
tor in Gamp; Necesiiary retreat; Preparations for storming
the Po?tress; Night before the battle; Doings in the dark ;
Morning of the 0th September; Glorious sight; Ghuznee
ours.

On the 7th of August, we re-commenced our march
General Nott proceeded to Abdool Azeez, only six
miles ; merely to put all things in order of march.

270 SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

On our arrivaJ, we found ourselves deserted by a
great number of camel attendants, who, being of the
opinion that fighting was the object in view
chose rather to remain at Candahar; however,'
others were engaged ; although characters of a
suspicious nature, we were compelled to employ
them, and we experienced great trouble for several
days. We marched on in peace, except on one
occa-'v a grazing party out with cattle were
attt.kcd, and most barbarously murdered, and
were brought in, many of them headless; on
the road to Killat-I-G ilzie, which we had again
to pass, many of the valleys of ripened grain,
which I stated to be rd for cutting, had been reap-
ed by the natives, after the affair with Craigie,
and it left our route very clear. There was a great
annoyance experienced by the loss of camels, and
consequently their loads; the attendants we
had been forced to hire, being Affghans, used
to lead the cattle off the line, and decamp with
them in the dark, as the system of moving along
is by tying the nose-rope of the camel, to the tail
of a leader, and they move along as far as you
like thus to attach them, having an attendant
to the first one ; whenever they are detached, they
can be led in any direction, and, on a dark night,
and spite of all flanking parties, many lines may be
formed,— and it because almost an every day occur-
rence, that cattle were thus stolen. The force used
to march early, perhaps at one or two, A. M.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

271

and if the moon assisted us, even earlier. Tliere
was a great scarcity of wood, it being indispensable
for cooking, and required an enormous quantity, to
supply daily upwards of 20,000 persons, and any
thing we could get, was purchased ; if the villagers
whom we passed, would cut down trees, a great
price was given for them ; if they refused to assist us,
why, of course, we did not scruple to assist ourselves,
and sooner than go without a meal, we were obliged
to unroof their huts, and burn the beams ; there
was a root or brushwoof^ which grows in great
quantities, in and near the camp, but not sufficient
for so great a force.

Major Leech, who I mentioned as the Political
Functionary at Killat-I-Gilzie, having been in this
country for many years, and appeared to be well
known by all the natives in the places we came to,
was most indefatigable in his exertions to collect
supplies. The great number of cattle attached to
so extensive a force must necessarily require a
great supply of forage, and I being personally
attached to the Commissariat Department at this
period, was in the habit of accompanying the
Major, whose knowledge of the Afighan customs,
was very extensive, and his arrangements with
them very praiseworthy ; we would proceed on
a short distance in advance, and the natives for
several days' march, seemed to revere him, and
acquiesce in his wishes at once ; he would form a
market, see them paid for their goods, and thus

272

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

ensured us supplies we should otherwise have
been veiy much short of; and in fact, so popular
was the name of Leech amongst the natives that a *
mere mention of it was sufficient to soon bring a
quick supply in the market.

Our further progress, however, bore a different
aspect, for as we came to towns, forts, villages,
we found them deserted in a great measure, and
on our nearer approach towards Ghuznee, entirely
so ; on the 27th we reached Mokur, and nothing of
importance occurred up to this time, save a few
straggling shots. They, however, now began to
make their appearance in small bodies, and on our
arrival here we discovered the enemy had but just
quitted it, and on our approach had gone into the
hills. Our camp was pitched under a large moun-
tain, which to a great extent overhung the tents,
and the enemy, who were on the other side, ventured
to fire their matchlocks, though without damage,
although balls came into a tent I happened to
be in amongst the men, two or three followers, who
went up the mountain, were cut up. One of the
enemy purposely straying into the camp, began a
series of enquiries of some sepoys, as to the strength
of our force, who, seeing his drift, soon settled Mm, in
order that he raight not return with the informa-
tion he had received. Mokur is one of the most
beautiful and salubrious climates I was ever in • it
abounds with verdure, and every kind of fertility •
the thermometer never exceeded 80% and the water

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

273

excellent ; it was recommended on the early occupa-
tion of Affghanistan, as t first rate station for
Europeans; fruits and vegetables were in abundance,
and in siiort, bui for the greui, lonesomeness of the
situation I must say I should have liked to reside
there. The force w^as ordered to march at four, A. M.;
during the route on the 24th, about five miles
from our destined encampment, some three or four
hundred of the enemy were seen to hie from the
adjacent hills, with which we were surrounded^ and
shewing a bold front began to wave their swords in
bravado. The General directed three troops of
the 3rd Light Cavalry, and two Resillahs (troops)
of Christie's Horse, to go and dislodge them.

Tuo small party galloped off, ])ut on reaching
them, within about four hundred yards, a deep
ravine made its appearance, which before had not
been seen; this the enemy well knew would be
an obstruction, and iiaJ taken up a position
on the other side; our gallant band, nothing
daunted, soon got over, and most maurdly charged
them : they, finding themselves likely to be over-
powered, as usual made off, except about eighty,
whom our cavalry cut up. We lost two men, and
several wounded, amongst whom was an unex-
ception?»^^v brave officer, Lieut. Chamberlain, who
eommvAdi i Christie's Horse, whose intrepid con-
duct on ; liiS; as well as on every other occasion, has
been most honorably distinguished ; this was the
third time be had been wounded. Dr. Colquhoun, who

274

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

accompanied the detachment, evinced great skill
and bravery, and most certainly did honor to his
profession, as a soldier j ho fortunately escaped
unhurt.

The country we vi^ere marching through was ono
of the most mountainous, surrounded in every
direction by defdes, and occupied in many in-
stances by a treacherous foe ; it was impossible to
move but in imminent certainty of a sudden
attack, either from some overwhelming position
irap^>ssible to oppose, or else by some undue
mean? of treachery ■ to us the country was, speak-
ing gene-ally, unknown, and left us tlierefore
in a most pitiful position. On our arrival in camp
this day, a body of Affghans were seen to emerge
from a defde in front of the camp, and (he greater
portion of our cavalry, commanded by Captain
Reeves, who with other officers made off to attack
them, being piqued with the recollection of the
Cabool affair J but on their reaching near, it was
discovered that the body in question was merely a
decoy, and that their main force was encamped
behind the hill, from whence they were seen to come •
some nine hundred of them rushed out, and but
for the greatest dexterity on the part of our few in
making a retreat, muse have inevitably been cut
up to a man. The Affghans suffered no loss^
and we lost twenty-five men, amongst whom was
Captain Reeves, and Quarter Master Berry ; we had
several, both men and horse, wounded, including
Lieutenants Ravenscroft and Mackenzie.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

275

This sad mishap I regret to say was an entirely
misled alfiiir, and was totally miknown to the
General, who expressed his utmost displeasure at
such a proceeding. It was fortunate indeed tl t
more of our officers were not cut up ; for several
headstrong young fellows, who were big with glory,
and snapped at every little chance they could get
of having what they called a cut at them, little
considering what a risk they ran of losing their
liv( s, and forgetting that too much neglected thing,
the probability of depriving their country of their
seiTice, entrusted as they are with commissions,
and so soon to forget the use they are required to
make of them. Let this be a word of advice to all
young officers, not to be too rash, or to do other
than their precise duty, nor even to expose them-
selves unnecessarily to danger, by too much volun-
tary zeal. Let them bear in mind that the for-
mer })laces their men without a leader, depriving
often the General of an able member on whom he
can rely in time of need, but who i". consequence
of 'indue, uncalled-for bravery, is lost to him ; and
oi'tlmes deprives his country of a brave and most
noble soldier, who has the most right to his life,
if it is necessary to give it up ; forbear and think, and
never expose yourselves when you are not required.
Several officers who accompanied this party learned
a dear lesson, amongst whom were Lieut. Evans,
41st, Meason and others. Oh! our feelings were rack-
ed w hen on returning to camp, and looking back on

276

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

the enemy, we were obliged to witness the bar-
barous rascals cutting the bodies of poor Reeves and
Berry into pieces.

Touched with displeasure, as the General was, he
could not quietly put up with this loss ; he directed
a division of six Regiments, and sixteen guns, to
move on, and attack them ; he led the van, and
advanced for about three miles. The enemy, how-
ever, seemed unwilling to make a similar effort on
this force, and made off into the mountains, and
the General well knew, it was useless to follow
them, because, as 1 before explained, the intricacies
of the country being entirely uuknown to us, and
the enemy knowing all the secret paths, with
horses like mountain gor.is, enabled them to lead
us a sorry life ; the main satisfaction we could get
was to destroy their forts and dwellings. The
force was ordered to return to camp; the vicinity
of our route was intercepted with several forts ; on
passing one several shots were lired at us, and
it proved to contain a considerable number of
the rebel foe, who, not permitting us to move
unmolested, opened a lire from the battlements.
The General ordered a storming party of the
40th and 41st, and directed a line-pounder to be
taken to another gate, in order to effect a second
entrance. This was soon done, and a severe
scuffle took place ; it contained several women and
children, who were allowed to depart unhurt ; bat
the men were destroyed, the fort was set on fire,

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

277

and

and we returned to camp, after a three and a half
hours fatiguing job : we brought in the fragments
of the bodies of Reeves and Berry, and buried them
in front of the camp ; the 40th had four wounded,
and the 41st one. The force was ordered to march
at six, A. M., though only two miles, and
merely to enable us t. change our position of
camp, from a line, to a square, the last ground not
admitting of it, and it being a better protection from
the dangerous enemy we had to contend with, and
also, that a camp like ours in line, was so long,
and was left in its rear, almost unprotected by even
the guards and piquets, whereas, in square, wc had
four faces, and our baggage, hospital, and followers,
in the centre.

On our arrival at the new ground, the cooking
places of the enemy had got a fire in them, and
they were seen in large numbers on the hills ; we,
however, remained pretty quiet here, and were
ordered to move at four, A. M. : three prisoners
were taken, and shots were frequently exchanged
during the night, by the sentinels. One of the
prisoners was despatched with a letter to the com-
mander of the hostile party, and was directed to
return with an answer, by twelve o'clock, or the
other two would be sacrificed.

We commenced our march this morning, the 30th,
for Gowine, and the enemy accompanied us, keep-
ing up in fine style, about three miles to our right.
We reached our ground without molestation, and

278 SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

pitched camp; the enemy haUed also; some sutttoned
themselves hi forts, in the vicinity of our camp; we
could distinctly hear their dnims ; and a great por-
tion of them encamped on the hills, Shooms-ood-
Dien Khan, cousin of Mahomed Akbar,who murdered
M^Naughten, comn^anded fhe Force, and mustered
about 16,000 men, horse and foot. The ground at
Gowine was ill-calculated for a battle-'lield ; for
Shooms-ood-Dien seemed inclined to give us a
little fair play, or rather a foul chance at him thig
time-but ground to a British Force is not the
object,--the enemy, and the word, is all, and the rest
will soon tell for itself. Nott ordered the troops to
be in readiness, to move into action at three, P. M.
in two brigades ; the first to move to the right and
front, and the second to move in like manner to
the left, thereby enabling us to surround the forts
as we went along, and settle them, ere we approach-
ed the main body. The first brigade consisted of
H. M. 40th, the 16th and 38th Bengal N. I., two
18-pounders, four 12-pounders, and six 6-pounders,
under the command of the General. The 2nd
Brigade consisted of H. M. 41st, two Regiments of
Native Infantry, and an equal proportion >f Artil-
lery ; in addition to this, the light companies of the
corps formed a Us:ht Battalion, under the com-
mand of Captain White, 40th. Captain WhHe,
and his Light Battalion were exemplary during tiie
campaign, and performed some most brilliant and
arduous duties.

BCENKS IN A SOLDIRR'S LIFE.

279

uutoned
tnip; we
eat por-
mh-ood-
urdered
luatered
ound at
sld ; for
^e us a
ilm tbig
not the
the rest
oops to
,P.AI.,
ht and
mer to
ic forts
>roach-
stcd of
[., two
mders,
e 2nd
3nts of
Artil-
of the
com-
VhHe,
ig tiie
t ond

T!ie Brigades took np fine positions in a val-
ley, unseen by the enemy, until all was prepar-
ed for immediate action; when both Brigades
suddenly made their appearance, about three hun-
dred and fifty yards from their principal fort, and
about one thousand eight hundred yards from the
main dy. Detached parties of them were seen
to our right; but a small hill which obstructed
our view, left us unable to ascertain their strength
on it : a portion of the Light Brigade were detach-
ed to take the 1...., and a severe conflict took place,
which ended in our getting: possession. A severe
fire was commenced on the forts from the heavy
battery, under Captain Blood, and a breach was
effected on the large forts.

Anderson's guns made fine play on the main
body in front, and we were soon answered by
a dreadful volley of Artillery from them, which at
once astonished us, for although we had heard of
their having guns, we did not before believe it. They
commenced a severe practice on us, and seemed to
understand the use of them, to a greater extent
than we anticipated. A company of Infantry was
sent to cover each of our heavy guns, and
the enemy made them occasionally a mark, and
succeeded in wounding several. On one occasion,
as I was standing somewhat carelessly in the ranks,
a 6-pounder passed between my legs, and took
the feet off a native follower in rear ; the direction
of the enemy was turned on our lines, but seemed

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280

SCENES IN A SOLDIEK'S LIFE.

not to guess, as well as us, the mode of good
aiming. The General directed our best shots, to
aim for disabling their guns, which was done
m two instances. The enemy now began to
advance, their Artillery men proved themselves
excellent shots, and were doubtless, some of those
who deserted from us at Candahar.

I had on several occasions been exposed to the fire
of musketry, but never before to artillery, which is
not the most pleasant situation to be in, nor do
I suppose I shall be much envied. As we advanced,
skirmishers were thrown out, to cover the two bri-
gades, ^ho were now formed into one line ; the
enemy likewise sent out skirmishers, and the two
lines kept up a heavy fire, and numbers of both
sides fell. After advancing for a considerable
time the General called them in, which was no
sooner done, than he gave the word, Charge I and a
more awful sight scarce ever met my eyes. The
enemy, I fancy, must not have expected it, or they
were ill prepared for it ; they made an attempt to
retire, but not before we had cut up immense num-
bers. As we advanced it was difficult to keep the
line, the dead and dying and wounded being strewed
over our path ; we were suddenly halted, a volley
fired, and re-charged again; the General directed the
cavalry to follow them, and as it was now growing
dark, we retraced our steps back towards camp,
leaving a Regiment to bring in the captured guns,
and collect our dead and wounded. The gallantry of

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

281

the whole force on this day was all that could be
wished for ; the conduct of the Light Companies of
the 40th, 4l8t, and 16th, in th6 hill to the
right, was really great indeed ; the whole returned,
doubtless, greatly fatigued, but crowned with a
glorious victory. Shooms-ood-Dien made oflF, I dare
say, with a flea in his ear. On returning, I saw, and
took from the bodies of the enemy, lying dead,
great portions of our ammunition ; the rascals had
actually been shooting at us with our own shot,
evidently that taken from Ghuznee : the loss of the
enemy was very great, but owing to their old sys-
tem of carrying off their dead, we could not ascer-
tain the precise number ; ours was comparatively
very small. We were ordered to halt the next day
at our present encampment. The halt day was oc-
cupied in replenishing our stores with the grain, &c.,
from the captured forts, and very acceptable it was, for
Major Leech's power was gone ; his voice no longer
recognised by the villagers, and our only chance
now was to do tho best we could. This part of
Affghanistan was in a high state of cultivation,
and was studded with small forts, which were
built very compactly, but were nearly all deserted,
the inhabitants having gone to join the force towards
Ghuznee. The enemy, no doubt tired from the
severity of the Gowine aflfray, left us to rest in
quietude this day, and glad enough all parties
were.

282

SCENES IX ^A SOLDIEU's LIFE.

We had no alann, save their

beiii<

^ . , 'J ''^»v« ineir oeiug seen to move

off m the afternoon, which of course caused us to
be under arni^. The en-agement of the 30th was
tJie most severe I had up to this time ever
seen, and most certainly it did credit to our men.
Ihe (general issued orders, returning his thanks
for the energy and bravery evinced by every man
and expressed his opinion that he should very likely
ere long have an opportunity of again witnessing
their conduct in battle. The force was ordered to
proceed to " Chupper Khana." On our march we
saw several small bodies of the scattered foe mov-
ing off, and we discovered the track of two guna
hanng gone towards the hills, which corroborated
the fact that they had yet more witli them.

The natives of this part of the country are Ha-
rarahs, a tribe peculiar in their habits ; they are a
fine, robust, noble looking people ; the countenance,
flat and round, after that of the Mogul Tartar
or Chinese ; they follow the form of worship of the
I'ersiaas, and do not scruple to eat with another
race ; but they will not drink out of the same ves-
sel with you ; they are a people of great muscular
power, and live principally by farming, and proved
themselves to be great friends to the British ; and
were mentioned by Sir John Keane as having assis-
ted him much in supplying his force, and shewed
their anxiety to do so now. They immediately
hlied our bazaars with provision, and gave every
mformation in their power relative to the enemy

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

283

This place, as well as the last we left, was thronged
with small, neatly built forts, erected in two lines,
and was calleil, "The plain of a thousand forts;"
the one side was occupied by the Affghans, and the
other by the Hazarahs ; the former were all deser-
ted ; and we could therefore get no supplies from
them ; we had therefore to plunder and destroy them;
we wanted grain principally for our cattle, our other
supplies of food being more easy to procure ; the
meat required for the troops was killed daily, the
cattle being driven with the force ; the flour required
for bread and biscuit, used to be ground by native
followers, with hand-mills, on every halt day. It
however turned out that tba Affghans, finding in
the lower country that we were determined to have
supplies by force, if no one would sell, intimated
to the upper posts for them to secrete their grain,
and thus prevent us from ;>lundering it ; but I was
passing round a fort one day with a stick in my
hand, and I found the earth weak, and driving
it in, 1 soon found out the spoil. I took from
holes round the outside of one fort, grain, bar-
ley and wheat sufficient to load two hundred camels,
and our first look out after that, was of course for
the grain graves. We were ordered to halt here
for a day, but in consequence of news of impor-
tance arriving from Ghuznee, where we had spies,
we were directed to march at five, A. M., next day.
During the time that Sir William McNaughten
and General Elphinstone were negociating with

284

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

Akbar Khan, for evacuating the country, it may
be remembered that orders were sent to Ghuznee
Killat-I-Gilzie, and Candahar, for the commanders
there to evacuate them also ; the two latter were
however, fortunately, not complied with, or no doubt
Nott's force would have met a similar fate to those
at Cabool, having a similar route to travel, vid the
Kojuk and Bolun Passes. Ghuznee was, however,
after considerable parley between Colonel Palmer^
who commanded, and Shooms-ood-Dien, who was
directed to treat with, and protect the Ghuznee
force through the country, given up according to a
treaty solemnly sworn to by the Sirdar and h's col-
leagues.

General Nott, it will be remembered, despatched
a brigade under Colone) McLaren from Candahar,
to the assistance of Palmer ; but from the sudden
inclemency of the weather, and heavy falls of snow,
was weather-bound, and unable either to advance
or return ; the Ghuznee folk knew not of this,
and assistance was expected daily '7 them.
Colonel Palmer, who held Ghuznee witti the 27th
Regiment, Native Infantry, and a few others, had
been long held in jeopardy, and about the end of
1841, news came that Ghuznee was surrounded by
20,000 men, being a division of Akbar Khan's
army, who had massacred the Cabool force, in the
Tezeen Pass ; in the early part of the year 1842,
the weather became very severe, the thermometer
standing sometimes ten, twelve, and more than that

SCENES IN A. soldier's LIFE. 285

below zero ; and it may be imagined, the sufferings
of the natives of India, in such a severe clime, wai
dreadful indeed ; the cold has an awful effect on
the native soldiers ; they lose all courage, and I do
not hesitate to say, that had the enemy, in any
instance, summoned pluck to attack us in cold
weather, they could have gained a victory ; that is
when Europeans were not a part of the force. They
were compelled, from the constant annoyance of the
surrounding foe, to keep in tlje fortress, and soon
after brought the arrival of Shoods-ood-Dien Khan;
and the Colonel, unwilling to give up the place, kept
the Sirdar at bay, or in treaty, till the middle of
March, when the chiefs, determining to stand it no
longer, resolved to commence hostilities, and stop
all supplies. The force, having no water in the
citadel, were in a helpless condition ; the snow now
disappeared,— and the provisions were consumed , the
fortress surrounded with an overwhelming foe, no
arrival from Candahar, no prospect of succour, only
one solitary regiment of some six or seven hundred
men to oppose 20,000,— left the Colonel no other
medium, than to enter into the best terms he could,
andhehopedtoeffect an arrangement which would at
least secure them protection. A treaty was then
entered into, to the effect that the force occupying:
Ghuznee should be conducted with safety and
honor to Peshawar, with all their property invio-
late. This was most solemnly sworn to by all con-
cerned, and the troops left the citadel, and were

286

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

quartered in the town, under the walls of the cita.
del, It being inipossibleto proceed until the snow-
had subsided from the passes. The troops had no
sooner quitted the citadel, and the enemy in pos-
session of it, than they turned traitors, violating
their oaths ; and mocking the troops as infidels and
culprits ; they commenced a severe battle, and
succeeded in annihilating many of the troops.
1 aimer, however, who had arranged in the treaty
that each man should carry fifty rounds of ammu-
nition, formed up his few remaining men, and sue
ceeded m keeping off the enemy till night: but
alas I his ammunition was all expended, several of
the officers were wounded, and there was no chance
of escape; efi-orts were made to dig a hole through
the wall, which, after a long time, having nothing
but bayonets to work with, was accomplished, and
one by one numbers escaped, but to meet a worse
fate J the enemy, discovering this, stopped it, and
the houses occupied by them in the town were filled
with the dead and dying; poor Mrs. Lumsden, and

her husband, with all the servants in the house were •
put to death. Colonel Palmer was in a most dejec
ted state, no provisions of any kind, nor prospect
of any; the scene was horrible; the day broke,
and the few remaining collected together at head
quarters ; they burnt their property, some their
watches, ring., miniatures, and thu colors of the
regiment, lest they should fall in the traitors' hands r
one man, having some gold, loaded his piece, deter-

SCENES IN A SOLPIBR'a LIFE.

28T

mined, if be did sacrifice it, it should be in some
of their bodies. The few remaining Sepoys now<
became desperate, and gave up all idea of disci-
pUno. Shooms-ood-Dien and the chiefs again
swore by p.ll the most sacred oaths, that if they
would lay down their arms, all would he right,
and that they should be sent to Cabool, and hono-
rably treated, as soon as possible. The Sirdar sent
and begged they would come into the citadel, to treat
on the subject, as they were in the utmost danger,
as the Ghazees were only awaiting for their lives
outside. They went up to the gate, gave up their
Bwords, and were ushered into the presence of the
chief; those who refused to enter the citadel were
cut to pieces or alike made prisoners. The chief
for the first few days treated them tolerably well,
but afterwards very severely ; they were placed in
small rooms, about tv/enty feet, by nine, together,
without beds or comforts ; not even changes of
linen, in consequence of which they were soon
covered with vermin and filth, open to every chance
of contracting a loathsome disease— dirty, and mi-
serable. They tortured the Colonel with ropes and
tent pegs, by dragging his joints and feet ; they
were told they would be each tortured in turn,
and the pleasantness of such a life may be imagined,
never an hour certain of being alive ; but life
was worse than all then. News at length arrived
^ of the murder of Shah Shoojah, the king of Cabool,
and the severities heaped on the Ghuznee prisonerft

288

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

were threefold j occasionally, the wretches would
be a little easy, and then would seem as if they
had been concocting some other plan to render
their lives more miserable. All this went on till
August, when they were sent off towards Cabool,
and on their arrival were taken direct to Akbar
Khan, the cold-blooded murderer of McNaughten.
He said that he had repeatedly sent off directions
to Ghuznee, to have them sent to Cabool, but hii
letters remained unanswered ; but now they had
come they should be treateu like officers ; the news
was doubtless acceptable, after such a specimen of
Affghan sympathy as that at Ghuznee; on the
following morning after breakfast, they were sent
to join the other British prisoners, who had been
taken at Cabool, who were a few miles off, Akbar
kindly handing them over to the care of Major Pot-
tinger ; a list of clothes they required was sent to
the Khan, and supplied, and they then proceeded
with the whole of the prisoners to Bameean, under
the care of an arrant rascal of a chief, whose word
or oath was not in the least to be depended on.

In consequence of news arriving from Ghuznee,
we were ordered to proceed at once. Nothing of
note occurred for three or four days ; the enemy
having evidently gone to assemble in one body at
Ghuznee, and await our arrival. The orchards
well filled with fruits, were ripening fast, and
the Tribe of Hazarah^ still continued to supply
our bazaar, and the fruit was a fine luxury,

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

289

being cheap, as well as good. I had almost for-
gotten to remark) that for several days, as we came
along, we were joined by men of the 27th Regi-
ment, Native Infantry, being some of those who
had escaped from Ghuznee, at the time of the out-
break, and were, as they joined, taken on our
strength ; they had on generally the Alfghan cos-
tume, and were known by their manners, and
caste ; these arriving almost daily, were examin-
ed as to the force at Ghuznee; we learned that
Shooms-ood-Dien had possession of the fortress,
that a very strong force had assembled, and that
they labored under the impression, that we should
retire from them, as they held it, and in stronger
force than when captured by Keane, in 1839. —
On our nearer approach towards Ghuznee, greater
numbers of the 27th came in, and of course, gave
much information. On the 4th of September, we
reached camp, some six miles from the fortress, and
early on the morning of the 5th, made slow pro-
gress, owing to the ground being so intersected with
deep ravines, that it required considerable exer-
tions to get the baggage and cattle over — we at
length arrived in sight of the fortress, and it bore
a most formidable appearance, and left the impres-
sion that much remained to be done.

Ghuznee is situated on the base of a hill, which
supports its rear or main post, and commands a
most extensive plain, and it is in the midst of a
rich, fertile country ; it has ever held the most noble

290

SCENES IN A soldier's UFE.

rank as a capital, and is capable of being rendered
one of the most important fortifications in the
Eastern Nations ; its adjacent hills are great, and
border on Dcra and Bamecan ; it covers the routes
of the latter, as well as Loghar and Cabool ; near
the low hills which command the city, are several
cemeteries, and ancient buildings ; at a short dis-
tance is Rozah, in which stands the great sepulchre,
and shrine of Mahmood, the once famed Emperor
of Ghuznce ; and of whom, ^^ Dow" speaks so much
in his History of Hindostan.

The revenue of Ghuznee, at the present day, is
not very great ; but the country abounds in riches,
in the shape of orchards, and other productions.

The fortress in itself is of great importance ; the
town is walled round, and contains several thousand
houses ; the former principally of stone, and the
latter of mud. It is surrounded by a deep trench ;
the main entrance, being the one blown up by Sir
Joiin Keane, is in ruins, and another was made to
the right. In the centre of the town, stands
the citadel, which had three tiers ; the lower one
had been much improved since we possessed it, and
a parade ground, or large square j had been formed,
as a park for the ordnance. A river ran close by,
which afforded good water, and rendered it almost
complete. All remained quiet, till within a short
distance from them, fortunately for us, as it enabled
us to get up our baggage, and cattle ; close to the
rear of the column, the road was very difficult, being

SCENES IM A soldier's LIFE.

291

over extensive flolda of long grass, and the ditches
Tery numerous and wide, in crossing which the cattle
were continually falling, which greatly delayed us.
The General directed the Light Battalion to pro-
ceed with the Quarter Master General, to take up
an encampment opposite to Ghuznee, at a place
some two and a half miles from the fortress, known
as Sir John Keaue's garden. I accompanied this
body, and as we proceeded, we discovered the
enemy in the citadel, and a great number outside,
preparing to advance. The Quarter Master Gene-
ral ordered a portion of his force to man a sm:.!!
hill, which commanded their approach, and left it
in charge of Captain Adamson, of the 40th. The
General despatched in another direction, the 16th
Native Infantry, under Colonel McLaren, who were
met by the enemy, and a smart action took place;
fortunately, however, after having rallied for some
time, the corps managed to get under cover, in a
walled garden, about a mile from the fort, and kept
.them off in fine style; the Colonel, finding the
enemy so numerous, feared a serious result, as the
chauces were, the General could not send him a
re-inforcement, before the whole of his ammunition
would be expended, and a soldier without ammu-
nition, is not in the most enviable situation.
The Quarter Master General's party was attacked,
but effected a complete mastery over them, and
drove them back. The General, perceiving the
situation of McLaren, despatched the 3rd Regiment,

292

SCENES iN A soldier's LIFE.

Light Cavalry, and two of Anderson's guns, who got
up just in time to save them, as they were getting
short of shot ; at length came up the General with
the main body ; the cavalry made a grand charga
after those outside the town, and we lost a great
number of our men> but not before .eaving a greater
number of the enemy lying on the field j during
ail this time those in possession of the citadel
were not idle, but made some excellent play
with their guns from the square I named, as
being situate on the lower part of the citadel ;
but fortunately for us their knowledge of the art of
gunnery was so shallow thai they did little or no
damage with their guns. One of the hills mentioned
as adjacent to the fortress, was called Balloon Hill,
from its peculiar form, and difiiculty of ascent ; this
hill was literally crowded with the rebels, and their
colours were planted in every direction ; they now
began to emerge from the gates in great numbers,
and finding, after the charge of the cavalry, that
they had no chance of overpowering the front,
Shooms-ood-Dien despatched a large force round, to
attack the rear of our columns. The General had,
however, taken the necessary precaution, and
reinforcec^ the rear guard to 2000 men, with six
guns, including the heavy battery. Perceiving
the object the enemy had in view, let fly a vol-
ley of grape to meet them, which had the desi-

gkound, and the rest immediately made off j the next

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

293

thing to be done was to get possession of Balloon
Hill. This hill was so situated that it commanded
all around it, and more particularly the square
in the citadel, as it immediately covered it. The
General directed the 40th and 16th to proceed
at once and take the hill. The order was in itself
easily given; my readers may imagine the position.
The guns from the citadel were in full play, the
hill was in possession of, and covered by several
hundrf ds of the enemy, both horse and foot ; the as-
cent wasconsiderable, andwe were nearly two miles
from it. However, it is not for Britons to look at
difficulties in such a moment, for had we done so
we should never have accomplished it ; we set for-
ward, and those in the fortress seeing our advance,
opened a heavy fire upon us, which. Providence be
thanked, showed us that they could not hit their
mark, andwe reached the foot of the hill with little
loss. Those in possession, leapt for joy, at the
apparent opportunity of cutting us off. We com-
menced the ascent, throwing out skirmishers in
every direction ; our fire was kept up steadily as
on a parade, and every ball seemed to find its
desired billet ; numbers fell, of course, but not near
so many as we had been anticipating. We were
obliged to halt half way to gain breath, and neces-
sitated tc keep up a heavy fire; we again advanced,
and the enemy began to show symptoms of retiring,
which greatly encouraged us, and we made a des-
perate effort, and sent a volley into them, charged,

Wfmmm

■i»Wii li 'i

294

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

I
'ill

and at length they retired ; we followed, and at
last gained the summit. Theyrashed down the other
side, and made off in the direction of Candahar,
where they were met by a brigade sent round by
the General for that purpose.

Having gained possession of the hill, those in
the citadel began to pour the fire of artillery into
us, but as usual without success, and in order to
get out of sight we were ordered to lie down, that
they might imagine we had evacuated our position;
as we lay there, the balls were fast whistling over
us, and the force under the command of the Gene-
ral was making a clean sweep of all those out-
side the walls, which after he had effected, next
required the citadel. It was however found imprac-
ticable to storm the fortress that day, first because
the Sappers and Miners could not have time to com-
plete their operations, and second, in consequence
of the fatigued state of the troops. The 16th was
to be left in charge of the hill, and the 40th were
ordered to return to the encampment ; this order
was, if anything, even worse than the first, because
all being comparatively quiet, we should, on retir-
ing, b : the only targets for them to fire at, and our
utter destruction seemed inevitable ; we, however,
had to obey, and as was expected, no sooner
did we come under cover of their guns than they
opened a severe fire from all their pieces, but their
firing was always either too far, or too short ; and
thus we reached camp in almost safety.

SCENES IN A SOLDIEK'S UFB.

295

The followers had been all employed in pitching
the tents, and the cooks (natives) had prepared our
scanty meal ; the 16th were left in possession of
the hill ; and the General ordered two guns, either
under Captain Blood or Anderson, I really forget
which, to proceed to the top of the hill, and dis-
lodge them in the citadel, which, after some diffi-
culty, was eflfected, and most ably did they accom-
plish their duty ; they soon put a stop to them, and
by their superior arrangement and management
of artillery, disabled nearly all their guns. We
had scarcely got well seated in our tents when we
were suddenly surprised by the whizzing of a ball
over the Camp, which lodged in the officers' mess
tent of the 41st ; after that came another and ano-
ther, and they kept up a Ene string of them, aim-
ing most admirably. We soon discovered that they
had a sixty-eight pounder, which before had re-
mained quiet.

These shots coming so fast, and lodging just in
our midst, doing considerable damage, although we
were nearly two miles from it, compelled the General
to shift camp a mile further off, and we were at last
out of the reach of the bull-dog ; they most cer-
tainly in this instance did put us to the route. This
piece was called " Chuppa Jung," of Persian
manufacture, and as is usual in all the forts of im-
portance in Asia, was placed in the citadel; and

o mnai nAWA.rfnl nifiCe it WaS.

296

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

The General now began to arrange his plans for
storming, and taking the fortress ; the engineers
were all busily employed in preparing for the ope-
Fation ; and as the day began to draw to a close,
orders were issued for the troops to be in readiness
to move just before daylight on the morrow. The
night at length came on, and lights were ordered
to be extinguished at eight, P. M.; and at that
hour all was darkness, and enveloped upwards
of 20,000 souls, ft would be impossible for
me to describe sufficiently the acuteness of a sol-
dier's feelings the night before a battle; if an
action takes place, suddenly, and without having
been much contemplated, the thing is not so
much felt, ])ecause circumstances will not per-
mit him to reflect; but when, having been engaged,
and the day's work is done, and knowing that the
morrow will bring forth another conflict, it would
be hard to describe the feelings at such a period.

Picture yourself, sitting after an action, sur-
rounded with the remaining comrades, in your tent,
and looking round to see how many there were
left, and who are missing; to listen to the de-
tails as to who saw him last, and how he fell ;
and then to wonder whether you would be there
tomorrow night, to talk over the exploits of the
day : picture the soldier, with a throbbing heart,
filled with anxiety at knowing he was about to
form one of a storming party, on a place of immense

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

297

strength, which, almost under any circumstances,
must result in the destruction of some hundreds of
our men — and who were those men? That was the
question. " Shall I get shot, I wonder, tomorrow?"
one would say ; " well if I do, let so and so be
done." "You'll write to my friends aud let them
know about it," another would ask of a comrade. " Of
course I will," would be his answer, " if I escape."
Picture another on a hoarded sheet of paper,
soiled with keeping, penning down his last wishes,
in the fullest expectation of being killed ; and ima-
gine his inward feelings, silent and careworn,
quietly ruminating on the morrow. There lay the
men in sadness, on their cold and earthy beds, anx-
iously awaiting the signal to prepare for a last
struggle ; the expressions of each heart, could it
have been made audible, would doubtlesshave been
found to be offering up prayers to the maker and
ruler of all things, or pondering over their boyhood's
days, when, surrounded by all the tranquillity of af-
fection and happiness, when they had no care or fear.
The scenes of early youth would pass as visions be-
^bre their eyes, and present themselves in all their
joyousness and fondness ; the playmates would be
whispering their mutual tales, and danger for the
moment would be lost to the mind; the progressing
years would follow fast in the weary soldier's mind,
and suddenly wov ' return to his present situation,

r»~ r^« A.o,«v> 4^lirwan ana-naa ar\i\-fr\or\i\a f»f nTir»ft Sft dftftr

and near, in hourly expectation of being sacrificed

298

SCENES IN A SOLDIEB^S LIFE.

III!

in bis country's cause, with the fear that those
friends might never know the particulars of his last
moments, while in the raging of battle, and tumult
of the crush he would be consigned to a soldier's
unknown grave. Such was the position in which
the troops of Ghuznee were placed on the night of
the fifth of September ; every heart was filled with
dismay, not knowing but that it was his last night
with his comrades. There is scarce anything so pain-
ful amongst soldiers as parting with each other, a
certain fraternal tie exists amongst them, which is in
itself unaccountable, and at once makes our army
so able and so powerful. All was at length pre-
pared for the attack, and about half an hour before
the day broke, the word was passed from tent to
tent, to form up. Each rose in sadness, and many
shook the hand of his comrade as for the last time ;
the cattle were despatched with the powder, to
ensure the explosion, and platforms had been care-
fully planted for the heavy battery to commence a
breach. The troops were slowly and silently ad-
vanced, and arranged ready to storm immediately
after the gates were blown up ; and daybreak was to
be the signal. At length the day dawned, and lo !
what was our surprise when we saw floating on the
highest tower the English colors. The sight relie-
ved each heart as though we had had a fortune. The
enemy had during the night evacuated the citadel,

PPrfnin nrHpra in ihai afPaM frnm

Cabool. Colonel McLaren, who had kept the hill,

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

299

finding they had left it, took immediate possession, and
placed "The Flag that braved a thousand years" on
the highest point. Thusdid Providence prevent the
inevitable loss of some hundreds of our force, and
never was a force more agreeably surprised than
those at Ghuznee on the 6th of September, 1841.

CHAPTER XVI.

Ghuznec; Chuppa Jung; Description of the Fortress; Interest-
ing lettero; The vicinity of Ghuznee; Orchards; Fruit; Pre-
parations for destroying the Citadel; A general havoc; The
Somnauth Gates; Mahmood's tomb; March towards Cabool;
Futteh Khan's fort; Young'Evans again ; Strange discovery;
Captain Woodbum's will; His dreadful death, and massacre
of his force; Night dangerous; Prospect of a night attack;
Short but harrassing march; Valley of Midan; An impudent
CMief; Suspicious arrival; Approach near Cabool; Entrance
into Cabool; Lieut. Shakespeare; The prisoners; Sir Robert
Sale's Brigade sent to rescue them.

Ghuznee being now ours, all hands made a point
of visiting this impregnable fortress ; and on enter-
ing, a road leading to the right brought us into the
spot where lay all the disabled guns, and our friend
" Chuppa Jang:' The gun was of brass, and moun-
ted on a large wooden carriage, and was surmoun-
ted at the centre by two brass lions and.rings ; its
length was thirteen feet four inches ; and two feet
from the muzzle, five feet two inches in cir-
cumference ; it had evidently been much used, as it
bore the appearance of having been repaired. It
was a most unwieldy instrument to move, but
most certainlv did orroof rlon>oa>A ««;» «r«„ ,„«ii

»■ Q-vift; i.it.ijj.n.t^v, dliu. rrao vvcii

situated where it was. In this space was fine

f'.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

801

stabling, and barracks which were erected and used
by Pahner'a Brigade. On retracing our steps, we
came to a long passage, the end of which was the
magazine, well stored with every kind of ordnance,
fuzes, shells, rockets, ammunition of every des-
cription, being that left by Palmer on liis evacua-
tion.

Close to this place was a well, wluch, although
dry, led us to believe that there was a possibility of
procuring water, had it been tried, and I must confess
my surprise that Palmer had not made some effort
to have procured water in the fort; which, with
his force, from the very commanding position afford-
ed in the citadel, it would have been almost impos-
sible to have lost.

Close by was an arch-way leading to the
citadel; two large copper cased gates, studded
with huge nails, formed the entrance, and on wind-
ing round to the left, led to an inner square ; the
buildings were of fine eastern construction, being
ornamented with most delicate, perforated work,
so joined with ingenuity together as to form a
net-work, introducing most tasteful figures and
designs. The walls plastered white and enamelled,
ornamented and corniced; the houses were of
two stories, and the lower ones were used as
kitchens ; in one of the upper landings I discovered
two oblong, dark, narrow rooms, which, on exami-
nation, I found to have been occupied by our
unfortunate countrymen, when prisoners here for

302

SCENES IN A soldier's LIPB.

I I

•everal months ; they were in a very filthy state, and
the stench exceedingly disagreeable. On closer exa-
mination, which of course curiosity would lead to,
several portions of writing were found on the walls,
some written with burnt stick, a nail, or some other
cutting substance, and one was in pencil. I took a
literal copy of every portion of the writing, and
it will of course be interesting to my readers, as
well as corroborative and illustrative of the feel-
ings of the unfortunate fellows ; it will also fully bear
out the brief detail given by me of the affair,
wl^ch is taken from an account I had from one of
the prisoners' own lipp
The following are true copies : —

First, (written with a blunt pencil.)

«• Col. Palmer, Capt. Olston, Lt. Powett, Lt. Harris, Ensigns
Williams, Nicholson, and Davis, and Dr. Thompson, 27th N. I ,
Capt. Lee Burnett, 54th, and Lt. Crawford, S. S. F., prisoners in
the fort of Ghuznee, through the treachery of Sirdar Shooms-
ood-Dien Khan, his brothers Gool Mahomed, Nahib Ravoolish
Khan, and Sirdar Mullok Mahomed, in having broken everj
article of two treaties solemnly sworn to. If on the arrival of
any British force, the prisoners are not forthcoming, avenge them
on the aboveipentioned, and on Khan Mahomed or Killa Madoof
(a cousin of the Sirdar's) his brother Taj Mahomed, and Nizar
Mahomed— they had charge of the prisoners, and treated them
most infamously, having once tortured the Colonel, and taken
•very opportunity of being insolent and oppressive.

(Signed,) « C. Harhis."

"P.S.— 26th May, 1842.— Khan Mahomed Khan is said to
have a wife and two children In the power of Captain Mackeson,
in Kbanxez."

8CSKSS IN A soldier's LIFE.

303

tate, and
oser exa-
I lead to,
be walls,
me other
I took a
ng, and
Elders, as
the feel-
ully hear
e affair,
on one of

is, Ensiig^ns
27th N. I ,
risoners in
r Shooms-
Ravoolish
iken ©verj
arrival of
enge them
lla Madoof
and Nizar
!ated them
and taken

'arbib."
is said to
Kfackeson,

SmomT, (lerittm with a nail or hard tubttanet.)
" If we are killed, let our blood be avenged on Sirdar Shoomi-
ood-Dien Khan, Niaar Mullok Mahomed, and Gool Mahomed

Khan."

Thirdy (icratched on the waB.)

«• May 28th.
«• Let Sirdar Shooms-ood-Dien, and all his brothers, be blown
away ; Khan Mahomed Khan, and his brother Taj Mahomed, be
hanged ; and their followers, and as many of our jailors as can
be caught."

Fourth, (written with a burnt stick or charcoal)

" 27th May, '42.
••An Affghan, by name FuttuUok, a Shika.'ee, and an infernal
scoundrel, must be hanged without the least mercy.

(Signed.) "T. D"

Fifth, (scratched on the wall)
f " Colonel Palmer, Capt. Burnett, 54th, Olston, 27th, Powett,
Lts Crawford (Christie's Horse,) Harris, Williams, Nicholson,
Davis, Dr. Thompson— confined in the Bala Hissar, as prisoners,
since the 10th March, 1842."

Sixth, (written with burnt wood.)
•' Shooja was killed on the 6th April, 1842."

Seventh, (written with burnt wood.)
Mrs. Lumsden's room opposite, in which was written,—
••Thomas Persey,"-" Teague,"-" Rathfamam,"-" 23 Rupees,
13th June."

Initials, &c. &c., were written in every part of the
rooms, evidently having been the occupation of the
poor, miserable, incarcerated creatures, expressive of
their inward sentiments, when thinking of their home
and friends, who knew not of their condition, and
perchance should never meet again. It is needless
to comment on this, as it will convey sufficient to
the mind of the reader, to enable him to enter into

f-':*^

304

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

i\u

the foolinga of those who wore so long oppressed
by an insolent and treacherous foe.

Onreadingthe portion of writing, stating that "Mrs
Lumsden's room was oi)posite," I of course went
tliitlier, and a sorry liolo ft was ; a small room in
which were several broken bottles, an old tin clothes
box, and the head of a human being I I believe it
was that of a native. I proceeded up a staircase
leading from the four sides of the square to the turret
of the place, which was high, and afforded a beau-
tiful view; this formed also a nice promenade, and
at each corner was a bastion, in which was a small
room, most elaborately ornamented, and was used
by the chiefs as a lounging room. A small window to
each, under which was a couch of marble, enabled
them to see for a vast extent round the beautiful
country, the whole of which, for miles, was richly
thronged with orchards filled with trees, bending
with the choicest fruits, apples, plums, peaches,
grapes, &c., in abundance. Of such a variety of
flavors w^ere those fruits, that it now became a matter
of taste and dilTiculty to suit oneself. The grapes
in particular, varied in size from a currant to
that of a pullet's egg. I weighed several that
exceeded half an ouiicc, and it was f oiu ?..> v to see
bunches so large that two men would carry them on
the centre of a pole, to prevent destroying them • nav
so plentiful were the fruits, both apples and grapes
th?t we used to feed upwards of 35,000 head of
cn^v^'e T?Iih them, during our stay.

SCENES IN A SOLDIEH'S LIFE.

305

pressed

U"Mrs
e went
oom in
clothes
lievc it
laircase
e turret
I beau-
ie, and
a small
18 used
idow to
snabled
lautiful
richly
ending
jaclies,
iety of
matter
grapes
mt to
I that
to see
em on
i; nay
:rapes,
3ad of

We collected a larj^e quantity of grain and flour
from the citadel, and lots of firewood ; all that was
of use to us wc nmk ; the guns, about eiglitcen in
number, were destroyed, including " Chuppa," and
the portions of the magazines which might reple-
nish ours were selected ; the remainder was used
to undermine the towers, ere we left the place,
and the Sappers having completed their arrange-
ments, the train was fired, and the once impregna-
ble fortress and citadel of Ghuznee was razed to
the ground— and thus the (ire kindled in 1838 and
1839, by Lord Keanc's army, was quenched by
Nott's, in 1842.

The General took care to destroy every place,
calculated to prove a refuge, and several forts, in
and near the place, were fired and blown up, and
we were ordered to proceed towards Oabool, as it
was expected that the enemy had assembled there
en masse; and as we should have to join PoUotk,
who was fast advancing up the passes on the other
side, we were all anxious to arrive there first. The
commander had received instructions from the
Governor General to call at Rozah, en route, and
take from the tomb of Sultan Mahmood, the cele-
brated gates of Somnauth. A working party
was ordered to accompany Major Saunders, of the
Engineers, and take them down. I went of course,
and managed to preserve a few pieces, which I
kept as curiosities, and brought to England.

306

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

JMll

The tomb of the resting monarch was certainly
most beautiful, and many were the cries of regret
of the fakeers about the place, at the removal of
the gates ; they offered lacs of rupees to leave them.
According to Dow's History, we learn that between
the year 996 and 1028, Mahmood with an Immense
army, made his way to wan' s India, and being
short of funds, resolved on ransacking Somnauth,
a town in the Guzerat Peninsula. Somnauth con-
tained a temple of great worth, and in it an Idol of
considerable stature, made of gold, whose bowels,
says the historian, were of costly jewels ; after
repeated attacks, several of which had proved
unsuccessful, on the part of Mahmood, he effected
its overthrow — secured the idol, turned the gold
into money, and sold the jewels ; and on retiring,
carried off the gates of the temple as a trophy, to
Ghuznee, and directed that they should enclose his
tomb. These are the said gates, and the Moolahs
were in constant prayer for their protection.
Somnauth still exists, and the natives of Guzerat,
when addressed by the Governor General, heard
with the greatest satisfaction that he purposed
restoring to them the gates tliat once enclosed their
deity of that name. They are two huge gates,
after the style of our cimrch doors, richly carved,
and are of sandal wood ; but age seemed to have
taken away the beautiful perfume from the wood ;
they were carefully packed in numdahs, a sort of
matted hair blanket, and a platform cart was allot-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

307

ted for them, and a strong guard mounted over,
and accompanied them every day.

On the old site of Ghuznee stand two minarets
of immense height, wliich are worked over with
hieroglyphics, and mark the entrance to the old
and famous city.

We recommenced our march towards Cabool ; the
road was somewhat better, and the mornings were
most beautiful ; but being many thousands of feet
above the level of the sea, it must have been very
severe in the winter.

We marched through a most picturesque scene,
leading through a pass, of about two miles and a
half, and opening out into a lovely plain, and the
suddenness of the transition much enlivened the
traveller, for the varieties of a route diversified by
the beauties of nature, render it oftentimes plea-
sant; but the pleasantry of our journey was over-
thrown by the fact of our attention being called to
other more serious matters.

Nothing of u3te occurred for some Lvf days,
save our luck at getting occasionally a good sup-
ply of grain ; this day I collected about 40,000 lbs.
of wheat, buried in three holes, and a fine prize it
was, as our stock, as we drew near to Cabool, was
fast decreasing.

On the 12th we arrived at the fort formerly
belonging to Futteh Khan ; the inhabitants had
however, deserted it, and had carefully blocked up,
the entrance with mud and stones; which wo, how-

Ill

308

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

erer, soon removed ; on our determination to enter
it, young Evans, 41st, who was ever daring and
brave, perhaps too much so, mounted up the steep
walls like a young deer, and it was fortunate for
him that none of the enemy were in the fort, or he
must certainly have been cut up ; we, however, soon
gained an entrance, and found plenty of lucerne
or dried grass. On searching round we saw a spot
where a considerable deal of blood had been shed,
and on searching the interior we found some articles
of European manufacture. I entered a small inner
room, and picked up a tea-cup, a stock, and several
letters ; one proved to be the will of the late Cap-
tain Woodburn, who, in November of 1841, was,
with one hundred and fifty Sepoys, barbarously mas-
sacred by the AfFghans, at this place ; they were
buried in a large hole dug outside, and were yet
visible ; a letter was also found, being a letter of
recommendation from Sir William M'Naughten ; it
was written in Persian. I gave the will and stock
to Major Leech ; a large party of the Staff were
present at the melancholy discovery, and caused many
epithets to be heaved upon the rascally traitors who,
in cold-blood, could murder unprotected beings,
particularly men in sickness. The enemy were
found to be hovering about here, and attacked
small parties of grass cutters, going a short dis-
tance. During the night several sentries were placed

rt/^««i r\m

j-v* 4-««fti«

occurred ; but we had now become so used to it.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

309

soon

that it became a sort of music, and it was consi-
dered very strange if we had not some of it every
night,— pop, pop, continually,— and, scarcely listen-
ing, those in the tents would sleep as soundly as if
nothing extraordinary was going on.

During this night some Affghans succeeded in
shooting a sentry on his post ; and it being a dou-
ble sentry, his comrade was severely wounded;
one man of the 41st was overpowered by a few of
them, and cut to pieces.

The nights now became more serious. Yelling
and shouting, firing from jezaills and matchlocks
into our camp, at the dead hour of night, ren-
dered it necessary to be up, and it caused much
annoyance. The foe, evidently intended to have
another trial, had arranged themselves amongst
the adjacent hills, and followed us closely, though
out of our sight. Next day brought us in a very
intricate position; our camp was surrounded by
hills, and it was necessary to detach several
strong guards, in the defiles; Shooms-ood-Dien,
who still commanded the enemy, had stationed him-
self not far off, and as the enemy drew nigh, deter-
mined to make a night attack. The General, how-
ever, was well up with hun, and divided the majo-
rity of his troops, to command the hills, and a
heavy fire was kept up from all parties ; the night
certainly was much against us ; but we, however,

^^^^^AaA in tooninor fhftm off, ftftftF a wcarv

1-t

night. We next morning made the best of our way

310

SCENES IK A SOLDIEB^S LIFE.

towards Midan. Major Leech, who was at the head
of our Intelligence Department, obtained, by means
of some Hazarahs and other spies, information that
Shooms-ood-Dieu intended to obstruct our path
this mornin^^j and we had expected to have
made a long march, but were prevented from
doing so by the appearance of the foe. Our
route led along a narrow valley, with the enemy
on both sides, in the hills, and so narrow was
the road, that we were within the range of
their matchlocks. The consequence was that
many experienced very narrow escapes ; I, for one,
moving along, had a ball graze my turban, and Cap-
tain Adamson, 40th, had one across the peak of
his cap ; another got a ball on his breast plate, and
innumerable others. The General directed Our
artillery to keep up a continued irregular fire,
during our advance, and after great difficulty we
managed to get into a wider part of the road ; the
Light Companies were directed to crown the
heights. The Quarter Master General had either
mistaken the ground, or the order had not been
properly understood, or we should have encamped
much nearer. The Quarter Master General's party
had great difficulty in pitching camp, as they were
under a heavy fire of the enemy, and had to keep
them off; but on the arrival of the main body they
were soon quieted, and we passed, much to our sur-

nrisp a VPW Onlm nIo>li+ On InAL-inn- rlrk"^" '^" t^a

valley of Midan, it presented one of the most

SCENES IN A SOLDIEB'S LIFE.

311

beautiful of scenes— crowded with small forts, and
bordered with the ricliest orchards, intersected
by a clear stream, that watered the fields. The
country was variegated with the ^ >vely tints of
autumn, and the tall pine trees waving their heads
in majestic splendour, coupled with the odori-
ferous fragrance from innumerable flowers, made
the scene baffle all description; but all those,
being the strongholds of the chiefs, who had so
long opposed us, were doomed to destruction, and
soon became a burning mass.

An impudent rascal of a chief, who actually
confessed that he had been fighting against us the
day before, came to Major Leech, to whom he was
well known, and wished to get from the General a
written paper, that his property would be protected ;
but the General sent him off, with the declaration
that if one shot was fired, the whole of Midan
would be in ruins that night. The General, not un-
derstanding the language spoken, was necessitated
to speak through his interpreter, and I being close
by at the time, learned the fact of his visit. We
again got on the road, and reached Urgundee. It
was at this place that Dost Mohammed Khan
planted his guns across the road, to intercept the
route of Sir John Keane, but thinking better of it,
abandonedhisintentions,leavingthemto be captured

by us, and afterwards surrendered himself to Sir
William M'Nauditen, and was sent as a state pri-
soner to Calcutta.

312

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

In the afternoon, a son of one of the chiefs of
the Kuzzilbashes, a Persian race,— and who
foiin a portion of the population of Cabool,-—
arrived in camp, to say that he would do all in
his power to assist the British, having aban-
doned Akbar Khan ; it was certainly strange con-
duct ; but it led us to understand that Cabool was
not likely to be opposed, and that General Pollock
had made a successful affair of his advance through
the Khiva. We were on our next day's march met
by several officers from Pollock's force, who were
now at Cabool, having gained a march or two
on us. We soon reached our next destination,
Cabool, and encamped about five miles on this side.
On our reaching camp, the forts around were nearly
all vacated, and on entering several, we disco-
vered quantities of the stores of the massacred
army; one fort contained a great many bottles,
glasses, cans, furniture, boxes, boots, hospital
stores, tents, and, in fact, more than is necessary
to detail. The sight of these things filled every
heart with revenge, and determined them not to
shew clemency to a single soul, bearing the slightest
connection with the Affghan race.

The camp was again moved nearer to Cabool,
and about a mile and a half from the camp of Gene-
ral Sale, consisting of the 9th and 13th Regiments,
and 3rd Light Dragoons ; several of them visited
us, and the meeting may be easily imagined.
News arrived that Mrs. Trevor and seven children,

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE. 313

Dr. Campbell, and his lady,, and Captain Troup,
who had been prisoners, had been rescued. A
Brigade, consisting of the 3rd Light Dragoons, a
wing of the 13th Light Infantry, and four guns,
were ordered to proceed, under command of General
Sale, to reinforce Lieutenant Shakespeare, who had
been sent some time before to recover the prisoners,
who, it was believed, were in the Bamean Passes
—hard by. Lieutenant Shakespeare is the inde-
fatigable officer, who, it may be remembered, had
charge of the Russian prisoners some few years
ago, and had now been sent with some six hundred
Kuzzilbashes after ours ; it was also rumoured that
Akbar Khan was at large, and we lived in great
hopes that he might be taken ; after many rumours,
news arrived from the g^^Uant Lieutenant that the
prisoners had been discovered safe, and Sale's
Brigade was sent off at once to protect them into
camp, lest a rescue might take place.

CHAPTER XVII.

State of the times; Detail of the unfortunate disasters at Cabool ;
Akbar Khun; The petition of the Cantonment; Power of the
enemy; The Rebel Chiefs; First evidence of the outbreak;
Sir William McNaushtcn; Sir Alexander Barnes; Serious
warmng of his servant; Position of the Ambassador; His
retinue; His career, and his murder; Alarming situation of
tiie enemy; The King; His power; Conduct and dominion;
The Durbar; The insurgent Chief.; General Elphinstone;
His conduct; The 44th Uegiment; Their conduct; Miserable
prdspect; Captureof prisoner? by the enemy; Hostile meeting;
Determination to stand; Overpowered; Forced to retire quick ;
Meetmgofthe Envoy and Chiefs; Brigadier Shelton; Britain's
honor at stake; State of the King's Palace; Hostile corres-
pondence; Proposed meeting between Akbar and the Enemy;
Secret development; The meeting; Serious misgivings; The
Envoy's life in danger; The seizure; Dastardly conduct of
Akbar; Massacre of McNaughteu, and capture of his Suite.

The excitement which liad long existed, reUitive to
the prisoners, is ah'cady very fjimilar to my readers,
and it needs hardly to be noticed at any great length
by me here; their happy release was principally
owing to the unremitting exertions of Major Pot-
tinger, who was one of them • and as it will, no
doubt, be a matter of particular interest to know the
manner in which they were treated, and the general
cause of this; having now reached Cabool, 1 may

BCENE3 IN 1. soldier's LIFE.

315

as well draw the matter up in a short detail, in
order to thus far acquaint my readers. Several of
the prisoners, with whom I was intimately ac-
quainted, afforded me much information, and I thus
am the better enabled to give it to my friends.

In the Introductory Chapter of this unvarnished
tale, I have given a brief history of the country, its
connection immediately with the war, and so far down
as Shah Shooja's enthronement. Sir John Keane,
it will be remembered, retired from the country,
leaving it, in his opinion, in a sufficiently tranquil
state to admit of his doing so witli propriety, giving
the Shah the advantage of the protection of a British
force, until such time as he should have his own
sufficiently organized, and permit ours to be with-
drawn.

The country remained for some time, after Sir
John Keane retired, in an apparent state of quie-
tude, and the Chiefs, who had ever shewn their
independent spirit to Dost Mahomed, subjected
themselves, though not willingly, to the govern-
ment of Shah Shooja, who was now established
as the King of Affghanistan. He was not appre-
ciated, as his manners and morals were not such
as would create for him the love of the people. The
Tribes of the lower countiy were not so peaceable,
being jealous of the settled manner which the
troops, in possession of Candahar, Ghuznee, Kelat,
&c., seemed to be in ; they, amongst themselves,
commenced hostilities, which were disposed of in

816

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

the manner I have detailed, by General Nott and
others. The Envoy at Cabool was joined by Major
Pottinger, who seemed to think an attack was
likely soon to occur, and he intimated his apprehen-
sion to the authorities. The troops by this time
were all comfortably housed ; every accommodation
was made for their better protection and pleasure.
Sale and his Brigade were sent to Jcllalabad to
winter ; arrangements were made for the general
establishing of au European station, witk all its
necessary departmental completions.

Mahomed Akbar Khan, the eldest son of the
ex-ruler, had imbibed the bitterest animosity against
the British, since the dethronement of his father,
who, several times, endeavoured to persuade him,
too, to surrender, but as often failed. In the vici-
nity of Cabool, particularly near the spot where the
cantonments were erected, were several forts for-
merly belonging to the chiefs, some of which were now
occupied by our officers, and others used as stores ;
one, very unwisely, about a mile from the canton-
ment, was the Commissariat ; another for the Ord-
nance, and so forth. About the middle of October,
great symptoms appeared of the fulfilment of the
prognostications of Major Pottinger, and the whole
of the Ghylgees seemed to have risen in one body
against us ; their head Chief, Humza Khan, was
detected in several acts of treachery, and was, by
the Shah, placed in confinementr The Affghans,
spite of their apparent allegiance to the Shah, had

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

317

*^ott aiid
i)y Major
ack was
pprehen-
his time
tiodation
pleasure,
labad to
general
k all its

ti of the
' against
s father,
ide him,
the vici-
here the
orts for-
i^erenow
i stores ;
canton-
the Ord-
October,
it of the
le whole
ne body
an, was
was, by
ffghans,
lah, had

ever evinced an utter dislike to the Europeans,
and took every opportunity they could of v uU-
ing them, and in many instances abusing them ;
attempts at assassination, in more than one instance,
were brought to the notice of the Envoy ; the murder
of Europeans and a number of followers, arising
from an ardent disposition for rebellion, accrued;
and from this, ( fuplcd with the extensive rumours
of the brewing conspiracy amongst the Chiefs, left
us to presume matters did not bear the slightest
prospect of a lasting peace. The fact was, that there
did not exist in the whole of Affghanistan, Upper
or Lower Scindc, or Beclochistan, one real friend
towards us, and it very soon became too clear to

be doubted.

Ameenoola Khan, the chief of Logur, had for
some time been appointed to take charge of the
traitor, Humza Khan, and was considered as one
of our greatest friends ; but alike with the whole na-
tion, he was grounded in deceit and treachery, and
ultimately became a bitter foe. He was supported
by an 'her chief, Abdoolah Khan Acbukzee, who
held a greater portion of the Pesheen Valley; the
latter chief, although a professing friend, could
never be depended on, from the fact of his having
strangled his brother, in order to get his turban or
territory; but being both men of the strongest
influence, from riches and power, aided by their
hatred to the Feringees, they were soon able to win
over to their views, the majority of the population.

.. „ . mawipw uMWi

318

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

Ml i

The first evident cause of the outhreak, was the
fact of a letter addressed by this Abdoolah, to the
chief and people, intimatinji; that it was in contem-
plation by the Shall, and our Envoys, to secure all
the chiefs, and send thcui prisoners to the Presiden-
cies ; they accordiii;,dy met that nij^ht, and in order
to carry out their designs, made it appear that the
King was privately on their side, and was anxious
that all the iiilidels should be put to death. Sir
William M'Naughten now began to open his eyes,
and made a requisition for a stronger force to be
sent to Cubool, which, however, never arrived.
At the beginning of November, things bore a
more determined appearance ; the people were seen
to collect in large bodies ; the shops in the bazaars
were principally closed ; the residences of several
of our officers had been attacked ; soldiers were
molested and struck ; the tumult was fast raging.
The Ambassador, Sir Alexander Burnes, who resi-
ded in the cantonments, received an intimation of
the outbreak ; but he doubted not, but that it was
some mistaken grievance, and that he would be
soon able to set all right. Nay, the baronet was
80 fully confident in his own mind, that his influence
over the people was such as to quell any insurrec-
tion, that he considered it unnecessary even to make
the thing known to the king, and would not even
allow a shot to be fired by his guard, although they
had been, and were, subjected to the indignatioa
and assaults of the assembled mobs.

SCENES IN A SOLDIEP/S LIFE.

319

was tho

I, to the
contem-
curc all
residen-
in order
that the
anxious
til. Sir
lis eyes,
:e to be
arrived,
bore a
^Te seen
bazaars
several
rs were
raging,
ho resi-
ation of
t it was
ould be
net was
nfluence
Qsurrec-
to make
ot even
gh they
Lguation

Sir Alexander had a faithful servant in the per-
son of his wareer, or secrctarj , though, in common
with others, an inward foe, who tried in vain to
persuade the Ambassador to take measures to dis-
lodge the frantic insurgents. I must certainly say
that a man placed, as Sir Alexander was, in a posi-
tion approximating in power to the king himself,
was much in fault at even harboring an opinion of
security, or a certainty of command over a national
tumult, whose minute sentiments could only be
truly known to tliosc necessarily more acquainted
with their characters, and it would have far more
become him to have lent his ear to the various
warnings given him by many inlluental, as well
as mere menial individuals. But he had, up to
that moment, been apparently much prized by the
chiefs and the people, and had ever been treated as
an Ambassador; and in no one instance had he ever
been thwarted in his undertakings, since his attach-
ment to the court. The friends and power he
vainly boasted, became darkened, and the white
became black ; his most devoted attacMs became,
perforce, his enemies, and he at length found, when
it was too late, that it was time to negociate, but
was not permitted the opportunity of doing so ; for
the infatuated mob increased, and resolved on
bloodshed ; they became more enraged, and com-
menced an attack on the Ambassador's residence,
and on all the adjoining premises ; and the whole
resulted in the massacr« of Sir Alexander, his

320

SCENES IN A soldier's LITE.

brother, Lieutenant Barnes, also Lieutenant Broad^
foot, and every man, woman^ and child, in and
near the place. Thus were the lives of three pro-
mising men lost to the world; one on whom
the representation of our crown had devolved,
but who, I regret to say, was too much buoyed
up with the fair faces of a treacherous race. Let
me not for a moment be suspected of wishing to
throw the slightest disparagement on the character
of Sir Alexander ! But the unfortunate occurrence
which resulted in so much loss of life of our
countrymen, ought to have been in some measure
known to the functionaries. There cannot exist a
nation without its customs and characteristics,
which must tend to more or less develope their dis-
position; and it is lo be presumed that those placed
in such responsible positions should be next to in-
fallible in their knowledge of these essential points ;
but alas ! we are all prone to err, and error oftimes
is discovered too late for remedy. The king, on
learning the fate of Sir Alexander, became seriously
alarmed, and more so when he found the rioters
increase, and although he sent one of his sons, with
a force, to restore the peace of his people, it was
found useless. Sir W. M'Naughten, seeing the dan-
gerous position of affairs, considered that matters
would speedily be brought to a crisis, and that
order would again be restored ; but finding that it
was stiii raging, he waited upon the General, and
Brigadier Shelton was sent to take charge of the

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

321

Bala Hissar, with directions, if necessary, to firo
on the hostile parties, if they persisted in their
obstinacy. Captain Lawrence, the military secre-
tary, was attacked, and had a narrow escape, on his
road to meet the king, and informed him of the
enemy's coming to enter into arrangements. The
king was in a state of great excitement, having
seen himself several of the outrages of the enemy,
from the palace.

On the arrival of Sir William, a durbar was held,
and Lieutenant Sturt* was proceeding to join it,
when he was attacked, and most brutally stabbed
in the neck, and went to the palace bleeding and
almost lixinting ; every hour of this day brought
forth new instances of their determination. Assas-
sinations, plunder, and general tumult reigned in
every direction. As I said before, Sir William
M^Naughten at first, made light of the attack, and
it would of course be presumed he knew what was
best to be done. But the fact of the murder of
Sir A. Burnes, having arisen from the same scource,
what was next to be expected ? Nothing but des-
truction.

The Commanding Officer, General Elphinstone,
was indeed a good, brave, and no doubt an enter-
' prising soldier ; but nature seems to have endowed
him with a bump of self-confidence ; deep concep-
tion appeared to have either never existed in him,

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322

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

would listen to almost any project ; this may be
attributed in a great measure, to age and infirmity,
for he had long before expressed his inability, from
the state of his health, to command so serious an
expedition, as that now in Central Asia. No one can
question his bravery, for none ever saw Elphinstone
away from the most dangerous point, when called
on to command ; but his health had now become
much impaired, and the second in command did not
better his condition, and thus were the Troops
situated; and it now began to show itself too clearly,
that the nation at large had risen in rebellion
against us. I have already mentioned that the
principal departments, such as the Commissariat,
were detached from the cantonments, a circum-
stance, and an error, for which I can see no possi-
ble grounds for excuse ; take away a man's bread,
and deprive him of the means of getting more, and
you at once settle the job ; this matter, I learned from
several, had been often brought to the consideration
of those concerned ; but it appeared that all the
responsible individuals, in whom rested the safety
.of the whole force, seemed big with self-confidence of
their powerful influence, and certainty of tranquillity.
The road from the Commissariat was commanded
by a small fort, formerly belonging to Mahomed
Shereave, and where a strong guard was placed ; it
was attacked, and the enemy gained possession of
it. and at once cut off all communication between
the Commissariat fort and the cantonments. See-

SCENES IN A SOLDIERS LIFE.

323

nay be
firmity,
y, from
ious an
one can
linstone
I called
become
(lid not
Troops
clearly,
sbellion
lat the
ssariat,
circum-
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bread,
re, and
ed from
eration
all flic

safety
[ence of
[uillity.
nanded
diomed
ced ; it
ssion of
etween
. See-

ing this, a force of Sepoys, and a detachment of the
44th, under Lieut. Warren, were sent to re-take the
fort, which was of the utmost importance, but were
repulsed, and with a severe loss. Finding it impos-
sible to rescue it, the General very injudiciously
gave directions for giving it up; but he was
entreated to forbear, as the only resource they had
for supplies was from thence ; the natives brought
none in, and there was little more than two or
three days provisions in the cantonment, upon
which he countermanded his order, and sent word
for Warren to hold out.

" It was now rumoured that the enemy were*
mining, and purposed blowing up the Bala Hisar.

Matters began to wear a terrible feature, thou-
sands were collecting in every direction, attack
came after attack, and we were losing consi-
derable numbers; the necessity was again urged
of making an assault, and taking Mahomed
Shereave's fort by storm ; but the General, unwilling
to expose his Troops, could not be brought to give
his consent. Hour after hour rolled on, and each
hour brought with it worse news ; at length the
General was prevailed on to permit the storm, and
what was the awful intelligence next learned? —
that Warren was seen going to the cantonments,
having evacuated the Commissariat fort. And the
only reason he gave was, because he, in vain, waited
for fl. rp.inforr luent. and finding none came, he
expected the enemy woidd r\|sh in and massacre

324

SCENES IN A SOLDIERV LIFE.

his party. All seemed now to be irrecoverably
lost. Brigsdicr Antiquel's fort was attacked, and,
though nobly defended, met with the general dis-
aster.

The miserable prospects of the cantonment, as
regarded provisions, were now fast increasing, and
it was determined to take the fort, and repos-
sess the provision stores ; and accordingly active
measures were adopted, but alike without success.
The Envoy in vain offered extortionate prices to
the more tranquil villagers to bring in supplies, but
few indeed dared or would. The General now
became so far unable, from ill-health, to command
under such trying circumstances, that it was indis-
pensably necessary to call on the next senior, who
was Brigadier Shelton, and whose opinion of the
matters is soon related.

He had always in his own mind, considered it a
matter of doubt, as to whether the Cabool force
oould exist a winter there ; nay, so far was his
opinion seen and felt, that the minds of the men
began to despond. The Brigadier differed with the
Envoy, the Envoy could not agree with the Briga-
dier, and thus were they placed, and it was now
no time for diversity of opinion; there were no
tribunals to appeal to, no arbitrator could be called
in, the affairs were now become so seriously
alarming that the question arose. What was to be
done ? In a very few words, the Brigadier's senti-
ment resulted in preparing for a retreat — the very

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

325

name of which strikes awe in the feelings of a
British heart, and bids fair to burst him with
indignation. . Retreat 1 It cannot be. Who calling
himself aBriton, would venture, unless upon the very
brink of death, even to entertain the idea; aflfairs
had not yet reached this crisis. The Envoy in
vairi remonstrated, that Britain's honor, of which he
was the representative, called upon them to hold
the place ; the arguments adduced were useless. The
General now became unfit for anything; and it
V as at length decided that negociations should be
entered into. It need hardly be stated, that the
duties at the cantonment, were very harrassing—
engagements came on in rapid succession; all
was useless. Now we should gain a victory— now
lose one ; the weather became cold and miserable ;
the supplies were cut off, and there was nothing
left, but if possible, to treat with the enemy, for
protection to Peshawar. A despatch had been sent
off some time before to General Sale, to march on
Cabool to their assistance, but without effect, the
winter having set in, and the roads through the
passes being impassable ; all hopes from that quar-
ter were lost ; and the Envoy could not entertain
the thought of retreating. A very severe engage-
ment took place, at which, I regret to say, our
troops gave way. The panic seemed magical,
and horror was depicted in every direction;

4V>^M/% x^r/wn acktra

rol nf fVio inonrorpnf phipffi WOimded.

which of course had a great effect. The Envoy,

326

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

even if ncgociatioiis were decided upon, loieiV'
not with whom to treat; and thus were the
unfortnnnte Troops at Cabool situated. I will
not attempt to olfer my private opinion of the
individual at tlie head of the Government of
Cabool. That errors (>( -.^K glaring magnitude
were committed, is beyoj: *oubt ; that competency
to command, and power was unwisely invested is
most certain ; that there was a want of courage on
the part of those who required most to have k, is
too clear to leave the remotest question ; but that
the subordinates had a lack of it, I cannot be
brought to admit ; because, it is from experience I
speak, and from the disposition of the army at
large, that I have had opportunities of knowing —
that I am convinced they could not, would not, act
otherwise than as brave men.

There may be circmustances, — circumstances of
the most appalling nature, into which a man may
be forced, in which from want of knowledge, or want
of power, he may be compelle( to act contrary to
his conscience, but not cowardly ; the situation of
the troops at Cabool cannot be easily imagined, at
least not sufficiently so, to enable those, ignorant of
these peculiarities, to decide. If we detach, or dis-
arrange the main spring of the machine, it cannot
work ; the heads of our departments were astray ;
those possessed of power, knowledge, and determi-

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foe is not easily cooled down ; therefore if blame

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

327

there is, let it not be cast on those who were mere
instruments. The management rested with such,
as proved by tlieir developed conduct, that Eng-
land's honor was not of the most importance to
them— who, after carefully perusing the suflferings
of these wretched beings at Cabool, can, for^ a
moment, blame them? when there exists a discip-
line, kept together by the unremitting exertion^ of
superior authority, their success is almost certain ;
but if they, being but men, fail to fully bear
out the required fortitude, and leave their neces-
sary duties unperformed, the awaiting of which,
carried with it the protection of personal exis-
tence, what then remained to be done? Man,
mind thyself! Oh! that those who would even
venture an opinion, or would distinguish them-
selves as feather-bed Generals, and form their
plans in the drawing room, and seeing their own
success, cannot look on the side where disaster
reigns, or failure isprobable. May theyneverknow
what difficulty is, or be found to relinquish what
they vainly boast of— Britain's honor. Let him
who has experienced the catastrophes of the battle
plain— who has seen the intricacies of an enemy's
country— who has shared the miseries cf treacheiy,
and narrowly watched the difficulties of those in
command and those engaged,— let him give his
opinion, and he will say with me that in the breast
of our army at large does not exist what has
most unfeelingly, most unjustly, been implied to

328

SCENES IN A soldier's LIPB.

the Cabool force generally— dishonor, or want of
courage.

It was at length intimated to the Envoy, by the
Chiefs, that nothing more was required than the
entire evacuation of their country by the British,
and requested a meeting, in order that arrange-
ments might be satisfactorily entered into for the
furtherance of the same.

The first held for this purpose took place in the
guard-room of the Bala Hissar, I believe, which,
however, resulted in no very pleasant manner;
and the Envoy, the same day, received a letter,
proposing terms that were so insulting and dero-
gatory to his expectations, that all hope of nego-
ciation seemed at an end, for he had always enter-
tained some idea of their honor, as regards their
treaties. Matters began to be somewhat more
settled, arising from the fact of the promised ar-
rangements, till, finding nothing done, a desperate
attempt was made to take the Palace, but without
success. I had almost forgotten to say that Ma-
homed Shereave's fort was re-taken by us during
the storm, and now was garrisoned by the 44th
and 37th Native Infantry, and consequently those
at the cantonment lost no time in removing stores,
&c.; but the fort was again lost, and the garrison
retreated; and distress . appeared in every shape.
The Envoy wrote the General as to what was to be
done ; he, in strong terms, replies, that In their pre-
sent situation, with so many sick and wounded men,

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

329

their courage could not be relied on— provisions so
scarce as to be barely sufficient for two days — cattle
weak, weather cold, and an enraged enemy sur-
rounding them,— directed that immediate terms
might be entered into for their being safely con-
ducted through the Passes to the British Frontier.
In consequence of this, Sir William M^Naughten
caused another meeting of the Chiefs and himself,
to take place. The tenor of the requisition of the
enemy was that we should leave Affghanistan, and
that the evacuation of the cantonments should take
place that night, but was ultimately agreed upon
for three days ; during the interval, however, many
of the most influential of the officers, who were
most anxious for the safety of Britain's fame, and
to make another effort for its realization, strongly
urged the necessity of the troops occupying the Bala
Hissar, but Brigadier Shelton held out the utter
uselessness of such a measure. The Envoy, whose
conduct during the whole of these proceedings, had
demonstrated the strongest fortitude and ability,
the disasters which were now become of reputed
overwhelming difficulty, leaving him unsupported
by those whose duty it was to aid him, left him,
under these truly appalling difficulties, glad to make
use of anything calculated to remove dishonor j
the fact of there not being the remotest chance
of procuring provisions, the Chiefs were bent upoik
the destruction of the force, and suspicions had
already risen that the Envoy's life was in danger.

330

SCENKS IN A SOLDI RUs LII^E.

Previous to the removal of the troops from the
the Palace, the l']nv()y received a letter from
Mahomed Akbar, to tlie efrect that Shah Shooja
raight remain as Kincr, on condition that lie would
inter-marry his daughters with some of the Chiefs;
that Mahomed Akbar should be ^Vuzeer or Prime
Minister; that the troops might remain till the
spring, and all war cease, and demanded an enor-
mous sum of money by way of bonus. To this the
Envoy, deeply considering the extremity of his
affairs, left, as he was, as it were, on his own
resources, seeing this faint glimmer of a prospect
of rdscuing his country's fame, and give them time to
make a more honorable evacuation, in a moment of
frenzy, little suspecting the treachery carried with
such a noble proposal, signed the document
accepting, and agreed to a meeting for its rati-
fication the following morning. Whatever may
have been the feelings of the Envoy, when cau-
tioned about the risk he ran, he declared that it
were worth a hundred lives like his, at such a
moment, to restore what was already on the brink
of being sacrificed — his country's honor.

The morning came, and the Envoy accompanied
by Captains Trevor, Lawrence and M'Kenzie, and
a small portion of his body guard, met the Chiefs,
who were seated on a small hillock, and commenced
the business of the meetinfr.

It was a meeting buoyed up with the most arrant
dissatisfaction; the officers who accompanied the

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

331

Knvoy up to the time of their starting for the rati-
fication, had remained ij^iiorant of it, and observed
that great numbers of armed rabble began to col-
hct, and on Mahomed's attention being drawn to
this fact, he replied, "They are all in the secret," and
immediately directed some of tliem to " seize," and
then the work began. The whole of the officers
were secured and dragged to a small fort, and
Mahomed personally attacked the Envoy, who, after
a desperate struggle, was shot by Akbar, with a
pistol that had but a short time before been pre-
sented to the Chief, by Sir William. Thus was
England deprived of the life and service of a learn-
ed, noble, energetic, and amiable man, whose
indefatigable exertions had ever been such as
to stamp him with renown, and most honorable
fame. It will be impossible for me to give my
readers the more minute details, of the very inter-
esting personal adventures, so numerous in this sad
affair : it would be only extending my narrative,
and in fact, would be beyond my power ; the most
impartial and interesting account of these disasters,
will be found in the book written by Lieutenant
Eyre, who was one of those, whose lot was to be
amongst them. The information I give, I gained
from one attached to the Cabool mission, and
other officers directly connected with the force ; of
whose authority, I have every reason to be proud ;

832

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

I shall, therefore, conclude this brief detail of those
events, by summing up tlic retreat, and continue
my own personal adventures, which passes over
the ground where the unfortunates were so brutally
massacred, and return to my story, in as agreea-
ble a form as I can well arrange it.

>f those
)ntinue
!s over
irutally
igreea-

CHAPTER XVIII.

The retreat; Fearful prospects; Entrance into the Passes;
Treacherous attack; Awful position of the Troops; Situation
of tho Force; Tho dastardly conduct of the Affghans; Akbar's
message to tho Gonorul; Ladies and fiinjilies given up as Hos-
tages; Elphinstono's death; Total annihilation of tho Cabool
Force; Dr. Brydon's cscapo; Brief remarks; March to Istaliff;
General McCaskill's Brigade arrived; The battle; Victory;
Bravery of tho Troops; Fighting all over; Unfortunate death
of Lieutenant Evans; His character; Return to Cabool; Safe
return of tho prisoners — Ladies Sulo and McNaughten; A
little child brought in; Destruction of Cabool; March through
the Passes; Evacuation of Affghanistan; Awful sight in the
Defiles; Iload strewed with Skeletons; Their appearance;
Description of Route; Enemy hover about; Admirable precau-
tions; The Soldier's life; Arrival atTezeen; Jngdulluk; Grand
Attack; Samnauth Gates; Beautiful valley of Nirala; Jellalla-
bad;- Its appearance and destruction.

They were now compelled to commence their
retreat, the king remaining behind. The chiefs
had sent their families, during the affray, to IstalifF,
and several of our officers, including Major Pottinger,
had been detained as hostages. The road to the
Koord Cabool Pass is an immense marsh, and leads
into the mouth as into a cavern. The hills on
each side, ere the troops had emerged, were manned
*u/ the Affghans, who commenced a fierce attack

334

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

on the moving mass below. The poor fellows were
in a sad condition— cold, hungry, and weary ;
ninety-seven miles of a dreary Pass to traverse,
opposed by a foe whose treachery had no end.
The snow had already fallen, and much impeded
their progress; the cattle that had long since
become weak and impaired, were dying fast, and
no sooner dead than they were snatched up and
devoured; food being so scarce, and wood being
equally so ; the llesh of horses, camels, or anything
calculated to keep life up, was eaten raw; and tents
or shelter for the night were strangers. The eye
ev^ry now and then would rest on the dead and
dying, who had become the victims of the matchlock
from the heights. The ofliccrs would press forward
occasionally, and form up in order of attack or
defence, and would as soon be repelled. Energy,
from sheer misery, grew weak, and at length dis-
cipline began to fail — superiority lost its influence—
and the force now became, to a considerable extent,
a mob, each looking out for himself— and the
first three days brought with it a most sorrowful
loss. The troops were now much reduced, and the
Pass, thus far, was strewed with the massacred
bodies of our men. Akbar, who followed up in
rear, saw the very pitiful condition of the wives
and families, mothers and children, some but a few
days old at the breast, heavy and weak, sick from
fatigue and distress, want of succour and the
necessary comfort for their sex — infants crying for

SCENES Ili A soldier's LIFE.

335

food, and pnents unable to comply. The sufferings
of these poor females called for immediate and the
deepest sympathy. Akbar Khan sent into camp
to the General, advising him to send the families
to him and he would protect them, and afford them
such comforts as were not otherwise procurable.
The General, who, although he had had sufficient
evidence of the deception of Akbar, was nevertheless
inclined to think he might prove more generous,
and as the raging of the insurgents was likely to
be waged upon them, they, with their husbands,
who could not be expected in such an hour of
despair to part from those so dear to them as wives
and olFspring, were sent to Akbar. The day after
tlje Chief sent for the General to Lis camp, who,
making over the temporary command to Brigadier
Antequil, repaired thither, and, to draw the story
up briefly, was detained, where, with sickness,
remorse, mortification, and despair, he soon after-
wards died.

Day after day thinned the force, and the poor
fellows would occasionally make a held stand, but
get overpowered. After passing through the
Tezcen, JugduUuk, and Soorkab Passes, and at the
entrance to Giindamuck, the remnant of the 44th
made their last stand— fought on till their ammu-
nition was expended — and gave up only with the
last struggle of life. Dr. Brydon, who, with three
others, made a desnerate rush, got on the road
towards Jqllalabad, which was about twenty-three

836

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

miles off Giindamiick. Not knowing the direct route,
and eager to make the most of their time, three
took another way, and were attacked and cut up.
Brydon fortunately escaped to Sir R. Sale, at Jella-
labad, to tell the tale of woe, he being the only one
left alive — save those who were prisoners — out of
about 4000 soldiers and 8000 followers. This was
the end of the Cabcol force.

Much has been illiberally said by the public jour-
nals on this subject, who arc well able to connect
words, and make long stories out of that which
thep^ are ill calculated to judge. The affair, from
first to last, was, it is admitted,, such as to stamp dis-
credit on us, and those who could have done much
towards its prevention, did not. Brigadier Shelton^
on the retreat, did most considerably retrieve his cha-
racter by his conduct and bravery ; but when tlieblow
was struck, it was high time to rebel. He should
have commenced two months before — should have
stood by M'Naughtcn, and those officers who were
far better able to know the state of things than
himself. Had he done all this, the honor of Britain
would not have been subjected to the disparaging
remarks it has suffered in consequence ; and it is
to be hoped that our Government has been taught
such a lesson as will deter it from placing its fame —
its ever-undoubted ftime — from being sullied from
want of placing its safety in proper and worthy

UttiiUO. J-iCl iiVl- liiv ivt5.vi.vx rj\.- iv-i-- vtiT.-»i^- ^..<..i...-.

let him not be too hasty in judging the conduct of

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

337

our countrymen — but put the whole matter in the
scales of Justice, and if there is sympathy to be
given, let it be for those whose lives were sacrificed
so inhumanly, so piteously; and let him reflect and
picture to his mind's eye, the awfulness of the
position, the trials and miseries, and placing himself
in a sii.iilar catastrophe, he will greatly pity, rather
than too severely blame, the unfortunate members
of that force.

Having now given a brief outline of the fea-
tures of that part of the history, it remains for me
to'proceed on our route. I said that the families of
the most influential chiefs were sent to Istaliff, a
fort some five days' march from Cabool, and as it
was the wish to protect them ere we evacuated the
country, a force was sent to olfer them our aid, and
to destroy the place. A brigade from General
Nott's force, in conjunction with one from Pollock's,
— the former consisted of Her Majesty's 41st, the
42nd and 43rd Native Infantry, Blood's Battery
and Christie's Horse— the latter, of , the 3rd Light
Dragoons, Her Majesty's 9th, and several of the
Bengal Native Infantry, under command- of Major
General McCaskill. I accompanied the Commis-
sariat, and on the arrival of the force we were
met by a severe opposition. The General made
an able attack, and after a severe battle of some
hours, succeeded in capturing the fort ; the enemy
who had held nossession, ultimatelv evacuated it,

'ihe families wen

leavinj

power.

ery

338

SCENES IN A SOLDIEli'S LIFE.

numercus, and the ladies seemed not much displeased
at the offer of our protection. We lost but few men.
The force commenced to plunder the place, and capr
tared quantities of shawls, cattle, and grain; it
being reported that some few females were in a small
fort hard by, that amiable young officer, Lieut,
Evans of the 41st, and myself, after all had been
8ettled,were proceeding thither, when an infatuated
wretch from the wall of the place, fired a match-
lock at us, and the shot lodged just over Evans' right
breast. He struggled, and lingered a short time,
and the poor young fellow, clasping me, attempted
to 'speak, but could not, and expired most piteously,
just at the eleventh hour, when all was considered
safe. This young man had so far swung clear,
although he had many times been exposed, and
had narrowly escaped. He was a daring, amiable
youth, was beloved by his men, and all who knew
him looked upon him as one of the/ most promi-
sing young officers ; his character was all that one
could wish, and I believe no loss could be regret-
ted more than that of young Evans. He was
a dear and intimate friend of mine, and it was a
long time after his death, before I could venture to
even think of him without my heart filling with
grief—so young, so noble, and so much beloved !
But I must, spite of all my friendship for him, say,
that he was indiscreet, in consequence of that
too much practised shew of bravery. He has
often, much against the wishes of his friends,

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

389

exposed himself where danger most appeared, and
it is indeed miraculous how he escaped so long.
It would be far more than I am able to relate, the
instances he has shown of this undue valour,
therefore let me entreat those whose lot it is to
be called on active service, to avoid that, and
remember they are placed in command, and it is
most essential that they should preserve themselves
for the sake of those entrusted to their care.*

The force returned, and all was now prepared
for the march through the Passes. I visited the
cantonments, and the various places, in which many
of our unfortunate brethren had fallen, and numerous
were the unburied frames lying there.

In the compound or yard of the house where
Sir A. Burns was killed, I discovered a well, in
which were the skeletons of four men ; one of these
had still the hair on the head, and was supposed to
be that of Burns. We buried them in the yard.

The Bala Hissar was undermined, and a train
laid, ready for explosion. There was, and had
been, since the commencement, strict orders against
plundering ; but the followers heeded it not, and
the city of Cabool soon presented a sorry sight ;
and in many places was set on fire, and it was not
discontinued until a strong guard was sent from
camp, to arrest such conduc;, and then too late.

♦ A most noble act stands recorded in the life of this young
<non in rovflnffiner the murder of a Mrs. Smith, in the Bolan
Pass, who was proceeding to join her husband, Mr. Conductor
Sihith, of the Commissariat Department.

840

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

The Brigade which was sent to the assistance of
Lieutenant Sliakespeare, now came in, escorting
our long-looked for prisoners ; and it is impossible
to describe the scene, as they passed through the
different camps ; the shouts of welcome, the echoes
of the artillery, pealing forth their salutes of joy ;
and lia})pincss seemed once more to reign in the
sun-burnt countenances of the released captives ;
they wore the Affghan costume, and the men, many
of them, had longbeards ; they were soon surrounded
with their friends, from whom they had been so
long parted ; and it may be easily imagined the
sight was one satisfactory to all parties.

Captain Bygrave, whowas the only one remaining
unrecovered, was with Akbar, who finding the
remainder had been rescued, sent him into camp with
two chiefs, considering it no triumph to retain one.
A few days after this, an Affghan brought into
camp a young European child, which I immediately
recognised as belonging to a soldier's wife, of the
13th Light Infantry, who was killed; the child
was remarkably clean, and seemed to have been
well treated, and was much attached to the native ;
it was dressed as other Affghan children, and was
painted on the forehead, with the sacred insignia of
the priest ; the child was restored to the Regiment,
and taken by a woman who had been a prisoner,
whose husband was killed. The father of this
child, I believe, married this person, as being the
relics of two families, whose halves had been so

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

341

ance of
corting
lossibic
gh the
eclioos

of joy ;

in the
ptives ;
I, many
ounded
een so
led the

[laining
ng the
tip with
in one.
ht into
idiatcly
, of the
3 child
e been
native ;
id was
ignia of
^iment,
'isoner,
of this
ing the
)een so

barbarously destroyed; and thus the child got
another home. Plundering, spite of all the efforts
of the troops, was carried to an enormous extent.

Every preparation was now completed for our
march, and on the 12th of October, 1842, our
force, divided into three brigades, left Cabool, the
first under General Pollock, the second under
General McCaskill, and the rear under General
Nott. We had not proceeded more than four miles,
when we heard the explosion of the mines, which
left the renowned Cabool a vast region of ruins ;
and the Affghans to judge the spirit of the BriMsh,
as an avenging one. Cabool, as a city, was most
beautifully situated, producing every delicacy man
could require ; its surrounding country is exceed-
ingly mountainous, many of which were capped
with snow. The city lies under the Hindoo Koosh,
and is bordered on the one side by the Himaylee,
and the rivers Attock and Rozee ; the people were
robust and healthy; their manners amount to inso-
lence and cruelty; they are continually at war
with each other ; and are divided into tribes. Trade
seemed to have abounded greatly, and the country
generally in a flourishing state ; the cities of Cabool,
Ghuznee, and Candahar, are the principal ones of
Affghanistan; the Persians form a considerable
«*portion of those inhabiting Cabool, and the traffic
with that country is somewhat extensive.

The divisions made a general move, at daybreak,

on the 12th of October, to Thag Bakh, about six

342

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

miles distant from Cabool ; and on the entrance to
the Koord Cabool Pass, Her Majesty's 9th and 13th
Regiments, together with six Native Corps of the
1st Division, manned the hills commanding the
pass, to enable those in the valley below to move
on unmolested. On the morning of the 13th the
troops entered the Pass which led to Tezeen, about
nine miles. The mountains were high and craggy,
and very dark, rendering the road extremely gloo-
my aind sad ; a torrent ran in a serpentine direction
from side to side, which reminded mc of the Bolun ;
it had to be crossed twenty-eight times during
about six miles. We had scarcely got well into
the jaws of the awful scene of romantic vastness,
whose hollow crags seemed to echo defiance to our
intruding tread, when a number of the enemy made
their appearance in the rear, butw^ere kept in check.
The very great height of the mountains, of a dark,
reddish colour, struck one with awe, and silence
seemed to reign over all ; the mind was totally
occupied in contemplating this fearful sight of hid-
den deeds ; horror struck the feeling heart when the
eye fell on the skeletons of our departed comrades,
who lay in most agonizing positions, indicative of
their last struggle for life. Here a spot would be
strewed with a few crouched up in a corner, where
they had evidently fled to cover themselves by*
some detached rock, from the overpowering cruelty
of their foe. and had been riveted bv death.
There couples were lying who had died in each

unce to

id 13tli

of the

ng the

move
3th the
, ahout
craggy,
y gloo-
irection
Bolun ;
during
ell into
istness,
5 to our
y made

1 check,
a dark,

silence

totally

of hid-

hen the

mrades,

ative of

ould he

, where

Ives by*

cruelty

death.

in each

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE. 343

others arms, locked as it were in the last embrace
of despair ; numbers lay in every direction, devoid
of every particle of clothes ; some with the greater
part of the flesh putrified on their bleaching bones-
others were clean from having been devoured by
the vast number of carrion birds and beasts inhabii-
ing these terrible regions. I at first attempted to
count the number of frames as I went along, but
found them so numerous that I could not find time,
and my inclination sickened from the awfulness of
the scene. The Pass was not more than thirty feet
wide at this part, and so numerous were the moulder-
ing frames of those whose lives had been sacrificed
during the last wixiter, that they literally covered
the road— and, in consequence, the artillery and
other wheeled carriages had to pass over them—
and it was indeed horrible to hear the wheels crack-
ing the bones of our unburied comrades. It was
quite easy to discover the Europeans by the hair
on the skulls, which still remained fresh. After a
tedious, and indeed a painful march, we reached
Tezeen, which opens from the narrow Pass into a
much wider part, sufficient to enable us to pitch
our camp. Here was a sad scene of recent strife-
scarce a tent could be pitched but a skeleton or two
had to be removed, just kicked aside as though it
were a stump of a tree, in order to leave clear the
place for the interior of the tent, and there remained
unnoticed. It has often been a subject of deep re-
flection to me, to think how utterly reckless mau

344

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

can be made by habit : so used were we to these
siglits, that it became a Diere commoiiphico matter
to see such relics of devastation and massacre.
I remember walking with a friend down the centre
of the camp, and we had often to stride over
skeletons, without the least observation, further
than I could not help heaving a sigh, and reflecting
in silence on their unfortunate end.

The next day took us thirteen miles on a road of
extreme barrenness ; the high, wild, rugged moun-
tains, hemmed in the narrow defile ; the skeletons
of the massacred force still strewed the road in every
direction ; no signs of vegetation, or aught to
relieve the eye from wildness — the numerous hol-
low crags, as we passed, seemed to ring with echo-
ing despair, and afforded most formidable positions
for the treacherous Affghan to usu his jezail or
matchlock, without fear of opposition. The enemy,
finding we had now entered the Pass, hovered about,
and succeeded in murdering an officer, and a few
men of Pollock's force. The divisions marched
one day a-liead of each other, and thus kept up a
continual line of communication. I, with General
Nott's, arrived at this ground on the 14th ; the road
was equally extremely harrassing the next day,
as indeed, ever since our entrance into the Pass.
The ascents and descents are so numerous, coupled
with having to cross the water so often, and there
being no hold for the kctj on the loos- flinty stones,
made It very trying for both man and beast.

SCENES IN A SOLDIEH'S LIFE.

845

Upwards of twenty times had the gushing torrent,
dashing from side to side of the valley, to be waded
through, and numbers of bleacliing frames of the
victims of Akbar's treachery, lay exposed in
the midst of the rolling stream. In one part of this
day's march, was some fifty yards, crowded with
dead bodies, of men, horses, and camels, which
were those of a troop of irregular cavalry, who were
all cut up on this spot. About a mile from Sah Baba,
our next ground, stands a round tower, the ruins
of an old fort ; it was now used as a bone house, and
was crammed to the ceiling, with skulls, legs, arms,
and shattered frames, and numbers were heaped
outside the door, and round it,— placed there by the
enemy, to form a glaring spectacle of their bitter
revenge. A large body of Atlghans were now seen
covering the hills in our rear, and opened a fire
into the dreary abyss, on our rear guards and bag-
gage, as they passed. The column had moved on
some few miles, but were halted, and those of our
troops in possession of the heights, commenced an
attack, and succeeded in repelling them, and forc-
ing them to retreat, and we reached camp with lit-
tle^loss. This place is said to be the burial place
of Lamech, the father of Noah, and if we may judge
from its wild, dreary, stony, barren appearance, which
looked as if it had been washed up into a heap
after the deluge, and so void of all chances of ferti-
lity, that one could scarcely doubt the tradition— but
thus it is.

346

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

Our next day led on to Knttca San^, and of all
the roads I had ever seen or^travcrsed, as yet, this
was the worst. The route led from liill to hill, the
ascents being dilTicuU and stony, and the descents,
in addition, being very dangerous, as a fearful preci-
pice presented itself, should you happen to fall.
These unwclconio views were many in number, and
coupled with the tedious progress of the cattle and
baggage, and the dilTiculty experienced in dragging
the guns and loads, up these many steep hills, and
nothing but a dreary road to travel onward, made
the march bad indeed. After the main body
reached camp, the rear guard was attacked; a rein-
forcement was despatched, and a smart skirmish
ensued ; the Aflghans seemed to delight in annoy-
ing us, and from their hidden positions most
peremptorily carried their plan into elTect ; we lost
few men, compared with them, and the whole
reached camp about midnight. Still the poor soldier
found misery destined for him in every direction.
On arriving at a new ground, two regiments had to
mount duty on the summits of the hills bordering
the route, which had to be ascended after the day's
harassing march, thus forming a second, much
more so. The scanty, coarse meal, being nothing
more than a quantity of meat and broth, made from
an allowance of a scarcely lifeless carcase, of the
hard driven, skeletonized bullock,* and this oftimes

* Our cattle, strayinjv about in search of food cams across a
herb, which proved poisonous, and we lost an immense num-

and

SCENES IN A soldier's LTFE.

347

not prepared before the dead hour of night ; and then
carried up to the men cokl and tasteless. The bread
or cake made of coarse, liand-gronnd flour, full oi
grit and small straw, half baked, and calculated to
produce disease by its use ; and ere this was well
eaten, the rouse would sound, and the weary
instrument of Britain's safety, would be wending
his way through the dreary and unknown regions,
'mid almost perpendicular rocks, and perilous tracks.
Such was the- road of the next day's march, to
Jugdulluk Pass ; this is by no means the most dif-
ficult one to explore— the sides not being near so
high as those already traversed ; it had some ap-
pearance of fertility, being studded with many small
bushes. There were innumerable small caves, or
recesses in the rocks, and it was from those dark dens,
forming cover for the enemy, that they succeeded so
well in cutting ofT our unfortunate brethren, whose
skeletons here were very numerously strewed about
the path, and thus rendered the Pass more horrible
than it would have been ; for the light shone brighter
here than we had it for some time. Nay, so stupen-
dous were the mountains, hemming the ravines we
had passed, that it would be often far advanced in the
day, before the sun would be seen by those beneath.
The unfortunate 44tli made a somewhat successful

ber of camels in consequence, which was a loss irreparable, as
others could not be procured, and the result was the destruction
of nnantities of Dublic and private baggage, to enable us to movo

i
I

on.

348

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

siand in the Ju^dulluk Pass, and succeeded, ere
they were overpowered, in slaying many of their foes.
The pass was narrow, and the Atff?hans, who had
preceded us some hours, with a view to intercept
and bailie us, had formed breastworks across the
road ; and, would it be bulicvcd, that these breast-
works were formed of skeletons of our own men and
horses ? Not less than one hundred frames could
have been here piled up, which had to be removed
before wc could pass oh. About six hundred of
the enemy made their appearance here, and in the
first onset did considerable dama<^e,— but a detach-
ment from the main body soon dislodged them, and
put them to the route ; it was common to see lying
on the road, bodies of nmrdered Sepoys and couriers,
and in fact to attempt to enumerate the acts of
treachery practised on us, would be next to impos-
sible. We at length reached Soorkab. At this
ground, was a cluster of fine tall trees, which reliev-
ed the eye, and led us to hope we were approaching
a land of the living ; the camp was bordered by
the celebrated Red Kivcr, a most beautiful crystal
stream, rolling most musically over a stony bottom,
and under the ridge of an immense mountain ; the
continued buzz kept up by the murmuring torrent
echoing from the fearful crags, lulled the weary tra-
vellers in camp to sleep. Across this river is a
most splendid bridge, of one gigantic arch, which
led bv a declivitous route from this Pnss *« nnnflmr •
on the right of this bridge, which was erected by

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

349

tra-

Alexander, issued a cataract roaring and dashing
from the hills, which fed the stream, and formed a
most beautiful picture. It was on this bridge that
a number of the 44th— from the extreme inclemency
of the weather, and the bitterness of the frost, were
so benumbed with cold, that they were unable to
use their arms when attacked on their retreat.
Oh! when reflection is but called up, and the
miserable condition of these poor, oppressed crea-
tures, considered ; it cannot l)ut call forth a sigh of
deep regret— bereft of evcrv chance of escape, or
wherewithal to exist— as they were. When we con-
sider that some of our nearest and dearest relatives
or friends were amongst the number — surely, if
there is one spark of sympathy left, it will be kindled
for those whose last struggle was for their country's

cause.

Our next route led across the bridge through the
defde already described, and on the road were lying
the bodies of two murdered Sepoys. The ascents and
descents were as usual; and from the summit of these
intersecting hills, the eye would carry itself upon
range after range of never-ending cliffs and walls
of mountains ; the dark aspect of the distant hori-
zon carried with it a volume of thoughts, wondering
when the back would be once more turned on such
dreariness. The moving mass below would be seen
winding its serpentine length along the Pass, which,
from its narrowness, being obstructed by huge
masses of detached rock having fallen from the

350

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

heights, and impassable by other than taking a cir-
cuitous route, were truly harrassing to the men and
cattle. I may as well here mention the great trials
and difficulties experienced in dragging along the
heavy portions of the baggage, more particularly
the celebrated Somnauth gates, which it will doubt-
less be remembered, were taken by direction of the
Governor General, from the tomb of Sultan Ma-
homed at Ghuznee. These gates, it will doubtless
also be remembered, were the idolatrous trophy of
the Hindoos in the Guzerat Peninsula. The
Geperal directed a guard of not less than the wing
of a regiment to mount over these gates, which
w^re placed upon two platform carts, and drawn by
six bullocks each. The other castes of the native
Sepoys would not go near them, and the Hindoos
were comparatively few, and insufficient to perform
the duty, and as these gates were to be taken to
the provinces for the purpose of being restored to
that race ; so great was the care taken of them that
they were placed next to the main body of the army
on the march, and nothing was permitted to go
before them. The consequence was, that oftentimes,
owing to the bullocks growing stubborn, the whole
in the rear have been delayed ; and the gates have
had to be dragged by fatigue parties of the Euro-
peans — ^night has set in — the enemy have taken
advantage of our position, and have succeeded in
otif finff nff numbers who otherwise would have been
safe in camp. The badness of the roads and dark-

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

351

ness of the night, together with the incessant fatigue
and consequent loss occasioned by the protection
of these idolatrous baubles, have caused much well-
grounded controversy, and involved much discredit
on the authorities. Many are the lives which have
been lost by this— and for what ? to restore to a
tribe of idolators, an idol, that they might worship
with the greater vehemence, as they had been re-
captured for them ; and all this, too, by the repre-
sentative of a Christian people. I need say nothing
farther, except that, owing to the great question
raised relative to their restoration, in our Parlia-
ment in 1843 and 1844, and since the recall of
Lord Ellenborough, they remain like so much
lumber stored in oiie of the stations in Bengal.*

But to proceed to the march. A short distance
from our camp, which was Gundamuck, stands
a small hill, where the remnant of the 44th Regi-
ment, about three hundred, made their last stand,
and fought most desperately whilst their ammu-
nition lasted, and were at length annihilated:
their skeletons strewed the hill sides and summit ;
about two hundred and fifty soldiers, and upwards of
thirty ofiBcers, I believe, fell on this hill, and a de-
plorable sight it presented. We soon reached camp,
where Generals Pollock and M'Caskill had halted ;
this place had been formed into a d^jpdt for grain
and forage (only chopped straw), on Pollock's
advance on Cabool ; the Passes from Peshawur, as

* I believe at Agra. '

352

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE^

he passed through, Uad been kept by our troops ;
thus in a great measure securing our route. Wc now
refreshed ourselves with a day's rest, and our cattle
with a feast of forage, such as it was ; and also in
comparative conlldencc, as we were now but a
couple of days' stage from Jellalabad. The mails
from Europe for tlic army were despatched from
Calcutta and met us at this place, so that all in all
it was quite a day of pleasure, receiving news from
that dear place, Home—" which never was so
sweetly felt as in such times as these"— conjunc-
tion of the Divisions, and recognition of old com-
rades who had escaped the perils of the few past
days, and such like,— made the whole feel refreshed,
and filled us with the utmost cheerfulness.

Nott's Division halted a day as they came up
last ; the other two moved on on the 20th, and we
recommenced our march on the 21st. This day
gave us a very long march, and greatly harrassed
our cattle, which, having been so long without green
forage, were weak ; the carcasses of camels strewed
the road in immense numbers— and this was not
the worst ; the consequence of the loss of the cattle
was followed by the loss of comfort, little as it was,
for if a camel should, from fatigue or stubbornness,
refuse to go further, the rear guard had to shoot the
beast and burn its load, lest it should fall into the
hands of the hovering foe. Thus were clothes,

1-1. ^ -.^,,;»^n/vrt ^rn on/1 pvprv tins-
tents, ueaamg, camp cquipaj^v., ^^. «— r -

sible commodity of a campaign, destroyed ; and tlie

BQENES IN A SOLDIER'S UPE.

353

party whose all happened to be on the beast so
destroyed, had to share with those more fortunate.-
So numerous were these' calamities, that some
Regiments, who, according to regulations, should
have had seventy tents, had not one-tenth the num-
ber. And equally great was the loss of private pro-
perty : many of the men nothaving a change of linen,
were forced on arrival in camp to go to the stream
and wash their shirt, &c ., and, whilst it dried, bathe
themselves. To attempt to describe the very many
losses met by the poor soldier, as well as the more
affluent, would be almost incredible. The road on
this day was such as to create a vast number of
casualties, and the great quantity of carcasses that
were strewed as we came up, proved that the
Divisions in front had suflfered much more than our-
selves. We at length reached Futteeabad, and
the rain came on, the misery of which may be more
easily imagined than described.

Our next day was over somewhat better ground
to Sultanpore, and passed through the most beau-
tiful valley of Nimla, looked upon by the Affghans
as a perfect paradise, and certainly it deserves the
name— it was not unlike the Lake Harron, on the
Indus— and the fragrance from its variegated spots
of, flowers, reminded one of a visit to the Alps,
where in the most unlooked-for places, in the most
unexpected patches of the earth, bud forth groBpa
of lovely flowers, too numerous to detail. A
clear spiing margins these odoriferous patches, and

354

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFB.

the wind gently bending their proud and beautifnl
heads, carries with it the most delightful sweetness.
The surrounding ban-en mountains seemed here to
add to its magnificeuce, and would in fact a^ect
one's heart when coming in contact, in the midst of
such wildness, with such little beauteous glittering
gems of beneficent nature. Passing onwards, we
soon reached our encampment, which was on a
wide part of the region, and on a sandy plain.
Nothing of note occurred here except that the rain
fell, with its attendant miseries, and we next day
moved on towards the Illustrious Garrison of Jei-
lalabad, where we arrived at eleven, A. M,, on
the 23rd, after marching over a dreadful road for
upwards of twenty miles. The whole of the Troops
halted here, and all soon became hurry and bustle for
the destruction of the Fortress, which had sheltered
General Sale's Brigade in the early part of the
year, when besieged by Akbar Khan, whom they
so successfully defeated on the 7th of April, 1842.
Who of the Force that knows of its trials could be
at Jellalabad and not deplore the loss of poor Colo-
nel Dennie, whose unremitting bravery and zeal,
for his country, was so little known, owing to
a slight ditFerence which existed betwixt him and
the then Commander-in-Chief, Sir John Keane;
bis services were left almost neutral. It was here
that poor Dennie fell, and a br^v sr soldier or a
more d^^ierving man never took t\ie field.*

Tte Rev. Mr. Gleig, has ju3t issued a really excellent account

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

355

Jellalabad is a rude looking place, as far as
vicinity goes— yet it is, nevertheless, a fortress of a
very formidable appearance, and has been for many
ages used ns a winter residence for the rulers of
Cabool. It is situated between the Khiva and the
Jugdulluk Passes, and, as a valley, affords a most
beautiful retreat, having all the beauties of i Jliza-
tion, as well as most excellent water, proem ed from
the Cabool river, flowing near the Town. There are
some fine tall trees near the fortress, and in the
vicinity of the Khiva, are several splendid castles
and strongholds ; many of them erected under
Alexander the Great. This spot was selected by
the Monarchs of Cabool, as a retreat for winter,
perhaps for its retirement, and salubrity of climate.
But be it as it may, to one of common judgment,
the idea would be absurd, as in a valley amid high
ranges of mountains, it had precisely the opposite
effect in winter, as it necessarily created dampness,
and became dangerous to the constitution.

The fort was square, built after the manner of Can-
dahar, and h ,d, as is usual with the eastern places
of royal refuge, its Citadel and Bala Hissar ; it
was at this place that Sir Robert Sale gained so
much honor, in keeping off the enemy, who took
every opportunity of harrassing and annoying the

of the affairs at this place, and being so recently compiled, ia
doubaessthe best yet written, and is called "Sale's Brigade.".

. . I . »» J TT ,1 r'^i^v,;^! T.5K»«nrtr anil wnrthv

ana issaea m uxurray s xiuuiu auu Vuxvxiiwi .r.^.v..«^j ^

erf perasal.

350

SCENES IN A SOLDIER'S LIFE.

Feringees. He took this place at a timi when his
provisions were not over plentiful, and h ving pos-
session, became the target for Akbar .Chan and
his colleagues, who, after repeated attacks and
attempts at siege, made a grand essay on the 7th of
April, 1842, and was completely overthrown by
Sale's Brigade, on which occasion poor Dcnnie fell.
This place, as well as Candahar, was cdered by
Elphinstone to be evacuated, but fortunate ty for the
force it was not, or they must most assuredly have
met the same fate as the 44th, and the service would
have been deprived of another most noble, valiant,
and praiseworthy corps, in the 13th Light Infantry.
The deeds of greatness in the field, done by this
excellent Regiment, have gained for it, most deser-
vedly, an honorable name ; and who is there, who,
seeing the corps, but will feel bound to acknow-
ledge that they went through trials and privations, to
such an extent as should ensure for them the good
wishes, and friendly feelings of ever: Briton. I
speak of this Regiment particularly, because they
were so long on the campaigns, and opportunities
came to enable them so often to be ; and as often
were, successful, and never found wanting, which
entitles them to these remarks. Nevertheless, all
the other corps of Her Majesty's service were
equally brave, and were equally zealous, and are
equally entitled to the thanks of their country.
•Tko oot^/1 In ftnin/lp uoip(\ lu a iHost excmDlarv
manner ; a mere handful of men, not more than

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

•^57

700 in number, to stand undaunted before a foe of
more thousands— the 41 st, in all their arduous
undertakings, and excessive trials, from their first
arrival in the country, through the dreadful cam-
paign, in the Deccan AVar, the storming of Bhurt-
poore, and its many attendant conflicts— from
thence through the principal parts of India, to end
their long services in a five years campaign in
Scinde and Aff'ghanistan. Of the 40th too, so
much has been said, and so much is known of the
honor due to this brave corps, that it is needless
to dwell upon it. It is, without exception, the most
honorable one in the whole service, as it bears upon
its colours, I believe, more engagements than any-
other Regiment. But what of all this ? The soldier
is trained as a child to look for hardship and pri-
vation ; schooled to habits of destruction and war-
fare, and all for the protection of his country.
And yet, many of those for whom he risks his
very life, and for whose safe keeping from the bon-
dage of an oppressor, he suff'ers more than tongue
can tell— are the first to treat him with absurd
scorn. And I have seen and heard hundreds, who
treat soldiers with a sort of contempt, are ashamed
of their company, and often express an opinion
that they are not fit society to keep, being a mix-
ture of so many classes. Oh ! shame !— it is not the
coat which makes the L.dn. There are those,
whose erroneous ideas of peace, who, in the hour
of need almost worship the soldier ; and such like

858

SCENES IN A SOLDIER S LIFE.

ought to be the last to disclaim their friendship;

T;' f I .> declared and danger's iiigli,
^ "God UTid the soldierl" is the people's cry ;
But when war's done, and all things righted,
God's forgot ; — and the soldier's slighted.

This I presume will ;>, : vvj all I could wish to say
on the subject of the soldier's situation, and I trust
the time will arrive, wiien the great, gross, and
unbrotherly barrier, which has so long existed
against the army,* will be removed, and that the
8ol|iier will be acknowledged to be, what he really
Is, his country's friend.

But to the march. It was intended, ere Jellalabad
was evacuated, that it should be left in ruins ; the
Sappers were consequently employed in preparing
mines ; large quantities of stores were destroyed, for
want of carriage, and every facility used for expe-
diting the progress of the troops through the Khiva
Pass. Day after day was occupied in making these
arrangements, which, being completed, an advance
was sent on to Dhakkah, the entrance to the Pass,
to act in conjunction with some of the troops of
Shere Singh, the Maha Rajah of the Punjaub, who
had held the Pass since Pollock forced it, in the early
part of the previous season. On the first division
moving off, they were attacked by a party of Aff-
ghans, who had been watching for an opportunity to

ine aumor is preparing u wont lu uu uaixcu, —

i IJC iJ^.TifJ

u it was, and the Army as it is.'

s5eNEB in a SOT.DlEK^fl LIFE.

359

recommence harrassing us ; but a few 6-pounder8,
and some spherical shot, soon caused them to make
off, and let us pass in comparative quietude. The
following day the 2nd division made a start, and the
next, General Nott, in his usual style, brought up the
rear, being the most honorable position, in a retir-
ing army.

CAHPTEll XIX.

ifftroh through the Khiva Pass; Dhakkah; Destrnction of
All Musjid; March to Jemrood ; Almost the last •hot
wounds Lieut. Chamberlain; Favorable prospect; Arrival at
Peshawar; Our backs turned to the moui, tains; General
Avitabilc; March through the I'unjaub; Description of coun-
try; rerozepor3; Triumphal arch; Lord Ellonborough's Array,
64,000 men; Conjunction of Troops; Christmas Day of 1842 j
Bhere Singh; Grand parade; Imposing sight; The Durbar;
Breaking up of tto Army; General Noit appointed Resident
at the Court of the King of Oude; His parting address to
his brethren inarms; The Troops separate.

On our making this last shift, Jellalabad was
left in ruins by the explosion of the mines alluded
to, and a strong party of the enemy, finding their
much prized sanctorum thus mutilated, made a
stand for revenge, but with their usual ill-success.
The rain fell during the night, which, saturating
the tents so much, made it extremely difficult for
cattle to carry them. The road also, owing to the
rain, had became a complete swamp, and it was
late ere we reached camp, which, being at the
entrance to the Pass, was on rugged ground, and
growing late, was difficult to pitch. The road for

- .>..^1y% ^C Ai%-mTa rmrna avnaa(\\n(r\\r nipiiaanf. nP.ino^
a CUUpiC V/i viaja 7it»ij v.-5.--------is..^.^- £ y j3

level, and intersected with plantations, which,

SCENES IN A S0LDIE1l*S LTFB.

361

though small, aflfordcd a comparatively good supply
of forage for the distressed cattle ; also, lots of fire-
wood, which was most valuable. The next day led
for several miles across a very fine plain in a wide,
part of the Khiva, when within a mile from Dhakkah,
we were suddenly checked by a barrier in the shape
of a very narrow defile, which caused the cattle,
as they reached the spot, to crowd in the wide
space. The inlet between two high hills, being
not more than eight or ten feet wide, allowing
only one camel to pass through at a time—the delay
may be easily conceived. Dhakkah was a small
village, with a noble-looking fort, built of mud,
which contained an extensive supply of grain and
forage, and which we soon took possession of, and
having liberally distributed it, then destroyed the
place. Our march for the next few days was
through the heart of the Khiva ; the mountains of
this Pass are those attached to the Hemaylee range,
and are of immense height. They have also, erected
on their summits and brows, forts of great strength,
built principally of brick and red stone, and were
mostly those constructed under Alexander. Their
great strength, coupled with the powerful positions
selected for them in this Pass, goes far to convey an
idea of their extent, and almost impregnability. On
the 3rd November, after a somewhat pleasant march,
inasmuch as the rebels had kept their distance, we
reached the foot of the fearful and dangerous ascent
to All Musjid. The camp was pitched in Uue, owiDg

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

to the pass being narrow, under cover of the mouji-
tains. Ou the summit was a strong fortification c^f
the nature before mcutioned.

At day-break, on tlio morning of tlie 4th, the
Iwigles sounded tlio rouse, and soon after com-
naoncea the ascent. The road led up a winding
path for about a mile, on a soniewliat open
sandy space, wljen, suddenly, droves of cattle
were collected, and were waiting for an opportu-
nity to proceed. The mountains were high, and
afforded no other road than a narrow ridge or
shelf^ not more than nine feet wide, cut about mid-
way up the craggy side ; presenting on the left, a
dark high wall, and on the right, a fearfnl abyss of
several hundred feet. The extreme diiliculty expe-
fienced in moving this mass of cattle and the
loliowers, was greatly enhanced by impediments
arising on the road in advance ; such as the upset-
ting of a bullock cart, or a stubborn camel; in fact,
anything, however simple, would obstruct the path,
and until that was removed, all in rear were
impeded. Should the camel or bullock be too
stubborn to resume the journey, delay was not
permitted longer, than to shoot the cattle, set fire to
theii' loads, and hurl them down the precipice ; thus
numbers were sacrificed, and many were thesuflerers
by loss of their property. At length, on the evening
of tlie following day, the rear-guard succeeded in
getting the last camel on the move, and made a start
themselves. During this day, the enemy began to

SOIUNES IN A soldier's LIFE. 363

make their appearance, as Ihcy well knew it was a
WMirch of extreme difficulty, and no sooner l.ad the
rear-guard got fairly on the narrow ridge, than a
cry ran along the columns, that the foe was
hieing from the hills, and were attacking the line on
the inarch. The night had already closed in, ana
from the darkness we could see plainly their matches
glittering in the small caves and crags, which aided
us in taking aim, and pickhig them off. I wa«
on the rear guard this night, and was walking
along, when I felt myself suddenly seized and
pushed all but down the precipice— I had a
piece in my hand, and, when released, made a
charge at him, just as he was advancing with a
drawn sword, and dealt out a severe blow with it,
and succeeded in striking me on the left side of
ray head, just as I lodged a ball in him, and
we both fell. He was evidently suffering much,
but I was comparatively well. I rose almost des-
perate, and dragged him to the edge of the shelf,
and with the assistance of some others who now
came up, dashed him down, never to rise again. I
then felt my head was bleeding, and fainted, and of
course became also an obstruction in the path, and
had it not been for the timely assistance of s* ne of
the rear, I must have shared the same fate as many
before me, who had been consigned to the gaping
abyss of the Khiva. Pass. I, however, soon revived,
and with my head boui i .1 , resumed my travel. Those
in advance had been attaclted, and the road i;iow

864

SCENES IN A soldier's LIPB.

became literally crowded with dead and dying, —
the latter were put into doolies or palanquins, and
sent to camp. Tliia narrow path led for several
miles, and ultimately opened out into a road, bor-
dered on euch side by the mountains ; here the
enemy succeeded in doing c^reat damage with their
large knives, already described. They would in the
dark- attack the poor followers and camel atten-
#!i<'u£. , cut their throats, hack them, and lead off
their cattle, and in many instances form a fresh
string of camels, as those in rear would follow in
the dark, and being led into some narrow digres-
sing path in the adjacent hills, would be attacked
by a body, and tlius sacrificed. On our arrival
in camp at All Musjid, the losses were soon ascer-
tained, and great indeed they were. Numbers were
seen in every direction, who had been carried in,
most brutally hacked, and lay stiffening in blood,
and undressed wounds ; inflicted by the dastardly
cowards, with their knives. Every available hand
that could stitch a gash up, was most acceptable,
and employed ; some there were with fearful cuts
across their arms, legs, hamstrings, abdomens,
heads, &c. ; others were just expiring for want of
aid ; more had died from loss of blood ; and many
were dying in deep despair, suffering in the greatest
agony from the wounds they had received. I
assisted the Surgeon in stitching up the gashes of
the poor fellows, and several died during the oper-
ation ; suffering myself from a wound in my head, I

SCENES TJ A soldier's LIFE.

365

fainted with weakness, anil sickened at the awful sight
before me. Then come the h)sses, many, very many,
had lost their all, and not only their property, hut
their servants, in charj^e of it, had been most bar-
barously cut otf. Lieutenant Snelling and Quar-
ter Master Hives of the 40th, lost all they posses-
sed, and their two servants, (Europeans), were
brought in most cruelly iiacked. One of them had a
dreadful cut across the abdomen, and over the right
hip, and soon alter died. In sliort, not less than
one hundred and fifty m- ^ere, in the most inhu-
man manner, mtissacred in the dark, and I firmly
believe, by none others than the very troops placed
in the Pass to hold and keep it,--tliat is, the trvops
of Shere Singh, Rajah of the Punjaub.

We halted after a tedious march of about forty
hours, and owing to the straggling, and difficult
ground, the tents could not be pitched with regu-
larity, although they now were reduced to a very
few. Baggage and camp equipage became scarce, and
property of most valuable description had been cap-
tured by the insurgents during the march. Ali
Musjid stood on the top of a high hill, in the
centre of the Pass, commanding it in every
direction, and had the most overwhelming appear-
ance I had ever seen. To describe it, more than
this, would be useless. All other fortifications, or
strongholds hitherto met with, standing on eminen-
ces of more than a thousand feet, became as nothing
compared with this greatest of the great ones of

see

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

-^j I

Alexander's superior construction. But great as it
was, wo expended a few barrels of powder, and
reduced it to nothinj>-. I was a^ain in the rear guard,
on the morning of the (3tli November, wiien the
explosion took place, and received a slight wound
from a piece of the stones blown up. Lieutenant
Terry, of the Bombay Artillery, received a shot
from a party on the hills hard by, and died shortly
after his arrival in the next camp.

We commenced the day's march on the sixth, —
that wns to take ns out of the fearful Passes,
and once again we should turn our backs on the
gloomy regions of Aifghanistan. It led ah)ng a
beautifully made road, and even to the last, the in-
surgents determined on making a final eflbrt to
annoy us. The wounded were carried with care,
and the troops at length came in sight of a lovely
plain, which relieved the eye, and indeed glad-
dened the heart. When in sight of Jemrood, (the
first stage in a tranquil country) every bosom hea-
ved the sigh of gratitude, and felt light, as we
stepped, as it were, on terra firma. But even to
the very end we were not safe, for I believe, nearly
the last shot that was tired at us, had its intended
billet; for the gallant Lieutenant ChamberLiin, who
had so often distinguished himself, during the cam-
paign, whilst riding along, when in sight of Jem-
rood, received a shot from a matchlock, in his laft
knee, and has been ever since, almost disabled. We
at length reached the desired spot, a mast compact

SCENISS IN A soldier's LWU,

867

•mall fort, built under the direction of General
Avitabilo, the (jlovernor of Pcs!iawar, and erected
in tlie French style of fortication. This fort, though
not more tlian live hundred yardr< square, was the
most complete one 1 had ever seen.

All I oon became a scene of peace and harmony,
©ace more in a land of friends, or, at least, not iio»^
tile to us. Here the whole of the ollicers were most
hospitably and sun»ptuQUsly entertained by General
Avita'jile, one of Nai)oleon's ollicers, in the service
of Shere Singh, and one ol' the many who were per-
mitted to organize Uunjeet Singh's Army, j^ccord-
ing to a treaty with the British to that eflect. The
General assisted the divisions in every possible way
he c "dd ; supplie;j were got in, and every preparation
was at once entered into for our immediate depar-
ture for Ferozcpore ; and having a march, of about
forty days befoio us, it was necessary to replenish
all the departments. Tl e General, who had a pro-
fusion of cash, granted bcveral loans to the army,
on account of the Indian Government, and thua
succeeded in getting a considerable deal of his
aa^ Ired wealth out of the country. He gave
splendid balls and hunts to the whole of the officers ;
in fact, kept open-house, and many will Iod^
remember the kindness they met at the hands of
General A^atabile, a fine, tall, noble-iooking man,
appa 8rvy about sixty years of age. He was most
severe, and almost tyrannical in his situation, but
yrm, nevertheless, almost worshipped by the

368 SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

natives. To give my readers a slight idea of his
severity, the Governor used to carefully examine
into ail complaints and matters brought before
him ; but as sure as a party would be found guilty,
80 sure he would be hanged. A gallows was
erected just opposite to his window, and several
others about the Town of Peshawar, on which all
the criminals were hanged ; and when I visited the
Town, I counted eighteen bodies dangling in the
air opposite tu his rooms.

Tiie Troops soon began to move off for Feroze-
pore. All around now bore the appearance of spring
and beau If; the fields were green, and the trees
bending with fruit; the country around all clear
from mountains ; the roads were level ; and, in
short, everything became comfort and happiness,
when compared with the past scenes in Affghanis-
tan. The Commissariat Avas easily supplied, and
nothing was wanted now but time and patietice to
enable us to reach the banks of the Sutlej. I must
here remark, that grain, poultry, and sheep, were
exceedingly cheap ; the latter, however, were very
small, so much so, that it took often eight or ten
to supply a Company of about sixty or seventy
men ; whereas, in the District of Cabool, one sheep
would more than supply one hundred men. On the
second day we arrived at Nasara, where there was
a beautiful river about one hundred yards wide,
which enabled the Troops to refresh themselves with
a bath, long wanted. This river is a branch from

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

369

the celebrated Attock, which we arrived at on the
20th November. The Attock derives its source
from the Indus, and is a crystal stream with a very
strong current ; it is about two hundred and fifty
yards wide, and a bridge across it, formed of bop*8,
fastened together, enabled us to pass. On the
right bank of the stream stands the Fort of Attock,
in a most commanding situation; near to this
stands a Mosque, of most exquisite workmanship,
being built of white marble. But there is a still
mere splendid Mosque on the banks of the River
Jumna, called the Taj of Malial, built also of white
marble, which is considered one of the most complete
and superb pieces of architecture in the Eastern
world ; it cost nearly one hundred lacs of rupees,
about £1,100,000 sterling. The whole march,
from leaving the Khiva to Ferozepore, was one
series of beauty and fertility ; everything served
to please the eye, and the mind was almost at
rest. Nothing of note occurred during the whole
march, save the crossing of the Rivers Jumna,
Chenab, Ravee, and at leugih the Sutlej. About
half way we came to the spot where Alexander the
Great erected the monument to his favorite horse
Bucephalus, and we found several pieces of his
coins. On arriving at the banks of the Sutlej,
two bridges of boats were thrown across, and on
the other side a triumphal arch was erected to
receive the heroes of Central Asia. A Pavilion
was erected, in which sat Lord EUenborough, the

370

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

Governor General, and his suite, and he received
the Troops as they crossed. A gjrand parade Was
formed of the Army of Reserve, who were en-
camped a few miles higher up.

First went General Pollock's Division, then
Sale's, M^Caskili's, and though last, not least, came
Nott's, bringing with them the Somnauth Gates.
An elephant was in waiting, to receive them on his
back, and a magnificent cloth of gold and crimson
was laid down on the ground, in which they were
wrapped, and carried in triumph to camp.

We marched through a complete world of tents —
line after line, and camp after camp, we came up fo ;
and Ferozepore was one scene of canvas and mili-
tary show. The Governor General's Staff formed
an entire one of themselves ; in addition to upwards
of 86,000 soldiers, and consequently more than
that number of followers. The enormous expense
attending this, will hardly be conceiveable. Grain,
and every other supply, which a few days ago we
could get for a mere song, was now scarcely procu-
rable at any price, and every dealer seemed bent on
extortion. The Christmas day of 1842 was spent
in happiness, compared with the several previous
ones, and a grand parade was ordered for Lord
Ellenborough, to come off on the 31st, when
upwards of 75,000 men were on parade at one
time. A more splendid sight never met my eye, and
I suppose never will again. After this the several
Brigades were ordered to proceed to their different

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

371

stations ; the 40th were transferred from the Bom-
bay to the Bengal Presidency, and ordered to
Meerutt. The 41 st, with the 3rd Light Cavalry,
and Leslie's Troop of Horse Artillery, who had
performed most exemplary scenes throughout the
whole campaign, were ordered to proceed down
to Scindc ; the 41st for I'uropc, and the remainder
to Quarters. In a few days after this, Ferozeporc
began to get thinned of Troops. The Governor
General proceeded to Loodiana, where a Gei .eral
Court Martial was sitting for the trial of the pri-
soners who had been re-captured from Akbar
Khan's oppression. A grand durbar was held,
prior to the departure of the Governor General,
when the principal Chiefs of the Sikh Country were
I)resented. Dost Mahomed was ordered to be
conducted in safety to the frontiers of his Terri-
tory. General Nott was appointed as Resident
at the Court of the King of Oude, and parted in
tears from his Brigade, who were equally affected
at seeing him ride off. He addressed them in a very
few words, his heart being too full to speak much.
J left r crozepore with Captain Adam son, and sailed
down the Sutlej for Sukkur, where I arrived on the
36th February, 1843; after sailing twenty-one
days down the river, whicli joins the Indus, and
where I met, just arriving the same day, the Bri-
gade named as having left Ferozepore for Scinde.
The ^Satlcvj being part, and, in fact, a continuation

3T2

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

of the Indas,has the same features and appearwicei,
and will, therefore, require no farther c'oscriptioB.
Having now returned to Scinde, my next will be
the concluding Ciiapter, and contain a brief history
of the events, in this country, under Sir Charles
Napier.

CHAPTER XX.

Arrind of Stack » Brigade in Scinde; Sukkur ; State of the cohb-
try; Leslie's Troop of Horse Artillery; l»rospecto of another
caipnaign; Sir Charles Napier and the Governor General; Sir
Ch , utHydrabadwith 2500 men ; Battle of Meanee; Victory
orer 16,000; More War; Stack's Force ordered to Hydrabad;
State of Scinde; Some account of its origin and people;
Major Outram and the Government; AtUck on his residence
Noble conduct < f the Light Company of the 22d Regiment;
The Ameers; ir positions, conduct, and mrrender; Ap-

proach to Khyrpore, Meet AU Morad; Sir Charles Napier;
Meer Shere Mahomed determined ii another battle; His
position at Dubba; Enemy muater 24,000; Miyor Stack
en route; His arrival at Hydrabad; The 22nd Regiment; The
Emaum Ghur Detachment; Conjunction of Stack's force; 24th
March, 1843; Battle of Dubba; Victory gained; Sute of the
Fortress; Priee taken; Departure of the 4l8t from Kurrwchie
for England; Departure of the 22nd for Bombay; Their recep-
tion; Arrival of the 28th from Australia; Sickness amongst
Troops; Sufferings of the 78th Highlanders, and 28th Regt;
Aveful ravages of the fever and cholera; Dreadful state of
Troops in consequence; Scinde established as a Presidency;
Sir Charles Napier appointed Governor; A narrow escape;
My arrival at Kurrachie; Hazardous voyage to Bombay; For-
tunate again; Remarks on Captain A. A. Nelson, 40th; Mr.
Smith; Mr. Harvey; Embarkation for England; Safe arrival
in my native land; Concluding remarks.

Sukkur now presented another sight ; the sick and
some others of the 22nd Regiment, together with
few native Troops, were all that held the place,
until the arrival of Major Stack's Brigade. Every

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374

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

available hand, possible to muster, had gone down
to Hydrabad with Sir Charles Napier, who had
been leaking great havoc amongst the proud
lords of Scinde. On the 25th of February, 1843,
a cossid arrived from Sir Charles's camp, with the
news of the victory at the battle of Meanee ; his
force consisting of about 2,400 men, and the enemy
was upwards of 12,000 ; a royal salute was fired
on the occasion. The same packet brought direc-
tions for Major Stack to proceed with all the Troops
he could raise, to re-inforce the Hydrabad Division,
likely to be soon engaged again. The 41st had
proceeded down to Kurrachie, and the Major, with
his Regiment, the 3rd Light Cavalry, Leslie's un-
rivalled Troop of Horse Artillery, and the 8th
Regiment, Native Infantry, marched for Hydrabad.
The 21st Natives v/ere sent by water, but Scinde
was now in such a state of raging rebellion, that it
was difficult to find a route sufficiently clear to pro-
ceed. I accompanied Stack's force, which, though
a neat little Brigade, was ill fitted to oppose so
extensive a mob as the Beelooches usually muster.
It will doubtless be interesting to my readers,
alike with Ghuznee and Cabool, to leara briefly the
particulars of this conquest in Scinde.* Much has

♦When the author first put this work to press, and was
procuring subscribers, he stated that it would be a volume of
SCO pages; but finding the incidents so numerous, and so neces-
sary to be narrated, in order to render the tale as connected
as possible, found it impossible to do so in the prescribed num-
ber, and has, in consequence, been obliged to extend it to nearly

SCENES IN A SOLDIEE*S LIFE.

375

already been said on this subject, and much more
could be said; but will be classed in common
with the whole of the affairs of the Central
Asiatic campaigns. Scinde was formerly, under
the jurisdiction of Arabs and Moguls, and after-
wards under the race from whence sprung Shah
Shooja. His forefathers exacted a tribute from the
inhabitants, whose faith was once Hindoo, but
now principally Mahommedan. It, as with other
Eastern nations, had been the cause of much war-
fare, and, until nearly a century ago, before the
late crisis, it had held an almost independent Go-
vernment, and kept tolerably clear of other countries.
The name of Beeloochee, or Beeloochy, was derived
from a vast number of a Tribe emigrating into the
country from time to time, till at length they
became so numerous, and were so prosperous, that
they formed a dynasty, and ultimately assumed an
authority over Scinde. A race called Caloras was
amongst them, but were expelled, and succeeded
by a Tribe called Talpoors, also of the Beeloochee
race, and amongst whom were some most learned
men, and who at length got the reins of Govern-
ment, and retained them until the interference of
the British in 1838. The two great Tribes, the
Jutts and Becloochees, continued to rule, and, by

an additional hundred pages; and even now, is compelled to leave
out very many circumstances of the greatest moment, in addi-
tion to being compelled to be much more brief in his descriptions
than he wished.

376

SCENES IN A SOLDIEB^S LIFE.

intermarrying, became so powerful in the greatest
of all points in India, religions views, that a com-
plete Government, from the Talpoors, was most
effectually carried on.

The Court was formed of Emirs, or Ameers,
(lords) ; these consisted of eight brothers, who,
being Chiefs of the highest blood, held possessions
in various parts of the country ; the senior, Mir, or
Meer, was looked up to as the Rais or head, and
was invested with a superior authority, allowed to
settle all family scuffies, and had the ruling voice
over ttie whole nation. They were of jealous dispo-
sitions, and spite of their mutual recognition of the
Rais, were ever exhibiting a spirit of conspiracy
against each other, owing to the prosperity, or
otherwise, of the respective allotments in yield-
ing revenue. The country was divided into three
principal seats, called, Khyrpoore, Meerpoore, and
Hydrabad — all being subject to the latter as the
Seat of Government. Their army, and principal
means of defence, were the Beeloochee race, who
were paid by grants of land ; in addition to this,
a force was hired from the Merab Khan of Kelat.

The revenues derived from the various sources,
supported an immense treasury. Prior to 1838, a
Treaty had existed between the British and these
Ameers, of a friendly nature, establishing a reci-
procal commercial intercourse. Another Treaty
was commenced in 1836 and ended in 1838, when
the rulers of Scinde were induced to permit a

SCEN£S IN A SOLDIER^S UFE.

377

British Minister to reside at their Court— in conse-
quence of Runjeet Singh having threatened them on
the North East— he also being in Treaty of friend-
ship with us. We reciprocated on this point, and
admitted a representative at Calcutta.

It became indispensable, in order to carry out our
friendship to Shah Shooja, who had been paid out
by Runjeet, and the Scindian Monarchy, that we,
in order to protect him in the Upper Provinces,
should ensure a perfect tranquillity with these
Ameers, and at the same time, hold them at such
a distance as would enable us at once to have full
military command, if necessary. The Indus was
the key and main navigable route to support our
project ; and thus it became an act of policy on our
part, as the Pi^sses and other intricate routes were
in full possession of these provinces. We not
only arranged to secure tneir friendship, but also
the removal of their hired Troops, and substituted
ours, to be maintained at the expense of Scinde.
With Sir A. Burnes at Cabool, and Sir Henry Pot-
tinger at Hydrabad, whose respective influence over
the Chiefs was beyond conception, we were pretty
safe, and so arranged it that the Government of
the whole country was now almost in our own
hands. As already stated, these lords of Scinde
were of an exceedingly jealous turn of mind, and
could not be brought to coincide with the Rais, in
having given so much power to the British, and a
spirit of opposition began to show itself, which ren-

378

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE,

dered it necessary that we should have a still
stronger military force stationed here. To this they
threw out many objections, very nat,urally, and it
was not until the arrival of the armament under
Sir John Keane, from Bombay, and Sir Willoughby
Cotton, from Bengal, that we were able to exact a
compliance.

The Chiefs of the different districts held meet-
ings, the object of which was to devise plans to
oppose the progress of the British power, and to
prevent any further encroachment upon their pos-
sessiqns. The Treaties already referred to, still
remaining in full force, were, in consequence of
these meetings, considered by us politically to be
broken, and to give reasons suflQciently strong for
recognizing the Rais no farther. The Court was
soon, in consequence, separated, and the British
bound themselves to support each Ameer in his
Territory, and also bound the Princes to support our
Troops, by paying an indemnification of several
lacs* of rupees per annum. They were to ' cp what
Troops they liked, subject to our s^nroval — to coin
their own money, and levy taxes on all, except mer-
chandize brought in for our use — and to continue
their amicable correspondence with us, as friends
and relatives. To render this Treaty (or rather
Treaties) more binding, one was entered into
with every Chief except one, and countersigned by
their still privately acknowledged Rais, Meer Roos-
toom. Meer Shere Mahomed, a man of most

* A lac is a hundred thousand.

SCENES IN A soldier's lifk. 379

independent spirit, -efused to connect himself at .
all with us, until 1841, when, in a dispute with the
other Ameers, he found it necessary, in order to
secure our protection, for which ne paid, against
his will, 50,000 rupees a-year. Major Outram had
heen appointed Resident at the Court of Hydrahad,
in the room of Potiinger, who had gone to China.
All remained very tranquil, till some intrigue*
were discovered by Outram, about May, 1842, and
it became indispensable that Government should
warn them of the serious results that would accrue,
if any attempt were made, on their part, to budge
one jot from the very letters of their respective
Treaties; and also, that they were, and had been,
for some time, looked upon with an eye of suspicion.
Lord Ellenboroughjthe recently appointed Gover-
nor General, and who consequently knew but veiy
little of the actual state of the country, looked upon
Outram's information as a reason for establishing
an enquiry into the conduct of the Ameers ; and per-
haps led to a more hasty conclusion against them
than justice demanded. His Lordship's inclina-
tions were for the entire possession of Scinde, but he
did not for a moment fairly consider the enormous
outlay that would be required by the Indian Go-
vernment to support it. Outram was averse to the
plan, and Ellenborough was opposed to the con-
tinuation of the Treaties, being satisfied, from
Outram's communications on the subject, that their
intrigues were of an extensive character.

380

SCENES IN A SOLDIER^S LIFE.

His Lordship also concludedihat Outram was not
as zealous a servant as he could wish to have on
this spot, and looked upon Sir Charles Napier as
one more likely to act according to his directions)
both in the o£Qce of diplomatist, and in that of a fight-
ing General, the more particularly, as the Troops
in Affghanistan were ahout evacuating it, and a
large force would he concentrated at Sukkur. Sir
Charles was ordered from Bombay to the mouth of
the Indus, with, amongst other instructions, the
following order from the Governor General : —

" It may he convenient that you should he at
once informed, that if the Ameers, or any one of
them, should act hostilely, or evince hostile designs
against our army, it is my fixed resolution never
to forgive the breach of faith, and to exact a
penalty, which shall be a warning to every Chief
in India.''

Thus ran the instructions conveyed to Sir
Charles, and thus was swept away all diplomatic
agency in Scinde. General Napier was entrusted
to select his own party, and the indefatigable, and
universally acknowledged zealous Major Outram,
who hitherto had been held in the highest confi-
dence by the Ameers, was at once shut out even
from further communication with them. The
Princes, find! j affairs thus, turned now just as
averse to Outram as they had been otherwise.
They presented to Government a series of com-

8CENE8 IN A SOLDIEB'S LIPK.

asi

plaints, and considered themselyes entrapped, on
the appearance of Napier and liis colleagues.

Ellenborough began now to find himself in diffi-
culties — inasmuch as he had acted too hastily, and
had not s\ifficient proof against the Ameers. And
Sir Charles, whose fame and courage are so well
known as to need no comment, was elated with the
prospect before him, and determined to carry out
the project of the Governor General, in every iota.
In fact the Princes had no chance; they were
scarcely permitted to defend themselves, as cir-
cumstances had somewhat clearly shown that
they were in a measure connected with theujH
country disasters. General Napier's continual cor-
respondence with the Governor, not at all favorably
inclined towards them, brought to bear the adage that
where prejudice is strong, judgment is weak ; and
Ellenborough gave another word of advice to Napier,
to this effect : " Your force being now collected, I
am disposed to think, that no delay should take place
in communicating to the Ameers the ultimate deci-
sion of the British Government, with respect to the
revision of an engagement with them, which their
conduct has compelled us to demand," &c.

The General was buoyed up with hopes of field
glory, and could therefore delay no longer. Several
of the Ameers he doubted not had been guilty of
writing letters of a hostile nature, as had been
imputed to them, and Napier at once commen-
ced operations for obtaining the possession of

382

SCENES IN A SOLDIER'S LIFIS.

Scinde. The first thing done was to compel them
to sign a treaty of such a severe tenor as at once
to dispossess them of almost every power tliey had
a right to in their own countr),* a part of whom
only signed it ; and Meer Shore Mahomed refused
most peremptorily, and at length took the field
with an immense army, to oppose Sir Charles to
the last. Meer AH Morad, of Kliyrpore, one of
those who signed the Treaty, being an enemy of
his brother, Shere Mahomed, clung to the British,
and volunteered his services, with his tribe, to
Napier, with the double view of securing his terri-
tory, and revenging himself on tlie rebel chief.'
Matters now had gone too far to expect an
amicable conclusion to be brought to bear ; the
majority of them looked upon Outram to have
been the origin of their downfall, and privately
determined on his massacre. Outram was still
living at the Residency, a building about two
hundred yards from the Indus. Durbar after
durbar was held, and conference after conference ;
they called upon Outram to defend them, lo prove
that the charges against them were false. Outram
in vain declared his powerless position ; they would
not believe he had been so divested of his diplo-
matic influence ; and as was the case with Sir Alex-
ander Burnes,' an infatuated mob, excited by some

. . . ^— r-- 1^- —

*I would give c(q)ies,gf4l*® Treaties, which T have in my pos-
session, but for the: vast space I should require, and have not
room.

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

388

private hostile communications from the assembled
chiefs, were bent upon Outram^s destruction. The
Major had no other guard than one Company* of the
22nd Regiment, and who, upon seeing the state of
things, were soon prepared for action. Nothing was
wanted but the word, and all would have been mas-
sacred. At the conclusion of tlie conicrence, the Major
would most assuredly have been cut up, but for
two of the Ameers, who, with drawn swords,
threatened the mob, if they attempted to fire
a shot. Outram reached the Residency, under
their protection, in safety, which was soon surroun-
ded by several thousands of Beelooches ; they com-
menced an attack, but two small steamers in the
river came up, and in conjunction with the Euro-
pean guard, kept off the mob for a very long time,
and the whole got in safety to the boats, and sailed
up the river to Sir Charles ; and thus commenced
the outbreak. Napier came down at once, and on
the 23rd of February, 1843, met Shere Mahomed's
force, of about 12,000, at Meeanee, and after a
smart battle of several hours, gained a victory. The
following day, brought the surrender of all the
Ameers, except Shere Mahomed, who still kept the
field, and determined on another attack. In vain were
attempts made to bring him in ; a Detachment was
sent off to Emaum Ghur, a fortress belonging to him,
in the middle of a desert, and where he was reported
to be sojourning. The troops sent to storm the place,

♦The Light Company.

884

SCENES IR A soldier's LIFE.

principally the 22nd, suffered dreadfully from the
intenae heat, and forced marching ; but returned,
having accomplished the object. Ali Morad, bar-
ing shewn so much bravery throughout the whole
of the proceedings, and performed so much service
for Sir Charles, was at once appointed the
Rais over the whole of Scinde, subject to the
British. Shere Mahomed took up another position
early in March, and succeeded in collecting a
much larger force. Sir Charles, who had a mere
handful of men, was joined by the brigade named,
as having left Sukkur under Major Stack, and who
arrived on the 22nd March, just in time to be pre-
sent, (fortunately for Sir Charles,) at the battle of
Dubba, on the 24th, which terminated in favor of
the General again. The loss on our side was very
considerable; on theirs, vast indeed. The 22nd acted
most nobly. This corps suffered considerably in
wounded njen. Leslie's Troop, in conjunction with
the 22nd Regiment, stood the brunt of the battle,
and most assuredly deserve all the credit due. The
3rd Light Cavalry made several noble movements,
and taking into consideration the number opposed to
them— about six to one— it was one of the greatest
victories gained in the annals of history.

The4l8t, who were expecting every day to sail
for Old England, were up to the last hour in active
service, having to keep Kurrachie ; and were under
arms continually during this outbreak. They, how-
ever, shortly afterwards embarked from that port,

SCENES IN A SOLDIERS LIFE.

385

and were relieved by the 28th Regiment, from
Australia. We had acquired a new territory, and
what w as the use of it ? Its revenue required to be
collected ; the minds of the people were hostile to
us, and tribute could not be exacted, but at the point
of the bayonet. The cost of holding Scinde, would
form an item in the cash account of the Indian
Government, of no small amount ; thus it was,
Sir Charles Napier, the undoubted Hero of
Scinde, was appointed Governor of the place ; it
was annexed as a fourth Prcoidency of India, and
every facility was used, to complete the principal
stations, a» efficient depots for its safe keeping.

The wounded of the 22nd, after having suffi-
ciently recovered, were sent to Bombay, and shortly
afterwards the Regiment; they were received most
graciously at the Presidency ; all the shipping in
harbour manned their yards; the troops in the
garrison formed a street to receive them, and they
were most justly acknowledged to have nobly
done their duty to their country, and were the
Heros of Ilydrabad.

Sickness now came, in the shape of fever and
cholera, in Scinde. Four fifths of the troops in the
country were in the hospitals; medical assistance was
scarce, and almost the majority of the troops died.
The 78th Higlanders lost immense numbers of their
corps, the 28th equally so ; never did I see Troops
80 cut up by sickness. The 28th were ordered from
Hydrabad to Kurrachie, and to give an idea of

38Q

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

their distress, they were compelled to get an offi-
cer from another corps to command the Regiment,
not ohe of their own being off the sick list.

Not only did this corps suffer so extensively, but
all others, and one moment's reflpction will fill the
mind with sympathy, for these poor fellows. It is
doubtless too fresh in the minds of my readers, to
require me to dwell upon the ravages of the sick-
ness in Scinde during 1843 and 1844, as the dis-
tressing accounts came mail after mail from India,
and were fully given in the public journals.

t fortunately escaped the epidemic, and left
Hydrabad in August, 1843, and reached Kurrachie
in a few days, but was twice attacked on the road
by the Beeloochees. Travelling without a guard
(save two servants,) I, on the last occasion, was met
by three Beeloochees, who proved to be those who
murdered a Mrs. Burns, and a recruit of the 40th
a short time before. These three fellows fired at mo
and missed, being some two hundred yards off. I got
under cover of one of my camels, carrying my bag-
gage; the diiver, who v/as armed with a jezail, fired,
and 'shot one of them ; the other two rushed at us
with swords ; I had a fine rifle with me, which I fired
and hit my mark. One fell dead, and I threw down
my piece, drew my sword, and rushing at the other,
succeeded in disarming him. I tied him, and put
him on a camel, and took him back to Tatta, whore I
left him, with a Detachment we had there, and I pro-
cured a guide, who conducted me in safety to Kurra-

SCENES IN / -SOLPIER'S LIFE. 487

chie. 1 have been often sorry since that I permitted
the rascal to escape me so leniently ; but being so
anxious to leave Scinde, (very naturally,) and hav-
ing left the service, I let it rest. Whilst at Kur-
rachie, I met with the greatest kindness from Mr.
Conductor Macdonald, of the Commissariat, who
did all in his power to assist me, and I found I
was doomed to await the opening of the season,
for shipping to arrive, as the Moonsoon was then
on, unless I braved the ocean in a bugalow or pa-
tamar. I was, however, determined not to stay
longer in Scinde, and I took a boat about twenty-
five tons burthen, manned by three Scindians, and
we fearlessly stemmed the briny wave. The wea-
ther came on after the first night, very severe, and
the little bark was tossed like a cockle shell on the
raging sea, but after five days and a half tremen-
dous sailing, we reached Bombay in safety.

The Moonsoon was just on the turn, and I was
compelled to wait until January, 1844, for a ship

to sail to En^and.

I must here acknowledge the very many obli-
gations I am under, to Captain A. A. Nelson, of
the 40th, whom I was with in the Commissariat
Department, also to Messrs Smith and Harvey.
These were indeed the most indefatigable ser-
vants to their country I had ever seen; they
received the thanks of the Indian Government, on
more than one occasion, most deservedly. To Mr.
Harvey I am doublv indebted ; his unremitting

, -tv

■ J'"". ! . ■ l »i,,..'flf g|

y^if^lw-}

38B^

SCENBS IN A soldier's LIFE.

kindness to me on all occasions, calls for my every
e£fort, to make his worthiness known. As a soldier
he ever 'proved himself brave and noble, as a res-
ponsible servant to the Government of India, none
could be more zealous, faithful and just. The Bom-
bay Government are deeply indebted to him for
his valuable services and exertions throughout the
campaign, inasmuch as the supplies were kept up
by his valuable services and exertions throughout.
By his and Mr. Smith's energetic system, no means
were lost, no extravagance used, but the con-
irsirf ; nay, that branch of the service for the supply
of provisions, under the immediate arrangement of
the above named, with Captain Nelson, cannot be
too highly spoken of. Mr. Smith, whoMS since
dead, was most indefatigable. Should ever the
Bombay Government have need for a man of inte-
grity and zeal in the field, they will not find one
more so than Mr. John Harvey, of the Commissa-
riat Department. I visited my old friends, the 22d,
during my stay at the Presidency, and on the 4th of
January, 1844, 1 sailed in the " Thomas Coutts,"
for England, where I arrived on the 2nd May. I
returned to India in October of the following year
and again embarked for England, by steam, via
the Overland route, in February, 1846, sending
my heavy baggage in the unfortunate steamship
" Liverpool." I of course lost it, being unensured,
and but that I remained some weeks in the Holy
Land, on a tour, I should have been a pa^'senger

SCENES IN A soldier's LIFE.

389

hi the vessel. I must now conclude my Narrative,
which is far from being as complete as I would wish
it. In consequence of the promised size of the work,
I am compelled to be brief in my details, from
circumstances over which I have no control. If
it, however, as I most fervently trust it will, be
found at all interesting to my readers, I am doubly
repaid; and as, doubtless, there are many points in
it, which might be iipproved, yet I hope, as I do
not profess to be a practised writer of history, that
these little faults will be overlooked. My travels
in the Holy Land, as well in the principal places of
the known world, may perhaps be considered wor-
thy of a perusal, and I shall be induced to publish
them at an early period, from the liberal manner in
which I have been encouraged by subscriptions to
this, and my former works, and for which I beg to
return my sincere thanks.

It has occurred to me that the following brief
extracts Tpay.b^ of interest vtso .the r;e^der, and I
therefore- iiigert ihiij hek: * * Th^ ; wailfes of Lord
Hardinge,on the s\il)jectpjf the.crueljtie*s.n^c»t falsely
attribulea.'to:^ BrMsh.^rciopfi-aVj-staUf, will
serve to disabuse the minds of any who may have
been credulous enough to believe the malicious
rumours alluded to. I, myself, assert them to be
without a vestige of truth. The conduct of our
Forces at Istalif, as at all other places in Jndia,

^fpl?**#»^'l»

ssssHBaa

390

»«•

SCENES IN A SOLDIER'S LIFE

was generous and forbearing, and characteristic of
good, as well as of brave men.

General McCaskill says in his despatch :

"Lieutenant Evans, commanding 4l8t Light Infantry, very
bravely and successfully led the onset in the storming of Ibtalif,
the stronghold of the Gilozie Chiefs, but was unfortunately shot
in the Town after its capture." *

Lord Hardinge, as Secretary at War, in the
debate in the House of Commons, alluding to the
death of this gallant officer, spoke as follows:—

"I am not aware of any cruelties being committed by our
Troops at Istalif, but, I believe the shooting, after the place was
taken, of that popular and spirited young officer, Lient. Evans.
4l8t, who so gallantly led the onset, did occasion a strong feeling
of excitement amongst that young officer's admiring followers."

I !

.''.

j . ... .. ^ • ' ■'

r a .

ii \

/ 1

IN PREPARATION,

And will shortly be isswd^

BY THE AUTHOR OF "'SCENES IN A SOLDIEb'S UFK,"

A NEW WORK, EHTITLED

^'FORTUNES AND MISFORTUNES;"

A TALE OF REAL LIFE,

In One Volume — Duodecimo.

ALSO, BY THE SAME AUTHOR,

A NEW WORK,

As a Companion to the "Scenes in a Soldier's Life"

CALLED

THE ARMY AS IT WAS & THE ARMY AS IT IS.