Rufeek is sent away; and Ali Mohammed Khan has now sole charge of us.
_2d._--It is true that our troops left Kandahar on the 16th of last
month. General Nott's force has given the Affghans a fourth beating at
Khelat-i-Gilzie; and killed 2000 men. Gen. Pollock's division is
expected here on the 15th.
Sharp firing all day; particularly in the afternoon, evening, and all
night.
_3d._--The servants have a report that whenever we leave this place,
Futteh Jung means to chupao us; and that twenty men are always on the
watch, mounted, to carry the intelligence of our removal to him.
_4th._--Capt. Troup came to us; and brought me two parcels from Sale;
one of which was for distribution amongst the ladies. Also letters
enclosing copies of Lord Ellenborough's and Sir Jasper Nicholls' letters
to him. Their contents were so gratifying that I shook off all my
feverish feelings and concomitant weakness; and in the gladness of my
heart felt quite well again.
Troup seems to think that the Sirdar will succeed in getting possession
of the Bala Hissar. He assures Futteh Jung that he has a mine all ready
to spring; but will not have recourse to it till the last moment. Now
this is an evident _ruse_; for if he had the means he would take the
Bala Hissar at once: and we have heard that he has mined in three places
to the extent of twelve hauts; but has each time come to solid rock, on
which the miners can make no impression. The cossid, who brought our
letters, brought one also for the Sirdar; and another for Futteh Jung
from Macgregor: on the receipt of the latter, Futteh Jung fired a royal
salute and made a sally.
The Sirdar sent us some coarse cloth, soap, an Affghan chillumchee, and
some tallow candles: others received sundry donations of the like kind.
_6th._--The Sirdar is said to have possession of the Bala Hissar; and to
occupy the gate nearest to us: while the Kuzzilbashes hold the
Chandowlee gate; and Mahommed Shah another. Futteh Jung is said to have
given up two lakhs of rupees to Akbar.
The tale of the mine was true; but Futteh Jung had filled it with water.
Mahommed Shah Khan and Sultan Jan have been daily for three days at the
Bala Hissar, unattended; in conference with the Shah-zada, who gave them
khelluts, &c. He then asked Mahommed Akbar Khan to meet him in friendly
conference in the gateway, each to have only five followers: but the
Sirdar refused to go further than John Hicks' tomb, fearing treachery.
He had previously warned Mahommed Shah not to trust Futteh Jung; who
might easily have secured the two others each of these days: but we
suspect his aim was to lull them into security, to enable him to seize
the Sirdar.
Here he has shown bad policy: for though Akbar is the superior in rank,
Mahommed Shah has the troops, and what money they can raise at command.
Sultan Jan is the fighting arm of the trio, under the latter; whilst
Akbar sits in durbar, laughs, talks, and squeezes all who are suspected
of having money. He has carefully kept all our notes to him, asking for
or thanking him for things received: no doubt to produce at the last; as
a further proof of his kindness to his captives. Dr. Grant is said to be
alive and safe with some Bunneah; who of course keeps him secreted from
the chiefs, that he and not they may have a reward: but we heard so
positively that he was killed, near the lake beyond Behmaru, that our
hopes are but faint.
Much firing in the evening and night.
_7th._--We hear that last night there was a sortie from the Bala Hissar;
and an attack made on two guns of Mahommed Akbar's. They did not succeed
in capturing them; but took some ammunition and camels. An attempt was
made to carry off the camels belonging to this fort, which were out
grazing; but six horsemen went from hence and rescued them.
Akbar says he does not spring his mine because it will damage the walls
of the Bala Hissar, and make it easier for the English to enter the
place; and that even were the gates open, he doubts the courage of his
troops to enter them.
Amenoollah Khan has been for some time soliciting permission to leave
the Sirdar, to go to Loghur on important affairs of his own: this has
induced the Sirdar to seize him, which is now supposed to be the cause
of all the firing we heard last night. Whether this will prove for our
advantage or not, remains to be proved.
This chief is said to have eighteen lakhs of rupees; which Mahommed
Akbar Khan will probably endeavour to squeeze out of him: however, he is
not likely to have it here. If his treasure is secure at Loghur, and his
sons rise in his favour (as he can bring 10,000 men into the field), a
very powerful diversion may be formed, whether they join us or Futteh
Jung: if, on the contrary, Akbar procures even one lakh of ready cash,
he can do much mischief; by raising troops even for a few weeks to annoy
our force. The celerity with which troops are raised is quite
astonishing to us; who are accustomed to see recruits drilled for a
length of time. Here, every man is born a soldier; every child has his
knife,--that weapon which has proved so destructive in the hands of a
hostile peasantry, incited against us by the moollahs, who threaten
eternal perdition to all who do not join in the cause of the Ghazeeas;
whilst heaven, filled with Houris, is the recompence for every man who
falls in a religious war. With them, the only expense attending the
soldier consists in his pay, which is scanty; his horse, if he have one,
is his own; and every Affghan is armed completely with some three or
four of these knives, of different sizes--from that as long as a sword
to a small dagger--pistols, and a juzail; which latter predominates over
the matchlock: they carry much farther than our muskets; so that when
our men are beyond range to hit them, they pour a destroying fire on us.
Regarding these same muskets being better than matchlocks; those who had
only the latter may have taken them of late in exchange; but, generally
speaking, the only useful part to the Affghans are the locks; which they
tear off, and leave the rest.
Capt. Troup did not return to the Sirdar till this morning. The man, who
went with him, has returned; and states that the Sirdar has blown up the
bastion of the Bala Hissar which is nearest to the Shōr Bazar. There
is, however, some discrepancy in his account; as he states that he saw
the Sirdar's men parading about on the tops of the very bastion that has
been destroyed: he also added, that they were busily employed in
throwing out the dead bodies.
It is a great pity that Gen. Pollock's force does not move up. Futteh
Jung pays the Hindostanees in the Bala Hissar a rupee a day to keep
watch at the gates; being afraid to trust the Affghans.
Mahommed Akbar's guns are worked by three Chuprassies, two Buglers, and
a few other of our runaways.
It is said that whenever we leave this place, there will be great
opposition made to our removal; and that various parties will endeavour
to get us into their power.
3 P.M.--Further accounts have just been brought in; stating that
yesterday's fight, at the Bala Hissar, was commenced by Sultan Jan. When
he got tired, Mahommed Shah Khan took his place; and when he too was
fatigued, the Sirdar assumed command in person. When he brought his gun
to bear on the mine at the bourj, Futteh Jung ran another gun opposite;
and blew the Sirdar's gun away!--a novel method of firing a train;
nevertheless it seems the mine was fired; and, by some bungling, Akbar
blew up 300 of his own men. But Futteh Jung gave in, and the Sirdar is
supposed to have the Bala Hissar. We only obtain such information as the
Khan and his guard are pleased to communicate; excepting those of our
party who perchance overhear them speaking amongst themselves; when,
however, they generally use Pushtoo, to prevent our understanding them.
Four Coolies have arrived with two tin boxes and two baskets from
Tézeen. They are supposed to have come from Jellalabad; as all were
quickly huddled into a room and locked up; and a man despatched to the
Sirdar to know his pleasure concerning them.
The packets have been distributed; mostly medicine for Dr. Magrath.
There were letters and newspapers; but those have been sent to the
Sirdar.
In the garden in the evening we heard that the Sirdar had sent his
salaam, that he was master of the Bala Hissar: but just as we entered
the gate we heard that, so far from that being the case, he had only
taken the bourj above. Now that same bourj above completely commands the
fort. However Akbar has no guns in it; though by manual labour he could
easily drag them up. The mountain train guns go up on mules well; and I
have seen them myself practising over that very hill.
There is another report that Gool Mahommed is to chupao us in four days.
We heard the report of some juzails between nine and ten P.M.
_8th._--The servants declare, that above forty guns were fired last
night between eleven and twelve; but some of the officers, who were
awake, did not hear them any more than I did. On the same authority we
have a rumour of Futteh Jung's having taken two of the Sirdar's tents
and some ammunition; and of his having killed forty of his Ghazeeas.
They say that the Sirdar sent Zernan Shah Khan to treat with Futteh
Jung; and to propose that the latter should remain king; making Akbar
his wuzeer; and that he should make over all the guns and troops to him,
to go and fight the English with. Futteh Jung has placed Zeman Shah Khan
in confinement, until he gets a reply to his message to the Sirdar, in
which he accedes to his request; on condition that he previously places
all the captives in his hands.
_9th._--Capt. Mackenzie arrived; and brought some newspapers and
letters,--those which we have been expecting back from the Sirdar: and
we strongly suspect that he has kept many. Mackenzie assures us that
Futteh Jung has surrendered the Bala Hissar to Akbar Khan; who has
demanded all his treasure, as the first step he takes.
There seems to have been no military necessity for the surrender. One
bourj had been mined; but traverses might have been thrown up to render
the place perfectly secure from any Affghan attack. It is probable that
the Arabs were intimidated by the effect of the mine; _that_ being a
species of warfare they particularly dread. Futteh Jung had held out for
a month--the time, it is said, he had promised to do so; and Pollock's
force not moving to his succour, he probably became disheartened. He now
has not only lost his treasure; but it is likely he may lose his life
also: for he never can feel safe whilst in the power of Akbar and
Mahommed Shah. The latter resides in the Bala Hissar; the former in the
Shōr Bazar. Both Mahommed Shah and Sultan Jan were wounded in the
explosion of the bourj, by stones falling on their heads.
Pollock's force is suffering from sickness; occasioned by the great heat
of Jellalabad.
Col. Parsons' arrangements only extend to camels and carriage cattle as
far as Peshawer. Capt. Mackeson, with great difficulty, prevailed on
them to go as far as Jellalabad; but no further: and immense exertions
have been made to enable the force to leave that place. The arrangements
are, we hear, nearly completed: but now that Akbar has money (18 lakhs,
it is said) at his command, he may raise troops to harass ours.
Gen. Nott is said still to be encamped on this side of Khelat-i-Gilzie.
A week or ten days ago, one brigade might have taken Cabul without
opposition.
The Affghans are very jealous of any people coming to us; lest we should
obtain information. A young man of great respectability, who came to
bring some things for Capt. Johnson a few days since, has been fined
6000 rupees; and in addition to that has been tortured, and had all his
nails torn out.
_10th._--A slight earthquake in the morning; and four shocks during the
night.
_11th._--Our guard is increased by thirty men.
The fruit in the garden is sold to a Khoord; who says, if we will pay
him a few rupees, we may eat any we like: but the grapes are sour, and
will not be ripe for these six weeks at least. The sour plums make
preserves.
It appears very uncertain what power Akbar really possesses. The
Kuzzilbashes occupy the gate which commands their quarter. Mahommed Shah
Khan has one. Futteh Jung is still king, and lives in the interior of
the Bala Hissar. Akbar still inhabits a house in the Shōr Bazar.
_12th._--A Hindostanee was severely beaten at the gate; being suspected
of bringing in news.
_13th._--A Peshawer-i-Suwar was beaten, and had his horse taken from
him, for attempting to come here: if he had any letters, they were not
discovered.
Various reports to-day: some, that our troops are at Gundamuk; and
others that the forces both at Jellalabad and at Kandahar, &c. are all
retreating to the provinces, and leaving us to enjoy the gentle mercies
of our captors.
_14th._--Ali Mahommed Khan says that we shall not leave this fort: that
even if Akbar meditated our removal, the various tribes, by whom we are
surrounded, would look to their own interests; and interfere to get us
into their own hands. This agrees with what Dost Mahommed Khan told us
at Zanduh; that the Sirdar had been peremptory in ordering our removal
to Cabul; but that he had, in so doing, committed a great mistake; as he
would probably find out in three or four days after our arrival at the
capital; and when it would be too late to rectify his error.
_15th._--In consequence of having yesterday given a rupee to the
Khoordish Baghwan, he had this evening two dallies of the finest
mulberries the garden produced (the Bédanas) ready for us: nicely cooled
by the rill of the stream, and covered with a shower of roses. We filled
our basket; and sat and ate the fruit under the vines; and look forward
to delicious sherbet from the flowers to-morrow.
_16th._--Towards morning we were awakened by such a noise, that we could
not possibly imagine it to be less than a chupao: on inquiry it proved
to be a row between an ayah and a bearer.
The _on-dit_ of to-day is, that 4000 Sikhs are to hold Jellalabad,
whilst our troops come up to Cabul. The Affghans say that eight of our
regiments are at Gundamuk. On the arrival of the force it is expected by
the Affghans that Akbar and Mahommed Shah will flee; but that very few
of their followers will accompany them. They will take us with them;
either to Mecca or Room! By the latter they mean Constantinople.
They tell us that Futteh Jung is a prisoner.
Late in the evening news arrived that Kamran (who, by-the-bye, we heard
was put to death by his minister, Yai Mahommed, some time since) is
coming with an army from Herat; to form a coalition with Futteh Jung,
Akbar, the Ghilzyes, and all the Affghan chiefs. They are to go down and
fight our force: if they are successful, we are to remain as we are; if
not, to be sent viâ Charekar to Turkistan.
A report prevalent amongst the Affghans that our force has marched from
Jellalabad; and that we consequently shall soon be removed from hence.
The Prince Futteh Jung is still in confinement. Mahommed Akbar Khan,
Mahommed Shah Khan, and the Ghilzye chiefs, are bent on having him put
to death. Zeman Shah Khan, and the more moderate party, oppose it: not
from affection for us or him, but as a measure of better policy. The
Ghazeeas, however, are determined to steep the chiefs as deeply in blood
as they can, to prevent the possibility of their making any terms with
us. They say the captives shall not be taken away from Cabul; and that
if the Sirdar or any of the Ghilzye chiefs attempt to fly, they will put
them to death.
Zeman Khan wishes the Sirdar to send him to Jellalabad to treat; taking
the captives with him. This Akbar will not hear of: and they have had a
quarrel, ending in a fight. The sound of cannon has been heard; also
vollies of musketry. A grand battle is to come off on Sunday.
_18th._--Waterloo day.--It seems that we are to be sent viâ the Kohistan
to Bokhara. Mackenzie writes, that we are to be prepared for a sudden
move.
_19th._--A letter is said to have arrived from Gen. Pollock to Akbar;
who, with Futteh Jung and all the chiefs, is going in four days to
Jellalabad to salaam. The Ameer is on his way up to resume the throne.
_21st._--Henry's birthday; celebrated by a great battle in Cabul; in
which Akbar has been victorious; though he has lost from sixty to eighty
men.
Zeman Shah Khan is said to have been made prisoner, with both his sons.
Another report states, they have all three escaped: also, that Zeman was
surrounded in a fort, but contrived to get away from it. He had eighteen
guns out; and the Sirdar had as many: the latter is going down to
Jellalabad, to give battle to the English force there.
_22d._--Various reports to-day:--That Zeman Khan lost fifteen guns
yesterday, and all his treasure:--that to-morrow there will be a great
fight between the Sirdar and Khan Shireen Khan.
Later accounts in the evening state that Khan Shireen has made his
salaam; and that we are to go to the Bala Hissar. Plenty of firing heard
by us: said by some to be fighting; by others to be salutes in honour of
Futteh Jung being _declared_ king.
_23d._--The Dost is not to come up until after the rains. No chance of
our removal at present.
_25th._--Mackenzie and Troup arrived.
Colonel Palmer is said to have been tortured at Ghuznee. Mohun Lull has
been seized, and tortured. Humza Khan has been imprisoned by the Sirdar.
Ali Bega, Naïb Shureef, and Jan Fishan Khan have fled: the latter's two
sons have been murdered. Osman Khan (the late wuzeer) has been seized by
Akbar. Nott is said to have returned to Kandahar; after putting to death
all his Affghan captives, and blowing up Kelat-i-Ghilzie. This seems (if
true) to be a strange proceeding, if we are to retain the country; as
the fortress was but just completed; and was considered an indispensable
site for a granary and depôt of troops. Major Rawlinson's opinion is,
that our troops will all be withdrawn in the autumn: but this does not
square with the order, received by Ali Bega from Dallas, to lay in all
the provisions he can possibly store in Cabul.
Ali Mahommed tells us that the Khyberries have risen; and that we have
sent two regiments and two guns against them: but there is an inkling
that more guns have arrived at Jellalabad; and therefore we might have
sent a force to protect them on their way up. They say, also, that
Pollock has actually moved up as far as Gundamuk; and there is a report
that our men at Buddeeabad have been set at liberty by our troops; who
blew up the fort, and also that at Tighree.
_26th._--A report that 10,000 Sikhs have come up from Peshawer; that
they are in the Lughman valley; have destroyed Tighree; and, fearing a
chupao on Buddeeabad, all the prisoners there were brought away: they
were fed on bread and water only after we left them. The day after our
departure, Mrs. Wade (wife of a sergeant) changed her attire, threw off
the European dress, and adopted the costume of the Mussulmans; and,
professing to have changed her creed also, consorted with the Nazir of
our inveterate enemy, Mahommed Shah Khan; and gave information of some
plans laid by the men for their escape; which nearly caused them all to
have their throats cut. Having reported to her Affghan paramour the
manner in which her husband had secreted some gold mohurs in his jorabs,
he was of course plundered of them. The Hindostanees were stripped of
every article of clothing they possessed; and had even the rags taken
off their sores, to ascertain there was no money concealed: they were
then turned out. Some got to Jellalabad; through the kindness of a Hindu
Bunneah, who sent them down on a jhala; others have been made slaves. Of
the unfortunate servants, Mrs. Sturt and I left behind us, we have no
tidings.
The Europeans found it dreadfully hot at Buddeeabad; and most of them
were attacked by fever: their only remedy being bleeding with a
penknife; in which Mr. Blewitt was very successful. One man (Sergt.
Reynolds), who was left there with a broken arm, died of lockjaw.
Sergt. Fare brought with him the colour of the 44th which has been
before mentioned. A few days after Capt. Souter's arrival at Buddeeabad,
Brig. Shelton expressed a wish that the colour should be given to his
servant. (Moore, of the 44th); for the purpose of sewing it in a piece
of cloth; and to keep it in his possession. Previous to our quitting
Buddeeabad, the Brigadier suggested that the colour should be left with
Sergt. Fare; who, with the party that was left at the fort, would, it
was expected, be released before those who proceeded to Cabul. Sergt.
Fare kept the colour concealed by wrapping it round him; and when he
joined us here (at Shewakee) he made it over to Gen. Shelton; who
retains it in his possession.
Of so incorrect a personage as Mrs. Wade I shall only further say, that
she is at Mahommed Shah Khan's fort with her Affghan lover; and has
taken with her young Stoker. As he is the son of a man in Sale's
regiment, I am doing all I can to get the Sirdar (through Capt. Troup's
entreaty) to have him brought here; and again placed under Mrs. Burnes's
care. She and her infant are looking very miserable, as are most of the
men.
Col. Stoddart and Capt. Arthur Conolly are prisoners at Bokhara. The
latter had been enthusiastically employed in endeavouring to effect the
release of the slaves in Kokan. The king of Bokhara conquered the chief
of that country; and placed Conolly in confinement at Bokhara. He and
his fellow-prisoner, by the last accounts, had been 126 days confined in
a dungeon underground, without light: they had never changed their
clothes, nor washed; and their food was let down to them once in four or
five days. A native, who had compassion on them, received a message
through the person who took their food to them; and through him Conolly
has communicated with his family here; who, alas! are now powerless to
assist him.
We ate the first really ripe apricots (_zerdaloos_) and cherries
(_gulas_) brought in from the city: but the produce of the Kohistan, the
aloo baloo, or sour wild cherry, in the garden, is now pretty ripe; and
the apricots and some of the green plums are ripening. The peach of this
garden is very inferior to what I used to purchase last year. The best
apricot in it is the white one; it is called kysee; and has a flavour of
rose-water.
The red plum is not permitted to ripen properly: it has some flavour;
and is called turnasook. The green plum looks something like a
greengage; but has no flavour except that of _eau sucrée_.
It is said, on the authority of Sergt. Wade,--who was informed by his
wife, who professed to have her information from Mahommed Shah Khan's
family,--that we are all going to be sent to Bokhara. There is also a
report, not however traceable to any foundation, that Pollock's force is
not to move upwards until the middle of August.
_28th._--An earthquake about 11 A.M., and another about 9 P.M.;
sufficient both times to make the roof creak.
We have heard from undoubted authority that Mahommed Akbar Khan said in
the durbar, before he left Cabul to follow our troops in January, that
it was his intention to go and _kuttle kurra_, or cut the throats of all
our force; _and, after that, let_ THEM _beware_,--meaning the chiefs. He
seems to be now verifying his promise; and is, by all accounts,
squeezing as much wealth as he can out of all those who are in his
power; and disgusting every one of them.
_29th._--Jan Fishan Khan has escaped to Jellalabad. Khan Shireen Khan,
and many of those friendly to the English, have retired into the hills.
_30th._--Troup left us; taking part of my journal, and plenty of
letters; as it is said he is to be sent to Jellalabad. Mackenzie is ill
with fever; and unable to go with him.
_July 1st._--The Sirdar has promised that Stoker shall be sent back to
us; but he has not yet arrived.
_3rd._--Troup arrived; and brought us a comb and two caps from Mahommed
Rufeek. The Sirdar still talks of sending him to Jellalabad; but says he
must wait four or five days, as he, the Sirdar, is busy collecting his
revenue. The hostages are all coming here to-morrow or next day. I fear
their arrival will crowd us very much; and at present we have Mackenzie,
Waller, and Melville laid up with fever.
Timor Shah says that if the English will support him on his father's
throne, well and good; if not, that he will prefer going to Loodianah,
on a pension.