_July 18th._--Every preparation having been made, I marched at six o’clock, P.M., with the troops, followers, drivers, &c., as already stated; and our line of march was considerably increased by a number of asses, the property of individuals, who had loaded these useful animals with an independent supply of water. We continued our route, keeping a large range of rocky and burnt-up hills on our left; a very fine moon shone only to render this dreary scene the more awful; the setting sun brought us little, if any, relief as to heat. After marching about five miles we came to some springs, or rather a black rivulet of water, very bitter, which crosses the valley through which the road leads. I endeavoured in vain to prevent the soldiers from drinking of this infernal brook; thirst was _too imperious_, and I soon found that my orders had been disregarded by all the rear. Many of the men soon felt the ill effects of their folly, and began to fall back faint and oppressed, and this was much aggravated by the very extraordinary closeness of the heat: what air did exist, was like the breathing of a furnace. At twelve o’clock we reached the new wells. I reckon the distance about thirteen miles, where I found a subaltern officer and a few Sepoys stationed to take charge of, and protect them. After placing the necessary guards, &c., I ordered the detachment to lie down, and we enjoyed a most refreshing repose for about three hours. At this time the captain of the rear-guard came up, and reported that a great many stragglers were _still_ behind. I ordered the drums to beat half an hour before day, when the camp was pitched, and the men sheltered from the sun, which rose with a most blazing and fiery aspect. From midnight, until a little after sunrise, the air in the desert is delightfully cool and refreshing (I mean comparatively with the rest of the twenty-four hours); nature, I suppose, has kindly ordained this comfort to the unfortunate travellers, and still more miserable inhabitants of this dreary waste.