Events occurred in the years 1837 and 1838, which appeared to render a temporary departure from those pacific councils, which have marked the British policy in India, necessary, and which occasioned the THIRTEENTH Light Infantry to take the field, under the following circumstances. Shah Shoojah-ool-Moolk had been driven from the throne of Affghanistan, and his kingdom divided among several chiefs. A Persian army besieged Herat, on the frontiers of Affghanistan, and the court of Persia claimed an extensive portion of that kingdom, which lying between India and Persia appeared to menace the safety of the British dominions in the East Indies. These circumstances, and the unprovoked attack made on an ancient British ally, Runjeet Singh, by Dost Mahomed Khan, who relied on Persian encouragement and assistance, were followed by the conclusion of a tripartite treaty, between the British, Runjeet Singh, and Shah Shoojah, for the purpose of effecting the restoration of the dethroned monarch of Affghanistan, and a British force was assembled to achieve this important change in the aspect of affairs beyond the river Indus; this force was called the “ARMY OF THE INDUS,” and the THIRTEENTH Light Infantry having been selected to take part in this enterprise, left Kurnaul in November, and proceeded to the rendezvous of the army at Ferozepore, where they arrived before the end of the month. They encamped within four miles of the Gharra, beyond which river the crimson tents and pavilions of the army of the Punjaub, designed to co-operate in the enterprise, presented a splendid and imposing appearance. The ruler of the Sikhs was with his forces; the governor general arrived at the camp, and grand interviews, entertainments, and reviews, took place, which were conducted with great magnificence. In the meantime the Persians had raised the siege of Herat, and the strength of the army was, in consequence thereof, reduced. From the gala scenes on the banks of the Gharra the troops were called to the more arduous duties of the field, and they advanced upon the capital of the Daoodpootra state; the country was open, the roads good, the air clear and healthful, the river contiguous, and this pleasant march was completed before the end of December, 1838, when the army pitched its tents at the city of Bhawalpore.[19] [Sidenote: 1839]