The Afghan War of 1879-80: Being a Complete Narrative of the Capture of Cabul, the Siege of Sherpur, the Battle of Ahmed Khel, the Brilliant March to Candahar, and the Defeat of Ayub Khan, with the Operations on the Helmund, and the Settlement with Abdur Rahman KhanHensman, Howard
History
The Afghan War of 1879-80: Being a Complete Narrative of the Capture of Cabul, the Siege of Sherpur, the Battle of Ahmed Khel, the Brilliant March to Candahar, and the Defeat of Ayub Khan, with the Operations on the Helmund, and the Settlement with Abdur Rahman Khan
“Be it known to all that the British army is advancing on Cabul to
take possession of the city. If it be allowed to do so peacefully,
well and good; if not, the city will be seized by force. Therefore all
well-disposed persons who have taken no part in the dastardly murder
of the British Embassy or in the plunder of the Residency are warned,
that if they are unable to prevent resistance being offered to the
entrance of the British army and to the authority of His Highness the
Amir, they should make immediate arrangements for their own safety,
either by coming into the British Camp or by such other measures as
may seem fit to them. And as the British Government does not make war
on women and children, warning is given that all women and children
should be removed from the city beyond the reach of harm. The British
Government desires to treat all classes with justice, and to respect
their religion, feelings, and customs, while exacting full retribution
from offenders. Every effort will therefore be made to prevent the
innocent suffering with the guilty. But it is necessary that the
utmost precaution should be taken against useless opposition.
Therefore, after the receipt of this proclamation, all persons found
armed in or about Cabul will be treated as the enemies of the British
Government; and further, it must be clearly understood that if the
entry of the British force is resisted, I cannot hold myself
responsible for any accidental mischief which may be done to persons
and property, even of well-disposed people who may have neglected this
warning.
“Signed, &c., F. ROBERTS.”
Two sowars belonging to the 12th Bengal Cavalry, who were spending their
furlough at Cabul, arrived here to-day, and report that the mutineers
mean to fight. We have just heard of an unsuccessful attack upon the
Shutargardan by Mangals and Ghilzais.[8]
-----
Footnote 8:
The Shutargardan was held by the 3rd Sikhs and 21st Punjab Infantry
with four guns of No. 1 Mountain Battery. Colonel Money of the 3rd
Sikhs was in command.
-----
The force is now concentrated, for the first time, for the march onward
to Cabul. It is made up as follows:—
CABUL FIELD FORCE, OCTOBER 1879.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account