The battles of the world : $b or, cyclopedia of battles, sieges, and important military eventsBorthwick, J. Douglas (John Douglas)
History
The battles of the world : $b or, cyclopedia of battles, sieges, and important military events
Borthwick, J. Douglas (John Douglas)
Battles; Military history
The unfortunate 44th made a somewhat successful stand in the
Jugdulluk Pass, and succeeded, ere they were overpowered, in
slaying many of their foes. The pass was narrow, and the Affghans,
who had preceded us some hours, with a view to intercept and baffle
us, had formed breastworks across the road; and, would it be
believed, that these breastworks were formed of skeletons of our
own men and horses? Not less than 100 frames could have been here
piled up, which had to be removed before we could pass on. About
600 of the enemy made their appearance here, and in the first onset
did considerable damage,--but a detachment from the main body soon
dislodged them, and put them to the rout; it was common to see,
lying on the road, bodies of murdered Sepoys and couriers; and in
fact to attempt to enumerate the acts of treachery practised on
us, would be next to impossible. We at length reached Soorkab. At
this ground was a cluster of fine tall trees, which relieved the
eye, and led us to hope we were approaching a land of the living;
the camp was bordered by the celebrated Red River, 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 travellers in camp to sleep. Across this river is a most
splendid bridge of one gigantic arch, which led by a declivitous
route from this Pass to another; on the right of this bridge, which
was erected by 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
creatures, considered, it cannot but call forth a sigh of deep
regret,--bereft of every chance of escape, or wherewithal to
exist,--as they were. When we consider 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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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