r, a precaution
which, however, was hardly necessary, as there was no enemy to be
seen.

I next set to work to re-open communication with India, Butkhak was
re-occupied, and the relaying of the telegraph was taken in hand.
General Hills resumed his position as military Governor of Kabul; the
dispensary and hospital were re-established in the city under the
energetic and intelligent guidance of Surgeon-Captain Owen;[4] and
in the hope of reassuring the people, I issued the following
Proclamation:

'At the instigation of some seditious men, the ignorant people,
generally not considering the result, raised a rebellion. Now many
of the insurgents have received their reward, and as subjects
are a trust from God, the British Government, which is just and
merciful, as well as strong, has forgiven their guilt. It is now
proclaimed that all who come in without delay will be pardoned,
excepting only Mahomed Jan of Wardak, Mir Bacha of Kohistan,
Samandar Khan of Logar, Ghulam Hyder of Chardeh, and the murderers
of Sirdar Mahomed Hassan Khan. Come and make your submission
without fear, of whatsoever tribe you may be. You can then remain
in your houses in comfort and safety, and no harm will befall you.
The British Government has no enmity towards the people. Anyone
who rebels again will, of course, be punished. This condition is
necessary. But all who come in without delay need have no fear or
suspicion. The British Government speaks only that which is in its
heart.'

The effect of this Proclamation was most satisfactory: the city and
the surrounding country quieted rapidly, shops were re-opened, and
before the close of the year the bazaars were as densely thronged as
ever. Most of the principal men of Logar and Kohistan came to pay
their respects to me; they were treated with due consideration, and
the political officers did all they could to find out what they
really wanted, so that some basis of an arrangement for the peaceful
administration of the country might be arrived at.

While taking these measures, which I thought would create confidence
in our clemency and justice, I endeavoured in other ways to prevent
a repetition of further serious troubles. Snow was still deep on the
ground, but I did not let it prevent my sending General Baker to
destroy a fort about twenty miles off, where dwelt an influential
_malik_, who was one of the chief ringleaders in the