hose executed. Many of the villagers were also hung, for
shooting at detached bodies of our troops. A proclamation had been
issued by the general, on his first arrival, warning the people
that any attempt against our authority would be severely punished;
forbidding the carrying of weapons within the streets of Cabul, or
within a distance of five miles of the city gates; and offering a
reward for all arms belonging to the Afghan troops which should be
given up, and for the surrender of any person, whether soldier or
civilian, concerned in the attack on the embassy.

The position of the British force, at Cabul, was that of a body
holding only the ground they occupied, in the midst of a bitterly
hostile country. The Ameer was powerless and, indeed, his goodwill
was more than doubtful. He had, from his arrival in the camp, been
regarded as a prisoner--although treated with courtesy--and after
the battle of Chaurasia--feeling his own impotence, and being
viewed with hostility by both parties--he resigned his position as
Ameer, and asked to be sent to India, which was done. The
abdication of the Ameer really took place on the day the troops
entered Cabul, but it was not publicly known until the end of the
month; as nothing could be done, on the subject, until his desire
was communicated to the Indian authorities, and their views
concerning it ascertained.

From the moment of his arrival at Cabul, General Roberts had set to
work to prepare for the winter. He would, for four or five months,
be entirely cut off; and would have to rely upon himself, alone. He
had before him the terrible catastrophe which had, on the same
ground, befallen General Elphinstone's army; and knew that it was
possible--and indeed probable--that, with the memory of that
success before them, the Afghans would unite in another great
effort to annihilate the little force shut up in the heart of their
country.

Fortunately he had, in the Ameer's barracks at Sherpur, a position
which he was confident he could hold against any attacks that could
be made upon him. These extensive barracks had been erected by
Sheer-Ali for the use of his cavalry, but had never been used. They
consisted of a large square, three sides of which were surrounded
by a lofty wall--an isolated and rocky, steep hill rising at the
back, and closing the fourth side. The buildings were amply large
enough to contain the whole of General Roberts' force; and there
was abundant room for th