orning the troops occupied Ali--Musjid
without resistance. So completely taken by surprise were the Afghans at
the easy capture of a fort which they believed to be absolutely
impregnable, that they fled without further resistance; and the British,
moving quietly up the valley, occupied place after place with scarcely a
shot fired until they reached Jellalabad.

In the meantime, General Roberts was advancing up the Kuram Valley. The
tribes here greeted our advance with pleasure, for they were tributary
to Cabul, and viewed the Afghan rule with aversion. It was upon the
Peiwar Khotal, a steep and extremely strong position, that the Afghans
determined to take their stand.

On the 30th of November the forces approached this position. The
Afghans remained silent, and preparations were made for encamping at the
commencement of the pass. The enemy, however, were nearer and more
active than had been supposed, and scarcely had the troops taken up
their position, when a heavy fire was opened upon them from above, and
the force had to retire hastily out of range. Some of the infantry were
pushed forward, and for a time brisk firing took place. The troops then
encamped for the night out of range of shot. The next day was passed in
endeavouring to feel the position of the enemy, who occupied the line
upon the top of the crest, and it was not until the 2nd that an attack
was delivered.

After thoroughly reconnoitring the ground, it was found that the
position of the Afghans was too strong to be attacked in front, and it
was determined to turn it by a long and very difficult night-march of
nine miles, up a path leading to the extreme left of the enemy's
position. The 72nd Highlanders, the 5th Ghurkas, and the 29th Native
Infantry were told off for the service, and started after nightfall. At
daybreak they came upon the enemy's pickets, and a fierce fight took
place, the Afghans defending themselves desperately. Captain Kelso
brought up his battery of mountain guns, and did good service in aiding
the infantry, who were all fiercely engaged. He himself, however, was
shot dead.

After three hours' hard fighting the enemy's left wing was beaten, and
the British, pressing forward, drove them in confusion upon the centre.
The 2nd Punjaub Infantry, the 23rd Pioneers, and four artillery guns on
elephants now arrived on the scene. It was well that they did so, for
the enemy were again found in a strong position in a thick wood