en
strengthened by the arrival of the 72nd Highlanders.

General Roberts now set about the work of collecting transport. As
usual, the moment the first campaign had terminated, the transport had
been scattered, with the view of saving expense, and had now, at a great
outlay, to be renewed. All the available animals in Peshawur and near
the frontier were ordered to be sent up. But the drain had told
heavily, and only 2000 mules, 700 camels, and 600 bullocks could be
collected. The tribes in the valley, however, furnished many animals
for local transport.

The Ameer at this time wrote to General Roberts, saying that he was
trying to restore order and put down the mutineers, and to punish them
for their conduct. But it was clear that he had lost all authority. On
26th September, General Roberts joined the troops at Ali Kheyl. On the
way up from this point to the Shaturgurdan, two or three attacks were
made upon baggage convoys by the natives; but these were all repulsed.

The advance now commenced. It consisted of the 12th and 14th Bengal
Cavalry, two guns of the Royal Horse Artillery, two companies of the
72nd Highlanders, and the 5th Punjaub Native Infantry. These moved out
as far as the Zerghun Shahr; and here the Ameer, with some of his
principal nobles, came into camp, declaring that they could not control
the soldiery of Cabul, but that he had come to show his friendship to
the English. The brigades of Generals Baker and Macpherson joined the
advance at Zerghun; and on the 29th a _durbar_ was held. Yakoob,
although received with all honour, was strongly suspected of treachery,
and his conduct at the rising in Cabul had forfeited for him all claim
upon our friendship. All matters were, however, deferred until after
the arrival at Cabul. Before the force moved forward, a proclamation
was issued and sent forward among the people, stating that all loyal
subjects of the Ameer would be well treated, and that the object of the
expedition was only to punish those concerned in the rising at Cabul.

Owing to the shortness of transport, some difficulty was experienced in
moving forward, and the force was obliged to advance in two divisions.
On the 3rd of October Macpherson's brigade, with the cavalry, reached
Suffed Sang. There they halted, while the baggage animals went back to
bring up Baker's brigade. Upon this day an attack was made by the
villagers upon the rearguard; but these were driven off, and severa