l expeditionary columns were sent out round the country to
bring in provisions and grain, and these were attended with great
success. The enemy were, however, collecting in several places,
specially at Kohdaman and Maidan, and had stopped the influx of
provisions, which the natives were ready enough to sell for sums which
to them were handsome indeed.

Two columns were told off to march out and attack these parties of the
enemy. But the movement was an unfortunate one. The force under
General Macpherson found Mahommed Jan near Chardeh, and pushed on the
14th Bengal Lancers, who came across several thousand men on their way
to join Mahommed Jan. A sharp fight ensued. The guns shelled the
enemy, but the water-courses prevented our cavalry from being of any
service. Mahommed Jan had with him 10,000 men, and, passing General
Macpherson, placed himself between him and Cabul, and there watched the
movements of our troops.

Shortly afterwards, four Horse Artillery guns, under Major Smith
Wyndham, moved along the Argandeh road to join the infantry. Brigadier
Massy, with a squadron of the 9th Lancers, and 44 men of the 14th Bengal
Lancers, escorted the guns. After a four-mile march, the advanced troop
reported the enemy to be in sight. It was apparent that the Afghans had
thrown themselves between the infantry and the guns; but as only 2000 or
3000 appeared, it was thought that they were fugitives, flying either
from General Macpherson or General Baker.

As they came streaming down the hill, General Massy got his guns into
action. After a few shells had been fired, the enemy advanced in full
force. Four thousand men were extended in the shape of a crescent,
marching in good order, and in rear was an irregular body numbering
6000. The four guns pitched their shell rapidly into the thick of the
enemy; but no effect was produced in the way of breaking the line of
advance. It never wavered, but came steadily on; and as General Massy
had no infantry with him, he was obliged to retire. The guns fell back
a little, and again opened fire. The enemy's bullets were now dropping
fast among the cavalry and guns. Thirty of the 9th Lancers dismounted
and opened fire with their Martini carbines, but the enemy were too
numerous to be checked by so small a body of men.

While the artillery were in action, Sir F. Roberts with his staff joined
General Massy. General Roberts ordered him to send the Lancers at the
enemy at a cha