to the departure of the Commander-in-Chief for Candahar,
General Nott being indignant at being thus invalided and debarred his
share in the danger and glories of the campaign. We remained at Quettah
about a week, the condition of both men and horses being such as to
render rest necessary. The supplies which we obtained from the Bengal
column and the rich pasturage of the surrounding country soon refreshed
and re-invigorated us, and we pursued our route in renewed health and
spirits.

Leaving Quettah, we again entered a barren and mountainous district
which presented few traces of cultivation, and which afforded little or
no pasturage for our cattle. In order to embarrass us the more the
Belochees lay on the watch for the parties who were sent out to cut
grass, and maimed and mutilated them in the most shocking manner. One
poor fellow had his ears slit, and another received injuries which
rendered the amputation of an arm necessary. The thefts of cattle,
however, became less numerous, the cutting off the supplies of forage
being deemed a less hazardous and equally effectual mode of impeding our
progress.

So serious became this change in the tactics of the enemy that it was
resolved to increase the number of men sent out on the foraging
expeditions. This did not, however, deter the Belochees from repeating
their attacks, and on one occasion they drove in a party consisting of a
considerable number of native soldiers, and succeeded in making three or
four of the grass-cutters prisoners. A squadron of her Majesty's 4th
Light Dragoons was immediately ordered out in pursuit under the command
of Major Daly. We proceeded towards the hills at full gallop, and at
length came in sight of the enemy who were in a close body of from three
to four hundred. They suddenly disappeared from view, although the
country was still a perfect level, and presented no apparent means of
concealment. On reaching the spot we found they had ensconced themselves
in a large stone pit or quarry, into which it was impossible for cavalry
to penetrate, and a sharp and well directed fire from all the salient
points of the rocks affording the least shelter, indicated to us their
different lurking places. Patiently watching our opportunities we sent a
volley into every recess or cavity where a rag was to be seen
fluttering, and Major Daly observing a party of about ten or twelve
clustered in some bushes which lay almost within a bound of his horse
gallant