The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1880-01-03 00:00:00

(FROM VICEROY, 29th December, 1879.)

. ,
News received from Roberts to 26th. Heavy fall
of snow, 25th, stopped pursuit of enemy. All cleared
away, leaving many dead around Sherpur.
Bala Hisser magazine has been emptied. Frequent
explosions occurred during enemy's occupation of
Cabul, in one of which 100 men reported killed.
Telegraph line, greatly destroyed by enemy, is
being repaired. Butkhak has been re•occupied, and
force about to move into Kohistan in pursuit of Mir
Batcha, Kohistani leader.
.._ .

Lieuienant Mont ' anaro ILA., died 20th, Report,
dated not, states total loss up to that date, tan
officers, 79 men killed or died of wounds; 13 ,fficers
195 men wounded.
(FROM VIVEROY, .10th December, 1879.)

Bright reports Norman attacked at Gandamak
yesterday by Agmatullah Khan and Lughman Chiefs,
with about 2000, followers; enemy driven off. Our
loss, Lieutenaut Wright, RA., and one man killed,
one man wounded. Norman advances today to re.
occupy Sehbaba and Lataband.
Roberts telegraphs, Cabul, 27th.—Baker marched
for Kohistan with 1,700 infantry, Guides cavalry, and
fout guns. All walled enclosures around Sherpur are
being levelled, and position otherwise strengthened.
Mahomed Jan has taken Musa Khan to Wardbk.
Country round Cabul rapidly quieting down.

(FRO3I GENERAL SIR P. ROBERTS, DATED CABuL, Dec. 23,
1879.)
_ _

"Desultory attacks all yesterday. Our casualty, a
private 67th Foot wounded. During the day informs
tion was received that a general attack would be made
at day bleak to day, the signal being a fire lighted on
Astra heights. Large numbers of the enemy were
seen occupying the more distant villages during the
day, and coming in to the near ones as it got dark.
"At six a.m. the light appeared, and immediately
afterwards attack commenced on three sides. We
were all prepared. On the south and west sides the
enemy did not show much determination; but on the
north east corner of Behmaroo heights some thousands
collected, and evidently contemplated assaulting the
position. General Hugh Gough commanded here, and,
with the able assistance of Colonel Jenkins, made an
admirable dispositi )n. As soon as the intention of the
enemy was fully developed I determined on a cpunter
attack with cavalry and artillery. These issued by the
gorge between the Behmareo heights, and opening fire
on the enemy's flank, speedily dislodged them from the
place they had taken up on the north-east corner. The
cavalry pursued and cutup numbers of the enemy, who,
retiring from all points, beat a hasty retreat into the
city. We have now occupied some of the advanced
villages, more particularly those on the Batkak road,
so as to ensure the advance of General Charles
Gough's brigade to-morrow unmolested. His camp is
visible about six miles to the east, I shall take the
initiative either tomorrow afternoon or the following
morning, and hope soon to report that her Majesty's
troops have agr.in got pJesession of the Bala ilissar
and the city of Cabal. Our casualties to-day have
been few; numbers will he telegraphed tomorrow.
I grieve to report the death of two gallant officers—
Captain Dandas and Lieut. Nugent, Royal Engineers
—caused by an untimely explosion while engaged in
blowing up the towers of a neighbouring village."

(FROM GENERAL SIR F. ROBERTS, DATED CABUL, Dec 24.
"Oar success yesterday was complete, and the
enemy's loss severe.
"People living near Cabal went straight to their
homes after being defeated, and Kohistanls and
Logaris to city for a few hours, but during the night
they all fled.
" Moollah Mushk•ialim and Neederal Mahomed
Jan, the two leaders, went eff early. Mahomed
Yahir Khan, son of Mahomed Sheriff Khan, who has
been very active against us, has, it is reported, taken
away Musa Khan, eldest son of Yakoob Khan, and
soaped towards Wardak. Cavalry have gone in
pursuit.
"The Bala Hisser and city will be taken possession
of this afternoon, and the former will be occupied if I
can be satisfied that there Is no danger to the troops
from gunpowder.
"Yakoob Khan's wife and mother and Yabga
Khan's wife (who is a daughter of the celebrated Sirdar
Akbar Khan) will be brought into Sherpur to-day.
They have done all in their power to keep up the
excitement, and it is reported that they contemplate
flight.
Oar losses yesterday five killed and thirty.three
wounded, including Lieutenant Gambier, sth Purl cub
Cavalry, severely, and Lieutenant Burn-Murdock,
R.E. slightly.
"I have telegraphed to General Bright to occupy
Leh Baba by detachment of Native Infantry from
Jagdulluk, and to send a regiment of Native Infantry
to Latabund. _ _ _

"Butkak will be occupied by troops from this to-
morrow. In this way communication with India will
be rapidly restored.
"Her Majesty's gracious Message has been received
and published to the troops, who are much gratified.
"The majority of the wounded are dohng well.
"General Charles Gough's Brigade arrived this
morning. Blight snow last night. All well."