The Sun.
London, England, 1839-10-30 00:00:00

'MR SUN, LO

..,
i , • ~
stunned by it, but shortly after reosered his senses ± so eager were the 'Othecr 45,,,r. b' the Engineers of
and feeling. On hearing the acivarce sounded by both PeesidVnWth sir the honour of carrying the
the bugle (being the signal for the gate having , r'Wdee loags, that the point could only he decided
been blown in), the Artillery, =ler ;he ablt a;...
try seniority, which shows the fine feeling by whith
re inns of Brigadier Stevenson, ccfsl7,,‘,ing of Cap- they are animated.
lain Grant's troop, of Ben',7ll Hose Artillery, the I must now inform your Lordship that since I
camel battery, 'limier Captain Abbtt, both super- ijoined the Bengal column in the valley of Shawl I
intenaed by Captain Pew, Captins Martin and have continued my march with it in the advance,
Colgrave's troops of Bombay lithe Artillery, and - and it has been thy good fortune to have had the
Captain Lloyd's battery of Bornbfr Foot Artillery, assistance of two most efficient staff-officers, in
all opened a terrific fire upon th
citadel and ram- Major Craigie, Deputy Adjutant-General, and
parts of the fort, and, in a certain egret, paralysed Major Garden, Deputy Quartermaster-General.
the enemy. It is but justice to those officers that I should state
Under the guidance of Captai homson, of the to your Lordship the high manner in which all
Bengal Engineers, the chief - o the department, their duties have been performed up to this day,
Colonel Dennie, of her Majesty 13th Light In-
and that I look upon them as promisingofficers to
fantry, commanding the advanceiconsisting of the fill the higher ranks. To the other officers of both
light companies of her Majesty'sbd and 17th Re- departments lam also much indebted for the cor-
giments of Foot, and of the Ben I European Re- rect performance of all duties appertaining to their
giment, with one company of h Majesty's 13th situations.
Light Infantry, proceeded to tl gate, and with To Major Keith, the Deputy Adjutant-General,
great difficulty, from the rubbish hrown down, and and Major Campbell, the Deputy Quartermaster-
the determined opposition offer 1 by the enemy, General of the Bombay Army, and to all the other
effected an entrance and estal fished themselves officers of both departments under their,, my acknow-
within the gateway, closely foil wed by the main ledgenients are also due, for the manner in which
columns, led in a spirit of great Ilantry by Brigs- their duties have been performed (luring this
dier Sale, to whom I had entr ted the important campaign.
post of commanding the stormii party, consisting Captain Alexander, commanding the 4th Bengal
(with the advance above-menti lied) of her Ma- Local Horse, and Major Cunningham, command
jesty's 2d Foot under Major Caruthers, the Ben-
f
ing the Poona Auxiliary Horse, with the men under
gal European Regiment under ,I..ieut• Colonel Or- their orders, have been of essential service to the
chard, followed by her Majesti's 13th Light In- army in this campaign.
fantry under Major Thomson, tnd her Majesty's The arrangements made by Superintending Sur-
17th Regiment under Lieut.-Uonel Croker. The geons Kennedy and Atkinson previous to the
struggle within the fort was desperate for a consi- storming, for affording assistance and comfort to the
(hirable time. In addition to ihe heavy fire kept wounded, met with my approval.
up, our troops were assailed by the enemy sword in Major Parsons, the Deputy Commissary-Gene-
hand, and with daggers, pistols, &c. ; but British ral, in charge•of the department in 'the field, has
courage, perseverance, and fortitude overcame all been unremitting in his attention to keep the troops
opposition, and the fire of the enemy in the lower supplied, although much difficulty is experienced,
area, on the fort, being nearly silenced, Brigadier and he is occasionally thwarted by the nature of the
Sale turned towards the citadel, from which could country and its inhabitants.
now be seen men abandoning the guns, running in I have throughout this service received the ut-
all directions, throwing themselves down from most assistance 1 could derive from Lieut.-Colonel
immense heights, endeavouring to make their es- Macdonald, my officiating military secretary, and
cape, and on reaching the gate with her Majesty's Deputy Adjutant-General of her Majesty's forces,
17th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Croker, followed Bombay ; from Captain Powell, my Persian inter-
by the 13th, forced it open at five o'clock in the preter, and the other officers of my personal staff.
morning. The colours of her Majesty's 13th and The nature of the country in which we are serving
17th were planted on tho• citadel of Ghuznee, prevents the possibility of my sending a single staff
amidst the cheers of all ranks. Instant protection was officer to deliver this to your Lordship, otherwise'
granted to the women found in the citadel /among I should have asked my Aide, de-Camp, Lieut.
whom were those of Mahomed Hyder, the Gover- Keane, to proceed to Simla, to deliver this despatch
nor), and sentries placed over the magazine for its into your hands, and to have afforded any further
security. Brigadier Sale reports having received information that your Lordship could have desired.
much assistance from Captain Kershaw, of her . The brilliant triumph we have obtained, the cool
Majesty's 13th Light Infantry, throughout the courage displayed, and the gallant bearing of the
whole of the service of the storming. troops I have the honour to command,
will have
Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton executed I taught such a leSson to our enemies in the Afgh-
a mann-

ler much to my satisfaction the orders he
had received. The Major• General followed closely
the assaulting party into the fort with the reserve,
namely, Brigadier Roberts, with the only available
regiment of his brigade, the 35th Native Infantry,
under Lieut.-Colonel Monteith ; part of Brigadier
Sale's brigade, the 16rh Infantry, under
Major MacJaren ;
Lieut.-Colonel Vb and Native Infantry, under
heelei; and they immediately
occupied lire ramparts, putting down opposition
"'LlP:never they met any, and making prisoners, until
the place was completely in our possession. A de-
sultory fire was kept up in the town long after the
citadel was in our hands from those who had taken
shelter in houses, and in desperation kept firing on
all that approached them. In this way several of
our men were wounded and some killed, but the
aggressors raid dearly for their bad conduct in not
surrendering when the place was completely ours.
I must not omit to mention that three companies of
the 35th Native Infantry, under Captain Hay,
ordered to the south side of the fort to begin with a
false attack, to attract attention to that side; per-
formed that service at the proper time, and greatly
to my satisfaction.

—nat)
nation, as will make them hereafter respect the
name of a British soldier.
Our loss is wonderfully small, considering the
occasion ; the casualties in killed and wounded
amount to about 200.
The loss of the enemy is immense ; we have
already buried of dead nearly 500, together with
an immense number of horses.
I enclose a list of the killed, wounded, and miss-
ing. lam happy to say that, although the wounds
of some of the officers are severe, they are all doing
well.
It is my intention, after selecting a garrison for
this place, and establishing a general hospital, to
continue my march to Cabool forthwith. I
have, &c.
(Signed)

JOHN KEANE, Lieut. General.

No. 1.

List of killed, wounded, and missing in the army
under the command of Lieut.-General Sir John Keane,
before Ghuznee, on the 21st of July, 1839. :-
2d Troop Bengal Horse Artillery—Three horses
wounded.
3d Troop Bombay—Two rank and file, two horses
wounded.

As we were threatened with an attack for the
relief of the garrison I ordered the 19th Bombay
Native Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Stalker, to guard the Cahool road, and to
be in support of the cavalry division. This might
have proved an important position to occupy, but
as it was no enemy appeared.
The cavalry division under Major-General
Tbackwell, in addition to watching the approach
of an enemy, had directions to surround Ghuznee,
and to sweep the plain, preventing the escape of
runaways from the garrison. Brigadier Arnold's
brigade--the Brigadier himself, I deeply regret to
say, was labouring under very severe illness, having
shortly before burst a blood-vessel internally, which
rendered it wholly impossible for him to mount a
horse that day—consisting of her Majesty's 16th
Lancers under Lieutenant-Colonel Persse, tempo-
rarily commanding the brigade, and Major Mac-
Donell, the junior Major of the regiment (the se-
nior Major of the 16th Lancers, Major Cureton,
an officer of great merit, being actively engaged in
the execution of his duties as Assistant-Adjutant
General to the cavalry division), the 2d Cavalry
under Major Salter, and the 3d under Lieutenant.
Colonel Smith, were ordered to watch the south
and west sides. Brigadier Scott's brigade were
placed on the Cahool road, consisting of her Ma-
jesty's 4th Light Dragoons under Major Daly, and
of the Ist Bombay Cavalry under Lieutenant-
Colonel Sandwith, to watch the north and east
sides. This duty was performed in a manner greatly
to my satisfaction.

4th Troop Bombay—One horse killed.
2d Regiment Bengal Cavalry—One horse killed,
one rank and tile wounded,

4th Bengal Local Horse:—One rank and file and one
horse missing.

Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry—One rank and
file killed.

16th Bengal Native Infantry—One captain wounded.
48th Ditto ditto—One lieutenant and two rank and file
wounded.

Total killed—One rank and file and two horses.
Total wetlnacd—Ona ovtain, one lieutneet, five
rank and file, and six horses.
Total missing—One rank and file and one horse.
NAMES OF OFFICERS WOUNDED.'
Captain Graves, 16th. Bengal Native Infantry, se-
verely.
Lieut. Vanhomrigh, 48th Bengal Native Infantry,
slightly.
(Signed) R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel,
Military Secretary and Deputy Adjutant-
General H.M.F. Bombay.
No. 2.
List of killed, wounded, and missing in the army
under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir John
Keane, K.C.. an.C.H., in the assaut and captu
of the fortressß and d citaG del of Ghuznee, onl
the 23d Ju re
1839 ly,

General Staff-1 colonel, 1 major wounded.
3d Troop Bombay Horse Artillery-1 rank and file
wounded.

4th ditto ditto-1 rank and file and 1 horse wounded.
Bengal Engineers-3 rank and file killed, 2 rank and
file wounded, 1 rank and file miis;ng.
Bombay Engineers-1 lieutenant, 1 rank and file
wounded.

Alter the storming, and that quiet was in some
degree restored within, I conducted his Majesty
Shah Shooja-001-Moolk, and the British Envoy
and Minister, Mr. Macnaghten, round the citadel
and a great put of the fortress. The King was
perfectly astonished at our having made ourselves
masters of a place conceived to be impregnable,
when defended, in the short space of two hours,
and in less than forty-eight hours after we came
before it. His Majesty was, of course, greatly
delighted at the result. When I afterwards in the
course of the day, took Mahomed Hyder Khan,
the Governor, first to the British Minister, and
then to the King, to make his submission, I in-
formed his Majesty that I had made a promise that
his life should not be touched, and the King, in
very handsome terms, assented, and informed Ma-
homed Hyder, in my presence, that although he
and his family had befit rebels, yet he was willing
to forget and forgive all.
Prince Mahomed Hvder, the Governor of
Ghuznee, is a prisoner of war in my camp, and
under the surveillance of Sir Alexander Burnes, an
arrangement very agreeable to the former.
From Major-General Sir W. Co; ton, command•
ing the Ist infantry division (of the Bengal Army),
I have invariably receivwd the strongest support,
and on this occasion his exertions were manifest in
support of the honour of the profession and our
country.

Bmgal Light Cavalry-1 rank and file wounded.
Ist Bombay Light Cavalry-1 havildar killed, .5 rank
and file, and 7 horses wounded.

_- -----
Her Majesty's 2d Font (or Queen's Royal)-4 rank
and file killed, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 sergeant,
and 26 rank and file wounded.
Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry-1 rank and file
killed, 3 sergeants and 27 rank and file wounded.
Her Majesty's 17th Foot.-6 rank and file wounded.
Bengal European Regiment-1 rank and file killed,
1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants,
1 ensign, 1 sergeant, 51 rank and file wounded.
16th Bengal N. L--1 havildar, 6 rank and file
wounded.
35th ditto ditto-5 rank and file killed, 1 havildar,
and 8 rank and file wounded.
48th ditto ditto-2 havildars killed, 5 rank and file
wounded.
Total killed-3 sergeants or havildars, 14 rank and file.
Total wounded-1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel,
2ge,mwatisoorsr,
havildars,
icaptain,itiars, rlieutenants,
le2,
senhseigriness,.7 ser-
geants
Total missing—A rank and file.
Grand total on the 21st
and 23d of July, killed,
wounded, and missing-191 officers and men, and 16
horses.

(Signed) R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Colonel.
Sceretary, and D 'piny Adjutant-General
to her Majesty's Forces, Bombay.
Wounded.—Names of officers killed, wounded, and
missing
General Staff—Brigadier' Sale, her Majesty's 13th
Light Infantry, slightly ; Major Parsons, Deputy Corn-
missaD7Greueral, ditto.

I have likewise at all times received able assis-
tance from Major- General Willshire, commanding
the 2d infantry division (of the Bombay Army),
which it was found expedient on that day to break
up, some for the storming party and some on other
duties. The Major-General, as directed, was in at-
tendance upon myself.
To Brigadier Sale I feel deeply indebted for the
gallant and soldier-like manner in which he con-
ducted the responsible and arduous duty entrusted
to him in command of the storming party, and for
the arrangements he made in the citadel immediately
after taking possession of it. The sabre wound
which, he received in the face did not prevent his
continuing to direct his column until everything
was secure ; and I ten happy in the opportunity of
bringing to your Lordship's notice the excellent
conduct of Brigadio Sale on this occasion.
Brigadier Stevenson, in command of the Artil-
lery, was all I coulsl wish, and he reports that Bri-
gade-Majors Backbouse and Coghlan ably assisted
him. His arrangements were good, and the execu-
tion done by the arm he commands was such as
cannot be foraotto by those of the enemy who
have witnessed and survived it.
To Brigadier Roberts, to Colonel Dennie, who
commanded the advance, and to the different officers
commanding regiments already mentioned, as well
as to the other officers and gallant soldiers under
them, who so nobly maintained
the honour and re-
putation of our coi.intrY, my best acknowledgments
are due.
Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers,
To Captain
strength,
iz,
the chief of the department with
credit of the succos of this brilliant
,comuupchde.omf
at the
is due. A place of the same
simple means as this highly-tal and by such
I Cannot do scientific
Perhaps, never
officer recommended to be tried,
before been taken; and I feel
suf-
ficient justice to Captain Thomson's merits for
his
conduct throunhcat. In the execution
e he was ably
supported by the officers already mentioned; and i

Bombay Engineers—Second Lieutenant Marriot'
slightly.

Her Majesty's 2d (or Queen's Royals)—Captain
Raitt, sightly ; Captain Robinson, severely ; Lieut.
Yonge, ditto ; Lieut. Stisted, slightly ; Adjutant Sim-
mons, ditto ; Quartermaster Hadley, ditto.
Bengal European Regiment—Lieutenant•Colonel
Orchard, slightly ; Major Warren, severely ; Captains
Hay and Taylor, slightly ; Lieutenant Broadfoot,
slightly ; Lieutenant H.isiewood,Severely ; Li utenants
Fagan and Magnay, slightly Ensip Jacob, ditto.
(Signed) R. MACDONALD, Lieut.-Col.,
Military Sec. and Deputy Adjt.-Gen. H.M.F., Bombay.
Head Quarters, Cemp Ghuznee, July 24, 1839.
(True Copies.)
(Signed) T. H. Mannoctc, Officiating Sec.
to the Government cf India, with the Governor• General.

Head Quarters, Camp Ghoznee, July 23, 1839.
GENERAL ORDER.
By his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane,
Cotntnander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus.
Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane most hearti:y
congratulates the army he has had the honour to com-
mand on the signal triumph they have this day ob-
tained in the capture by storm of the strong and impor-
tant fortress of Ghusaee. His Excellency feels that
he can hardly do ju,tice to the gallantry of the troops.
The scientific and successful manner in which the
Cabool gate (of great strength) was blown pp by 'Cap-
tain Thomson, of the Bengal Engineers, the chief of
that department with this army, in which he reports
having Bern most ably assisted by Captain Peat, of the
Bombay
Bengalm ayEngineers,E and Lieuts. Durand and MacLeod
o
gineers, in the daring and dangerous e
b
terprise of laying down powder in the face of the enemy,
and the strong fire kept upon thein, rellt.cts the highest
credit on their skill and cool courage, and his Excellency
begs Capt. Thomsotn, and officers named, will accept his
cordial thanks. His acknowledgments are also due to the
other officers of Engineers of both Presidencies, and to
the valuable corps of Sappers and Miners under them .
This opening having been made, although it was a diffi-
cult one to enter by, from rubbish in the way, the lead-
ing column, in a spirit of true gallantry, directed and led
by Brigadier Sale, gained a footing inside the fortress,
although opposed by the Afghan soldiers in very great