The Sun.
London, England, 1842-11-23 00:00:00

THE DESTRUCTION OF GHUZNEE.

FROI4 DIAJOR-GENERAL W. NOTT, COMMANDING FIELD
FORCE, AFFGHANISTAN, TO T. 11. MADDOCK, ESQ.,
SE,CRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, WITH
THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.
Head-quarters, Camp, Ghuznec, Sept. 8.
Sir,—My dispatch of the 31st ult. will have informed
you of my having defeated the AfFghan army commanded
by Shunishoodeen.

On the morning of the sth inst. I moved on Ghuznee.
I found the city full of men, and a range of mountains
running north-east of the fortress covered by heavy
bodies of cavalry and infantry ; the gardens and ravines
near the town were also occupied. The enemy had re-
ceived a considerable reinforcement from Caubul, under
Sultan Jan.

I directed Major Sanders, of the Bengal Engineers, to
reconnoitre the works, under escort of the 16th Regi-
ment of Native Infantry and a party. of irregular cavalry.
This brought on some smart skirmishing, in which our
Sepoys ;behaved to admiration. Captain White, of her
Majesty's 40th Regiment, commanding the light com-
panies of the army, was pushed forward, accompanied by
Anderson's troop of horse artillery, to support the recon-
noitring party, and I at once determined on carrying the
enemy's mountain positions before encamping my force.
The troops ascended the heights in gallant style, driving
the enemy before them until every point was gained.
The village of Bullal is situated about 600 yards from
the walls of Gliuznee, upon the spur of the mountains to
the north-east, and observing it to be a desirable spot for
preparing a heavy battery to be placed 300 paces in ad-
vance, I ordered it to be occupied by two regiments of
infantry and some light gnus, and retired the columns
into camp. _ _

The engineer officers, Sappers and Miners, and in-
fantry working parties, were employed under the direc-
tions of Major Sanders, during the night of the sth, in
erecting a battery for four 18-pounders ; these guns were
moved from camp before day-light in the morning of the
6th, but before they had reached the position assigned to
them, it was ascertained that the enemy had evacuated the
fortress.

I directed the city of Ghuznee, with its citadel and the
whole of its works, to be destroyed. I forward the En-
gineer's Report.
_

- in these operations our loss has been much less than
might have been expected from the numbers and position
of the enemy, and the fact of the troops having been ne-
cessitated to move under range of the guns of the fortress.
I inclose a list of killed and wounded.

The exertions of Major Sanders, of the Engineers,
were as usual, most zealous, and my thanks arc due to
him and the department under his charge.
I beg to notice the following officers :—Brigadier
Wymer, Major Hibbert, commanding her Majesty's 40th
Regiment ; Captain Evans, in temporary charge of the
16th Regiment of Native Infantry ; Captain White, her
Majesty's 40th Regiment, commanding the light com-
panies of the force ; and Major Sotheby and officers of
the artillery.
I have every reason to be satisfied with my staff,
Captain Polwhele, Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General ;
Captain Waterfield, Aide-de-Camp ; Captain
and Lieutenant Kay, Deputy Judge Advocate-General.
I continue to receive the greatest assistance from
Major Leech. • I have, &c.,
w.'NOTT, Major-General,
Commanding Field Force, Affghanistan.
P.S. I have recevered utout 327 of the Sepoys of the
27th Regiment Bengal Native Infantry, who had been
sold into slavery and dispersed in villages '3O and 40
miles round Ghuznee. W. NOTT.