The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-05-31
AFFGHANlSTAN.


The intelligence from this seat of war consists
chiefly of details concerning events previously known
in general terms and of correconA dsnias OF for
mer accounts The disasters appear TO be as
cribed more 10 misconduct the part of the Anglo
Indian forces than to the proves of the Afghan or
the difficulties of the country and the season
Sir Robert Sale was safe in Jeaiabad up TO the 4th
of March he had secured provisions for himself ard
his troops and was determined to resist to the iast-
An earthquake on the 18th of February had done
great damage TO the fertilization and buildings OF the
town. but the resolution of the General and his oops
had not only repaired the damage, but routed party
of Afghans under Akhbar Khan, no endeavored 70
profit OF the occasion, and to attack the British posi-
ZION.
The troops to the relief Of Jelalabad have met
with various discouragements The want of cannon
caused the failure of Colonel Wids movement into
the Khyber Pass Great sickness, but luckily no
heavy mortality attacked those that arrived near Pc
shawur before General Pollock. The attempt made
to buy over the Khybes did not succeed, although
quarrel had taken place between two OF their tribes
about the spoil they had previously acquired
On the 25th of February General Pollock issued
an order to prepare for march into the khyber Pass,
order relieve Je'aabad. This order s described
giving dissatisfaction to several Of the omcers IN
asnuch as it limited the quantity of baggage they
were allowed to carry. 1t has, it appears been since
found that Jelalabad was not in immediate danger
it would be best to await the arrival of the Sd Ora
goons before the attempt should be made on the hhy
Der Pass The Hindoo soldiers, independent of Their
dis Ike 10 the Indus, entertain strong aversion
TO the barbarty and treachery Of the Afghans
The brigade from Ferovepore under the command
Of Brgadier White, on the banks of the Che
naub the 9th of March, and expected to cross the
Jeeum the 18th 18th, and would therefore reach
Peshawur in the beginning of April. The force un-
der Gen Pollock would then be respectable and fully
capable of efectng the passage. The Sh.iks con-
tnue to afford the British troops every facility IN
A. Al coIH
that strong body is ready to operate with General
Pollock in attacking the Khyberrees and Ahghans
There have however, been some assertions from the
Sepoy regiments
The letters from the prisoners in the hands OF the
afghan chiefs are very short, and generally request
ing money to relieve various of their pressing wants
Another proof Of the weakness of the afghan
leaders is, that Col. Palmer has been able, with his
small and feeble detachment, to maintain himself In
Ghuznee during four months from the beginning
of November.
The last intelligence from Candahar is to the 10th
of March. All was safe there. There was large
body of Afghans within 20 miles of that city but
their leader Suffer Jung, of Shah Sooja, ap-
peared to dread rencontre with the British troops
There upwards of 1000 troops in Candahar, and
reinforcement of 2,50O with money and ammunl-
ton, has been sent to Gen. Mott from Sskkur. khe-
aty Ghizie was with its garrison Of 1000 men, also
safe, although it is 80 miles from Candahar.
The decision of Lord marlborough being now
taken to uphold the reputation of the British troops
| in Afghanstan, may hope that in short time
the relief of Jellaabad will open the campaign with
brilliant exploit.
In Khelat and Scnde apparent tranquility PIE
walls. The rumor of the of iron steamer in
the Indus has not been confirmed.
From the London Sum- Mays
We have perused all the accounts which have yet
come to hand with attention, and it affords plea
repeat their being more favorable than, under
all the circumstances, warranted in expect
ing The Caubul massacre was not quite so conclu-
sive Dr.. Brydon reported it There is no longer
doubt that many officers and escaped who were
supposed have fallen and such made prisoners
by the Afghans were kindly and hnmanely treated.
We have little doubt that hundreds will be found to
have escaped who numbered with the dead
As suspected from the rst the real traitor the
Shah Soojah, who jealous of British influence,
and who plotted their utter destruction. The dis
covery ofthe Shah's treachery was made in singu-
lar manner