Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1878-11-28
THE FIRST AFGHAN BATTLE.
British Troops Gain Splendid Victory
in Khyber Pass---4n Auspieious Open
ing for the Empress Army.

fittASn IIOOps UdiH SFitnulU sIC1uIf
in Khyber Pass---4n Auspici0us Open
ing for the Empress Army.
At daybreak Thursday, Nov. 21st,
General Brown stood on the little plain
beyond Jamrood, Watching the march
to the front a picquet of the enemy's
cavalry was visible on the top of Shagai
Ridge, beyond range. The advance
guard marched briskly on, and present
" crested a height, whence, at 10
o'clock a skirmishing fire was opened
on the enemy. The latter retired after
desultory reply, the force pressing on
and occasionally firing. They soon
reached Shagai Ridge, whence Ali
Musiid is clearly visible. At noon Ali
Musiid fired the first shell, which burst
in the air. The second shell was well
aimed, and flew over the flag staff on
Shagai Ridge and fell without bursting,
Jpeyoud. "A long halt was necessary to
allow our heavy battery to come up,
and the interval was utilized by the
horse artillery in placing guns on the
heights to our right. Fort ALI Musjid
replied, and firing became somewhat
brisk. Meanwhile firing was heard to
the left of Fort Ali Musjid, and some
persons eonjectured it was McPherson's
turning movement on our right coming
into operation, but the Afghans about
Fort Ali Musjid held their ground, al
though thus apparently threatened on
the flank and front. Our horse artillery
fire was fairly served. The Afghans re
piled with spirit from Fort Ali Musjid
at first, but afteTward slackly. At IL
P. NJ, the forty-pounders reached the
scene, as also McAnderson's nine-pound-
ers. The horse guns were then moved
off the ridge, and gave place to the
nine-pound battery, while the forty
Founders played against the right of
the Afghan positions. The Afghan guns
slowly but steadily replied, making
good practice, especially from their
seven-pounders in the central bastion.
About two o'clock two forty-pounder
shells crushed into the central bastion,
and crumbled a great portion of it, ap-
parently dismounting the gun which
had been SO stubborn. Soon after two
O'Clock. the infantry advanced briskly.
The fourth brigade took the left of the
slope Of the valley, pressing on through
the rocks towards Fort Ali Musjid,
while the third brigade took the right
side. When the last rocky ridge on
the left slope was crossed, o rocky
plateau followed it up nearly to Ali
Musjid rock. The skirmishers pushed
on steadily, firing briskly and evoking
a sharp reply from the enemy, who were
studdipg the rock-streWn slope. Mean
while, MAnderson's battery, moving
along the bed of the stream, had come
into action. -Four guns previously
silenced came into action, and the en-
emy developed guns IN new places.
In view ofsthe expected cooperation
from the two brigades dispatched on
the turning movement, as the sun was
setting, while as yet much had to be
done, the operations were suspended
until tomorrow, precautions being
taken to protect our position, and our
troops are bivouacking where they
stood. On our left the third brigade
has gained a position very close to the
right flank of Ali Musiid, and indeed
| they were almost within stOrming dis
tance. ."4
| A later dispatch from London says:
A dispatch from Jamrood, dated No
vember 22nd says that the Afghans
have abandoned Fort Ali Musjid, in
the course of the night, Gen. Tytle. S
brigade having occupied defile in the
rear. We took possession this morning
without firing shot, and the dispo-
sition for advancing is now being made.
An advanced detachment of the 3rd
brigade moved forward until they
found themselves confronted by sue
A
dusk, when retiring in accordance with
orders, they were severely handled.
Major Birch, who commanded, and
Lieut. Fitzgerald were killed, and a
lieut.. and over 20 Sepoys and 4 artillery
men wounded. va-
The Advertiser says private telegram
received in London estimated the killed
and wounded in Khyber Pass at 500.
A dispatch from Thull reports that
the Khuriem column has formed great
camp at Fort Kapiyanga. The cavalry
and a portion of the infantry and ar
tillery have pushed forward eight miles
| further to Hazarapir. The inhabitants
of the valley are friendly and are bring
ing in supplies freely. ....-
A dispatch dated Jamrood, Friday,
says the garrison of Ali Musjid has bolt
ed precipitately, leaving arms, food, 21
cannon, and 40 or so wounded. A con-
siderable number of prisoners nave
been taken, and it is reported the Af
CHAN commander is among them.
Consid derable firing was heard up the
pass this FRIDAY, morning, in the di-
rection OF Tytler's forces. 1t is be-
lieved the Afghans are not in condition
] to make any further resistance