The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-11-22
AFGHAnISTAN.
THE WAR COMMENCED
Severe Fighting near Fort All r6usjid


LONDON, Nov. ga dispatch from
Jumrood dated this morning says the At
ghanistans abandoned Fort Ali Musiid in
the course of the night. General Tylers
brigade, having occupied defle in their
rear. we took possession this morning
without firing shot, and dispositions for
advancing are now being made. In view
of expected cooperation from the too
brigades despatched on the turning move-
ment, and the sun setting while as yet
much had to be done, operations were re-
iuctantly suspended till tomorrow. Pre-
cautions are being taken to protect our posi-
ton and the troops are bivouacing where
they stood. On our left. the third
brigade had gained position very close to
the right faux of Ali Musiid. and indeed
they we're almost within storming distance.
November 2l.-At daybreak this morn
ing Gen. Brown stood on a little plain be
y6nd Jumrood watching the march 10 the
front; picquet OF the enemy's cavalry
was visible on the top Of Shagai ridge;
beyond the range the adYapce guard
marched briskly on and presently crested
height where at 10 o'clock i skirmishing
FIRE was opened on the enemy's picquet;
the latter retired after desultory reply
Our force pressing on and occasionally
firing reached Shaghi ridge, whence Ali
Musjid is clearly visible At noon Ali
Musiid fred the first shell, which burst in
the act The second shell was we'll aimed
and few over the flagstaff on Shagai ridge
and fell without bursting beyond the long
| hill; it was necessary to allow our heavy
battery to come up, and the interval was
utilized by the horse artillery in placing
guns on the height to our right; Fort Ali
Musjid replied and the firing became some
what brisk. meanwhile firing was heard TO
the left of Fort Ali Musjid and some per-
sons conjectured it:was McPhersons turning
movement on our right coming into op.
GRAFTON, but the Afghans about Fort Ali
Musjid held their ground although thus
apparently threatened on flank and front;
our horse artillery fire was fairly served
the Afghans replied with spirit from For
Ali Musjid at first but afterwards slackly
at D. N. the forty Founders reached tbs
scene as ais, Magennls; the nine poundtI
horse guns then moved off the ridge ano
gave place to the nine pounder battery while
the forty Founders played against the righ
of the Afghan position the Afghan gun
slowly but steadily replied making goot
practice, especially from their sever
Founders in the central bastion; about
, clock two forty pound shells crashed int
the central bastion and crumbled a grea
portion Of it, apparently dismounting th
gun which had been so stubborn; sool
after o'clock the infantry advanced brisk
lily, the Fourth brigade took the left slope
z of the valley, pressing on through the rock
towards Fort Ali Musjid, while the Thir'
brigade took the right side when the las
!. rocky ridge on the left slope was crossed
y The rocky plateau followed nearly up t
the foot of Ali Musjid rock; the skirmish
ers pushed on steadily, firing briskly, an
evoking a sharp reply from the enemy
who were studding the rock strewn slopes
meanwhile the Mandersou battery, NOV
: inc on along the bed OF the stream ha
. come into action, four guns preyiousl
silenced came again into action, and tn
enemy developed guns in new places.