The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1880-10-29

had only accomplished about SIX miles OF
our wretched jouney,as we had to face about
and defend ourselves 1t every bend or turn
Of the road, and It was impossible not TO see
and foretelf In the horrors that We saw
around US the fate that might be In store for
ourselves. As we moved silently and sadly
along, the road soon became
sTREwN WITH DYING wRETcHEs,
Worn out by fatigue and devoured by burn
ing thirst that added frenzy 10 their suffer-
ings. Strong men and weak lads alike aban-
doned themselves 10 despair, and lay them
selves down rather than attempt further
struggle with the ruthless foe. Had we
known more Of the locality, 1t would have
been better to have kept more TO our right,
and In few miles we should have struck
across the Argandab river, where we could
perhaps, have crossed and obtained refuge
from the enemy and water for our people and
cattle. But II was fated otherwise, and we
were obliged to follow the stream. Mean
while we longed for the safety and the dark
ness Of the night; but when 1t came 1t was
one OF suffering and horror. Order and meth
Cd became less and less as we advanced
through the gloom; corps and regiments were
mixed up anyhow and anywhere.
SOLDIERS AND cAMp-FoLLowERs
Were huddled together, when, for q few UNI
easy moments, we halted In one inextricable
mass Of moaning and agonized humanity.
Horses, mostly wounded or lame, with their
tongues fevered and blistered with thirst,
camels, baggage ponies and mules were mixed
up confusedly together. Nothing could be
done to restore order or arrangement, and
the wounded and weary wretches, man and
brute, lay down TO sleep, never,in most cases,
TO rise again.
After two very brief halts during the night,
on both Of which we were overtaken and at
tackled by the Afghan horse, we reached Hoaz-
i-Madadd Khan, . distance little short OF III
miles from our fatal battle-ground at Kushk-
i-Nakhud. As we marched, or rather stray
gled, through the villages Of this district, the
enemy, taking advantage Of the dawn just
breaking again, pressed fiercely down upon
our rear and tanks, and here Nuttall deliv-
cred -. f.. 49, e.
A SPLENDID CHARGE
| With the few sabers he had LEFT. Hearing
the sound of hoofs along the road In our real
he took advantage Of some friendly whey ards
skirting the path, and posted 30 OF his bes'
| men, on the least tired horses, In ambush e
fall upon our pursuen. The plot answered
capitally, for, Is the Afghans sighted our las
rerreating file and tagging camel or two
laden with baggage, they quickened their pac'
to gallop and came at US. To their utte'
stonishment our files opened and let then
pass, and then, A. the last horseman wen
through, we drew up, front rank kneelinl
across tho road, which was bounded on eithe
side BY high rocks impossible for cavalry, ANT
having fixed bayonets, gave them yolley
A they attempted to got away by the fanl
towards the vineyards they were suddenl.
charged BY Nuttall and his fifty horsemen
and cut down almost 10 man. But this wa
| only temporary success, As five miles fur
/ Their on, where we debouched into plain
the enemy again overlook us In the open, an'
pressed hard upon our rear, seizing most
our baggage and cutting up the wretche'
camp followers, who were too overcome wilt
fatigue and thirst to Fly.
| Onthe morning Of the 2Sth we reached tn
walls Of Candahar. @.~-