gallantry of our troops, who carried everything before them.' Special praise was bestowed upon Ferris's Jazailchís, whoso conduct 'excited the delight and admiration of all who beheld them[1].'
The heights once crowned, and the defences fairly turned, it became an easy task for the main column to break through the formidable breastwork at the mouth of the Pass. That night Pollock's force encamped by Alí Masjid, which the enemy had abandoned. Our whole loss in that day's fighting amounted only to 135 killed, wounded, and missing. The Sikhs also fought their way to the same point with little loss by a much longer road. Lawrence himself, in spite of a sudden illness, had been active in placing and laying some of our guns, in forwarding the baggage, escorting the wounded to Jamrúd, and arranging with the Sikhs for the protection of Pollock's rear.
Leaving the Sikhs in charge of Alí Masjid, Pollock on the 7th pursued his slow way, unhindered, save by the vastness of his convoy, through the remaining twenty-five miles of the Kháibar Pass. By that time, however, Sale's garrison had virtually relieved themselves; at least they had by their own prowess raised the siege of Jalálábád. Rumours of Pollock's failure had reached the garrison, and Akbar had fired a salute. A number of Sale's officers at once urged their commander to go out and fight the Afgháns. Havelock had drawn out a plan of attack which he laid before his chief. For some time Sale obstinately held back.
- ↑ Afghan Papers; Edwardes; Low.
