Our guns are brought down to the gate, to be ready for the Affghans to carry off to-morrow.
Conolly, Airy, and Skinner are in the city; and Warburton, Walsh, and Webb have been sent as the other three hostages, to make up the number, although the treaty is not yet signed by the chiefs. There is much doubt whether Mackenzie will be given up to us.
It was reported that the Meer Wallee of Khoolloom was expected with reinforcements to Akbar to-day; but we have not heard whether he has arrived or not.
Many routes have been named for our downward march this morning. We were to go by Zoormut; but I believe we still go by Jellalabad.
Amenoollah Khan is now represented as our best friend amongst the chiefs.
Whether we go by treaty or not, I fear but few of us will live to reach the provinces.
Although there is plenty of carriage for the sick, it is to-day decided that they are to be left behind; and the medical men drew lots who were to stay: they fell upon Primrose of the 44th, and Campbell of the Company's service: the former exchanged with Dr. Berwick, the late Envoy's medical staff, who, with Mr. Campbell of the 54th, are to go to the city with the sick men.
Snow all day.
29th.—Mackenzie and Skinner came in, in handsome dresses presented to them by Mahommed Akbar Khan, who professed to them he had no hand in the Envoy's death; and, to prove his sincerity, wept for two hours.
Brig. Shelton has again had recourse to Mahommed Akbar; and has obtained carriage from him.