[2]. This telegram is of some importance, as showing the quickness with which the Viceroy and the military authorities recognized the necessity of seizing the Shutargardan before the Cabul troops or the local tribesmen could occupy the Pass in strength.
[3]. On October 14th, at Cabul, the returns were:—Mules, 1,973; camels, 675; bullocks, 604; and 230 yabus (ponies purchased in Cabul).
[4]. Breastworks built with stones, greatly in vogue in Afghanistan.
[5]. Received a commission for this and other acts of bravery.
[6]. This expectation was a very fair one at the time, but the inevitable transport difficulties occurred and the halt had to be called.
[7]. A son of Dost Mahomed Khan, and therefore uncle of Yakub Khan.
[8]. The Shutargardan was held by the 3rd Sikhs and 21st Punjab Infantry with four guns of No. 1 Mountain Battery. Colonel Money of the 3rd Sikhs was in command.
[9]. This will show the difficulties General Roberts had to contend with, even in the few marches from Kushi to Cabul. The transport train was, as usual, the weakest link in the chain, and everything had to be made subservient to it.
[10]. Forty daughters.
[11]. It should be noted that no cavalry accompanied General Baker. A similar mistake was made on several other occasions later on. Our infantry lacked the immediate support of cavalry to make defeats decisive.