The chiefs have promised that thirty men, who shall be under control, are to occupy each of the places to be delivered up; and I hope that the brother of Newab Mahomed Zemaun Khan will reside in the cantonment as a hostage until our departure.
I have the honour to be, &c., &c.,
W. H. M.
Head-Quarters, Caubul, Dec. 16, 1841.
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day’s date, in reply to which I beg to say that, from the emergency of the case, as therein stated, I see no alternative left us but to give up the forts mentioned to the chiefs with whom you are treating; and I shall accordingly give orders for their being vacated and delivered over to the persons who may be authorised to receive them, immediately on your intimating their arrival.
I have the honour, &c.,
W. K. Elphinstone, Major-Gen.,
Commanding in Afghanistan.