When all arrangements were complete, so far as was possible with the means at my disposal, I issued the following Field Force Order: 

’The Government of India having decided that a force shall proceed with all possible despatch to Kabul, in response to His Highness the Amir’s appeal for aid, and with the object of avenging the dastardly murder of the British representative and his escort, Sir Frederick Roberts feels sure that the troops under his command will respond to the call with a determination to prove themselves worthy of the high reputation they have maintained during the recent campaign.

’The Major-General need address no words of exhortation to soldiers whose courage and fortitude have been so well proved.  The Afghan tribes are numerous, but without organization; the regular army is undisciplined, and whatever may be the disparity in numbers, such foes can never be formidable to British troops.  The dictates of humanity require that a distinction should be made between the peaceable inhabitants of Afghanistan and the treacherous murderers for whom a just retribution is in store, and Sir Frederick Roberts desires to impress upon all ranks the necessity for treating the unoffending population with justice, forbearance, and clemency.

’The future comfort and well-being of the force depend largely on the friendliness of our relations with the districts from which supplies must be drawn; prompt payment is enjoined for all articles purchased by departments and individuals, and all disputes must be at once referred to a political officer for decision.

    ’The Major-General confidently looks forward to the successful
    accomplishment of the object of the expedition, and the
    establishment of order and a settled Government in Afghanistan.’

[Footnote 1:  There are no such things as bells or knockers in India.]

[Footnote 2:  ’Lose no time and spare no money to obtain reliable information of what is going on in Kabul, and keep me constantly informed by urgent telegrams.  I am in hopes that Jelaladin’s report will turn out to be greatly exaggerated, if not untrue.  As, however, his intelligence is sure to spread and cause a certain amount of excitement, warn General Massy and Mr. Christie (the Political Officer in Kuram) to be on the alert.’]

[Footnote 3:  The Kabul Field Force was composed as follows: 

  ARTILLERY.

  Lieutenant-Colonel B. L. Gordon, commanding. 
  Captain J.W.  Inge, Adjutant. 
  F/A, Royal Horse Artillery, Major J. C. Smyth-Windham. 
  G/3, Royal Artillery, Major Sydney Parry. 
  No. 1 (Kohat) Mountain Battery (four guns), Captain Morgan. 
  No. 2 (Derajat) Mountain Battery (four guns), Captain Swinley. 
  Two Gatling guns, Captain Broadfoot.

  ENGINEERS.

  Lieutenant-Colonel AE.  Perkins, C.B., commanding. 
  Lieutenant F. Spratt, Adjutant. 
  Captain Woodthorpe, R.E., in charge of surveying. 
  Captain Stratton, 22nd Regiment, in charge of signalling. 
  Lieutenant F. Burn-Murdoch, R.E., Royal Engineer Park.