’If an advance on Kabul is decided on to revenge massacre of Embassy, and also to quiet surrounding tribes, whom any (?) action would tempt to break out, it appears to me all-important to secure safe passage of the Shutargardan, and with this object to subsidize Badshah Khan handsomely.

’I have detained the Kabul messengers pending receipt of instructions as to the line of policy to follow, and what to communicate to the Amir or Badshah Khan.  The former invokes our aid; the latter expresses himself, through his messenger, anxious to serve us.  Once in Logar valley, where they have had a bumper harvest, we could live on the country.’]

[Footnote 11:  TRANSLATION OF A LETTER FROM THE AMIR OF KABUL TO GENERAL ROBERTS, DATED KABUL, 8 A.M., THE 3RD SEPTEMBER, 1879.

(After compliments.) The troops who had assembled for pay at the Bala Hissar suddenly broke out and stoned their officers, and then all rushed to the Residency and stoned it, receiving in return a hail of bullets.  Confusion and disturbance reached such a height that it was impossible to quiet it.  People from Sherpur and country around the Bala Hissar, and city people of all classes, poured into the Bala Hissar and began destroying workshops, Artillery park, and magazine; and all the troops and people attacked the Residency.  Meanwhile, I sent Daud Shah[*] to help the Envoy.  On reaching the Residency, he was unhorsed by stones and spears, and is now dying.  I then sent Sirdar Yahia Khan and my own son, the heir-apparent, with the Koran to the troops; but no use.  I then sent well-known Syads and Mullahs of each class, but of no avail; up till now, evening, the disturbance continues.  It will be seen how it ends.  I am grieved with this confusing state of things.  It is almost beyond conception. (Here follow the date and the Amir’s seal.)

      (Note *:  The Commander-in-Chief of the Afghan army.)

SECOND LETTER FROM THE AMIR, DATED KABUL, THE 4TH SEPTEMBER, 1879.

Yesterday, from 8 a.m. till evening, thousands assembled to destroy the Embassy.  There has been much loss of life on both sides.  At evening they set fire to the Residency.  All yesterday and up till now, I with five attendants have been besieged.  I have no certain news of the Envoy, whether he and his people have been killed in their quarters, or been seized and brought out.  Afghanistan is ruined; the troops, city, and surrounding country have thrown off their yoke of allegiance.  Daud Shah is not expected to recover; all his attendants were killed.  The workshops and magazine are totally gutted—­in fact, my kingdom is ruined.  After God, I look to the Government for aid and advice.  My true friendship and honesty of purpose will be proved as clear as daylight.  By this misfortune I have lost my friend, the Envoy, and also my kingdom.  I am terribly grieved and perplexed. (Here follow the date and the Amir’s seal.)]

[Footnote 12:  The Nawab was on his way from Kandahar to Kabul, but on hearing of the massacre he came to Alikhel.]