An uncle of the Amir (Sirdar Nek Mahomed Khan), and a General in the Afghan army, came out to meet Yakub Khan at this place; he remained some time in earnest conversation with his nephew, and, as he was about to remount his horse, called out in so loud a tone that it was evidently meant for us all to hear, that he was ’now going to disperse the troops.’[6] Very different, however, was the story brought to me by an escaped Native servant of Cavagnari’s, who came into our camp later in the day.  This man declared that preparations for fighting were steadily being carried on; that the soldiers and townspeople were streaming into the arsenal and supplying themselves with cartridges; that large bodies of troops were moving out in our direction; and that, when we advanced next day, we should certainly be opposed by a formidable force.  The Amir, on having this intelligence communicated to him, pretended to disbelieve it utterly, and assured me that all was at peace in the city, that Nek Mahomed would keep the troops quiet, and that I should have no trouble; but I was not taken in by his specious assurances.

Now more than ever I felt the want of sufficient transport!  Had it been possible to have the whole of my force with me, I should have advanced at once, and have occupied that evening the range of hills I have described; but Macpherson’s brigade was still a march behind, and all I could do was, immediately on arrival, to send back every available transport animal to bring it up.  I pushed forward Cavalry patrols along the three roads leading to Kabul, and rode out myself to reconnoitre the position in front.  It was sufficiently strong to make me wish I had a larger force.  Towards evening groups of men appeared on the skyline all round, giving unmistakable warning that the tribes were gathering in large numbers.

From the information brought me by the Cavalry, and from my own examination of the ground, I decided to advance along the left bank of the river:  and to facilitate this movement I determined to seize the heights on either side of the gorge at daybreak, whether Macpherson’s brigade had arrived or not.  That night strong piquets were thrown out round the camp, and Cavalry patrols were ordered to proceed at dawn to feel for the enemy. L’homme propose, mais Dieu dispose.

[Footnote 1:  Macdonald, having subsequently further distinguished himself, was given a commission, and is now commanding a regiment in the Egyptian Army.  Sher Mahomed was rewarded with the Order of Merit.]

[Footnote 2: 

    FROM THE AMIR OF KABUL, DATED KUSHI, 27TH SEPTEMBER,1879.