The following day the column joined the two Cavalry regiments at Robat, where I was met by Lieutenant-Colonel St. John, from whom I heard that Ayub Khan was likely to make a stand.  I thought it prudent, therefore, to halt on Sunday, the 29th, and divide the last twenty miles into two short marches, in order that the men and animals might arrive as fresh as possible, and fit for any work which might be required of them; for should Ayub Khan retire towards Herat, he would have to be followed up, and his army attacked and defeated wherever we might overtake him.

Before leaving Robat, a letter arrived from General Phayre, which put an end to all hope of his force being able to co-operate with mine, for his leading brigade, he wrote, had only just got to the Kohjak Pass.  This was to be regretted, but it was unavoidable.  I was well aware of the strenuous efforts the gallant Commander had made to relieve the beleaguered garrison, and I knew if co-operation had been possible it would have been effected.

We encamped at Momund on the 30th, whence I sent the following telegram to Simla: 

’My force arrived here to-day; we march to Kandahar to-morrow.  General Primrose heliographs that a letter from Ayub’s camp brings information that the mother of the late Heir-Apparent, Abdulla Jan, with other ladies, has been sent to Zamindawar.  Arrival of the young Musa Jan in Ayub’s camp is confirmed.  Hashim Khan is also there.  The position is being strengthened, especially on the Pir Paimal side, where two guns have been placed with two regiments.  From further information, I learn that the Baba Wali Kotal is occupied by three regiments and two guns.  The Kotal-i-Murcha is held by the Kabul regiments, and Ayub’s own camp is at Mazra, where it is said that the majority of his guns are parked.  I propose to encamp the Infantry to the west of Kandahar immediately under the walls, and the Cavalry under the walls to the south.  Should I hear that Ayub contemplates flight, I shall attack without delay.  If, on the contrary, he intends to resist, I shall take my own time.  The country he is occupying is, from description and map, extremely difficult and easily defensible, and each separate advance will require careful study and reconnaissance to prevent unnecessary loss of life.’

On the morning of the 31st we marched into Kandahar, just over 313 miles from Kabul.  The fever, which had attacked me rather sharply, had left me extremely weak, and I was unable to ride the whole way.  I got on my horse, however, some distance from Kandahar to meet Generals Primrose, Burrows, and Nuttall, who came out to receive the column.  As we approached the city, the whole garrison turned out and gave us a hearty welcome; officers and men, Native and British, crowded round us, loud in their expressions of gratitude for our having come so quickly to their assistance.  We, on our side, were all anxiety to learn the particulars about Maiwand, how they had fared while invested, and all they could tell us of Ayub Khan, his position, strength of his army, etc.