§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information as to the attack upon I British forces at Malakand?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONThe first information received was front Major Deane on July 26. He reported the advance of the local gathering in the Swat Valley, excited by the preaching of a mad fakir. Their attack upon the Malakand Kotal was repulsed after severe fighting. Chakdara was also attacked and communication with it interrupted. A later report showed that another attack on the camp was expected; and shortly afterwards, on the night of the 27th, telegraphic communication with Malakand was interrupted. Certain movements of troops in relief of the Malakand garrison were at once ordered. Last night telegraphic communication was restored, and information was received that the British troops were engaged throughout the 27th, and a general attack was made upon them between 8.30 P.m. and daybreak of yesterday. Desultory fighting continued all yesterday, but the assailants were repulsed everywhere, the British loss amounting apparently to Lieut. Costello, of the 22nd Bengal Infantry, wounded, 11 Sepoys killed and 42 wounded. Further attacks are expected, and reinforcements are being pushed forward with speed.