§ THE DUKE OF SOMERSETasked the noble Earl the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Earl Granville),"Whether any further intelligence had been received with respect to the march of General Roberts on Candahar?
§ EARL GRANVILLEsaid, that the following telegram had been received from General Roberts on the 29th of August:—
Kelat-i-Ghilzai, August 23. —The force under my command arrived here this morning. Authorities at Candahar having stated on the 17th inst. that they have abundant supplies and can make forage last until September 1, I halt to-morrow to rest troops, and more especially the transport animals and camp followers. The force left Ghazni on the 16th, and has marched 136 miles during the last eight days. The troops are in good health and spirits. From this, purpose moving by regular stages, so that the men may arrive fresh at Candahar. I hope to be in heliographic communication with Candahar from Robat, distant 20 miles, on the 29th. I am taking the Kelat-i-Ghilzai garrison with 606 me, making the fort over to Mahomed Sadik Khan, a Toki Chief, who had charge of the place when we arrived in 1879. The present Governor, Sirdar Shernidil Khan, refuses to remain. We have met with no opposition during the march, and have been able to make satisfactory arrangements for supplies, especially forage, which at this season is plentiful. The cavalry horses and artillery mules are in excellent order. Our casualties to date are one soldier 72nd Highlanders, one Sepoy 23rd Pioneers, one 2nd Sikhs, two Sepoys 3rd Sikhs, dead. One Sepoy 4th Goorkhas, two Sepoys 24th Punjab Native Infantry, duffadar 3rd Punjab Calvary missing; six camp followers dead, five missing. The missing men have, I fear, been murdered. I telegraphed from Ghazni on 13th, and from Oba-Karez, on the 18th August.