§ VISCOUNT HARDINGEasked whether Her Majesty's Government had received any further intelligence relating to General Roberts's march on Candahar?
VISCOUNT ENFIELDMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government have received the following telegram from the Viceroy of India, dated 1st September:—
News from Roberts to 29th. Reports arrival of his force at Shahr-i-Safa, 27th, and Robat 28th. At former place received following account from St. John of raising of siege:—'Rumours of approach of your force relieved city from investment on night of 23rd; villages east and south were abandoned 24th. Ayoob struck camp and marched to position on Argandab, about ten miles north of city. He has about 4,000 regulars, six 12-pounders and two 9-poundcrs rifled, four 6-pounders, S.B. batteries, one 4-pounder battery, 2,000 horse, and twice that number of Ghazis, of whom one-third have fire arms. He will, I think, make northward into Khakrez.'St. John joined Roberts at Robat, and reports thence 28th. Herati troops signified intention of retreating to Khakrez, but have been dissuaded and shorn on Koran to fight. Roberts telegraphs 29th, intends to reach Candahar 31st, 1019 and attack Ayoob next day. Ayoob is reported to have intrenched his camp, and to mean fighting, being compelled by Musa Jan's party, who, accompanied by Hashim Khan, have joined him. Ayoob has written apologetic letter to Roberts, saying he was forced to fight. Has been told he must give up prisoners and submit unconditionally. Sick rate Roberts's force continues moderate. Phayre left Chaman last night for Candahar with whole force collected, as he expects opposition at Takht-i-Pul. Rear brigade of force returning from Cabul arrives at Dakka to-day. Cabul reports at Peiwar Kotal say all well there. Ameer assiduous in conducting public business in person. Trade reviving, and goods arriving from Jellalabad.
LORD ELLENBOROUGHasked whether Her Majesty's Government had yet received an accurate list of the officers killed and wounded in the recent actions in Afghanistan?
VISCOUNT ENFIELDreplied, that the information asked for had not yet been received by Her Majesty's Government.