Page:Letters from India Vol 2.pdf/280

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268
LETTERS FROM INDIA.

Sunday, 5th.

No more news, and we have had three wearisome days. That this reverse could not have been foreseen is clear from the fact that the very last letter of Sir W. M.’s that has made its way was full of gratification at the state of the country—how prosperous it was becoming, and how much the Afghans were beginning to appreciate our calm, equitable laws after their own harsh rule—and he meant to start five days after for Bombay. This was dated only October 1, and on the 4th the whole country was in insurrection, Sir A. Burnes killed, &c. He, who generally was open to all reports, held exactly the same opinion as Sir W. M’s.

Tuesday, 7th.

Luckily there were rather better accounts. yesterday up to the 14th from Cabul, and the 18th from Jellalabad. At the last place General Sale had made a sortie, and beat off the enemy, and got provisions for a month, and — thought himself safe. At Cabul they had recaptured two guns, and had some hopes, though faint, of negotiating with the rebels. A