attack; and his confidence was justified by the event. The enemy, who at first made a somewhat vigorous stand, were panic-stricken at the steady advance of the British; and, after a few volleys, fled in confusion to the gorge of the pass, through which they were followed by our cavalry, cutting down many of the fugitives, and scattering the rest in all directions.
After this reverse, Dost Mahommed sought for assistance in other quarters; but, being finally left to his own resources, he still hoped to effect something by advancing into Kohistan. He was preceded by his son with a considerable force, and he himself arrived about the middle of October. To oppose his progress, General Sir Robert Sale hastened to Purwan-Durrah, where he made arrangements to attack the enemy, and sent forward the 2nd Bengal Native Cavalry to skirt the eminence on which they were posted, with the view of cutting off their retreat. When they had advanced about a mile, Dost Mahommed rushed down upon them with two hundred horse. They were immediately wheeled into line, and led on to charge by Captains Fraser and Ponsonby, who commanded the two squadrons. These officers dashed forward in perfect confidence that their men were behind them; but the latter, seized with a sadden panic, first faltered, and then gave way at all points. Ponsonby and Fraser, finding themselves in the midst of the enemy unsupported by their troopers, exerted themselves so gallantly that they succeeded in cutting their way out, being both severely wounded, and then had the mortification of seeing their men flying before the enemy. In this unhappy affair Lieutenant Crispin, the Adjutant, was killed, vainly attempting to bring the men to action. Dr. Lord, distinguished as a man of science as well as a diplomatist, was also killed in this affair, as was Lieutenant Broadfoot, an Engineer officer who had accompanied the advance.
This dastardly proceeding on the part of a corps which had previously borne a distinguished character, warranted
