qualities then most urgently required; and though a brisk attack on the city, even by a portion of the 5,000 troops still under his command, would have crushed the immediate rising, a dilatory and defensive system was adopted, while every minute that was lost in inaction increased the numbers and audacity of the insurgents.
Orders, however, were sent by the Commander-in-Chief to Sir Robert Sale to rejoin him, which we have seen was an impossibility, and to General Nott to send two regiments from Candahar. Brigadier Shelton, who commanded a force encamped at Seeah Sung, a short distance from the capital, was directed to join head-quarters, and similar orders were likewise forwarded for the return of the 37th Bengal Native Infantry from Khoord Cabul. Brigadier Shelton accordingly arrived forthwith, and early on the morning of the 3rd the 37th arrived from Khoord Cabul, under the command of Major Griffiths, having had to fight their way for the whole distance with a body of several thousand Ghiljies who hung upon their flanks and rear. They succeeded, nevertheless, in preserving nearly the whole of their baggage, and bringing in all their wounded; and they arrived at Cabul in as perfect order as if the march "had been a mere parade movement."[1] But, though thus reinforced, nothing decisive was attempted; and this day, like the preceding, "was suffered to pass without anything being done demonstrative of British energy and power."[2] The insurgents consequently gathered strength, and obtained possession of post after post in quick succession.
But though the civil and military authorities appeared to be totally paralysed, and incapable of exertion, mental or bodily, numerous individual instances of gallantry and presence of mind were exhibited by subordinate officers. A tower, and a fort near it, occupied by British officers, were bravely defended until ammunition failed, and an application for more was made without effect. In
