Affghans before him in soldier-like style, over that ground whereon, a few months before, they basely and treacherously slew the helpless mass of our disabled soldiers and camp-followers. On the morning of the 13th, the army entered the Pass of Tazeen, and found mustered there the whole Cabul force, estimated at 16,000 men, under the personal command of Akbar, Amenoollah, and other great chiefs attached to his cause.
The Affghans had most carefully improved the naturally great strength of the position, and manifested a determination to defend it to the last extremity. When, therefore, the British troops ascended the heights, they found the enemy, contrary to custom, advancing to the contest, which was maintained with desperation, and in many instances decided only by the bayonet. It was peculiarly obstinate before they were dislodged from the numerous positions on the lofty eminence of the Huft Kohtul. The resistance was indeed protracted during a great part of the day; but at length British valour overcame every obstacle, and our troops, with three cheers, established themselves on this mighty summit. The victory was complete; the enemy lied in every direction, losing their guns and three standards; and on the spot where the massacre of one British army was consummated, it was now avenged by the triumph of another.
The power of the Affghans was so completely broken in this action that General Pollock met with no further opposition, even in the dreadful Pass of Khoord Cabul; and on the 15th of September, 1842, he encamped on the race-ground at Cabul, where he was joined a few days after by General Nott. On the morning of the 16th, with his staff and a party of troops, General Pollock entered the Bala Hissar, on whose summit he planted the colours of his country, amid the shouts of the soldiers, the roar of artillery, and the inspiring strain of the national anthem.
After so many disasters, the Affghans retreated into the mountain territory of Kohistan, immediately north
