THE AFGHAN WAR.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2050, 18 September 1880, Page 3

THE AFGHAN WAR.

fBY Teibgbaph.]

[Per a.s. Botorua at the Bluff.] LONDON, September 4. A brilliant victory has been gained by Sir F. S. Roberta over the Afghan army under Ayoub Khan, whose forces have been completely routed and all his artillery captured. After providing for the safety of Candahar, General Boberts having refused to enter into negooiations with Ayoub, proceeded to attack the Afghan forces which were posted in a strong position near the Argandab river, in the vicinity of Sanajari,about 10 miles from Candahar. Having reconnoitred tho position of the enemy, General Roberts discovered that they were strongly posted on a ridge of hills. Defensive works had been thrown up, and the ground entrenched. Having completed his preparations, General Roberts made his attack early on the morning of the 2nd inst. A body of troops was despatched to turn the flank of the enemy’s position, end a brisk cannonade was maintained to divert attention, the Afghan replying with vigor. General Roberts then ordered a general advance and after a brief resistance the enemy broke and fled. At first some attempt was made to effect an orderly retreat, but the charges of the British and Native cavalry threw them into confusion, and changed the retreat into a rout. The Afghans abandoned all their guns and threw away their arms, and endeavored to escape. General Roberts captured the camp at ten o’clock, g lining possession of a considerabla amount of war material. The number of guns taken was twenty-six. After carrying the camp. General Roberts despatched a force of 1000 cavalry in pursuit in order to effect the capture of Ayoub Khan, who had fled towards Herat. The retreating fugitives had dispersed in two directions, a large body, consisting of the Cabnleae Regiments, flying up the Argandab Valley, while the Heratee Regiments bolted to the Helmund river, on the Herat road. In the pursuit the cavalry inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy, killing 500. The British casualties were small, numbering only ninety English. The loss of the Sepoy regiments, though not large, was'somewhat greater. Immediately after the victory search was made for the prisoners taken by Ayoub Khan whilst operating against Oandahar. It was discovered that Lieutenant Heotor MoLaine, R.H.A., who was captured in the sortie made by General Primrose at Candahar on the 22nd ult., had been murdered. General Phayre’s forces did not arrive in time to take part in the combat, but he is expected to reach Candahar shortly. The British forces numbered about 15,000 men, comprising the force of 10,000 which marched under General Roberts from Gabul to the relief of Candahar, about 1000 of the garrison of Khelatohulzai, and General Primrose’s forces, consisting of between 3000 and 4000 men. Ayoub Khan’s army numbered about 25,000 men. It is believed that their decisive defeat will completely crueh any further attempt at opposition.

September 6,

Further intelligence received concerning the victory obtained by General Roberts over the Afghan army, under Ayoub Khan, at Argandab, shows that the battle was a decisive one. The enemy gave way after the first onset and were soon completely routed. The British loss was small, the total casualties amounting to only 230 killed and wounded. The Afghans suffered very heavily, the artillery causing heavy breaches in their ranks, and in the flight a large number were killed by the pursuing cavalry. September S. The. intelligence received from Oandahar states that the less suffered by the Afghans in the battle of the 2nd instant was fearfully heavy. Their casualties amounted to over 3000. The larger portion of the loss was suffered in the pursuit. General Roberts having taken possession of the positions occupied by the forces of Ayoub Khan on the Argandab river, has found it necessary to encamp there, and has thrown up entrenchments in order to hold the place strongly until the settlement of affairs in Southern Afghanistan has been assured. General Roberta has a strong column to Khashkinakud, a short dis • tance along the Helmund River, in order to disperse any hostile natives. General Phayre, with the force under his command, _is encamped at Koreyorurak, a small town situated in the vicinity of Oandahar. The natives □till exhibit great restlessness, and precantions are considered necessary. [“ ABSTTS ” spboiai ] LONDON, September 5. General Roberts, in his victory over Ayoub Khan on the Argandab river, besides . taking all Ayoub Khan’s guns, made 10,000 prisoners. It is believed that the Oabulese are retreating, and it is said that they intend to submit to Abdul Rahman, whose recognition by England satisfies them. September 6. General Primrose’s troops, in the first instance, made a front feint, and the cavalry made a demonstration on the plain below the high land, and, with the Ghoorkas, then turned the position. Ayoub’s troops fought well, acting like regulars, and obeying the European bugle calls. Just before Ayoub fled. Lieutenant McLaine, of the Royal Horse Artillery, who had been taken prisoner at Girishk, was brought out and shot. The British troops, on learning of this atrocious aot, were much exasperated. September 7. General Phayre Is remaining for the present two stages from Oandahar, where he obtains better supplies. It is stated that the cavalry now in Southern Afghanistan will begin to return to India in about a fortnight. September 9. The Afghan loss at Oandahar is now estimated at 1000 killed and 2000 wounded.