THE ATTACK ON PENJDEH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 129, 6 May 1885, Page 2

THE ATTACK ON PENJDEH.

[Per Mail Steamer.] A despatch to *he Times from Gueran, dated April 3rd, states that the Russians, while making a pretext of changmg the position of the outposts on the Afghan frontier, attacked Penjdeh on March 30th and drove the Afghans out of the position. The Afghans stubbornly resisted the assailants. The weather was wet at the time of the attack, which rendered the muzzle-loading guns of the Afghans useless. Two companies held one position against the Russians until the defenders were all killed. The Afghans retreated to Maruchak m perfect order, and the Russians made no pursuit. The Sarahks remained neutral, but plundered the Afghan camp. The British officers remained till the Afghans effected their retreat, when they joined the camp of Sir Peter Lumsden. The report of the affair by General Komaroff, Russian General says that the manifestations by the Afghans were so hostile that he was compelled to attack them. The Afghans were posted on both sides of the River Kushk m fortified positions, and the force consisted of 4000 men, with 8 guns. Theylost 500men,all artillery,comp outfit and provisions. The Russian loss was three subalterns and 10 soldiers killed and 29 wounded. When the fighting was ended, General Komaroff returned across to the position he had formerly occupied. Some of the British officers were eyewitnesses of the engagement, but did not participate m it. They appealed to the Russians for protection when they saw the Afghans were beaten, but unfortunately the convoy which was immediately dispatched to the relief of officers, .was uuable to overthrow the Afghan cavalry who carried officers away with them m their flight. Fears are expressed that these officers fell. (ST ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.— -COPYRIGHT.) SPECIAL TO UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. London, May 8. Five Russian cruisers are proceeding 1 to Batavia. Vice-Admiral Hewitt is watching them. The fortress of Cronstadt has been closed to commerce. Earl Granville is somewhat confident of a peaceful solution of the difficulty being arrived at. Turkey is now more favorable to England. 6