THE CABUL MASSACRE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 209, 15 September 1879, Page 2

THE CABUL MASSACRE.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. The following special London telegrams appear in the Poit : — 6th September. Telegrams from-the Punjaub report a most alarming mutiny on the part of some of the Afghan troops, and the massacre of nearly everyone connected with the British Embassy at Cabul. A number of the soldiery who had served under Shere Ali against the British had for some time manifested considerable disaffection towards the new Ameer, Yakoob Khan, their discontent being greatly aggravated by arrears of pay being due to them. No serious consequences, however, were anticipated until the men suddenly broke out into open mutiny, and, being joined by a considerable number of theinhabitants of the town, marched upon the British Residency. The guard, led by Major Cavagnari, the British Resident, made a desperate defence, but were speedily overpowered by the superior numbers of the mutineers, and it is believed that everyone of the defenders, including Major Cavagnari himself, has been massacred. The mutineers then set fire to the buildings occupied by the British Embassy, which were burned to the grouud. The Ameer, Yakoob Khan, having gathered a portion of his troops aronnd him, did everything in his power to quell the disturb- j ance, but his efforts were quite ineffectual. He found that by far the greater portion of his troop3 were inspired by hatred to the British and had joined the mutineers. With the comparatively few men who remained loyal no him, he had to take refuge in his palace, where, aceording to the latest advices he was being closely besieged by the rebellious soldiers and populace. Upon the news of the massacre reaching the GovernorGeneral of India, he at once ordered the Khyber and Kandahar Passes to be reoccupied by the British troops, and directed General Roberts with ihe advance column of the British army to march immediately to Cabal, to take prompt measures to put down the outbreak, and relieve the Ameer. 7th September. Further telegrams received here state that the fears entertained as to the fate of the British Residency at Cabul are but too strongly confirmed. The mutineers have pubicly exposed to view the bodies of the officers of the Embassy whom they had killed in the attack. It is believed that only nine Sowars (native horse soldiers) escaped from the massacre. Bth September. The emotion which the news of the Cabul massacre has excited throughout India is unequalled by anything of the sort since the great Mutiny. The excitement is intense, and the instant punishment of the offenders and the dismantlement of Cabul is demanded. The Vieeroy is taking the most prompt and decisive action in the way of avenging the massacre and relieving the Ameer. The latest newa represented the latter as being still besieged, and considerable anxiety is manifested on his account, as it is considered doubtful whether, with the small force at his disposal, he will be able to hold out till the arrival of General Roberts.