FULLER DETAILS OF THE CANDAHAR DISASTER.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 189, 10 August 1880, Page 2

FULLER DETAILS OF THE CANDAHAR DISASTER.

[The following- special messages to the Melbourne Age, were telegraphed to us from Wellington this afternoon : — ] London, July 28. Later and fuller intelligence has been received concerning the late disaster which has befallen the British troops in the Candahar province. General Burrows was accompanied by the Native Governor, Shere AH Kban, who was in advance to intercept Ayub Khan. The attack upon the British was a surprise and took place in the darkness, and the utmost confusion arose. The troops behaved bravely, but the number of tbe enemy was so overwhelming that some of the native troops gave way which caused a panic. The fugitives fled towards Candahar, but the British, under the immediate command of General Burrows, retired steadily and in good order, taking with them some of ibeir guns. On receipt of the news at Candahar, General Primrose despatched troops to assist the retiring body to the citadel, which is situated about two miles north of the city and occupying a very strong position. General Burrows and Sbere Ali have since arrived safely with the remnant of the brigade, and measures have been taken for making a determined stand at Candahar. General Phayre is arranging an advance at the bead of a considerable body of troops from Quettab to the assistance of General Primrose, and precautions have been taken to secure safe communication with India. The Khan of Knelat, the territory in which Quettah is situated, who is one of the subsidised allies of the Indian Empire, has tendered General Phayre all the aid in his power by placing troops at his command, and reinforcements are being rapidly pushed forward from Bombay, the railway, which now extends some distance beyond the frontier, being found to be of great service, July 30. General Primrose and the force under his command are strengthening the defences of tbe citadel of Candahar, and intelligence has been received from him that Candahar is amply supplied with provisions and munitions of war, and that he is confident of his ability to maintain his ground against the enemy until the arrival of the relief forces. Great stress is laid upon the importance of maintaining intact the line of communication. General Phayre has strengthened the principal forts held by the British, and is completing arrangements for the formation of a force strong enough to cope with the enemy. The march will be commenced at the earliest possible moment, and the General expects to be able to relieve the Biitish forces at Candahar within three weeks. July 31. Further particulars of the disaster to General Burrows' force at Candahar show that the loss sustained is very heavy. The force under his command despatched to intercept Ayub Khan numbered about 3000 men, including one regiment of British Infantry. The remainder of the brigade consisted of Native Infantry, with some squadrons of cavalry, and a battery of horse artillery. General Burrows was accompanied by Shere Ali, the native ruler of the province, with a body of Afghan troops, but on the approach of Ayub Khan a number of these deserted. In resisting the attack the slaughter was very great, but in the retreat of the brigade the Afghan cavalry caused j fearful havoc amongst the fugitives, who were cut down in hundreds. Of the total force under General Burrows' command it is ascertained that 200 (?) were killed, tbe greater proportion of the loss being sustained in the retreat. General Phayre is advancing at the head of a considerable army by forced, marches. He (Phayre) has not met with any formidable opposition, though several skirmishes have taken place with small bodies of hostile natives. The hilb in the vicinity of tbe line of march are being cleared before the advance of the main body. The success of Ayub Khan has attracted large numbers to bis standard, and apprehensions are entertained that he may bring a force into the field to retard the advance of the relieving forces. The entire province of Candahar is disquieted, and a spirit of disaffection to the British is extending. The intelligence of the disaster caused much excitement ot Cabul, but prompt measures were taken by Sir Donald Stewart to prevent any dangerous manifestations from ,4he tribes whose disaffection is most apparent, and it is believed that these efforts will prevent any attempt at a general rising. The Viceroy has received a telegram from General Stewart stating that Cabul is quiet. J

The effect of the British defeat on Abdul Rahman Khan is regarded with some anxiety, but the new Ameer has not, up to the present, committed himself to any of the actively hostile tribes. August 2. Much anxiety is expressed concerning the supply of the British force posted at Khelat-i-Ghilzai, on the road between Candahar and Ghuznee. The force comprises two companies of the 66th Foot, some squadrons of Native Horse, and a portion of a battery of Eoyal Artillery. Their fate is considered very precarious, as some considerable time must elapse before they can be released, either from Candabar, or by way of Ghuznee. Intelligence has been received from General Primrose, which states that he is confident of his ability to hold his own against Ayub's army. He is of opinion that he will be able to defend Candahar against any attack of the enemy until the arrival of General Phayre. The Indian press demands that Sir Garnet Wolseley should be sent at once to deal with the crisis, and the opinion is expressed that the situation iv Afghanistan is most serious, and one that requires the best display of promptitude and firmness.