THE AFGHAN WAR

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 25 August 1880, Page 2

THE AFGHAN WAR

Some of the foJlowing messages have already appeared in our columns in a condensed form : Simla, August 10. The Government of India is to-day in receipt of later intelligence from Candahar, the messengers sent by Generals Burrows and Primrose having brought intelligence from the city to the 6th inst. (Friday last). At that date all was quiet,, aud Ayoub Khan had not ventured to inake any attack on the British troops. The defences of the positions occupied by the latter had been completed, and everything was in readiness in case an attaok should be made. The force has a sufficient supply of provisions to enable it to hold out for thirty-five days. According to the latest news from Candahar, Ayoub Khan continues to hesitate to attack the city, and the news is confirmed that he has not ventured to march to attack General Robert Phayre. The main body of his troops is at Kokaran, a plaoe a few "miles to the west of Candahar, on the road to Giriskh, but somewhat nearer to the city than Sangari, where he was previously reported to be. August IJ.

I The latest news to hand from Gandahar states that the inhabitants of the vicinity of that city, who, previous to the recent defeat, maintained a friendly attitude, are now showing signs, of open hostility, and are endeavoring to harrass the British troops. Several: skirmishes have taken place between the villagers who have taken up arms and detached .portions of . General Burrows' force: In all these engagements the ;British were completely-successful, and inflicted severe punishment upon the enemy, The general situation, however, at Oandahar is unchanged, News has been received of General Sir F, S, Roberts, who, as previously reported, left Cabul on Saturday last. General Roberts has since made marches of 13 miles each daily, and will continue to push forward aa rapidly as possible, August 12. I

One day's later news has been received from General Roberts, who is continuing to push forward to Candahar. The attitude of the natives is not unfriendly. No opposition has been met with. Advices have come to hand respecting General Phayre's column, which marched to relieve the forces at Ca,ndahar. The relieving column daily continues its advance, and sinpe former advices, the trqop§ have £ot opposition,

August 14. * The Government of India is in receipt of advices from Candahar, under date the 11th instant, fully confirming the previous advices that Ayoub Khan had advanced from Kokaran towards the city. He has regularly commenced siege operations against the position of Generals Burrows and Primrose, who, on their part, are doing everything to ensure tho safety of the garrison.