20 SEPTEMBER 1879, Page 3

The Time publishes a terrible account of the sufferings of

the European soldiers marched back into India from Afghanistan last June through the Khyber Pass. They had only 117 miles to go, but the march occupied twelve days, the men being able from the heat to march only in the early morning, and the night march usual in India being abandoned, for fear of attacks from the hill-tribes. Although every pre-' caution had been taken, cholera broke out en route, and "on reaching Jamrucl. and Hurri-Sing-ka-Boorj, and especially as they made their final marches, their distress was very appa- rent; their clothes were stiff and dirty, from the profuse per- spiration and dust ; their countenances betokened great nervous exhaustion, combined with a wild expression difficult to de-

scribe ; the eyes injected, and even sunken ; a burning skin, black with the effects of sun and dirt ; a dry tongue ; a weak voice; and a thirst which no amount' of fluids seemed to , relieve. Many of these men staggered rather than marched into their tents, and threw . themselves down, utterly in- capable of further exertion until refreshed by sleep and food." The medical officers were worn out, and before they reached Peshawur six officers and 121 men had died from cholera in the 2nd Division alone, more, perhaps, than it would have lost in a severe engagement. The much greater numbers sent into hospital or invalided from the consequences of the march are not given.