22 DECEMBER 1838, Page 10

POSTSCRIPT.

SATURDAY.

At length we have Indian intelligence, from the bead-quarters of the Government. The Agra E.rtroordhutry Grrzette of the h it 11 of October contains a proclamation of the Governor-General. dated Ed of October, explaining the reasons for directing a large British Army " for service across the Indus." The principal reason is, that Dost Mohammed K11:111, Sovereign of Culatl, not only refused to aid the British Govern- ment runt its allies in opening the navigation of the Indus, and in other measures 11er the extension of commerce, but connected himself' with Persia in designs hostile to British interests. Captain Burnes, at the close of the year 1536, was despatched on a mission to ('abut, with the view of engaging him in an alliance with the British Government and Runjeet Sing ; and the Governor-General used his good otfices with Itunjeet Sing to prevent him from attacking Cabot in retaliation for an unprovoked incursion into his dominions by Dust Mahommed Khan. In the meanwhile, intelligence of the Persian movements against Herat reached Calcutta, and that the Princes of Afghanistan had proclaimed their entire adherence to the hostile policy of Persia. The Governor- General, impressed with the necessity of securing faithful allies on the Western frontier, determined to restore Shah Shoojah to the sovereignty of Afghanistan. Ile formed an alliance offensive and defensive with Shah Shoojah and Runjeet Sing- " Shah Shoojah will enter Afghanistan surrounded by his own troops, and will be supported against ihreign interference and .roethoss opposithm by a British army. The Governor-General confidently hopes that the Shah will be speedily replaced on his throne buy his own subjects and adherents ; and When otter he shall be secured in power, and the independence and integrity of Afghanistan established, the British army will be withdrawn. The Governor- General has been led to these measures by the duty which is imposed upon him of providing for the security of the possessions of the British Crown ; but he rejoices that, in the discharge of this duty, he will be enabled to assist in re- storing the union and prosperity of the Afghan people. Throughout the ap- proachiog operations, British influence will be seditiously employed to further every measure of general benefit, to reconcile differences, to secure oblivion of injuries, and to put au end to the distractions by which, for so many years, the welfare and happiness of the Afghans have been impaired. Even to the chiefs whose hostile proceedings have given just 011lSe of offence to the British Government, it will seek to secure liberal and hot lllll rabic treatment, on their tendering early submission, and ceasing from opposition to that course of mea-

sores which may be judged the most suitable for the general advantage of their country."

The sovereignty of Herat is to he guaranteed to its present possessor.

With reference to the operations above described, Mr. W. IL Mae- nagleten has been appointed Envoy and Minister to Shalt Shoojah ; and Captain Alexander Burnes is to act under him as chief Envoy to Kelm and other states. Lieutenants Todd, Pottinger, Conolly, and Mr. G. J. Berwick, are appointed to subordinate employments.

The number of the British army is not stated : but it is plain that the ' operations are to he on a large scale, and that we are fairly involved in a most important war in the East.