We have had a disaster and a success in Afghanistan.
The tribes round Jellalabad have become so hostile, that on April 1st two strong expeditions were sent out, one to Futteha- bad, under General Gough, and one to Lughman, under Major Macpherson, with orders to reduce the tribes holding those places to obedience. The former of the expeditions comprised the 10th Hussars, and in crossing the Cabul River at night a squadron of this regiment missed the ford, and Lieutenant Harford with 50 men were drowned. No explanation is given by the Viceroy, and no regret is expressed. On the following day, the Khujianis threatened General Gough's column, and the General attacked and defeated them, the 10th Hussars and the Guides Cavalry making brilliant charges." We lost, however, Major Wigram Battye, an unusually able officer, who commanded the Guides, and who will be much missed, and Lieutenant Wiseman, while thirty-eight native officers and men were killed and wounded. There was an object, of course, for all this expenditure of life, but it is not stated.
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