l until a sufficiency of
supplies had been collected at Kushi, and everything was ready for as
rapid an advance on Kabul as my limited transport would admit of; for,
so long as I remained behind, the people of Afghanistan could not
be sure of my intentions, and no doubt hoped that the Amir's
remonstrances would have the desired effect, and prevent our doing
more than occupying the Shutargardan, or making a demonstration toward
Kushi. My crossing the pass would, I knew, be the signal for all those
determined on opposition to assemble; it was politic, therefore, to
remain behind until the last moment.

When all arrangements were complete, so far as was possible with the
means at my disposal, I issued the following Field Force Order:

'The Government of India having decided that a force shall proceed
with all possible despatch to Kabul, in response to His Highness
the Amir's appeal for aid, and with the object of avenging the
dastardly murder of the British representative and his escort, Sir
Frederick Roberts feels sure that the troops under his command
will respond to the call with a determination to prove themselves
worthy of the high reputation they have maintained during the
recent campaign.

'The Major-General need address no words of exhortation to
soldiers whose courage and fortitude have been so well proved. The
Afghan tribes are numerous, but without organization; the regular
army is undisciplined, and whatever may be the disparity in
numbers, such foes can never be formidable to British troops. The
dictates of humanity require that a distinction should be
made between the peaceable inhabitants of Afghanistan and the
treacherous murderers for whom a just retribution is in store,
and Sir Frederick Roberts desires to impress upon all ranks the
necessity for treating the unoffending population with justice,
forbearance, and clemency.

'The future comfort and well-being of the force depend largely on
the friendliness of our relations with the districts from which
supplies must be drawn; prompt payment is enjoined for all
articles purchased by departments and individuals, and all
disputes must be at once referred to a political officer for
decision.

'The Major-General confidently looks forward to the successful
accomplishment of the object of the expedition, and the
establishment of order and a settle