nd I determined to turn it. But before I could
decide how this could best be done, it was necessary to ascertain
the strength and precise extent of the Afghan position. I therefore
detailed a small party,[7] under the command of Brigadier-General Hugh
Gough, to make as complete a reconnaissance as time would allow. In
the meantime I despatched the following telegram to the authorities at
Simla:

'KANDAHAR, _31st August,_ 1880.

'The force under my command arrived here this morning without
opposition. Enemy are said to be in considerable strength at
Mazra, but the ridge of hills which divides Kandahar from the
Arghandab completely covers their position, and at present I have
only been able to ascertain that the Baba Wali Kotal and one or
two other points on this ridge are held in great strength,
and that the enemy are busily engaged in defensive works.
Reconnaissances are now being conducted, and I shall soon, I hope,
be sufficiently acquainted with affairs generally to enable me to
arrange for an attack. The Kandahar garrison are in good health;
the horses and transport animals appear to be in good condition.
Major Vandeleur, 7th Fusiliers, has died of his wounds; the
remainder of the wounded, both officers and men, are generally
doing well. The troops from Kabul are in famous health and
spirits. The assurance of the safety of this garrison enabled
comparatively short marches to be made from Kelat-i-Ghilzai,
which much benefited both men and animals. The Cavalry horses and
Artillery mules are in excellent condition, and the transport
animals are, as a rule, in very fair order. General Primrose has
arranged for the sick of the force from Kabul being accommodated
inside the city; many of the cases are sore feet; none are
serious. To-morrow the telegraph line towards India will commence
to be re-constructed, and as General Phayre is probably on this
side of the Kohjak to-day, through communication should soon be
restored.'

The reconnaissance, which started at 1 p.m., proceeded towards the
high ground immediately above the villages of Gundigan and Murghan.
Here the Infantry and guns were halted, while the Cavalry advanced
between two or three miles, avoiding the numerous orchards and
enclosures, and coming out in front of Pir Paimal, which was found to
be strongly entrenched.

As soon as the enemy's fire along this