ROUGH NOTES OF THE CAMPAIGN IN SINDE AND AFGHANISTAN IN 1838-9 (GHUZNEE CAMPAIGN 1839)

These ‘rough notes’ are in fact an eye-witness account of the first Afghan War in 1838-39, by Major James Outram, who won fame as a General twenty years later for his Relief of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny. The war was fought as part of the ‘Great Game’ for control of the north-west approaches to India between Britain and Russia. It resulted in the deposition of the pro-Russian ruler of Afghanistan, Dost Mohamed Khan, and the restoration of the pro-British Shah Shooja Ool Moolk. Outram took an active part in the campaign, including the storming of Ghuznee, and pursuing Dost Mohammed after his defeat, as well as commanding subsequent operations to subdue hostile tribes. With appendices and two maps.