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 without an enemy to face, is at this time of the year almost impossible. The last letter received from Sir A. Burnes, immediately before his murder, spoke of the extreme tranquillity of the country; so this outbreak found them totally unprepared. As you may conceive George is very much harassed by anxiety for the fate of all there. It is very hard for him that, during the very last weeks of his stay here, when there is no time for him to get things straight again, this misfortune should have happened from the too great security of those on the spot. And a fearful misfortune it is likely to prove. Knowing what a savage people the Afghans are, I never can get the horrors that may happen out of my head. Letters from Lady Sale have been received by her husband. She seems to be a wonderful woman; quite aware of their desperate state, but not one word of terror.

Judging from the last intelligence, we must hear something decisive before this goes; so I will write no more about it now.

My dearest, whatever you do, never settle in a country where there is anything in the shape of war. I cannot say how much I look forward to Lord Ellenborough’s arrival; all this