Page:Our Indian Army.djvu/529

Rh entrance thus effected. But this did not terminate the conflict; for the enemy continued to fight with desperate valour, and vast numbers were destroyed. Among the slain was Mehrab Khan, whose death was far more creditable than his life had been; for, after a long career of robbery, he died, bravely defending his birthright. About four hundred of the garrison were killed, and on our side thirty-two officers and men were killed, and one hundred and seven wounded.

This closed the events of the first Affghan campaign, which had been eminently successful in all its operations. A general order, dated January 2nd, 1840, announced the breaking up of the "Army of the Indus;" and numerous honours were bestowed on the principal persons connected with the expedition. Lord Auckland was created an Earl, Sir John Keane was advanced to the peerage, Mr. Macnaghten and Colonel Henry Pottinger were created baronets, Colonel Wade obtained the honour of knighthood; Sir Willoughby Cotton received the Grand Cross of the Bath; General Willshire, Colonel Thackwell, and Colonel Sale were made Knights Commanders, and Colonels J. Scott, Persse, Croker, and R. Macdonald, Companions of that Order; while, by an extensive grant of brevet rank, the merits of several other officers were recognised.