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556 This gloomy task was executed with an unshrinking determination, which leads to the conviction that, if such men had been properly led in the outset, the British arms would not have suffered this great reverse, nor humanity have to shudder at such pitiable butchery. This handful of heroes, for as such we must regard men who will sacrifice their lives rather than lay down their arms to a ruthless foe, occupied an eminence opposite to another held by the enemy, whose overwhelming fire gradually diminished their numbers, while at intervals the work of extermination was accelerated by a rush, sword in hand, upon the devoted party, by whom – notwithstanding the utter hopelessness of their situation – the assailants were several times repelled. This murderous struggle lasted till nearly every one of these champions of British honour was wounded, when a final onset of the enemy completed their destruction. Captain Souter, of the 44th, one of the few that survived the slaughter, but severely wounded, had, before leaving Jugduluk, tied round his waist the colours of the regiment, which were thus preserved.

It now only remains to record the fate of the officers and cavalry who, as we have stated, rode on a-head of the troops. Six of them dropped before reaching Futteeabad. The rest arrived at that place in safety, and were received by the inhabitants with professions of friendship and sympathy. Food was offered them, of which they naturally, but unwisely stopped to partake. The inhabitants in the meantime armed themselves, and, suddenly rushing on the men whom they had ensnared, cut down two of them. The remainder mounted and rode off; but the enemy pursued, and all the fugitives perished before reaching Jellalabad, except one. "Thus," says Lady Sale, "was verified what we were told before leaving Cabul: 'that Mahommed Akbar would annihilate the whole army, except one man, who should reach Jellalabad to tell the tale.'"