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This book has been compiled from contemporary accounts of the First Afghan War, personal accounts, and the military despatches. These were sent to the Governor General at Calcutta or his summer retreat at Simla, from where they were soon published in the English or Vernacular Press. One is amazed at the frankness of the published material. The first hand descriptions of the suffering of the troops and camp followers make distressful reading, while the cruelty and treachery of the Afghan leaders and their cohorts beggars belief.

The source of the material has been The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British and Foreign India, China and Australasia, which was first published in 1816, with the final journal being printed in 1845. These are extremely rare books, and when found on the internet and at book sales, expensive. For those with an interest in the descriptions of life in British India during the 19 century, the contents will be found most rewarding.