DESCENT OF THE AFFGHANS INTO SCINDE.

New Zealander, Volume 5, Issue 316, 9 June 1849, Page 2 (Supplement)

DESCENT OF THE AFFGHANS INTO SCINDE.

The Bombay Teleqiapk stated on the authority of letters from Upper Scinde, the probability of some such event as the above, reports having announced that about 12,000 Affghans had issued from the Kojackpass whh a view to a demonstration on Shikarpore. At first we were disposed to class the rumour with those periodically got up by alai mists whenever we are in an unpleasant perdicament. The Telegraph received this morning, however, repeats it, and asserts that General Auchmuty learnt on the night of the 4th instant, for certain, that a detachment of Affghatis had arrived at Quettah on their way to Scinde ;— -their number is however reduced from 1 2 to five thousand and two guns. "It is added that a proclamation has been issued by Dost Mahomed, calling upon all the tribes to the northward to rise, with the view of expelling the Feringhes from the country." It is not probable this movement ii a conceited one, for it is too late in the day to be of great effect.

Attock has at length fallen. Dost Mahomed sent a force against it, when the garrison declared that they had held out against the Sikhs, and were still ready to do so ; but they entertained no intention of opposing the Affghans. Lieutenant Herbert endeavoured to make his escape from the place on these symptoms of dissatisfaction breaking out, but was unsuccessful. He was captured by some Sikhs, and given up to Chuttur Singh. There is no doubt of the Ameer's movement against Attock, but this does not determine the fact of his hostility to us. He now holds the key of the river, for he has occupied Attock with his own Affghans, and is therefore in a position to act decisively upon the retreating Sikhs if so disposed. The flight of Lieutenant Herbert has been thought to militate against the idea of a complicity between the British and the Aflghans, but it scarcely does so : since if it be thought desirable to conceal the existence of a good understanding to the latest moment it is obvious our agents would act accordingly, and the apparent attempt to escape from the clutches of the Ameer would be just the thing to blind the Sikhs. However, a very short time must now clear up the mystery. Captain Abbot appears to be yet at large, and still holding that eternal position of his at Sreekote.