Military Service and Adventures in the Far East: Vol. 2 (of 2) Including Sketches of the Campaigns Against the Afghans in 1839, and the Sikhs in 1845-6.

A candid account from a cavalry officer who lived through the turbulence of mid‑nineteenth‑century India, this volume opens with the commander‑in‑chief’s return to England and the chaotic uprising that erupts across Afghanistan. The narrative follows the desperate defence of Jellalabad and General Pollock’s daring push toward Kabul, while the author offers vivid sketches of the rugged terrain, the local tribes and the stark reality of supplying a far‑flung army. Interwoven with military details are his personal reflections on the moral ambiguities that accompany a campaign founded on questionable premises.

The second part of the work shifts to a lengthy journey through central India—Agra, Gwalior, Indore and Bombay—before reaching Calcutta and the volatile north‑western frontier. Here the officer describes the intricate balance of power between the British forces and the Sikh military establishment, noting the preparations and early maneuvers that set the stage for larger confrontations. Throughout, his observations capture the cultural tapestry of the region and the everyday challenges faced by soldiers far from home.