1 ORDER FROM GOVERNMENT. 499
2 the only one who still remained in our camp;
3 but we were afterwards joined by Lieutenant
4 J. Anderson as an acting assistant. At first it
5 was intended that Sir Claude should conduct
6 the return of the returning portion of the army
7 through the Panjab; but an order having
8 arrived from Government countermanding the
9 departure of the whole army from Afghanistan,
10 it was determined that the Mission should
11 retire, leaving Lieutenant Mackeson, who had
12 come to Kabul, to conduct Sir John Keane with
13 his escort as far as Peshawr, where he was to
14 make over his charge to another officer, who
15 would be appointed to relieve him.
16 On the 4th of October, Colonel Wade, with
17 the remaining members of the Mission, went to
18 Major Pottinger had an interview with,a number of the
19 more influential chiefs in his house or fort, and about noon
20 went into the garden to receive those of inferior rank,
21 accompanied by his visitors; here they were joined by
22 Lieutenant Charles Rattray, Major Pottinger’s assistant
23 (the Major had succeeded Mr. Lord). While thus en-
24 gaged, this most promising and brave young officer appa-
25 rently became aware of intended foul play, and turned to
26 leave the place, when he was immediately shot gown.” —
27 Eyre’s Journal, pp. 38, 68, and 70.