(Here follow the date and the Amir's seal.) (Note *: The Commander-in-Chief of the Afghan army.) SECOND LETTER FROM THE AMIR, DATED KABUL, THE 4TH SEPTEMBER, 1879.
Yesterday, from 8 a.m.till evening, thousands assembled to destroy the Embassy.

There has been much loss of life on both sides.

At evening they set fire to the Residency.

All yesterday and up till now, I with five attendants have been besieged.

I have no certain news of the Envoy, whether he and his people have been killed in their quarters, or been seized and brought out.
Afghanistan is ruined; the troops, city, and surrounding country have thrown off their yoke of allegiance.