After consulting with Colonel St.John, he determined to adopt the latter course, as he hoped thus to be able to deal with the _ghazis_ before they were joined by Ayub Khan.
The brigade started soon after 6 a.m.on the 27th.

It was encumbered by a large number of baggage animals, which Burrows considered could not be left behind because of the hostile state of the country, and the impossibility of detaching any part of his already too small force for their protection.
At 10 a.m., when about half-way to Maiwand, a spy brought in information that Ayub Khan had arrived at that place, and was occupying it in force; General Burrows, however, considered it then too late to turn back, and decided to advance.

At a quarter to twelve the forces came into collision, and the fight lasted until past three o'clock.

The Afghans, who, Burrows reported, numbered 25,000, soon outflanked the British.

Our Artillery expended their ammunition, and the Native portion of the brigade got out of hand, and pressed back on the few British Infantry, who were unable to hold their own against the overwhelming numbers of the enemy.