1880 The order of marching--Ghazni and Kelat-i-Ghilzai -- Food required daily for the force--A letter from General Phayre -- Kandahar--Reconnoitring the enemy's position--A turning movement Before daybreak on the 11th August, as I was starting from camp, I received my last communication from the outside world in the shape of a telegram from my wife, sent off from a little village in Somersetshire, congratulating me and the force, and wishing us all God's speed.

She had taken our children to England a few months before, thinking that the war in Afghanistan was over, and that I would soon be able to follow.
Four days brought us to the end of the Logar valley, a distance of forty-six miles.

So far the country was easy and supplies plentiful.

I thought it wise, however, not to attempt long distances at first, that both men and animals might become gradually hardened before entering on the difficult and scantily cultivated ground between Ghazni and Kelat-i-Ghilzai, where I knew that forced marches were inevitable, and that their powers of endurance would be sorely taxed.

Moreover, it was necessary to begin quietly, and organize some system by which confusion in the crowded camping-grounds might be avoided, and the physical strain upon everyone lightened as much as possible.
When it is remembered that the daily supply for over 18,000 men and 11,000 animals had to be drawn from the country after arrival in camp, that food had to be distributed to every individual, that the fuel with which it was cooked had often to be brought from long distances, and that a very limited time was available for the preparation of meals and for rest, it will readily be understood how essential it was that even the stupidest follower should be able to find his place in camp speedily, and that everyone should know exactly what to do and how to set about doing it.
On the march and in the formation of the camps the same principles were, as far as possible, applied each day.