The two officers were taken to Chitral, where they were received with kindness by Amir Khan.
The news of this disaster was carried to Peshawar by a native Mussulman officer, who had been liberated, where it created great excitement.

As all communication with Chitral had ceased, the assistant British agent at Gilgit called up the Pioneers; who marched into Gilgit, four hundred strong, on the 20th of March.

On the 21st news was received of the cutting up of Ross's party, and it was naturally supposed that that of Edwards was also destroyed.
Colonel Kelly of the Pioneers now commanded the troops, and all civil powers; and Major Borradale commanded the Pioneers.

The available force consisted of the four hundred Pioneers, and the Guides.

Lieutenant Stewart joined them with two guns of the Kashmir battery.
Two hundred Pioneers and the Guides started on the 23rd.