ASIATIC INTELLIGENCE.

Calcutta.

MISCELLANEOUS.

NEW LOAN.

An official notification was issued, on the 31st March, of the opening of a new Five per Cent. Loan; the promissory notes not to be renewed or sub-divided except at Fort William, and to be advertised for discharge relatively to the Five per Cent. Loans of 1825 and 1830, in the order of their date.

The Four per Cent. Loan, opened on the 16th September, 1835, was to be closed on the 15th May.

The Bombay Times, April 21, remarks upon this measure: As was naturally to be expected, the effect of the new Five per Cent. Loan has already proved most injurious to the value of Government Securities. In Bombay, the second Five per Cent. Loan, which was previously selling at Rs. 108 to Rs. 111, is now down to par-the Five per Cent. Transfer Loan, which sold at Rs. 114 to Rs. 115, at Rs. 106 to Rs. 108-and the Four per Cent. reduced to Rs. 80, its relative value to the new loan. From an article in the Calcutta Englishman will be seen the feelings with which it is regarded in the capital. By private letters, we learn that little more than two lakhs have as yet been taken in Calcutta, and that the public display no eagerness to subscribe. Probably they are waiting for the Six or Eight per Cent. Loan with which they may next expect to be surprised, since the present proceedings have demonstrated to them pretty clearly what consideration Government have for the public creditors when money is wanted. In the mean time, the Bank of Bengal appears to be profiting-as we presume will her sister of Bombay-by the demand for money thus occasioned. Instead of five per cent.—the former rate of interest on loans on Government Securities-she now charges seven per cent.; and in order to evince her confidence in the value of such securities, now requires a margin of fifteen per cent. in making her advances on them-for instance, on the Book Debt Loan, which is in siccas, and was lately selling currently at 11 per cent. premium, she will only advance 100 Co.'s Rs. per 100 siccas of stock. Exchange on England has also risen materially in Calcutta, and were the Company to close their advances at 2s., would, it is expected, immediately go to 2s. 2d., for bills at ten months' date. As it is, large sums were being drawn under first rate credits at 2s. 1d."

The article in the Englishman, referred to, observes :-"Had some provision been made to prevent the ruinous loss to the 4 per cent. holders which must now take place, we have no doubt that the money required would have been obtained much easier, because the monied holders of 4 per cent. paper would have been driven into the new loan for their own sakes, and public confidence would have been preserved, and this without any expense to the Government. For instance, had a loan of 4 crore been advertised, 25 per cent. of which might be paid in 4 per cent. paper at par, and the remainder in cash, the Government giving a note of Co.'s Rs. 100, for every 105 so paid, there is no doubt the whole sum would have been readily paid up, and the value of the old stocks, both 5 and 4 per cents., completely maintained. At the same time, the difference of interest payable by Government would be a mere trifle. As it is, the Government, by depriving their 4 per cent. paper of all marketable value, have actually lamed the hands that would have fed them, and have rendered it impossible for many of the largest dealers in public securities to advance any more money."

THE CHOLERA.

The most distressing accounts have reached town of the prevalence of cholera throughout the country between Bancoora and Burdwan. The dawk road side is

Asiat. Journ. N. S. VOL.35. No. 138.

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literally covered with the dead bodies of the victims, the chief part of whom are devotees from Gyah, who have been much exposed to the sun during long marches of fifteen coss per diem, seeking little sustenance beyond copious draughts of cold water from dirty nullahs. An acquaintance of ours saw not fewer than two hundred dead bodies near a small stream, and he writes that upwards of a thousand corpses were thrown into the jungles during the previous week. The whole dawk line is completely deranged by the numerous deaths, and we are recommended to dissuade travellers from attempting to proceed by that route for the present.—Englishman, April 2.

Extract of a letter, dated Pubna, 19th March :-"The 32nd Regiment left Dacca in progress to Dinapore by water on 8th March. The cholera made its appearance the same day, taking the sergeant-major of the regiment as its first victim. In the wing many sepoys were reported sick, and the next day the disease spread with all its most virulent power-in the short space of eighteen hours thirteen men diedphysic appeared of no avail-on the 10th cholera still violently raging, many deaths occurred; it is now become appalling-despondency and despair seized the men, who would no longer render assistance to their dying comrades, as many of those who had attended the sick became victims themselves shortly afterwards. The dead bodies were obliged to be cast into the stream from the hospital boats, as no one through fear would approach to burn or bury them according to general custom. Up to 12th March, the disease had marked the sepoys exclusively as victims. On the 13th, several boatmen, camp-followers, &c., were seized with it, and a horrid and painful sight met the eye as this most mortal disease was progressing in its direful effectdead and dying might be seen in various directions on the river banks. So quick was the work of death, that in many cases those attacked did not survive three or four hours. To this date, since leaving Dacca, nearly 100 sepoys have died, and at a rough guess, of boatmen, camp-followers, &c., I should suppose nearly 100 more."

NATIVE STATES.

Affghanistan.-Notification.-Fort William, Secret Department. The 29th March 1841.-The Right Hon. the Governor General in Council is pleased to publish for general information the following copies of reports from Brigadier Shelton, commanding the forces lately ordered into the Nazian Valley, to coerce the refractory tribe called the Sungoo Khail, a service which has been performed with a degree of perseverance, daring, and exertion, highly creditable to the Brigadier and the officers and men under his command.

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Camp, Nizian Valley, 24th February, 1841. To Major Gen. Elphinstone, Comg. in Affghanistan, on his march towards Cabool, via Peshawur.

Sir, I have the honour to report to you that, at the requisition of the Envoy and Minister at the Court of Shah Soojah-ool-Moolkh for a force to coerce a refractory tribe, called the Sungho Kheil, inhabiting the Nazian Valley, I marched from Jellalabad on the morning of the 21st inst., with the troops noted in the margin*, in progress to Beshboolaq. I arrived there on the 23rd, and was joined by Capt. Ferris's corps of Jazilchees and the 3rd regiment of Jan Baz. I left Beshboolaq with the force under my command, at 4 o'clock this morning, and entered the Sarobi Pass, leading into the Nazian Valley, soon after day-break, according to the following disposition. Two hundred of the Jazilchees under Hyder Alli, Native Commandant, on the left flank, to move along the high ground closing the valley on the east side; the remainder of the corps, under the command of Capt. Ferris, on my extreme right, to take the enemy on the left flank; two companies of H.M.'s 44th regt, and two companies of the 27th regt. N.I., supported by two companies of the former corps and one of the latter, with two six-pounders, the former under the command

* Detachment of Sappers and Miners; ditto 1 Troop 1st Brigade of Horse Artillery, with 4 guns; H.M.'s 44th Regt. and 27th Regt. N.I.; Troops of H.M.'s Shah Soojah-ool-Moolkh; Detachment of Mountain Train; 1st Squadron 2nd Cavalry; 3rd Infantry Regt.; and 1st Corps of Jan Baz Cavalry.

of Capt, Scott, and the latter of Capt. Swayne, of H M.'s 44th regt, to crown and move along the heights to the right, on the west side of the valley. I myself, with the main body, composed of the remaining companies of H.M.'s 44th, under Lieut. Col. Mackrell, and of the 27th regt. N.I., under Lieut. Col. Palmer, with two guns under Capt. Nicholl, of the Horse Artillery, supported by the 1st regt. of Jan Baz, under Lieut. Golding, and a squadron of the Shah's 2nd Cavalry, under Lieut. Mayne, proceeded up the centre of the valley. Capt. Craigie, with the Shah's 3rd Infantry regt., the Mountain Train under Capt. Backhouse, 3rd Jan Baz under Lieut. Dowson, and a numerous body of Ooloos or Moolkeahs, made a considerable detour and entered the valley of the eastern pass. The more unfortunate position of Capt. Ferris, with his corps, on the extreme right, brought him in immediate contact with the enemy, as they were driving off their herds and flocks, and retiring with their women and children, and as these were inclining over to the left side of the valley, to get out of his reach, the party of two hundred, under Hyder Alli, Native Commandant, very opportunely met them from that side, when most of the cattle fell into our hands, and several men were killed and wounded on both sides; a party of Jan Baz, under Lieut. Golding, made a successful charge amongst the fugitives, and killed several. The conduct of Capt. Ferris and the men of his corps was conspicuous throughout the day: they attacked the enemy with great gallantry, and pursued with determined bravery over almost inaccessible heights, driving the enemy before them under a galling fire, as did also the parties under Captains Scott and Swayne. I much regret that Capt. Ferris's corps have suffered some loss. Several companies of H.M.'s 44th regt. and 27th regt. N.I. were out during the day on skirmishing parties, and on every occasion displayed a conspicuous bravery that ensured success. "A few men held out in two forts, and obliged me to blow open the gates, which was effectually accomplished by Lieut. Pigou, of the Engineers, supported by the light company of H. M.'s 44th regt., under Capt. Robinson. It is to me a source of deep regret to have to report that the second occasion proved fatal to Lieut. Pigou, who was blown up and killed on the spot, and his body thrown a distance of eighty yards by the sudden explosion of the powder bags. The cool intrepidity with which he performed this trying duty does credit to his memory; in him the service has lost a talented and promising young officer, The Nazian Valley, which is about eight miles in length, is studded with forts from the one extremity to the other; some of them are formidable positions, The advance of the troops was one continued course of success, and by one o'clock nearly the whole of this formidable valley and all the forts, too numerous to enumerate, were in our possession.

"Lieut.-Col. Mackrell, commanding H. M.'s 34th regt., and Lieut.-Col. Palmer, commanding the 27th regt. N. I., are entitled to my best thanks for the steady support they afforded while advancing. I am greatly indebted to my Major of Brigade, Capt. Grant, and to Capt. Bellew, Dep. Assist. Qu. Master General, for the zeal and attention they displayed, and the able assistance they rendered me throughout the day. I have to acknowledge the important services of Capt. Paton, Dep. Assist. Qu. Master General, who accompanied me as Field Engineer, and who conducted the right column of attack under Capt. Scott, with a skill and judgment highly creditable to that officer. I am indebted to Capt. Douglas, Assist. Adj. General, who volunteered to accompany the column, for his able assistance. Capt. Balderson, of the 16th regt. N. I., who also volunteered his services, made himself generally useful. I should not do justice to Capt. Hopkins, of the Shah's service, did I not notice the zeal evinced by this officer in volunteering to accompany his own corps, the 27th regt. N. I., and who did good service with the right column of attack. Lieut. Towgood, Officiating Sub-Assist. Commissary General, is entitled to my best thanks for the excellent arrangements adopted for the necessary supplies. The useful information and able assistance afforded by Capt. Mackeson, political agent, greatly facilitated our success.

"I have not yet received the returns of casualties, but which, to the best of my information, amount to about eight killed and twenty-five wounded. The loss on

the part of the enemy has not been ascertained, but it is calculated they must have had from forty to fifty killed and wounded.

"I propose advancing again to-morrow, with a view to get possession of the southern extremity of the valley.

(Signed)

"I have the honour, &c.,

"T. SHELTON, Brigr.

"Commanding Force in the Nazian Valley.”

"To Major Gen. Elphinstone, C. B., Commanding in Affghanistan,

on his march towards Cabool viâ Peshawur.

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Camp Nazian Valley, 25th Feb. 1841. “SIR—I have the honour to report that I left my camp this morning at six o'clock, and proceeded with a part of the force up the valley, which contracts into a narrow defile lined with forts, in many parts confined to the bed of the Nullah, with precipitous rocky sides. The enemy appeared in small numbers on the tops of the bills to the right and left, but retired as we advanced. After proceeding about three miles from the place where I had left the 3d Shah's infantry regiment yesterday, we came to an open cultivated space, studded with forts, apparently forming the southern extremity of the Nazian Valley. From this point, another valley winds round to the south-west, lined with forts; and to the left, a narrow defile, with perpendicular sides: the width of the bed of the Nullah leads into an uninhabited valley, running south-east, in which only one dilapidated tower is visible. The absence of all information with regard to the nature of the valley, its extent or difficulties, tended to render an advance through such formidable defiles somewhat appalling. The skill displayed by the flanking parties, in surmounting and crowning almost inaccessible heights, removed every obstacle, by thus taking the forts in reverse, and deterring the enemy from retaining possession, from the certainty of being surrounded, without hope of escape, by having their retreat cut off.

"The number of forts now in our possession amounts to eighty-four. It is my painful duty to report the death of Capt. Douglas, Assist. Adj. General. A party of the enemy fired upon us while advancing, and unfortunately shot him dead by my side. Capt. Douglas was a talented officer, of much experience, and is a real loss to the service: I the more deplore the death of this excellent officer, as it was the only casualty that occurred this day.

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My present advanced position is about twelve miles from the entrance of the valley.

Herewith I beg to enclose a return of killed, wounded, and missed on the 24th

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"I have, &c.

(Signed) J. SHELTON, Brig. Commanding the Force in the Nazian Valley.” Return of killed and wounded of the force under the command of Brigadier J. Shelton in the attack on the Nazian Valley, on the 24th Feb. 1841.

Killed: Engineers, 1 Lieutenant (Lieut. Pigou); H. M's 44th regt., 9 Pinjabashies; Jazilchee regt., 1 havildar, 6 privates; 1st regt. Janbaz, 1 private. Wounded: H. M's 44th regt. 1 private; 3d Shah's inf. reg. 1 naick, 1 private; Jazilchee regt. 2 naicks, 23 privates; 1st reg. Janbaz, 2 Pinjabashies, 1 dubashie, 3 privates. Total, 18 killed, 34 wounded.

Punjab.—A letter of the 8th March states that the chiefs Utta and Geit Singh had quarrelled with Shere Singh, and fled to the neighbourhood of Loodianab for protection under the British Government. Shere Singh has sequestrated their estates, and given the produce to Sarwunt-mul, the Governor of Moultaun. The wife of Kurruck Singh, the mother of Now Nehal, is under strict surveillance; while Shere Singh passes his time in nautches, gambling, and every specics of dissipation. The people of the Punjab have heard of a large British force being in readiness to march upon their country, but imagine it destined for Peshawur.-Bombay Times, April 14.

The latest accounts state that all is turmoil and confusion in the country; the army is in revolt, and murders are frequent. Amongst the victims are two Euro

peans-viz., Capt. Ford, late paymaster of H. M. 16th Foot, and a Capt. Foulker, one of those unfortunate adventurers who trusted to the influence of the British name to protect them among a nation of savages. Capt. Ford was robbed before he was murdered. A third victim, a M. Manton or Mouton, would have been offered up, but for the heroism of his wife, who threw herself before her husband, calling upon them to kill her, which astonished the assassins and diverted them from the act. A letter from Capt. Foulker, dated the 20th of March, says: "The whole army here is in revolt; the soldiers have driven away many of the officers, and we learn it is their intention to murder M. Mouton and me. Our officers recommend us to save ourselves, but we consider it more honourable to die at our posts than seek safety." One account states that M. Manton had been murdered. In addition to these murders, several native officers and twenty men, who by some whim remained loyal, were killed at the same time and place as Mr. Foulker, who was at Moondee; Capt. Ford was at Peshawur. A French letter, from Lahore, states, however, that Capt. Ford died of grief at being plundered, and that Manton had been burnt by his soldiers.

Gen. Ventura and his family had left for Bombay; Gen. Court had escaped with his family, but all his effects had been destroyed. M. Benjamin Allard, who was about to proceed to Peshawur, was detained at Lahore, on account of the insubordination of the troops. Mr. Baness, an English merchant at Delhi, who came on business betwixt Ferozepore and Cabool, was also detained. The Fakeer Sahib Azisedeen, minister of foreign affairs, had just returned from a mission to Loodianah. It was rumoured at Lahore, that our army would almost immediately interfere. The troops in Peshawur were in similar uproar to those in the Punjab ; the Europeans were all believed to have joined Gen. Avitabile.

Herat.-The approach of the Persians upon Herat appears to want foundation. No trust-worthy intimation of such an event has been received either in official circles or private, while it is known that Major Todd's departure is unconnected with any movement on the part of the Persians. The despatch announcing the immediate cause of his departure has been either lost or intercepted between Herat and Candahar. One letter was received from him by an officer at Ghirisk, Lieut. Elliott, in which he asked for supplies, stating that he and his party were hastening on to that place. It is generally understood that the Major had left Herat, in consequence of some intrigues in the city itself, which rendered his presence there very unsafe. It will be followed, it is said, by an immediate movement on Herat by the British and the necessary steps to establish our influence in that city. There are and have been for some time reports in circulation of an intention on the part of the Persians to make a second effort against Herat, but if they do entertain such a design they have not yet begun to act upon it.—Agra Ukhbar, Mar. 18.

Major Todd has arrived safely at Ghirisk, and it appears that our correspondents were a little premature in announcing the fact of the surrender of Herat to the Persians, though there is no doubt of overtures having been made by Yar Mahomed, and perhaps by this time the bargain is concluded; in either case it is a very great cause of regret, that while we spent so much money upon it, in fact rendering the place a strong-hold against ourselves, we did not take better measures for securing some predominancy in it, in case of a reverse like the present one; at any rate, the fortress might have been left in the state it was, and had the repeated warnings so often given been treated with a little more consideration, the ignominy we are now suffering would have been spared us.-Delhi Gaz., Mar. 23.

Various communications from Cutchee, of dates 18th, 20th, and 22nd March, allude to letters of recent date from Candahar and Cabool, in reference to Major Todd, Herat affairs, and the destination of our army, all sufficiently contradictory and mysterious. So far as we are able to guess from all these statements, we should say that the following was something like the state of matters at present. Major Todd has been, or is just about to be, relieved from further political charge on the