A journal of the First Afghan War

the long version

"The First Afghan War of 1838-1842 witnessed one of the greatest defeats ever inflicted upon the British Army by an Asian enemy. This was the Retreat from Kabul." "On 6 January 1842, a force that with its followers numbered some 16,000 marched from Kabul under an illusory safe conduct; one week later Surgeon William Brydon rode alone into Jellalabad - the only British survivor. Men, women, and children lay dead along the ninety mile route, some killed by the ruthless Afghan enemy, the rest frozen to death in the snow. Of all the participants in the tragedy none has told the story better than Florentia, Lady Sale." "Her journal begins in September 1841 when, as wife of the second-in-command at Kabul, the position of the British was menaced both by Afghan intrigue and by the incompetence of their own command. Held captive by the Afghans for nine months Florentia Sale underwent the dangers of the siege, witnessed battle and murder, was exposed to burning heat and freezing cold, and experienced the terror of incessant earthquakes. Dubbed 'the Grenadier in Petticoats' by her husband's fellow officers, Florentia Lady Sale was both a heroine and a force to be reckoned with."--BOOK JACKET.