the character and popularity of any of his family. Captain Burnes, Mr. Masson, Dr. Lord, and Mr. Wood, all men conversant with Kábul affairs, are to be asked for their opinion on the feeling regarding Sháh Shujá among the Afgháns, and as to his probable means of maintaining himself.
Pending Mr. Macnaghten's return nothing had been decided. On July 10 Lord Auckland wrote to Mr. McNeill, expressing the extreme anxiety he had felt to receive accounts of a later date than March 7, that he might know what was passing at home, and shape his plans accordingly. 'But I must do my best, without having this advantage, and I have nearly formed my decision.' It seemed most probable at that date that, in conjunction with Ranjít Singh, he might 'have to surround Sháh Shujá with British officers, and support him in an attempt to re-establish himself in Afghánistán. I need not recapitulate to you the many considerations which seem to me to justify this course; nor, on the other hand, those which may make me adopt it only with extreme reluctance.' The next day (July 11) he tells Macnaghten that till he comes back no plans will be formed. On the 12th he sends Macnaghten 'a rough sketch of what appears to me the maximum of military operations which may become necessary.' The sketch has not been preserved; but a letter from Mr. Colvin of the same date says that 5,000 British troops are talked of. 'Rabbles of raw levies got together at much cost by Sháh Shujá, and not to be depended on,'
