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On 8 January 1842 Mohammed Akbar Khan agreed to protect Elphinstone's army on a promise of 15,000 rupees. He also demanded Major Pottinger, Captain Lawrence and Captain Mackenzie as hostages to guarantee that General Sale would evacuate Jalalabad. This was agreed.
On 9 January 1842 Mohammed Akbar Khan persuaded General Elphinstone to hand over the women, children and wounded officers hostages in return for supplies and a safe escort for his army. Though none of Akbar Khan's promises had been kept previously, it was seen as the only way to protect the women and children from further suffering on the march. Four officers, ten women and twenty-two children were escorted to Khoord-Kabul fort where they joined the three officers taken the day before. See separate article [[Hostages taken at Khoord-Kabul]].
On 10 January Lieut. Melville was severely wounded trying to defend his regimental colours. An Afghan rescued him and he was taken prisoner by Akbar Khan. Mr Magrath, surgeon of the 37th Native Infantry was also wounded and taken prisoner. Six men of 44th Foot were also taken prisoner. Captain Anderson was ordered by the General to join the married men and families.
