how best to respond to the threat. The situation with the rioters continued to deteriorate as they set fire to the compound stables. A single shot was fired from the crowd and Major Broadfoot, standing beside Burnes on the balcony, was killed. Now assured that there was no longer a chance for rescue, Charles Burnes exited, armed, into the courtyard, reportedly killing six men before being hacked to death. Alexander Burnes was soon beaten and hacked to death by the mob. The events took place just half an hour's march from where the British troops had been stationed. One young officer, recording the event in his journal, noted "When 300 men would have been sufficient in the morning, 3000 would not have been adequate in the afternoon." Legacy He is commemorated in the name of the rufous-vented grass babbler Laticilla burnesii. Publications Historical fiction featuring Burnes Fraser, George MacDonald, Flashman. 1969. Hensher, Philip, The Mulberry Empire. 2002. Henty, G. A., To Herat and Cabul, A Story of the First Afghan War. 1902. Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India References Bibliography + External links Freemasonry and the Leaders of Victorian Britain British diplomats Knights Bachelor 1805 births 1841 deaths British people of the First Anglo-Afghan War Explorers of Central Asia Scottish explorers British explorers Great Game Fellows of the Royal Society British military personnel of the First Anglo-Afghan War Assassinated British diplomats People from Montrose, Angus 19th-century British diplomats Scottish Freemasons British people in colonial India Recipients of the Royal Geographical Society Founder's Medal Lynching deaths