Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

NEARCHUS ARRIVES. . 627their own motion, accumulated provisions for him on learningthat he was to march through the desert.But these came toohite to be of any use. It was little satisfaction to punish thecareless satraps who had not forwarded the required supplies.After this the march was resumed towards Carmania, whereCraterus, who had easily marched through the upper country,joined him. Winter had now set in.Here Alexander rectified a number of abuses which hadgrown up since he left Persepolis, by the change of officersaud the punishment of those who had proved corrupt orcruel. He celebrated his victory over the Indians and hismarch through the desert by feasts and games, and madePeucestas one of the somatophylaxes and afterwards viceroyof Persis. It indeed needed the arrival of supplies and thepresence of old companions-in-arms to restore to the sad relicsof the proud army which had but three months since left theIndus the self-respect and discipline it had lost in themarch across the desert. Its terrible experiences naturallyled Alexander to fear that the brave and faithful Nearchuswith the fleet had fallen a prey to the dangers of the voyage.But soon came the cheering intelligence that the gallant admiralhad arrived on the coast at Salmus, near the river Anamis.It was some time before he made his way up to thecamp. He then came and reported his voyage to Alexander,who received him with great favor and affection, and senthim to pursue his way as far as Susiana, where he was toreport again at the mouth of the Tigris. Hephsestion wasordered, with the bulk of the army, elephants, and heavy baggage,to march by a southerly route into Persis, this beingwarmer during the winter season, while Alexander himself,on the way to Susa, marched to Passargadae by the directmountain road, with his light infantry, archers, in part, andCompanion cavalry.