Forum Lurker,

I believe that on landing in Mexico on 4th March, 1519, Hernando Cortes, said something to the effect of, "In the name of his most catholic Majesty..... I claim this land...etc,etc."

Having established the town of Vera Cruz, he then burnt his ships so that there was no prospect of retreat or return, for either himself or any of his men.

Now as far as I know, no such declaration was made by any American on arrival in Afghanistan.