Narrative of a Mission to Bokhara in the years 1843-1845, to ascertain the fate of Colonel Stoddart and Captain Conolly

Front matter

NARRATIVE OF A MISSION TO BOKHARA IN THE YEARS 1843—1845. TO ASCERTAIN THE FATE OF COLONEL STODDART AND CAPTAIN CONOLLY BY THE REV. JOSEPH WOLFF, D.D., LL.D. VICAR OP ISLB BREWERS, SOMERSETSHIRE SEVENTH EDITION PRINTED FOE THE AUTHOR BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD & SONS EDINBURGH MDOCCL1I To HIS EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD VISCOUNT STRATFORD OF RATCLIFFE, &c. British Ambassador at Constantinople, WHOSE SINCERE FRIENDSHIP, DISTINGUISHED PROTECTION, AND KIND HOSPITALITY, I AM PROUD TO ACKNOWLEDGE, I DEDICATE THE FOLLOWING PAGES. JOSEPH WOLFF.

Preface

TO THE FIFTH EDITION. Few words will suffice to lay so simple a story as the causes which led to the production of the Work now before the public. In 1813 I undertook, at the desire of the Stoddart and Conolly Committee, to ascertain the fate of these officers. It will, I trust, appear that I have realised what I then undertook. I claim no further merit than having kept my word to them. They supplied me with pecuniary means to undertake the journey. I have to thank Lord Aberdeen for furthering the object I bad in view, by all points short of making me a British Envoy. And though an individual, with the cunning of a Neapolitan lazzarone, prejudiced me against the noble Lord, I now beg bis Lordship's par don for having given credit to the false insinuations of that miserable man. The exertions of the Envoy at Teberaun, it will be seen, in procuring a letter from the Shab, saved my life.

I owe that, undoubtedly, twice to the friendly power of Persia. In these my wanderings, I have innumerable persons to thank for tbeir attention to me ; but especially have

PREFACE.

. VI I to acknowledge tbe kindness of Admiral Sir Edward Owen, Sir Patrick Stuart at Malta, Mr Stevens at Trebi zond, my generous and noble-minded friend Colonel Williams, Mr James Brant, and Mr and Mrs Kedhouse; and also that of Colonel Sbeil at Teberaun. But most especially must I thank Sir Stratford and Lady Canning for their great kindness during my stay at Constanti nople ; nor must I omit to mention their Excellencies Count and Countess Stunner, Count Von Medem, and Monsieur Titoff. For tbe quietude of soul of tbe friends of those mur dered officers, Colonel Stoddart and Captain Conolly, I have to observe, tbat they were both of them cruelly slaughtered at Bokhara, after enduring agonies from confinement in prison of tbe most fearful character — masses of tbeir flesh having been gnawed off their bones by vermin — in 1843.

A Jew of high veracity, who lately arrived at Bombay from Bokhara, assigns this as tbe date. The cause of these foul atrocities being practised on them, tbe positive agent of tbeir entire misery, was tbe Nayeb of Nasir Ullab Bebadur, Ameer of Bokhara, Abdul Samtjt Khan. I charge on tbat pretended friend of the English nation this foul atrocity. I wish tbat this open declaration of mine should find insertion in the Persian newspapers published in tbe kingdom of tbe Sikhs at Lahore, and also at Delhi. I wish it to reach tbe Ameer of Bokhara, in order tbat tbat sovereign, whose ear bas been much abused by that foul miscreant, should perceive that be bas been led to act under false and erroneous impressions witb regard

PREFACE.

. VII to tbe real objects at heart of Colonel Stoddart and Captain Conolly, and that Abdul Samut Kban intended to have added me to their bloody graves. I appeal to bis understanding, whether a letter from England then received from any of our authorities, would not also probably have led me, a simple traveller, to share tbe fate of these diplomatic agents of England. I assert that Abdul Samut Khan, the Nayeb, wished me further to give him thirty thousand tillabs, to effect tbe death of the very sovereign who bas so highly honoured him. These are grave charges, — let the Persian come into tbe lists and disprove them. b CONTENTS.

Chapter I

Quits Linthwaite for the Curacy of High Hoyland. Hears of the Imprisonment of his friend Conolly at Bokhara. Writes to his Family, offering to proceed thither in 1842. Leaves High Hoyland. Receives from his Congregation a Testimonial of Respect. Puts a Letter in the Morning Herald, July 1843, stating his willingness to go to Bokhara — Captain Grover replies to it. Dr Wolff goes with his Family to Bruges. Correspondence with Captain Grover. Arrives in England — Interview with Stoddart and Conolly Committee. Public meeting convened — Address of Dr Wolff — Speech of the Chairman, Sir J. Bryant, detailing former Intimacy between Dr Wolff and Lieutenant Conolly. Embarks on the Mission, October 14, 1843. Arrival at Gibraltar — Character of Bishop Tomlinson. Malta. Athens — Interview with the King and Queen of Greece. Dardanelles, 1 — 28

Chapter II

Constantinople — Interview with Sir Stratford Canning. Doubtful reports at Constantinople about Stoddart and Conolly. Interview with the Charge'-dAffaires of Naples relative to Signor P. Naselli, who had visited Bokhara. Nature of Evidence as to the existence of Stoddart and Conolly procured at Constantinople. Official papers from the Sultan, the Sheikh Islam, and others. Visits to Count Stunner. Attempts made by certain parties to deter Dr Wolff from proceeding to Bokhara. Letter of Mr James Calvert. Interview with the Reis Effendi and the Sheikh Islam. Syrian Church — Ephrem Syrus. Kindness of Sir Stratford Canning — His Excellency pays all Dr Wolffs expenses to Trebizond. Embarkation for Trehizond, . 29 — 44

Chapter III

Arrival at Trebizond — Singular Report of Signor Ghersi. Interview with the Pasha of Trebizond. Subscription to Mission at Trebizond. Departure for Erzroom — terrific Route — Gumush-Khane. Conviction of the Turks that their empire is sinking. Murad Khan Oglu — Balahor — Bayboot. Kob — curious Story of a Derveesh at this Village. Ash- X CONTENTS. kaleh— Elijehtebbe— Warm Springs. Erzroom. Dispute between Turks and Persians on Frontier Question. Mr Brant, the Consul —his Kindness— Interview with Pasha of Erzroom. Etymon of Erzroom. Pasha of Erzroom pays Dr Wolffs Expenses to Persian frontier. Letter from Erzroom to Captain Grover. Baptism of a converted Jew. Proposed Route— Detention at Erzroom by incle mency of Weather. Kindness of Colonel Williams and Mr and Mrs Bedhouse. Letter to Captain Grover— Letter from Colonel Williams. Public Address to the Muhammedans. Letters to England. Contri bution to Mission from a Gentleman at Trebizond. Address to the Armenians, ...... *®

Chapter IV

Departure from Erzroom, December 27. Kerujak — Hassan Kaleh — Komassor — Delhi Baba — Armenian Marriage at this last Village. Taber, a Kurd ViUage. Mullah Soleiman, an Armenian ViUage. Kara- Klesea— Kolassur— Utsh-Kelesea— Diadeen— Ghizl-Deesa. Tremendous Snow-storm. Awajick — Karaine — Sohr-Abad— Khoy — Tashwish, Tawsaj, Tabreez. Visit to an old acquaintance in prison, Muhammed Khan Kerahe. Autograph of the Khan, giving his Descent. Birth of Ghengis Khan. Timur — the Derivation of his Name. No certain Information of Stoddart and Conolly. Letters of Introduction to Bokhara — Letter to Stoddart and Conolly Committee. Armenian Festival and Khatshauran, or Washing of the Cross. St Nierses of Lampron — Life and Writings of this learned Armenian Prelate. Decay of Muhammedanism. Departure from Tabreez, January 20.

Seydabad — Tekmetash — Awful Storm — Kulagh. Conversation with Derveesh. Tata Sultan — Kemaalee Howdbeen. Opinions of Mussulmans changed with respect to the Giaours. Turkman- Jaa — Miana — Sanjoon — Khoramtarah. Cbaldeans — Meeting with their Metropolitan — their Descent from Israel. Ceremonies and Doctrine of the Chaldean Churcb. St Thomas the Apostle. Siyadehen — Kasween — Sephir Khaja, 60—79

Chapter V

Arrivalast Teheraun, Interview with Colonel Sheil. Interview with Melhedee Rajab, Colonel Stoddart's servant. Bokhara Eljee. Account of Latif. Barenstein. Preaches before the Embassy. Interview with Mar Yohannan, the Chaldean Bishop — his opinion of Ephrem Syrus. Audience with the Shah. Letter of the Shah to the Ameer of Bokhara. Interview with the Vizier of the Shah. Ambassador of Bokhara tells Dr Wolff that Stoddart and Conolly are alive — no certainty at Teheraun as to their Death — Ambassador of Khiva. Borowsky the Jew. Most distinguished Generals in the East, Jews. Sefaweya Dynasty. Departure from Teheraun. Evidence of Jacoob. Dr Wolff visits Palasht — Darey Khar — Deh-Namak — Surkhak. Enters Khorassaun. Interview with Prince Seif Ulla Mirzah at Semnan. Route through Aghwan — Khosha — Damghan (reported to be the oldest City in the World) — Deh-Mullah Sharoot— Miyamey — Miyandasht — Meher — Khosroejerd.

Sebzawar — Tower of human Skulls built by Tamerlane at this place. Route continued; Safran — Germ-Ab. Let- CONTENTS. XI ter received by Dr Wolff from the Persian Viceroy of Khorassaun. The Assaff-ood-Dowla. Route continued ; Nishapoor — Report here of Stoddart and Conolly being alive. Route continued; Interview with Tamas Beyk — Kadamgah — Shereef-Abad — Askerea — meets here with Mullah Mehdee— Muhammed Ali Serraf, the Agent of Colonel Stod dart — suspicious Conduct of this Agent, . , . 80 — 98

Chapter VI

Arrival at Meshed. Visited on arrival by the heads of the Mosque. Distance traversed by Dr Wolff — Reported to be a Mullah two hundred years old. Muhammed AU Serraf, a Villain. Haje Ibrahim, brother of Abdul Samut Khan. Aga Abool Kasem. Letters of Sir Moses Montefiore for the Jews of Bokhara detained by Muhammed Ali Serraf, and not forwarded to Bokhara. High-priests of the Mosque. Arrival of the Viceroy, the Assaff-ood-Dowla, at Meshed — the Viceroy commends Dr Wolff to the care of the Turkomauns. New Rooz, New- Year's Day of the Persians, March 20th. Advice given by the Assaffood-Dowla to Dr Wolff — The Viceroy sends Presents by Dil Assa Khan to the Ameer of Bokhara. Turkomauns — Delays used by the Turkomaun Chief, Dil Assa Khan. Letters sent to the King of Khiva. Interrogation of Saleh Muhammed by Dr Wolff.

Dr Wolff quits Meshed. Extortion of Dil Assa Khan. Arrival at Jehaar Gunbaz — Threat of Assaff-ood-Dowla to Dil Assa Khan. Route through Rabat, Mahel, Masteroon, Karagosh, Gonbabli. Arrival at Mowr — Hospitably received by Abd-Arrahman, the Khaleefa of the Turkomauns — High Character of the English in Mowr. Description of Abd-Arrahman — Anecdote of the Protection of the Khivitcs by the Khaleefa — Dancing Derveeshes. The Khaleefa offers Dr Wolff the means of Escape, and dissuades him from going to Bokhara — Conversation with the Derveesh of Kashgar. Letter to Captain Grover. Letter to Lady Georgiana. Schools in the Desert. Ghengis Khan — March of the Russians to India, 99—123

Chapter VII

Departure from Mowr. Letter to Captain Grover. Ameer Sarog. Vile Conduct of Dil Assa Khan. First serious Apprehensions of the Death of Stoddart and Conolly. Mode of Capital Punishment altered at Bokhara from strangling to beheading. Dr Wolff entertains serious Alarm for his own Safety — adopts measures accordingly. Letters of Sultan and Sir Moses Montefiore never forwarded to Ameer by Muhammed AU Serraf, by order of Colonel Sheil. Dr Wolff makes up his mind to die. Letter from Kalja in the Desert to his Friends — writes from this place to the " Philanthropists of Europe." Fall of Snow. Conversations in the Desert with Turkomauns — Their account of Timur Kurikan. Timur's Pyramid of Skulls — Love of Truth — Bodily Strength — Inflexible Character — Death — Believed by the Jews of his time, from his Warlike Character, to be the Messiah.

Nadir Shah. Route : Rafitak. Dr Wolff escapes death from an incursion of the Khivites — his death reported. Jehaar-Joo. Silly Conduct of Ameer Sarog— his wish to add a fourth Wife to his Harem resisted by the other three. Dr Wolff robbed by Dil Assa CONTENTS. XII Khan and his Followers. Shah Kamran. Yar Muhammed Khan puts to death his Sovereign Shah Kamran— his Treacherous Conduct to Dr Wolff— sends three Ambassadors to the Ameer of Bokhara, requesting the Ameer to put Dr Wolff to death, but affects to be well disposed to him. Dil Assa Khan the Servant of this Yar Muhammed Khan. Dil Assa Khan had escaped from Yar Muhammed Khan, and became the Servant of the Assaff-ood-Dowla. Letter from Dr Wolff sent on from Jehaar-Joo to the Ameer of Bokhara. Visit from Jews of Bok hara — they warn Dr Wolff of his Danger — recommend Flight to Or gantsh, and tell him of the Death of Wyburd, Stoddart, and Conolly, and five other Englishmen. Derveesh tells him to proceed, 124 — 133

Chapter VIII

Arrival at Karakol — Dr Wolff is abandoned by his Servants. Motives for the conduct of Dil Assa Khan. Shahr Islam. Shouts of the Populace on the Route. Description of Usbekistaun. Kaffer Seeah-Poosh — their Language — Worship — Dress. Reception of Dr Wolff on entering into Bokhara — Roofs of Houses thronged — Thousands to witness the entry into the City — Bible held open in his hand — Brought up to the King. Interview with the Makhram. Inquiry whether he would comply with the Ceremonies used in Presentation to Ameer — Assents to them — Ordered to send up Letters — Sends Letters from Sultan, Shah, Haje, Count Medem, Sheikh Islam, Assaff-ood-Dowla. Dr Wolff and Dil Assa Khan introduced to the King of Bokhara — The King thinks Dr Wolff an extraordinary Personage — Person of the King. History of Ameer — Gains the Throne by Hakim Beyk — Murders all his five Brothers except Omar Khan.

Dr Wolff meets Omar Khan a Fugitive in the Desert of Mowr, who is there recognised by a Derveesh — Omar shares the fate of his Brethren, and dies in battle against Behadur Khan — Ameer supposed also to have murdered his Father. History of Hakim Beyk — Becomes Goosh-Bekee — Raises the character of the Nation — Supplanted in King's favour by Abdul Samut Khan, whom he had raised from a low Station. Imprisonment of Lieut. Wyburd — the Goosh-Bekee intercedes for him — The King promises to reform. Doctrine of Passive Obedience and Non-resistance laid down by the Reis — The Ameer acts on it — People believe that the King can do no Wrong — Seizes Wives of his Subjects — Goosh-Bekee resists — is exiled — recalled — and executed, . . 134 — 145

Chapter IX

Passive Obedience the feeling of the People of Bokhara — Bad Character of the Mervee. King's Touch supposed to cure Diseases — His Wives — his mixed Descent from a Persian Mother and an Usbeck Prince — Nursed by a Cassack Woman. Dr Wolff's Interview with Shekhawl — Equivocation of Dil Assa Khan. Dr Wolff explains his Mission. The Makhram is sent in the Evening with Questions for Dr Wolff to answer — Appearance before Ameer on the following day. Makhram sent to Dr Wolff with another Question. Visit to Abdul Samut Khan — History of him. Nayeb receives Dr Wolff with apparent cordiality — CONTENTS. XIII Long conversation relative to the Death of Stoddart and Conolly — Private Conversation with Nayeb afterwards — he affects to have befriended Stoddart and Conolly — shows Testimonials from them and Sir Alexander Burnes.

Dr Wolff hears " God save the Queen " played by the Ameer's Band — writes to Lord Aberdeen about the Russian Slaves in Bokhara — Nayeb gives Dr Wolff three thousand Tillahs — Dr Wolff objects to receive them. Dr Wolff explains to the Nayeb the object of the Stoddart and Conolly Committee. Nayeb demands how much money Dr Wolff would pay for his Ransom — King deeply affected at Report made by the Makhram of Dr Wolff's Interview with Abdul Samut Khan. Letter to Captain Grover, . 146 — 161

Chapter X

Colleges of Bokhara — Manner of Lecturing. Derveeshes supported by the Ameer. Jewish Synagogue at Bokhara — the King of Bokhara attached to the Jewish Religion. Bokhara and Samarcand. Singular Report of Dr Wolff, that he understood seventy-two Languages, knew seventy-two Religions, and had conversed with seventy-two Nations, and that he had come from Sulmistaun to convert the Bokharese. Makhram sent from the Ameer with a Question, How the Authenticity of the Christian Religion is shown ? Answer. Makhram sent again, with a Request that the History of Muhammed, as related by the Learned Men of Europe, should be written by Dr Wolff, and transmitted to the King — Dr Wolff consents, on the condition that he should not be forced to embrace Muhammedanism. Dr Wolff writes the life of Muhammed, ..... 162—174

Chapter XI

Sensation produced by the Life of Muhammed — Copies of it circulated through Balkh, Khoollom, Mazaur, and Cabul — Remarks of thg Sheikh Islam on it. Yar Muhammed Khan advises the King to behead Dr Wolff. Ak Muhammed Beyk appointed Ambassador from Bokhara to England. Mischief occasioned by the Servants of Colonel Stoddart — Colonel Stoddart ends his diplomatic Relations with Yar Muhammed Khan by kicking him down stairs. Questions by the Makhrams — King's Remark on Dr Wolff's personal appearance. The people call Dr Wolff Khoob Ademee, (the Good Man.) The King gives him three Names. High reputation of Sir Moses Montefiore among the Jews of Bokhara. Further Questions put by the Makhrams by order of the Ameer to Dr Wolff — Dr Wolff's Reply to each. The Dastar Khanjee a disgrace to manhood. Peculiar Character of the Post at Bokhara — The Ameer reads all the Letters of his Subjects.

Interview of Dr Wolff with the Ameer. Dr Wolff demands of the Ameer the Bones of Stoddart and Conolly — the King threatens to send Dr Wolff's Bones to England. Dr Wolff hears of the Villany of Abdul Sannat Khan from various Persons — Refused permission to Depart by reason of the Detention of the Bokhara Ambassador in Persia — Writes to Colonel Sheil — Russian Slaves refused Liberation. Conversation with the Officers of the Nayeb. Hassan Shirazi, . . . . 175 — CONTENTS. XIV

Chapter XII

Disasters of the Sikh Army in Lassa. Csomo de Koros — his Researches — publishes a Dictionary of the Thibet Language. The Surveillance over Dr Wolff grows more rigid — Barhurdar, an Armenian, ordered not to visit Dr Wolff by the Ameer. Nasir Khayr Ullah, a Kaffer Seeah- Poosh, mistaken for Colonel Stoddart from the fairness of his Complexion. Conversation between Dr Wolff and the Nayeb. Letter of Sir Richmond Shakespeare. The Nayeb detains in his possession the Letter of Lord Ellenborough to the Ameer. Nayeb alarmed — advises Dr Wolff to communicate to the Ameer the fact of the Letter having arrived — Dr Wolff does so. Hassan Caboolee despatched. Dr Wolff discovers that, though apparently sent, he did not really go. Affghaun Bear-leader imprisoned as a Spy — he tells Dr Wolff that the Ameer sent a Lion to Russia as a Present to the Czar, for which his Ambassador was munificently rewarded ; but that the Czar refused, after the Execution of the British Officers, to hold any further intercourse with the Ameer.

The Ameer goes to war with Khokand and Oratepa — orders, in bis absence the Guards over Dr Wolff to be doubled, and tells him that his Departure will depend on the Success of his Expedition. Dr Wolff writes to Lady Georgiana and his Son. Conversations with Dil Assa Khan, Abdullah, and others. Dr Wolff bribes the Guards. Previous war with Khokand — King made prisoner and put to death by the Ameer of Bokhara — his Wife and Child barbarously murdered — Abdul Samut Khan the chief Agent in the Slaughter. At the news of the Death of Stoddart and Conolly the Inhabitants of Khokand renew the War — The Ameer retreats before them and the Khivites. Dr Wolff contrives to acquaint the British Envoy at Teheraun of the movements of the Ameer, and warns the Town of Shahr Sabz of the King's Intention to attack them.

Ameer says that nothing prospers with him since the Death of the English Officers. The King of Khokand offers Dr Wolff an Asylum in his Dominions, 188 — 196

Chapter XIII

The Mervee wish to know the Story of Napoleon — Dr Wolff recounts it in an Oriental fashion. He amuses the tedious hours of Captivity by telling various Anecdotes. His Anecdote of the Arabian Derveesh reaches the ears of the Dastar Kanjee, who reports it to the Ameer. The Kazi Kelaun assures Dr Wolff that the British Officers were put to death, and that the King deeply repented of the act — The Kazi Kelaun warned the Ameer of the consequences — All the Jews knew of the Execution the same day ; and the inhabitants of Bokhara, in town and country, speak of it as a matter well known. Dr Wolff tells an Anecdote of Frederick the Great of Prussia. Dr Wolff laughs at Ameer Sarog's vanity, and tells him the tale of the Derveesh with the White Beard, 197—201

Chapter XIV

Abdul Samut Khan tells Dr Wolff that he was the chief Instigator of the Slaughter at Khokand in the first War — his Motives were to create a Feud between the States, which he trusted would end in the Death of CONTENTS. XV the Ameer. Abdid Samut Khan says that the first Expedition against Khokand was by the advice of Russia — People of Khokand have since made an alliance with Russia — Policy of Russia was to bring this about by urging the Ameer to war on them, when they would require aid. Russians intend to erect a Fortress at Hasrat Sultan. People from Cabul, Cashmere, and Sinde call on Dr Wolff — They praise highly Sir Charles Napier. Letter of Sir Charles Napier. Affghauns from Cabul ascribe the Disasters of the British Army to the Immoral Conduct of the Officers. Determined Conduct of Major Rawlinson — he puts to Death an Affghaun for Murder.

Manners and Customs of the Muham medan Mullahs. Diligence of Muhammedans in copying the Koran — Propaganda and British and Foreign Bible Society discharge the same Office by the Christians — the Bible would be nearly extinct in the East but for these Societies. Arrival of Abbas Kouli Khan, the Per sian Ambassador — he tells Dr Wolff that the Shah, Haje, and Assaff ood-Dowla had strongly recommended him to bring Dr Wolff with him, or to send him on before him. Nayeb informs Dr Wolff that Yar Muhammed Khan had sent three Ambassadors to Bokhara, stating that Colonel Sheil had called the Ameer a Robber in the presence of the Russian and Yar Muhammed Khan's Ambassadors, of Dr Wolff, and the Bokhara Ambassador ; therefore Yar Muhammed Khan ad vised the Ameer to strike off Dr Wolff's head. Nayeb offers Dr Wolff his protection.

Turkish officer, Muhammed Khokaane, murdered in the Nayeb's Garden. Another Conversation with the Nayeb. The Nayeb reports Abbas Kouli Khan's Mission untruly — Dt Wolff tries to escape. The Nayeb violates his promise to protect Dr Wolff — The King sends for him. Dr Wolff charges the Nayeb with the Murder of Stoddart and Conolly — the Nayeb owns it. Dr Wolff again tries to escape through a Water-hole from the Garden of the Nayeb to the house of Yawer — while there a Woman is introduced to him : he is aware of the Stratagem to compel him by her means to embrace Muhammedanism, and drives her from him. Ordered by the King to appear before him — leaves the Garden of Abdul Samut Khan — presents himself before the Ameer, who receives him sternly. Ordered to the Toora Khane and close Confinement — calls on Abbas Kouli Khan, who vows to save him. The King sends word to him that he may quit Bokhara in two ways — leaves to bis majesty the choice of either. King sets out for Samarcand, 202—210

Chapter XV

Jews obtain leave from the Ameer to visit Dr Wolff— They sing with him, and ask for the names of illustrious Jews who had embraced Christianity—He tells them of several : viz., Emanuel Veith, M. D., Dr Mayers, Dr August Neander, Dr Ratisbon, Isaac da Costa, Dr Kabbadose, Madame Dorothea Schlegel. Conversation with a Polish Jew. Various Anecdotes. Muhammed Bakher Nakash, the servant of Conolly, abjures Islam, and says that Christians are better men than the Muhammedans — He is brought before the Sheikh Islam — Persists in his Avowal, is sent to Prison, and flogged. Letter from the Shah — Haje Ibrahim, the brother of Abdul Samut Khan, informs the Nayeb of the Letter, and urges him to prevent Abbas Kouli Khan from receiving it. Muhammed Bakher saved by Dr Wolff. Atrocities of Abdul Samut Khan — Gets a Turkomaun heheaded, who came to save Stoddart ; also Ephraim, a Jew from Meshed — Prisoners in his Garden ; their CONTENTS.

Moanings and Wailings. Impression throughout the Muhammedan Countries that England and Russia will seize all those Regions—Re mark of Bokharee to Dr Wolff— The Affghauns praise the English. Habeeb, weeping, tells Dr Wolff that he is to die — Servants of Abdul Samut Khan announce his Death, and show a Letter from Abdul Samut Khan to that effect. Dr Wolff makes up his mind to die 211-219

Chapter XVI

Bad Conduct of Dr Wolff's Servants— Remark of Usbecks on the treatment of Dr Wolff. Questions put by the Makhrams by order of the King to Dr Wolff. Kindness of Abbas Kouli Khan to Dr Wolff— is the noblestminded Persian Dr Wolff has seen— sends Dr Wolff food from his own Table — places a Servant with Dr Wolff for his Personal Safety — sends his Physician to Dr Wolff to treat him for the Rishta. Abbas Kouli Khan and Dr Wolff read together. Various Reports of the Ameer's Proceedings. Abbas Kouli Khan's Religious Opinions. Conversation with People of Samarcand— they tell Dr Wolff of Gold Mines and Turquoises near Samarcand — of Ghengis Khan and Tamerlane. Letter of Abbas Kouli Khan to Lady Georgiana. Nayeb sends two thousand Tillahs to Dr Wolff. The Letter of Lord Ellenborough reported to be at Balkh — arrive* in Forty Days — Seal broken.

Abdul Samut Khan leaves Bokhara for Samarcand. — his Message to Dr Wolff. Vile Conduct of the Servant Abdullah — tries to rob Dr Wolff. Dr Wolff wishes the Jews to take charge of Abdul Samut Khan's Money — they decline it, on the ground that Abdul Samut Khan would take it from them, and make them pay for it. Letters arrive at Bokhara from the Brother of Conolly — Dr Wolff opens them. Abbas Kouli Khan's continued Kindness to Dr Wolff. The Jews visit Dr Wolff — their curious Method of Conversation. Dr Wolff writes to the " Sovereigns of Europe." A second Letter, with strict Instructions about Dr Wolff's Safety, arrives from the Shah. Letter to Captain Grover. Return of the Ameer and Abdul Samut Khan to Bokhara. King reads Lord Ellenborough's Letter — determines in his own mind, Abdul Samut Khan says, to kill Dr Wolff — others say that Abdul Samut Khan advised him to do so.

Abbas Kouli Khan, Dil Assa Khan, and Dr Wolff visit the Ameer — he does not look on Dr Wolff. Letter to Lady Georgiana and his Son. All Letters sent open by Dr Wolff. Mullah sent to Dr Wolff to know if he would embrace Muhammedanism — he replies, " Never." Executioner visits him — Dr Wolff prepares for Death. Abbas Kouli Khan intimates to the Ameer that he has a Letter to deliver from the Shah. The Ameer receives it, and gives Dr Wolff up to him, . 220 — 228

Chapter XVII

Ameer sends for the Servants of Abbas Kouli Khan and Dil Assa Khan, but omits Dr Wolff's by mistake, to give them Robes of Honour — Interview with the Nayeb — Presents from the King. The Ameer tells Dr Wolff to ask a favour of him — Dr Wolff declines doing so. Ameer determines to send an Ambassador to England. Vile conduct of Abdul Samut Khan. Audience of leave to depart — Ameer commends the conduct of Dr Wolff — censures that of Stoddart and CONTENTS. XVII Conolly. Reception in Bokhara by the people. Murders committed by Abdul Samut Khan. First Plan by which the Ameer might be effectually checked in his atrocities — Second Plan for same. Eng lish honour requires some notice to be taken of the Ameer's Conduct. Character of Ameer — brutal, lustful, tyrannical, but not so to the Poor ; fond of Information ; deeply affected at having put to death Stoddart and Conolly.

Dr Wolff prefers Ameer to Abdul Samut Khan. De scription of Bokhara by Mr M'Gregor. Population of Khiva — Trade of those Countries — Russian Trade. Dignitaries of the State — Eccle siastical Dignitaries, ..... 229 — 238

Chapter XVIII

Departure from Bokhara. Dr Wolff discovers a Plot to loll and rob him en route — Thousands attend to witness their Departure. Dr Wolff refuses to separate from Abbas Kouli Khan. Arrival at Jesman-Doo — Vile Conduct of Muhammed Taki — Abbas Kouli Khan expresses his Displeasure. Derveesh of Yarkand — Conversation with him. Affghaun Seyd — Conversation with him. The Calmucks — their singular Conduct. Remarkable fine sense of Smelling and Hearing in Turkomauns. Appearance of Usbecks. Conversation with Abbas Kouli Khan — he thinks Abdul Samut Khan was the Murderer of Colonel Stoddart and Captain Conolly. Visit from a Mullah — his Account of Timur — Memoir of Timur — Shahr Sabz. Route: Jesman- Doo — Shahr Islam. History of Afrasiab. Reports of Guzl-Bash about the English. Mortesa and Abdullah advise Dr Wolff to leave Abbas Kouli Khan — he refuses.

Peikand — Karakol — the Governor of Karakol warns Dr Wolff that a Plot is laid to take away his life. Hussein. Route: Allat — the Caravan lose their Way. An Attempt made by Ismael and Mortesa to seize Dr Wolff — he calls on the Merchants of the Caravan to protect him. Sayen. Dr Wolff wishes to throw away the Money in the Desert. Abbas Kouli Khan takes it into his keeping, ...... 239—252

Chapter XIX

Arrival at Jehaar-Joo. Abbas Kouli Khan calls on the Caravan to protect Dr Wolff. Bokhara Ambassador demands Money from Dr Wolff. Rafitak. Bokharese Horsemen from the Ameer demand Tribute — Dr Wolff disconsolate. Arrival at Ujaaje. Mowr — Caravan declared Prisoners. Ameer of Bokhara orders the Turkomauns to release the Caravan ; they refuse to obey — Their Khaleefa threatens to leave them if they injure the Caravan ; they obey him. Conversation of Derveesh ; of a Turkomaun. A Derveesh tells the Story of Scanderbeg — Fakeers. Sultan Sanjaar. The Khaleefa speaks of Ghengis Khan — Khaleefa's Son speaks ill of the Assaff-ood-Dowla — Tribe of Salor best of the Turkomauns. Ameer Sarog and Kaher Kouli lay a plot to murder Dr Wolff; the Kaleefa frustrates it. Jews aid the Khivites against Bokhara — Joseph of Talkhtoon — Turkomaun Tales of Sultan Sanjaar.