'The History of Persia, from the most early period to the present time: containing an account of the religion, government, usages and character of the inhabitants of that kingdom. By Colonel Sir John Malcolm, KCB, KLS Late minister plenipotentiary to the court of Persia from the supreme government of India. In two volumes.' [‎276] (313/786)

276
THE HISTORY OF PERSIA.
chap , xxr. Three of Aga Mahomed Khan's brothers, who were competitors
for the throne, had fled from Persia. Another* whom he sus
pected of designs against his person, was deprived of sight. There
His conduct remained only Jaaffer Kooli Khan, to whose courage and enter-
towards his . , 0
brother, jaaf- prise he was, in a great degree, indebted for his crown. This
fer Kooli Khan • i i i i i • n •
prince had always preserved his allegiance, and had been, on several
occasions, the successful mediator of peace between Aga,Mahomed
and other parts of his family. Though he was known to be am
bitious, there never was any cause to believe that he cherished
designs against his elder brother; but it was not expected he would
grant equal submission to his nephew, whom that monarch had
publicly declared the heir to the throne. Jaaffer Kooli had asked
his brother to give him the government of Isfahan ; but his request
had been refused; and he was subsequently appointed to the rule
of a district in Mazenderan. Irritated at this treatment, which
he suspected to proceed from a doubt of his fidelity, he tried, by
excuses, to evade a summons to attend at court. Aga Mahomed
was greatly alarmed at this symptom of disaffection : he dreaded
the valour of Jaaffer Kooli, and feared an open rupture with a
chief, who was the idol of the soldiers of his own tribe, and towards
whom any suspicion or harshness on his part must appear as the
blackest ingratitude. Actuated by these considerations, he had
recourse to art, and prevailed upon his mother-f* to go to Mazen-
* Moostapha Kooli Khan.
t Olivier states, that Aga Mahomed Khan went himself to his brother, and regained
his confidence by his humility and art. The violent temper of the brave Jaaffer Kooli,
this author informs us, led him to load his brother with reproaches, which were patiently
borne by the cool and designing monarch, who at last succeeded in lulling him
into a fatal security. There is no difference in other points, except the king's visit to