'Report on the Persian Army' [‎21r] (41/170)

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“One of the most remarkable facts in the modern history of Persia is
the introduction of European discipline in the armies of Persia. Abbas
Mirza, in fact, must be looked upon as the origin, the support, and the chief
promoter of it, and consequently the benefactor of his country. The Prince
described what were the first motives which induced him to attempt its
introduction among his troops. He said that he soon found out that it was
in vain to fight the Russians without soldiers like theirs, and that their
artillery could only be opposed by artillery. His first essays in discipline
were attended with little success, because he had, at the outset, to combat
the prejudice of the Persian recruits themselves, who rejected the idea of
being assimilated in any manner to Feringees, aud particularly to Russians,
whom they hated more than all other Europeans. To efi'ace such im
pressions, the Prince was obliged to adopt a soldier’s dress and to submit to
learn military exercise from a Russian. He commenced with twenty or
thirty men at a time, whom he caused to be drilled in a separate court by
themselves, in order that they might not be exposed to the ridicule of the
populace, and it was not until he ordered his nobles to follow his example
and handle a musket that he found his scheme progressing. He succeeded
in teaching a few of his men the platoon exercise, to march abrejtst and
turn about at the word of command, and to beat a drum, but he wanted
officers, and he would, very probably, have got no farther, if the French
embassy from Napoleon had not arrived in Persia at that time, when the
officers attached to it were put into commands of large bodies and advanced
his views to the utmost of his expectations. The English mission which
succeeded the French also supplied him with officers, and his first wish was
to raise an artillery, which was done by Lieutenant Lindsay in a manner
truly astonishing. The Prince liberally adopted every method proposed,
and supported Lindsay against every difficulty. He gave him full power to
punish the recruits in any manner he chose and gave him unlimited control
over his troop. The Sarbaz, or infantry, were placed under Major Christie,
of the Bombay army, an officer of the greatest merit. The great changes
that are now making in the military system of Persia, particularly by the
Prince Royal in Azerbaijan, will in a very short time so much influence the
general character and disposition of the people that they will scarcely be
recognisable. Ever since their late wars with Russia and their political
connection with Europe, the effect produced has been most striking, and a
person of excellent authority, who was in Persia during the time of Kerim
Khan, affirmed, in my hearing, that the nation could scarcely be considered
the same. . . . The Prince’s camp had been pitched under the superin
tendence of the English officers, and displayed a regularity unknown to
Persians. The front was occupied by the small tents of a disciplined
regiment of infantry ; then came a line of the tents of the English officers, and
behind these a large crimson pavilion which served as the Divan-Khaneh.
The Prince’s own tent, enclosed by the distinguishing sarpardeh (canvas
walls surrounding the tent), was next in order ; to the right and left of this
were several large pavilions, belonging to the vizir, secretaries, military and
civil officers, and behind all were the numerous small tents of the Prince’s
household. On the left flank was stationed the artillery, and on the right
the Persian cavalry. . . . Another surprise which awaited us was the
sight of a troop of Persian horse artillery dressed like Europeans, with
shaven chins, with English arms and accoutrements, booted and spurred,
riding with long stirrups, and headed by an English officer.”
At this time also there was at Tabriz, Wilhelm von Frey-
gang, a Russian official, sent by his Government to negotiate
for more amicable relations between his Government and
Persia, and in his letters written at the time he highly praises
the work of the English officers, adding, however, that “ even
with this assistance Persia will never be able to successfully
war against Russia.” At Erivan, on his way from TiHis to
Tabriz, he saw, under the command of liusain Kuli-Khan
Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. , 3,000 horse and 0,000 foot, the latter organised and