Afghanistan Affairs [‎422v] (6/14)

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the whereabouts of Abdool Rahman Khan, and he replied that he had gone
with five or six followers to Tashkund, returned from that place in 27 days,
and is now in Samarcund; that he is in distressed circumstances; he has
about 260 sowars and footmen, but if any of them finds opportunity he ^
deserts. His allowance of one lakh One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees of tungas a year has been increased by *
twenty thousand since his return from Tashkund, and he receives his month
ly allowance in three instalments. This man further stated that he left
Samarcund 22 days ago, and Abdpol Rahman Khan returned to that place
from Tashkund one day after his departure, that is, 21 days since. As
regards the Russian matters, he said, that the Goobernath, who had gone to
Tashkund, has come back, that Russian troops sometimes come to and go; from
Samarcund to Tashkund, and it was given out that an expedition would be under
taken towards Khutta; (China) but the facts have not been yet made know r n.
There were two or three thousand troops at Samarcund. They were very
unscrupulous and arrogant, and used to wander in all places and gardens.
Their army in all the cities which they have conquered w r as calculated by
'people at not more than sixteen thousand men. As this man said that he had
been in ruined condition at Samarcund and succeeded in deserting with great
difficulty with a view to proceeding to Cabul, I made enquiry at his request
whether any kafila A train of travellers; a caravan; or any large party of travellers. w r as going to leave in order that he may accompany it.
The result of the enquiry was that I ascertained it had left one day before his
coming to me. I, therefore, made him over to the Maihmandar Rashee for
the purpose of taking him to the kajila, and to accompany him as far as the
Kaleef ferry. I have given him a letter to address of the Surkung people to
take him to you via the Oxus, and have also given him another communica
tion to your address at his own request.
(True translation.)
(Signed) D. C. MACNABB,
Offg- Commr. and Supdt.,
Peshawur Division.
No. 2360 P., dated Simla, the 30th October 1871.
Endorsed by the Foreign Department.
Copy forwarded to the Goyernment of Bombay, for information.