is an old friend of mine, and during the late Russo-Turkish war
earned the favour of the Emperor by his spirit and bravery. He has
become well known to the Emperor. This trustworthy person will
communicate to you what he thinks best. I hope you will pay
attention to what he says, and repose as much confidence in his
words as if they were my own; and that you will give your answer
in this matter through him. In the meantime, be it known to you
that if a friendly treaty will be of benefit to us, it will be of
far greater benefit to yourself.

GENERAL STOLIETOFF _sent the following letter, on his return to
Tashkent from Kabul, to the address of the Foreign Minister, _WAZIR
SHAH MAHOMED KHAN, _dated 23rd of the holy month of Ramazan, 1295 ( =
21st September, 1878)._

Thank God, I reached Tashkent safely, and at an auspicious moment
paid my respects to the Viceroy (Yaroni Padishah means 'half
king'). I am trying day and night to gain our objects, and hope I
shall be successful. I am starting to see the Emperor to-day, in
order to inform His Majesty personally of our affairs. If God
pleases, everything that is necessary will be done and affirmed.
_I hope that those who want to enter the gate of Kabul from the
east will see that the door is closed; then, please God, they will
tremble._ I hope you will give my respects to His Highness the
Amir. May God make his life long and increase his wealth! May you
remain in good health, and know that the protection of God will
arrange our affairs!

(Signed) GENERAL STOLIETOFF.

_From_ GENERAL KAUFFMANN _to the_ AMIR, _dated Tashkent, 8th Zekada,
1295 ( = 22nd October, 1878)._

(After compliments.) Be it known to you that your letter, dated
12th Shawal, reached me at Tashkent on the 16th October, _i.e._,
3rd Zekada, and I understood its contents. I have telegraphed an
abstract of your letter to the address of the Emperor, and
have sent the letter itself, as also that addressed to General
Stolietoff, by post to Livadia, where the Emperor now is. I am
informed on good authority that the English want to come to terms
with you; and, as a friend, I advise you to make peace with them
if they offer it.

_From_ GENERAL STOLIETOFF _to_ WAZIR SHAH MAHOMED KHAN, _dated 8th
October 1878._

First of all, I hope you will be kind enough to give my respects
to t