health. I have also received a copy of the letter which
you sent to the Governor-General. May God be pleased with you. The
British Ministers have given a pledge to our Ambassador in London
that they will not interfere with the independence of Afghanistan.
I am directed by His Majesty the Emperor to communicate this news
to you, and then, after forming friendship, to go to His Majesty.
I intend to go to the Russian capital after I have arranged the
affairs of this country (Turkestan). As I do not consider it
advisable to keep your trusted officials, whom you are in want
of, here any more, I send Mahomed Hassan Khan, Kamuah
(Deputy-Governor), and Gholam Haidar Khan, with two officers, back
to you. I hope you will consider me a well-wisher of your kingdom,
and write to me now and then. I have given instructions that,
until my return, every letter of yours which they receive at
Turkestan should be forwarded to the capital. Your good fortune is
a cause of happiness to me, and if any troubles come upon you, I
also shall be grieved. Some presents have been sent by me through
Mirza Mahomed Hassan, Kamuah; perhaps they may be accepted.

_Translation of a letter from,_ GENERAL KAUFFMANN _to_ GENERAL
VOZGONOFF, _dated Zel Hijja,_ 1295 _(=December,_ 1878).

The Amir knows perfectly well that it is impossible for me to
assist him with troops in winter. Therefore it is necessary that
war should not be commenced at this unseasonable time. If the
English, in spite of the Amir's exertions to avoid the war,
commence it, you must then take leave of the Amir and start for
Tashkent, because your presence in Afghanistan in winter is
useless. Moreover, at such a juncture as the commencement of war
in Afghanistan, you ought to come here and explain the whole thing
to me, so that I may communicate it to the Emperor. This will be
of great benefit to Afghanistan and to Russia.

_From_ GENERAL KAUFFMANN _to the_ AMIR OF AFGHANISTAN, dated _25th
December,_ 1878 _(Russian, 13th Muharram,_ 1296).

Your letter, dated 27th Zel Hijja (=20th November), 1878, has
reached me. I was pleased to hear tidings of your good health.
The Emperor has caused the British Government to agree to the
continuance of Afghan independence. The English Ministers have
promised this. I earnestly request you not to leave your kingdom.
As f