THE SIEGE OF HERAT
On 22nd of November, a fortnight after Angus arrived at Herat, the
Persian army took up its position on the plain to the north-west of
the city. The inhabitants crowded the walls to watch the advancing
host--the Afghan portion of the population with scowling faces and
muttered imprecations, the Sheeahs prudently abstaining from all
demonstrations of their feelings, but filled with hopes of deliverance
from their tyrants. Pottinger learned that the Afghan horse were going
to make a sortie, and he and Angus went together to the north-west
angle of the wall.
"A good deal will depend upon this first fight," Pottinger said.
"If the Persians easily repulse the assault, it will cause a deep
depression among the Afghans. If, on the other hand, the Heratees
obtain a fair amount of success, it will so encourage them that they
will not fear another time to encounter the enemy, and will fight
strongly when the walls are attacked."
In a short time the Afghan horse were seen pouring out of the western
gate. There was but small attempt at anything like military order.
It was a mob of horsemen; individually splendid riders, and for
skirmishing purposes unsurpassed, but, as Pottinger remarked to his
companion, quite unfit to stand against a charge of regular cavalry
equally endowed with courage. Keeping near the city wall until facing
the Persian position, where a regiment of cavalry were hastily
mounting, they wheeled round and rode against the enemy with loud
shouts. The Persians rode to meet them, but were unable to withstand
the impetuosity of the charge, and, amidst the exulting shouts of the
Afghans on the wall, wheeled round and fled in disorder. The Afghans
then turning, flung themselves upon a strong body of infantry that
was advancing against them in good order. These, however, stood firm,
emptying many saddles by a heavy volley they poured in when the Afghans
were close, and presenting so steady a line of bayonets that the
horsemen recoiled.
As they did so, the Persian artillery opened upon the Afghans, who
retired until near the wall, and then dismounted and opened fire with
their long matchlocks upon the Persian gunners. Pottinger ran at once
to a couple of guns close to where they were standing, and under his
directions the Afghans in charge of them at once replied to the Persian
guns. A number of the Afghan footmen ran out from the gate on that
side, and, joining the dismounted men, kept up a hot fire, while those
on the wall also joined in the conflict. As the Persian guns could
effect little against the infantry lying in shelter, they were now
directed against the wall, causing a rapid dispersal of the peaceable
portion of the spectators. The effect of their fire showed at once the
rottenness of the fortifications. Although but light guns, they knocked
down portions of the parapet, which crumbled as if it had been made of
rotten timber. Pottinger shook his head as he and Angus walked along
to watch the effect of the fire. "If a six-pound shot can effect such
damage as this, it is clear that when they get their siege guns to work
a few hours will effect a breach in the wall itself."
On their side the Persians also sent out skirmishers. These pushed
forward to a point where they could take the Afghans in flank, and
cause them to retire nearer to the walls. The fighting was continued
until dark, when the Persians drew off, and the Afghans retired into
the city. No material advantage had been gained by either side, but the
Heratees were well content with the result. They had shown themselves
superior to the Persian cavalry, and had maintained themselves against
the infantry.
The Persians lost no time, and during the night pushed forward and
occupied all the gardens and enclosures on the west of the city, and
placed a strong force among the ruins of a village there. In the
morning they began to advance against the wall. The Afghans sallied
out horse and foot; the cavalry, unable to act in such broken ground,
moved round, and hanging on the flanks of the Persian camp, continually
threatened an attack. The infantry, taking advantage of every wall and
bush, maintained a heavy fire upon the enemy. The artillery on both
sides opened fire, but at the end of the day neither party had gained
any advantage.
The Afghans brought in the heads of several whom they had killed, and
a few prisoners. The heads were placed on pikes and exhibited on the
walls. The prisoners were bartered as slaves in exchange for horses to
the Turkomans, of whom a considerable party were encamped at a short
distance from the walls.
"It is horrible and disgusting," Pottinger said to his companion that
evening as they sat together, "this custom of cutting off heads, but as
it is, I believe, universal in the East, it would be worse than useless
to protest against it. It is the custom always to reward a soldier for
bringing in a head as a proof of his valour, though, in fact, it is
no proof, as he may simply, as he advances, cut it from the body of
a man shot by someone else. Putting aside the brutality, it operates
badly, for instead of following up an advantage hotly, the men stop
to collect these miserable trophies, and so give time to an enemy to
escape or rally. I have read in the accounts of the campaigns of the
Turkish conquerors that the heads were always brought in to the general
and piled before his tent, and that each soldier was rewarded according
to the number he brought in, and I fancy it was the same thing with
Mohammedan conquerors in India. Well, I am afraid that we shall see a
number of things that will disgust us before the siege is over. If I
were fighting solely for the Heratees, I should certainly retire if
they continue these barbarities. But I have no interest whatever in
them; in fact, I see that the greater portion of the population would
be benefited by living under the Persian rule. I go into this matter
solely because it is one I consider of vital interest to England, and
therefore, as an Englishman I am willing to do my utmost to keep, not
the Persians, but the Russians from seizing this place."
Angus had now completely caught the enthusiasm of the young
artilleryman. He was perhaps less horrified than his companion, for he
had seen so much of Eastern modes of punishment, that he had learned to
regard them with less horror than that felt by Europeans unaccustomed
to Oriental methods.
"I have been accustomed to look on at acts of brutality," he said, "for
from the time when I first came out, my father always impressed upon
me that we were strangers in this part of the world, and must be very
cautious not to show any aversion to its customs. It would lead us into
endless trouble if we were to show in any way that what to them seems
only natural, was to us revolting; and though I have often been tempted
to interfere when I have seen some act of brutality, I have always
followed my father's instructions, and walked away without showing any
anger or disgust. I agree with you that it is horrid, but it is not
like seeing living men tortured; at least, when one is dead it can make
no great difference if one is buried with a head or without one."
Pottinger laughed. "That is certainly one way of looking at it, and I
can understand that as the custom has prevailed among these peoples for
centuries they can scarcely understand our feelings of abhorrence and
indignation. However, I am determined that, whatever I do or feel, I
will keep my mouth shut, and not say a word that would anger the wuzeer
and shake my influence with him. At present he is well disposed towards
me, and I have been of real assistance to him. When things become
critical I may be of vital service. From what Kajar says there is a
strong suspicion that he is not personally brave, which I can quite
believe, as very few thorough-paced brutes are. Now old Shah Kamran
is, I must own, an exception; an absolutely greater scoundrel than he
has proved himself to be probably never existed, but he is known to
have been in his earlier days as brave as a lion. If he had been some
twenty years younger I should have stronger hopes of eventual success
than I have now. Personal bravery in a general is of no extraordinary
advantage in a European army, where he is not expected to lead men
into battle, but with irregular troops like these Heratees it is of
vital importance. They will follow their leader anywhere, but if he
sends them into danger while he himself remains at a distance, they
lose their enthusiasm directly, and are half thrashed before the battle
begins."
"Do you not think that Kamran will be able at any important moment to
come forward and show himself among the defenders of the breach? I hear
that only a month or so ago he returned from a campaign."
"I am afraid not. I have seen him twice, and although it cannot be said
that he is an imbecile, he is next door to it. He understands what
is going on, but his nerves are utterly shattered by drink; he is in
what may be termed the lachrymose condition of drunkenness. He works
himself into a state of childish passion; sometimes he raves, then he
whimpers. Certainly his appearance would have no inspiring effect upon
these rough Afghan soldiers. They want a man who would rush sword in
hand at their head, call upon them to follow him, and then dash into
the middle of the foe, and the miserable old man could scarcely hold a
sword in his shaking hand."
"Well, at any rate, the Afghans have fought bravely yesterday and
to-day."
"Excellently; but it is the work they are accustomed to. An Afghan
battle consists of two sets of men snugly hidden away among the rocks,
firing away at each other until one side loses a few men and then
retires. So they were quite at home at their skirmishing work, and
certainly more than a match for the same number of Persians. What they
will do when an attack on a breach is made by a column remains to be
seen."
Night and day the Heratees worked at their defences, while the Persians
raised batteries and fortified their camp against sudden attacks. After
four or five days of comparative quiet a heavy cannonade broke out.
Artillery played upon the walls, mortars threw shell into the town,
and rockets whizzed overhead. For a time the consternation in the city
was prodigious; the rockets especially, which were altogether new to
them, appalled the inhabitants, who, as night came on, gathered on
the roofs of their houses and watched with affright the sharp trains
of light, and shuddered at the sound of the fiery missiles. The sound
of lamentation, the cries of fear, and the prayers to Allah resounded
over the city; but the panic abated somewhat when it was found that
comparatively little injury was effected. But while the peaceful
inhabitants wailed and prayed, the troops and the men who had come in
from the Afghan villages laboured steadily and silently at the work of
repairing the damages effected by the fire of the Persian batteries.
But little could be done to the face of the wall, but the crumbling
parapets and earth dug up from open spaces were used to construct a
fresh wall behind the old one at points against which the Persian
guns played most fiercely, so that when a breach was formed the
assailants would find an unlooked-for obstacle to their entrance into
the town. This work was directed by Pottinger, who took but little
rest, remaining constantly at his post, and only snatching an hour's
sleep now and then. Angus assisted to the best of his power, always
taking his place when his comrade could no longer battle against
sleep, and seeing that everything went on well. The Afghans yielded a
willing obedience to the orders of these young strangers. They saw the
utility of the work upon which they were engaged, and laboured well and
steadily. The Persian artillery were, fortunately for the besieged,
badly commanded. Instead of concentrating their fire upon one spot,
in which case a breach would have been effected in a few hours, each
gunner directed his aim as he thought best, and the shot which, if
poured upon a single point, would have brought down the crumbling wall,
effected no material damage, scattered as it was over a face a mile in
length.
It was all the less effective, inasmuch as the artillerymen generally
aimed at the parapet of the wall instead of the solid portion below it.
It was a delight to them to see a portion of the parapet knocked down
by their shot, whereas when the wall itself was hit comparatively small
show was made. Many of the shot flew high and passed over the town into
the fields beyond it, and at the end of four days' almost continuous
firing, Herat was stronger and more capable of resistance than it was
when the Persians first appeared before the walls. The absence of any
tangible result evidently lowered the spirits of the besiegers, while
it proportionately raised those of the defenders. Moreover, the immense
expenditure of projectiles by the Persians showed the Shah and his
generals that, large as was the store of ammunition they had brought
with them, it might prove insufficient, and the labour and time which
would be entailed in renewing the supply from the magazines at the
capital would be enormous. Consequently the fire became irregular,
sometimes for an hour or two all the batteries would play, while at
other times only a few guns would be discharged in the course of an
hour.
The shells that were thrown into the city did much more damage than
the round shot of the batteries. Many houses were almost destroyed by
them, and whole families killed. These, however, were for the most part
peaceable Sheeahs, and the matter in no way affected the defenders of
the wall, whose spirits rose daily as they perceived that the Persian
artillery was by no means so formidable as they had anticipated. The
Persians made no attempt to blockade the city, evidently fearing the
sorties the defenders made, and confined their operations to that side
of the city before which they were encamped. This was a great advantage
to the besieged. Three out of the five gates of the city stood open,
communications were maintained with the surrounding country, the cattle
and other animals went out to graze, and firewood and other commodities
passed freely into the town.
Throughout December the Persians were harassed by nightly attacks.
The working parties in their entrenchments were driven out, tools
carried off, the workmen killed, and the work performed during the day
destroyed, the assailants retiring before heavy masses of infantry
could be brought up to repel them. Upon many days scarce a shot was
fired, then for a few hours there would be a lively cannonade, but of
the same scattered and wasteful fashion as before.
On December 26th all the Persian prisoners who had been captured in
the sorties were sent off for sale to the frontier of the Turkoman
country. The Shah retaliated by putting to death in various cruel
manners the Afghan prisoners who had fallen into his hands. Two days
later a mine was sprung and a breach effected in the wall. The Persians
advanced to storm it, but were met with the greatest resolution by the
Heratees, who repulsed them with considerable loss, their leader being
severely wounded, and a deserter from Herat, a man of high military
reputation among the Afghans, killed--a fact that caused almost as
much joy to the defenders as the repulse of the assault. The success,
however, of the mine, and the knowledge that the Persians were engaged
in driving several tunnels towards the wall, caused a considerable
feeling of uneasiness. Nevertheless, the 30th, which was the day of
the termination of the long Mohammedan fast, was celebrated with the
usual rejoicings, which the besieged were enabled to take part in
without fear of an attack, as the day was being celebrated with similar
festivities in the Persian camp.
Shah Kamran went with his family in procession to the principal mosque,
and after the conclusion of the prayers usual to the occasion, observed
the custom of scattering sweetmeats to be scrambled for by the priests.
To their disappointment, however, he did not follow this up by inviting
them to a banquet, but sent extra provisions to the troops and the
workers on the walls. There was now a pause in active operations for
more than three weeks. The Persians laboured at their mines, but either
from ignorance of their work, or on account of the water flowing
from the moat into their galleries, no damage resulted. The Heratees
countermined under the advice of Pottinger, but beyond proving that the
Persian galleries were not being driven where they expected, nothing
came of it. But on the 26th of January the Afghans determined to give
battle to the Persians in the open. Again the whole population gathered
on the walls, and the two young Englishmen were also there.
"The wuzeer asked me this morning whether I would go out with them,"
Pottinger said to Angus, "but I replied that, although acquainted
with artillery and siege operations, I did not know enough of the
Afghan way of fighting to accept even a small command in the field.
I am useful here," he went on, "and I should be of no use whatever
outside. The Afghans have their own ideas as to when to advance and
when to retreat; besides, it might offend some of the leaders were
I, a stranger, to interfere in any way. There is no jealousy of me
at present, at least I think not. They know nothing of sieges, and
there is no one who holds any special post in connection with the
fortifications. No one therefore feels superseded. In the next place,
the work is for the most part carried out by labourers, who get paid
for their services, and not by the troops, and it is nothing to them
whether they get their orders from an Englishman or an Afghan. In
an attack on a breach I should certainly fight; in the first place,
because I consider it my duty, and in the second, because, if the
Persians get inside the walls, you may be sure that there will be
something like a general massacre."
The Afghan cavalry and infantry poured out from the gate, and spread
themselves over the open country to the east of the Persian camp. The
men on foot took possession of a village, and established themselves
in its houses and the gardens surrounding it. From the wall a view
could be obtained of the movements in the enemy's camp. The vedettes
had fallen back as soon as the Afghans issued out, drums were beaten
and horns sounded, the troops ran hastily together, and their general,
Mahomed Khan, could be seen galloping about issuing orders. Presently a
strong column moved out. It was headed by cavalry; and as soon as these
made their appearance the Afghan horse galloped across the plain, while
the crowd on the walls burst into shouts of encouragement, although the
troops were too far off to hear them.
"It is a pretty sight, Angus, but about as unlike modern warfare as
could well be. European cavalry seeing a mob of horsemen coming down
upon them in such disorder would ride at them, and no irregular horse
could withstand the impact of a well-disciplined and compact cavalry
charge. There, the Persians are forming line; but there is no smartness
about it, it is done in a half-hearted sort of way, as if they did not
like the business before them. There, they are off; but they are too
slow, they won't be fairly in a gallop before the Afghans are upon
them."
For a minute or two the contending bodies were mixed in a confused
mass, then the shouts of the spectators rose high as the Persians could
be seen flying towards their infantry hotly pursued by the Afghans.
Then came the rattle of musketry, the quick reports of cannon, as the
infantry and artillery covered the retreat of their cavalry. Presently
the Heratee horse were seen retiring from the village in which the
struggle had taken place; another body, which had not yet been engaged,
instead of riding forward to support them, also, turned, and for a time
all rode off, while the Persian cavalry were reinforced from the camp
and pursued them. The Heratees soon recovered themselves and again
charged, but again the leading squadrons were badly supported by those
behind. These were under another leader, who was probably influenced by
jealousy or by tribal hostility, and the Persian horse, well supported
by their infantry, gradually gained the advantage, their own infantry
coming to the support. The Afghan footmen also advanced, and the fight
was maintained during the whole day.
"It is like playing at war," Pottinger said irritably; "except in that
first charge they have never really come to blows. It is skirmishing
rather than fighting. Here there are some ten or twelve thousand men,
taking both sides, cavalry, infantry, and a few guns. I don't think
that when our men come in again it will be found that they have lost a
hundred, and I don't suppose the Persians have lost much more. It is a
fair field for fighting, and between two European forces of the same
strength a long day's battle would probably have caused three or four
thousand casualties. One would think that neither party was in earnest.
Certainly the Heratees are, though I don't suppose the Persian soldiers
have any particular personal interest in the matter."
The action was altogether indecisive, and at the end of the day the
Persians held no ground beyond the village where their infantry first
opened fire, while the Heratees had gained nothing by their sortie.
When the Afghans re-entered the walls it was found that Pottinger's
estimate as to the amount of loss was very near the truth; there were
between twenty-five and thirty killed, and some four times as many
wounded, more or less seriously. They of course claimed a victory, and
were highly satisfied with their own doings, but the operations only
tended to show that neither party had any eagerness for real fighting.
On the 7th of February Pottinger said: "I have received permission to
go into the Persian camp to-morrow. Kamran has given me a message on
his part to the Persian king. It is an appeal to him to retire. He
says that when Khorassan was in rebellion he refused the entreaties
of its chief to aid them, although at that time he could have raised
ten thousand horsemen, and might, with the rebels of Khorassan,
have marched to Teheran. He had sent one of his highest officers to
congratulate the Shah on his succession, and now the latter is without
provocation marching against him. He prays him therefore to retire,
to aid him with guns and men to recover the dominions he has lost in
Afghanistan, and if he be successful he will hand over Herat to him.
Yar Mahomed has also given me a message to the Persian minister, just
the sort of message I should have expected from him. He declares that
he is devoted to the Shah and to him, but that he is bound to stand
by his master. That whatever might be his own wish, the Afghans would
never surrender the city, and that he dare not propose such a thing to
them, but that he shall ever remain the faithful servant of the Shah
and of the minister whom he regards as his father. I will take you with
me if you wish, but that must be a matter for your own consideration."
"I should, of course, like to go," Angus said, "but I do not know that
it would be wise for me to do so. Mr. M'Neill may be in the Persian
camp. It is not probable that I should be recognized, still there must
be many officials there who came frequently to see him at the embassy,
and who would know me. Should one of these declare that I was a member
of the mission, it might create a very bad impression against M'Neill,
as it would seem that he was in secret communication with Kamran."
"That is just what I was thinking," Pottinger said, "and I must say
that I agree with you. It certainly would be awkward for him if it
were known that one of his suite was in Herat. Yes, I think it would
be better that you should not go. We shall certainly be the centre of
curiosity while we are in the camp, and there would be no possibility
of private communications between you and M'Neill. But should I see him
have you any message for him? I think we have agreed that when this
business is over it will be much better for you to go with me back to
India than to return to Teheran."
"Yes, I have quite settled that," Angus said. "With the kind offer you
have made to present me to your uncle I should think that the prospect
of my obtaining advancement there is very much greater than it is in
Persia, where I might be left altogether in the lurch if M'Neill were
recalled. I shall be obliged, therefore, if you will tell him of my
intention, and thank him for me very heartily for his kindness. He
will, I am sure, approve of the step, for he has several times told me
that he was sorry he could see no chance of my obtaining more than
a clerkship at the mission, and advised me on no account to think of
remaining there if I could see my way to doing better for myself."
"I will be sure to give M'Neill the message if I see him but I don't
expect to be long in the camp. I am charged with such a ridiculous
message that there is no likelihood of any discussion taking place.
The minister will, of course, scoff at Yar Mahomed's declarations of
respect for the Shah and affection for himself, and the Shah, after
taking the trouble to collect an army and come here himself, is not
likely to retire at the request of Kamran. My real hope in going is
that I may find a British officer with the Persians. There is almost
certain to be one, as the Russians have, it is said, several. Through
him I may send messages to friends at home and to my uncle in Scinde.
They must all begin to feel anxious about me."
Angus saw his companion ride out the next morning with some anxiety
as to his reception, but with no particular regret that he did not
accompany him. He had often been in the encampments of the Persian
troops before the army left Teheran, and there would therefore be
nothing new to him in the scene. Pottinger as usual wore the dress of
an Afghan of some standing, and was accompanied only by one mounted
attendant and a runner to hold his horse. A small party of Afghans rode
with him for some distance beyond the walls, and then, shouting good
wishes for his return in safety, left him. Angus continued to watch
the men at their work for two or three hours, and then took his place
on the walls again and watched for his comrade's return. It was not,
however, till the 10th that he came back to Herat.
On the previous day he was prevented from returning by a violent
storm which raged from morning till night, and considerable anxiety
was felt in the town. That he had gone on a mission from Kamran was
generally known, but none save the Shah and his wuzeer were aware of
its nature. Angus was much alarmed, as he thought it too probable that
his friend had been shot by the Persian outposts as soon as he arrived
among them, for there was nothing to show that he came as an envoy.
He was therefore greatly relieved when a native brought the news to
him that the Englishman was returning. As the news spread it caused
great excitement. When Pottinger rode in at the gate a great crowd had
assembled there, and all thronged round him asking for information. He
replied that they must enquire of the wuzeer, who alone could deliver
it. As he saw Angus in the crowd he shouted to him, "As I expected,
nothing has come of it; meet me at the house."
An hour later Pottinger arrived there. "I was getting very anxious
about you," Angus said, "and was beginning to fear that you had been
shot by the Persian outposts."
"I was a little uncomfortable myself, and I kept a good look-out, as
you may suppose. The roads led through those ruined villages, and at
any moment I might have a bullet whizzing about my ears. Presently I
saw some Persian soldiers running towards the road, and I told my man
to take off his turban and wave it to show that our intentions were
peaceable. When they perceived this they came straggling up. I told
them that I was an English officer, and the bearer of messages to the
Shah and his minister. They seemed delighted, chiefly perhaps from the
fact of my being an Englishman, but also because they hoped that I
had come with an offer of surrender. However, they shouted 'Welcome,
welcome! the English were always friends of the Shah.' The officer who
commanded the picket turned out to be a major who had served under
Major Hart, and who knew all the English officers who had of late years
been in Persia. He took me to the major-general commanding the attack,
who turned out to be a Russian in the Persian service commanding
a corps of Russians--men who had left their own country for doubtless
good reasons. At any rate, he received me courteously. We had tea, and
smoked a pipe together, and he then sent me on with an escort to the
Persian camp.
[Illustration: AFGHANISTAN
AND
NORTH WEST FRONTIER
OF INDIA]
"The news that someone had come in from Herat to arrange terms for its
submission having preceded me, almost the whole camp came out to see
me, and if my escort had not used their iron ramrods most vigorously
upon the heads and shoulders of the crowd I should never have got
through. When I reached the minister's tent he received me graciously,
but we did not enter into business; it was necessary that the Shah
should first decide whether he would receive me.
"I had learned from the Russian general that Colonel Stoddart was in
camp. As it was known before I left India that he would accompany the
Persians I had letters for him, and received permission to go to his
tent to deliver them. His astonishment at finding that I was a British
officer was, as you may imagine, great. However, I had but little time
to talk, for in a few minutes a message came that I was to go back at
once to the minister, or, as he is called there as well as here, the
wuzeer. Stoddart accompanied me. The Persian asked me what were the
messages that, as he had been informed, Kamran and Yar Mahomed had sent
to the Shah and himself. I told him that I could only deliver Kamran's
message to the Shah, and that I thought his own message had better be
given him privately.
"The wuzeer, who is a bilious and excitable little man, sent everyone
out from the tent but Stoddart and myself, and I then delivered the
message. We had a long discussion. The wuzeer declared that the English
themselves had put down Herat as forming part of the Persian dominions
in the map that Burnes had made. I said that I thought not. He produced
the map to convince me, but to the little man's intense disgust he
found that he was altogether wrong. He then appealed to Stoddart. The
latter, as our military representative at the Shah's court, replied
diplomatically that he had no instructions on the subject, and would
refer the case to the envoy at Teheran. (M'Neill, by the by, has not
yet reached the camp.) Stoddart said that he was not aware that the
Persian government had annexed Herat, as its ruler had, both with the
British government and the late Shah, been acknowledged as sovereign in
Afghanistan; so, as I expected, nothing came of the interview. We went
back to Stoddart's tent, and shortly afterwards were sent for by the
Shah. He received us with courtesy, and I delivered Kamran's message.
"The Shah replied, speaking with dignity and calmness, and stating
his complaints against Kamran, that he had permitted his soldiers
constantly to make incursions into Persian dominions, robbing and
slaying, and carrying off Persian subjects to sell as slaves; then
gradually warming up as he recited a number of such forays and
depredations, he denounced Kamran as a treacherous liar, and said that
he would not rest satisfied until he had planted a Persian garrison
in the city of Herat. Of course there was nothing more to be said. We
were formally, though courteously, dismissed, and I went back with
Stoddart to his tent, where I remained till this morning. I was by no
means sorry that the tremendous storm yesterday afforded an excuse for
stopping, and I enjoyed my day of quiet talk with Stoddart immensely.
"He thinks that if the Persians do but make an attack with all their
strength the town must be taken, in which I entirely agree with him.
He said, however, that, as the slackness of their fire for some time
past has shown, the Persians are heartily sick of the business, and
if the Shah had some really good excuse for retiring he would gladly
do so. I said that the best excuse would be some strong action on the
part of our government. He replied that he had himself urged this upon
M'Neill, and that the envoy had already written urgently home in that
sense. Of course I told him of your being there. He had already heard
from M'Neill that he had sent you here to encourage Kamran to hold out.
He asked a good deal about you, and quite agreed with me that with
your knowledge of languages--and I told him that in the three months
during which you had been here you had already learned enough Pushtoo
to converse in it freely--you would be sure to get an appointment in
India, as it was extremely probable that an army would shortly be
sent into Afghanistan to support Shah Soojah against Dost Mahomed,
especially as the latter had received Vickovich, an aide-de-camp to the
governor of Orenburg, as an envoy at Cabul.
"Of course I had heard about the intention of supporting Dost Mahomed
before I started. I know that my uncle and Mr. Burnes, who is our
agent at Cabul, are both strongly opposed to this. Dost Mahomed has
always defeated Shah Soojah, he is firmly established on his throne,
and Burnes believes that he is very well disposed towards us. However,
that is not our affair; but if there should be such an expedition it
much increases your chance of obtaining an official post. I took the
opportunity to write to my uncle and to send my report to the Indian
government, and in both cases I stated that I had received the most
valuable assistance from a young gentleman who was temporarily attached
to the mission at Teheran, and who, speaking as he did, Persian,
Pushtoo, and Arabic, would, I considered, be of great service should
any difficulties arise with Afghanistan. I said that I had seized the
opportunity of recommending you, as it was possible that I myself might
fall in the defence of Herat."
"It was awfully kind of you, Pottinger, and I am extremely obliged to
you."
"I felt that I was acting in the interest of the Indian government as
well as of yourself. The siege may last for another month yet, and by
the end of that time you will be able to pass as easily as an Afghan as
you now can as a Persian, and may be invaluable; for as we have as yet
had very little contact with Afghanistan there are not, I should say,
half a dozen officers in our service who can speak Pushtoo--probably
not one who could do so well enough to pass as a native. I myself knew
but little of it when I started, so my disguise was that of a Cutch
horse-dealer, and I passed through Afghanistan as a native of India.
Even now I do not speak Pushtoo as well as you do, having devoted
myself to Persian, while you have been working at Afghan. For your sake
I hope that the siege may last for some time yet, as it may be a great
advantage to you when you apply for an official post to be able to say
that you can pass anywhere as a native."