A Narrative of the March and Operations of the Army of the Indus

exact more from the merchants than was consistent with good policy, or was beneficial to trade. His revenue

did not admit of his keeping up an army equal to the accomplishment of his views of external policy, and conquest. History should have instructed him to view a Persian alliance, as that kingdom was then situated, as the forerunner of his ultimate subjugation. He presided in the court of justice, and added its emoluments to his own treasury. When in want, he borrowed money from the wealthy, which he often neglected to repay, though from time to time called upon to redeem his pledge, and bond. His failing to keep his promise, had at times, caused a rebuke from the lowest Affghan: when he would renew his promise, which was not confided in. He is about 45 years of age, 5 ft. 9 inches in height, with a fair complexion and intelligent countenance. When intent upon any scheme, he would observe his company by furtive glances, as if desirous of penetrating into their characters, unknown to themselves. When relating his past deeds of arms (which he delighted to make known) his large black eyes would first dilate to an unusual size, the sockets reddened; the eye-balls revolved, exhibiting but a small portion of the eyes, with a glare most piercing, but as unpleasant as extraordinary. The frankness of Dost Mahomed was, probably, natural; but he was too familiar for the dignity of his situation; or to command the respect of his inferiors.

He owed much to the chiefs of his own tribe (Barukzyes); but he had no control over them. His mother was, by birth, a Persian; so that he might have secured the attachment of the Kuzzlebashes. He is connected, by marriage, with Shah Shoojah; both having married sisters.

The Barukzyes were not more numerous than the Suddoxyes; therefore, there was no pretence to pre-eminence, in virtue of the importance of his tribe. He placed but little confidence in his eldest son, who is said to possess most talent. He placed two of his sons in the Govts. of Ghuznee and Jellalabad, of whose fidelity he was secure ; but he effected his object by the unseasonable removal of others, and

thereby lost the confidence of those, whose merits gave them claim to retain appointments, which had been the rewards of their services.

His Military character partook more of the partizan than of a skilful general. The battle of Chuch (1811) proved his bravery; but he should not have left the field on the report of Futeh Khan's defeat. At the battle of Noushera (1823) he evinced no desire to renew the action next day but he never liked to act under the command of another.

He might have retired with honor, had he accepted a liberal provision, instead of being, now, a prisoner at Bokhara; and he should have learnt from the Emperor Baber, the dignity of submission when resistance was hopeless.

"If you are fettered by your situation, submit to circumstances. If you are independent, follow your own fancy." (78)

31. Shah Shoojah's claim to the throne, and character.— As to the claim of Shah Shoojah to the throne, it is sufficient to state that he was its last legal possessor. He succeeded Shah Zeman who was declared king, his father (Timoor) not having nominated a successor. The usurpation of Shah Mahmood (the half-brother who stood between Zeman and Shoojah) must be set aside. Shoojah, therefore, was the next brother, (79) and I have the best authority for saying that, Shah Zeman declared him to have the best right to the throne.

The character of Shah Shoojah has been already given by the Hon. Mr. M. Elphinstone, so that it were almost presumption to add to what he has pronounced in such favorable terms. When he came to the throne in 1803, he was about 23 years of age, (80) so that much allowance was to

(78) Erskine's translation of Baber's Memoirs, p. 391.

(79) Shah Zeman being blind could not, according to Mahomedan Law, reign. His son Kyser attempted to displace Shah Shoojah; so did Kamran (Mahmood's son) but he is the son of an usurper.

(80) When Mr. Elphinstone says about 20 years old, I understand him to refer to 1800, when he proclaimed himself king. He entered Cabool in triumph, in 1803.

be made for his inexperience in the art of Govt., and for his placing too much confidence in his minister (Akram Khan). Even at that time, during the absence of Akram Khan, he took the field in person; and his two several attempts to recover his throne, evince much energy of character.

I have endeavoured to continue the state of affairs since 1809, to explain the state of anarchy and misrule in Affghanistan for the 30 years preceding the Shah's restoration. I have only given, in an abstract form, as much of the Dooranee dynasty of the former period, as was necessary to give a connected series of events for 92 years, the whole period of its duration; for Barukzyes being Dooranees as well as the Suddozyes, the rule of the former, though an usurpation, is embraced in the history of its dynasty. I trust that, with the rising generation, the Shah's kingdom will continue to prosper; it must be the work of time; the old leaven of faction must die away, and “ good measures and men," must take the places of misrule, ambition and habits of plunder.

The chief defect in Shah Shoojah's character, is the exhibition of a certain hauteur, which is no element of greatness of mind, or even a symbol of royalty. Let him but reward his true friends, and requite the services of all, whether Suddozye or Barukzye, who by their allegiance, or by the performance of any service to the state in any civil or military office; have claims to his consideration, without partiality, or favor. (81)

(81) Baber said, Memoir, p. 155, referring to his capture of Cabool in 1504: "I always regarded and provided for those Begs and soldiers who were strangers and guests, in the first place; and in a superior manner, to the Baberians, and those who were of Andejan." By strangers and guests, he means to designate the Caboolees, or people of the country. They were strangers to him.

At present there are about 50 British officers employed in his service. It has been a necessary measure; though it is said to be viewed with jealousy. Those who serve a Govt. well have claims to preferment, which is a return due from the state as an act of gratitude to a

The Shah is about 60 years of age. His personal appearance is commanding. His demeanor is that of a nobleman of high birth, accompanied with much dignity, and his manners are affable. Of all the kings of the Suddozye race he is the most humane. (82)

From having found an asylum under the British Govt. for 24 years, gratitude is, I believe, his predominant feeling. The residence of a British Envoy and Minister at his court, is well calculated to give a superior tone to his Govt., and to guard His Majesty from any act, which might be likely to weaken the moral effect of the change. His restoration may be viewed both in the light of justice and policy. Those who are admirers of a democracy, may exclaim with Baber (83) in favor of Dost Mahomed Khan.

"Ambition admits not of inaction;

The world is his who exerts himself."

Those who are in favor of kingly power; will hope, as I do, that Shah Shoojah may never experience the Emperor's picture of a king.

“In wisdom's eye, every condition may find repose;

But royalty alone." (84)

deserving subject: and is never esteemed as a personal favor conferred: it is a reward to stimulate others to exertion, and not to please the solicitations of private individuals.

(82) Some Ghiljie chiefs are said to have been executed lately, after their surrender; if true, the Shah is not, I am convinced, to blame. As Baber said, "You cannot shut the mouth of an enemy."

(83) Memoirs, p. 391.

(84) I must not omit to mention his literary acquirements. During his residence at Loodianah, Sir C. M. Wade (the Pol. Agent, through whom he corresponded) induced the Shah to write his own Life and Adventures," in Persian. A translation was made by Lieut. Ellis, 23rd N. I. I hope to see the publication of this work, which is said to be written in elegant Persian. The life and adventures of the King, of which I have given a faint out-line, are interesting. We ought to take such an interest in the cause of legitimacy, as to free us from the imputation of a mere selfish policy. Our object should be to increase the prosperity and happiness of all nations, from motives of good-will to all men, and a desire to enlighten them, without doing violence to their prejudices.

CHAPTER XVIII.

TABLES OF ROUTES.

Tables.

No. 1. From Kurnal to Loodianah,

Reference to the Tables of Routes, marched by the "Army of the Indus," from 8th Nov. 1838, to 31st Dec. 1839.