[179] Mr. M’Neill to Yar Mahomed—Published Correspondence.
[180] Pottinger explained to Kamran the manner in which Mr. M’Neill had been deceived. “On the 24th,” he says, “I had an audience of Shah Kamran to explain the manner in which the Persians had deceived the British Envoy. His Majesty said that he never expected anything else—that the Kajars have been noted for their want of faith ever since they have been heard of—that his father and himself had several times tried their promises, but always been miserably deceived.”—[MS. Journal.]
[181] Pottinger’s MS. Journal.
[182] Yar Mahomed to Mr. M’Neill—Published Correspondence.
[183] Mr. M’Neill to Lord Palmerston—Published Correspondence. Intelligence of Simonich’s movements soon reached the beleaguered garrison. “We were told,” says Pottinger, “that Count Simonich had reconnoitred the city, and had examined with a telescope from the top of the Masula, and given his opinion that all the points attacked were too strong to be taken; and that the only vulnerable side was the eastern side.”
[184] “Notwithstanding,” says Pottinger, “that I might then be considered a doubtful friend, it was never contemplated that I should be kept out of their assembly.”—[MS. Journal.]
[185] Published Correspondence relating to Persia and Afghanistan.
[186] The Gholam’s own account of the treatment he received from Hadjee Khan is worth quoting:-“Hadjee Khan then turned to me, and threatened me with instant death. I demanded the reason, but he gave me no other answer than abuse, calling me a traitor and a rascal, and said that he himself would be my executioner. He then began to unbutton his coat sleeves, threatening me all the while, and every now and then half unsheathing his dagger, ‘I will be your executioner myself,’ said the Khan. ‘If there be an enemy to the English, I am the man—you are a traitor and a rascal—your eyes shall be plucked out; the Shah has ordered me to kill you; I will first cut off your hands. You must have papers from Herat, and unless you instantly deliver them up, you shall be cut to pieces.’ Hadjee Khan went on in this strain for a long time, during which I was stripped nearly to my skin, the air being so cold that water, on being exposed, instantly froze. I was silent under all these threats and demonstrations, merely observing that, having such a noble executioner as Hadjee Khan, I was content to die, and I hoped the office would remain in his family.”—Statement of Ali Mahomed Beg.—Published Correspondence relating to Persia and Afghanistan.
[187] Mr. M’Neill to Lord Palmerston: Meshed, June 25, 1838.
[188] The Jew’s synagogue had been devoted to this unholy use; but they had contrived to accomplish its redemption.