‘REPORT ON THE MISSION TO SEISTAN, 1897’ [‎8r] (20/134)

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CHAPTER II.
GENERAL HISTORY OF THE MISSION AND CONDITION OF AFFAIRS
IN SEISTAN.
Line of procedure on arrival in Seistan .—From information received en
route I judged it politic before entering the capital to visit several large towns
en passant and gather any local information of importance to guide my line
of procedure, as my orders at the outset were somewhat ambiguous.
I had every reason to congratulate myself on this subsequently, for I
picked up much of a secret and political nature which enabled me to steer
clear of the innumerable quick-sands of Russo-Persian intrigue, and thus avoid
falling under the fostering care of Russian spies who unfortunately surrounded
Lieutenant Webb-Ware during his flying visit before my arrival.*
Arrival of the Mission at the Capital. —We reached Nasratabad on the
14th May and were duly received with the customary Persian eclat.
Our entry was so timed as to have all interchange of visits, etc., with the
Persian officials over before the arrival of the Russian officers, who, I heard,
were expected in a few days. In the afternoon of the day of our arrival the
Deputy Sartip, accompanied by a large suite of officers, attendants, and sowars,
paid me a visit, and were duly received by my escort with honour and salutes
which not a little surprised and pleased them.
Visit of the Deputy Sartip and Pillars of State .—After the usual
oreetings and service of tea and kaliun, I explained to him the nature of my
visit (of which he had been previously apprised by his father, the Governor or
Tabas and Seistan) and sought his cordial co-operation and assistance m the
necessary steps to be taken to guard against the risk of the importation of
plague into his country.
Though apparently under considerable restraint, both in their manner and
utterance, there was no concealing the evident pleasure our presence alforded
them all, and every assurance was given me by the Deputy Sartip of his desire
to comply with my request and the orders he received from his father on this
head, and for our treatment during our stay in the country.
Soon after their departure a Khassadar arrived from the Deputy Sartip to
find out our daily requirements for the number of men and animals ; accom
modation was also offered us in the visitors' caravansarai by the Bagh. , This
I courteously declined, as the situation and surroundings were very unfavourable
for occupation by my party.
One Muhammad Akram Khan and his brother, Russian spies, were very
kindly told off with express orders to look after our camp and assist me in every
way. I declined de bon grace their assistance, pointing out that I ^ had ample
attendants of my own. As soon as all had withdrawn, I posted sentries and once
and for all prevented strangers visiting our camp surreptitiously.
Later on, a guard of eight men was supplied. To these I allotted a site at
some distance, as I could not well send them back, though there could be no
doubt with what kindly solicitous thoughtfulness they had been selected tor
us.
In the evening a large consignment of grain, cooked rations, with a varied
assortment of sweetmeats, tea, sugar, ghee, fruit, etc., were sent as mamanu
and in return I sent a gold lungi, a valuable watch, a pair of binoculars, a
gold brooch (for the Deputy Sartip’s mother), and an assortment ot Lnglish
stores, sweets, chocolates, biscuits, etc., all of which I was informed weve much
appreciated and gave the recipients some surprise as well as the natural oriental
pleasure.
* It is only fair to point out that this could hardly have been avoided, as that officer did not ™?®' ve
considerable time after his departure from the country the confidential orders notifying Russian doing which had
been forwarded to him,—li. C.