‘REPORT ON THE MISSION TO SEISTAN, 1897’ [‎19r] (42/134)

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information have revealed to me that astounding progress has been made
towards the realisation of this project.
Her influence with the present Shah is great; he has been a protege of
Russia for years at Tabriz while awaiting his succession to the throne ; such
interest may bring about the desired result.
Good services rendered by those who accompanied the Mission .—In con
clusion, it only remains for me to record the good services rendered by those
who accompanied the Mission ; notwithstanding the great hardships entailed by
all ranks, the party stood the constant marching during a trying hot weather
well; they cheerfully performed all duties deputed to them, overcoming all
obstacles with ever-smiling faces.
Assistant Apothecary Abas Ali was indefatigable throughout, not only in
the performance of his own professional duties which were very arduous (our
tents were on all occasions besieged by sick from far and near), but other res
ponsible and multifarious duties fell to his lot.
On him fell the responsible task of looking after all the transport arrange
ments, distribution of supplies, etc., by no means a light duty. On two occa
sions he was absent from the main party on special and important duties, on
one occasion for ten days andtigain for a month, and on each occasion he
travelled long distances in great heat and under peculiarly difficult circum
stances. To his tact and accurate carrying out of orders I attribute the success
of both these duties.
Though comparatively a young man, his head is screwed on the right way.
Should a professional Native Assistant be hereafter required m Seistan or other
remote part of the country, it would, I think, be difficult to find a better
qualified subordinate. ,
I bring his good services prominently to the notice of Government and
strongly recommend him for departmental promotion.
Rhan Bahadur Surveyor Asgar Ali Beg, in addition to his survey work and
mannin" which speaks for itself, rendered much assistance in extraneous
duties. D He is a painstaking, neat draftsman, was assiduous m the performance
of his duties and for previous good service received, while absent with me, his
well-earned Khan Bahadurship.
Sher Ali clerk, performed his duties creditably, many of which were of a
delicate nature, and worked hard throughout the journey. He lost no oppor-
tunity of explaining the favours of the Government be has the honour to serve,
and did much good amongst the clergy, Sardars and people of the country.
I recommend him also as worthy of departmental promotion.
I cannot speak too highly of the energy, zeal, and reliability of Quazi
Fakir Ahmad ; he was sent ihead of the Mission to make all arrangements for
transport and laying down of supplies across the Registan.
The rapidity of my march threw an additional strain on his organisation,
and the fact that the requirements of the party were fully met refiects great
credit on the manner in which he performed this arduous duty, adding to
the many good services he has previously rendered to Government. Quazi
p ak “ Abroad accompanied Captain McMahon. C.I.E., on the Kabul Miss.on
in 1893 and also accompanied the same officer on the Baluch-Afghan Boundary
1894 and 1895. His tact and influence with all natives, superadded to good
manners enable me to recommend him witli confidence for the fulfilment of
“ V duties of a secret or political nature with which he may he entrusted For
big many good services I think the honorary distinction of Khan Bahadur
would be well bestowed on Quazi Fakir Ahmad.
It is a pleasing duty to record my appreciation of the excellent services of
Daffadars Muhammad Azim, Ghulam Hyder Khan and the men of the Sind
Horse who accompanied me as escort. They cheerfully and ably performed the
w marches and arduous duties throughout, and when in camp alone during
my absence on four occasions maintained excellent discipline and soldierlike
^^'jamadar Jhanda Khan, with sixteen Rustamzai levies who also accompanied
the Mission, rendered very valuable assistance to Government.