'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎322] (431/496)

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caravans, that had now become ragged and threadbare from a dearth of
J>rey, consequent on the disturbed condition of the frontier, reminded
me of “ FalstafTs gang,” but were even more ready than that celebrated
band, either for war or plunder. Abdullah Beg was himself well dressed.
He is of a commanding stature, with fine manly features, and, though
about seventy-five years of age, appears as hale and energetic as the
youngest of his followers. In this mountain retreat he maintains an
implicit discipline, and his followers appear not only to fear, but to shew
him a patriarchal reverence. He is well descended, and nearly connected
with the Pachas of Sulimaniyeh, but as arrant a freebooter as ever ex
isted in ancient times, or disturbed the frontier peace of kingdoms. He
lives in an independent state, though professing allegiance to Persia.
The Amir of Kirmanshah has several times attempted to coerce him,
without effect, for, when hard pressed, by crossing the Shirwan at the
ford adjacent to his mountain fastness, he seeks shelter in the Turkish
territory of his relatives of Sulimaniyeh ; and this protection is mutual,
for the Pashas of Sulimaniyeh, when compelled to fly, either from their
Turkish masters, or from intestine discord, seek an asylum in the camp
of Abdullah Beg, on the heights of Bamu, secure from attack by being
within the limits of Persia.
Thus comparatively safe, he carries on his depredations with impunity,
bidding defiance to the Governments, plundering all, and sparing none,
within his reach ; and this state of affairs is likely to continue, unless, in
deed, the Turkish and Persian Governors make a combined movement
against the tribe. This, however, from national jealousy, is never con
templated. In conversation, it was amusing to hear his complaints of
the numerous wrongs that he had sustained from the Governments, at
times, delivered with a startling energy, at others, in piteous lamenta
tions at his fallen state ; but in his fine keen eye and contemptuous cm
of the lip could be traced a cunning and independence at variance vn
his speech. Talking of his wrongs, he said he had been hunted lm e a
wild beast, and alluded to the time when the Gurans, under Major Baw^
linson, drove him into the Sulimaniyeh territory, and sacrificed many
his people. This was touching on the dreaded point, and we immediate
ly perceived that he had recognized the leader of the adverse paity ^
the person of his present guest. Some time before, on the groun .s^
fatigue, he had requested us to lay aside our arms, but we plea e
custom of wearing for retaining them ; and this, coupled with his w^
phrases and well known character, caused some anxiety as to his m