Sirdars. Of course English goods of all kinds are plentiful
here--that is inevitable, particularly with a considerable body
of Hindu merchants settled in the city, but Russian goods also
abound. Glass, crockery, silks, tea, and many other things which
would seem to be far more easily procurable from India than from
Russian territory, are to be found in great quantities. A habit,
too, seems to have been growing up among the Sirdars and others of
wearing uniforms of Russian cut, Russian buttons, Russian boots,
and the like. Russian goods and Russian ways seem, in fact, to
have become the fashion in Afghanistan.

* * * * *

APPENDIX VII.

(Referred to in Chapter LIII, Footnote 3.)

_Translations of letters from _GENERAL-ADJUTANT VON KAUFFMANN,
_Governor-General of Turkestan, to the address of the_ AMIR OF
AFGHANISTAN, _received on 10th, Shaban, 1295, through_ GENERAL
STOLIETOFF, _9th August, 1878._

Be it known to you that in these days the relations between the
British Government and ours with regard to your kingdom require
deep consideration. As I am unable to communicate my opinion
verbally to you, I have deputed my agent, Major-General
Stolietoff. This gentleman is a near friend of mine, and performed
excellent services in the Russo-Turkish war, by which he earned
favour of the Emperor. The Emperor has always had a regard for
him. He will inform you of all that is hidden in my mind. I hope
you will pay great attention to what he says, and believe him as
you would myself, and, after due consideration, you will give him
your reply. Meanwhile, be it known to you that your union and
friendship with the Russian Government will be beneficial to
the latter, and still more so to you. The advantages of a close
alliance with the Russian Government will be permanently evident.

This friendly letter is written by the Governor-General of
Turkestan and Adjutant-General to the Emperor, Von Kauffmann,
Tashkent, Jamadial Akbar, 1295 ( = June, 1878).

_To the_ AMIR _of the whole of Afghanistan_, SHER ALI KHAN.

(After compliments.) Be it known to you that our relations with
the British Government are of great importance to Afghanistan and
its dependencies. As I am unable to see you, I have deputed my
trustworthy (official) General Stolietoff to you. The General