he Russian-Tartar
language, which is his native tongue. He is without one exception the
most interesting man I have ever met. Though by religion a Mahometan he
is totally divested of the blind bigotry which so peculiarly
characterises the followers of the Camel-driver-warrior-pseudo-prophet,
but on the contrary is possessed of a mind ever restless in the pursuit
of truth, and which will doubtless eventually lead him to the narrow path
which leadeth unto salvation. The Testament which he received from me
was the very last, in the Tartar language, which remained in the shop at
which are sold the publications of what was once the Russian Bible
Society. It is a sad fact that though there are upwards of three
thousand Tartars in St. Petersburg, most of whom can read and write the
Turkish dialect which they speak, not one Testament is at hand suited to
their understandings. I have formed many acquaintances among these most
singular people, whose language I have acquired, during my residence in
the Russian capital, chiefly from conversing with my servant Mahomet
Djaffier, a native of Bucharia, son of the Iman or Mahometan priest of
this place. Notwithstanding the superstition and fanaticism of these men
I am much attached to them; for their conscientiousness, honesty, and
fidelity are beyond all praise. They stand in strong contrast with the
lower orders of the Russians, a good-natured, lowly-vicious, wavering
race, easily excited, easily soothed; whilst the former are sedate,
sober, temperate beings, with minds like Egyptian granite, from which it
is no easy matter to efface an impression, once made. How lamentable
that such people should in the all-important matter of religion have
embraced error instead of truth; what ornaments they would prove at the
present day to Christianity, if, instead of Mahometanism, Christianity
had originally come in their way! Of a surety they would reflect much
more lustre on the religion of Christ than millions whose deeds and
behaviour are more worthy of the followers of the impostor than of Him
'in whose mouth was found no craft or subtlety.'

I have much more to write and wish so to do, but I have really no time.
It is probable that you will not hear from me again before Christmas (old
style), but I entreat _you_ to inform me as soon as possible whether my
proceedings give satisfaction or not; but I must here take the liberty of
stating that if I were moved one inch from my own cours