Burnes, Alexander: Travels into Bokhara: containing the narrative of a voyage on the Indus from the sea to Lahore, ... and an account of a journey from India to Cabool, Tartary and Persia ; performed by order of the supreme government of India, in the years 1831, 32, and 33 (Band 2) (London, 1835)

CHAP. V.

PARTY AT THE CHIEFS.

141

without a just cause, a descent from them. Since
some of the tribes of Israel came to the East, why
should we not admit that the Afghans are their de-
scendants, converted to Mahommedanism ? lam
aware that I am differing from a high authority '* ,
but I trust that I have made it appear on reasonable
grounds.

As the chief desired," I passed another evening
with him; and the doctor, being convalescent, ac-
companied me: Mr. Wolff had proceeded on his
journey to India. Dost Mahommed Khan pleased
us as much as ever; he kept us till long past mid-
night, and gave us a full insight into the political
affairs of his country, and the unfortunate differ-
ences that exist between him and his brothers. He
expressed hopes of being able to restore the mon-
arch)', evinced a cordial hatred towards Runjeet
Sing, and seemed anxious to know if the British
Government would accept his services as an auxi-
liarv to root him out; but I replied, that lie was
our friend. He then promised me the command of
his army, if I would remain with him; an offer
which he afterwards repeated. " Twelve thousand
horse and twenty guns shall be at your disposal."
When he found that I could not accept the honour,
he requested me to send some friend to be his
generalissimo. On this occasion, we had some
highly interesting conversation regarding the Kaf-
firs, who live in the hills north of Pesha^ur and
fabool, and are supposed to descend from Alex-

See Mr. Elphinstone's Caubul, vol. i. p. 244. et seq.