to survey our country, and eventually to take possession;” but most of them cared very little whether we came as friends or foes:  they had little to lose and everything to gain by a row.  With a few of the more influential chiefs the case was different; if we had caused Dost Mahommed, the all powerful Ameer of C[=a]bul, to become a fugitive, what chance had they if our views led us across the Hindoo Khoosh?  Such was their mode of reasoning; but it must be confessed that they were ignorant of the immense advantage the rugged nature of their barren land would give them over a regular army, and thus they were unable to form an idea of the value of the resistance which a few determined mountaineers might oppose.  Amongst other wild schemes, I fancy that the idea was once entertained, or at all events the question was mooted, of sending a force to Bokh[=a]r[=a] to procure the release of poor Stoddart.  Without dwelling upon the enormous sacrifice of life and treasure which such an expedition of magnitude sufficient to ensure success would entail, I may be permitted to point out what from personal observation I have been led to consider as the “least impossible” route.  The line I should recommend would be the one we pursued as far as Koollum, when the force should so shape its route as to avoid the great sandy desert, which extends for three hundred and fifty miles from Koollum to Bokh[=a]r[=a], by keeping to the north, and “striking” the Oxus, which is navigable for boats of heavy burthen for many hundred miles above the capital.  But even on this plan we must suppose the force to have already surmounted the thousand and one passes which occur between Cabul and Koollum.  Much has been printed and a great deal more written and wisely left unprinted concerning the practicability of these routes for a modern army; it savours of a useless truism to state, that if the government making the attempt has resources sufficient in men, transport, and treasure, and dwells not upon the sacrifice of these three necessaries for an army, the thing may be done; but I can hardly conceive any crisis in political affairs which could render such a measure advantageous to the party undertaking it.  The advancing force will always suffer, whether it be Russia advancing upon India, or India advancing towards Europe.  The hand of God has fixed the tremendous barrier; woe to him who would despise the warning.

Our route lay along the usual green vale so often described, bounded by barren hills, over which a few inhabitants might occasionally be seen stalking along in their dark-coloured garments, which harmonized with the sombre character of the country.  We pitched our tents near the little fort of M[=a]ther, about five miles from our last encampment, and situate at the foot of the Kara Kotul, or black pass.  Our resting place afforded nothing remarkable; and indeed I feel that some apology is due to my readers for the unavoidable sameness of the details of this part of our journey; but I am in hopes that this very defect, though it render the perusal of my journal still heavier, will assist in conveying an accurate idea of the nature of the country; it is not my fault if we met with no adventures, no hairbreadth escapes, or perilous encounters.  I must once more crave indulgence.