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As a kingdom is an assemblage of component: parts, 

 condensed by degrees from smaller associations of in- 

 dividuals to their general union, so history is a combi* 

 nation of the transactions not only of the different 

 tribes, but even of the individuals of the nation of 

 which it treats : each particular narrative in such a ge- 

 neral collection must be summary and incomplete. 

 Biography, therefore, as well as descriptions of the 

 manners, actions, and even opinions of such tribes as 

 are connected with a great kingdom, are not only en- 

 tertaining in themselves, but useful, as they explain 

 and throw a light upon the history of the nation. 



Under these impressions I venture to lay before the 

 Society the translation of an abridged history of the 

 Afghans ; a tribe at different times subject to and al- 

 ways connected with the kingdoms of Persia and Hin- 

 dustan. I also submit a specimen of their language, 

 which is called by them Pukhto j but this word is sof- 

 tened in Persian into Pushto. 



I am, Sir, 



With the greatest respect, 

 Your most obedient humble servant, 



Henrx Vansittart. 



Calcutta, March 3, 17S4, 



