590 Notes relative to Iskdrdoh, [Nov. 



Several letters addressed to me by Mr. Moorcroft, are in my possession, and 

 I bear bis communications in my mind. I would send you one of his letters, but 

 I regard tbern as sacred relics, and do not like to part with any one of them, 

 lest it might fall into the hands of malevolent enemies on the way. The follow- 

 ing is a passage from one of the letters which 1 received from him: " It is 

 supposed that Alexander the Great came to Jskandaria, and that some vestige of 

 him is still to be found there. In that event, is it in the form of arms or weapons, 

 or books ; and if books, are they in the Persian or Grecian language*." He gave 

 me at the same time some kind and considerate counsels. I was not then aware 

 of any vestiges, and Mr. Moorcroft departed on bis journey. After some research 

 I have ascertained that there is a part of the foundation of an old dilapidated 

 fort, which was destroyed by fire. If there should be any thing, it will probably 

 be found beneath these ruins. God knows. Let me recommend you therefore to 

 depute an intelligent gentleman of your own tribe, who will be able to satisfy 

 himself by personal inquiry on every subject, as well as on the existence or 

 otherwise of the Macedonian relics that are supposed to be here. 



There was a report, that Mr. Moorcroft was desirous of finding a way to 

 Yarqand ; but his scheme was frustrated by the intrigues of the people of 

 Ladakh. If you have the same design, there is a passage to Yarqand through 

 my country, which is available to you if you please. Consider my humble roof 

 as your own. 



Do not fail to despatch some one on your part. I am anxiously waiting to 

 receive him. Although it is like the ant preferring a petition to Sol aim an, 

 there is no impropriety in making an application, and I trust that you will not 

 withdraw your hand from the request of the petitioner. 



I suspect that some vestiges of Alexander the Great are likely to be dis- 

 covered beneath the foundation ; but God knows whether there are any or not. 



From Captain Wade to Ahmad Sha'h, dated the 22nd of August, 1829. 

 After Compliments, 



I have been delighted by the receipt of your friendly letter, transmitted by the 

 hand of Chara'gh Ali Sha'h, your agent. The perusal of it afforded me the 

 highest gratification in the glad tidings that it conveyed of your health and 

 happiness. What you write regarding the journey of Mr. Moorcroft in your 

 direction, and that he cultivated amicable relations with you, is very intelligible. 

 It is the duty of the officers of the British Government to consider those who are 

 well affected towards them as their sincere friends, and to attach them by daily 

 increasing ties of unity and friendship. 



As I have been engaged on a journey (to Delhi), the dismission of your 

 agent has been delayed. I now take the first opportunity of giving him his 

 leave to return. On his arrival in your presence, he will communicate to you 

 the sentiments of esteem and regard which you have established in my heart. 



Considering me among your well wishers, continue to delight me often by the 

 receipt of your friendly letters. 



From Ahmad Sha'h to Captain Wade. 

 After Compliments, 



Praise be to God, that by the blessing of his infinite favour, the garden of 

 friendship and unity, watered by his mercy and bounty, is blooming between us, 

 loaded with fragrance and joy. 



I offer thanks to the Almighty, that I have had the pleasure to receive your 

 propitious letter by the arrival of my agent Chara'gh Ali; adverting to the 

 gratifying expressions contained in it, that, it is the rule of the British nation 



being supposed to be jealous of the writer's design. There is enmity between 

 Ahmad Sha'h and the chief of Ladakh, and the presence of the Sikhs in Kashmir 

 renders it difficult to maintain a communication by that route without their know- 

 ledge. 



* Ahmad Sha'h's agent informed me, that there was a book in his master's 

 possession in a character which no one could read. He described it to be bound in 

 a clasp cover. It is probable, that this book is a Latin Bible, left by some of the 

 Jesuits who visited this part of Asia in the 15th century, and not of any Grecian 

 origin. 



