1843.] Brief History of Kalat. 51 1 



On my arrival at Shawl in June, the Bolan route being reported 

 impassable by the Governor of Shawl, on account of the hot winds, 

 and knowing that the Governor General when he originally organized 

 our mission, intended it should visit Mehrab Khan on its return to 

 Hindosthan, I determined on getting invited to Kalat, to wait till the 

 end of the hot weather. Having procured the necessary invitation, I 

 proceeded to Kalat, where I held constant intercourse with the Khan 

 for three months. 



Before I became aware of the intention of Government to restore 

 Shah Shuja, he foresaw that it would take place, and became very 

 anxious to conclude a treaty with the British Government, saying, he 

 was favorable to the Shah's cause, not from choice, for the king had 

 never since he left Kalat expressed his gratitude for his safety, which 

 he owed, after Providence, to him, but from necessity ; for the pro- 

 tection he had afforded to the fugitive Sadozye monarch had made 



Events of 1838. deadly enemies to him, of the Burikzye faction, 

 which now ruled Afghanistan. 



Whilst at Kalat, I constantly wrote to Government, pointing out 

 the value of the Khan's friendship, in case an army advanced by the 

 Bolan route ; but although while at Kalat, I received intelligence of the 

 intention of Government to restore Shah Shuja, yet, I was ordered to 

 keep it a profound secret. 



The hot weather having past, and having yet received no authority 

 to remain at Kalat, I started for Shikarpore ; on my arrival at Soherab, 

 I received a letter authorizing me to make the Shah's restoration 

 public, but containing no instructions to remain at Kalat. These 

 however at last reached me some days after my arrival at Shikarpore ; 

 and I had scarcely completed my preparations to return to Kalat, when 

 I received a letter from Sir Alexander Burnes, saying, he had been ap- 

 pointed envoy to Kalat, and requesting I would delay my departure. 

 I joined Sir A. Burnes at Roree, and he became so taken up with com- 

 missariat arrangements, in which he required my assistance, that he de- 

 layed either proceeding himself, or deputing me until it was too late. 



Treaties had been concluded with the Ameers of Sinde, and the 

 Nawab of Bhawalpore, and Mehrab Khan was called upon to allow 



Events of 1839. su PP lies to be laid in Cutchee, and to procure 

 camels. He laid obstacles in the way of the former 



