1839] 



Russ'an Mission from Orenbourg to Bokhara. 



153 



The most trifling motive is sometimes sufficient to induce the most 

 honest Kirghiz to indulge in his favourite passion for pillage; so firmly 

 is the spirit of rapine rooted in the hearts of these people. The great 

 and little horde, have for the last fifty years been subject to a govern- 

 ment, a little more settled, and now enjoy a greater state of tranquillity 

 than the other Tartars. It is to a warlike spirit, and indifference to the 

 fatigues of long and fatiguing marches, hut above all, the fanatical spirit 

 so prevalent among this rude people, which their chiefs know well how 

 to excite, which renders them so fit for any dangerous enterprize. It 

 may be easily imagined, then, after a severe winter, which is attended 

 wiih great hardship and loss to the Kirghiz, their shepherds assemble to 

 make an irruption, or establish themselves under a milder sky, such 

 as Bokhara, so celebrated by them, and so much more fertile and beau- 

 tiful than their own deserts. Thus the emigration of these barbarians 

 may again take place into countries where artillery is little used, 

 and regular troops unknown. 



I will finish this digression on the subject of the Kirghiz, by a 

 remark, that they never make use of this name among them- 

 selves ; they invariably style themselves Kasak ; which, according 

 to some, signifies horseman, and to others warrior. They say the 

 Bachkirs call them Kirghiz, but are ignorant from whence the 

 name is derived, and it is used only in speaking of the great horde„ 

 This tribe has no khan, and is governed by different sultans; many of 

 whom have sought the protection of Russia, others that of China, but 

 their sole object is to obtain presents and assistance from either party. 

 The Kirghiz of the great horde greatly fear the Chinese, whose severe 

 and even cruel policy is, however, justified by necessity. A Chinese 

 caravan was plundered near the frontiers of Soungarie, garrisoned by the 

 advanced posts of the Mandchous Tartars. The Chinese retaliated, and 

 thousands of the Kirghiz, innocent as well as guilty, paid with their 

 lives this agression. Some such examples have put a stop to the agres- 

 sions of these tribes on the frontier of the Chinese empire. 



In the other two hordes, the khans ought to be confirmed by the em- 

 peror of Russia, who exercises a great influence in their election, and 

 they swear fidelity to him. 



The tribes of Turkoman now pay a tribute to the khan of Khiva and 

 Bokhara ; probably one day the Kirghiz will be obliged to do the same to 

 Russia. But it is necessary, in the first place, they should find the ad- 

 vantages of her protection, in defending them against the irruptions of 

 the Khivians. 



