1839] Russian Mission from Orenbourg to Bokhara. 165 



After thirty-six hours of discussion, the ceremonial of our reception 

 was arranged ; and the khan agreed that Monsieur Negri should be 

 seated in his presence. 



On the 20th December, we made our public entry into Bokhara, a de- 

 tachment of Cossacks marched in front with the presents, which consist- 

 ed of furs, China, crystals, watches and guns. Another party of Cossacks 

 were in the rear, and the march was brought up by a detachment of in- 

 fantry. An Ouzbek of rank, who perfectly understood Persian, con- 

 ducted the ambassador to the palace* 



In this order we slowly advanced, and after passing the gate which was 

 very lofty, we continued our route through a narrow winding street, of 

 gloomy houses, built of earth, and flat roofed. At last we arrived at the 

 great square, surrounded with mosques, colleges or madrissa, and the 

 enclosure of the palace. 



After dismounting, we entered a vaulted corridore built of brick; but 

 with soldiers on each side, in number about 400, armed with muskels of 

 every different shape and length. We then entered a small court, the 

 passage, in which there were about 10 guns without carriages, and at last 

 arrived in a square court, bounded by walls, round which were seated 300 

 or 400 people of Bokhara, dressed in white turbans and coats of gold 

 brocade. Turning to the right, we reached the anti-chamber, which 

 joins the hall of audience, where the khan was seated on cushions, co- 

 vered with red cloth, ornamented with rich gold fringe; on the floor was 

 a common Persian carpet, the walls of white plaster and the ceiling of 

 coloured planks. 



This hall was double the length of its breadth ; the khan was seated 

 with his back to the wall opposite the door we entered ; on his left were 

 his two sons, one about 15 years of age. On his right was the Couch- 

 beghi, on each side of the door were five grandees. Monsieur N6gri 

 supported by two chamberlains, advanced to within 12 paces of the 

 khan, whom he addressed in Persian, presented his credentials through 

 the Couch-beghi ; the officers of the mission remained standing with 

 their backs to the wall, on each side of the door. 



The Couch-beghi immediately presented the emperor's letter to the 

 khan; the prince read it aloud; after which he requested Monsieur 

 Negrito order some of the soldiers to enter the anti-chamber, who left 

 their arms outside; on seeing them, the khan laughed like a child ; 

 in the expression of his countenance, there is very little intelli- 

 gence ; he may be about 45 years of age, with a full beard, black eyes, 

 and an olive complexion; appearing much debilitated. He wore 

 a dress of black velvet, ornamented with precious stones ; a muslin tur- 



