586 
THE PERSIAN ARMY, 
lost, the man replaces it at his own expence; but should the lat¬ 
ter fall in the service of his majesty, another is given to him, or 
20 tomauns to make the purchase. When on duty, they are 
paid annually 24 tomauns ; and when they die, their places are 
filled up by their sons, or nearest male relations. Any absolute 
vacancies are supplied by the best horsemen from the most 
settled and wealthiest districts. 
Such was the unwieldy machine of a Persian army. But the 
means of its transformation were no sooner shewn to the heir 
apparent, than he saw their value, and the new organization of 
the troops went on rapidly. The promised assistants arrived 
from our government; all hands were set to work; both men and 
officers were liberally paid and provisioned, and to Abbas Mirza 
was given the command of the whole. His enthusiasm in the 
cause is not to be described, neither the astonishing quickness 
with which he comprehended the principles of every military 
regulation, and personally executed the most precise minutiae in 
our tactics. He took the musket in his own hand, and in a very 
short time became as au fait in all its uses and exercise, as the 
most expert of our soldiers. Such an example could not fail 
conquering the prejudices of the old chiefs around, and elec¬ 
trifying with emulative zeal, the young. He was frequently the 
first in the field; and, indeed, in all things led the way, when 
any thing new and useful was to be attempted; encouraging, and 
stimulating his people. In consequence of all this united energy, 
a very short time elapsed before a fine body of native soldiers, 
regularly clothed, armed, and disciplined, appeared in review 
before the king, in a style no way inferior to our European 
regiments of the line. The scene seemed an act of enchantment 
to his majesty, and almost to the prince himself, when the whole 
