COLONEL STACY'S NARRATIVE OR SERVICES IN BELOOCHISTAN AND APPGHANISTAN.

COLONEL STACY is a veteran of the Indian Army, of nearly half a eentnry's standing. Having volunteered his services at the commencement of the Affghan war, he was first employed in the patience-trying task of composing the distracted affairs of Kelat, and bringing the justly irritated barbarian tribes to reason. He next accompanied the reinforcements under General England, designed to strengthen General Nott's army in the advance upon Cabool; and greatly facilitated its march from Quetta to Candahar, by his local knowledge and the reputatift he had acquired among the native tribes. He was next engaged throughout the subsepent campaign; was at the fight in the neighbourhood of Candahar, and in the ensuing march upon Ghuznee and Cabool ; led the left in the attack upon Istaliff, and held an anxious command during the "retirement" of the Army : the celebrated gates of Somnanth were intrusted to his care, and, like the body of a hero in Homer, formed the point of attack and defence. Colonel Stacy was subsequently engaged in the Sikh campaign, and greatly distinguished himself in the battle of Sobraon ; but he doe; not include these services in his narrative,—being satisfied, apparently, with Lord Cough's account of them. The main circumstance which has induced the publication of a narrative of services so long after the event, is the common one of a subordinate's dissatisfaction with the official despatches and the insufficient reward which those services consequently obtained. Mr. Ross Bell, the Political Agent under whom Colonel Stacy acted in Belot, died before the business was concluded; and from his successor Major Outram there appears to have been no ground of complaint, as far as warmth of acknowledgment goes. General Nott seems to have had so much confidence in Colonel Stacy as to have continually employed him, and occasionally to have acted upon his suggestions ; but the General's official despatches, he says, were meagre and sparing of praise,—forming a strong contrast to the "verbose et grandis epistola ' style of General Pollock, who found something to say about everybody; so that "the disproportion of the distinctions confer

wed upon the officers of the two armies is enormous, being, perhaps, ten to one in favour of Sir -George 'Pollock's."

Of these complaints we are not competent judges. Every on; from the commander to the private, is prone to exaggerate the importance of -the part inwhich he has been engaged ; not so much from vanity, as from the stronger impression which it makes upon his mind: and an affair or an exploit may be a gallant thing in itself, yet its bearing upon or proportion to the whole may be slight; and these are the points that most influence the commander in chief. He will of necessity form a different

opinion °factious from those of the actors, and in things he does not see may report on imperfect knowledge; as, on the other hand, he may be of a cold =genial temperament, or weak and disposed to favouritism. So far as we can form an opinion from the case before us, we should say that sometimes Colonel Stacy bad as ample justice done to him in the reports as it was in General Notes way to give; sometimes the Colonel seems to ex

pect more than the nature of the case might justify ; but sometimes he appears to have been passed sub silentio when he ought have been no

liced, especially during the retirement of the Army. It is possible that

-Colonel Stacy's neglect of Talleyrand's direction to the young diplomatist, " Surtont, Monsieur, point de Kele," may have made him enemies. With

General Nott, indeed, there was no occasion to press energetic measures; but the Colonel seems to have almost badgered General England on several occasions, and probably allowed himself a latitude of remark distasteful to those having authority.

The object of the Narrative of Services in 4fyhartistan and Bekochistan of necessity narrows its base, and with the lapse of time tends

to diminish its popular attraction. This is especially the case with the

military narratives. The interest in the events has been superseded as -news, yet they are too near to have become historical. A vivid account

of personal adventure and observation has always an interest proportioned to its merit, but Colonel Stacy's narrative, whether broad or detailed, is _always technical, though sometimes giving by means of its professional

anode of description a truthful and life-like idea of war. Its principal value, however, is as an addition to the materials for the history of the .campaign.

The narrative of Colonel Stacy's diplomatic exertions in Kelat has more interest, if it be read not as an attistical story, but as the crude exhibition

of a state of semi-savage life, and of our Indian diplomacy beyond the

frontier during Lord Auckland's rule. The Khan of Heist, it may be recollected, was a Beloochee chieftain beyond the Indus, of whose faith sus

picions were entertained, as some thought groundlessly. Small law, how ever, was allowed him : a British force advanced against Kelat ; his strong-hold was stormed, and the chieftain fell defending it. A man called Meer Shah Newaz, a banger-on of the puppet of the war Shah Shooja, was appointed to the Khanat ; but shortly became so distasteful both to chiefs and people, that he was driven out with contumely, and Meer Mahommed Nusseer Khan, the son of the late chief, installed. The "Political" in that region, who seem to have been "as changeful as a child at play," wished to keep the young chief on the throne, but could

not manage it. The death of his father, the imprisonment of various persons, and sundry breaches of faith, arising either from misconception on the part of the British agents, too implicit a confidence in their native assistants, or, we apprehend, a narrow and ignorant disregard of the Tights or feelings of barbarians, had spread throughout the country a dis

-trust of the British name. Kelat was again taken ; but neither the chiefs .nor the Khan himself would trust their persons in the power of any Bri

tish agent, and they eschewed all meetings whatever. In this state of

things, the veteran Stacy threw himself into the midst of the enraged and hostile tribes, without the attendance of a single sepoy ; and, by the con fidence which his frankness created, finally succeeded in the objects in view; inducing the chieftains to come in, the Khan to disband his followers, to accept investiture from the British, and to enter into a treaty, which was faithltilly kept after our revereesin Cahoot, whenan action on our commu nications might have been disastrous. Colonel Stacy's success, however, was not attained without time and trouble. The suspicions and fears of the people, when seemingly quieted, were continually bursting out afresh : it was the interest of some of the chiefs and of many natives in British employ to embroil matters : but the great difficulty seems to have been with the "Politicals." They appear to have had no other motive of action than paragraphs and penny-a-lining. Native newswriters (a regular office) Dent reports, or probably inventions, of all kinds respecting the dis positions, intentions, and whereabout of the principal chiefs, so con tradictory that we suspect if an abstract were made of the facts, it would be found that some Beloochees were more than "Mr. Cerberns,"

being in three places at once ; and the "latest intelligence" of this kind seems to have decided the system for the day, without much regard to any distinct plan or to the opinion of the officer in responsible charge.

There is much in the narrative of this diplomacy that is minute and flat; the interest very often depending upon the general deduction from nutty facts, rather than upon the character deny single facts. Some parts, however, are marked, and even touching. The young Khan was only fourteen ; but early introduced to necessity and misfortune, by the death of his father, the disturbed state of the country, and the manner in which he had been hunted by the English. "His countenance," says Colonel Stacy, "exhibited traces of the misery he had undergone for the two preceding years. He related to me that when Shah Newaz Khan (then ruler of 7.elat) and Lieutenant Loveday were in pursuit of him, he and his party were driven to such straits, that but for one of his people shooting a dove, which was immediately cooked and given to him, he should have been unable to proceed."

From his youth and want of power, the _young Khan was greatly in the hands of his half feudal chieftains, or such of them as could get hold

of his person. The following scene has an interest beyond itself, as indieating the way in which a minor monarch might be coerced by his barons bold during the middle ages. It will be understood that the Khan had agreed to go to Kelat accompanied by Colonel Stacy. " As soon as I saw Rheimdad approaching, I concluded matters had gone wrong, it being Gool Mahomed's office to bring me messages; and the ill-concealed delight which gleamed in the countenance of Rheimdad fortified my con. elusion. ' The Khan,' he said, presents compliments, and has sent me to mforro you he will go no further, and begs you will return to Kelat.' I replied, ' Well the Khan is his own master: I will go and take leave of him, when I shall learil the truth from his own lips.' Passing through the crowd, who reluctantly gave way, I walked quietly to the compound where the Khan lodged, which was crowded with people, armed, and in a state of great ferment. I inquired for the room in which the Khan was; and finding he did not come to the door to meet me, I looked in and saw that he was held back by Rheimdad's people the Khan's usual personal guards having been removed. On entering the room, I perceived two of Rheimdad's servants standing near the Khan, with fierce looks, grasping in a menacing attitude the hilts of their swords; whilst the countenances of all around wore an expression of strong emotion. Not appearing to notice this, I took the young Khan by the hand, and tears stood in his eyes when I said I had come to learn from him whether he really intended to go no farther, and wished me to leave his camp. He replied, without hesitation, in a firm and decisive manner, that he wished to go with me, but the Darbar would not allow him; that letters had been received which affirmed that he was to be seized at Kelat or Shawl Kote; that our own sepoys had said so, and that Shah Newaz was to be replaced upon the throne. I told him that his principal chide had not been present when this resolution was formed, the Sirdars Weer Bobeer, Meer Kharnal Khan, and Meer Each Khan having been absent, and I proposed that a Durbinshould be called when they should -have returned. Atia Khan (who was intoxicated with b'hang at the time) and Fakeer Mahomed interposed, saying the affair was settled, and the Khan would go no further; add.. big, Take leave and go; no one is angry with you, but go; you have always spoken truth; but Ross Bell has ordered it, who is the higher authority, and the Lord Sahib has removed our friend,' meaning me, and sent Healy Sahib,' meaning Lieutenant Hammersley, who is our enemy.' I asked to see the letters they referred to, which they admitted came from Kelat; but this they refused, on the pretext that I would hang the writer; and I could get nothing from them but a reiteration of their resolution that the Khan should not go further, and of their advice that I should return to Eclat. I appealed to the multitude, declaring I had nothing but the Khan's welfare at heart, and asked whether I had ever been untrue to my engagements. I called upon Gool Mahomed, as the Darogah, to advise his master. 'I am humbled in the dust,' was the old man's answer. Meer Esah Khan had now returned, and I addressed him, reminding him how he had boasted of the influence and bravery of his tribe. Be replied that he was but one, and it was useless for him to speak. ' Better leave these people,' he said; they are mad.' Before I took leave of the Khan, I made a !eat effort to inspire him with spirit and energy to act for himself. He repeated that he wished to go with me. 'Who, then,' I asked, 'should prevent you?' Atta Mahomed said, 'The Darbar resolve he shall not go.' I asked him if he was the sovereign; a the Khan, whether he wore a sword and shield to look at? Cries of Rise I Take leave! Go to Kelat!' which had been heard at intervals, in a subdued voice, were now uttered loudly by most of the assembly. The agitation increased, and Meer Esah Khan, as well as my two Vakeels, earnestly recommended me to take leave. Holding up my hand for silence, I declared I was the friend of the Khan and of the Brahooes, and asked, if I left them, who would show him the path to his father's throne? I implored them to wait until the absent Sirdars returned that day; but after two hours spent in entreaties and expostulations on my part, and the reiteration of 'Rise and go,' from the people present, accompanied by a disclaimer of all anger or dissatisfaction towards me, I shook hands with the young Khan, and proceeded deliberately 'to the door, Meer Esah Khan placing himself behind me, and kloolla Nasseer Odla and my Brahooe interpreter (wire was almost expiring with fright) on either side. I walked very slowly through the crowd, towards the orchard, where my horses and camels were waiting for

Mistrusts like these were, however, all got over atlast ; and the follow. ing exhibits the installation and leave-taking.

"The hour of four p. in. was appointed for the ceremony. I proceeded to the palaoe about half an Muir before that time; Major Ontram and every British officer off duty being present. After the usual compliments, the proceedings commenced, and were conducted in strict accordance with Brahooe customs by Major Outram, assisted by Brigadier England and myself. A dose-fitting vest, called by the Brahooes futtooee, was first handed to the Khan, and put upon him by the kismutgars, and then the kummerbund. Major Outram then presented the sword. A rich kimcob chogah was next thrown over his shoulders, when the Major led him to his chair. The Khan being seated, the first fold of the turban binding the jeggah to the cap, was made by Major Outram, the second by the Brigadier, and the third by me. The turban completed, Major Outrun shook hands with his Highness, and offered his congratulations (Moobarik); he was followed by the Brigadier and myself. Every British officer present, rising, then came forward, shook hands with the young prince, and offered Moobarik. The chiefs and officers of state then rose, and coming to the front of the carpet on which the Khan's chair was placed, offered their Moobarik. To the surprise of all present, the Moobarik of every one of the natives was offered to me: 'Moobarik Khan Sahib! Moobarik Colonel Sahib !' resounded on all sides. I was highly gratified at this unexpected tribute of respect sad esteem, the first and only instance of the kind recorded in any Asiatic court; and Major Outran; Brigadier England, and every British officer who witnessed the scene, appeared to feel satisfaction and pride at so unusual a mark of honour being conferred upon one of their countrymen. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a royal salute was fired from the citadel. "During the proceeding, the young Khan exhibited great command over his feelings; the only instance in which his sensibility in the least overpowered him was when Major Outram audthe British officers shook hands with him and saluted him as 'Khan of Kelat '; tears were then observed to glisten in his eyes; but it was onlya momentary triumph of natural emotion, which was, a

instantlysubdued. .

was onlya momentary triumph of natural emotion, which was, a

instantlysubdued. .

"The day before we left Bela, the Khan led me into the women's apartmeats to take leave of his mother. I gave the best advice in my power to the old lady, who cried bitterly. When going away, I took the Khan's hand and placed it in hers, saying, 'At Zeedee, you gave me your son, then a homeless wanderer; I promised he should be my son until I restored him to his father's throne. I have redeemed my pledge, and now give him back to you: may his reign be log and

bAPPY