The Emperor has always had a regard for him.

He will inform you of all that is hidden in my mind.

I hope you will pay great attention to what he says, and believe him as you would myself, and, after due consideration, you will give him your reply.

Meanwhile, be it known to you that your union and friendship with the Russian Government will be beneficial to the latter, and still more so to you.

The advantages of a close alliance with the Russian Government will be permanently evident.
This friendly letter is written by the Governor-General of Turkestan and Adjutant-General to the Emperor, Von Kauffmann, Tashkent, Jamadial Akbar, 1295 ( = June, 1878).
_To the_ AMIR _of the whole of Afghanistan_, SHER ALI KHAN.
(After compliments.) Be it known to you that our relations with the British Government are of great importance to Afghanistan and its dependencies.