May God be the protector of the Amir's kingdom, and may trembling fall upon the limbs of your enemies! Amen.
Write to me soon, and send the letter to the capital.

Please write in Arabic characters, so that I may be able to read your letter.
_From_, GENERAL KAUFFMANN _to the_ AMIR OF AFGHANISTAN, _dated 30th Zekada (=26th November,_ 1878).
(After compliments.) I was much pleased to receive your letter, dated 24th Zekada, 1295 (=18th November, 1878), and to hear of your good health.

I have also received a copy of the letter which you sent to the Governor-General.

May God be pleased with you.

The British Ministers have given a pledge to our Ambassador in London that they will not interfere with the independence of Afghanistan.
I am directed by His Majesty the Emperor to communicate this news to you, and then, after forming friendship, to go to His Majesty.
I intend to go to the Russian capital after I have arranged the affairs of this country (Turkestan).