July In Seven
C. We Came To A Place Called Pesinga [Pusheng Or Kooshinge], Where
There Is A Small Fort Like That At Dooky In Which Is A Garrison For
Securing The Way.
At this place the captain exacted half an abacee for
each camel.
The 3d we left the caravan and went forwards six c. The 4th
we passed over a mighty mountain, and descended into the plains beyond,
having travelled that day fourteen c. The 5th we went twenty c. and were
much distressed to get grain for our cattle. The 6th, in like distress
both for them and ourselves, we went twelve c. and on the 7th, after
eight c. we got to the city of Candahar.
These mountains of Candahar are inhabited by a fierce people, called
Agwans or Potans, [Afgans or Patans] who are very strong of body,
somewhat fairer than the natives of Hindoostan, and are much addicted to
robbery, insomuch, that they often cut off whole caravans. At present
they have become more civil, partly from fear of the Mogul, and partly
from experiencing the advantages of trade, by selling their grain,
sheep, and goats, of which they have great store, and by purchasing
coarse cotton goods and other necessaries. Still, however, if they find
any one straggling or lagging behind, they are very apt to make them
slaves, selling them into the mountains, and houghing them to prevent
their running away, after which they are set to grind grain in
handmills, or to other servile employments.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 345 of 910
Words from 93703 to 93956
of 247546