Recollections of Tartar Steppes and Their Inhabitants

by Lucy Atkinson

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 Excerpt: ...look over the reeds and along the road. The soldiers had bows and arrows slung at their backs; one of them carried.a long lance, but they all sat their horses beautifully, --like the Kirghis they had the short stirrup-straps. On going outside we discovered the cause of their hasty departure: . the soldiers had seen their superior officers and their retinue on the road from Chougachac. Our first friend sent to say they were coming. In about two hours he came himself to announce the arrival of three officers from the town, who, he said, would be very glad to see us. I put on my hat, and desired Columbus to take care of the child till our return. The Chinaman was perfectly horrified to think we intended walking, he would not hear of our going in so undignified a manner, so we had to order the horses: but, when he found it was our intention to leave Alatau, he was terribly vexed; no! he must go, so I put his hat on and told Columbus to bring him. On arriving at the picquet we found a body of soldiers, they opened a way for us to the presence of the officers; when I took my husband's arm, and we marched along, Columbus following with the boy, and George bringing up the rear as interpreter. We found them sitting cross-legged on a carpet spread under a group of trees; quite a romantic spot, and so exquisitely cool: to the right, in the distance, was seen a tomb, and to the left a stream of water. The officers instantly rose and came to shake hands with us, which they did in a most cordial manner. This being done by each in turn, stools were placed, on which we two seated ourselves, when tea and sweetmeats were handed to us. In the meantime, Alatau had been seized by the kaldi or superior officer, who almost devoured him with kisses, then the other two had him in suc. Read Less

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 Excerpt: ...look over the reeds and along the road. The soldiers had bows and arrows slung at their backs; one of them carried.a long lance, but they all sat their horses beautifully, --like the Kirghis they had the short stirrup-straps. On going outside we discovered the cause of their hasty departure: . the soldiers had seen ... Read More