Herat. But in 1856 the Persians retook this city, because they declared
that the Ameer of Kabul was planning an advance on Herat. Thereupon a
British army, commanded by General Outram and Havelock, was sent to
Persia, and defeat after defeat for the Persians followed their arrival,
and in July, 1857, they were compelled to give up Herat. Since then Persia
has not ventured to lay her hand on the "key to India."


"7 P.V.E., London,
"_19th Dec._, 1856.

"Dr. Barth, the African traveller, has been re-seducing (me) into the
Lingua Amazighana, which I had forsworn. I am not sure that something will
not come of it--to me at least. I have already built a castle in the air,
that sometime hereafter I shall become 'Professor of Libyan' to U.C.

* * * * *

"How dreadful is it that we should be able to get into a war with Persia,
proclaimed _at Bombay_ on November 1st, and nobody here knows why it is or
what it seeks after; and the country's honour is committed while
Parliament is not even sitting. And for this we throw up Italy and ...
Switzerland? Have you seen Cobden's recent letters on Maritime War? I
rejoice much in them, and think adversity has improved his tone. With
hearty regards to Mrs. N. and all,

"I am, ever yours,

"F. W. N."