Page 47 - PERSIAN 2 1879_1883

RESIDENCY AND HUSK AT ?OLITICAL AGENCY FOR 1379-80. 35
To sum up: should mules in small numbers only bo required and
speed be no object, it might be most advisable to obtain them from
dealers by coutract as was done in 1877 and 1878, but if delay were
inexpedient, it would be best to depute an officer to Shuster. If, however,
large numbers are required and in a limited time, it would be advisable
that three officers should bo employed: one officer to he stationed at
Shiraz commanding the mule routes from Bushire to Shirdz, Ispahan
to Shirdz and Yezd to Shiraz; one at Ispahan commanding the mule
routes from Shiraz to Ispahan, Teheran to Ispahan aud Hamadan to
Ispahan ; and one at Shuster commanding the routes from that place and
Dizful to Hamadan, to Mohammcrah and to the Tigris, and in the centre
of the Bakhtyari country.
Three officers thus distributed could, I am convinced, procure 2,000
fine mules, fit for service, in six or seven weeks* time, and 2,000 more
within two months.

Bushire, 1380. (Sd.) I. MacIvor, Lieut,,
1j£ Ault, Poltl. Resident, Persian Gulf.