430-431

"General Kaufmann and his staff surveyed the right bank of the river, for the purpose of selecting a proper site for a fort; finally, they chose a spot just below Shurakhana (near Khanki), and the works were immediately commenced. The place chosen was a large garden, planted with trees and surrounded by a think, heavy mud wall--a place which, in point of fact, was already a fortress in itself, and required scarcely any addition to make it sufficiently strong for the purposes of the Russians. The fort was constructed on the same scale as those erected all over Central Asia. The walls, already standing, were strengthened by earthworks; and places were constructed for the reception of cannon. Situated on the bank of a river...about twenty-five miles from the capital (Khiva). The garrison consists of two battalions of infantry, 1000 men; 200 Cossacks; and six pieces of artillery, together with two heavy guns, captured from the Khan. This, it will be seen, is not an enormous garrison, but it is quite sufficient to strike awe into the Khivans, and keep them in submission.

"Colonel Ivanoff and Colonel Dreschern were left in charge; The latter in command of the fort, the former as military governor of the district...they are extremely popular with the soldiers, as well as their brother officers. These two gentlemen...are among the very best officers in Turkistan."

More Part 2: Russia in Asia

Kaufmann and Supplies
Surrender of Hazar-Asp Fortress
Col. Markosoff's Expedition
Gen. Verevkin's March to the Capital
Fort Siting
Large Map of Khiva area (slow: 158K)

Part 1: Russia in Asia (in Heliograph #102)

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