The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 30.8

30.8

But, after 5 or 6 days, when the Samaní returned, he sent two leading men with a letter from Hajjáj. He also sent provisions for men and horses to the Arab camp. Through those two men, he sent verbal messages to the Arab General, saying:—“I myself and all my men are subjects of the Khalifah, and we hold this place subject to the command and in accordance with the terms of the letter of Hajjáj. In fact we owe our permanent position to his help and patronage and encouragement, but as I was absent, the people became afraid and closed the gates.” Then the Samaní opened the gates of the fort, and the natives began to make bargains and have dealings with the soldiers. Muhammad Kásim was thereupon so much pleased that he wrote a letter to Hajjáj, acknowledging, with thanks, the services rendered by the Samaní and informing him of the faithfulness and friendship of the people of Nerún. In reply, Hajjáj wrote a very kind letter recommending the conciliation and encouragement of the people. ‘Try,” wrote he, “to show kindness to them in every way and give them hopes of our patronage. I entertain full confidence that, with the grace of God, wherever you may go you will be successful. Whoever seeks mercy and protection from you, let him have it. Those of the nobles and great men who take your side and join you, honour them by giving them robes of honour and make them grateful to yourself. Give proper rewards to them, and respect them according to their rank.