The Rashīdī History 137.5

137.5

All of the enemy who were taken captive by the conquering army, were brought together, and the order was issued for them to be put to death in the park [kúruk] of Andijan. Having, accordingly, made them sit down in lines [the victors] began to kill them. At that moment my uncle [Sayyid Muhammad Mirza] placing the knee of intercession upon the ground of entreaty, said to the Khan: "Praise and gratitude we owe to God for this victory, for it is the key by which may be opened the whole kingdom of Kashghar. I sincerely hope that Kashghar may fall into our hands with the same ease. But these prisoners whose execution is permitted by, and is in accordance with, the laws of retaliation [mazhas-i-maklum], are all natives of the country [of Kashghar]. If you do not spare them here, it will be as if you had committed a general massacre in that place itself—an act that would, in the end, be a cause of repentance and regret [to yourself]. If his Highness the Khán will forgive these men, who yet remain, and hand them over to me as my share of the spoil, his reward in this world and the next will be enhanced by such an act of mercy." When the entreaty of my uncle reached the blessed ears of the Khán, he drew the line of forgiveness with the pen of pardon, upon the tablet of the existences of those prisoners. Thus about 3000 persons were rescued from death. Then, raising up their hands in prayer, they filled the air with acclamations of thanksgiving.