CHAPTER XXIV

—1860-1864 319

LETTER OF ABDEL KADER TO THE AUTHOR.

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[TRANSLATION.]

PRAISE BE TO GOD ALONE!

To the amiable, the honourable, the all-accomplished and virtuous Colonel Churchill.

After offering you our salutations, and inquiring after your noble pleasure, we have to acknowledge your valued letter, showing your high regard for us.

May God recompense you with His highest rewards, and make your portion exceedingly rich and full in everlasting felicity.

We have now to state that we were hindered from replying to you sooner by an illness, which prevented us even for several days from going to the house of prayer. But now it is the most imperative of our imperative duties to thank you, in reply, for your great kindness. We never cease inquiring about all that may concern, or be connected with your Excellency; and we pray God to smooth and prosper our affairs in common, and to establish us in all rectitude and good works. With best wishes for your peace and happiness,

ABDEL KADER IBN MEHI-ED-DEEN.

_1 Jumadi_, 1273.

_25th December_, 1856.

LIFE OF ABDEL KADER.

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