3-053-798 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

General Kaufmann, commander of the Russian expedition to Khiva, 1873. Engraving from a photograph by M. Bergamasco. '...von Kaufmann...first displayed his military talents at the siege of Kars...For his brilliant conduct on this occasion he received the highest military reward in Russia - the order of St. George...In 1867 he was appointed Governor-General of Turkestan, and was invested with plenary powers such as are seldom granted to anyone in Russia, where the system of government is one of centralisation. He was empowered to conduct all negotiations, to wage war or make peace with the neighbouring Asiatic Powers. Notwithstanding his peaceful intentions and manifestoes, soon after his arrival in the country, General Kaufmann was compelled to march against the Ameer of Bokhara, who, while avoiding open hostilities, took every opportunity of injuring the Russian power as far as his strength and opportunity would permit. At length his vacillating conduct brought down upon him the vengeance of the Governor-General, who marched against him, and in a series of engagements succeeded in defeating and completely routing his armies...The campaign against Khiva...was conducted with great bravery, prudence, and foresight. It proved most successful'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.