Bit by bit we gain a clearer view of the
Khivan Expedition. General Kaufmann's order, recently published, shows that more than 5,000 men, 18 guns, and a rocket battery, will be employed in the Eastern columns alone. The stronger moiety moves from Djizzak, through the steppes north of Bokhara, the weaker por- tion marches from near the mouth of the Jaxartes, along the east bank of Aral, and both columns are to join at the Boukan hills. Thence they will proceed to the Oxus, hoping to meet, in or above the Delta, the other two bodies, one from the Caspian, the other from Orenburg. It is worthy of remark that the last-named was retarded by snow south of the Duba as late as the middle of April. The whole force set in motion cannot be far short of 9,000 men. Against any other foe than the Khivans the operations undertaken would probably end in disaster, for a skilful and active enemy could cut up the Russians in detail.
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