ABSTRACT
The old palace of the khans, unapproachable on two sides owing to the precipice on the edge of which it stood, was soon converted into a fortified citadel, con nected with a reservoir by a sheltered way 584 yards
long with a blockhouse half way, defended by a tower strong enough to bear a cannon on its third storey. Leav ing a garrison of four companies with all but six of the guns and the heavy transport, and taking only two weeks’ rations, Fésé on the 5th June set out for Ount soukoul and Ashiltâ.
