Josiah Harlan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Josiah Harlan
Josiah Harlan in his Afghan robes
Born	June 12, 1799 Newlin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States
Died	October 1871 (aged 72) San Francisco, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	American adventurer, best known for traveling to Afghanistan and Punjab with the intention of making himself a king
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth Baker
Children	Sarah Victoria Harlan
Relatives	Richard Harlan (brother) Scott Reiniger (great-great-great-grandson)

Josiah Harlan, Prince of Ghor (June 12, 1799 – October 1871) was an American adventurer. He traveled to Afghanistan and Punjab. His goal was to become a king there. During his journeys, he got involved in local politics and military actions. He was given the title Prince of Ghor for his help in a war. The famous story The Man Who Would Be King by Rudyard Kipling is thought to be partly based on Harlan's life.

Early Life and Learning

Harlan was born in Newlin Township, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a strict Quaker family with nine brothers and sisters. His brother, Richard Harlan, became a famous scientist.

When he was 13, Harlan's mother passed away. He found comfort in reading. By age 15, he was reading medical books and biographies of famous people like Plutarch. He was also very good with languages. He spoke French fluently and could read Greek and Latin. He loved studying ancient history, especially the life of Alexander the Great.

First Adventures Abroad

In 1820, Harlan started his first travels. He joined the Freemasons. His father helped him get a job on a merchant ship. This ship sailed from Calcutta, India, to Guangzhou, China, and back.

After returning, he fell in love and got engaged. But his fiancée married someone else while he was away. This made Harlan very sad. He decided he would never return to America. He became a loner who sought adventure and glory.

In 1824, he joined the East India Company as a military surgeon. He had no formal medical training. But he studied on his own and practiced at sea. The company needed surgeons for a war in Burma. Harlan served in the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1825. He learned a lot about military tactics. He even fought with the Bengal Artillery sometimes. The war ended in 1826 with the Treaty of Yandabo.

After the war, Harlan was sent to Karnal, India. There, he read a popular book about Afghanistan. It was written by Mountstuart Elphinstone. The book described Afghanistan as a mysterious land. Harlan dreamed of a medieval Afghanistan with tribal chiefs fighting for power.

Harlan was a strict leader but disliked taking orders himself. He learned Hindi and Persian. In 1826, he left the East India Company. He got permission to stay in India as a civilian.

About the East India Company

At that time, India was like a private colony. The British Crown gave it to the East India Company. This company became very powerful. It had a monopoly on trade with India and China. By the early 1800s, it ruled 90 million people. It controlled vast amounts of land and had its own money. It even had its own army of 200,000 soldiers. This army was larger than most European countries' armies. Many British politicians owned shares in the company. This gave it a lot of power in the British Parliament. People in India simply called it "the Company."

Harlan disliked the Company. He felt it cared only about making money. He believed it did not care about the Indian people. He also thought it took away the power of local rulers. Harlan was proud of America being a republic. But he also liked the idea of powerful kings. He wanted to see places where monarchs truly ruled.

Journey to Afghanistan

Harlan went to Ludhiana, a British outpost near the border of the Sikh Empire. He wanted to work for Ranjit Singh, the Maharaja of Punjab. Ranjit Singh was a powerful ruler. He usually did not let Westerners into Punjab. He worried about the East India Company.

While waiting, Harlan heard that the former King of Afghanistan, Shah Shujah Durrani, lived in exile in Ludhiana. Harlan offered to help him regain his throne. At Shuja's palace, Harlan met the king. Shuja was known for being a harsh ruler. Harlan spoke to him in a mix of Hindi and Persian. Shuja hired Harlan.

Harlan then had an American flag made. He used it to suggest he worked for the U.S. government. He started recruiting soldiers to help Shuja. By late 1827, he had about 100 mercenaries. They were Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. They were interested in money and treasure.

Afghanistan's politics were very unstable. Rulers were often overthrown. Brothers fought against brothers. Harlan believed he could overthrow the current ruler, Dost Mohammad Khan. He thought this even with his small army.

Harlan traveled into Afghanistan, first to Peshawar and then to Kabul. Along the way, he met two British army deserters. They pretended to be Americans. Harlan correctly guessed they were deserters. As he entered Afghanistan, he learned about the Pashtun people. He learned about their strict code called Pashtunwali. This code meant avenging insults but also being honorable to everyone.

Harlan's army almost mutinied. So, he decided to enter Afghanistan disguised as a Muslim dervish (holy man). He convinced a Pashtun chief he was a dervish returning from Mecca. Shuja followed Harlan's force and took Peshawar. But Shuja acted arrogantly towards the local chiefs. This made them support Dost Mohammad instead.

Harlan finally met Dost Mohammad Khan in Kabul. Harlan had come to overthrow him. But he found himself admiring the Emir. Dost Mohammad was intelligent and capable. They spoke in Persian. Harlan explained the American government system. Dost Mohammad compared it to Afghanistan's system.

Harlan explored Kabul, which he called "the city of ten thousand gardens." He described its beautiful flowers and trees.

A tricky situation happened when a mercenary named Hajji Khan suggested killing the Emir. Harlan wasn't sure if it was a test. He refused, saying he couldn't break Pashtunwali by harming his host. Khan then revealed it was a test, and the Emir thanked Harlan. Soon after, a cholera outbreak hit Kabul. Harlan survived it and said he was never afraid of death again.

Harlan later met Jubbar Khan, Dost Mohammad's brother. He also met an alchemist and doctor called "the Moolvie." Harlan found out the maulvi was a fraud. He claimed he could turn lead into gold, but Harlan knew this was impossible. Harlan realized Dost Mohammad was too strong. He decided to seek his fortune in Punjab instead.

Upon returning to Punjab, Harlan learned about the "Great Game." This was a rivalry between Britain and Russia for influence in Central Asia.

Serving Maharaja Ranjit Singh

In 1829, Harlan arrived in Lahore, the capital of Punjab. He met French General Jean-François Allard, who introduced him to Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh was known as the "Lion of Lahore." He was one of the most powerful rulers in India. He had a strong army, the Dal Khalsa.

Ranjit Singh was careful about hiring British people. He did not trust the East India Company. But he paid his European officers well. Harlan noted that Allard lived in a grand mansion.

Harlan was offered a military job but wanted something better. He became the Governor of Gujrat District. Before that, he was tested as Governor of Nurpur and Jasrota. He did well there. In Gujrat, he had full power as long as he collected taxes and kept order.

Harlan met Akalis, who were militant Sikh fighters. He described their unique weapon, the chakram. It was a sharp steel ring thrown with great accuracy.

He also met Reverend Joseph Wolff, a missionary. Wolff was surprised to find an American governor. Harlan told Wolff about his heartbreak and his dream of ruling Afghanistan. Wolff noted Harlan's love for kingship and his admiration for American founders.

Other European governors served Ranjit Singh. But Harlan tried to reduce corruption and avoid brutality. This made his relationships with other governors difficult. His main friend in Gujrat was the maulvi from Afghanistan. The maulvi taught Harlan about Arab traditions. He also wanted Harlan to help him join a Masonic lodge.

Another American adventurer, Alexander Gardner, joined Harlan in Gujrat. Gardner was proud of his Scottish heritage. He wore Asian clothes with a tartan pattern. He claimed to have learned to fight from Native Americans.

In 1834, the Sikhs captured Peshawar. This angered Dost Mohammad Khan, the Emir of Afghanistan. He declared jihad (holy war) on Punjab. About 20,000 Afghan tribesmen attacked the Sikhs. Gardner saw the fierce fighting between the Afghans and Sikhs.

Ranjit Singh sent Harlan to divide the Afghan leaders. Harlan knew about the feuds between Dost Mohammad and his half-brother, Sultan Mohammad Khan. Harlan offered Sultan Mohammad a bribe to leave. Dost Mohammad heard Harlan was in his brother's camp. He received a letter saying Harlan had been killed. This made Dost Mohammad's camp cheer.

Harlan and Sultan Mohammad then rode into Dost Mohammad's camp. Harlan told the Emir to go home. He warned him that the Sikh army was stronger. Dost Mohammad threatened Harlan. A tense argument followed about drinking fermented milk. Dost Mohammad tricked his brother, showing the tribal chiefs his treachery. Sultan Mohammad was eventually bribed. Ranjit Singh brought up his heavy cannons. This convinced Dost Mohammad to retreat. Harlan had used diplomacy to avoid a big battle. But Ranjit Singh later criticized him for it. This caused a rift between them.

In 1835, Ranjit Singh had a stroke. He asked Harlan to cure him with Western medicine. Harlan suggested using electricity. But it did not restore Singh's speech. Harlan's relationship with Singh worsened. Singh heard rumors that Harlan was practicing alchemy and making fake coins. Fearing for his life, Harlan left Singh's service in 1836.

Adventures in Afghanistan Again

In 1836, Harlan joined Dost Mohammad Khan, Ranjit Singh's enemy. Dost Mohammad was impressed by Harlan's skills. He accepted Harlan into his service. In Afghanistan, enemies often became friends and vice versa.

Harlan met Charles Masson again, who had deserted him earlier. Harlan told the East India Company that Masson was a British deserter. The Company then blackmailed Masson into spying for them. Masson, suspecting Harlan, started speaking badly about him to the Company.

In 1836, Harlan likely wrote a letter for Dost Mohammad to Lord Auckland, the Governor-General of India. The letter asked for an alliance and for Peshawar to be returned to Afghanistan. Lord Auckland refused to interfere.

Dost Mohammad wanted Harlan to train his tribal fighters. He wanted them to fight like Western armies. The Sikhs had strong artillery, which had defeated Afghan tribesmen before. In 1837, Dost Mohammad attacked the Sikhs. His son, Wazir Akbar Khan, led 20,000 Afghan tribesmen through the Khyber Pass. Harlan was his military adviser.

At the Battle of Jamrud in April 1837, Sikh cannons caused heavy losses. But the Afghans, following Harlan's advice, used their numbers to fight hand-to-hand. The Afghans lost about 1,000 men, and the Sikhs lost about 2,000. General Hari Singh Nalwa, Singh's favorite general, was killed. Harlan believed Singh would be furious. The Afghans retreated. Singh appointed Paolo Avitabile as the new governor of Peshawar. Harlan called Avitabile's methods "barbaric."

Harlan admired Dost Mohammad. He saw him as a hardworking and disciplined ruler. He noted Dost Mohammad's modesty and politeness. But he also saw his cruelty and greed for gold. Harlan observed that Dost Mohammad owned slaves, even though he said slavery was wrong.

In September 1837, Alexander Burnes, a British agent, arrived in Kabul. He became Harlan's rival. Harlan thought Burnes was stubborn and foolish. In December 1837, a Polish agent for Russia, Count Jan Prosper Witkiewicz, also arrived. The "Great Game" became more intense. Burnes was worried about Russia's influence.

Becoming the Prince of Ghor

In 1838, Harlan led a military trip against Mohammad Murad Beg. Murad Beg was an Uzbek slave trader. Harlan had several reasons for this. He wanted to help Dost Mohammad control more areas. He was against slavery. He also wanted to show that a modern army could cross the Hindu Kush mountains.

Harlan took about 1,400 cavalry, 1,100 infantry, and many support staff. He saw himself as a modern-day Alexander the Great. He even brought a war elephant. But the elephant couldn't handle the cold mountains. Harlan had to send it back. High in the Hindu Kush, Harlan raised the American flag. His troops fired a twenty-six-gun salute. He wrote about the flag waving among the icy peaks.

Harlan's army was joined by local Hazaras. These people lived in fear of slave traders. The Hazaras are believed to be descendants of Mongols. They are Shia Muslims, while Uzbeks and Tajiks are Sunni Muslims. This made them targets for slave raids. Harlan noted their houses were built into hills for protection.

Harlan's first battle was at Saighan. His artillery quickly destroyed the fortress. Local Hazara chiefs were impressed. They wanted to be friends with Harlan. They asked him to end the slave raids.

One powerful local ruler was Mohammad Reffee Beg Hazara, a prince of Ghor. He and his men feasted with Harlan's force for ten days. They saw the discipline of Harlan's army. They invited Harlan to Reffee's mountain stronghold. Harlan was amazed by their feudal system. He admired the Hazaras for not having slavery. He also noted the equality between men and women. Hazara women did not wear veils. They worked in fields, hunted, and even went to war. Harlan was very impressed by them.

Harlan and Reffee made an agreement. Harlan and his future family would be the Prince of Ghor forever. Reffee would be his chief adviser. In return, Harlan would train an army for Ghor. At another fortress, Harlan rescued 400 Hazara slaves. He sent them home.

Harlan tracked Murad Beg to his fortress in Kunduz. Murad Beg was terrified of fighting. He made a treaty with Harlan. He agreed to recognize Dost Mohammad as Emir. He also promised to stop slave raiding.

When Harlan returned to Kabul, British forces arrived. They were there to occupy the city for the First Anglo-Afghan War. Harlan felt that Shuja, who the British were restoring, was still a harsh ruler. Harlan became unwelcome. After more travels, he returned to the United States.

Back in America

After Afghanistan, Harlan spent time in Russia. He was liked by Russian society women. But he did not make important government contacts. He soon decided to go back to America.

In America, Harlan was celebrated as a hero. He told the press that being an American citizen was more important than any royal title. But his fame faded after he published a book. It was called A Memoir of India and Afghanistan. In it, he criticized his enemies. He also wrote about how easily Russia could harm the British Empire.

The book caused controversy. Harlan never published another book. The writer Herman Melville might have read Harlan's book. References to the Anglo-Afghan War in Moby Dick seem to be based on it.

Harlan's money started to run low. He tried to convince the American government to import camels. He hoped they would buy camels from Afghanistan. He wanted to be the buying agent. The government was interested. But they decided to buy camels from Africa instead. The United States Camel Corps was later disbanded. The camels were set free in Arizona.

In 1849, Harlan married Elizabeth Baker. Her Quaker family was shocked. Harlan had abandoned his faith's pacifism by fighting in wars. In 1852, they had a daughter, Sarah Victoria. Harlan was a loving father. But his long, unpublished life story barely mentions his wife. He carried a poem he wrote for his first love until he died.

Harlan then tried to convince the government to buy Afghan grapes. But the American Civil War stopped this plan.

American Civil War Service

In 1861, the American Civil War began. Harlan offered to raise a regiment for the Union. He called himself "General Josiah Harlan." He had no formal rank or experience in the American army. He was 62, but said he was 56. He raised the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry.

Harlan was used to leading like an "oriental prince." This caused problems. He faced a court-martial. He collapsed from fever and illness in 1862. He was ordered to give up command. He left the United States Army due to medical problems.

Legacy and Influence

Harlan ended up in San Francisco. He worked as a doctor. He died of tuberculosis in 1871, at age 72. He was mostly forgotten. His burial place is unknown.

However, Harlan inspired Rudyard Kipling's 1888 story "The Man Who Would Be King." This story became a popular 1975 film. Many critics see similarities between Harlan and the story's hero, Daniel Dravot. Both were ambitious adventurers. Both wanted to conquer a kingdom in Central Asia. Both entered Afghanistan disguised as holy men. Both were Freemasons. Both wanted to be like Alexander the Great. And both were given Afghan noble titles.

Kipling, a Freemason himself, said an unnamed Freemason told him stories that inspired "The Man Who Would Be King." This suggests Harlan's adventures were still talked about in Masonic lodges in India in the 1880s.

Harlan also appears in George MacDonald Fraser's novel Flashman and the Mountain of Light.

Scott Reiniger, an actor, is Harlan's great-great-great-grandson. He is the current heir to the title Prince of Ghor.

Works

• Harlan, Josiah (1842). A Memoir of India and Avghanistaun. Philadelphia: J. Dobson. https://archive.org/details/memoirofindiaavg00harl.

Images for kids

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  Josiah Harlan in his Afghan robes

See also

• Ghōr Province
• Star Gazers' Stone