In 1864, Captain Lumsden of the British Army was tasked with a surveying mission through the Pamirs and Yarkand regions of Central Asia. A manuscript letter from 6th August 1862, addressed to Lumsden, praises his ability and care in executing the task, which involved considerable labor and his familiarity with the Persian language and geography of the area. The surveying work was carried out during a time when the British Government was concerned with external threats to its northwestern borders, particularly from Russia. Lumsden's expertise and dedication to the public service led to his appointment on a secret mission to the borders in 1857-1858. His work and service to the British Empire continue to be celebrated in military and historical circles.