This was, shortly after, followed by a letter which the Sháh
had himself addressed to the Báb, dated Rabí‘u’th-thání 1263 (March 19–April
17, 1847), and which, though couched in courteous terms, clearly indicated the
extent of the baneful influence exercised by the Grand Vizir on his sovereign.
The plans so fondly cherished by Manuchihr Khán were now utterly undone. The
fortress of Máh-Kú, not far from the village of that same name, whose
inhabitants had long enjoyed the patronage of the Grand Vizir, situated in the
remotest northwestern corner of Ádhirbáyján, was the place of incarceration
assigned by Muhammad Sháh, on the advice of his perfidious minister, for the
Báb. No more than one companion and one attendant from among His followers were
allowed to keep Him company in those bleak and inhospitable surroundings.
- Shoghi Effendi (Chapter 1, ‘God Passes By’)
