Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 22.7
A Translation of the Seir Mutaqherin (Haji Mustafa) 22.7
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22.7.1
"Great will ever be the distance between the pattern and the copy." How could the poor Armenian, after having sold cloth by the yard throughout his whole life, pretend, that with an authority of only two days' standing, he would be able to pass such rules of strict obedience and discipline over a nation, not his own, and which was not yet accustomed to so much regularity and strictness? "The crow, wholly intent on learning the linnet's note, "Forgot to look at its own black coat first of all." The Navvab having taken post on the banks of the Rehva, where he tarried two or three days, Gurghin-qhan, who conformably to his custom, always came the last of all, and always encamped by himself, was actually in his tent, when two or three Mogul troopers from amongst those he had disciplined and trained himself, came and asked something about their pay. The General answered in an angry, peevish manner; but the two men, availing themselves of the unprosperous state of affairs, and of the revolution that had taken place, had the daringness to speak with violence. Gurghin-qhan, without attending to the difference of times, screamed out. What? Is there no one there to take these men into confinement? He had hardly uttered these few words, when those men finding themselves alone with him, drew their sabres, and in three or four strokes, stretched him on the ground; and, their horses being just at the door, they got upon them in an instant, and fled through the fields.
22.7.2
The servants having immediately raised an outcry, which brought General Marcar, another Armenian, the latter, on descrying the troopers beyond the reach of a musket-ball, fired at them with two or three pieces of cannon that were at hand, loaded with grape; and the report of the cannon being heard by Mir-cassem's army, which was at a small distance, every one concluded that the English were arrived, and already engaged with Gurghin-qhan. Instantly Mir-cassem had the same thought; instantly he got upon his elephant, and took to the fields. At the same time, a general scream, and now and then some confused cries, coming from Gurghin-qhan's quarters, struck such a terror into Mir-cassem's camp, and especially amongst the sutlers and other market-men, that the whole of them, without making the least inquiry, fled on all sides, most of them towards the bridge on the Rehva. The multitude, which was encamped with me on the other side of the river, surprised to see crowds of runaways endlessly pouring upon them, catched their fears and trepidation; and, night coming on, nothing was heard but cries and screams. But as every one was involved in the general confusion, and saw the mob running to and fro, like so many mad men, whilst the great ones were advancing in haste with burning tapers; such a sight thunderstruck Yusuf-aaly-qhan, one of our company, who, being as well as Mirza-bakyr, full as much frightened as any other, resolved at any rate to inquire into the cause;
22.7.3
and then sent people to take some information from the runaways. But every one of these giving a different answer, served only to perplex. This diversity augmented our consternation, as there was no getting certain information about the tumult; and some people conceived causes, which they did not dare to mention, for fear of Mir-cassem's resentment. All these discordant reports, however, agreed in one point; and this was, in producing some piece of extravagant news, which being spread in a twinkle amongst the runaways, increased their fears, and added to the confusion. Meanwhile, the throng became innumerable at the bridge, and the passage being now dangerous, seemed to retrace an idea of the bridge of Serât, at the Day of Judgment; for the crowds were now pouring in such numbers on both sides, that the passage became impracticable for people on foot. Elephants and carts cut their ways through the multitudes; and as their treading over the boards of the flooring, forced the boats to strike against each other, the noise bore a likeness to a report of distant firing of cannon. News even came that the English had gained the victory; and as it was thought that the little river only divided the combatants, people prepared their cannon also on this side; and Yussuf-aaly-qhan, resolved either to pack up his baggage, and get ready at all events, or to run away to some place of shelter. But he was prevented by Mir-shetari and myself, who insisted on some information.
22.7.4
At about midnight the uproar commenced subsiding; and I sent a trusty servant, with orders to stop on this side of the bridge; and as soon as he should discover any person of some consequence, to let him pass first, and then only to ask him what was the matter. The man did as he was bid; and, stopping at the bridge, he saw a close paleky making towards it with three or four horsemen attending; the man walked awhile with them, and then asked whose lady was in the close paleky? One of the horsemen answered, It is not a lady, it is Gurghin-qhan's corpse. We carry it to the fields for burial. It is the Navvab's order. On this answer, the man returned with this intelligence, and made us all easy; so that we passed the remainder of the night quietly enough. On the morning, Mir-cassem himself passed the river, and encamped on the spot where we were. The next day, he advanced to the town of Bar, where he ordered Djagat-seat-mahtab-ray, and Radja Serôp-chund, his brother, to be hacked to pieces. After that, he marched on, and took up his quarters in Djaafer-qhan's garden, close to Azim-abad; from whence he sent orders to put the citadel in repair, having appointed Mahmed-amin-qhan, with a fresh body of troops, for its defence. A few days after that, on hearing that the English had possessed themselves of the fortress of Mongher by treason, his temper, soured by misfortunes and perfidies, broke all bounds.
22.7.5
Incensed beyond measure at so unexpected a reverse, and mistrusting the future still more than the past, he gave orders to Somro, the European, to put to death all the prisoners of that nation ; and that man, of a flint-like heart, without any regard to the ties which bound him to those unfortunates, who were of the same Christian religion with him, accepted the commission without horror, and without reluctance. That stony man repaired to the house, then called Hadji-ahmed's, where those ill-fated people were confined, (and which having become the burying-ground of the English since that day, has had its name altered accordingly) ; and without the least hesitation, or the least remorse, he ordered all those unarmed men to be killed with musket-balls. It is reported, that in such a moment of distress and perturbation, those unfortunate men, without losing courage, marched up to their murderers, and, with empty bottles, and stones, and brickbats, fought them to the last man, until they were all killed. It appears, that two or three days before this event, they had contrived, by the means of their servants, to procure abroad a number of muskets equal to their number, with ammunition sufficient for their purpose. But they did not come to hand; for, had they succeeded in this attempt, they were resolved to make their escape by main force; and if not, to kill so many men in their own defence, as should avenge their death, and do honour to their memory.
22.7.6
Of all the prisoners, not a man remained alive, save Doctor Fullarton, who, by assisting professionally most of the Grandees of the Court, had endeared himself to them; he even had Mir-cassem himself for an acquaintance and friend. The next morning after the massacre, of which as yet I knew nothing, I went to Court, and, after a stay of one hour, I got up to pay my bow and to be gone. Stay, said the Navvab, your friend is coming. As I knew nothing of what had happened, I could not help asking with surprise, who was that friend, and from whence he came? The Navvab answered, Well, you may go, I shall send for you again. On this answer I returned to my tents, which were in Aaly-hibrahim-qhan's compound, and I sate down full dressed, expecting to be sent for again. In a little time, a mace-bearer came to tell me that I was wanted. I went immediately, and was hardly seated in the Navvab's presence, when I descried Doctor Fullarton coming. He wore an Hindostany dress, and presented, in compliance with the custom of these countries, a few rupees, in nuzur, to the Navvab. The latter declined taking them, and graciously added these words: There was no such custom between you and me hitherto; and, having embraced him, he bid him go and sit by his friend. The Doctor came, and seated himself close to me. A moment after, the Navvab looking at him steadfastly, uttered these words: Fraud with friends and treason with acquaintances! What did you mean by that?
22.7.7
You have received under your roof within the town, a number of armed men, as sick; and have let them out again the night in which they have surprised the city walls. The Doctor, without the least dismay or fear, answered in a firm tone of voice, My Lord Navvab, I do not fear death. You have killed all those countrymen of mine. Do kill me, likewise; you may, you are the master. But never will I admit that I am guilty of treason. I have not done that. If it be proved against me, I am content even now that you order me to be put to death. After saying these words, he chanced to spy Akyidet-mend-qhan, brother to the famous Emir-qhan, who was sitting over against him, a nobleman, whose house at Azim-abad was parted from that of the Doctor's only by a wall. "That nobleman," said the Doctor, again, "is my neighbour. Ask him; inquire from whom you please." As really the accusation, had no foundation, the nobleman in question vouched for the Doctor's innocence, and said, that the Doctor was not guilty. On this assertion, the Navvab paused again, and putting on an air of kindness, he bade him go to Calcutta, if he had a mind to it; or else, he might remain with him. The Doctor had the prudence to decline going to Calcutta. The Navvab intended to avail himself of his mediation to renew with Governor Vansittart, and to come to some accommodation. But, on observing his reluctance, he turned to me, and said.
22.7.8
The man must be given to understand — but you shall do that when you are by yourselves. The word, by yourselves, gave me some concern, lest I might fall under the imputation of having advised something contrary to his will. But yet, obliged to comply with his commands, I took the Doctor behind a curtain, and spoke to him as I had been directed. The man shook his head, and said, "That after Mr. Amyatt's murder, it was impossible to think of peace, and, over and above that, all his countrymen had been put to death last night." This conversation I reported to the Navvab, who calling the Doctor up, desired Aaly-hibrahim-qhan and myself, to sit close to him, as associates in the consultation. The Doctor answered again, "All that is utterly impossible; first, because the army which actually is on the road, will not suffer me to pass; but, on the supposition that I shall find no obstacle, still my going would answer no purpose at all. The murder of Mr. Amyatt, a man quite innocent, is so infamous an action, as will for ever render ineffectual every proposal for an accommodation." At these words, the Navvab himself, who had now totally despaired of success, remained silent. A moment after, he said. Since you cannot go, you may remain where you please. The Doctor replied, that wherever His Highness should bid him remain, there he would find himself very well.
22.7.9
At last the Navvab made him over to Aaly-hibrahim-qhan, and bid him take care of his friend, and provide lodgings for him in the city, with the precaution, however, of putting some trusty persons at the door, to prevent his having any intercourse abroad; and, he added, that he must take a security from the Doctor. The latter, on being informed of the Navvab's order, produced Mirza-himmet-aaly for security; and this nobleman acknowledged himself as such by a writing under his hand and seal. A lodging being provided for the Doctor, proper persons were appointed at his gate. Two days after Mirza-himmet-aaly, with Aaly-hibrahim-qhan's consent, applied to the Navvab for their removal; and the latter having consented, the Doctor remained at full liberty. But this Prince hearing now that the English, after having taken the castle of Mongher, were marching towards Azim-abad, thought proper to quit his station at Djaafer-qhan's garden, and, marching to the other side of the city, he encamped at Poholvary. Mongher was taken in the following manner: The English laid siege to the castle; and Areb-aaly-qhan, the Governor, who was naturally a coward, and one who augured no good from his master's affairs, sent them word, that if they would give him a sum of money, he would surrender the fortress. The English, who were anxious to pursue Mir-cassem, consented to what he asked; and a certain sum having been paid the man, he gained the garrison to his party, and surrendered the place.
22.7.10
The English put a garrison into it, and marched to Azim-abad; but Mir-cassem not thinking it prudent to remain so near the enemy, advanced towards Bucrem, a town at eleven cosses from Azim-abad, and now reduced to ruins, where he encamped. From that camp he had the advantage of being master of the western gate of the city, which was covered by a wet ditch, and that of keeping open his communication with that fortress, to which he could occasionally send troops for its defence; for, he was sensible that the English could not turn the city, as the southern part of it was defended by a lake full of water. It was at this time likewise, that Ahmed-qhan-coreishy, who, since Ram-narain's confinement, had always been in disgrace, was sent for again, and taken into favour. His estate and lands were restored to him, and he even received some money to repay his charges. It was at this time also that Mir-abboo, son to Mir-cudret-ollah, and grandson to Sheh-shukur-ollah, the Cadyrain, rose into favour. He had hitherto lived neglected and in disgrace, on account of his connections with Mir-djaafer-qhan; when, by one of the most strange revolutions that can be conceived, he was sent for, and raised so high, that he aspired at ten times more credit and authority, than had fallen to the lot of Gurghin-qhan himself. He thought himself equal to the task of propping and shoring up the tottering edifice of Mir-cassem's prosperity;
22.7.11
and he applied himself intensely to the business of disciplining the army, and defending Azim-abad; to which he used often to repair. The troops, observing his rising favour, accustomed themselves to respect his person, and to avail themselves of his recommendation in their applications to their master. This new favourite, one day, having found a favourable moment, observed to the Navvab, that it was improper to leave the Doctor, in the power of Aaly-hibrahim-qhan's people. Mir-cassem, who was now become more suspicious than ever, and stood like a blank sheet of paper, ready to receive any impression that might be stamped thereon, said to Aaly-hibrahim-qhan, that he must now make the Doctor over to others. The Qhan answered, "That His Highness, probably, did not recollect, that the day when the Doctor had found a security, he had himself ordered his guards to be dismissed; upon which order," added he, "I withdrew a few people of my own, whom I had appointed to watch over his person; and now, whatever your commands may be, will not fail to be obeyed." This conversation of the Navvab's having been imparted underhand by the Qhan to the Doctor, the latter, who saw his guards changed, suspected that something was in agitation against his person; and he thought it high time to contrive some expedient by which he might extricate himself.
22.7.12
Having found means to procure some people for himself, he would not admit Mir-abboo's guards within the house, under pretence, that without an order from the Navvab, he could not follow them. Mir-abboo having availed himself of these words to attack the Doctor's character, got some spies, or harcaras, and some considerable officers residing in town, to subscribe a paper, by which they attested that Aaly-hibrahim-qhan, in defiance of the order of His Highness, had not made the Doctor over to Mir-abboo. Mir-cassem, who was fully sensible of the declension of his fortune, and knew how much reproachful words would seem to be out of season, contented himself with mentioning the Doctor's plea. The Qhan answered, that he had from the very first order recalled his own people, and left the Doctor to himself. "Let "then whoever pretends to be my servant," added he, "be "brought hither and examined; and let him be punished as "a liar and impostor, by Mir-abboo's people." The Doctor, whilst those disputes were taking place at camp, was gone to the Dutch factory; where, having prevailed by dint of money on the Master of an old condemned boat, to ferry him over to Hadjipoor, where there were some English troops, he got into that crazy vessel with Mirza-himmet-ally, his security, and put off from shore. On sight of this, the guards appointed to prevent any boat from crossing over, or even from moving at all, made haste to embark in other boats, and they went in pursuit of her.
22.7.13
But the Doctor was already in the middle of the river, where, being spied by the English on the other side of the water, who saw distinctly a crazy boat endeavouring to make her escape, they threw themselves into some boats at hand, and flew to his assistance; so that the guards being intimidated by this appearance, returned, and left the Doctor at liberty to land amongst his friends. The Navvab, hearing of this escape, ascribed the whole contrivance to Aaly-hibrahim-qhan; but the times were not favourable for such an inquiry.