Pramāṇa · Search · About · API

Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 24: SECTION XII.

A Translation of the Seir Mutaqherin (Haji Mustafa) 24

Language
English

Contents

SECTION XII.

24.1.1

Sabut-djung, now Lord Clive, is coming to Bengal with an absolute authority— Nedjm-ed-dowlah, alias Mir-pahlovy, succeeds to his father, Mir-djaafer-qhan— Nand-comar, his Prime Minister, is dismissed by Lord Clive, who introduces Mahmed-reza-qhan in his stead, and acts everywhere as a despot— He attacks Johnstone's and Middleton's conduct, and is vigorously repulsed— Billers, Chief of Azim-abad, frightened by Lord Clive, kills himself— Doctor Fullerton dismissed the service— Some account of Mirza-cazem-qhan— Lord Clive goes to Ilah-abad, where he obliges the Emperor to invest the English Company with the Divani or Divanship of the three Provinces— Insolence of Colonel Usmut (Richard Smith)— Lord Clive returns— Changes and promotions throughout Bengal— Lenity and generosity of the English towards the Land-holders of Bengal— The young Navvab dies suddenly and unaccountably— He is succeeded by his brother, Seif-ed-dowlah, alias Mir-candya, who also dies suddenly— Death of the author's father, the Vezir Hedaiet-aaly-qhan— Shytab-ray, Viceroy of Azim-abad— Discovers strange mismanagements in Durdj-narain's administration— Lord Clive makes a second journey to Azim-abad, and secures Radja Belvent-sing's situation by a treaty— He returns to England, fully bent on impeaching Governor Vansittart— M.

24.1.2

Verls (Verelst) succeeds to the government of Bengal— New regulations with respect to finances, police, and justice — Famine and mortality all over Bengal — Mubarec-ed-dowlah, third son to Mir-djaafer, nominal Nazem of Bengal — Intrigues at his Court — Oblique hints against Mahmed-reza-qhan — A strange way of distributing justice — Severe insinuations against Mahmed-reza-qhan — Strange character of Roh-eddin-hossein-qhan, Governor of Pûraniah — The Council resolve to investigate the finances to the bottom — Bengal divided in six Districts — Charges exhibited in England against Vansittart by Lord Clive — Vigorously repelled by Vansittart — Who is sent back with honour to Bengal — Mester-hushtin-bahadyr arrives in Calcutta, where he spends ninety days and ninety nights in perusing records — Mahmed-reza-qhan arrested — Shytab-ray arrested — The Nazem of Bengal's allowance reduced from twenty-four to sixteen lacs a year — Shytab-ray honourably acquitted, and sent back to resume his office — Dies of a broken heart — Brilliant character of his — Horrible famine at Azim-abad, and generosity of Shytab-ray's in that trying occasion — Curious anecdotes about Shitab-ray — Dies a Musulman in his heart — Mahmed-reza-qhan released from his confinement — Arrival of General Clavering, and Colonel Monson, and M. Francis.

24.1.3

The diary of Mir-djaafer-qhan's government and life had been already closed by the hand of destiny, when intelligence arrived in Bengal, that the renowned Lord Clive, that man so much tried in war, was coming from the country of England with an absolute authority over the provinces of Bengal and Azim-abad. As such an intelligence had nothing pleasing for Governor Vansittart, and he did not think his presence convenable in Calcutta at such a time, he set out for England some time before that nobleman could arrive, and left the remaining gentlemen of the Council to regulate and settle, as Sovereigns, such business as concerned the Government. And these determined that Nedjm-ed-dowlah, heretofore known under the name of Mir-pahlory, eldest son to Mir-djaafer-qhan by Munny-begum, should succeed to his father in the power of loosing and binding every business of Government and sovereignty with the advice of the gentlemen of the Council. When this matter came to be settled at Calcutta, Mr. Middleton, Chief of Moorshood-abad, and Mr. Djonson (Johnstone), Chief at Bardevan, went to the palace, and ordered Nedjm-ed-dowlah to take his seat on the mesned of sovereignty; a favour for which this Prince shewed his gratitude by respectfully presenting them with such a sum of money as had been agreed upon. And for some time he acted as absolute Governor, having Nand-comar for his Divan, a Minister who became the centre of all the private and public business of his master's in Bengal.

24.1.4

Mir-mahmed-cazem-qhan, brother to Mir-djaafer-qhan, was appointed Governor of the province of Azim-abad on the part of his nephew, and Radja Durdj-narain, brother to Ram-narain, was named his Divan or Prime Minister. Shytab-ray seemed to have been forgotten in this arrangement. He enjoyed already the office of Divan of the Bahar, on the part of the Emperor; and he had such connections with all the English, and specially with General Carnac, the Commander-in-Chief, that Shudja-ed-dowlah thought proper to take advice from the times, and to make him a present of a District about Azim-gur and Djohonpoor, called Mahoo, which produced more than one lac of rupees a year; and this he gave him as a free-hold or Djaghir. Some little time passed in this manner, when Nand-comar, with whom Henry Vansittart had been much dissatisfied, was sent for to Calcutta by the gentlemen of the Council, but not dismissed from his office, where his dependants continued to exercise full authority in his name. This Governor had set down in writing this man's misdemeanours and bad qualities; and he had got those sheets bound in the form of a book which he left in the hands of his brother, George Vansittart Hooshiar-djung, with orders to produce it in Council, and to read it completely, whenever Lord Clive should come, and take his seat. The Council struck with the contents of that memoir, forbade Nand-comar from stirring out of the city of Calcutta, but did not choose to dismiss him from his office;

24.1.5

because that Minister some time after the revolution that had overset Seradj-ed-dowlah to set Mir-djaafer-qhan in his stead, had served Lord Clive as his Moonshy or Secretary, and also as his Divan or Minister, at a time when that Lord was yet only Colonel Clive; and likewise because this Divan had from thence conceived mighty hopes that his power and influence would receive a great accession on that nobleman's arrival in Bengal. Matters remained on that footing until Lord Clive arrived himself; when George Vansittart producing in full Council the book written by his brother, read it to that nobleman, word by word; and although the new Viceroy had intentions to oblige Nand-comar, yet such was the impression made upon him by the light thrown on that Minister's misdemeanours and character, that he altered his opinion of him at once, and dismissed him from his office, with injunctions not to stir out of the city and precincts of Calcutta. Nand-comar's downfall made room for Mahmed-reza-qhan, son to the Physician Haddy-qhan-akuly, of Shiraz, a man who upon Mir-djaafer-qhan's second accession to the mesned, had been made Deputy Governor of the province of Dacca. This man came at once upon the stage of the world, in order to become by the mere force of his destiny the favourite object of boundless favours and endless graces from Lord Clive.

24.1.6

He was recommended to the Deputyship of Nedjm-ed-dowlah's by that nobleman, who heaped honours and favours upon him, and gave him an absolute authority over his master in whatever concerned the Government; an office which made him the centre of all business, public and private. At the same time he procured for him the titles of Mahmed-reza-qhan the Valiant, ever Victorious in War; and little by little he obtained for him the further titles of the Eminent of the State, the Foremost of the Kingdom, and Lord of Lords. To these was added the privilege of riding in a Naleky, which in Hindostan is a distinction reserved to Sovereigns. It must be observed that, when the intelligence arrived in England of the revolution effected in favour of Mir-cassem-qhan, and of the troubles that had been the consequences of it, the people of that country conceived such fears for the Company's safety, and fancied their affairs to be so teeming with mighty difficulties, that they thought no one equal to the task of re-establishing the Company's affairs, and quieting the country, but Lord Clive himself. And as such a commission was in their opinion an object of mighty importance and difficulty, they thought it incumbent upon themselves to make some amends to that Commander, by promoting him at once from the station of simple Colonel, to the dignity and title of Lord, which in England and London answers to the dignity of Omrah, in Hindostan.

24.1.7

He was furnished at the same time with such ample powers, and such an extensive authority, that no Governor to this very day has ever been invested with so unbounded an influence, unless it be the valiant Navvab Mr. Hushtin, who is the prop of the State, and the daring in war and in battles; and who by surpassing even Lord Clive himself in dignity and importance, can have no equal or companion either in Hindostan or in Europe, and really deserves all that elevation. Lord Clive in taking the steps he had taken, or indeed in any business whatever, was not bound to deliberate with a Council. Looking upon no man to be his equal, he made no account of any one, whether Hindian or English; and to give a specimen of his power, he first of all informed Djanson and Middleton, that they had done properly in placing Nedjm-ed-dowlah in his father's station; but that they had acted very improperly and very unjustly, in taxing money from him. He added, that such a sum must be accounted for by charging it to the Company's credit. To this requisition, the two gentlemen answered, first of all, by sending in their resignation, and then by declaring openly, "That so long as they were in the Company's service, they were bound to obey his commands, but now that they had resigned it, they had no further orders to receive from him; and that, if he had any thing to say to them, he must say it in the Royal Court of Justice.

24.1.8

That as to his injunctions for refunding the money they had received, they would be ready to submit to such a measure, and to refund the two small sums they had received from Nedjm-ed-dowlah, whenever "himself should think it proper to pay into the same treasury "the enormous sums he had received from Nedjm-ed-dowlah's "father, at the time he had placed him on Seradj-ed-dowlah's "mesned." Lord Clive on hearing so resolute and so undisguised an answer, and on finding that they had resigned the service, did not dare to enter into any discussion with them, and he remained silent. Djanson himself went home; but Middleton who had been long in Hindia, addicted himself to a mercantile life; and after some time he found means to be readmitted in the service, where he became Chief of Moorshood-abad; when his last moment arriving, he died at Painty, a spot near Shah-abad, midway betwixt Azim-abad and Moorshood-abad. He was entombed on that very hill of Painty, where his monument is seen from afar. In his nation he bears a celebrity for goodness of heart and much benevolence. But supposing that he was a man of much goodness, nevertheless there was no comparing him in genius and many other good qualities to Doctor William Fullerton; nor in bravery and military abilities, as well as firmness in friendship and steadiness of temper to Colonel Godard;

24.1.9

nor in wisdom of conduct, or attention to the rights of friendship and love, or in knowledge and keenness in the intricacies of business and government, to George Vansittart; nor in goodness and in civility and many other qualifications to Mr. Aayoun-Law and Mr. Thomas-Law, who was younger brother to Mr. Ayoun-Law, and equal to his elder brother, in merit. Nor was Baaloo Sahab inferior to them. But Tamsan Sahab was incomparable in many valuable qualifications; and so were Mr. Anderson and Mr. Elliott, two young men who had no equal in the very perfection of wisdom, civility, and kindness, and in the whole assemblage of whatever could conciliate respect or love to a character. It is even reported of Mr. Anderson's younger brother, that he is equal to his elder brother, and in some sciences, such as the Mathematics, his superior. Few men equal to these have been seen in that nation; for although some other English characters are spoken of with encomiums, yet as I never had any business or connections with them, I have not sufficient knowledge to write of them.

24.2.1

It was about this time that Mr. Billers succeeded in right of seniority to the Chief-ship of Azim-abad. He was a man of little understanding, and on that account, much inclined to submit to the guidance of Mr. Middleton and Mr. Djonson. On his being appointed, he went from the garden of Bauky-poor, the then residence of every English ruler, and having traversed the city in great pomp and state, he proceeded to the castle where he ordered Mir-cazem-qhan to take his seat on the mesned of government, as Viceroy of the province of Bahar. This installation produced him a sum of money; but as at the same time he listened implicitly to the dictates and instigations of some Gentoos, as senseless as himself, he became himself guilty of some improper actions, which rendered him distracted when he came to hear of Lord Clive's arrival, and of his great power and severity. He was seized with consternation on his past conduct, and killed himself with his own sword. He was buried in that very garden of Bauky-poor where he has remained ever since, a standing stock for the reflections of his own countrymen.

24.2.2

But it was General Carnac who enjoyed now the full sunshine of favour. He had these many years enjoyed the friendship and confidence of Lord Clive's; and he became now the principal manager of his politics and government, as well as the centre of all business, public and private. He had been heretofore a warm friend of Doctor Fullerton's; but having become his sworn enemy, he had put some matters into Lord Clive's mind, that made him dismiss the Doctor from the service. This gentleman after taking an affectionate leave of his friends, by whom he was exceedingly regretted, set out for his country, from which he promised to come back again, on his being able to obtain certain conditions and stipulations for himself. It appears that his intention did not tally with the decrees of Providence; for he has not yet appeared, although there is intelligence of his being alive and in health. Wherever he may be, God, Almighty, preserve him in peace of mind. Lord Clive's first care, after his arrival in Calcutta, was to take cognizance of some pressing business, and to settle some important regulations. After those arrangements, he resolved to repair to Ilah-abad, in order to carry certain points which he had settled in his mind;

24.2.3

and the Vezir himself, on that nobleman's invitation, and that of General Carnac's, quitted Faiz-abad, his capital, and took the road to Ilah-abad, being much encouraged thereto by the insinuations of Shytab-ray's, who was the harbinger of peace between the different parties. There appeared at this time a certain person called Mirza-cazem-qhan, a Persian born, who by marrying in the family of Hassen-reza-qhan, grandson of Hadji-ahmed, had acquired many friends, and in time had been promoted to the government of the District of Sarseram and Chain-poor, through the interest of Aaly-hibrahim-qhan. As Lord Clive had once known him when in Decan, he now remembered his acquaintance, made him an object of boundless favors and high preferment, presented him with one lac of rupees contant, and admitted him so far amongst his favourites, that to all appearance it is to his interest and management that Mahmed-reza-qhan owes his elevation to the summit of power. The latter wanted to return the obligation; and as he could not bear to see Shytab-ray's extensive influence, and his participation in every secret of State, he recommended the new favourite as an able negotiator; his intention being to supplant Shytab-ray in the future negotiation with the King and the Vezir. This matter had even been settled with Lord Clive, without the General's knowledge; and it was with this view that the Mirza had accompanied that Lord in his journey to Hindostan.

24.2.4

But that nobleman, who on his arrival at Azim-abad, had maturely examined Mir-cazem-qhan, the actual Governor, and Durdj-narain, his deputy, as well as Shytab-ray; and had weighed their several degrees of merit and capacity in the scales of discernment and penetration; soon came to take his resolution in favour of the latter, whom he desired to accompany him in his journey; his intention being to make use of him as an agent and a go-between in the ensuing negotiation. As to the actual Governor, Mir-cazem-qhan, he found him to be a man simple and plain, but unfit for so weighty an office as the government of Azim-abad. He even seemed to listen to the proposals of Durdj-narain's, who actuated by avarice and covetousness, wanted to be the sole disposer of all the affairs of Government to the exclusion of his benefactor. This Gentoo, unmindful of all the obligations he owed both to the above nobleman, and to his elder brother, Mir-djaafer-qhan, thought only of advancing his own affairs under pretence of promoting his master's interest; and he went so far as to lay claim to the administration of the province in his own and sole name. Lord Clive who did not think the hurry of a voyage a fit time for dismissions and appointments, left the matter undecided; and taking Shytab-ray with him, he journeyed to Ilah-abad, where he had the honor to pay his respects to the Emperor. After which he visited the Vezir;

24.2.5

and having exchanged with him some sumptuous entertainments and several curious and magnificent presents, he explained the project he had in his mind, and asked that the Company should be invested with the Divan-ship of the three Provinces of Bengal, Bahar and Ooressa, of which office he requested the proper Patents from the Vezir and the Emperor. As both the Emperor and the Vezir were already in their minds subdued by the superior courage and prowess of the English, as well as overawed by the strength of mind and penetration of Lord Clive's (two articles in which they were greatly overmatched), they were obliged to grant the request, although reluctantly. Having therefore ordered the Seneds or Patents to be drawn up in the manner that had been desired, they delivered them in the hands of Lord Clive's. By these Patents twenty-four lacs a year were settled as the Imperial tribute, or quit-rent over the three provinces, for the future; and the Company's acknowledgment and bond for the same, which are the owner's voucher, were drawn up under their seal, and entered in the Imperial registers.

24.2.6

Thus a business of such a magnitude, as left neither pretence nor subterfuge, and which at any other time would have required the sending wise Ambassadors and able negotiators, as well as a deal of parley and conference with the Company and the King of England, and much negotiation and contention with the Ministers, was done and finished in less time than would have been taken up for the sale of a jack-ass, or of a beast of burden, or of a head of cattle. The Lord having accomplished his purpose, returned to the seat of his command, which is called Calcutta; and left for his Agent at the Emperor's Court, Colonel Usmutt (Smith), who after the Lord's departure for England, received the title of General, and became entrusted with the command of the English army. His office was only that of an Agent near the Emperor's person, but in fact he was his master and Lord to all intents and purposes; and he was himself so sensible of his power, that he took his abode within the castle, and in the Imperial Palace, whilst the Emperor was obliged to remain without ; where to conceal his shame, he amused himself in finishing with brick and stone, some buildings which he had heretofore commenced. But even there he was not free from insult. For the Colonel one day being displeased at the noise which the Imperial kettle-drums and other warlike instruments made in the place appointed for them over the gate of the castle, sent them order to cease, and forbade their playing any more ;

24.2.7

with which order those poor men thought proper to comply, and henceforward they remained without performing their duty and without bread. Verse — " Have patience ; every one shall have his turn for five days." As to Mirza-cazem's views of supplanting Shytab-ray in the business of speaker or Agent of Lord Clive's, they totally miscarried. Shytab-ray's good manners, and flowing language, together with his penetration, and keenness of genius, had gained so much on the Lord's heart ; and he had impressed his mind with so deep a sense of gratitude for the services he had rendered the Company and the English Commanders, to whom he bore a sincere attachment, that Mirza-cazem missed the office which he aimed at, and returned with his protector without obtaining his ends. However, he became instrumental in putting an end to Aaly-hibrahim-qhan's exile. For although this nobleman enjoyed much consideration with the Vezir and his Minister, nevertheless he lived uneasy on account of his being deprived of his friends and country ; and he became now desirous of returning to Bengal, chiefly through the persuasion of the said Mirza. This gentleman, who remembered how instrumental that refugee nobleman had once been in screening him from the blaze of Mir-cassem's resentment ;

24.2.8

and how much he was indebted to a patronage that had sheltered him so effectually from the scorching rays of that burning sun, so as to bear him harmless and in the very palm of his hand, now thought it incumbent upon him to make a return for those important benefits. He therefore presented him to Lord Clive and the General, and obtained permission for his return to Moorshood-abad; to which city the Qhan was strongly inclined, on account of his long residence in it, and the number of friends and acquaintances he had there. He set out then with Mirza-cazem, and was received amongst the favourites and friends of Mahmed-reza-qhan's. But although he was treated with much honour and regard, he was not held in that high consideration which he deserved.

24.3.1

Lord Clive being returned to Azim-abad, dismissed Mir-cazem-qhan from the government of that province, and appointed in his stead Rajah-Durdj-narain, as sole Governor, with full power for loosing and binding every thing all over the country. Nevertheless, he assigned to Mir-cazem-qhan a yearly pension of one lac; and this nobleman went and took up his residence at Radj-mahal-ecber-nagar, where he had been born and bred, and where the easiness of his temper made him keep clear of all strife and contention, contenting himself with passing his days in quiet and affluence, by which he acquired the name of a good-natured man. But Durdj-narain, as if in retribution for the ingratitude and underhand dealing with which he had used the poor man, his master and benefactor, was in a few days put to a deal of shame, and dismissed from his office with disgrace. Insomuch that this man who had been endeavouring to raise himself to the sole government of the province at the expense of his master, lost both his character and life, as we shall shortly mention in its proper place. Lord Clive after a few days' stay at Azim-abad, repaired to Calcutta, where he settled to his own mind every part of the administration. He associated Mr. Sykes to himself in the business of regulating matters of revenue, for which purpose he appointed him Chief of Moorshood-abad, whilst the late Djessaret-qhan was appointed to the government of the province of Dacca-djehan-ghir-nagar.

24.3.2

But the country of Bardevan was taken out of the hands of the Hindians, and entrusted to the care of two or three trusty and approved Englishmen. Roh-eddin-hossein-qhan, son to Seif-qhan, and grandson to Umdet-el-mulk-emir-qhan, Governor of Cabul, was continued in his Government of Purniah. He had chanced in a swift Morpanky to overtake Lord Clive about Shah-abad and Painty, whilst the latter was going up in the heighth of the rains; and he had rendered so satisfactory an account of his conduct, that he had been confirmed in his post, with orders to send the product of his government, which did not amount to more than six or seven lacs a year, to the Cachery or Exchequer of Moorshood-abad, as it had been customary formerly. But such was this man's ignorance of business, and his natural sloth; and such was his prepossession in favour of that ungrateful, faithless favourite of his, called Asker-aaly-qhan, who was son of his father's Pir-zada or director, and whom he had entrusted with the management of all his concerns, small or great, public or private, that in two or three years' time, he lost his office and appointment, as it shall be mentioned hereafter. As to the Djaghirs, Altum-gahs, Free-holds, and private possessions of several people, which had always been held free both by Aaly-verdy-qhan, and by his successors, who never made any objections to their privileges, they were respected by the English, who following that example of lenity, left them unmolested;

24.3.3

nor was any injury or chicane offered to a single man amongst the possessors. This proved to be one of the tokens of Divine goodness, and one mark of English munificence; for had it not been for that lenity, all was over with the ancient nobility and gentry of this land; nor could any one of them pretend to live a single day in it even under the bare canopy of heaven. The English did even more. For the revolutions and alterations which resulted from the changes of the Emperors, and which the wonted faithlessness of men in office had rendered almost certain and unavoidable, were now put an end to by these strangers, who established it as a standing rule, that whoever was actual possessor of a spot of land, should remain in possession of it forever; and that after him it should devolve to his posterity. Thanks be to God Almighty, that matters have remained on that footing; and that it is become customary and established, that those who satisfied with little, have let themselves down the scanty stream of resignation and contentment, should be suffered to glide safely in it with their children and families; and may God grant out of His goodness that we may meet with no worse times than these!

24.3.4

It must be mentioned that Lord Clive, after a short stay at Moor-shood-abad, had landed in the garden of Saadut-bagh on his way to Ilah-abad, where he had been complimented by Nedjm-ed-dowlah and Mahmed-reza-qhan, who had accompanied him so far. On Lord Clive's departure, these noble persons were returning to their palaces, when on a sudden, Nedjm-ed-dowlah was assaulted by some sharp pains in his bowels, which finding no vent at all, became so excruciating, that the young Navvab on his alighting at his palace, departed this life. It was on the twenty-fourth of Zilcaad, in the year of the Hedjra one thousand one hundred and seventy-nine. He was succeeded in the government of the country by Seif-ed-dowlah, his second brother, a young man of gentle manners, and who shewed himself inclined to do good and to oblige; but he too in a few days hastily quitted his life and government, leaving a good name behind. His power did not extend far; but so far as it went, he never suffered it to fail, whenever there was an act of benevolence and commiseration to be performed. Shytab-ray had attended Lord Clive to Ilah-abad by order; but on that nobleman's departure from thence, he of his own accord took his leave for a certain time, under promise of returning soon, as he had some particular business of his own.

24.3.5

As to my forgiven father, he was so dissatisfied with the complexion of the times, and the contempt in which the Majesty of the Empire was held, that he had chosen to live retired, and satisfied, upon that small Djaghir or estate which he possessed in this province from ancient times; and from whence he used now and then to repair to Azim-abad for the purpose of paying one or two visits to whoever happened to be seated on the mesned of Government. For he thought it expedient to be upon some terms with the men in office, lest he should be molested by those men who lived by wickedness; and it was on that account, that he had come to Azim-abad to wait on Lord Clive. But that Viceroy, who always travelled in haste, having already quitted that city, my forgiven father went no farther, but sent Seyd-aaly-qhan, my brother, who was a great friend of Rabia-begum's (mother-in-law to Mahmed-reza-qhan). His intention was that he should accompany Shytab-ray, to which last he wrote a letter, intimating the design he had in view in sending his son; for he requested his assistance in such matters as depended on the Nizamet, that is, on the interference of the Navvab and of the English. He informed him at the same time that he had sent his son for the purpose of procuring some Seneds or Patents under the Navvab's seal.

24.3.6

The style of the letter was of so conciliating a nature, that Shytab-ray, who possessed much sense and good nature, and knew how to rate every one's worth and station, answered it with particular marks of civility and good will, promising his services and assistance with the best grace imaginable. My forgiven father, on this promise, sent the harcara or head-spy, Moorly-dur, who was one of the Columns of the Government of Azim-abad, a man of keenness and abilities, who had orders to attend Shytab-ray; and Seyd-aaly-qhan himself was ordered to attend them both; for which purpose he went with them as far as Moorshood-abad. On Shytab-rays arrival at Calcutta, Lord Clive, by the General's advice, proposed to attach him to his person, by employing him in whatever was relative to matters of finance and government. Shytab-ray, who was sensible how much exposed he was to the shafts of envy and obloquy, and who wished to shew his resignation and want of pretensions, brought many reasons forward for excusing his backwardness, but he was not heard; and the Viceroy insisted so earnestly, that Shytab-ray was obliged to acknowledge his being ill of a distemper, which was looked upon to be a confirmed lues. On this intelligence, he was made over to Lord Clive's body Physician and Doctor, who was ordered and bound to attend Shytab-ray.

24.3.7

The Doctor applied himself to his task so earnestly, that his patient's distemper which had risen to its heighth, and raged with so much violence as to prevent all bodily motion, especially that of the joints in the legs and arms, was totally expelled and put an end to, by only rubbing the parts with a remedy composed of quick-silver and hog's fat. It disappeared so intirely as not to leave a trace behind. Shytab-ray made the Doctor a present of ten thousand rupees; but as soon as he was in full health, he was promoted to the titles of Maha-radja and Bahadyr, to the high rank of Commander of five thousand horse, and to an allowance of twenty-five thousand rupees per month for the expenses of his Government, besides five thousand more for his own person. Over and above that, he was complimented with an enlargement of his Djaghir, and likewise with a more extensive share of influence in the management of Government matters, in which he was associated to Durdj-narain and to Mr. Middleton, which last was Chief of the factory of Azim-abad. Moreover he was entrusted with the use of Seif-ed-dowlah's Seal, who was reputed Nazem of all the three Provinces; after which he was ordered to return to his office.

24.4.1

As to my forgiven father's business, it was performed to his own wishes by the exertions of Seyd-aaly-qhan, my glorious brother, and by the patronage of Rabiah-begum, his patroness, even some time before Shytab-ray had returned to the city of Moorshood-abad. During all this time I was by Doctor Fullerton's recommendation an attendant on Mr. Sage, one of the ablest and most considerable Englishmen of that time, who conducted all the business of Banares. Moreover, I enjoyed in that city the honour of paying a respectful attendance to the most perfect, and glorious, Sheh-mahmed-aaly-hezin, (whom God may place amongst the highest of his elect!) My forgiven father was residing with his whole family, relations, dependants, and retinue at Hossein-abad, a town which he had founded and built on his Djaghir-lands; when at once, and without any apparent cause, his holy person resented a slight indisposition, which soon became a continuous fever. It is reported that it struck into his brain like a fit of apoplexy. His senses, however, and understanding were little impaired. Nevertheless the twelfth day after his first indisposition, it being a Sunday, the third of the second Djemady, of the year one thousand one hundred and seventy-nine of the Prophet's retreat (on whom may be peace and blessing for ever!) he was pleased to depart to the merciful mansions of the Omnipotent King, and was inhumed in the town which he had founded.

24.4.2

May God's mercy be over him, and may he be admitted into the mansions of the pious and virtuous! This doleful intelligence was brought to me at Banares by an express dispatched by my glorious mother (whose shadow may long continue to stretch over me!) I received likewise repeated and pressing letters from my kind brother, Naky-aaly-qhan-fahr-ed-dowlah, and from some other relations and kinsmen, who all requested my presence instantly. This intelligence having overset my schemes, I discontinued my attendance on Mr. Sage, and proceeded to Hossein-abad. The venerable just whom I have just been mentioning, and upon whom I had hitherto waited so respectuously and so constantly, was dissuading me from that journey. "A little time more," would he say, "and I will quit this fragile world. I wish that at that moment you may not be asunder from me." These words melted my heart. But the importunities of my mother, and of those that survived my forgiven father, together with the feebleness of my own destiny, did not allow my obeying commands so worthy of obedience, or of reaping the advantages of my attendance on that venerable man. Had I been able to stay, my attendance on him would have proved the greatest happiness of my life; but there is no helping the failures of one's destiny! Verses: "To those born to ill luck, of what use can be a complete guide?" "See! an Elia is bringing an Alexander thirsty from the fountain of life!"

24.4.3

At last I arrived at Hossein-abad; and on hearing of my forgiven father's demise, I proceeded to Moorshood-abad, where by good luck Shytab-ray and Seyd-aaly-qhan had chanced to make a stay, and had got the confirmation of my Djaghir's Patent, which was drawn up in the name of the lowest of men, who was the oldest of the forgiven's children; and they brought it to him on their return to Azim-abad. We left Shytab-ray on his way to take possession of his new office of Azim-abad. On his arrival in that city, he thought it incumbent on his wisdom and uprightness to make it a rule, that the conferences for business of Government and finances, should be held, neither in his own house nor in that of Durdj-narain's, but wholly in the Imperial Castle, which place had been time out of mind allotted for the assemblies of all such men as were in office, for all such as rented any land from Government, and for all such as had business with them. It was likewise established that the English Chief should repair thither at the appointed time, and be seated in a chair of State; and that over against him, on a long mesned spread on the ground for the occasion, Durdj-narain should be seated on one side, and Shytab-ray, on the other, with each a cushion of State on their back. That on every Patent drawn up, Durdj-narain should sign his daez at the bottom of it;

24.4.4

and that Shytab-ray should just by it, or below Nedjm-ed-dowlah's seal, write in his own hand, and with a flourish, the words, it has been seen. So much regularity could not please Durdj-narain, a man who prided on his having held the Government in his own single person, as well as on his relationship to Ram-narain; and who used to apply his own private seal to matters of business; and as he had no other overseer but his ownself, and he was known to have acted all along faithlessly in imitation of his deceased brother, and of all the other lessees, his predecessors, he felt himself much hurt by the new regulations, but however submitted to them. Hence his concurrence ceasing to be cordial, it increased the breach and dissensions between him and his colleague to such a degree, that the officers of Government split in two parties, one of which sided with Radja Shytab-ray, whilst the other continued as usual with Durdj-narain. Matters turned out much worse, when the public accounts became objects of attention. Shytab-ray being in duty bound to inspect the papers of the Divanship, or the management of finances, soon found that the estimates of the revenue had been very faithlessly made; and that in every transaction thousands and ten thousands had been withheld as perquisites of office, and as Nezers to Durdj-narain. On which liberties he adverted with much severity, as highly improper.

24.4.5

He therefore provided another set of lessees and renters of the revenue, who undertook to preserve the article of perquisites and Nezer-anas, over and above the full finance due to Government. On which offer he sent a message to Durdj-narain in these terms: "Either oblige the actual "incumbents to account fully for the late failures, or dismiss them, "and set up the new proposers in their stead." As in either case the incapacity and faithlessness of that man's would have come to light of themselves, to his great danger and shame; and there appeared likewise in the receipts of Government, and in the public expenses, much collusion and infidelity, Shytab-ray selected some trusty friends of Durdj-narain's, by whose channel he sent him notice that the public money must be replaced by all means, but that he wished it might be done in such a manner as should not tear the veil which hung over it. Meanwhile Moorly-dur, the harcara, who had joined Shytab-ray's party, being from longhand thoroughly acquainted with every minute circumstance relating to former transactions, was daily ripping open the lining from Durdj-narain's secrets, and exposing to view the inside of his cloth. But that infatuated man, trusting to so much merit as accrued to him from his brother Ram-narain's having been thrown into the Ganga for his thoughtless attachment to Mr. Amyatt and General Carnac, listened to no sober advice, and was full of excuses and pretences.

24.4.6

So far from attending to Shytab-ray's advice and reprimands, he would not hear even the surmises of his best friends; nor could he be made to understand, that the English, on that single merit of his brother's murder, would not carry their complaisance so far, as to let him enjoy as a Djaghir the whole revenue of the province; so that he should cut and carve for himself. The matter little by little taking vent, came to the knowledge of the Lord, of General Carnac's, and of the principal Englishmen, all of whom by several friendly messages had endeavoured to withdraw the cotton of sloth and neglect from out of Durdj-narain's ears, and all of whom had advised him to listen to Shytab-ray's proposals, to submit to his regulations, and to replace the balances he had incurred. To all these he used at every time to answer by a short letter of excuses. And matters remained on the usual footing, until Lord Clive, for what reason God knows, conceived in himself the design of returning home; but thought it expedient previously to renew his treaty and conventions with Shudjah-ed-dowlah, with whom he wished to finish some business, especially that which concerned Radja Balvant-sing, a Prince ill-affected in general, but who now was impressed with a singular dread of Shudjah-ed-dowlah's power and discontent. On the other hand, Shudjah-ed-dowlah himself wanted to meet the English Viceroy on many accounts.

24.4.7

All the parties then wishing for a parley, they agreed to meet at a place called Chaprah, and thither they directed their respective journeys; Lord Clive from Calcutta, the Vezir from Faiz-abad, Munnir-ed-dowlah from Ilah-abad, on the part of the Emperor, and the Radjah Balvant-sing from Banares. On Lord Clive's arrival near Azim-abad, Radjah Shytab-ray went out to meet him with such a state and such a retinue as he could afford. But Durdj-narain, who never thought but of his dignity and grandeur, came out of the city also, without once minding the balances he was adjudged to pay, or thinking how he might appease the Lord and his people; instead of that, he went to meet him with a deal of magnificence and pomp, and with a vast number of retainers. As soon as the two retinues were descried at a distance, such a sight could not fail to surprise both Lord Clive, and the English rulers, as they had repeatedly wrote to Durdj-narain, that unless he paid the balances due by him, he must not think of coming in the Viceroy's presence. That nobleman hearing now that he was actually coming, sent a messenger to forbid his advancing one step farther; and the messenger having delivered the message just as he had received it, stopped him short, and made him return back.

24.4.8

But as the injunction had been pronounced aloud, and in the presence of so many friends and foes, as well as of all those multitudes that had come out to meet or to see the Viceroy, it did not fail to cover that senseless and ill-fated man with confusion and shame. Shytab-ray, on the contrary, was admitted to the honor of the Lord's presence, and received with much regard and favour. Whereas Durdj-narain having drank from the hands of arrogance and inattention several glasses of wholesome, but bitter beverage, stopped short, and returned back; and now grown wiser from this rebuke, he in a short time provided for the payment of the outstanding balances, and soon obtained leave to make his bow; after which he mixed in the Viceroy's cortege, and passed the Ganga together with Shytab-ray.

24.5.1

This little affair being over, the travellers went on; and in the month of Moharrem, of the year 1180 of the Hedjra, a meeting took place at the appointed spot between Lord Clive, the General, the Vezir, the Agent Munnir-ed-dowlah, and the Radja Balvant-sing; and the usual compliments and discourses having been exchanged, it was settled, "That Radja Balvant henceforward would pay a yearly revenue of twenty lacs to Shudjah-ed-dowlah, his Lord, who would forgive him the errors of his past conduct, and leave him for the future in peace and tranquillity, but with a most solemn promise never to use any fraud or artifice whatever against him. Moreover it was stipulated that a breach of this article should be deemed a breach of the "articles between Shudjah-ed-dowlah and the English." As soon as these articles and conventions between the Vezir, the Emperor, and the English were signed, together with those between the Emperor and the Vezir, as well as those between the Vezir and the Radja, they were written fair, and at length witnessed by the principal English, and registered in the usual forms. After which those noble personages exchanged entertainments, and curious, and costly presents amongst themselves; and the Vezir having been entertained with a mock-battle amongst the European soldiers, who managed their guns and musquets with an amazing quickness and celerity, made them a present of some thousand rupees, and returned to his capital.

24.5.2

The Radja Balvant, after making such a present as was worthy of him, was dismissed; and he repaired to Ram-nagur, his nest, which is on the shore of the Ganga, over against Banares; and Munnir-ed-dowlah himself after having accomplished his purpose, returned to his master.

24.5.3

As soon as these matters were over, Shytab-ray mentioned in general terms the incapacity, sloth, and faithlessness of former managers; and he added "That the recovery of the balances due by Durdj-narain, and by his officers and dependants, was far from being an easy task; nor could such a sum be ever obtained without constraint and chastisement; and that as himself, Shytab-ray, was an improper man for such a business, on account of the high regard he bore to the ancient acquaintance and friendship that had subsisted between him and the late Ram-narain; and such sentiments would never permit him to act against his surviving brother with the firmness and severity requisite for recovering such large sums, it was therefore proper that after His Lordship's arrival at Moorshood-abad, Mahmed-reza-qhan, who was the centre and corner-stone of all transactions, should vouchsafe to come over to Azim-abad for a few days to perform that service on His Lordship's instructions; after which he might return to his palace." This request of Shytab-ray's having met with the Lord's approbation, was followed by many favours and kindnesses, and that nobleman returned to Moorshood-abad, firmly resolved in his heart to entrust him with the whole Government, and to dismiss Durdj-narain, with whose incapacity and endless infidelities he was tired.

24.5.4

On his arrival at Moorshood-abad he dispatched Mahmed-reza-qhan to perform the business he had so much at heart ; and this Minister arrived in a little time at Azim-abad with all the terrors of power and punishment marching before him. At first he reprimanded and put under arrest the officers of Durdj-narain's ; and then he prevailed upon some of them to disclose the infidelities that had been committed. On their discoveries he confined some lessees, such as Sahomul, and Mohammed-naky-qhan, and Mahmed-ashruff-qhan the Cashmirian ; and he arrested some others, who at last acknowledged their guilt. Sahomul was put to the cudgel, and thereby underwent a total disgrace. He was then sent to prison, there to remain until he had paid the balances due by him. The like fate hung over the two others, who were rescued in time by Radja Shytab-ray's interposition, although not but after they had bound themselves solemnly to pay their balances, before the expiration of their leases. But at this same time Durdj-narain having by his infidelities and by his evident incapacity openly approved himself unable to perform a small service incumbent on his office of Governor Lieutenant, was disgraced and dismissed ; and it was determined that his revenues and Djaghirs should be sequestrated, until the full of the balances due by him were liquidated ; but that meanwhile a small pension should be reserved for his support.

24.5.5

That envious man bore a grudge to my illustrious and excellent uncle, the valorous Seyd-abdol-aaly-qhan the Moosevian, surnamed the impetuous in battles, as if he had proved a thorn in his side, and an object of envy to him ; and that too, for no other reason than the high regard constantly shewn him by Mir-djaafer-qhan, and by his brother, Mir-cazem-qhan. Durdj-narain, in the heighth of his power and authority, which after all lasted but a while after Mir-cazem-qhan's dismission, had out of mere jealousy and envy, dismissed that illustrious man from the lease of the District of Shah-abad ; and although this Gentoo himself, as well as his father, and his elder brother, had owed their elevation to the favour, and their very sustenance and livelihood, to the crumbs that fell from Mir-djaafer-qhan's table, and from those of that Prince's family ; yet he no sooner saw himself in power, than he abandoned that venerable man to the rapacity of his officers, who under pretence of examining his accounts, put him to a variety of trouble and anxiety; and this severe usage lasted until the Gentoo himself being dismissed from his borrowed authority, Mahmed-reza-qhan and Radjah Shytab-ray took the whole difference under their own inspection; and finding it destitute of any foundation, gave the venerable man a full acquittal. He then received an invitation from Rabia-begum, a Princess who knew the whole extent of his merit, and he went to Moorshood-abad with Mahmed-reza-qhan.

24.5.6

For this Minister having performed with Shytab-ray's advice the business for which he had come over, returned to Bengal; and Shytab-ray remaining alone, was invested by the Council of Calcutta with the authority of disposing and finishing every business and transaction relative to the province of Azim-abad. As he was anxious for the honour of his character, he applied himself closely to the functions of his new office in conjunction with Mr. Rumbold, who on Mr. Middleton's unjust dismission from the Chiefship of that city, and the government of the province, had been appointed to command in his stead. It was at the time when Mr. Sykes was appointed to act in conjunction with Mahmed-reza-qhan at Moorshood-abad. Lord Clive satisfied with the state of affairs in these kingdoms, and with those arrangements he had made, departed to his own country. This nobleman in his short sojourn in Bengal had always proved desirous of finding in Governor Vansittart's conduct such blemishes and misdemeanours, as might come out of themselves before the Council in England, in consequence of certain lights which he had taken care to provide, and to hold out for that purpose. For ingratitude and oblivion of benefits have at all times been, and still are, so far characteristic in the men of the world, and especially within this short period;

24.5.7

and time serving and selfish behaviour, now deemed prudence and knowledge of the world, are come so much in fashion, and are risen to such a height, that no trust and no faith can be reposed in another man's friendship or attachment. Luckily, however, and this is to be admired, these very persons, who have chosen such practices, and have abandoned every claim to credit and honour, find themselves much disappointed in their reckoning; for these after having been much made of for a time by their employers, until the intended purpose is secured, come at last to be despised and hated by them for their folly and wickedness, so as to become in their company a standing stock for scorn and derision. In consequence of such sentiments, those very persons upon whose information Lord Clive had reckoned so much, and who in fact had served him most sedulously in his views, proved to be those very men that had been over and over loaded with favours and benefits by Shems-ed-dowlah (Vansittart); and yet they joined Nand-comar, his inveterate enemy; and having drawn up a long list of his misdemeanours, they gave it to Lord Clive under their hands and seals. A transaction of such a magnitude having made an infinite noise, could not fail to come to my ears;

First 39 of 130 passages. Read on