Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 24.6.3

24.6.3

The famine and small-pox having made their appearance at one and the same time in Muharrem, that is, at the commencement of the year one thousand one hundred and eighty-four, they both rose to such a height, and raged so violently for full three months together, that vast multitudes were swept away; nor can their number be known but to Him that knows everything that is hidden or invisible. Whole villages and whole towns were swept away by these two scourges, and they suddenly disappeared from the face of earth. It was in such calamitous times, that is, in the month of Zilhidj, of the year 1185, that Mubarec-ed-dowlah, third son of Mir-djaafer-qhan's, was designed Nazem of Bengal; and on Mahmed-reza-qhan's recommendation, Aaly-hibrahim-qhan was appointed Divan or Superintendent of the new Prince's household, which constitutes the whole of what is called the Nizamet or Government of Bengal, and had then a revenue of twenty-four lacs from the Company's treasury. The new Minister, who was a man of an approved character, did not fail to exhibit many talents joined to a thorough inclination to do good and to oblige. Some further changes likewise took place in the new Prince's house and family.