History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c31.s8.8

v2.c31.s8.8

⁴ General Martin was born at Lyons in 1732, and died at Lucknow 1800. He commenced his career as a private soldier in the French army; but, in consequence of Lally's severity, deserted at the siege of Pondicherry, and joined the English service, in which he rose to the rank of Captain. He was transferred in 1776 to the service of the Nawâb of Oudh, and in 1796 was promoted to be Major-General. He left a considerable part of his immense fortune (of about £330,000) to found educational establishments at Lyons, Calcutta, and Lucknow; but, owing to the length of his will, and his having drawn it up himself, in bad English, the principal part of his money was wasted in law expenses.