Later Mughals v2.c13.s22.9

v2.c13.s22.9

The conduct of the Wazir in the case of the East India Company's embassy to Farrukh-siyar's Court is also very much to be commended. Misled by his Armenian colleague, John Surman had negotiated through Khan Dauran, the second Bakhshi, instead of through the Wazir. When Khan Dauran had reaped all the benefit he could and had wasted nearly two years, he repudiated the whole affair. The envoys were at last forced to apply to Abdullah Khan. According to oriental standards of conduct, this tardy application gave a splendid opening for avenging the previous neglect. Nothing of the sort happened. Abdullah Khan, when the Englishmen went to him, was affable and helpful, also, for a wonder, most prompt in action. The preparation of the desired farmans was carried through in a few weeks; and still more wonderful, the Wazir accepted no present. We need not be surprised that Surman should style him "the Good Visier."