'Travels in Beloochistan and Sinde; accompanied by a geographical and historical account of those countries, with a map.' [‎362] (404/476)

362
MISSION TO SINDE.
fortress, to congratulate him on that event and enquire after his
health ; but as it was ascertained that none of the persons who
. brought these complimentary messages, and who were also charged
- with the delivery of many large trays of sweetmeats, were of higher
rank than Khidmutgars it was not deemed consonant with the
situation of affairs that Mr. Smith should receive them in person, and
Mr. Ellis accordingly did so ; at which arrangement they appeared
considerably disappointed, though, when they found that they had a
present notwithstanding, this feeling ceased, and they returned in
perfect good humour. The Umeers did not, however, allow this
alledged disrespect towards themselves to pass without a long expos
tulation, which was delivered by one of their Deewans, or managers,
called Mooshtak Ram, who particularly enlarged on the policy of the
envoy courting the favourable opinion of the Umeers by acts of
pointed external respect, on which subject, he added, they were very
tenacious. He likewise adverted, most opportunely, to its having
been omitted by the envoy to make a return of complimentary en
quiries for the Umeers, and was informed that that had not been
neglected, but that the Moonshee who was dispatched for that pur
pose had in vain endeavoured to gain entrance into the fort, and was
actually obliged to wait outside until he sent a person back to
Mr. Smith, to ask what steps he should take towards delivering his
messages; and that that gentleman had even waved ceremony so far
as to direct he would do so to any of the officers of government he
should happen to meet with, in order that they might be conveyed
to the Umeers through that channel.
The Deewan was further reminded, that previous to the arrival of
the envoy at the capital, Mr. Ellis found occasion, more than once.
* Khidmutgars are personal servants, and we usually apply the term to every descrip
tion of attendants at table. In Sinde the word appears to be more confined in its accep
tation, and to signify inferior Deewans or stewards. They, however, wait on their
masters and perform servile offices in the household. The Peish Khidmuts of Persia are
of the same class, and seemed to me to be employed on similar errands and duties.