‘Letters from India (Secret Dept)’, Vol. 13 [‎923v] (1855/1978)

now so perplexed by tbe troubles that beset him that he has quite lost his
head, and deliberately rejects the only safe course that lies open for him.
7. His complaint in conversation with Major Harrison as to th^s manner
in which the Murrees had been separately recognized and treated with as if they
were not his subjects, and that therefore he ought not to be held responsible
for their actions, is not altogether unreasonable. I have always opposed that
system as most objectionable both because it tended to lower the Khan’s
authority in his country, and because it was encouraging a portion of the Khelat
kingdom in their acts against the sovereign of tbe country, and making
them quasi-independent. In this instance, however, the plea adduced by him
will not hold, for the injury done by the Murrees to the merchants was brought
about by the unjustifiable aggressive action of the Khan’s own subjects on
that tribe. ^ ^ ,
8. Of the men on whom the Khan has so unfortunately taken to ihan, the
two moonshies, are ordinary people of the country, sharp, clever, unscrupulous
creatures, who being ever at the Khan’s elbow, fill his mind with all sorts of
suspicions and with wild ideas as to the best means of getting free from his
present embarrassments. One of these last I am told is, they have assured him
the British Government will never proceed to the length of withdrawing the
Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , and that he need not feel anxiety on that score. This accounts
for the quiet and almost unconcerned way in which he received my letter.
9. Shakar Khan is a Brahooee by birth and has always shown great loyalty
to the Khan. During the disturbances last cold season he commanded the
Khan’s troops serving in Kachi, and showed much gallantry when his camp
was attacked at night by the rebel sirdars Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. . He is a sensible man in his way
through not possessed of any marked ability. It is thought expedient by the
intriguing party to secure his services, and the bait has been held out to him
that he shall be made commander-in-chief of all the Khan’s regular troops.
But this will be of little use to him or them, unless he has more personal
influence than at present he has the credit of, for the Khan’s troops are mostly
Hindustanees, and the majority of them would most strongly object to being
commanded-in-chief by a Brahooee of small military experience.
10. In speaking to Major Harrison, His Highness the Khan remarked
about Darogah Gul Mahomed and Gangu Bania Merchant of Indian extraction. in connection with the
Shahgassee Wulli Mahomed, as if the latter caused their removal. This is
most unjust to the Shahgassee. The removal of those people took place shortly
after the Khan’s accession, before the Shahgassee became Wuzeer, or took any
very prominent part in public affairs, and was desired by the British officials
at the time, in consequence of the great injury the Darogah and the Bania Merchant of Indian extraction. did
the Khan’s cause by their bad advice and evil proceedings.
11. The reply of His Highness the Khan is, I regret to observe, most un
satisfactory ; he endeavours to throw the blame of the attack on Slier Dil,Murree,
and others, and evidently hints at the Sirdars Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. being the promoters of it. But the
information received from Major Harrison, especially in regard to the state
ment that a share of the plunder had been received by the Naib of Mustoong
which is generally spoken of, as well as the exertions the Sirdars Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. have been
making to recover the property plundered by their followers, all lead to the
conclusion that the Sirdars Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. were not mixed up in this matter, while it is pretty
certain the Khan’s officials were. The amount restored to Bashir, brother of
Sher Ali, was only a portion of what was taken from the latter, and I have
not yet heard of any of the perpetrators of the outrage having been punished
by Jlis Highness the Khan.
12. I have always done my utmost to support Ilis Highness in his legi
timate position as ruler of the country, and would he only too glad to place
faith in the intentions he expresses, that they “ are such as to benefit my
country and government in every way. God willing, as far as I am able, I will
not fail in the slightest degreebut I am reluctantly compelled to say that
judging from the present state of affairs I am unable to do so. His Highness
2
declines
property
tendered
* out t° 1(1
act in a
ment. I
towards t
13.
staunch 1
great dan
left his
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danger, a]
remaining
14.
the indiff
I feel con
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manner th
to the frie:
at the sam
of the Pol
to his treai
dressed the
dent on thi
at Khelat,
approval.
15. J
press matte
that he woi
ment, depri
country wl
government
left to him
of the conn
most difficu
on him for ■
16. It
of the Khai
impose. I
beyond simp
all along ac
rendered im]
last cold seai
the Khan an
the plunder
needed no d
only allude !
which I have
of view as to
iative positioi
sufficient mus
v, 17 ’ .
Khan yield,
assurance tha-
Jafilas in the
Je will cause <
t0 exert them

‘Letters from India (Secret Dept)’, Vol. 13 [‎923v] (1855/1978)

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‘Letters from India (Secret Dept)’, Vol. 13 [‎923v] (1855/1978)

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