Markham tells the Council he thought proper "that
Durbege Sing should be put under a gentle confinement, until I shall
receive your Honorable Board's orders for any future measures." Thus Mr.
Markham, without any orders from the Council, assumed an authority to do
that which we assert a Resident at Benares had no right to do, but to
which he was instigated by Mr. Hastings's recommendation that Durbege
Sing should be prevented from flight.
Now, my Lords, was it to be expected that a man of Durbege Sing's rank
should suffer these hardships and indignities, and at the same time kiss
the rod and say, "I have deserved it all"? We know that all mankind
revolts at oppression, if it be real; we know that men do not willingly
submit to punishment, just or unjust; and we find that Durbege Sing had
near relatives, who used for his relief all the power which was left
them,--that of remonstrating with his oppressors. Two _arzees_, or
petitions, were presented to the Council, of which we shall first call
your Lordships' attention to one from the dowager princess of Benares,
in favor of her child and of her family.
_From the Ranny, widow of Bulwant Sing. Received the 15th of
December, 1782._
"I and my children have no hopes but from your Highness, and our
honor and rank are bestowed by you.
Pages:
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419