ILLNESS OP HIS MAJESTY THE KINO OP DELHI AND
ARRANGEMENTS IN THE EVENT OF HIS DEMISE, 1853.
1. From Sir Theuophillus Metcalfe, Bart Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Pehlee, to William Muir, Esquire, Secretary to Government, North-Western Provinces, Agra,—No. 80, dated Dehlee, 18th July 1833.
I HAVE the honor to report, for the information of the Hon'ble the Lieutenant-Governor, that the King of Delhi has for some days past been suffering from a severe attack of dysentery, caused by his own imprudence in the matter of diet.
He was seriously indisposed yesterday. To-day the reports are still unfavorable, and his age, increasing debility, and dis- regard of the prescriptions of his medical advisers render his recovery very doubtful.
2. The Heir-Apparent through his father-in-law, Mirza Elahee Bukhsh, has expressed himself to the Assistant Agent very anxious to know how soon after the demise of his father his accession will be proclaimed. I have given no reply, as I do not consider it advisable that the contemplated arrange- ments should be canvassed in anticipation of the event.
I propose when the time comes to intimate to His Royal Highness that the ceremony of placing him on the Save such of the Jat- Place at the Royal Residency at the Qutub SO soon as he for the protection of With his family, his attendants, official and personal, and his troops, horse and foot, shall vacate the Palace. This I hope will meet with the approval of His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor.
I would likewise propose, after the new King has been proclaimed, that I should take possession of the Dehlee Palace in the name of the British Government and apprize the
body of the Sullateen that I am authorized by the King to direct their removal from the Palace.
5. The Nawabs Zeenat Mahul and Taj MahnI Begums each have private residences within the city ; so that I anticipate no difficulty in inducing them to leave the Palace. For the other inmates of the Zanana, arrangements must be made through the aid of the chief eunuch
6. The three elder sons of the late Prince, Mirza Baber,.The fifth brother of the present King.have always been disposed to give trouble, and may object to vacating unless compensated for their dwellings.
Such a contingency has already been anticipated, andI presume I shall do right in promising them compensation at a fair valuation, provided they immediately withdraw with their families and attendants from the Palace.
7. The large class under the denomination of Sullateens may prove refractory, and it will require much patience and tact to induce them to conform to the King^s instructions,
but I trust to overcome their reluctance by firmness and conciliatory deportment.
It will be satisfactory to me to be favored with in- structions in regard to the above points as early as may be practicable.
2. From the Secretary to Government, North-Western Provinces,to Sir Tueophilvs Metcalfe, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Delhi,—dated Agra,20th July 1853.
I am desired acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated July 18th announcing the serious indisposition of the king of delhi and soliciting instruction in the event of his demise.
The Lieutenant-Governor entirely approves of the proposal contained in your 3rd paragraph, and authorizes you, as soon as the Heir-Apparent proceeds to the Kootuh, immediately to recognize him as King and to proceed with the ceremony of placing him on the throne. You will then take immediate possession of the Palace and prevent the King's return either.
You are authorized to assure the owners of houses within the enclosure of the Fort that the Government will respect all lights of private property, and will give the owners pecuniary compensation for the loss they will sustain, or assign them suitable residences elsewhere of corresponding value.
It is the desire of the Government to meet all such claims liberally and to dispose of them promptly. When the time arrives you will be pleased to report at your earliest conveni- ence how you would propose to proceed in the disposal of these cases.
The Lieutenant-Governor is aware that it will he an undertaking of considerable difficulty to induce the numerous residents within the Fort to vacate their dwellings, but he has
full confidence that you will proceed in the execution of the duty with firmness and conciliation.
3. From Sir Tueofeilus Metcalfe, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant- Governor, North-Western Provinces, Dehlee, to William Muir, Esquire, Secretary to Government, North-Western
Provinces, Agra,—No. 31, dated Dehlee, 19th July 1853.
The reports from the Palace this morning are not much more favorable than those of yesterday.
2. The guards at each gate of£ the Palace have been reinforced to the full strength of 100 men each and two extra companies have been held in readiness to proceed to the place when required.
3. It is reported that both the Treasury and Jewel Office are empty
4- From Sir Theophilus Metcalfs, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Dehlee, to WilliamMuir, Esquire, Secretary to Government, North-Western
Provinces, Agra,—No. 32, dated Dehlee, 21st July 1853.
I HAVE the honor to report that the King of Delhi still remains in a very precarious state. During Tuesday night serious apprehensions were entertained, a violent hickup and hardness of the abdomen being added to the other unfavorable symptoms. The reports of this morning do not indicate amendment, and Lieutenant Douglas, who visited His Majesty yester-evening, found him much changed in appearance since Sunday last.
2. The two extra companies called for by me have moved down to the Dureea Gunj Cantonments, and are therefore close at hand.
5. From Sir Tbeopbilus Metcalfe, Barf,, Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Dehlee, to William Muir, Esquire, Secretary to Government, North-WesternProvinces, Agra,—No. 33, dated Dehlee, 22nd July 1853.
The reports this morning of His Majesty's health are somewhat more favorable. There was no return of fever yesterday, and the diarrhea has been less active.
2. M. S. Chimun Lai, the Sub-Assistant Surgeon, was called in yester-evening, and by the application of ointment considerably relieved His Majesty from the most painful por-
tion of his malady, and which indeed in the opinion of the Sub-Assistant Surgeon is the active cause of the serious indisposition.
6. From Sir Theophilus Metcalfe, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Behlee, to William Muib, Esquire, Secretary to Government, North-Western
Provinces, Agra,—No 31, dated Behlee, 23th July 1833.
In continuation of my letter No. 33 under date the 22nd instant, I have the honor to report for the information of the Hon'ble the Lieutenant-Governor that for the last two days
The King of Delhi has somewhat improved his health. The Disease has been less acute, but still great debility exists; nevertheless His Majesty was able yesterday to engage in
A game of chess.
2. I take this opportunity of soliciting instructions on the following point : —
It has been mentioned to me that the Heir-Apparent will object to leaving the Palace for the Kutub until after the expiration of the Chaleeswan, or 40 days’ period of mourning.
This has, I believe, been suggested by the father-in-law,Mirza Ilahee Bukhsh, who is very desirous that the ceremony of ascending the throne should take place within the Palace.
3. My instructions on this head are clear, and will be strictly conformed to. But in the event of the Prince delaying to vacate the Palace, how are the affairs connected with the internal management to be conducted? And as within the 40 days it will be necessary to distribute the Koyal stipend, once certainly, by whom is the distribution to be made.
4. The Most Noble the Governor-General when at Simla expressed his surprise on learning that the stipend hitherto had been sent to the King, and distributed by his own servants and not by us. Such will not be the case after the new succession, and in my opinion it wilt be as well to take the distribution into our hands on His Majesty’s demise, whether the Prince remains within or vacates the Palace.
5. As respects the internal management, it may be desirable to vest the Prince, as head of the family, with control over the Nijabut and Mounted Force, the Nizarut, and Khansamanee Departments, but all matters of a criminal nature to be referred to the Assistant Agent or myself..
From the Secretary to Government, North-Western Provinces,to giy Theopuilus Metcalfe, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant- Governor, Dehlee,—dated Governor, North-Western Agra 30th July 1853
I HAVE the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. St, dated the 25th instant, requesting instructions respecting certain arrangements which will become necessary
Upon the demise of the king of delhi.
2. The Lieutenant-Governor considers that it would be harsh and unfeeling to hurry the King’s successor against his will from the Palace till the expiration of the customary
period of mourning, which is believed to be 40 days. But his recognition as Sovereign and installation should not take place till he moves to the Kutub.
3. In like manner the new distribution of the Royalstipend, which may take place after the demise of the presentKing, will be according to the proposed and not according to the present method. The Prince will only receive the stipend for himself and his own family; all other payments will be made directly from the treasury to the proper recipients. You will take the earliest suitable opportunity for adjusting these payments.
4. The Prince as head of the family will maintain the control over the Nijahut and Mounted Force and the Nizarut and Khansamanee Departments, but all matters of a criminal nature must be referred to the Assistant agent or yourself.
8- From Sir Tueopuilus Metcalfe, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Behlee, to William,Muir, Esquire, Secretary to Government, North-Western
Provinces, Agra,—No. 36, dated Behlee, 28th July 1853.
During the last two days the state of the King’s health has been much the same, but where there is no sensible amendment debility must necessarily increase.
2. The Sub-Assistant Surgeon considers the King much weaker than when he was first called in. The disease has assumed, in his opinion, the character of chronic dysentery,
and unless this can be checked, of which there appears to be little probability, the present illness must end fatally.
9. From Sir Theophiivs MetSjlfe, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Dehlee, to William Muir, Esquire, Secretary to Government, North-Western
Provinces, Agra,—No. 38, dated Dehlee, 1st August 1853.
I HAVE the honor to report that during the last two days the state of His Majesty’s health has improved.
2. The enclosed I received late yester-evening from theSub-Assistant Surgeon, and the report of this morning still continues favorable.
10. From M. S. Ghimmuh Lall, Sub-Assistant Surgeon, to Sir Tbbopbilus Metcalfe, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces,—dated Delhi, 31st July 1853,
I HAVE the honor to report that in my medical visit of this evening to the King I found him much better in every way, and there is no fear of returning or increasing the disease
at present. He wrote a few verses of poetry before me with his own hand.
11. From Sir Tbeopbilvs Metcalfe, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Dehlee, to William Muir, Esquire, Secretary to Government, North-Western
Provinces, Agra,—No. 40, dated Dehlee, 5th August 1853.
I AM unable to obtain satisfactory accounts of His Majesty’s health. For the last four days the Hukeems only have been admitted into the presence. Our Sub-Assistant Surgeon
has been excluded.
I believe that the debility has greatly increased, and that His Majesty is supported chiefly by stimulants.
The unseasonable state of the weather at present must also be prejudicial to the Royal invalid.
12. From Sir Theopuilus Metcalfe, BartAgent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Dehlee, to William Muir, Esquire, Secretary to Government, North-WesternProvinces, Agra,-—No. 41, dated Dehlee, the 8th August 1853.
Since I had last the honor of addressing' you^ the King of Dehlee has rallied considerably. The several maladies have decreased, and if the present favorable symptoms continue for a few days more, there are hopes of His Majesty;s recovery.
From Lieutenant C. It. 0. Douglas, Assistant Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Provinces, Dehlee, to william muir Esquire, Secretary to Government, North- Western Provinces, Agra,—No. 44, dated Dehlee, 16th August 1853.
August 1853. The Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, North-Western Prov-
Inces, unfortunately suffering from an attack of fever, I beg for him, with reference to his last communication, dated the 8th instant. No. 41, to report that the improvement in His
[Majesty’s health has continued, and he seems to be steadily, though very gradually, recovering.
2. I may add that I waited on the King yester-morning at his request, and that he looked very much better than on the occasion of my previous visit some days since. In the opinion of the Hukeems he is altogether cut off from danger.
14. From Sir TiiForuii.vs Metc.ilue, Bart., Agent, Lieutenant- to William Muir Esquire
Secretary to Government, North-Western Provinces, Agra,—jSo. 4o, dated Dehlee, 23rd August 1853.
I }IAVE the honor to report, for the information of the Hon'ble the Lieutenant-Governor, that the King’s health has so much improved as to admit of his taking an airing, which
I understand he has enjoyed every morning for some days past, and although the ceremony of the Ghoosl-e-sehuth, or batli of recovery has not as yet been performed, His Majesty may be pronounced as recovered. Debility, however, owing to his protracted illness, still continues.
From the Secretary to the Government, North-Western Provinces, Agra, to S Franser, Esquire, Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, at Delhi,—-No. 8 A., dated Camp Kut-ka-bagh
22nd November 1853.
The Hon'ble the Lieutenant-Governor requests me to call your early and careful attention, on assuming the charge of the Agency to the Lieutenant-Governor at Delhi, to the several orders which have been issued from this office, in pursuance of the directions of the Supreme Government, in regard to the arrangements to be made on the demise of the present King.
2. The Lieutenant-Governor relies upon your promptitude and discretion in carrying out these orders according to their full spirit and purport, and at the same time with all
Due consideration for individual feelings.
From the Secretary to the Government, North-Western Provinces, Agra, to the Secretary to the Government of India,Foreign Department,—No. 9 A., dated 22nd November
1853.
I All directed to forward, for submission to the Most Noble the Governor-General of India in Council, the annexed copy of a letter this day addressed to Mr. S. Fraser, who has
been appointed to succeed the late Sir Theophilus Metcalfe,Bart., as Agent to the Lieutenant-Governor at Delhi.
From William Mvib, Esquire, Secretary to Government,North-Western Provinces, Agra, to S. Fraser, Esquire, Agent, Lieutenant-Governor, Delhi,—No. 68 A., dated 27th September 1851. With reference to previous correspondence, the Hon'ble the Lieutenant-Governor desires me to forward, for your information and guidance, the accompanying extract, paragraph 2, of a despatch from the Hon'ble the Court of Directors,
No. 31, dated the 12th July last, approving the instructions issued by this Government relative to the recognition and installation of the successor to the King of Ueibi in the event of His Majesty's demise.
Extract, paragraph 2, of a despatch from the Eon'hle the Court of Directors,—No. 31,dated 12th July 1854.
2. Paragraphs 1 to 10.—Orders issued during a serious indisposition of the King of Delhi respecting the course to he adopted in the event of his demise.— We take this opportunity
stating for future guidance that, as directed by the Lieutenant-Governor, the recognition and installation of His Majesty's successor should not take place until he shall remove to the Kutub, and that in all other respects also the instructions of the Agra Government were suited to the case.