Page:Gazetteer of the province of Oudh ... (IA cu31924073057352).pdf/51

 PAC 43 The will is in the following terms -- "Whercas my intentions as to the nomimation of any of the youths of the family) as my representative have not as yet been finally matured, it is necessary in the meantime to appoint the Maháráni as representative and proprietrix, that she, until such time as she may appoint a representative, may remain as ny representative and proprietrix, but without the power, of transfer. No co-sharer has any concern whatever with my property, real or personal. I have therefore written and filed this will and testa- ment, that at the proper time it may take effect. Dated 22nd April, 1862." The other brothers, who were men of an altogether inferior stamp, have each left several sons, who are supported by the estate. It is popularly averred, with what truth it is hard to say, that on ong occasion Rája Bakhtáwar Singh intimated his intention of leaving his estates to Rimádhín, his riches to Rughubardayál, and his army to his favourite, Man Singh. He was asked how the army was to be supported without property or wealth, and he is said to have replied naively, "I am no judge of men, if he who gets the army, does not very soon possess himself of the estates and the treasure as well." Be the truth of this story what it may, the Mahárája rested his right and title to the estates on Raja Bakhtawar Singh's last will and testament, a free translation of which has already been given. The following letters referred to the Mahárája's services during the mutiny : " The undersigned being about to leave thc escort of Rája Min Singh, desire to place on record the high sense they entertain of the services he has rendered them. " When the danger of the mutiny of the troops at Fyzabad became im. minent, he came forward of his own accord and offered an asylum to all the ladies and children at his fort of Shahganj, and his offer was gladly accepted, and eight women and fourteen children of this party (besides three others) were sent there. “Shortly after the emeute took place they were joined by their husbands, and Raja Man Singh made arrangements to forward the whole by water to Dinapore. « Though the party lost their money and valuables en route (this was owing to an untoward accident which tho rája could not possibly have foreseen), the voyage on the whole has been as satisfactory as could be expected, and free from the extreme misery and discomfort which other refugees have experienced. « Witbout the personal aid of the rája, it would have been quite impracti, cable to get off such a large number of persons (29). There can be no