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386 no son of his own, the child was called Mirza Mahomed, after himself. He adopted him as his own son, and had him educated in his own house. Alia Verdi-khan, on his departure for Patna, obtained leave to take with him two of his sons-in-law, as well as several of his relations; and after a prosperous journey, he made his entry into that city, where having resided a whole year, he returned to Moorshedabad to pay his respects to the viceroy. He was received with every mark of distinction and favour, and sent back to his government; and shortly after received the confirmation of all the dignities and honours from Dehli, that had been proposed for him by his protector, which contributed not a little to raise him in the estimation of the people. He now enlisted in his service as many military chiefs of character as were out of employ in the neighbouring provinces, and by these means he soon found himself at the head of a well-appointed army; and being intent on confirming his power, and preparing himself for higher achievements, he was prompt in chastising such of his dependants as attempted to depart from the path of duty. Among other chiefs in his service was one Abd-ul-kerim-khan, an Afghan Rohilla, who commanded fifteen hundred of his countrymen, and who had such an opinion of his own importance as to undervalue others, and