Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/110

92 In the dark year of 1857, when many another held back, he came boldly forward to put his loyal protestations into spirited and courageous action. Throwing the whole weight of the great influence that he possessed, not only among his co-religionists but among all creeds and classes, on the side of law and order, he was untiring in doing his utmost to ally the unfortunate suspicions that had been aroused and to bring about an understanding between all parties. Patna, where the largest body of Indian troops outside Calcutta was stationed, was regarded as the centre of disaffection, and when Mr. Samuells was appointed Commissioner to deal with the Mutiny, Amir All who was intimately acquainted with local conditions was chosen to be his special assistant and a Deputy Magistrate in all the districts of the Patna Division. His appointment like that of Mr. Samuells came in for a considerable amount of criticism, but it was ably defended by the acting Commissioner, Mr. Farquharson, in October, 1857.

"I may perhaps be allowed to state" he wrote, "that Amir Ali's appointment was, in the opinion of those best able to judge and appreciate the tone of Patna native society, a healthy, politic, popular and useful measure. The better classes of natives in the city have throughout these evil times displayed nothing but loyalty and good will to the British Government. The appointment of Amir Ali, a native of the province and known to each and all,