ud, of an
aumil having been punished for oppression, though the complaints of
the people and the state of the country are notorious proofs of the
violences daily committed: it is even become unsafe for travellers
to pass, except in large bodies; murders, thefts, and other
enormities shocking to humanity, are committed in open day."

In another paragraph of the same letter, he says,--

"Such has been the system of this government, that the oppressions
have generally originated with the aumils. They have been rarely
selected for their abilities or integrity, but from favor, or the
means to advance a large sum upon being appointed to their office.
The aumil enters upon his trust ruined in reputation and fortune;
and unless he accomplishes his engagements, which is seldom the
case, disgrace and punishment follow. Though the balance of revenue
may be rigorously demanded of him, it has not been usual to
institute any inquiry for oppression. The zemindars, thus left at
the mercy of the aumils, are often driven to rebellion. The weak
are obliged to submit to his exactions, or fly the country; and the
aumil, unable to reduce the more powerful, is compelled to enter
into a disgraceful compromise. Every zemindar looks to his fort for
protection, and the country is crowded with them: Almas Ali Khan
asserts there are not less than seven hundred in his districts.
Hence it has become a general custom to seize the brother, son, or
some near relation or dependant of the different zemindars, as
hostages for the security of the revenue: a great aumil will
sometimes have three or four hundred of these hostages, whom he is
obliged to confine in places of security. A few men like Almas Ali
Khan and Coja Ain ul Din have, from their regularity in the
performance of pecuniary engagements, rendered themselves useful to
the Vizier. A strict scrutiny into his affairs was at all times
irksome to his Excellency, and none of the ministers or officers
about his person possessing the active, persevering spirit
requisite to conduct the detail of engagements for a number of
small farms, it became convenient to receive a large sum from a
great farmer without trouble or deficiency. This system was
followed by the most pernicious consequences; these men were above
all control, they ex