Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Miles, William (d.1860)
MILES, WILLIAM (1780–1860), major-general Indian army, obtained a cadetship in 1799, becoming on 6 March 1800 ensign, and on 20 March 1800 lieutenant in the 1st Bombay native infantry. He joined his regiment in 1801 at Alexandria, where it formed part of the force sent from India under Sir David Baird to join in the expulsion of the French. On settling in India he took part in operations against Baroda and in 1804 at Bhurtpore. He became captain 27 March 1815, and in the same year was made commandant of the British guard at Baroda. In 1817 he captured the fortified town of Pahlanpore, reinstating the rightful heir and acting for some years as political superintendent of the state. In 1820 he, as political agent with Colonel Barclay's expedition, concluded a treaty with the Rajah of Radhanpore. He became major 21 May 1821, and on 1 May 1824 was appointed lieutenant-colonel 1st Bombay European regiment. In 1826 he concluded a treaty with the chiefs of Suigam, in Gujerat, formerly noted freebooters, who since the treaty have been peaceful cultivators. He was subsequently resident in Kuch and political agent in Gujerat. He became brevet-colonel 1 Dec. 1829, and retired from the command of the 9th Bombay native infantry 28 July 1834. He was promoted major-general 28 Nov. 1854 and died 21 May 1860.
Miles published a translation (London, 1838) of the ‘Shajrat Ul Atrak,’ or genealogical tree of the Turks and Tartars, a native work, the chief merit of which is said, in the introduction, to reside in the details it furnishes of Ghengis Khan (Ceenghis Khan) and his successors. He also translated for the Oriental Translation Fund ‘Ali Kirmānā’ Husain's ‘History of Hyder Naik,’ London [1842], 8vo; and his ‘History of the Reign of Tipú Sultan,’ London [1844], 8vo.
[Information supplied by the India Office; Hunter's Gazetteer of India; Philippart's East India Military Calendar; Miles's own papers.]