Page:Sir Henry Lawrence, the Pacificator.djvu/166

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THE STORY OF OUDH
157

The King declined to accept the deposition as a final act. He surrendered his rule to Sir James Outram, and enjoined on all his subjects to pay him due obedience; and then set out for Calcutta, ostensibly en route to England to plead his cause before Her Majesty. But he was not permitted to proceed beyond Calcutta, where he settled down in the suburb of Garden Reach; which his numerous followers turned into an Alsatia that proved very mischievous and troublesome on the outbreak of the Mutiny.

The arrangements and terms for the annexation were most beneficent, and in consequence partly of this and partly of the King's injunctions, it was effected with perfect tranquillity, and without obstructions even from the Muhammadan community, who resented the change and the reduction of one of the few Mussulman dynasties that had been, left from the all but universal Muhammadan empire. The families, retainers, troops, officials, and followers of the old Court had, in the proclamation, been guaranteed suitable provision, employment, and consideration; and the country population, including the Tálukdárs and other magnates, had been assured that all in actual possession should be continued in their holdings, during enquiry, for three years.

In the first few months of 1856, when Sir James Outram remained in charge of the Province, much was done in fulfilment of the promises contained in the proclamation; but, after he left, those promises seemed to be neglected and their fulfilment deferred