IT has been represented to us, that Owbultia,* a Mûtusuddy belonging to the Tosheh-khâneh, is on the point of death, and that his brother-in-law is at Oussoor: we therefore write to direct, that you cause guards to be placed over his brother-in-law and Gomâshtehs; and that, having made enquiries respecting his substance* and property, you proceed, by means of scourging [the parties], to obtain possession of the same. Let the utmost diligence and exertions be employed in this business.

Lutchmun, another Mûtusuddy of the Tosheh-khâneh, possesses a full knowledge of the particulars of Owbultia’s substance: you must, therefore, make enquiry of him also; and send and secure the goods and property [in question] wherever they may be.

You and others formerly represented to us, that [this man] possessed property to the amount of a lack of pagodas. Let the same be sought after and discovered, and the whole be brought to the account of the Sircar. What more?

It does not appear, from any thing contained in this document, that Owbultia was a public defaulter, or stood charged with any malversations; and yet, considering the rigour of the proceedings directed, it is difficult to believe otherwise. There is a pretty plain hint in the concluding paragraph, that Meer Sâdik would be held responsible for the realization of the supposed amount of Owbultia’s property. Perhaps, however, this was only meant as a stimulus to the Dewân’s exertions in the business.

Meer Mahommed Sâdik was the Sultan’s principal Dewân, and, in that character, presided over the revenue department of Mysore. Europeans commonly considered him as Tippoo’s prime minister; but Tippoo’s government recognized no such officer. For a curious engagement which the Sultan made this person enter into, toward the end of the year 1798, the reader is referred to the Appendix, H. Meer Sâdik lost his life in the assault of Seringapatam. He was believed by many persons to have been a son of the celebrated Bussy; nor was the uncommon fairness of his complexion the only circumstance that gave weight to the report, of which more particular mention is made in the Appendix.