१८५७ का स्वातन्त्र्य समर (वीर विनायक दामोदर सावरकर - अंग्रेजों द्वारा छपने से पूर्व प्रतिबन्धित महाग्रन्थ)

THE FIGHT IN DELHI

army of Rohilkhand while it was still far away. On the
morning of the 2nd of July, Nabob Ahmad Kuli Khan,
with all other nobles and citizens, went forth to receive
the army of Rohilkhand. Hakeem Ahsanullah Khan,
General Sanad Khan, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Gulam Kuli
Khan, and other leaders, too, were present. Mahomed
Bakht Khan, the commander of the forces of Rohilkhand,
requested the Emperor to accept his services. When
Bakht Khan pressed his request to know the desire of the
Emperor, the Emperor said : ‘It is my ardent desire to
see that the people are completely protected, that the
security of life and property is maintained, and that the
extermination of the British foe is triumphantly carried
out.’ The general then said that, if the Emperor wished,
he was ready to act as the commander-in-chief of the Re-
volutionary forces. At this, the Emperor pressed the hand
of the general with affection. Then, the different heads
of the different regiments were called together and they
were asked whether they would elect Bakht Khan as com-
mander-in-chief. All of them voted ‘aye’ and took mili-
tary oaths of obeying the general as their commander-in-
chief. After the levee was over, the Emperor again
granted a private interview to the general. All over the
city, the order went forth that Bakht Khan would act as
the commander-in-chief. He was presented with a shield,
a sword, and the title of General. The Prince Mirza
Mogul was appointed adjutant-general. Bakht Khan in-
formed the Emperor that, even if any of the princes of
royal blood would continue looting in the city, he would
not hesitate to cut off his ear and nose at once. The
Emperor replied, ‘You are invested with supreme authori-
ty. Do whatever you think best, without the least hesita-
tion.’ The Kotwal of the city was ordered that if there
was any row or looting through his negligence in the city
he would be hanged. Bakht Khan reported that he had
brought with him four infantry regiments, seven hundred
cavalry, six horse guns, three field-pieces, etc., etc. As
this part of the army had been given its pay for six months

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