Page:McCosh, John - Advice to Officers in India (1856).djvu/76

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56
ADVICE TO OFFICERS

were so much hard cash. It is quite amusing to see the fluctuations of interest upon a change of a Governor General or a Commander-in-Chief; the blasted hopes of some, totally irrespective of any transgression; and the improved prospects of others, equally irrespective of any claim to promotion. But such things have influenced the distribution of patronage in all countries and in all ages, and the stranger must not expect human nature in the tropics to form an exception; he, who would pioneer his own way to preferment, may console himself with the conviction that merit is more likely to meet with reward in the Company's service than in any other public Service, and he will find that the greatest ornaments of their armies have been men who by their own talents rose to fortune and renown, and carved out their own patronage.

6. SERVANTS.—Should the young officer enter into quarters, he will find it necessary to entertain the following servants, viz., a bearer, or footman, at seven rupees a month, a kidmutgar, or table attendant, on seven rupees, a mussalehee, or cook, on four rupees, a washerman on six rupees, a water-carrier, on five, and a sweeper on four, costing him thirty-three a month. Though this is the smallest possible establishment of servants it will no doubt appear a good deal, yet the curse of caste renders such unavoidable. Each man has