| Description | A sudden emergency called Abercrombie away from Morshadabad [Murshidabad] and Dodgson was sent to act for him. William received orders to take charge of the magistracy of Rajshahye which makes him 'a highly despotic ruler' over a district forty by seventy miles. He describes his responsibililties and the role of the magistrate, which can be a power for good. After a fortnight's experience in the position he has changed his mind over the relative attractions of being magistrate or collector, now favouring the former. Some of his pleasure is due to the freshness of power, something he has been looking forward to, and he expands upon his thoughts in exercising the role. |