Je Maintiendrai (“I will maintain”). The motto of the house of Nassau. When William III. came to the throne of England, he continued this, but added “the liberties of England and the Protestant religion,” at the same time ordering that the old motto of the royal arms, “Dieu et mon droit” should be retained on the great seal, 1689.
Jean de Pied de Port, St. A town of France, in the department of the Lower Pyrenees, on the Nive. Near this place is the pass of Roncevaux, or Roncesvalles, where, in 778, the army of Charlemagne was defeated, and Rolland, the distinguished Paladin, mortally wounded.
Jelalabad. A town of Afghanistan; capital of a province of the same name, 75 miles southeast from Cabul (Cabool). It is memorable for the successful resistance made there in 1841-42 by Sir Robert Sale, with a handful of British troops against a large besieging force of Afghans. Its fortifications were destroyed by the British in 1842, when they evacuated the country.
Jeloudar. An East Indian term, signifying to belong to the train or equipage.
Jemadar. A native lieutenant in an Indian native infantry or cavalry regiment.
Jemappes. A village and commune of Belgium, in the province of Hainault, 2 miles west from Mons. In 1792, the French under Dumouriez gained a great victory over the Austrians near this place.
Jemaulabad. A town and fortress in the south of India, province of Canara, which was originally called Narasingha Augady. The first, which was built by Tippoo, stands on the summit of an immense rock, which may be deemed impregnable, as it is wholly inaccessible except by one narrow way. After the fall of Seringapatam, it sustained a siege of six weeks from the British, when being bombarded, it was taken, and the commander having poisoned himself, his principal officers were hanged. It was afterwards surprised and taken by a band of insurgents or plunderers, when it was reduced, after a blockade of three months, and all that did not escape were summarily executed.
Jena. A town of Germany, in the grand duchy Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, situated in a romantic valley at the confluence of the Leutra with the Saale. In this vicinity was fought the great battle of Jena, October 14, 1806, between the French and Prussian armies, in which the latter was totally defeated.
Jenizer-effendi. An appointment among the Turks, which in some degree resembles that of provost-marshal in European armies. The only functions which this officer is permitted to exercise are those of judge to the company. He sits on particular days for the purpose of hearing the complaints of the soldiers, and of settling their differences. If a case of peculiar difficulty should occur, he reports the case to the Aga, whose opinion and determination are final.
Jericho. Once one of the most flourishing cities of Palestine, situated a few miles northeast of Jerusalem. The Israelites captured and destroyed it on their first entry into Canaan. In the time of Herod it was rebuilt, but was destroyed in the reign of Vespasian, and again rebuilt under Hadrian. During the Crusades, it was repeatedly captured, and at last destroyed. At the present day its place is occupied by a miserable village called Richa.