1 The Ukaleesin
2 great number^
3 attack his
4 escort, are
5 defeated and
6 pursued.
7 Conduct of
8 Runject on
9 the occasion.
10 Resolves to
11 adopt British
12 discipline and
13 arms.
14 162
15 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS.
16 as ambassador, or envoy, from the British. He
17 remained nearly two months at. Umritsir, settling
18 boundaries. During the Mohumun, the soldiers
19 belonging to Mr. Metcalfe’s escort had constructed
20 their tazeeas.* Seeing these, the Ukalees as¬
21 sembled to the number of 3,000 or 4,000, with the
22 intention of destroying them and preventing the
23 celebration of the festival. At first Mr. Metcalfe
24 took no notice of them, from his wish to give no
25 offence to the Maharajah, and endeavoured to
26 persuade tliem to desist; but finding fair words
27 thrown away upon these fanatics, he collected his
28 escort, amounting to about 500 or less, and pre¬
29 pared to defend himself. The Sepahees boldly
30 attacked the rabble, and slew and wounded several
31 of them: the rest ibid, pursued by the British
32 troops towards the city. The Maharajah, who was
33 then at Goovindghur, observing the tumult, came
34 outside, and shaking his kumnnubpnd,f as a
35 signal for peace, proceeded towards Mr. Metcalfe’s
36 tent, to which the British soldiers returned. Run-
37 jeet Singh complimented the envoy on the bravery
38 of his soldiers, and determined thenceforth; fo
39 adopt the arms and discipline of the British, seeing
40 that a few hundred of the latter put to. flight as
41 many thousands of his fiercest troops.
42 A few days after this occurrence, a khillut, or
43 dress of honour, was presented to Mr. Metcalfe, and
44 * Elegant structures of tinsel-work, intended to celebrate the festival,
45 f A white cloth tied round the Joine.