1 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS.
2 CHAPTER XV
3 THE. FRIENDLY TERMS SUBSISTING BETWEEN RUNJEET
4 SINGH AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IN INDIA,
5 In 1838, we drew up a paper on the court of
6 Runjeet Singh; which, with a few preliminary re¬
7 marks, was presented to the Governor-general,
8 (Lord Auckland) and its introduction in this
9 history will serve to elucidate the character of the
10 Maharajah, and the friendly feelings which ai all
11 times existed between him and the British..
12 “"’As already mentioned, the country of the
13 rdundcHn n Punjab had been portioned out among various in-
14 poli icai dependent sirdars, constantly quarrelling with each
15 other for extended dominion. In the midst of
16 such confusion, it was reserved for R.qnjeet Singh
17 to grasp the whole, by vanquishing, in thgir turn.
18 the different chiefs who formerly ruled ihe Punjab.
19 The history of his warlike career will point out
20 the steps by which he effected their reduction, and
21 the apparent means he employed ; the true cause.