1 2i)4 history op THE SIKHS.
2 besides a great favourite with the Sikhs, who would
3 rally round his standard in the event of his claim¬
4 ing 1:1 te sovereignity; and there is evidently a
5 jealousy existing between the two brothers, each
6 endeavouring to ingratiate himself into the favouy
7 of Runjeet, who is well aware of the ambitious
8 views of Shere Singh,
9 “ It is now time that I should notice the foreign
10 officers in Runjeet’s service. At the head of theses
11 are Generals Ventura and Allard; the former is an
12 Italian by birth, the latter a Frenchman. Both
13 arrived in the Punjab about the same time, and
14 they have always been on the best terms with each
15 other. These gentlemen have held, at various
16 periods, important commands. General Allard has
17 been more particularly attached to the cavalry
18 which he disciplined after the French manner, and
19 brought to a high degree of proficiency previous to
20 his departure for Europe. During his absence, this
21 branch of Runjeefs army sustained a great loss, lor
22 the soldiers were not: only much attached to the
23 general as their leader, but also as their friend, which
24 he proved himself |o be on all occasions.
25 Allard on his return to Franc
26 General
27 was received with
28 great honour by the French king, and on his
29 departure for the Punjab, he was entrusted with
30 valuable presents for Runjeet, accompanied by a
31 letter appointing him charge d'affaires at the court
32 of Lahore. The latter appointment is not of much
33 consequence at a court like that of Runjeet, who
34 though every way disposed to honour a European