1 >r, is still too far distant to derive any immedi-
2 ; benefit from such an alliance. Were the
3 It in possession of any considerable portion of
4 nulostan, there can be little doubt that the
5 British might have some cause for jealousy at the
6 presence of a French charge d'affaires at the court
7 of Lahore; but as matters now stand, his presence
8 there is rather to be wished for than otherwise.
9 General Allard* was, and is still, I believe, in great
10 esteem with the Maharajah, and from having been
11 always near his person, the general, is more of a
12 courtier than his friend Ventura, who has seen a
13 good deal of hard work, and has on every occasion
14 shown himself worthy of the confidence reposed in
15 him by Kunjeet. General Ventura has been em¬
16 ployed chiefly with the infantry, who owe much to
17 his exertions for their present state of efficiency.
18 The General a few years ago expressed a wish to
19 cross the Sutlej, in order to receive medical aid
20 for a paralytic stroke, which he had experienced an
21 the Punjab. His leave was at length reluctantly
22 granted. During his sojourn in our provinces, he
23 received every mark of attention from the civil and
24 military authorities, as well as from, the late Begum
25 Soomroo, of Sirdhanah, where he resided for some
26 time. General Allard having received the permis¬
27 sion of the Maharajah to visit Europe during
28 General Venturas absence in Hindostan, Runjcet
29 became anxious for the return of the latter, and
30 * Since dead*