1 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS. 217
2 rank and standing to fill the post held by such men
3 as Clerk, Wade, Richmond, and Broadfoot. The
4 only two individuals who could be chosen for such
5 an important charge were at a great distance from
6 the scene of action. These were Major Lawrence, rua
7 resident at Katmandhoo in Nepaul, and Major Lawrence.
8 Mackeson, who held the appointment of super-
9 intending the collection of taxes at Sirsa. The
10 merits of both these officers were acknowledged by
11 every one who had had opportunities of witnessing
12 their career. Major Lawrence, it is well known, His qualifica-
13 was the author of a work termed the “ Adventurer
14 in the Punjab,” which, under the mask of a somewhat
15 romantic love story, gives a true and exact account
16 of the Punjab, its late ruler Runjeet Singh, his
17 physician and secretary Azeezoodeen ; in short,
18 supplies a most valuable mass of information re-
19 garding the politics and government of the country.
20 He had also taken a prominent part during the
21 operations in Affghanistan ; and his labours were
22 eminently useful in asgisting General Pollock to
23 force the Khyber pass. Possessed thus of an
24 intimate knowledge of the Sikhs and their country ;
25 endowed with a persevering industry, combined
26 with firmness and decision, the Governor-general
27 could have no hesitation in making choice of him
28 as a successor to Major Broadfoot.
29 But while thus selecting an officer every way
30 fitted for a high appointment, it was not forgotten
31 that the claims of Major Mackeson rested on an
32 equally firm basis.