1 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS. 319
2 Sobraon, planted them in Govindghur, Umritsir,
3 and Kote Kangra! One difficulty, however, was.
4 opposed to this plan of operations, and that was
5 the determination of the British not to invade the Difficulty of
6 Punjab ; at all events, not to be the first ageressors. this on es
7 The Sikhs might, however, have drawn them into Bi"
8 the territory, if after the reverse and defeat they
9 experienced at Moodkee and Feerozshuhur, they
10 had retreated across the Sutlej and manned the
11 forts of Govindghur, Umritsir, and Kote Kangra.
12 Nad they done this, instead of risking their fate in
13 entrenched camps, the war now concluded would
14 have been greatly prolonged.
15 To return to Kote Kangra. The obstinacy with Rete Re, ot
16 which the killadar defied both the Sikh govern- unexpected.
17 ment ,and the British authorities, was quite un-
18 looked for. The British agent naturally began to
19 suspect foul play in some quarter, and his first act
20 on reaching Kangra was to dispense with the sikh troops
21 presence of the Sikh troops. It will probably be ios Bante
22 ascertained, should the fort of Kangra yield to
23 Brigadier Wheelev’s force, how far the obstinacy of
24 the killadar was to be attributed to himself, or to
25 secret orders received from the Lahore Durbar;
26 of course, the latter will deny all reports prejudicial
27 to its own interest, or likely to displease the British
28 government. What weight may be attached to The good faith
29 the assurance, however, after such a glaring instance oNemaenk
30 of disobedience on the part of its own subjects, is ee
31 ancther affair; but certainly the refusal on the part
32 of its commandant to surrender Kote Kangra, is