1 114 SECRET HISTORY OF THE LAHORE DURBAR.
2 in his own name and that of the child Dulleep Sing, wrote
3 to Baba Beer Sing in the most humble and respectful terms,
4 requesting his prayers and good will, telling the holy man
5 that the Maharajh and his Minister considered him as their
6 father, &c. The letters were accompanied by presents of
7 money and other valuables, and by a written promise of a
8 suitable jaghire whenever the Baba desired it. The object of
9 this scheme was to throw the Baba off his guard, and it had
10 its desired effect. General Mathaub Sing Majeeteea was now
11 treated with the utmost kindness and attention. Valuable
12 presents were lavished upon him, and to all appearance he became
13 the favourite and confidant of the Minister. Heera Sing-
14 told this General that he was greatly perplexed and distressed
15 by information which he had received from Hindostan, to the
16 purport that Sirdar Uttur Sing Scindawalla had formed alliances
17 with the British, as well as with some of the Seik Chiefs beyond
18 the Sutlej. The Minister professed to be greatly troubled by
19 this news, and begged the General's advice and assistance
20 on the emergency. Mathaub Sing expressed his perfect readi-
21 ness to afford both his counsel and assistance, and the Wuzeer
22 then suggested to him that he should march with his fourth
23 battalion to Umritsir, and thence write in his own name and
24 in that of others to Uttur Sing, with declarations of friendship
25 and attachment from himself and all the troops. These letters
26 were however, to be of such a tenor as might induce the
27 Scindawalla to come across the river and join Baba Beer's
28 camp, the Minister being ready through the mediation of
29 that holy man to be reconciled to him. To this plan the
30 General agreed, and having taken an oath of secrecy, marched
31 for Umritsir with his troops. He was, however, before
32 his departure further informed, that it was not alone for the
33 reason mentioned that he was sent to Umritsir, but that his
34 presence was there required because an outbreak of hosti-
35 lities between the British and the court of Gwalior was daily