1 158 ARRIVAL AT MOOLTAN, A.IK 1831.
2 the Nuwab of Buhawulpoor, without experiencing the
3 smallest obstruction or difficulty of any kind : there was
4 found no where less than eight feet water, and the cur-
5 rent was moderate, and easily overcome, even where from
6 rocks, or hard soil at the banks, the water-way was con-
7 tracted. The month of May was now passing, during
8 which the navigation of the Ganges is much obstructed
9 by strong westerly winds, and by the want of water, but
10 no difficulty of the kind impeded the passage up the
11 Indus at this season. The Buhawulpoor chief was alrea-
12 dy in political relation, both with Runjeet Singh and
13 with the British Government : from him therefore Lieut.
14 BuRNES was sure of receiving every kindness. On the
15 30th May, the fleet reached Mittunkot, and embarking
16 on other boats provided by the chief of the Daood-
17 pootras (BuHAWUL Khan) entered the Chunab, or as it
18 is sometimes called the Punjnud, being the united stream
19 of the waters of the Punjab. A. little below Mooltan, the
20 escort and party sent by Runjeet Singh to receive and
21 conduct the Royal* present, met Lieutenant BuRNES
22 with boats of the Punjab, adapted to the navigation of the
23 winding Ravee. In these Lieutenant BuRNKS and his
24 party embarked on the 12th June, and soon reached
25 Mooltan. The mouth of the Ravee is further up the
26 Sutlej, and he did not enter that branch till the 23d June.
27 The rainy season overtook the Mission while in that river,
28 * It is a singular circumstance, that Sir J. Malcolm in all the instruc-
29 tions he gave Lientenant Colonel Pottinger and Lieutenant Bvrnes
30 in regard to this Mission, never mentioned, nor gave the smallest intima-
31 tion to either officer, that the draj liorses were a present from the Ring of
32 Kugland. They made the discovery after the difficulties in respect to the
33 passage through Sindh had been overcome, when a direct correspondence
34 with the Mission was opened by tl»e Governor General. Up to this time,
35 they had believed, and had represented the present to be sent from the
36 British Government in India.
37 i