1 A. D. 1809. TREATY WITH RUNJBET. 09
2 deemed politic to extend our direct influence farther into
3 the Punjab, in reduction of the power of a chief who
4 showed himself so unfriendly. But by the time arrange-
5 ments had to be concluded, the apprehension of any
6 necessity of preparation for such an event had worn off,
7 and the only object that remained was, to secure our own
8 frontier, and for the credit of our power to take redress
9 for the offensive aggressions which the Labor ruler had.
10 recently committed eastof theSutlej. RunjeetSingh
11 expressed a strong desire at this time to obtain a written
12 pledge of our pacific and friendly intentions towards him-
13 self; and the restoration of the places seized during his
14 late inroad having been obtained from him, a short treaty
15 declaratory of mutual peace and friendship was conclud-
16 ed by the envoy, at Umritsur, on the 2oth April, 1809.
17 It was to the following effect : —
18 After the usual preamble expressive of the desire for
19 peace, and stating by whom the engagement was settled,
20 " Article the First. — Perpetual friendship shall subsist
21 ** between the British Government and the State of Labor:
22 ** the latter shall be considered with respect to the for-
23 " mer, to be on the footing of the most favored powers,
24 " and the British Government will have no concern with
25 " the territories and subjects of the Raja to the north-
26 " ward of the river Sutlej.
27 "Article Second. — The Raja will never maintain in
28 " the territory, which he occupies on the left bank of the
29 " Sutlej, more troops than are necessary for the internal
30 " duties of the territory, nor commit or suffer any encroach-
31 " ment on the possessions or rights of the chiefs in its
32 " vicinity.