The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-02 00:00:00

eording to my original intention on leaving Calcutta, not deeming it
expedient or necessary to accelerate it, and you•may be assured that
no efforts shall be wanting to repress all manifestations of hostility
against the Seikhs, should any such be displayed, by patiently ail
firmly carrying out, to the utmost extent of forbearance, the pacific
policy of the Government. .

(No. 6.)
The GovemorTGeneral to the Secret Committee.,-Agra, 234 October
1845.—(N0. 5.)
(Extract.)
The result anticipated by me in my letter of the Ist instant has
taken place. The Seikh soldiery having formally celled the late Mi-
nister Jowahir Singh to account for the destruction of Koonwur Pe-
shora Singh, and for his other misdeeds, put him to death on the 21st
September.

The circumstances under which the destruction of Jowahir Singh
was accomplished, are related in Major Broadfoot's dispatch of th•
26th ult., a paper which cannot be perused without much interest.
As I expected, the violent removal ofJowahir Singh has not led te
any circumstances likely to bring about a collision with us, or to
compromise the nominal Government at Lahore in its relations with
the British power.

On the contrary, the disposition of the remaining chiefs appears
evidently to be to maintain, as far as possible, the former relations
with us, and to make atonement for the unfriendly acts of the late
Jowahir Singh ; while the soldiery, the openly-avowed administrators
of the Government, though they talk largely of their intentions
with regard to our army, show plainly, by their acts, they are fully
aware that any attempt to force hostile measures upon us must be an
act which would at once seal their own destruction.
The Dusserah festival has passed without carrying with it further
convulsions or bloodshed.
The state of affairs, however, cannot fail to exhibit the hopless-
ness of our seeing a permanent government established in the Pun-
jaub out of the elements that now exist there, capable of conducting
the administration of the country, and reducing the army to a state
of subordination and control.
The Ranee has been declared Regent, and at present carries on the
government, if such it can be called, at the dictation of the Pen-
chayets of the army.
No Minister has yet been nominated, and it seems doubtful whether
the Ranee's favourite, Raja Lal Sing, or Raja Ghoolab Singh, may be
the next person called to that ill-omened distinction ; probably the
former will be the first nominated, as the very deeply-laid schemes of
Ghoolab Singh appear hardly yet ripe for his accession, though there
canbe little doubt that eventually. he looks to acquiring full power
the Punjaub, and entertains the hope, that he may be able, with bettet
success than his nephew, Hears Singh, to reduce the army within the
limits of its legitimate duties.

Enclosure in No. 6.

The Agent to the Governor-General on the North-West Frontier to
the Secretary to the Government of India.
. . .

(Extract.) Camp, Simla, 26th September, 1845.
The troops continued on the 18th and subsequent days to maintain
the same attitude as before, perfect order among themselves and
strict discipline towards the city and its neighbourhood. They
pitched their camp at the plain of Mujan Meer, on the Ferozepore
side of Lahore, where the Punchayets held their nightly meetings, and
in the morning issued the orders determined on, under the designa-
tion belonging to the Scikh sect, before Runjeet Singh became a
monarch, viz., the Khalsa Punth (Khaisajee da Punth). They for-
mally assumed the Government, and sent letters bearing their seal,,
inscribed merely with the name of God, to all local officers, military
leaders, and members of the Durbar, requiring their presence and
obedience. They sent similar letters to the Ranee, requiring her to
o in their camp with her son, and to deliver up her brother and the
murderers of Peshora Singh, if lie were really dead. The Ranee jus-.
tilled his death, which her brother had denied. The troops answered that her admission proved it, and required her to choose betweLa
jgiving up or sharing his fate with her sons.

—ln such negotiations were passed the intermediate days. Sirdar
Jowahir Si ugh trusted to holding the fort with his new levies and the
artillery, of which the superior officers were ranch in his favour ; but
he feund that, including the Englishman, or, as he himself says, tha
American Colonel Gardener, the troops and their officers were ready
to obey the summons of the troops, and to join their camp ; ba
now began to think of escape, and laboured in every way to gain
time and conciliate the levies, that they might at least connive at his
flight.

On the 19th he and the Ranee sent Deewan Deena Nath, Fakeer
Noor-ood-deen, and Sirdar Ultar Singh Kaleewala, to urge the troops
to return to their obedience on account of the danger of English inva-
sion, &c. The troops immediately made them prisoners, releasing
Noor-ood-deen, whom they sent to warn the Ranee that the 20th
was the latest day to which the option of surrendering
her brother would be left to her ; that this delay was only given
to spare the city the miseries of a siege of the fort ; and that she
and her son would pay with their lives the penalty of such siege, If
their obstinacy made it necessary. At the same time, under the seat
of the Punth, they required the troops in the fort to take care that
ap
one escaped, and they posted guards at each gate of the tity
for the like purpose. Fakeer Noor-ood-deen, having fidfilitd his
mission, was honourably dismissed : the other prisoners were insulted,
threatened and derided by the soldiery.
On the sight of the 20th, SirdarJowahlr Singh made great presents
and greater promises to his troops, giving one general half a lack of
rupees to facilitate his escape. They allowed him to reach the gate
of the fort, where the guard peremptorily forbade him to go further,
saying, that such were the orders of the Khalsa Punth. The Sirdar
returned to his house in despair.

In the afternoon of the 2lit, it was announced that four 'battalions
had left the camp to destroy all in the fort, of which the garrison,
with all the artillery and generals, had marched to the camp of Manjan
Meer. Immediate departure for the camp was announced to be the
only chance of safety.. The Sirdar, his sister, and her son, with all the
members ofDurban'who had not alreadygene to the camp, now mounted
on the state elephants, and proceeded to Jain the troops, their tents
havibg been already sent on. The ,bur battalions which they met
turned back In silence and escorted them to the camp. When they
arrived there it had become dark. The Ranee, the Maharaja and
their immediate attendants, except the slave Mungla, were con-
ducted-to their tents by the troops, which ran tumultuously to them
from every part. Sirdar Jowahir Singh wasput to death in his how-
dah by innumerable 'wounds of sworels and muskets, and his body
thrown out on the ground. Two of his leading associates, Bhyar
Chutter, a door-keeper, and Bawa Ruttun Singh Bedee, a chabrook
sower, a horse jockey, were also put to death, as well as some orderly
horsemen, much consulted on state affairs by the Sirdar. Of the
rest of his _attendants, most escaped in the dark. Raja Lal Singh
was made a prisoner, as also Birder Jewun Singh, a man of
low station, a native of Majecto, but for some years a libido°
Fakeer, In Rohikund. Mangle, the slave, was also imprisoned,
as well as a few others of less note. Birder Lal Singh Mara-
raja, who was designated to command the expedition against
the English, fled, and is believed to have crossed the Sutlej.
He was, on Heera Singh's death only a risaldar of orderly horse, and
raised by Jowahir Singh first to be a general and then a Sirdar, with
a view sometimes of going as a special ambassador to the English.
and sometimes of commanding an army to invade them. General
Mehtal Singh Majeeteea, and others of that family, lately leaders at
the Durbar, are in concealment, and orders were sent to bring Lal
Singh Adawlavee a prisoner from the autlej bank opposite to Fe-
rozepore. Thus Le whole of the members of the late Government
were either slain, imprisoned, or fugitives.

On the morning of the 22d, the Ranee, who has still great in-
fluence with the troops, reproacted them with the death of her
brother, and threatened to destroy herself and her son. The run-
chayet released Deewith Deena bath and Ultur Singh Kaleewala.
with orders to s3oth the Ranee. After some time, she and her son
and their attendants; came out to where the body of Jowahir Singh
was lying almost cut to pieces. The Ranee and her yeomen broke
out into violent lamentations, . which moved 'the soldiers so much
that they permitted her and her son to return to the fort, carrying
with her the Sirdar's body. They also allowed Deewan Deena
Nath and Sirdar Ultur Singh Kaleewala to accompany her.
The body was carried, first to the fort, and then to the burning
place, where, amidst a great concourse of people, tour of the Sirdar's
wives were burned with it. The crowd was so great on the way
from the fort, that they broke the order of the procession, and two
companies of sepoys on duty with it, daring the confusion, plundered
the Sirdar's wives of all the jewels and ornaments with which they
were decked for the occasion, and which were intended for distribu-
tion to Brahmins and others at the pile. Suttees are sacred, and
receive worship ; their last words are considered prophetic, their
blessing eagerly sought for, and their curses dreaded. Deewan Deena
Nath, the Ranee, the Maharaja and others prostrated themselves
before them, and obtained their blessing. This was repeated at the
pile by Deewan Deena .Nath, and by the Ranee, and her sowree by
proxy. The suttees blessed them, but cursed the Seikh Punth. At
the pile they were asked the fate of the Punjaub, and declared that
during the present year its independence would cease, that the Seikh
sect would be conquered, the wives of the Seikh soldiery be widows,
and the country desolate ; but that the Ranee and her son would live
long and happily, and the Maharaja continue to reign. These pro-
phecies made a great impression.on the superstitious multitude, and I
mention them on that account, and because they doubtless express
the opinions of persons about the Durban..

At noon of the 22d my latest letters left Lahore ; a company of
infantry had arrived at the fort to demand Deewan Deena Nails and
Sirdar Ultur Singh Kaleewala, but with what intent was not known.
The troops had that morning put Raja Lal Singh in irons, as having
dishonoured the Ranee, " the mother of all the Scikhs." They had,
also made Deewan Deena Nath announce, in their name, to all gc..
vernors and officers the death of Jowahir Singh, and had consente►'j
to do the same to the Vakeels with me ; but they had forbidden. troy
communication directly to me, saying that in future no letter to the
English was to be written till the army had deliberated on tbl eon.
tents. They declared, however, that they desired peace, bra that if
troops marched from our stations to Loodianah and erezepore,
they would march too ; if not, that each power should keep its owa
territory in peace.

They give out that Raja Ghoolab Singh is tq, -navC the Wuzearship
only on condition of increasing their pay, an moaing a considerabl e
donation ; but till the party of chiefs whiCh is :roving them throug h
the Puncha3 eta shall decide on its nest stop, little reliance is to be
placed on what they may say. For the present, however, there is
no recognised head of the Governraent oat:opt the Punchayets of the
army, which have net for some A.
---ya used the name of the Maharaja
at all ; and the voice of the troops was, on the 22d, for remaining in
this state till the Dusserals, molten they propose to nominate a Govern-
ment to carry on ordinary baSipess under the Punchayets. They have
named one of the minor Sirdars, Mujan Pirthee Singh, a relation of
the Jummoo family, who has, without appearing, been deep in the
intrigues of the last few months.

No. 7.
The Governer-General to the Secret Committee.—Camp, Muttra,
Nev. 6, 1645.—(N0. 8.)
(Extract.)
The Ranee continues to carry on the government in her own name
as regent for her son ; she consults alternately Deewan Deena Nath
and Bhahee Ram Singh, with Raja Lal Singh, and endeavours to
play off one against the other, while she, with the concurrence ig
the army, governs in person as the army chooses.
onSeheoccasis have
isoldlattoely;
and shown ot
ow nhspiritas aidned etoneargygreaont_mextrottonre tttiptan
debaucheries with her veil ; she now appears openly to it
life.
desiring in public generally ; and has been leading a snore regular ale,
much
a ve laid
beginning to show themselves
amongst the troops ; Court's brigade having divided itself into twq
desiring that it may be thought she devotes herself to state affairs.
In the meantime dissensions are
parties, with separate interests.
The small amount of money remaining in the treasuries is beerdin.,
ing notorious ;
any excesses have
been committed by the
troops on their return
andin
than leave. Two generals have been neaten,
and turned out of the P.
own selection and demands made on the Ranee for
gaaerals of the troops' and nomination.
S Irdar Tej Singh has returned from Peshawur, and is intriguing on
his own account, while Raja Ghoolab Singh continues to strengthen
himself, and to watch events. Re has lately entertained a large
number of Affglian troops. Confidential agents, with overtures front
Viouragement to any one.
different parties, have been endeavouring to C
-11*-11 communications
with the agent, who, as before instructed, hears What every person
has to say to him, but gives no
Nsoor.tBe.f en
The Governor-General to the
Secl`et Committee.—Camp, Delhi.
November 18, litepi_age. 9.)
(sEts4lxt";,-4oefti?arties or affairs at Lahore has
takNoonmplaatceer.ial change in the
The Ranee, taking with tie; the young Maharaja, went in person
to Umritsir, to endeavour to induce the Rilledar at Govindghur to
ofthtetrmooupcshfo cursetultopnaany
make over to her a part; tf the treasure there, to meet the demands
'
After
and intrigue 20 tats of rupees were promised
whereof 10 lass were placed at the Ranee's disposal. ,
Before the retaining 10 lacs could be obtained, news arrived from
Lahore that thet troops there had given out that the Ranee and young
ppointi
Maharaja had absconded, and that preparations were in forwardness
for proclaiming the infant son of the late Shere Sing Maharaja, and;
fora ng
Raja Ghoolan Singh Minister.
This caused the Ranee and her party to return forthwith to
Lahore 'where they are said to have arrived just in time to arrest
the prtrgress of these proceedings ; and her presence and energetic
behaviour appear to have restored her influence for a time,
The ten lace brought from Govindghur have been made over to Ike
pay department; and the arrangements by assignments, &c., which
the Ranee was making, would, it was thought, enable her to meet
the present demands of the troops.
I send the copy of an Maid ammunication (secret which I have
made to the Commander-in-Chief, relating to commissariat arrange-
ments for a portion of the army stationed on the frontier during the
present season. My reason for making these arrangements are con,:
tained in the letter to his Excellency.
.

• in No. 8.
The Governor-General to Enclosure
the Commander-ht-Chlef.—Agra, coe.
tober 24, 1845.
(xtract.)
I have the honour to inform your Excellency that, on or before
the 12th of November, arrangements will be made by 'which the
commissariat department will be prepared to equip 'nearly two-
thirds of the force at and in, advaice of Meerut, with the necessary
means of marching at thashortest notice.
The extent to which it may be expedient to be prepared with this
description of equipment must always be dependent on contingent,.
events, which fluctuate, in an unsettled Government like that o
Lahore, in a manner which defies all ordinary calculations of Pp:,
bable results.

.....
In the present state
efbeeooxf,:tatreshtodehoiltahtfeloorans with the Lahore Government.
your Excellency is aware that I do not anticipate the probability of
any emergencies arising which san require the army, under your Ex-
cellency's orders, to take the field this autumn.
Nevertheless, having to deal with a mutinous Seikh army, which
has usurped the functions a the Government, and whose caprice
°wlurththerer moenathnseofr ntilul ahya- ~,ae at any
eem time, triTad force
move-
Iment to the following extent :-7 troops of Horse Artillery, 6 COE.
goons, 3 regiments of Light Cavalry, 5 regiments European Infantry.
re atorubcPtureprepwlarthed
panies Foot Artillery, 4 Light Field Batteries, 2 regiments of Dra.
13 regiments Native Infantry, 6 ccanpr.nies Sappers and Miners, I
Lahore Durbar should continue to
case since Sirdar Jowahir Sin h's
t. Irregular Cavalry ; and as it is most desirable that the ar-
rangement should be madaecocourothinge mthosteveecioltasnso,mignricfaoadrliescaijasylest,tortihedetilmywiingomfislitea
etehi:obnaggofat,t,,hee
animalsGoYerimi oefiitthoer
dbwee 14 more
If,l
death.
he,i. hiredesi Itra. i,,,4aeb
eitctt:lai
net.
h.: h
ohaltingtoneua,
the scale of the present preparation, which,
defensive character.
your Excellency on thin subjec
camels. probably exceed 1,211Q1
India Eur European e
lastprovisionati y °et I lace r hsiaisi
and will postpone his usual tour of *
Lieutenant-Colonel Parsons, the Deputy C
be instructed to communicate with vo Mmissal7-General'
WM
inspection for one month,
ti
No 9
The Governor-General to the . Secret Committee.
December 2, 1 —Camp Umballa
845.—(N0. 15.) '
I left Delhi on the 19th ultimo,(Extract.)
making the usual marches tow,
,rde