nce of the Lahore government, in reply to the demand for
explanation, evidently was, that the intentions of that government
were hostile, in which case I did not deem it to be expedient to
give to that government the leisure to complete their hostile
preparations; whilst, on my part, I had abstained from making any
movement, expressly for the purpose of avoiding any cause of
jealousy or alarm; thus according to the Maharajah's government the
strongest proof of the good faith and forbearance of the British
government.

"I am satisfied that the course I have adopted was imperatively
required; and before I authorize any precautionary movements to be
made, I shall give full time for a reply to be received from
Lahore."

The letter which narrates these proceedings concludes thus:--

"This morning, news up to the 1st inst. has been received. The
Ranee and sirdars are becoming more and more urgent that the army
should advance to the frontier, believing that, in the present
posture of affairs, the only hope of saving their lives and
prolonging their power is to be found in bringing about a collision
with the British forces. The Sikh army moves with evident
reluctance, and is calling for Goolab Singh, who is collecting
forces at Jumboo, and is watching the progress of events.

"My own impression remains unaltered. I do not expect that the
troops will come as far as the banks of the Sutlej, or that any
positive act of aggression will be committed; but it is evident
that the Ranee and chiefs are, for their own preservation,
endeavouring to raise a storm, which, when raised, they will be
powerless either to direct or allay.

"I shall, as I have before said, await the reply from Lahore to
Major Broadfoot's last communication to the Vakeel.

"If the reply from the ostensible government, acting under the
control and at the discretion of the army, is hostile, I shall at
once order up troops from Meerut, and other stations, to the
support of our advanced positions, persevering up to the last
moment in the sincere desire to avoid hostilities."[15]

We cannot, with any honesty, suppress our conviction that forbearance
was here pushed to the very verge of safety. The sullen silence of the
Lahore government, as its only answer to our most legitimate demand for
an explana