Lehal Library

lkitish Annexation of Malwa 213 supreme on the seas, but the land route through Persia, Afghanistan, Sindh, the Punjab and into India was open to the FrancoRussian annies. The British had to revise their policies. Lord Minto, who had taken over as governor general in June 1807, was instructed to prepare against this danger. British troops were moved up to Kamal and a military post was set up to protect Delhi from the north. Hariana was occupied and Skinner's Horse strengthened to patrol the desert regions. The grand strategy of erecting a series of dams to prevent a Franco-Russian invasion was taken in hand. The dams were l_(? be in Persia, Afghanistan, Sindh, and the Punjab. Four missions were sent out: Malcolm to Persia, Elphinstone to Kabul, Seton to Sindh, and Metcalfe was chosen to negotiate with the Lahore Durbar. 1 The Cis-Sutlej chiefs came to know that the English were interested in them. They met in the village of Samana to plan a course of action. The feeling which prevailed was that the British, who had already come up to thejumna, would inevitably proceed further north; chat they were stronger than the Durbar; that whereas the British would at least guarantee the chiefs their personal privileges and status, the Durbar would abolish their political power and merge their territories into the Puajab state. A venerable patriarch summed up their view in the following words: 'We do not have a very long life, as both the British and Ranjit Singh mean to swallow us up. But whereas the British protection will be like consumption, which takes a long time to 1 Tue idea of sending a Brilish delegation to Lahore was mooted c-arly in 1808. When intelligence was received Lhar Ranjit Singh might come to Hardwar co bathe in che Ganges, che Resident at Delhi advised his govemrnem to exploit the simaLion 'by acts of kindness and attention to render the ciram1stances of Ranjit Singh's visit to che Company's dominions subservient to the plan of pleasing and conciliating him, thereby rendering Jl the basis of foture inLercourse and friendly connection.' (Resident Set0n to the governor general, 18 February 1808.) The instructions given to Metcalfe on this occasion also show clearly the British conception of their northern frontier. He was ordered ·to proceed to the banks of the- Jumna and wait for the arrival of Ranjit Singh.• (SC 24 of 11.4.1808.) On the return journey he was to accompany the ruler 'up to che British frontier,' which was again the banks of the Jumna.