DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.15173#0046
28
AUDIENCE OF LEAVE.
CHAP. I.
the chances of our success, but only in prosecution
of the'journey.
On the evening of the 10th of February, we took
our leave of Maharaja Runjeet Sing on the parade-
ground, where he again exhibited to us, with ap-
parent pride, the progress which his troops had made
in throwing shells. On this occasion he asked for
my opinions on opening the Indus; and remarked,
that, as that river and its five great tributaries passed
through his territories, he ought to derive greater
advantages than the British government. He spoke
of the scheme as might have been expected from a
man of his enlightened views ; but said that he did
not relish the idea of vessels navigating all parts of
his territories.. He fears collision with the British
government. His Highness then proceeded to dic-
tate letters in our behalf to the chiefs of Peshawur
and Cabool, as well as several other personages
beyond the Indus. He also issued orders to all the
chiefs and agents between his capital and the fron-
tier ; and stretching his hand from the elephant,
gave each of us a hearty shake, and said farewell.
He particularly requested me to write to him fre-
quently, and give an account of the countries I tra-
versed, with their politics and customs, and never
forget him in whatever region I might be placed.
We received letters from Runjeet Sing himself in
the deserts of Tartary and in Bokhara; nor did we
fail to comply with his request when far from his
territories. I never quitted the presence of a native
of Asia with such impressions as I left this man:
without education, and without a guide, he conducts
AUDIENCE OF LEAVE.
CHAP. I.
the chances of our success, but only in prosecution
of the'journey.
On the evening of the 10th of February, we took
our leave of Maharaja Runjeet Sing on the parade-
ground, where he again exhibited to us, with ap-
parent pride, the progress which his troops had made
in throwing shells. On this occasion he asked for
my opinions on opening the Indus; and remarked,
that, as that river and its five great tributaries passed
through his territories, he ought to derive greater
advantages than the British government. He spoke
of the scheme as might have been expected from a
man of his enlightened views ; but said that he did
not relish the idea of vessels navigating all parts of
his territories.. He fears collision with the British
government. His Highness then proceeded to dic-
tate letters in our behalf to the chiefs of Peshawur
and Cabool, as well as several other personages
beyond the Indus. He also issued orders to all the
chiefs and agents between his capital and the fron-
tier ; and stretching his hand from the elephant,
gave each of us a hearty shake, and said farewell.
He particularly requested me to write to him fre-
quently, and give an account of the countries I tra-
versed, with their politics and customs, and never
forget him in whatever region I might be placed.
We received letters from Runjeet Sing himself in
the deserts of Tartary and in Bokhara; nor did we
fail to comply with his request when far from his
territories. I never quitted the presence of a native
of Asia with such impressions as I left this man:
without education, and without a guide, he conducts