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MARCH, 1894.]
A NOTICE OF THE 'UMDATU'T-TAWARIKH.
65
Q. - The people say that even in the night when you are asleep, you keep muskets leaning against your breasts; explain the meaning of this.
A. - We are very fond of hunting, and when during the night some wild beast comes in sight, we immediately rise and shoot it.
Q. - What is your opinion of the governor of Kashmir ? A. - He keeps the country in good order. Q. - The people say that he is robbing my government. A. — Then he should be removed.
After this conversation the foreigners took leave, but were afterwards hospitably entertained on several occasions, and given presents.
On another occasion the same gentlemen met Rañjft Singh at Shah Bilawal, and he ordered BAJA Suchet Singh to cause the cuirass-wearing cavalry to manau vre, who shewed much dexterity in shooting with guns at targets, which fact the Sahibs promised to bring to the notice of their king. They asked about the number of the cavalry, and were told that both the infantry and cavalry amounted to about 5,000 men. To the enquiry of Ranjit Singh, whether the king of France or the king of England was the more powerful, the Şahibs replied that the dominions of England were extending day by day. Then the Şahibs asked what the use of wearing cuirasses might be. And Râjâ Suchet Singh explained that a cuirass cannot be damaged by a sword, giving three or four blows with his own sword then and there on a soldier's cuirass, which had no effect on his body. The Sahibs, who were much pleased with what they had seen, were asked whether in their opinion the cavalry or the infantry were the best, when Baron von Hügel stated that he belonged himself to the cavalry service and highly approved of that arm, whilst de Vismes said that as he belonged to the infantry he considered it to be the better, but that in case of need both branches of the service would be useful.
Vol. III. Part III., a diary kept in St. 1893 (4. D. 1836). This part commences with a mention of the alms and charities bestowed during the month Cbait' St. 1893, and records interviews between Ranjit Singh and a number of his Sardârs and officers, and his journeys to various parts of the country. An interview between the Governor-General and Ranjit Singh near the Satluj is also described. On this occasion they both paid a visit together to the fort of the Bhangis, and the English gentlemen admired the fruit on the trees along the road, which had been gilt and silvered! The wedding of the Kanwar Nau Nihal Singh was also celebrated about that time at Atari, the Governor-General being present at the festivities, which were on & magnificent scale and were afterwards contipued in Lahor, to which place Rañjit Singh journeyed in company with his Lordship.
Vol. III. Part IV., a diary kept in St. 1894 and St. 1895 (A. D. 1837-38). In St. 1894 Regjit Singh paid visits to the camp of the Governor-General, and witnessed the manoeuvres of the English troops and the practice of the artillery. Afterwards the GovernorGeneral paid him return visits, was entertained at banquets, and saw the displays which take place in the celebration of the Holi festival. The Governor-General was much pleased with Naa Nihal Singh, and congratulated Ranjit Singh for having chosen him as his successor. His Lordship also promised to report to London the hospitable treatment he had met with.
Considering that the names of many English officials - of course, excepting that of the anonymous, but oft recurring and beloved, Captain of Ladhiana (Wade) - are mentioned, it is surprising that neither the author nor Ranjit Singh himself appears to have known the names of the highest fun tionaries, and when another Låt Şahib is expected to pay a visit to the Pañjáb, Ranjit Singh is made to say:-- "I shall have had the pleasure of meeting three Lât Şahibs; the first was the Lât Sahib
> On the spot.
