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 CHAPTER IX

Annexation and Pacification of the Punjab — Steps leading up to the Annexation

Meanwhile communications had been going on with the enemy respecting the release of Colonel George Lawrence and others, whom they were holding as prisoners; and Sir Henry was engaged in preparing, by Lord Dalhousie's wish, besides other arrangements, drafts of proclamations to be issued to the Sikhs on their being defeated. There is no sign that Lord Dalhousie gave instructions of any kind to Sir Henry regarding the tenor, particulars, or form of the proposed proclamations, and Sir Henry consequently drew up such a document as he would have prepared in accordance with the practice, policy, and tone in force under Lord Hardinge, and submitted it to Lord Dalhousie. The Governor-General's letter, in reply, dated February 3, 1849, dealt both with the proclamation and with the proposals for the release of George Lawrence and the other captives with the Sikhs. It is necessary to note this, because the warm and friendly terms in which he dealt with the latter subject indicate Lord Dalhousie's kindly feelings, and must be borne in view in reading the plain-spoken