Page:Sir Henry Lawrence, the Pacificator.djvu/152

Rh modern times, that the proper duty and aim of the British Government lay in fostering the native States, and leading them into developing, with improved habits and principles and with their own traditions and modes of thought to keep them in proper touch with the people, into well-governed sovereignties under British protection, support, and guidance.

In regard to the Punjab, it has been so fully dealt with that it need hardly be touched on again. It will suffice to say that his original hope was, that it should remain an independent kingdom on the frontier, as a buffer against other intrusions in that direction; and that its people, whose worth he gauged so correctly and valued so highly, might be led to become orderly and peaceable citizens, retaining their courage and spirit, but growing into thoroughly friendly neighbours and staunch allies. It was in this hope that he undertook the duty of guiding the Darbár after the Sutlej war; and it was under the natural impression — from Lord Dalhousie's bearing and language respecting them at first — that the Sikhs would receive from him the harshest terms and treatment, and would become in consequence permanent and fierce enemies, that he dreaded the annexation and the rule that would follow.

From time to time he submitted suggestions on minor desultory military points — such as the duties and organization of the Quarter-Master-General's department, the formation of a Corps of Guides (afterwards carried out in the Punjab under his own rule), and the