Page:Sir Henry Lawrence, the Pacificator.djvu/43

34 the bank of the Sutlej in ten days, and crossing it on December 16 reached Pesháwar on the 28th.

Meanwhile Sir George took another step of special importance to Lawrence, and transferred him to Pesháwar; which, lying on the Sikh frontier of Afghánistán, was now certain to be the advanced base of operations. In writing to him Sir George said: —

'It is because I feel much confidence in your knowledge of the Sikh authorities, in their reliance on your fair dealing, in your experience as a district officer and a people's protector, and in your activity and decision to meet emergencies of every shape, that I have selected you for the present to proceed to Pesháwar.'

This was a marked testimony to the sound knowledge of the Sikh character, and the powerful influence with the leaders and the people, that Lawrence had by this time acquired.

He was now to enter on his experience of the Sikh soldiery, and to be intimately associated with them all through 1842.