1.A well researched paper.It evidences your thrust for research and passion for knowledge.
2.A treasure for posterity.

Regards,

England was just a small country — only a part island. But their domain grew, just as Rome did. They did not consciously set out to create an empire. It just happened by a series of accidents. But, once their domain reached a substantial size, they looked to the Roman empire for inspiration. So it was alliances all the way. Henry Lawrence was a strong votary of alliances rather than conquest. After the first Anglo-Sikh war there was a strong British lobby who wanted to annex Kashmir. He resisted that and managed to leave Kashmir as a protectorate.

Henry Lawrence was virtual ruler of Punjab and NWFP after the first Anglo-Sikh war. His title was modest – “Agent to the Governor General for the North West Frontier and Resident in Lahore.” He delegated power to talented young officers, most of them in their 20s. They soon became known as the paladins of Punjab. Names such as James Abbott, John Nicholson, Neville Bowles Chamberlain, Henry Daly, Herbert Edwardes, William Hodson, George Lawrence , Harry ‘Joe’ Lumsden, Frederick Mackeson and Reynell Taylor are well known. The survivors among them rose to high rank. They founded two cities (Abbottabad & Edwardesganj), two famous regiments (The Guides and Hodson’s Horse) and a famous public school (Daly College, Indore).

The story of Henry Lawrence will be complete only if we include another article on the Paladins of Punjab.

“You people know well that I am a Sepoy and soldier. Do you want war or peace? If you wish for a war, the Government is prepared for it, and if you want peace, then obey my orders and open all your shops; else I will shoot. For me the battlefield of France or Amritsar is the same. I am a military man and I will go straight. Neither shall I move to the right nor to the left. Speak up, if you want war? In case there is to be peace, my order is to open all shops at once. You people talk against the Government and persons educated in Germany and Bengal talk sedition. I shall report all these. Obey my orders. I do not wish to have anything else. I have served in the military for over 30 years. I understand the Indian Sepoy and Sikh people very well. You will have to obey my orders and observe peace. Otherwise the shops will be opened by force and Rifles. You will have to report to me of the Badmash. I will shoot them. Obey my orders and open shops. Speak up if you want war? You have committed a bad act in killing the English. The revenge will be taken upon you and upon your children.”

Sir Henry Lawrence and his paladins took nearly a decade to build the cornerstone of the edifice. ‘Brig Gen Dyer took barely ten minutes to demolish it!

I am reminded of something which Abe Lincoln said, and I quote,

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

I think every military officer must read this piece of history. Ever so often, soldiers create permanent enemies, for short term visible effects.

Surjit