In the Punjab, conditions were at the same time most serious, giving rise to expectations of armed intervention there. For example:--On the 15th of September, 1843, was perpetrated the double murder of the Maharajah Shere Singh[30] and his son Pertab, at the northern gate of Lahore, the conspiracy which led up to that deed having been formed by Dyhan Singh.[31] Next day Ajeet Singh, by whose hand the crime was committed, together with his followers, were attacked and put to death by Heera Singh, son of the deceased vizier, and his party. For a time a state of anarchy, with its attendant slaughter and rapine, prevailed within the capital. These having run their course, Dhuleep Singh, only surviving son of Runjeet, was placed upon the throne of his father, Heera Singh making himself vizier. Meanwhile, the Sikh or Khalasa army had become formidable under Lal Singh, a favourite of the Ranee;[32] as an outcome of a conspiracy among them, Heera was murdered, his place taken by Lal.[33] Nothing could then restrain their ardour but an expedition into British territory, for which it was well understood that preparations were in progress. The proceedings thus alluded to supplied ample subject for comment in the papers, and talk at social gatherings.
_1843-1844. CAMPAIGN IN GWALIOR. HURDWAR_
16th Lancers--Delhi--The city--Kutub--Feroze’s Lath--Divers-- Muttra--Affairs in Gwalior--Army of Exercise--Halt--City of Krishna--River Chumbul--Across--Sehoree--Before the battle-- Battle of Maharajpore--The 16th--“The Brigadier”--Search for wounded--General Churchill--Lieutenant Cavanagh--The muster-roll-- Next night--The killed and wounded--Resume the advance--News of Punniar--Queen Regent--Around our camp--Gwalior--The fort-- Disarming the conquered--Breaking up--Repassing the field of battle--Meerut--The welcome--Writing to the papers--Native troops-- Hurdwar--Religious festival--The Dhoon--Return--Batta--A native regiment disbanded--Unrest in Punjab--Rejoin the Buffs.
On the day the Buffs began their march, I proceeded to join the 16th Lancers, to which distinguished regiment I had been, by General Orders, attached for duty. Ten nights were passed in travelling by palkee dâk. In early morning of the eleventh day the Kutub was seen in bold relief against the indistinct horizon, for the atmosphere was laden with dust. After a little time, the Jumna was crossed by a bridge of boats; then another interval, and I was hospitably received by Dr. Ross, to whom I had an introduction.