frontier, as it was alleged, by the orders of the Durbar, for the
purpose of invading the British territory. The governor-general's agent,
by direction of the governor-general, demanded an explanation of this
movement; and no reply being returned within a reasonable time, the
demand was repeated. The governor-general, unwilling to believe in the
hostile intentions of the Sikh government, to which no provocation
had been given, refrained from taking any measures which might have
a tendency to embarrass the government of the Maharaja, or to induce
collision between the two states. When no reply was given to the
repeated demand for explanation, and while active military operations
were continued at Lahore, the governor-general considered it necessary
to order the advance of troops towards the frontier, to re-enforce the
frontier posts. The Sikh army has now, without a shadow of provocation,
invaded the British territories. Tire governor-general must, therefore,
take measures for effectually protecting the British provinces; for
vindicating the authority of the British government; and for punishing
the violaters of treaties and the disturbers of public peace. The
governor-general hereby declares the possessions of Maharaja Dhuleep
Singh, on the left, or British bank of the Sutlej, confiscated and
annexed to the British territories. The governor-general will respect
the existing rights of all jagheerdars, zemindars, and tenants in the
said possessions, who, by the course they now pursue, evince their
fidelity to the British government. The governor-general hereby
calls upon all the chiefs and sirdars in the protected territories to
co-operate cordially with the British government, for the punishment
of the common enemy, and for the maintenance of order in these states.
Those of the chiefs which show alacrity and fidelity in the discharge
of this duty, which they owe to the protecting power, will find their
interests promoted thereby; and those who take a contrary course will
be treated as enemies to the British government, and will be punished
accordingly. The inhabitants of all the territories on the left bank of
the Sutlej are hereby directed to abide peaceably in their respective
villages, where they will receive efficient protection by the British
government. All parties of men found in armed bands, who can give no
satisfactory account of their proceedings, will be treated as disturbers
of the public peace. All subjects o