That Sir John Lawrence greatly under-estimated the difficulties which Anson had to overcome we now know.  Delhi did not open its gates on our approach, but for more than three months defied all our efforts to capture it.  And in his eagerness to get the Commander-in-Chief to think as he did, the resolute Chief Commissioner forgot that Clive—­not with 1,200 men, but with 3,000 disciplined troops—­had to deal in the open field with an enemy little better than a rabble; whereas Anson had to attack a strong fortress, amply supplied with stores and ammunition, possessing a powerful armament, and held by soldiers who were not only well trained and equipped, but were fighting for their lives, and animated by religious fanaticism.

Still, there can be no doubt that John Lawrence’s views as to the necessity for Delhi being taken at all hazards were correct.  The Governor-General held the same opinion, and strongly urged it upon Anson, who loyally responded, and during the short time he remained at Umballa strenuously exerted himself to equip the troops destined for the arduous task.

While preparing for his advance on the Moghul capital, Anson did not neglect to provide, as far as lay in his power, for the safety of Umballa.  The soldiers’ wives and children were sent to Kasauli; a place of refuge was made for the non-combatants at the church, round which an entrenchment was thrown; a garrison, about 500 strong, was formed of the sick and weakly men of the several European regiments, assisted by some of the Patiala troops; and as an additional security half the Native corps were sent into the district, and the other half with the column to Delhi.

John Lawrence had strongly advocated the policy of trusting the Maharaja of Patiala and the Rajas of Jhind and Nabha.  The attitude of these Chiefs was of extreme importance, for if they had not been well disposed towards us, our communication with the Punjab would have been imperilled.  There was therefore much anxiety at Umballa as to the course Patiala, Jhind, and Nabha (the three principal members of the great Phulkian family) would elect to take.  Douglas Forsyth,[9] Deputy-Commissioner of Umballa, who was a personal friend of the Maharaja of Patiala, at once sought an interview with him.  He was beginning to explain to the Maharaja the difficulties of the situation, when he was interrupted by His Highness, who said he was aware of all that had happened; on which Forsyth asked if it was true that emissaries from the King of Delhi had come to Patiala.  The Maharaja pointed to some men seated at a little distance, saying, ‘There they are.’  Forsyth then asked for a word in private.  As soon as they were alone, he addressed the Maharaja thus:  ’Maharaja sahib, answer me one question:  Are you for us, or against us?’ The Maharaja’s reply was very hearty:  ’As long as I live I am yours, but you know I have enemies in my own country; some of my relations are against me—­my brother for one.  What do you want done?’ Forsyth then asked the Maharaja to send some of his troops towards Kurnal to keep open the Grand Trunk Road.  The Maharaja agreed on the understanding that Europeans should soon be sent to support them—­a very necessary condition, for he knew that his men could only be trusted so long as there was no doubt of our ultimate success.