We should keep our hands as much as possible out of the harsh and dirty part of the executive work, that the European officers may be looked up to with respect as the effectual check upon the native administrators; always prepared to check any disposition on their part to neglect their duty or abuse their power, and thereby bring their Government into disrepute.  Of course, the outrage at Mooltan must be avenged, and our authority there established; but, when this is done, Currie should be advised to avoid the rock upon which our friend Macnaghten was wrecked.  We are too impatient to jump down the throats of those who venture to look us in the face, and to force upon them our modes of doing the work of the country, and to superintend the doing it ourselves in all its details, or having it done by creatures of our own, commonly ten times more odious to the people than we are ourselves.

It is unfortunate that this outrage, and the excitement to which it has given rise, should have come so quickly upon Lord Hardinge’s assurances at the London feast, and amidst the turmoil of popular movements at home.  It has its use in showing us the necessity of being always prepared.

Baba Bulwunt Row tells me that he has got a letter from you in the form of Khureela, and claims one from me on that ground.  Shall I comply?  We have avoided this hitherto, as the Pundits put him up to claim everything that the Bae’s family had, not even omitting the Thalone principality; and hints have been dropped of a mission to England, if the money could be got.  I wish to subdue these pretensions for his own sake, that he may not be entirely ruined by temptations to expensive displays.  He has now got the entire management of his own affairs, and is a sensible, well-disposed lad.  He was never recognised as the Bae’s successor by Government or the Agent, nor was he written to on the Bae’s death.  Cunput Row Bhaca was the person addressed in the letter of condolence.  His son has run through all he has or can borrow, and is in a bad way.  Moresor Row has the reputation of being very rich, though he pleads poverty always.  The whole of the Saugor territories, save Mundla, have benefited by two very fine seasons, with great demand for land produce, and the people are happy.  I have asked for reductions in Mundla, to save the little of tillage and population that has been left.  The whole revenue is a mere trifle in such a jungle as you know it to be, and when once the people go off, there is no getting them back.  Deer destroy the crops upon the few fields left, tigers come to eat the deer, and malaria follows, to sweep off the remaining few families.

I must not prose any longer at present.  Amelia often talks of you, and begs to be kindly remembered.

Ever yours sincerely,
(Signed) W. H. SLEEMAN.

To the Hon. Sir T. H. Maddock,
       &c. &c. &c.

____________________________

Jhansee, 28th May, 1848. 
My Dear Maddock,