will allow me to do so, than at once to take the plunge to which you would urge me. ... I much prefer this course to one which might combine all Sikh feeling against us; and which might at once pledge honour, and strength, and finance to the, I think, uncertain cause of Sháh Shujá, in a war to be carried on 600 miles from our frontier. To this consummation we may have to come at last; but I would at least see my way more clearly than I do at present before I venture onwards.'
'To arrest the Persian advance by the advance of our own troops and by the support of Sháh Shujá,' he adds in a later letter, 'are measures, not which we are disposed to carry into effect at all hazards, but which we may be compelled to; and all the means of executing which we most reasonably and strongly desire to keep at our own disposal.'
On June 7, Lord Auckland learned that Ranjít Singh had declared promptly for co-operation; and had declined to be drawn, alone and single-handed, into a march to Kábul. The alternative of action through Sháh Shujá remained. Confronted with this alternative the Governor-General could not but pause. He hoped to get information from England, which might relieve him of direct responsibility. Possibly he might learn that diplomacy at Teherán had rendered the employment of force on the Indus unnecessary. He is 'pleased that Mr. Macnaghten had not absolutely pledged him to the alternative course, for, as you will know, I would gladly pause
