Hugh Wodehouse Pearse

“ Ranjit Singh, at this period of full vigour and at the height of his power, suspended his operations against the Afghans, and, assembling his whole force about Lahore, was ready to avail himself of any British reverse by joining the insurgent raja of Bhurtpore and other chiefs who were disaffected to the British government. Wade, who was promoted to the rank of captain on 13 May 1825, was in constant communication with the Sikh ruler throughout this critical period, and gradually succeeded in convincing Ranjit Singh of both the power and the sincerity of the British government. ”

“ Wade performed this duty for seventeen years, during which time he was chiefly instrumental in maintaining harmony between the British and the Sikh governments; moresoever, he gained the confidence of Ranjit Singh to such an extent as to be permitted freely to visit the Punjab at a time when it was rigidly closed to British officials. ”

“ In 1826 the termination of the Burmese war and the capture of Bhurtpore conclusively established in the maharaja's mind the conviction of British ascendency; and in the following year Wade conducted a complimentary mission from Ranjit Singh to the governor-general, Lord Amherst, who in return sent presents by Wade's hand to the court of Amritsar. ”