'The views and opinions of Brigadier General John Jacob, CB. Aide-decamp to the Queen; Aide-de-camp to the Governor General of India, &c. &c. &c.; late commanding in chief the British forces in Persia; at present commanding the Sind Irregular Horse, and Political Superintendent of the North-West frontier of Sind.' [‎169] (200/481)

169
by the mountain robbers, who invaded the country at their
pleasure. On the contrary, what was the state of affairs
on the same frontier when guarded by the Sind Irregular
Horse in the year 1842, during the awfully trying period
of the Cabool disasters ?—and what has been the state of
affairs on this frontier since the Sind Irregular Horse again
became the border force in January 1847 ?
On the former occasion the poor people of the country
looked on the men of the Sind Irregular Horse as their
friends and protectors, and aided them in every way in
their power. There were many sharp encounters with the
enemy, in which the men of the Sind Irregular Horse were
invariably successful; and the general result of the proceed
ings was acknowledged by the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. in Sind and
Beloochistan.
On the second occasion the results of similar conduct
have been even more valuable : plunder, rapine, and dis
order, which existed to a fearful extent wherever there
were inhabitants along this frontier, have entirely ceased ;
hostile inroads into the British territory, formerly so com
mon and so formidable, are entirely unknown; peace, quiet,
industry, and plenty, with full protection for life and pro
perty, everywhere prevail; towns, villages, and green fields
are gradually taking the place of a frightful wilderness.
The people, who are fast returning to the country, are
contented and happy, well-disposed towards, and confident
in the Government. The change produced for the better
is so great as to be almost incredible by those who have not
seen it. It has been produced by nothing but the discipline
of the Sind Irregular Horse. To produce and maintain
this discipline has been my constant study and unceasing
labour, since Government did me the honour to entrust
me with the command of the corps in the year 1841.