Where have we failed when we acted vigorously?
Where have we succeeded when guided by timid counsels?
Clive with 1,200 men fought at Plassy, in opposition to the advice of his leading officers, beat 40,000 men, and conquered Bengal.' 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.