Sir W. H. Sleeman

Sir William Henry Sleeman (1788–1856) was a British soldier and administrator in India. Born in Cornwall, he joined the Bengal army in 1809 and later entered the political service. He became famous for his campaign in the 1830s against thuggee, the organized robbery and ritual murder of travelers, gathering informers and evidence that led to the conviction of thousands of men. As resident at the court of Lucknow from 1849, he reported on misgovernment in Awadh while opposing its outright annexation. His writings include Rambles and Recollections of an Indian Official and A Journey through the Kingdom of Oude. He died at sea on his way home.