When Ranjit Singh sought to include the Sikh states south of the Sutlej within his jurisdiction, in 1808 the heads of these states sought and obtained the protection of the British, whose territories had now extended to their neighbourhood. The British sought alliances with Lahore, as well as with Kabul, for protection against supposed French designs on India. A British envoy, Charles Metcalfe, was received by Ranjit at Kasur in 1809 and the alliance was formed. In 1813 Ranjit Singh secured Attock Fort as well as the Koh-i-Noor diamond, consolidating his control over the Punjab.