Has had to rebuke Sir C Trevelyan (Governor of Madras), despite which he still intends to give Local Governors more freedom of action in things 'not essentially imperial' as Stanley will see from changes in Public Works system.
Further discussion of handling of discontent among Company's European troops; need to refill vacancies which will be left in Bengal Artillery by discharges by offering bounties for volunteers from British Army infantry regiments; has held up embarkation of two British Army regiments for time being.
Refers to previous letter; effect of disaffection of Local Troops on question of maintaining a Local European Army; can no longer say that it would be safe to entrust management of large numbers of raw English recruits to management of officers trained to command natives only; in short term hopes...
Given that war in Europe seems certain, is preparing earthworks along the Hooghly to defend Calcutta from naval attack; these will not be costly but protection of (currently defenceless) Rangoon will be expensive and difficult.
Encloses copy of petition from 3rd Bengal European Infantry to House of Commons; temper of police and natives generally in North Western Provinces is good; probability of war in Europe does not alter his opinion how discontented European soldiers should be handled.
In response to Stanley's despatch desiring troops to be sent to Mauritius, explains reasons for retaining two British Army regiments in India (out of ten due to return to England): i.e. probability that large numbers of Europeans will accept offer of discharges from Company's armies, uncertainty ...
Refers to Stanley's letter of 3 May; apart from those marked 'private' because they concern individuals, there is no reason why his letters should not be turned to public [i.e. official] as well as private uses.
Suggests need to take precautions against possible French attacks in areas besides Mauritius, particularly the Red Sea ports in view of recent French naval activity in the Red Sea and along the African coast; report in Times that French had ordered charts of Indian coasts and ports; Outram is upd...
Refers to Stanley's letter of 25 April; shortcomings of Governor-General's Council as an administrative machine, as instanced by cases of Raja of Farukhabad, and discontent of European troops; problem caused by legal right of each Council member to be consulted on all subjects; one solution is to...