Sends papers relating to levy of Sikhs for Ceylon – root of problem seems to be designation 'Pioneers' given by Ceylon Government to their Coolie Corps.
In correspondence with Napier has agreed to preliminary meeting of Legislative Council at Calcutta – undesirable that absence from Calcutta should be unduly protracted; considers additional Council members should retire after their two year term.
Regrets Wood's change of opinion on use of cash balances for public works, but grateful Wood informed him directly; considers reduction of cash balances unwise since it will make raising money for emergencies more expensive; sends copy of his minute on irrigation works; question of appointment of...
In filling vacancies in Governor-General's Council and Secretariat, criterion should be merit rather than regard for provincial representation; Local Governments can use Legislative Council to put their best men on path to Executive Council; important for its efficiency that good men accept offic...
Has approved Montgomery's proposal for expedition against Sit[t]ana fanatics and tribes on frontier supposed to support them; Elgin's disagreement with C-in-C on scale and timing of expedition; Sir Neville Chamberlain is to take command [this became known as the Ambela campaign].
Is at Sultanpur; briefly describes scenery round Kulu; men of party scaled Rohtang pass; new bridge over river Chandra will improve trade route to Ladakh and China; up to now they had to use a twig bridge which Elgin crossed himself – 'the most difficult job I ever attempted'; need for route whic...
Complaint from (Sir) Hugh Rose (C-in-C, India) at tone of Norman's correspondence; Elgin's orders to Norman to write in strong terms on question of extra clothing for Artillery men; explains why he prefers to transact business with high officials in writing.