Acknowledges Lawrence's letter of 14 August; on Bhutan, would make only moderate annual payment in respect of Duars; pleased at good relations with Mansfield and Frere.
Denison's criticism of scheme to fortify railway stations, alleging that it involves scattering troops; Wood's conception was for something to facilitate defence as at siege of Arrah during Mutiny.
Is sending report of Commission on position of Indian Army Officers following vote in House of Commons [cf. Wood's letter of 16 May], and Lt-Gen Sir R Vivian (member, Council of India) is sending memorandum pointing out difficulties; asks for Lawrence's views.
Acknowledges Wood's letter of 3 December; rejoices at Napier's appointment to Bombay; Napier is against abolition of Grand Juries, and may oppose Lawrence on rent question; Durand should succeed Napier as Military Member of Council; requirement of C-in-C is to be reasonable and, where he cannot c...
Acknowledges Wood's letter of 18 December; Kathiawar – Lawrence feels interference necessary to preserve peace of the country; Committee is considering Calcutta docks question; disinclination of Calcutta merchants 'who are more or less birds of passage' to invest their own money, rather than Sta...
Acknowledges Wood's letters of 31 December and 2 January; discusses various possible senior appointments; policy in Oudh; believes Sir Thomas Munro probably best administrator Madras or perhaps India ever had, and praises his ryotwari settlement; comments on James Thomason (formerly Lt-Governor o...
Acknowledges Wood's letters of 18 January; opposes Mr Ellis's candidacy for Archdeaconry; describes further setbacks in campaign and criticises carelessness of officers; reinforcements being sent; his reasons for not sending more British troops, and disagreement with Rose and Napier thereon; Lawr...
Acknowledges Wood's letter of 3 February; again defends his policy on Oudh tenures; criticises Wingfield's actions; believes Canning would have modified his orders if their effect in injuring some parties had been brought to his attention; had it been brought to his attention; defends his mode of...
Encloses comments by Bishop of Calcutta on various candidates for post of Archdeacon of Lahore; commends Col (Sir) Richard Strachey who is going home; Council agrees Income Tax must be retained, though Grey wants it for one year only; Frere's proposed increase in salaries in Bombay should not ext...