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Discusses discontent among East India Company's European troops particularly at Meerut and Allahabad and how it should be handled; situation has been critical; its possible effect on native troops; wishes Court of Enquiry at Meerut to complete its work quickly.
Encloses papers on doings of 4th European Regiment and 2nd Light Cavalry at Allahabad showing 'how narrow escape we have had from grievous disaster. I never passed a more anxious 24 hours than after the first announcement of Sir John Inglis' intention to disarm'.
Health of (Sir) Henry Ricketts having broken down, and with only two remaining colleagues (Outram and Peacock) neither of whom is in robust health, it is imperative, in view of volume of business, for him to exercise his power to appoint temporary member of Council.
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.