Criticizes figures sent by Col (later Sir) George Balfour (Head of Military Finance Dept) for number of European troops in India; Govt of India should not send home such inaccurate figures.Dated: 19 Aug 1862 (sent 26 Aug)
Canning fortunate to die at height of his reputation; explains views on extent and limits of collective responsibility of Govt of India; also on correct channel of correspondence between Secretary of State and Govt of India, taking examples of Laing's and Beadon's minutes on issue of paper curren...
Is glad Elgin has convened Legislative Council; also that Peacock is sorting out High Court procedures; discusses customs and excise duties (including those on salt and cotton goods) and proposal from (Sir) Dinkar Rao (administrator; Member, Legislative Council) for excise duty on manufactured go...
Outlines views on Afghanistan and its quarrel with Persia over Heart; is against meddling beyond warning Dost Muhammad against invasion of Persia; believes Lord Russell (Foreign Secretary) agrees.
Acknowledges Elgin's letter of 22 July; despatch on land question has been sent; Canning wrong on this; suspects land resolution and contract law were intended to propitiate British community at Calcutta; admits Governor-General must take account of opinion of that community, but it is 'a prejudi...
Opposes expenditure on public buildings in Calcutta; thinks seat of Government may be moved some day – Clerk and Frere propose Poona; invites Elgin's views; asks favour for George Arbuthnot, young officer studying at Roorkee.
Is sending despatch authorizing expenditure on public works; emphasizes importance of efficient superintendence of anything undertaken; as much as possible should be devoted to completing irrigation works begun but suspended for want of means, in particular the subsidiary channels for the Ganges ...
Acknowledges Elgin's letter of 2 August; question of relations between Secretary of State and Governor-General; Canning inclined to assume too much independence and he would have been reprimanded over redemption of land revenue; Secretary of State has more knowledgeable advisers [in Council of In...
Announces despatch of currency draft; reviews currency question; reiterates that problem has been caused by lack of previous communication by Govt of India with Secretary of State before announcing their system; this was a subject on which English authorities new more than Indian.
Discusses healthiness of various places, enclosing table of comparative mortality amongst troops in Bengal [including upper provinces]; had hoped for reduction in Commissariat; opposes fixed ratio of native to European troops; believes police 'much less dangerous' than native army and that it sho...