Protests at Wood's imputations against him regarding policy towards expenditure on public works, and reviews controversy over budget provisions for public works, barracks, tax reductions, and estimates of increased revenue.
Further defence of Drummond's appointment and comments on Wingfield; re-iterates his scepticism of value of services spent away from Calcutta climate under friendly Lt-Governors; believes many whose reputation stands high would not accept a Secretaryship to Government at Calcutta; hopes to indica...
Government of India's vakil in Afghanistan should remain with Sher Ali Khan (Dost Muhammad's successor as Amir), but otherwise should abstain from any acts of partisanship until Sher Ali has shown whether he can hold his ground; intends to discuss several matters with Maine when latter arrives at...
Quotes letter received from vakil in Kabul giving new Amir's statement on his policy regarding Herat and Persia, and wish to observe treaties with Persian and British Governments.
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...
Hill expedition mentioned in letter of 18 October (1) has prostrated Elgin; not yet able to say whether his power to undertake duties will be impaired; Lady Elgin has brought up his medical man from Calcutta; has got over immediate effects; Chamberlain has not pursued his expedition as vigorously...
Hopes Elgin has arrived safely; is angry at speeches of Samuel Laing (Finance Member of Viceroy's Council), in particular his mis-statements that home authorities had forced unwanted soldiers and military stores on India, and leading Manchester people to believe that without such military expendi...
Encloses letter for Canning which Elgin may read and burn if Canning has departed; Home Government will prescribe some modifications to sale of waste lands and land tax redemption scheme; asks Elgin to let him have recommendations for Lt-Governorship of Bengal and vacancies on Council.