Describes his and Palmerston's interview with Cotton deputation; Col W H Sykes's grievances on behalf of Indian Army officers are imaginary; Palmerston does not look quite well but is very vigorous.
Criticizes agreement with Bank of Bengal; issue of notes through its agency and that of other banks is contrary to instructions; asks Elgin to stop bill now going through to give Bank power to deal in exchanges; hopes Laing will soon depart; recommends Capt Tytler; is becoming annoyed at number o...
Public men normally take away all private and semi-official correspondence; possible appointments to Elgin's Council – will discuss with Canning but would like Elgin's opinion; Wood will be in better position to write on many points after seeing Canning; complaint of oppression of ryots in Bengal...
Has seen Canning but not yet had enough conversation to write about usefully; question of relationship of Punjab Force to general Indian Army Command, and maintenance or suppression of native batteries there; agrees with Elgin on unseemliness of Indian Government conducting its internal debates i...
Sends draft despatch on waste lands and permanent settlement for Elgin's eyes only; it may not be passed – Wood wishes to discuss it with Canning before deciding.
Death of Canning; agrees normally they should not correspond direct with Indian Princes from home, but he had to thank Mysore for presents to Queen, and hopes his letter may have counteracted irritation caused by Canning's; Wood is indifferent regarding Raja's claim to secure management of Mysore...
Laing's ignorance of principles of public accounts; pros and cons of his performance and others of his demerits; problem of Bank of Bengal issuing promissory notes; complains of Govt of India's frequently acting without sanction; can find no suitable replacement from home, so Elgin may have to do...