Queen has written and spoken to him several times on behalf of Duleep Singh; anti-opium agitation has revived; is bringing before Cabinet proposal to comply with Canning's demand for increase in local European artillery but Horse Guards want it to belong to them; proposal to add European regiment...
Concern at forced sales of land in Shahabad for non-payment of revenue, if default due to inability of Govt to protect landowners from marauding rebels; Govt's need to conciliate landowners; fears compulsory sales of land has done much to alienate the people; asks Canning to consider possible way...
Acknowledges Canning's letters of 19 and 20 October; importance of including declaration of mercy in Proclamation; need to avoid ruining solvent landowners by unnecessary legalism; Canning's letters sent to Lord Derby (Prime Minister) which will delay Stanley's reply on some details; has delivere...
[Refers to Canning's letter of 30 November]; brief comments on Lucknow regiments, Durand's request to be provisional member of Governor-General's Council, and D'Orgoni.
Refers to Canning's letter of 17 December regarding unauthorised publication of Lawrence's views on educational and religious question; opposes establishing bible classes in Government schools which would 'do mischief both to the cause of education and to that of good government' and thinks Parli...
Refers to earlier letter on opium [cf his letters of 17 November and 2 December(1)] in which he proposed substitution of private cultivation, with an excise, for existing Govt monopoly; Elgin's success in obtaining legalisation of opium trade with China removes main objection to present system an...
Writes for Canning's own eye alone; military authorities in England favour complete amalgamation of Queen's and local European armies, reducing native army to something like a militia: in short 'to hold India as the colonies are held, mainly by troops of the line'; this view shared by Court, perm...
Acknowledges Canning's letters of 27 and 31 December and 1, 2 and 3 January; Duleep Singh's business will be dealt with expeditiously… [remainder of letter is missing from photocopy].
Refers to Canning's financial despatch of 5 February and letter of 8 February; may be unable to send more than £3 million of bullion; loan bill due for third reading and cannot be altered to authorise £9 rather than £7 million; Canning's increase in customs duties will be supported by Home Govt; ...