[Refers to Stanley's letter of 7 February(3)]; opposes transfer of Mysore (or other Native States) to supervision of local Presidency, because Calcutta's remoteness makes attempts at corruption and intrigue far more difficult; in any case elderly and childless Raja intends to leave Mysore to Govt...
[Refers to Stanley's letter of 15 February(2)]; describes modest reforms in his Council's procedure to expedite business which will bring some relief to his colleagues but not to him; real cause of delay is sheer volume of business; scope for delegating more work to Secretaries is limited by fact...
Disposal of Delhi Crown Jewels; should Queen wish to retain certain items question arises whether their value should be made good to Delhi Prize Fund; Canning recommends it should not, in view of deplorably avaricious attitude of army - officers and men – to claiming Prize, and unprecedented exte...
Claims to compensation of sons of Simon Fraser (Agent to Governor-General at Delhi) murdered at outset of mutiny; Canning ignorant of reasons for granting compensation for relatives killed in Irish rebellion, but judging of India alone he opposes compensation for loss of relatives in mutiny other...
Narratives of the mutiny in Bengal and elsewhere will be despatched, with lists of civilians who have distinguished themselves among whom he will select those especially deserving of honour; recommends F J Halliday for KCB.
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.
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.