Timetable for despatch to Vernon Smith of financial accounts and other documents; delays and difficulties caused by absence of reply from him on question of borrowing for public works.
Preparations for Persian campaign; comments on Maj-Gen Stalker; good policy to keep aloof from entanglement in Afghanistan with Amir's death approaching.
Reports and discusses serious situation at Herat, and statements made by Muhammad Yusuf (Shahzada of Herat) and Dost Muhammad Khan (Amir of Afghanistan); asks for instructions; in Canning's view, if Herat is occupied, is that action must be taken against Persia, and that naval action alone will be i...
Describes reception accorded King of Oudh (who is in neighbourhood of Calcutta but has not visited Fort William), his refusal to answer letters from one Menzies who [probably falsely] purported to be the King's agent, and Oudh Court's repudiation of Bird.