Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/16

Correspondence from Lord Elphinstone. Letters numbered 67-92 with index and detailed summaries, continued from previous volume Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/15.

67a. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 9 Jan 1858. Lord Elphinstone sends some letters with comments, on Holkar's behaviour. At the time of the attack on the Residency Elphinstone took a favourable view of Holkar's conduct, though Colonel Durand believed he was playing a double game. As Durand is coming to Bombay Elphinstone will be able to find out his reasons for distrusting Holkar. Many intercepted letters show that the writers either believed or wished their correspondents to believe that Holkar was secretly in league with the Sattara family, and with the Nana Sahib. Elphinstone now believes Holkar wished to be considered a friend by both sides. The Governor has done his best to prevent misunderstandings between Sir H Rose and Sir R Hamilton. Rose has made very grave charges against Hamilton, which will have to be investigated. Private. Six papers annexed: 1. Letter from Sir H Rose to Elphinstone, 4 Jan 1858, lamenting the collapse of Sir R Hamilton. Rose used to be a great admirer of Hamilton, and until they reached Indore they agreed about everything. But at Indore Hamilton became fascinated by anything connected with Holkar, and seemed to lose all power to act. He punished promptly the officials who had forced his son-in-law Mr Hutchinson and family to flee, but would not do anything to punish others. The Durbar was always unwilling to punish anybody, and Hamilton backed them up in their tergiversations. At last Rose came to the conclusion that Hamilton was acting with bad faith. They disagreed over Colonel Balkishin of Holkar's Force, whom Rose knew to be guilty. Hamilton's subordinate officers were afraid to give evidence against Umildar of Mehidpore, because Hamilton might ruin their careers. When Rose wrote an official letter demanding the Umildar, Hamilton replied that he had already been tried by the Durbar and banished; though in the end he was given up to Rose. Hamilton's character has completely gone, and it is said, and Rose believes, that he must be taking money from Holkar to get out of the difficulties his great liberality and extravagance have drawn him into. Rose is able to make some headway against Hamilton; but after he leaves, Brigadier Stuart will be helpless. That is why Rose sent an urgent telegram to Elphinstone. If Elphinstone had superseded Hamilton, and sent Rose back to Indore, he could disarm the town and take the guns. Hamilton, who is tied by some dishonourable tie to Holkar, refused to disarm the town or set aside Holkar. The Durbar will not give proper satisfaction for the July massacre of British subjects, and Hamilton is unwilling to demand it. Suggests Major Robertson could replace Hamilton. Rose has left Indore; he gets on well with his native troops, and after two victories British prestige is restored. 2. Telegraphic Despatch from Sir H Rose to Lord Elphinstone, 3 Jan, Hamilton never showed Rose Elphinstone's telegram of 31 Dec. This has increased Rose's distrust, and he will delay his departure for Saugor until he received further orders. Secret. 3.Note that on the same day, 3 Jan, Hamilton telegraphed to Elphinstone that he knew the responsibility under which he acted, and there was nothing at Indore to detain Sir H Rose. 4. Copy of an official letter from Sir H Rose to Sir R Hamilton, 2 Jan, criticising the omission of Colonel Balkessen from the list of leaders of the July rebellion. Regrets that the Durbar has only punished the instruments, not the leaders, of the outrage. Attacks specific sentences for leniency. Cannot agree that the guilty are being punished, or that justice is being done. 5. Copy of a letter from Lord Elphinstone to Sir Hugh Rose, 4 Jan, in reply to Rose's secret telegram of the 3rd. Urges the importance of Hamilton and Rose agreeing. Is surprised that Hamilton did not show Rose the telegram of 31 Dec but there may be a good reason. Elphinstone doubts the wisdom of Rose's columns leaving Indore, but only Hamilton can determine what amount of satisfaction from the Durbar should be accepted. Suggests route for Rose to follow. Private. 6. Sir R Hamilton to Lord Elphinstone, 5 Jan 1858. Events are going on well at Indore, though the utmost patience is required to keep things together. Hamilton has done all he can to meet Sir H Rose's wishes, he does not interfere with the military arrangements, and wishes Rose would leave political matters alone. Comments on the case of Colonel Balkishin. At first Hamilton told Rose everything, but became reserved when he found every word was taken up and misconstrued. Has avoided arguments with Rose. The interviews between Holkar and Sattara were known in Indore when they were taking place. Scindia and Holkar will never agree. Holkar is not in a very strong position, bullying him will not help. Thinks that Rose would like to abandon the Residency, this would not do. Asks for European troops at Mhow and Indore.

67b. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 11 Jan 1858. Lord Elphinstone has now seen Sir R Hamilton's official letters, which confirm Elphinstone's opinion that Rose had been hasty in his judgement on Hamilton. Hamilton may have been too easily satisfied with Holkar's assurances, and the punishment of the guilty regiments is far less than Elphinstone would have accepted. Lord Canning may wish to move Rose to another command, and he could change places with General Roberts. However Roberts has special qualifications for the Rajpootana Command which Rose does not possess. It would be better to send Rose to the Commander in Chief and appoint General Garrett or General Windham to the Bombay Column in Central India. As Rose has left Indore, Canning my not think it necessary to transfer him, but it would seem desirable that he should not continue to act in political subordination to Hamilton.

67c. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 20 Jan 1858. Lord Elphinstone has replied to the telegram about the strength and composition of Rose's Column. Will have to ask for an Act to enable the Government to arrest dangerous intriguers. During the past six months many such have been held without trial; now a writ of habeas corpus has been issued for a man, and apparently the Chief Justice will support the writ. Elphinstone feels it would be so dangerous to release him, and all the others who would escape in the same way, that the Government will refuse to give him up. Papers annexed: Three news cuttings about the case.

67d. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 24 Jan 1858. Lord Elphinstone has received with great astonishment a Despatch marked Secret and Confidential, appointing him Provisional Governor General should anything happen to Lord Canning. Hopes that he will not have to undertake the arduous duties of Governor General but will merely enjoy the possession of such a document for the remainder of his term of office. Agrees with Canning's telegram about Sir H Rose's suspicions. Private.

67e. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 29 Jan 1858. Lord Elphinstone reports the arrival of some Despatches from Herat and some letters from Murray (one annexed). Captain Jones writes from Bushire that the season is a very unhealthy one and he wishes to visit Muscat. Perhaps he might be offered the post of Resident at Zanzibar, and Bushire might be given to Lieutenant Colonel Taylor who is now at Herat. Agrees with Murray about the ability of Oriental powers to deceive envoys, and believes that the Governor of Herat has fooled Taylor. May not the Sadr Azim have fooled Murray also? The home news is of Lord Spencer's death, and Lord Clanricarde's appointment as Privy Seal. Paper annexed: covering note from C A Murray, Teheran, 1 Dec, to Elphinstone, sending some not very important papers to Canning.

67f. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 3 Apr 1858 Lord Elphinstone sends an extract of a letter from Mr Frere. The 6th Bengal Irregular Cavalry were sent to Jacobabad at the beginning of 1858 when one of the Regiments of Scind Horse was sent to Persia. When the Mutiny began every precaution was taken to prevent the 6th joining in it, and so far this has proved successful. The border was uneasy owing to the death of the Khan of Kelat and his Vizier. The 6th has however remained a source of weakness. Sir J Lawrence did not wish to have them back in the Punjab, so Elphinstone suggested they be disarmed and dismounted. Frere's remarks are in answer to this suggestion. General Jacob has a remarkable command over native troops, cites an example. If Canning allows Jacob to reorganize the Regiment as a pattern on which the whole of the new Cavalry could be based, Elphinstone thinks this would be successful. Paper annexed: extract from a letter from H B Frere to Lord Elphinstone, 25 Mar, affirming that disarmed, the 6th would be more dangerous than it is now. They could be discharged, but suggests it would be better if Colonel Jacob reorganized them entirely on the plan of his own Scind Horse.

67g. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 16 Jun 1858. Lord Elphinstone reports the arrival of the 'Assaye' from Bushire with the late Commissioner at Herat, Colonel Taylor, and the officers who accompanied him, and a mass of Despatches from Teheran and Bushire. Sends a copy of a private letter from Murray. The prompt suppression of the outbreak in the Southern Mahratta Country has had a good effect, and there seems no need to fear disturbances in the Presidency. An enormous quantity of weapons has been taken. Paper annexed: copy of a letter from C A Murray to Lord Elphinstone, Teheran, 16 May, the writer was glad to receive papers from India after so many months. All the Persians believed the British power and prestige finished and the Sadr Azim's attitude towards the Mission changed for the worse. The Sadr Azim is totally devoted to the Russians. The Government must make up their minds on what course they mean to adopt to secure the North West Frontier of India from the Russians. Constant communication between Bombay and Bushire has a great effect on the Persians, if the Persians give way over Seistan it will be largely due to the arrival of the 'Assaye' at Bushire. Commends Colonel Taylor, who should see Lord Canning as soon as possible. Encloses a copy of a letter to Lord Malmesbury, which may be sent to Lord Canning. Private. Paper annexed: copy of a letter from C A Murray to Lord Malmesbury, Teheran, 30 Apr 1858. Murray believes that it is embarrassing to the Foreign Secretary to receive Despatches calling for energetic measures, without suggestions as to what the measures should be. But he is quite ignorant of the views of the present Government on Persia, Central Asia, Herat and Afghanistan, so he is sending his suggestions in a private letter. Verbal remonstrance will not be enough. Murray realises that no force can be sent to the Gulf in the present state of affairs in India and England. Suggests a middle course, demanding satisfaction and threatening the withdrawal of the Mission. The Persians are in difficulties in Khorassan at Asterabad, and have no longer an unscrupulous ally in the late French charge d'affaires who used to aid any dirty intrigue to injure the British Mission. Lists the heads of reparation which should be demanded from the Persian Government. The recall of the Prince Governor of Tabreez for the imprisonment of Mr Abbott's servant. The authorities at Tabreez to treat the British Consul General with respect. All persons protected by the British Mission before the late war are to be continued to be protected; the Persian Government must recognise this. All British subjects or dependents injured to be indemnified. The Persians are to withdraw troops from Seistan. The Jews and Hazarehs deported from Herat during the war must be released unransomed and allowed to return home. Private.

68. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 4 Jul 1858. Lord Elphinstone was glad to have Canning's letter. There was no need to detain the steamer as Canning's express reached Bombay in time. Is glad that Canning did not resign because of the Despatch. Elphinstone. is not qualified to give an opinion on the Proclamation. It seems very sweeping, but it does not follow that it is unjust or even impolitic. Elphinstone has not received a telegram about the disarming of the Golundazes. Thinks they should be kept out of trouble, and always be neutralized by the presence of European troops.

69. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 22 Jul 1858 Lord Elphinstone reports that Canning's packet of the 9th and the express of the l0th both reached Bombay after the departure of the mail of the 19th, no doubt owing to the heavy rains. Is sure that Canning is right not to resign. The first paragraphs of the reply to the Despatch of the 19th Apr are excellent. Elphinstone does not think the rest of the Despatch is as unanswerable, for Canning himself admits that proclamations are not the best means of influencing the natives of India, and they are liable to be misunderstood. Perhaps Canning could have taken the same course in Oudh as in Rohilcund; Montgomery could have communicated Canning's intentions to the principal chiefs of Oudh, even if the country could not have been more speedily occupied. Elphinstone believes there has been too much delay in all the military operations in Oudh. Does not fear disturbance in Bombay, except perhaps in the Nizam's territory. The return of the Hyderabad Contingent will have the best possible effect. Replies to Canning's question about the less guilty sepoys. Suggests that the disarmed Regiments might be allowed to volunteer for General Service, and employed in the Colonies. Those who do not volunteer would be discharged, and lose their claim for pension, except in particular cases. For those who mutinied, but did not murder their officers, suggests work on the railroads or any other public works. An Afghan or Heratee horse-dealer offered to take some of the sepoys in return for some horses. Colonel Taylor will leave Bombay for Allahabad. Clerk is staying with Elphinstone. The two men do not entirely agree on Herat politics. It has not been possible to send a steamer every month to Bushire in the present state of the Indian Navy, and the disturbance and murder of the Consul at Jeddah. The trouble is said to have been caused by a Syud from Delhi who landed with a large retinue. The 2nd Regiment of Mahratta Horse will be raised as soon as possible, there are not enough men for a third Regiment

69a. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 19 Oct 1858 Lord Elphinstone has received a copy of the new Acts, and a notification of the appointment of Sir George Clerk and Mr Baillie as Under Secretaries. No-one knows whether to write to the Secretary of State or the Under Secretary nor who should sign the letters. Supposes that the Queen's Proclamation is being kept secret. Has ordered fireworks; the Proclamation will be read in front of the Town Hall. When news came of the Mutiny at Mooltan, the 51st were ordered up from Kurrachee, but were stopped by Mr Frere, on account of the extreme unhealthiness of the season. At the moment Sir J Lawrence does not seem to need troops. Will risk sending the 33rd to Deesa to replace the 89th ordered to Neemuch. Lord Daugan, Cowley's eldest son, has gone to join General Mansfield's Staff.

69b. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 24 Oct 1858 Lord Elphinstone has received a copy of the Queen's Proclamation, which he will keep secret. Thinks it will do good. Asks who will be affected by the amnesty. Hopes the two pretenders to the Sattara Guddee and the younger brother of the Kolapore Rajah will be prevented from returning to their homes.

69c. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 27 Oct 1858 Lord Elphinstone hopes that Mr Murray's successor will be able to get on better with the Shah's Government, but fears that the Russian pension is too much for the virtue of any Persian Premier, and that in a few months the new Sadr Azim will be as much opposed to the British as the old one was. Will try to find out what M Khanikoff is doing at Herat and Kandahar. Lists various people whom it would be dangerous to set free under the amnesty. Hopes the electric cable will be more successful than the American one.

69d. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 2 Nov 1858 Lord Elphinstone describes the successful reading of the Proclamation. Asks for some clarification of the meaning of the amnesty, and also about the non-interference with religion clause.

70. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 18 Nov 1858 Lord Elphinstone sends some Despatches from Teheran (not annexed). Does not think Tantia Topi will do much harm in the Presidency. When the rebels read the Queen's Proclamation with the promise of amnesty, many will return home. Sir P Grant has just left for Poona. Is glad the campaign in Oudh has opened so well.

71. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 21 Nov 1858 Lord Elphinstone sends duplicates of some papers referring to the German Legion (marked in margin, Telegraph Messages Sent 557, Telegraph Messages received 913). Would be good to know if a body of Cavalry should be formed out of them. Four papers annexed. Copy of a telegram from Elphinstone to the Governor General, 9 Nov 1858, reporting the arrival of the German Legion and some Artillery from the Cape. Suggests they be reformed into a Cavalry Regiment Copy of a letter from Sir George Grey, to Lord Elphinstone, King William's Town, British Kaffraria, 6 Sep, about the conditions under which the German Legion were enlisted. Copy of enlistment conditions of the Legion. Copy of further letter from Sir George Grey to Lord Elphinstone, 7 Sep, on the state of the German Legion.

72. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 12 Dec 1858Lord Elphinstone has not yet received a letter about the German Legion. It will be necessary to add some German speaking officers, suggests Captain Ellerman of the 98th and Lieutenant Daveney of the 6th Dragoons. Brigadier Showers telegraphed that the Nana Sahib had crossed the Ganges, but as Mr Edmonstone's messages do not mention him, Elphinstone concludes that this was a mistake. Hopes Tantia Topi will be caught before the Nana crosses. Praises Sir R Shakespear.

73. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 14 Feb 1859 Lord Elphinstone thanks Lord Canning for two letters. He thinks that Sir R Shakespear's place at Baroda should be offered to Colonel Lang and General Le Grand Jacob. Neither is likely to accept, on the grounds of ill-health, but they should be paid the compliment of being offered the post. Major Wallace is well qualified for the post. Sends a letter from Mr Frere. Thinks Sir R Shakespear might be more useful in Rajpootana than at Indore. The financial difficulties have long been foreseen, but Elphinstone did not know they were so pressing. A succession duty would be a very good tax, but how are the immediate needs of money to be met? Parliament, should be asked to allow more money to be raised in Britain for India. Suggests ways of increasing the value of the stocks. Suggests that native landowners be allowed to redeem the Land Assessment on their property at 30 years' purchase; also the confirmation of all Inams not yet inquired into, on the payment of a proportion of the assessment. If this was made to cover all defects of title, while inheritance by adoption was allowed on the payment of a double succession duty, Elphinstone believes it would bring in revenue and would tranquilise an important class. Thinks a few English officers should be attached to the Germans. Has had an application from Captain Mitford of the 27th to join. Paper annexed: letter from H B E Frere to Lord Elphinstone, 5 Feb 1859, describing the measures he has taken to dispose of the troops, with sketch plan. Criticises the British officers, who make the people detest them, and despise them. An entirely different set of men is needed, especially in Rajpootana. Hopes Major Green will be able to send a good body of the Scind Horse to Jeysulmeer. Green has no easy task in persuading the Khan of Kelat to pacify the Murrees. Explains the delay in raising the 3rd Regiment of Scind Horse. Lieutenant Tyrwhitt is raising a body of Khosa Horse.

73a. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 20 Feb 1859 Lord Elphinstone sends a list of officers Sir H Somerset thinks should serve with the Germans. Asks if the Battalion is to belong to the British Army or to the Bombay Local Army. Agrees with Commodore Wellesley that the officers of the steamers between Madras and Rangoon should not hold Commissions in the Indian Navy; for this route it would be better to make a contract than to use Government steamers. Hopes that before long the Peninsular and Oriental Company will be running steamers from Bombay to Aden via Kurrachee.

74. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 17 Mar 1859 Lord Elphinstone approves of Canning's plan of introducing fresh men into the Supreme Council, Mr Frere will be excellent, but a great loss in Scind. Wishes to know who is to be the Resident at Baroda. Urges Canning to persevere with the succession duty; it would be better to make inquiries openly than confidentially. The opium tax is unobjectionable. The new import duties press hard upon the merchants in Bombay, asks that goods which left Europe before the new tariff was brought in may be charged at the old rate. The Malwa opium could be charged another 100 Rupees per chest. Does not see any objection to extending the Stamp Duty. Legal proceedings are already so expensive that it would hardly be right to increase them. Cannot see why Canning objects to the redemption of the Land Tax; believes it would give the proprietors an interest in the stability of the Government Suggests a duty upon the sale of tobacco, and a licence duty if necessary.

75. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 18 Mar 1859 Lord Elphinstone urges Canning to reconsider the contemplated abolition of the Indian Navy as a war navy. The Indian Navy is badly paid, and does not cost much. It could perhaps be made a branch of the Royal Navy, under the control of the Government of India. The majority of the large paddle steamers should be replaced by smaller screw steamers. A good man as Controller of the Dockyard would reduce expenditure there.

76. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 5 Apr 1859 Lord Elphinstone replies about Lieutenant Watson, candidate for the post of 3rd attaché at Teheran. He has not passed in Persian, but will soon pick it up. In other respects he will do very well.

77. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 15 Apr 1859 Lord Elphinstone has telegraphed that Colonel Lang has declined the Baroda appointment, it has been offered to General Le Grand Jacob who is expected to refuse. Major Wallace is the most suitable officer, if he does not go to Baroda Elphinstone will offer him the Political Agency of Kattiwar. Elphinstone is going to Mahabaleshwar for a few weeks. Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy has died. Endorsed: Telegraph Messages received 992, 991.

78. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 7 May 1859 Lord Elphinstone reports that Mr Elliot, the Accountant General at Bombay may resign the service; it depends upon some arrangement with his creditors. Does not think it desirable that Mr Gregor Grant should succeed him; he, together with Mr Le Geyt, was removed from a Judgeship by Lord Falkland for debt. Recommends Mr Claude Erskine, or secondly Mr Spooner. Sends a letter from Mr Reeves to Mr Malet. Comments on Captain Cowper. Paper annexed: part of a letter from Henry Reeves (to Malet) regretting that Hector Wallace is likely to be superseded. He is the right man for Baroda. Is glad that Cowper is not to be Political Commissioner, he could replace Elliot.

79. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 20 Jun 1859 Lord Elphinstone urges the need for some kind of defences for Bombay Harbour, in view of the danger of war with France. Discusses the cost. The order to send a Regiment to Mauritius looks as if trouble with France is expected.

80. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 29 Jul 1859 Lord Elphinstone is pleased to find that the Government of India approves the Inam scheme almost entirely. Comments on the suggested reservation of the right of Government to impose all or part of the ordinary assessment upon Inam lands: and on the exemption of alienated lands from the liability of sale for debt. Thanks Canning for his attention to the subject. About two fifths of the local European Army will leave the service. Supposes the Germans will be retained, should be glad to know on what footing.

81. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 7 Aug 1859 Lord Elphinstone has sent Canning's Minute on the settlement of Inam claims to the acting Revenue Secretary Mr Ellis who was responsible for much of the scheme. Sends a copy of his comments. Ellis takes the same line as Elphinstone did in the two points of disagreement with Lord Canning. Comments. Believes that the measure as it stands at present will not conciliate the class the Government wishes to conciliate. Elphinstone will send a list of the men whose services during the Mutiny deserve recognition. In spite of the good news, hopes the defences of Bombay will not be forgotten. It is less likely that an enemy ship would go up the Hooghly, where earth-works are being constructed. Has not seen Outram's Memoir on Egypt. The instructions about Aden will be attended to. Paper annexed: copy of a letter from B H Ellis to Lord Elphinstone, Bombay, 2 Aug. on the settlement of Inam claims.

82. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 19 Aug 1859 Lord Elphinstone sends a copy of a Minute on officers who did good service during the Mutiny. Has used the same expression as Canning for those who deserve the CB and those whose services should be acknowledged only. Hopes he did not overstep his province by alluding to the services of Sir George Grey and Sir James Higgenson, and the friendly behaviour of the Governor General of the Portuguese Settlement. Paper annexed: copy of Minute by Elphinstone on the services of Bombay officers during the Mutiny.

83. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 15 Aug 1859 Lord Elphinstone replies that he will ask Frere if there are any youths in Scind who might be educated in the school he proposes to establish for the families of the ex-Amirs. Agrees with Canning's objections to the scheme; it is very difficult to establish a school for the children of native chiefs, one in Belgaum is not successful.

84. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 11 Sep 1859 Lord Elphinstone reports that Frere urges the importance of educating the Meers in common with other respectable Indians. At present education is fashionable and could be taken up. Paper annexed: memorandum by H B E Frere, 3 Sep, on the education of the families of the ex-Ameers of Scind.

85. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 16 Sep 1859 Lord Elphinstone has not yet heard officially of Sir Bartle Frere's appointment. If the Council is done away with, hopes Frere will not suffer. Elphinstone would prefer the first of the two plans in Canning's letter to Lord Stanley of 13 Jun regarding the Councils, urges the strength gained from a Council's support. Doing away with the Council reduces the number of prizes in the Civil Service in Madras and Bombay there are no other prizes. Agrees that the Council is cumbersome, but it could be corrected by assigning one or more departments to each Member of Council. Wishes Government in India to be more localised.

86. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 17 Sep 1859 Lord Elphinstone writes further to the Bombay proposal that hereditary Inams should be exempt from sale by decree of Court for simple debt, which has been objected to by Lord Canning. This is not a new policy in Bombay. Comments at length. Endorsed: 'Letter from Mr Harington dated 30 Sep 1859 ordered to be kept with this See Governor General number 1621.'

87. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 13 Oct 1859 Lord Elphinstone states that his telegrams will have explained about the discharged Europeans of the Local Army. Hopes to hear by telegraph should it be intended to give the Artillery the option of enlisting in the Royal Artillery. No bounty could be given them for returning to their own Corps, without extending the boon to those who have not taken their discharge. The Germans are dissatisfied with the breaking up of the Jager Battalion, they have been asked to volunteer for the Local Army but many of them have taken their discharge. Comments on a rebellion in the western corner of Kattiwar, chiefly due to the oppression of the Gaekwar's Agents. It has been complicated by the piracy on the Bombay coast, and by the rash behaviour of the Assistant Political Agent in temporary charge at Kattiwar towards the Nawab of Joonagurh. The Assistant, without consulting the Government set the Nawab aside, and appointed a Council of Regency. Captain Black, the Assistant, has been superseded. A force has been sent to Kattiwar, which took the Fort of Beyt with heavy loss. The Zenobia will be sent to Kurrachee to collect Frere, and will take M Inverarity who replaces him in Scind. Mr Le Geyt has arrived, he looks ill.

88. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 6 Dec 1859 Lord Elphinstone discusses the vessels available to transport the China Expedition. The French have been negotiating with the Peninsular and Oriental Company for steamers, but nothing definite is known. Perhaps the French wish to back out of the China business. Beside the Peninsular and Oriental boats there are two vessels bringing the electric cable, which used to be Crimean War transports. Does not believe the Expedition will be able to leave India before Mar or Apr. Sir C Wood has directed Elphinstone to produce mules for three batteries. Explains why he suggested the Mountain Train. Comments on other Artillery. The consumption of coal will be enormous. The dispatch of so many discharged Europeans has reduced the supplies of salt provisions greatly. Hay is being laid in, and iron water tanks made. Asks how the French guns are to be horsed? Is sorry that Canning does not think Colonel Donovan's explanation satisfactory, it has been accepted by the Bombay Government Believes the stories which reached the Rao of Cutch and the Resident at Baroda were invented to excite ill feeling against the British and the damage to the temples was not greater than might have been expected. They were certainly plundered, but the troops were not the only plunderers. Asks if a siege train will not be required against Pekin. Paper annexed: newscutting being the reply of Lieutenant Colonel E W Donovan, Commanding Field Force, to the Secretary to Government Secret Department, Bombay, Camp hear Dwarka, 8 Nov, in answer to the charges made against the Field Force of excesses at Beyt.

89. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 11 Jan 1860 Lord Elphinstone thanks Lord Canning for the kind mention of his name in the Minute transmitting Elphinstone's Report on the services of officers during the Mutinies. He fears that he has done some injustice, has endeavoured to repair that done to Brigadier Coghlan. Canning will not be surprised to learn that Elphinstone has applied to be relieved. Has sent on the message about Mr Ricketts' successor (marked in margin, Telegraph Messages Sent 707). Sir H Somerset goes home in Mar and Sir William Mansfield is to succeed him; but he is junior in the Army to Sir H Rose who is to succeed Lord Clyde. This could be awkward. Private.

90. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 31 Jan 1860 Lord Elphinstone thanks Lord Canning for his letter of the 22nd. He has been ill. Sends a statement of the force the French are sending to China (not annexed). Two of the English Batteries are coming overland. It seems certain that the French will establish a Naval Base in Annesley Bay in the Red Sea.

91. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 23 Apr 1860 Lord Elphinstone writes about the cost of sending his horses to Calcutta for Lord Canning. Sir G Clerk is expected on 10 May, and Elphinstone leaves on the 12th. Endorsed: note of the sum owed for the horses.

92. Letter from Lord Elphinstone, 13 May 1860 Lord Elphinstone, on the point of embarking, writes his farewell to Lord Canning and thanks him for all his support and kindness. Hopes the horses will please Canning. Trusts that Canning's dreadful journey to Calcutta will not do him any harm.