Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/24

Correspondence from Sir James Outram. Letters numbered 1-16 with index and detailed summaries.

1. Letter from Sir J Outram, Parell, 12 Jan 1857. Writes that his departure has been delayed, owing chiefly to the error in his Brevet, which has been rectified in the Home Gazette. He has been attending to the organization of the additional troops for Bushire. He has recommended that two more native regiments be warned for service. The 2nd Division is to be sent to Persia in the order suggested (enclosed). Outram expects to be at Bushire a week before the reinforcements, and will consider the advantages of the proposed advanced posts of Kisht and Shuster. At present he inclines to Shuster; and may have to borrow one of General Stalker's European regiments and some European Artillery, leaving Stalker to defend Bushire and Karrack. Material for barracks is being provided, and hospitals are being prepared at Karrak. The Europeans at Shuster may have to use their tents. Will write to Lord Canning as requested, constantly and unreservedly. Copy of letter from Outram to the Military Secretary to the Government of Bombay annexed; suggested order for the transport of the 2nd Division to Persia.

2. Letter from Sir J Outram, Parell, 14 Jan 1857. Believes he has already answered Lord Canning's questions. Proposes to enlist the Arabs on pledge for service only so long as the war lasts, and perhaps some 3 or 6 months gratuity on discharge. They would help to maintain the British position in Persia if it were found necessary to transfer military operations to Afghanistan; but this is not likely, judging from the Governor General's remarks.

3. Letter from Sir J Outram, Bombay, 15 Jan 1857. Understands that the Porte may claim Mohumra, he does not know on what grounds. Asks for Lord Canning's opinion as to the policy of enlisting, Turkey as a belligerent against Persia. Mohumra might be made over to the Baghdad Pasha. If the Porte was brought in, there could be no difficulty in recruiting Arab levies within Turkey's (?) frontier. Outram has sent a copy of this letter to the President of the Board of Control. Marked: Telegraph Messages Sent number 72; answered 28 Jan 1857.

4. Letter from Sir J Outram, Bushire, 15 Feb 1857. Thanks Lord Canning for sending Major Laughton's memorandum. If the war is to be carried into the interior of Persia, European troops will be needed, with the sepoys holding the low country. Gives an estimate of the enemy's forces, and the force Outram would need to hold Shiraz. Thanks Lord Canning for obtaining for him the services of Colonel Havelock and Colonel Jacob, with ranks of Brigadier Generals and Colonel Lugard the Chief of Staff who has already been invaluable. Suggests that Lugard be made a Brigadier General

5. Letter from Sir J Outram, Bushire, 25 Feb 1857. Complains of the non-arrival of a Division, he is anxious about this in view of the bad weather. He may have contributed to the delay by his retention of some steamers, which he explains. Discusses future operations against Shiraz, the advance on Shuster may be postponed. The strength of the enemy has been exaggerated; and the moral effect of the defeat of the enemy at Boorazgoon will probably prevent the enemy attacking. Every precaution is being taken to secure the camp at Bushire. Outram is embarrassed by the restrictions on enlistment of the Arabs and has written to Lord Clarendon about the assistance of the Chaab tribes. Mr Murray has left for Bussora. The 'Cornet' passed Mohumra without molestation by the Persian batteries, and brought Captain Kemball, who will go on the expedition to Mohumra, and Lord Seymour. Outram asks for the local rank of Captain or Lieutenant for Lord Seymour. Paper annexed: Translation from the 'Teheran Gazette' of 25 Dec 1856, on the causes of the war with Persia as seen by the Persians.

6. Letter from Sir J Outram, Bushire, 9 Mar 1857. Reports with pleasure the arrival of some of the troops. States his plans for going to Mohumra. The sealed engagements with the Arab tribes made by Captain Jones were made before the Government's disapproval of such proceedings was known. Suggests that the transactions be annulled the documents destroyed, and the correspondence obliterated from the records. Thinks that negotiations with Dost Mahomed are the best course, though he opposes Her Majesty's Government and the Governor General and thinks that the march on Herat, and Jacob's Quetta scheme are both feasible and politic. Outram is apposed to the formation of a separate staff for the Bengal section's Commissariat; all that will be required are officers to take charge of the animals procured for the Bengal troops, under Major Curtis. Outram has long since abandoned his idea of locating the Turks at Mohumra. Thanks Lord Canning for the paper from Major Laughton. Changed circumstances may lead to the abandoning of the plan to occupy Shuster, suggests alternatives. Many individual adventurers have already been engaged by Captain Kemball. Comments on the force necessary for a formal march on Shiraz, this force should be assembled in Upper Sinde.

7. Letter from Sir J Outram, Bushire, 11 Mar 1857. Reports the arrival of part of the Scinde Horse; he has been asked to meet part of the Horse (in sailing ships) with steamers, but is unable to do so, from lack of coal. The 'Assaye' and 'Pottinger' have not been sent back because of shortage of coal. The troops are being embarked for Mohummerah, but are delayed by gales. Comments on the troops required for various operations. Agrees that a permanent Commissioner is required for Oudh, and is glad that Sir Henry Lawrence has been appointed. He himself is quite satisfied with Rajpootana, but hopes that the public will not think he was a failure in Oudh.

8. Letter from Sir J Outram, Bushire, 13 Mar 1857. Forwards Major Curtis' reply about carriage for the Bengal troops. Paper annexed: Memorandum on the organization of the Land Transport Corps, under which it will meet the demands of any increase of Force that may take place. Comments by Outram. Outram also sends copies of his letters of 9 Mar (Number 6, above) and of 11 Mar (Number 7, above) to the Governor General. These are annexed.

9. Letter from Sir J Outram, Mohumra, 28 Mar 1857. Has sent voluminous Despatches to Lord Canning. Captain Kemball's correspondence shows the position of the Turks taking British service, they are not to join officially, but may take service as mercenaries. The Forte must not be compromised. Discusses the employment of the Chaab tribes. The enemy has fled to Ahwaz, Outram hopes to obtain further information about the place and the Persian Army's condition. Discusses future plans. The hot weather has already begun, and no more European troops will be asked for at present. Proposes to establish troops on Geesa Kan Mountain for the hot season, after defeating the enemy near Bushire. Advance on Shiraz is now doubtful. Proposes transferring General Havelock to the command of the 1st Division, and placing General Jacob in command at Mohumra. Paper annexed, extract of a letter from Shooja oold Moolk to the Prime Minister of Persia; it shows the way in which the Shah is likely to be urged to wage war in Afghanistan, if the Persians really do occupy Kandahar, the troops which the Governor General thinks of assembling in Sinde for service in Persia would have a good effect. Extract of letter written in pencil.

10. Letter from Sir J Outram, Mohumra, 5 Apr 1857. Sends a copy of a letter from Lord Stratford de Redcliffe announcing that peace was signed in Paris between England and Persia on 4 Mar; the terms are not know (paper annexed). Outram's letter received by Canning on 27 Apr.

11. Letter from Sir J Outram, Mohumra, 6 Apr 1857. Has received the news of the Treaty which has stopped his plans for invading the interior. It is hazardous to keep troops in large numbers at Mohumra, where the climate is said to be deadly. Suggests arrangements for the troops. Recommends the suggestions made by Colonel Jacob for the securing of the North West Frontier. Men armed with the Jacob rifle would be worth three times the number of those armed with the common musket. Paper annexed: Copy of a letter from Dr Hyslop, Baghdad, informing Sir J Outram that Hyslop has just received a Despatch from Her Majesty's Ambassador at the Porte to the Honourable C A Murray, announcing the signature of Peace Treaties in Paris between England and Persia. Also forwards a letter from Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Lord Canning, (not annexed). Copy of a letter from Mr Taylour Thomson to Sir James Outram, reporting the news of the Peace signed in Paris.

12. Letter from Sir J Outram, Mohumra, 20 Apr 1857. Since writing on 6 Apr has reconsidered General Jacob's Quetta scheme, and his earlier suggestions to the Bombay Government for the substitution of a Frontier Force in place of the regular troops now at Hyderabad and Shikarpore, and recommends these plans. If it should still be resolved not to advance above the Pass, recommends the adoption of Jacob's proposed military arrangements for the Sinde Frontier and Province.

13. Letter from Sir J Outram, Mohumra, 23 Apr 1857. Has received Home Despatches announcing that the Shah's ratification has to be awaited for three months, and giving no discretionary power for the reduction of the Forces now in Persia; this has upset his plans for holding Bushire and Mohumra. Will place the Mohumra Division at Sakla on the Karoon. Regrets the necessity for retaining so large a force in Persia. He will instruct General Jacob to send back any reinforcements not needed; intends to bring to Mohumra the Sinde Horse, to lessen the demand for forage at Bushire.

13a. Letter from Sir J Outram, Bushire, 3 May 1857. Has decided to return various regiments, mentioned. Is glad the Governor General approves of his acts. Has received Mr Edmonstone's letter of 23 Mar; is pleased he did not raise levies among the Arab tribes, it would have been a grave error. Captain Shechy Her Majesty's 8lst, and Mr Lynch, Her Majesty's 70th, have applied for service in China; speaks well of Lord Dunkellin. Lord Seymour intends to visit India, and Lord S Kerr rejoins the Teheran Mission. General Jacob has volunteered to remain in command of the Division; suggests that if he (Outram) were recalled to India, Jacob might inherit his military and political powers.

13b. Letter from Sir J Outram, Baghdad, 26 May 1857. Praises the behaviour of the Army he has commanded, and recommends the grant of a medal and 6 months' batta in lieu of prize property. Sends a copy of his Despatch to the Commander in Chief of Bombay recommending some officers for special rewards, mentions General Lugard. Cannot recommend the Navy in his military Despatch, but both men and officers are deserving, recommends Captain Young and Commander Rennie (who deserves a Victoria Cross) and Captain Kemball. Copy of Despatch not annexed.

13c. Letter from Sir J Outram, Baghdad, 27 May 1857. Hopes that his recommendations for rewards will be approved, thanks the Governor General for his support. Sends extracts from his letter to the President of the Board of Control, Mr Vernon Smith, (annexed) discussing Mr Murray's proposition for a Commission for Herat. It would be impolitic to interfere with the internal affairs of Herat, or Afghanistan, or to make any attempt to consolidate the Afghan Empire under present circumstances.

13c1/2. Letter from Sir J Outram, Baghdad, 28 May 1857. Regrets that he omitted the name of General Jacob and other officers under Jacob, from his Despatch to the Governor General; will send a further list of names. Sends a copy of his letter to Lord Clarendon about rewards for the Persian Expeditionary Force, (annexed).

13d. Letter from Sir J Outram, Bombay, 5 Jul 1857. Points out omissions in the Government Notification announcing the end of the Persian War; names the Medical branch of the Army, Major Hill, Major Boileau and his Madras Sappers, Brigadier Butt and others, and in particular General Jacob. Sends data on which the instructions to General Jacob should be framed. Intends to go to Rajpootana via Calcutta, no other route being safe, should he not receive orders to the contrary. Papers annexed: List of names of officers omitted in the Notification; extracts from correspondence, bearing testimony to General Jacob's services; extract from Field Force Orders, 16 Jun 1857, transferring command from Outram to Jacob; suggestions for the evacuation of Bushire; 'Calcutta Gazette' of 19 Jun and 4 Jul 1857.

13e. Letter from Sir J Outram, Bombay, 9 Jul 1857. Has been informed of the insurrection at Mhow and Indore, and intends to come to Calcutta as the best way to travel to Rajpootana, besides enabling him to receive the Governor General's instructions in person. Points out the omission of Captain Playfair's name from the Notification of 18 Jun.

14. Letter from Sir J Outram, Dinapore, 19 Aug 1857. Reports favourably on Mr Yule's defensive preparations at Bhagulpore. Cholera in Bhagulpore has abated. The 5th Irregular Cavalry have slipped away from Bhagulpore, this caused alarm in Monghyr and Dinapore, due to the ill-advised action of Mr Tucker (letter to Tucker enclosed). The panic had spread to Dinapore, and the 90th Regiment was recalled - Outram forbade the Regiment to return, but the message was too late, and the ship returned with cholera among the Regiment The 10th Regiment are behaving very badly towards natives of all classes, and are not to be trusted with Town duties. A Court of Enquiry is sitting to enquire into the murder of several sepoys. Proposes to take some guns to Benares, for the column to advance on Lucknow through Jounpore between the Sye and Goomtee rivers; Havelock has been forced to recross the Ganges. Intends to join with some of Havelock's troops. No time will be lost in pushing up to Benares, and sending back most of the steamers and flats detained there. Three papers annexed: letter to Tucker reproving him for withdrawing his troops into the Fort before he was menaced (at Monghyr). Extracts from 4 letters, from officers at Kalinger Fortress, Benares, Gyah and Allahabad, giving news. Letter from Major Eyre to Sir James, describes his recent proceedings, and asks for instructions and supplies of equipment. This last is endorsed 'Copy sent to Mrs Eyre by Private Secretary 26 Apr 1841.

14a. Letter from Sir J Outram, Allahabad, 4 Sep 1857. Explains why he could not give effect to Lord Clarendon's appointment of Major North to Herat, and why he preferred Major Taylor, asks for Lord Clarendon to be told. Colonel Jacob has recommended that the Army be withdrawn from Bushire, leaving a small detachment at Karack. Outram quotes Jacob's suggestions for the employment of his forces in India. The Persians are expected to behave better in future. Details the preparations for the advance to Lucknow.

14b. Letter from Sir J Outram, Camp Malwa, 13 Sep 1857. Reports the disorganized state of the Allahabad, Futtehpore and Cawnpore Districts, and the spirit of disaffection among the more powerful Zemindars. Hopes Eyre's victory, and the presence of the Commissioner Mr Chester at Futtehpore will have a good effect. Submits correspondence about measures taken to secure the peace of the Province, and about a way of safeguarding communications. Suggests an amnesty for certain sepoys. Has authorized Captain Gowan to draw 50,000 Rupees and organize the followers of the Thakoors in Bareilly against the Mahomedan rebels, correspondence enclosed. Papers annexed: a. extracts about defensive measures. b. extracts from letters about the use of loyal sepoys to secure communications by the Grand Trunk Road. c. extracts from three letters from General Neill about the hostility between the Hindoos and Mahomedans, relating to Gowan's task.

14c. Letter from Sir J Outram, Cawnpore, 17 Sep 1857. Is convinced that there is a large influential class in Oudh and Rohilcund which really desires the re-establishment of British rule. Feels it would be a mistake to abandon Lucknow after it had been relieved, and asks for a reconsideration of the Government Resolution. Submits arrangements for maintaining Lucknow, and for escorting the liberated garrison to Cawnpore; asks for orders by telegraph. There is a rumour that the rebels intend to negotiate for a peaceful surrender of the garrison if there is no advance on the city, this will not be listened to.

14d. Letter from Sir J Outram, Cawnpore, 18 Sep 1857. Sends statements from Mr Sherer, Mr Edwards and Mr Probyn who all agree that the Revenue system of the Government Civil Courts has been the cause of disaffection among the landed proprietors. Suggests favours that could be granted to the proprietors, if they would support the Government with a quota of troops, and aid in suppressing the Mutiny; asks for instructions to deal with the influential class in Oudh. Sends an extract from his wife's letter, from Agra, stating that Scindia has engaged the services of the disaffected of the Contingent, thereby preventing them joining the ranks of the rebels, hopes this action will not be misunderstood. Sends translation of a perwannah to a Zemindar of Oudh, (not annexed). Statements from Sherer, Edwards and Probyn annexed; also extract from Lady Outram's letter.

15. Letter from Sir J Outram, Camp, left bank of the Ganges opposite Cawnpore, 20 Sep 1857. Sends extracts from the letters of Captain Orr and Lieutenant Barnes, living with other refugees under the protection of the Zemindar and Rajah of Mitaulee; and also a copy of Outram's Perwannah to these two Indians. Has information that another family has been saved. Sends translation of a proclamation which will shortly be printed and widely circulated, which is to counteract the propaganda of the rebels in Lucknow, who say that all who have borne arms against the British will share the fate of the mutineers.

15a. Letter from Sir J Outram, Camp, Alum Bagh, 29 Nov 1857. In reply deprecates the employment of troops in the interior for the collection of revenue, and the taking of measures for the restoration of British rule in Oudh, until Lucknow has been re-captured; it is unwise to remain near Lucknow until it can be retaken, and suggests retiring to Mungulwarra, or some other post near Cawnpore. When he wrote of the policy of retaining leave sepoys, he was not aware of the Government Order prohibiting their retention, in future he will follow the Government instructions. Signed but not written by Outram.

15b. Letter from Sir J Outram, Camp, near Alum Bhag, 24 Dec 1857. To Lord Dunkellin, sends a copy of a report of an affair with the enemy for the Governor General's information; he fears that as the Chief has left Cawnpore, Despatches might be long in reaching the Governor General. Has learnt that Jung Bahadoor is to enter the plains with 9,000 Gurkhas, Outram gives his reasons for fearing treachery, and comments on the great risks involved. At a most critical period Sir Henry Lawrence refused to apply to Jung Bahadoor for aid. Paper annexed: Copy of a report from General Outram, Commanding Cawnpore and Dinapore Divisions, to the Adjutant General of the Army, Camp before Lucknow, 23 Dec 1857, describing a battle at Gahilee. Also annexed, extract from Divisional Orders of 23 Dec giving further details of the battle at Gahilee

15c. Letter from Sir J Outram, Camp, near Alum Bagh, 6 Jan 1858. To Lord Dunkellin, although Outram has already written to say farewell to Dunkellin, he writes again to make use of Dunkellin's position with the Governor General to obtain a suitable officer as Chief Commissioner in Oudh in succession to Outram. Suggests that apart from General Jacob and Colonel Edwardes, who are not available, there is no military officer capable of heading the administration in Oudh; suggests that the chief civil and military authority be separated, and recommends that Mr Couper be appointed to the civil post. Outram complains that his Despatch on the conduct of the troops under his command has not yet been published.

15d. Letter from Sir J Outram, Camp, near Alum Bagh, 6 Jan 1858. Reminds the Governor General that he (Outram) will succeed to General Low's seat in Council in March, and the post of Chief Commissioner of Oudh will become vacant. Urges the necessity of appointing a successor, so that the successor may enter Lucknow as soon as that city falls. Outram's health would suffer if he had to spend the hot weather in Oudh. Deprecates the scheme of incorporating Oudh with the Central Provinces.

16. Letter from Sir J Outram, Camp, near Alum Bagh, 21 Jan 1858. To the Honourable Gerald Talbot, Private Secretary to the Governor General, sends a copy of a letter from Outram to General Mansfield, for the Governor General's information. Paper annexed: letter from Outram to Mansfield (copy), 21 Jan 1858, reporting the failure of an assault by the enemy. There is serious disunion among the rebels, the Begum wishes to surrender and is opposed by the Moulvee. Many rebels have already left the city, and Outram believes Lucknow will be deserted on the approach of the Commander in Chief's Column, and easily re-taken. The Durbar has issued a Proclamation to the effect that Delhi has been re-taken, and the British Army annihilated; but the people and the sepoys do not believe this. Sends a list of the insurgent regiments and Durbar Nujjeebs in Lucknow, with comments; taken from the Durbar rolls. Paper annexed: list of sepoy regiments, cavalry and guns at Lucknow, with the name of the commander, his rank, and the strength of the corps.