Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/25

Correspondence from Sir James Outram, Sir Robert Montgomery, Mr Charles Wingfield and Mr George Yule. Letters numbered 51-122 with index and detailed summaries, continued from previous volume Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/24.

51. Letter from Sir J Outram, Lucknow, 20 Mar 1858. Will remain at his post in obedience to the Governor General's commands. His health though critical has not yet failed; but it will break down under the sedentary occupation now before the Chief Commissioner. Hopes he will soon be relieved, for as his policy is so strongly disapproved he cannot discharge his duties with confidence or zeal, nor does he see how he can be of use. The Proclamation has not had the slightest effect. The City is beginning to fill up, not because of Lord Canning's inducements, but because of the Proclamation issued by the Commander in Chief that he would bombard the place unless the shops were opened. The whole town is now in British hands. If Lord Canning had seen the flying enemy, he would not have supposed that they would have rejected any offer of mercy from the victors. If the turbulent were to be won over, the war in Oudh would be over. Now fears that the struggle is just beginning. Already Ahmud Khan has thrown himself into the Fort at Mulliabad, and the spies report that the Talookdars have all determined to take to their Forts and oppose the Government. Outram has summoned Mann Sing to Lucknow, but he probably did not receive the message. No other Talookdars have tendered their allegiance. Mrs Orr and Miss Jackson have just arrived at Outram's quarters.

52. Letter from Sir J Outram, Lucknow, 30 Mar 1858. Has heard the names of the new Oudh Commission. Submits that it is impossible that the former officers of the Province, who have lost and suffered so much, can be otherwise than disheartened at the posts His Excellency has assigned to them. Names the officers who deserve better posts, Mr Wingfield, Captain Alexander Orr, Messrs Evans, Reid and Capper, Captain Barrow and Mr Lawrence. Mr P Carnegie, the least deserving officer of the late Commission, has been promoted, although he fled from his post without the sanction of his Deputy Commissioner, and actually before Mrs Barrow had left the Station (marked in margin, see Private Secretary's letter to Mr Carnegy dated 7 Apr 1858).

53. Letter from Sir J Outram, Lucknow, 2 Apr 1858. Has received the Governor General's letter of 29 Mar in which the Governor General states that owing to the terms in which Outram expressed his desire to be relieved, Lord Canning has foregone the advantage of meeting Mr Montgomery at Allahabad. It has always been Outram's habit to speak his mind openly, hopes that he has never exceeded the limits of respect, especially in this case. The line of policy Outram would adopt differs from that of Canning, but this cannot detract from the respect in which Outram holds Lord Canning. If he has offended, asks for forgiveness.

54. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 5 Apr 1858. Announces his arrival and charge of Oudh. There is incredible confusion in the civil government at Lucknow. The records have apparently all been destroyed, and it is difficult to obtain information about former arrangements. As yet nothing is held by the Government except the city of Lucknow and the road to Cawnpore. Some of the Talookdars and many of the Zemindars have come in. Believes that many more would come in, if it were not for their terror of the rebels. The citizens are returning to Lucknow. Asks if he may have a Military Secretary, has asked the Commander in Chief for Lieutenant G Hutchinson of the Engineers. Montgomery has a good deal of correspondence about military matters, of which he knows very little. Hutchinson was formerly employed in laying down lines of road in the interior of Oudh, and has such a knowledge of the people that Montgomery was advised to put him in charge of the Intelligence Department, aided by Captain Orr and Captain Bunbury. Endorsed: See Telegraph Messages to Mr M dated 7 Apr 1858 number 409.

55. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 6 Apr 1858. Sends by express a message about the Rajah of Kuppoorthulla. When taking leave of the Rajah at Jullundhur, Montgomery casually mentioned that he might apply to him for recruits. He now offers to send, or bring down himself, two regiments of Infantry, two squadrons of Cavalry, and five guns. The Rajah is very loyal; believes the offer should be accepted, the men being paid by the Government. The men could relieve the Europeans of much guard and sentry duty. Soldiers could also be obtained from the Rajah of Puttialah [Patiala]. Paper annexed: letter from Major Lake, Commissioner of Jullundhur, forwarding a letter from the Rajah of Kuppoorthulla offering troops. Endorsed: See Telegraph Messages Mr M dated 8 Apr 1858, number 410. Also annexed: letter from the Rajah, 1 Mar, offering troops to Mr Montgomery, which he will bring to Lucknow. Asks for an immediate reply, as the season is suitable for travelling.

56. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 10 Apr 1858. Has sent on Lord Canning's message to Major Lake, and encloses Lake's reply. Comments on the officer mentioned in Lake's letter, Captain Hammond, General Grant has moved in the direction of Baree, to disperse the rebel bands under the Moulvee and the Begum. Endorsed: See Telegraph Message to Mr M dated 13 Apr 1858. Copy of telegram from Major Lake to R Montgomery, 9 Apr. Rajah Rundbeer Sing is delighted to hear he may go to Lucknow, he will stay a year, and does not object to the appointment of a European officer. Lake recommends Hammond of the Artillery. Asks for orders to be sent to the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab.

56a. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lahore, 11 Apr 1858. Regrets that Sir J Lawrence objects to the Rajah of Kuppoorthulla leading his men, and hopes that the objection will not appear valid to the Governor General. Is prepared to hear that Lawrence objects to the Rajah of Puttiala sending any men. Sir John believes that it is bad policy to enlist more Punjabis and dislikes recruits being raised. Montgomery can understand that there may be over recruiting in the Punjab, but the danger is much lessened if the troops are sent away. In Oudh there are not more than 3,000 Punjabis of all kinds, and these are not available for Civil duties. They are brigaded with 8,000 Europeans and cannot be called dangerous. Montgomery would like to have about 4,000 Punjabis and the same number of other classes added to make 8,000 or 10,000 Police. At present the army cannot provide a force to occupy stations in the interior; the population is generally as yet neutral; unless Montgomery can take up points in advance and hold them he will be unable for a long while to get possession of the country. He must have some aid, and the Punjabis seem the most suitable. Montgomery is trying out an experiment. When a Talookdar comes forward he makes an agreement with him to establish a Thanah in his Talooka, and allows him to nominate some of the officers and men, making the Talookdar responsible for their good behaviour and safety. If this is successful will extend the system. Eventually a European officer will be sent, but he must be supported by troops, the Rajah's troops in the absence of others would be invaluable for this purpose. It is now that the troops are needed, lest the rebellion become chronic. If Sir J Lawrence would sent the four Punjab Police Corps Montgomery would not ask for any more recruits and in a few weeks would extend Government authority over the greater part of Oudh.

57. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 15 Apr 1858. Believes that the landholders of Oudh are generally favourable to British rule. Only in one or two instances did they ill-treat Europeans, and on the whole they behaved with kindness and consideration, far greater than might have been expected considering their great losses under the Revenue Settlement. The position of many who are well affected is very difficult. It is hoped that General Grant's column may clear away many of the rebel bands. Captain Reid is with the column, and will try to persuade the landholders to come in and give up their arms. It is remarkable that Man Sing has not yet come in. He is friendly and helpful and has offered boats to the Gurkhas. If he does not come in soon, a Civil Officer will be sent to fetch him; it is unfortunate that Brigadier McGregor allowed Man Sing to return home. He will influence the Amethee Rajah who will follow him in immediately. The great opposing chieftain in the south is Benee Madho, who lost a very large part of his holdings at the late settlement and is particularly hostile. Montgomery has sent him messages, if he will not come in would like to send General Grant's column against him. Man Sing's opposition keeps back the majority of the landholders in the country to the south and east of Lucknow. Will send a Civil Officer to Bunnee as soon as possible. Young Lawrence has charge of Oonao. Mr St G Tucker will be put as Commissioner over these two. More landholders are coming in from the country west of Lucknow than from any other part. Makes all his arrangements through Captain Barrow, praises him. Gives further details of his scheme for making powerful landholders provide police posts. It would be little use if Lord Canning came to Lucknow at present. Is in great need of officers.

58. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 20 Apr 1858. Does not believe that the Talookdars are banding together to oppose the Government. Some adhere nominally to the Begum and Benee Madho Buksh, these are the only two at present making any great show of resistance. It is rumoured that the Begum's party has broken up and dispersed. This would be particularly fortunate, as the Commander in Chief has ordered General Grant not to attack Bytowlee. The Moulvee has fled. Both General Grant's and General Walpole's columns have done much good, despite Walpole's losses at Roodamow. Sends a journal by Captain Thurburn, on the Zemindars, comments. Has written to Hurdeo Buksh asking him to receive and guarantee a Civil Officer, to settle the country. Matters in Oudh look more favourable than Montgomery could have expected. Sends a memorandum from Captain Barrow, listing the Talookdars who have come in or sent Vakeels. Man Sing is still vacillating about coming in. He is said to have gone to Benares to meet Jung Bahadoor. The Gurkhas are anxious to go home, they want to return by Lucknow and Cawnpore, being afraid to advance with 16 miles of carts and encumbered with 2,000 sick. Montgomery does not know what Sir J Outram wrote to Man Sing, but encloses his reply in translation. Has sent a letter to him in conformity with Mr Edmonstone's instructions. Sir H Lawrence offered Man Sing very liberal terms but after that he took up arms against the Government. When Man Sing does come in, he will be of use, but the Government is more independent of him than it was. Sir J Outram seemed particularly fond of Proclamations and issued several in rapid succession. Some parts of these are embarrassing. Four papers annexed: account by Captain Thurburn of the state of the Talookdars in the neighbourhood of Bilgram and Sandee. Lists those who have submitted, and reports an interview with Hurdee Buksh, 18 - 19 Apr. Memorandum by Captain Barrow of the Principal Talookdars of Oudh who have appeared by Vakeel Letter or in person, 20 Apr. Translation of a petition from Rajah Mann Sing to Sir James Outram, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, 8 Apr 1858, the Rajah will procure boats for the Gurkhas to cross the river. He is surprised to learn that his only reward for this will be to be reinstated in his former possessions, he has been promised and expects much more. Statement of Moolchund Maharjun, reporting an interview with Man Sing, the Rajah was afraid to go to Lucknow lest he be imprisoned. had heard that only six Talookdars would be allowed to retain their Districts, 14 Apr. Original letter Endorsed: Copy sent to Mr Dorin, President in Council 22 Apr 1858. Seen by Mr Edmonstone 23 Apr 1858. One copy made for the mail 27 Apr 1858. One copy made 2 May 1858.

59. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lahore, 22 May 1858. Reports continual improvements in Oudh. A very large proportion of the landholders have come in. Sends a memorandum by Captain Barrow on the state of affairs. Barrow is not in favour of allowing officers to act on the Jounpore and Azimgurh frontiers, and Montgomery thinks it is unnecessary. Mr Forbes alone could be sent. If he returns, especially with a Brigade or part of one, Montgomery will have instructions for him. Would prefer Mr Carnegy to come to Lucknow, could accompany the column if it goes to Jalone. It is providential that the Bytowlee rebels fled, as General Grant had orders not to attack. Had they stood, and the column turned back, the effect would be very bad. Montgomery thinks the Begum may finally go to Nepal. Sends a translation of a letter to Captain Barrow from Benee Madho, and is in great hopes that he will come in. Barrow was formerly a friend of Benee Madho. Praises Barrow. Grant's column will return in a few days, should it not be needed for Benee Madho, the Chief Commissioner would send it to Sooltanpore and Fyzabad. Dated 22 May. Endorsed: Two Copies made 27 Apr 1858. One copy made 2 May 1858. Two papers annexed: memorandum by Captain Barrow on the state of Oudh, 22 May. Endorsed: Two copies made 27 Apr 1858. One copy made for mail 2 May 1858. Three copies made by order 26 Jun 1858. Three copies made by order 5 Jul 1858. Translation of a petition from Benee Madho, 5th Ramzan, assuring Barrow of his friendly feelings towards him. He has always obeyed those in power, so when ordered to collect a force by Birjees Kudr he did so. How that he has been ordered to attend at Lucknow, he is delighted, but cannot at present leave his force, as he owes them pay. He will endeavour to restrain them. Would send in his son if required, to show his good faith. Endorsed: Two copies made 27 Apr 1858. One copy made for mail 2 Apr 1858.

60. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 19 Jun 1858. Has read the debates in Parliament with interest. Has received verbally from the Governor General, and demi-officially in writing, Canning's wishes not to press the Oudh Talookdars, but to deal liberally and generously with those who come in. The Chief Commissioner has done his best to carry out these wishes, which were in accordance with his own feelings. He had settled some 6,000 villages, and everything was progressing most favourably, when a combination of circumstances prevented progress. The chief of these were the rising of Nirput Sing, owing to Brigadier Walpole's defeat at Roeeah, the retrograde movement of General Grant, and the large collection of scattered rebels from Bareilly and Calpee who either joined those formerly in arms, or set up for themselves, and lastly the utter want of vigour on the part of the military. For 6 weeks Lucknow has daily been threatened by a band of rebels, who preyed on all those friendly to the British. Montgomery still maintains that the mass of the Oudh people are well disposed to Government They dare not come forward in the face of the armed bands. Sends a selection of letters and orders to different landholders, in order that Canning may see the spirit in which his orders are being carried out. Expresses a hope that India is not to lose Canning's services. Various papers annexed, as described above. Memorandum on the policy adopted by the Chief Commissioner since the re-establishment of Civil power in Oudh, 19 Jun. Copy of proclamation dated 3 Apr by Major Barrow, on the treatment of the chiefs of Oudh. Also letter from Barrow to Benee Madho, 22 Apr, (copy) and copy of general letter from Barrow to various Talookdars, 17 May. Copy of a letter from Barrow to four chiefs, not dated. Copy of a letter from Barrow to Rajah Man Sing, 20 May. Petition of Nawab Ali Khan and his family, in translation, and copy of the Chief Commissioner's orders on the above, May. Translation of a letter from Dura Bakhsh, Talookdar of Patun Behar Bainswarrah, to Nawab Munawur ood Dowlah, 22 May, on his surrender to Government, with copy of reply. Copy of address to the rebellious Talookdars, with copy of pass so that they may come to Lucknow and leave safely. Copy of letter from Barrow to Rajah Lall Madho Sing, 19 Apr. Copy of a letter from Barrow to Nawab Ali Khan's heir and brother in law, 21 May.

61. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 29 Jul 1858. Thanks Canning for his kind letter of 20 Jul. Sends an extract of a letter from Sir Colin Campbell, by which Canning will see that their differences are at an end. Reports General Grant's movements. The weather is ideal for the troops. Does not expect the rebels to go east, but either north or to Benee Madho in the south. Paper annexed: extract of a letter from the Commander in Chief, 25 Jul, thanking Montgomery for his conciliatory note, which has given him great pleasure. Sir Colin has forgotten the painful discussion into which he was drawn by a sense of what was due to the soldiers. Agrees that public duty requires a complete cordiality between the Civil and Military officers, and believes this will always exist between Montgomery and himself.

61a. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 20 Jul 1858. To Mr Edmonstone, sends a paper received from Captain Reid (not enclosed), Montgomery has told him to be more precise in his descriptions. Believes that the main body of rebels has crossed to the north and will move towards Landah (?). The opposition in Oudh generally will be slight except occasionally at a Fort, and if a good example is made of two or three of the biggest and every man killed, the others will yield without a shot being fired.

62. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 6 Aug 1858. Is in favour of increasing the Oudh Military Police to 12,000 men. Does not propose to have any rural police, which will save money. Praises Major Bruce, the Chief of Police. Suggests the tribes from which the additional 3,000 men might come. Does not think any more recruits should come from the Punjab; would like Madras men but understands they will not come for less than 9 Rupees per month. Reports success in a small action. Is sending troops to Mohan, about 16 miles south west of Lucknow, where the rebels have been very troublesome, and threaten the Cawnpore road. By 15 Oct expects to have ready 8,000 Infantry and 2,500 Cavalry to aid the Commander in Chief's Column. News from Fyzabad is good, the landholders are coming in and the people settling down. The occupation of Sooltanpore will strengthen the Government in Oudh greatly. The rebels appear to be congregating near Salone, where the battle for Oudh may be fought. Benee Madho seems pledged to resist to the uttermost, and a large part of the sepoy army was recruited from around Salone. There is a good deal of jungle and numerous forts. The plan of operation can be made by the officers in command at Sooltanpore and Pertabgurh. Rajah Mann Sing and Roostan Sehai would send Contingents. Is making enquiries about the writer Canning alludes to. Mr Tucker seems to have asked Mann Sing to come to Lucknow; Montgomery would not have required this, but if he does come it will do good. Endorsed: One copy made by order 8 Aug 1858.

63. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 23 Aug 1858. Has not been able to find out who wrote the Proclamation published in the Bombay paper. Thinks that Major Bruce is the Bombay correspondent; but does think he wrote the Proclamation. Expects a hard fight at Sooltanpore on the Government's troops crossing.

63a. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 2 Oct 1858. Has received from Lord Clyde a plan of his proposed movements on the opening of the campaign. Sends a copy of his reply, as there are some points on which he wishes advice, for instance the destruction of forts and the disarming of the people. Asks for discretionary power to carry out the disarming. It seems to the Chief Commissioner imperative that the forts should be destroyed and the people disarmed as the troops advance. Until this is done there can be no Civil Government in Oudh. The people have always carried arms, which they must be deprived of, and taught obedience to British rule. Montgomery is sending his best Civil Officers with the Columns, accompanied by the Military Police. The Rural Police are a waste of public money, quite useless. Is now doubtful about the Authorship of the Bombay article. Two papers annexed: copy of a letter from Montgomery to Lord Clyde, Lucknow, 29 Sep, approving of Clyde's future plans. Discusses the arrangements made for destroying the forts and disarming the population, in the wake of the Columns. Suggests that a force be sent to Futtehpore, and asks for a Dacoit Talookdars fort to be destroyed. Copy of memorandum by the Chief Commissioner, 2 Oct, on the demolition of the forts and clearance of the jungles.

64. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 6 Oct 1858. Has not prepared a memorandum about disarming, and never contemplated Sir J Outram's suggestions, which were quite monstrous. Would like the mode of disarming to be left to the Chief Commissioner; the penalties to be laid down by the Governor General. Does not anticipate great difficulties in destroying the forts, hopes that 6 weeks after the occupation of a district the main defences of all forts will have been destroyed and the mass of the people disarmed. Would always begin with the biggest fort and the biggest villages. The work must be done with a strong and high hand, and the Talookdars who have defied the Government so long be made to see the Government's power. Believes it would be disastrous for the future prosperity of the country to make extensive changes in landed property, but a few great examples will be necessary. Benee Madho should probably be one. Expects the Commander in Chief will leave a small moveable Brigade in certain central districts, to aid the Civil power in case of fierce opposition.

65. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 11 Oct 1858. Has seen in the general administration paper that the Military Secretary to the Chief Commissioner should receive 1,000 rupees a month. The late Captain Hayes and Captain Hutchinson received 1,500 per month. Praises Hutchinson, and asks for his present salary to be continued. The Police are behaving very well.

65a. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 18 Oct 1858. Thanks Lord Canning for two letters of l Oct. Captain Hutchinson will take great care not to write anything objectionable in his future telegraphs. The Chief Commissioner is grateful for the continuation of Hutchinson's allowances. The administration despatch has strengthened Montgomery's hands greatly. The Columns begin to move on l Oct; the Chief Commissioner fears there will be great losses on both sides, he will be delighted when peace is restored to unfortunate and beautiful Oudh. Asks how to deal with mutinous sepoys, who offer to lay down their arms on condition that their lives are spared. Believes that their lives may be promised if they did not take part in the murder of their officers. A number of the 15th Irregulars have offered to come in on these terms. Endorsed: One copy made by order.

65b. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 25 Oct 1858. Has telegraphed that he deputed Major Barrow to accompany the columns, he will usually be with the Commander in Chief. Praises Barrow. Hopes in one month to see a great improvement in Oudh. The proclamation to be issued on 1 Nov should have a great effect, every Talookdar in Oudh shall have a copy. Barrow will be asked to tell the Governor General when he arrives at Allahabad.

66. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 28 Oct 1858. Describes Mr Barnes' character. He is a very able man, in Revenue and Judicial matters he has hardly an equal in India. But he is not liked in the Service, he is not considered a fair man and has strong prejudices. Montgomery has never met Wingfield, he is said in Oudh to be a good officer but rather flighty and impulsive. He does of course know Oudh. Montgomery would have preferred the new Chief Commissioner to come from a Non-Regulation Province. mentions Colonel Edwardes, but he has no local knowledge. Private.

67. Letter from Mr Montgomery, 28 Oct 1858. Thanks Lord Canning for his three letters of 25 and 26 Oct, is grateful for his nomination to the Supreme Council and for the offer of the post in the Punjab during Sir J Lawrence's absence. Believes that Canning would rather he went to the Punjab, accepts readily. Is aware that he will lose money by the choice. Constant trouble with his ear may cause him to leave the Service at any time. Will do his duty as long as he is able, feels unworthy of the honour bestowed upon him. Will regret leaving Oudh, hopes he may remain until March. Should Sir J Lawrence leave the Punjab before March, Mr McLeod could act for him temporarily.

68. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 19 Nov 1858. Asks whether he should reply to the Secretary of State about the Council. If Montgomery did not go to the Punjab he would be very content to remain in Oudh. The result of the military operations is beyond all expectation. Immediately the pressure of the rebel bands is removed, the landholders flock in to tender their allegiance and pay their revenue. The destruction of the forts and disarming is going on rapidly. Hopes and believes there will be very little more bloodshed. All have read with pleasure Canning's triumphant reply to Lord Ellenborough's Despatch.

68a. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 22 Nov 1858. Expects that Lord Canning will have been in communication with the Nepal Government about the rebels who will enter Nepal. Describes the position of the Government troops. Once the rebels enter Nepal the Nepal Government will hardly give them up, and were the British troops to pursue them, the Nepal Durbar might resent it. Suggests that the Nepalese be asked to prevent the rebels entering. Remarks on an attack by the rebels on Poorwa.

69. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 27 Nov 1858. Writes about the narrative of the rebellion in Oudh. It is official, and is now being printed. All the copies will be sent to the Supreme Government and not distributed by the Oudh Government. Printing was hurried forward to try to satisfy the numerous enquirers about the fate of their relatives. The narrative has been compiled by Captain Hutchinson. Hopes that there will be little more trouble in Southern Oudh. Benee Madho is a fugitive without guns. The mutinous sepoys alone keep up the spirit of rebellion, with a very few exceptions the Talookdars are sick of it.

70. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 29 Dec 185. Reports that Lord Clyde has had a severe fall from his horse, but is progressing well. Reports a successful skirmish with Benee Madho's force. Mujuddia has been taken.

71. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 2 Jan 1859. Reports news of the Nana Sahib being near Bankee with his followers, received from Major Barrow who is with the pursuing force. The rebels have broken up into small parties. A strong Brigade will be needed on the Frontier for the next few months, but the campaign is over. All the country to the north will be occupied by a strong Police force. The inhabitants are quiet and peaceful and are happy at being freed of the rebels.

72. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 2 Jan 1859. Sends a note just received from Major Barrow by express. They did not capture the Nana, but took his guns. Is glad that Lord Clyde was able to accompany the expedition. Paper annexed: letter from Major Barrow to Montgomery, near Bankee, 31 Dec 6pm, reporting the expedition against the rebels on 30 Dec. All Oudh rebels are now on the far side of the Neptee.

73. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 5 Jan 1859. Reports information received from Captain Biddulph, Sir H Grant's Staff Officer, that a great many sepoys, in parties of 6 and 8, are going east towards Bhajpoor, they pass inside the Nepal Frontier. The rebel forces are all breaking up, and the men returning home. The authorities should see that they do not take their arms with them. Major Barrow reports that many rebel sowars come in, according to a Rissaldar the leading mutinous Cavalry had one off with Feroze Shah. The Begum cannot have more than 1,000 Cavalry with her, and only about 2,000 sepoys remain of all the rebel forces. Major Bruce reports that all the remaining rebels are encamped on the Nepalese border, he states they have about 5,000 men. Expects that the Government troops will await Christie's Column before attacking. In some letters received by Montgomery it is stated that the Nepalese troops were prepared to prevent the escape of the rebels into Nepal, in others that the Nepalese were not strong enough. Hopes the Durbar will act energetically, perhaps the subject should be urged on the Resident again. There is almost magical tranquillity in Oudh. Disarming and the destruction of the forts move forward. The terms of the settlement are very liberal, and the restoration of the Talookdars is very popular with all classes.

73a. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 7 Jan 1859. Sends a note from Major Barrow, with a copy of the Chief Commissioner's reply, hopes the Governor General will approve. It is of great importance to capture the Nana, even to the extent of pardoning Mummoo Khan. Three papers annexed: letter from Barrow to Montgomery, near Bankee, 4 Jun, sending a translation of the replies from the Begum to the Commander in Chief and Barrow. Asks if terms including a pension should be granted, if the Nana was given up. Translation of a petition from Aly Mohmed Khan, alias Mummoo Khan, to the Commander in Chief in reply, the Begum and the Prince cannot give themselves up without some definite promise of a suitable allowance. Copy of a letter from Montgomery to Barrow, 7 Jan, urging the importance of capturing the Nana. Asks Barrow to confer with the men with him as to what promises should be made for the capture. Montgomery would prefer a money reward and a pardon for any rebel arranging the capture, rather than a grant of land or life pension. Once taken the Nana should be tried at once by Military Tribunal.

73b. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 8 Jan 1859. Sends an extract from a letter from Major Barrow. It appears that the rebels have all left Oudh for Nepal, probably with the concurrence of the Nepal Government Trusts that at any rate the rebels will be disarmed and not permitted to remain threatening the border. Probably the party will break up. Expects the Commander in Chief will keep a force on the frontier. Two papers annexed: extract of a letter from Major Barrow to the Chief Commissioner, Bankee, 5 Jan, reporting rumours of intrigues between the rebels and the Nepalese. Vakeels pass between the Begum and the Suliana Rajah, a subject of Nepal. The Suliana Rajah is connected with the Toolseepore and Pudnaha Rajahs. Suliana with Surendra Bikram Sahib, the King of Nepal, is said to have made some treaty with the Begum and her party. Remarks on the curious climate. Letter from Colonel Sterling, Lord Clyde's Military Secretary, to Montgomery, 5 Jan. Lord Clyde is not at present able to use his right hand, but assures Montgomery that his accident will have no ill effects. The enemy is said to have escaped into the Nepal Hills.

74. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 9 Jan 1859. Sends two letters. Congratulates Lord Canning on the suppression of the rebellion in Oudh. The rebels are said to be plundering in Nepal, if so they will bring down punishment on themselves. Their surrender or dispersion will be a matter for treaty with Nepal. There is great tranquillity in Oudh, the revenue is pouring in. European dak travellers go unattended, though this is contrary to the Chief Commissioner's orders. The Military Police have been placed at the disposal of the Commander in Chief. Two papers annexed: letter from Major Bruce to Captain Hutchinson, 7 Jan, listing those who have surrendered, and those who are expected to surrender. The remainder of the rebels have crossed the mountains, it is said that the Nepalese Police made them pay money before they could cross the frontier. The Furruckabad Nawab will have to stand his trial, meanwhile will be lodged in the Rifle Brigade Quarterguard and as well treated as possible. The Commander in Chief will probably now go to Lucknow. Hopes that Mr Forbes will be ordered up to take Civil charge of the District. Letter from Major Barrow to Montgomery, 7 Jan, refers to those who have surrendered. The organised rebellion is quite broken up in Oudh. Barrow will return, suggests Forbes should be sent up. The ex-Nawab of Furruckabad has gone to Cawnpore. The Begum has gone into Nepal, the sepoys plunder the villages.

75. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 11 Jan 1859. Understands Canning's policy clearly from the Despatch to Lord Clyde, and feels sure that the remnant of the rebels will cause no trouble in Oudh. Reports favourably on Captain Auldjoo's Battalion. Did not realise that His Excellency considered incorporating Oudh into the North West, and thinks the present arrangements should be carried on far at least a year. There is a great deal to be done in the North West, and also the system of Government is different. Suggests that the families of officers south of the Gogra be allowed to join their husbands at stations where there is a European Force. Intends to leave Lucknow about 14 Feb. The City is now full of all the minor leaders of the rebellion, who flock in from every quarter and are astonished that they are unnoticed and their past conduct not called in question. The effect is good. Regrets Lord Canning's departure from Allahabad, thanks him for his support and for personal kindnesses.

76. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 18 Jan 1859. Sends a memorandum. Will send a report on the former condition of Oudh, comparing it with present conditions. Believes that Canning's views on the settlement have been fully carried out. Has endeavoured to keep in the old proprietors, in spite of great pressure during the rebellion to oust those who opposed the Government. Lord Clyde is well and pleased at his success. Paper annexed: memorandum on the manner of resettlement of lands in Oudh. Also annexed, copy of the form of agreement made between the landholder and the Government. The landholder will pay the jumma fixed; will give up his arms, destroy all forts in his territory, and will not shelter rebels.

77. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 25 Jan 1859. Sends a letter from Major Barrow just received. Believes there will be hardly time for a reply from Government. Suggests the decision be left in the hands of Lord Clyde and Major Barrow, who will err, if at all, on the side of mercy. Paper annexed: letter from Major Barrow to Montgomery, Baraitch, 20 Jan, all is well at Baraitch and the principal Talookdars, except Deree Buksh, are surrendering themselves. The rebels are now endeavouring to obtain terms if possible, both the Begum and Benee Madho have sent Vakeels. Barrow has already promised life, honour and maintenance to the Begum, and her party. Benee Madho has been told that he and his party can come in trusting only to the clemency of Government Recommends that the proposals be more specific; the amount of pension to be given to the Begum should be stated. The few remaining Talookdars at large are of no account, it is the late Court party which has now to be subdued. If the Court party are not offered terms, they will continue to create disturbances, being without hope. Reports that administration is progressing well. No Civil Officer has yet joined Colonel Parnell.

77a. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Lucknow, 1 Feb 1859. Has made arrangements to leave Lucknow on 15 Feb as Sir J Lawrence is anxious to leave Lahore. Hopes the new Chief Commissioner will reach Lucknow by the 15th. Most of the great questions have been settled, Montgomery hopes all will be before he leaves Oudh. All continues well, the harvest promises to be abundant. The new barracks and other public buildings, and roads, will provide plenty of employment. Lord Clyde has been ill but is now convalescent. It is unusually hot.

77b. Letter from Mr Montgomery, Cawnpore, 16 Feb 1859. Reports Mr Wingfield's arrival at Lucknow on 14 Feb and his own departure on the 15th. Montgomery is glad Wingfield succeeds him, he seems anxious to carry out the policies Montgomery pursued, and he is independent enough to amend any part if necessary. Has sent a full report of everything done in Oudh. Montgomery saw many of the leading Talookdars during his last 10 days in Oudh, there is much satisfaction at the liberality shown them by Government. At annexation the Talookdars were for a few months kept in their old positions and were subsequently set-aside, and a settlement made with the village proprietors. Now the Talookdars have been as a general rule reinstated in the position they formerly held, the village proprietors being confirmed in their rights, but subordinate to the Talookdars. This could never have been except for Lord Canning's Proclamation. Montgomery found that the Talookdars were in great alarm, believing that their position after the re-taking of Oudh was only a summary settlement, and that at the next settlement they would again be ejected. This idea was occasionally fostered by the District Officers. Montgomery therefore declared that subject to the sanction of Government the title of the estates would not be called in question. When the Government on the special report of one of their officers considered that in the summary settlement injustice had been done, it would be rectified. But the Government would not allow the titles they had conferred to estates after the general confiscation to be called in question. Regrets his departure from Lucknow, he liked the people and the officers, and could rely on Lord Canning's support and confidence.

78. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 3 Jul 1859. Thanks Lord Canning for his offer of support. Has had no other instances of insubordination (beside Mr Campbell, according to index). Many Civil Officers dislike the present revenue system intensely, but none ventures to substitute his own views for the policy of Government The chief difficulty in managing the Talookdars lies in the corrupt native agency by which they are surrounded, but Wingfield is convinced that if they feel secure in the possession of their estates they will be fir more ready to attend to Government advice.

79. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 27 Aug 1859. Reports on the states of the roads, in answer to Lord Canning's letters. There is a good camping round outside Lucknow. Offers his house to Lord Canning. Would be best to summon by name the Talookdars who are to meet Lord Canning, there will be probably not more than 130. It would be a marked distinction if Lord Canning, received privately those Talookdars who saved Europeans' lives, names four. There is a proposal for rewarding these and others with Khilluts as well as land. The honour would be greatly increased if the Khilluts were conferred at a Governor General's Durbar. A month or three weeks notice of the Durbar would be enough. The members of the Royal Family will wish to be received at a separate Durbar, this has always been the custom and Wingfield thinks it should be continued. There are some 40 or 50 members of the Royal Family in Lucknow at present. Suggests a military review.

80. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 6 Sep 1859. Writes further on the state of roads between Juanpoor, Fyzabad and Sooltanpoor. Suggests the Park of the Martiniere for the Governor General's Camp. Lord Hastings lived in the Martiniere College during his stay in Lucknow, but it is now much damaged. Offers Lord Canning the Secretary's house and the Chief Commissioner's house.

81. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 10 Sep 1859. Assures Lord Canning that his occupation of the Chief Commissioner and Secretary's houses will not affect him, as he will be in Camp himself. Lists the Talookdars who have saved Europeans lives and who should be received privately: 10 names, with comments. Asks if Lord Canning would receive at the Durbar the native officers of the Lucknow Garrison. The Durbar for the Royal Family should precede the other. It is impossible to decide the order of precedence among the Talookdars, they will be told that in the Durbar all are equal. Asks if Canning would like to meet any of the Commissioners of Divisions. Suggests that a Proclamation be issued on the Governor General's visit

82. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Camp Doondia Khiru [?],24 Dec 1859. Reports favourably on the state of Oudh. It is impossible to overrate the good effect of the Governor General's visit to Lucknow. Formerly the Talookdars were uneasy, not believing in the sincerity of their pardon. Sends a letter from Maharaja Man Sing. He was greatly in arrears of revenue, and the local authorities wished to use coercive measures, which Wingfield would not allow, as he knew the Maharajah was in financial difficulties arising from his expenses during the rebellion, and that he was far too sensible to default intentionally. Wingfield also felt sure he could recover the balance owed by Man Sing by taking his estate under Government management for a year, a measure the Maharajah would himself desire. The under proprietors seem at last to have been convinced by the Sunnuds addressed to them. Describes the investment of Hurdeo Bux with magisterial and revenue powers. The same ceremony will be gone through with Rana Ruggonath Sing, and later with Roostum Sahen and Man Sing. Sends a copy of the manual for the guidance of Talookdar Magistrates and Collectors, and a letter to the District Officers. Few other Talookdars are capable or anxious to have magisterial powers, but many capable men are anxious to exercise revenue powers. Asks if he may bestow this power alone, which the Talookdars had formerly. Mr Tucker is still opposed to the Talookdaree system, but if he gives trouble he will be set aside. Has made it known to the District Officers that preference for promotion will be given to those who carry out the Government policy heartily. Hopes soon to arrange a plan for the taxation of the non-agricultural classes, which will bring in 15 lacs, all the Province can bear at present. Endorsed: Copy sent to Sir C Wood, 30 Dec 1859. Four papers annexed: letter from Man Sing to Wingfield, Dec, reporting his successful collection of revenue owing, to the good Government, and remarking on the improvement in Oudh Circular from C Currie, Officiating Secretary to Chief Commissioner Oudh, to the Commissioner and Superintendents of Divisions, 28 Nov, on their part in the experiment of granting Talookdars magisterial and Revenue powers, printed. Printed copy of Rules for the guidance of Talookdars invested with Magisterial powers. printed copy of notice on the Revenue Jurisdiction of the Talookdar.

83. Letter from Mr Wingfield, four marches from Simla, 30 May 1860. Replies that the course suggested by the Secretary of State if not absolutely impracticable had become infinitely more difficult by 1858. The Home authorities' idea of the injustice done by the settlement is greatly exaggerated, and the attempt to reverse it now would be very unfortunate. Has telegraphed for the report on Oudh administration and especially the summary settlement of 1856, and will reply at greater length when he has received this.

84. Letter from Mr Wingfield, six marches from Simla, 3 Jun 1860. Replies about the new tax. Until Wingfield received Mr Wilson's financial statement about the end of Feb he never contemplated the Income Tax being extended to landholders, and by that time his measures had been nearly carried out. When Wingfield met Mr Wilson at Allahabad he did not infer that the tax was to be extended. Wingfield gained the support of the Talookdars by suggesting that if enough money was raised from the commercial classes, it would not be necessary to come down upon the land for more, meaning and being understood to mean that the Government would not raise the Talookdars' assessments at the next settlement. Wingfield did not use this argument for the landholders of Oudh particularly, but for the landholders of India. The landholders of Oudh did not expect to be taxed, before the publication of Mr Wilson's financial statement; neither did the Zemindars of the North West Provinces and of Bengal expect to be taxed. Undoubtedly the Talookdars of Oudh, in common with landholders throughout India, will regard the imposition of an Income Tax during the currency of a settlement as a breach of good faith, but there is no special reason why the Oudh landholders should feel more aggrieved than the other landholders. When Wingfield urged Lord Canning at Simla to exempt the Oudh Talookdars it was because of the obligation he owed them for the help they had just given. He will carry out the Tax, though he regrets its necessity, with as little dissatisfaction us possible, and reduce the revenue demand on those districts such as Oonao which are already hard pressed. Asks for the Tax not to be made retrospective. For the last time protests against the extension of the tax to incomes from land. It is not payment of money which will make the measure unpopular, but the sense of insecurity. The landholders will imagine that the Government will not stop at a 4% tax, but will increase it, and increase the revenue due from settled estates at will. Endorsed: Copy made by order. Governor General to Mr Wingfield, 26 May 1860, [Private Secretary's Correspondence no.] 7068. Mr Wingfield to Governor General, 3 Jun 1860. Private Secretary to Mr Wingfield 18 Jun 1860, [Private Secretary's Correspondence no. ]7244]. Mr Wingfield to Governor General 9 Jun 1860.

84a. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Rampoor, 6 Jun 1860. Has not yet received the report on Oudh administration from Lucknow; but to save time sends a memorandum of reasons against the course suggested by the Home authorities on the settlement made on the re-conquest of Oudh. Has dwelt more on its impracticability than on its impolicy. Has often thought that Government's right to call in question the tenure of land in a Province acquired by annexation is debatable; that it might be urged that in 1856 the Government was bound to leave rights as they were found. Even the late Mr Thomason in pleading the cause of the village proprietors of the North West Provinces against the Talookdars did not particularly affirm that the inquiry should go back beyond the commencement of British rule, indeed he implied the exact contrary. Of the impolicy of reviving obliterated rights of obsolete titles there should be now but one opinion. One of Wingfield's reasons in the memorandum is the bias among the District Officers; thinks that Mr Tucker and Mr Forbes late Commissioner of Bareitch, could not be impartial in a case between a Talookdar and village proprietors. The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence nos. 7121, and 9408. Paper annexed: memorandum against alteration of the settlement in Oudh, as above.

85. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Camp, Kootchar, 9 Jun 1860. Has learnt that the Income Tax on land is to be reckoned on 1/3 only of the Jumma in temporarily settled districts. This will reduce it so much that it will hardly be felt at all. Feels convinced that in conversation with the Talookdars he never gave a pledge against the Income Tax. Explains why he used the Talookdars to assist in raising money from the commercial classes. If the promise given at the perpetual settlement to demand no more from the land than the Jumma then fixed is no obstacle to imposing a tax on income from land in Bengal, then no general assurance that the Government would not come down on the land can preclude the levying of a similar tax in Oudh. Wingfield has instructed Colonel Barrow to prepare the Talookdars for the measure. Cannot precisely remember the term used in his (Wingfield's) letter to Bowring [The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence no. 7068] which apparently led to Lord Canning's inquiry, but thinks he merely meant to regret having to tax the landholders, after they had helped him to tax others. Endorsed: Copy made by order, [Private Secretary's Correspondence no.] 7068]. Governor General to Mr Wingfield May 26 1860. Mr Wingfield to Governor General, 3 Jun 1860. Private Secretary to Mr Wingfie1d 18 Jun 1860, [Private Secretary's Correspondence no.] 7244. Mr Wingfield to Governor General, 9 Jun 1860.

86. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 4 Aug 1860. In reply to Canning's letter of 30 Jul, promises that whatever his own views are his acts will always be in accordance with Lord Canning's policy. Had he anticipated such evidence for the defence as has been given by the police, and had he known of Radial's intention of bringing the action, he would have prevented the case being brought. Agrees that the authorities could not have been prepared for the opinions displayed by Captain Chamberlain, but they should have been prepared for the hostile evidence of the native witnesses. The gross perjury of the native police officers was the consequence of the disloyalty of Captain Chamberlain, their superior. Take away the evidence of the native officers, and that of the other native witnesses is scarcely hostile. As for the counterevidence which Lord Canning thinks unsatisfactory, doubts if much value should be put on the report in the Oudh Gazette. When Wingfield wrote from Simla expressing his satisfaction that Ramdyal had prosecuted the paper, he did not expect the enmity and perjury of the police but was assured that Ramdyal's acts would stand scrutiny. Cites two opinions, of Mr Glynn and the Reverend Mr Menge a missionary, contradicting stories of oppression. Ramdyal is known to be a hard and irritating man. Is sure that the native police officers will be shown to be perjurers on conclusion of the trial. Believes that Ramdyal's position will be improved by the trial, by standing staunch against a crowd of hostile influences, the press, the police, the European non-official men, and his fellow countrymen. It is not Ramdyal alone who has been attacked, the press has written more and more violently against the administration. Thinks a reaction will set in when the public finds how it has been deceived by accounts of oppression and torture, and refers to the reaction against tales of horrors committed in the Mutiny. Praises Mr Elliott, he is quite capable of conducting an investigation. Wingfield regrets that the jewels were seized, he at once ordered the practice to be discontinued, although it is not illegal. Also regrets that women of the sweeper caste were sent into the women's apartments, but they do enter at other times. The dooly was doubtless used to give colour to a threat of carrying women to the cutcherry. This is to be regretted, the man who uttered the threat was dismissed, but such threats are used by all underlings. Wingfield did not realise that a native almost uncontrolled was applying the tax, he would not have given his approval: Ramdyal was Tehsildar of Lucknow in 1856 until the Mutiny, it was natural to employ him. Has called on Colonel Abbott and Mr Carnegy for explanation of several points, as to how many petitions they received against the assessment and against oppression. Intends to prosecute the witnesses for perjury. Is entirely opposed to a Commission of Inquiry. Is also opposed to the appointment of an officer from outside the Commission to try the parties accused of perjury. Remarks on how little resistance was offered to the Income Tax, in only two cases were coercive measures used. Believes there was very little oppression. The weak point of the case for the authorities is that petitions against over-assessment were not sufficiently attended to, and the petitioners were too often referred back to Ramdyal. It is not true that the natives object not to the tax, but to the amount of the tax. Asks Canning to suspend his decision on Captain Chamberlain until the record of the trial is before him. Criticises Chamberlain. Other influences were at work against the authorities, all classes wished to see the tax fail. Will send a report as soon as possible. Is thankful that neither Mr Campbell nor Captain Bruce was in Lucknow when the trial was on, Campbell would have embarrassed the executive, and Bruce would have supported the police. Copy made by order, 10 Aug 1860. Extract to Sir C Wood, 13 Aug 1860.

87. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 4 Aug 1860. Sends a memorandum drawn up by Colonel Barrow. Paper annexed: memorandum by Colonel Barrow on Extra Assistant Ramdyal's prosecution of the 'Oudh Gazette' for libel, 4 Aug.

88. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 6 Aug 1860. Reports the conclusion of the trial. The Judge spent some time on the story of the woman who alleged she was kept in a privy, the only evidence produced by the defence which was in the least credible. Her evidence seems to have been quite disproved. Comments on the story of a man supposed to have committed suicide, who is quite unharmed. Describes a letter from Colonel Abbott to Captain Chamberlain, dismissing some petitions; Chamberlain suppressed parts of the letter in his evidence. Copy of the whole letter has been sent to Government and Abbott will report on the petitions. Wingfield upholds Abbott in referring the petitions to Mr Carnegy, since Chamberlain quarrelled with Carnegy he tried to ignore his authority altogether.

88. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 6 Aug 1860. Reports the conclusion of the trial. The Judge spent some time on the story of the woman who alleged she was kept in a privy, the only evidence produced by the defence which was in the least credible. Her evidence seems to have been quite disproved. Comments on the story of a man supposed to have committed suicide, who is quite unharmed. Describes a letter from Colonel Abbott to Captain Chamberlain, dismissing some petitions; Chamberlain suppressed parts of the letter in his evidence. Copy of the whole letter has been sent to Government and Abbott will report on the petitions. Wingfield upholds Abbott in referring the petitions to Mr Carnegy, since Chamberlain quarrelled with Carnegy he tried to ignore his authority altogether.

89. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 11 Aug 1860. Reports that judgement on the libel case has been deferred. Gives his impressions of the conduct of the Civil authorities. The police evidence is quite unreliable, notices various points. Analyses the complaints received by Chamberlain, 27 in number. Corrects his earlier statement that the authorities did not sufficiently attend to petitions against over-assessment, analyses these petitions. Deals with the entry of houses by women sweepers, and the distraint of jewels, and the threat to carry off women to the Cutcherry. Host of the tax was collected without opposition. Regrets that the action was brought and harm done, but is sure the administration need not fear examination of its acts.

90. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 16 Aug 1860. Has sent a copy of Mr Fraser's judgement in the libel case to Lord Canning. Mr Fraser has dealt with the police evidence well and has completely exposed its falsehood. He has left it to the Judicial Commissioner to decide if legal action should be taken against the three policemen. Mr Fraser has sought to conciliate the press by giving very low damages.

91. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 7 Sep 1860. Replies to Canning's letter on the libel case. Thinks the evidence of conspiracy among the native policemen is the same as the evidence of perjury, and that there would be no object in bringing both charges. The conspiracy charge would have to include people connected with the 'Oudh Gazette'. By the rules of procedure in the Regulation Provinces a charge of conspiracy must be instituted by a private person and not by Government. Has sent a telegram reporting no intention to prosecute for conspiracy (marked in margin Telegraph Messages Received number 1212).

92. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 8 Sep 1860. Regrets that Lord Canning does not agree that the conduct of the authorities in introducing the tax was moderate and judicious; explains certain points. The difficulties were great, recusance had to be promptly met. Hopes that the Governor General's disapproval will not be conveyed in severe terms, the local authorities have patiently endured public obloquy but would feel deeply the censure of Government. Explains why he asked for an Oudh officer to try the perjury case, did not wish to imply distrust of his officers. The native population is profoundly indifferent to the whole matter. Is glad that Mr Pearson has been appointed to try the case. Is vexed that Mr Fraser went out of his way to defend the Oudh administration and the Government of India, did not mention it in his report, but wrote on it to Mr Bowring.

92a. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 4 Dec 1860. Sends a memorandum on the work of the Talookdar Magistrates. Man Sing has decided nearly if not quite 400 cases. Is glad Man Sing is grateful for the interest Wingfield has shown in him. Man Sing's estate had been greatly neglected during the rebellion, he had not checked the expenditure of his brothers. Wingfield lent him his own Moonshee who made great economies, and he is now nearly clear of debt. Wingfield likes Man Sing and could do anything with him, but some of the officials such as Mr Simson cannot overcome the old prejudice against him. The harvest has been good, all classes are prosperous. Had the communications been better, much grain could have been sent to the famine districts of the North West Provinces. Lucknow has been greatly improved, had hopes that Lord Canning could visit Oudh. Has asked if Mr Wingfield may come to Benares. Endorsed: Mr Wingfield to Governor General, 16 Dec 1860, number 92b. Paper annexed: memorandum on the work of the Talookdar Magistrates, 4 Dec.

92b. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 16 Dec 1860. Sends a paper on the Talookdar Maistrate Rajah Madho Singh. Fears that if the return of criminal cases decided by the Rajah is correct, Wingfield has greatly underestimated the number of criminal cases decided by the Talookdar Magistrates. Will have a statement prepared. Wingfield has been told by Maharajah Man Sing of his extreme gratification at his reception in Calcutta. Will not speak of Canning's visit to Lucknow to anyone. Paper annexed: report by Rajah Madho Sing, to Captain Perkins, Deputy Commissioner of Sooltanpore, 7 Nov, of the number of cases decided by the Rajah in the previous three months.

93. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 31 Dec 1860. In reply, gives information of the cases of suttee in Oudh of which he has knowledge which have occurred in the last year. There have been 5 or 6 cases, nearly all in May and Jun. Wingfield instructed the District Officers to punish the crime with the utmost severity. This was done, extending in some cases to transportation for life, and the effect produced will prevent the recurrence of the crime. All the suttees were voluntary. Colonel Barrow, while acting for Wingfield, recommended to the Supreme Government confiscation of one village, because of the frequency of suttees. No reply has been received. The almost simultaneous occurrence of suttees in most Divisions has been assigned to a religious revival following a cholera epidemic. One case of suttee was in a village belonging to Mann Sing, but 60 miles from his Zemindaree so that he could not have prevented it. Another Talookdar was also cleared of blame in another case. All Talookdars were reminded of their duty. The other cases occurred in villages belonging to the peasant proprietors, who all aided the criminals. Wingfield is sure that there is no connection between the Talookdars having magisterial powers and the occurrence of suttee. Before annexation suttee was common, though nominally prohibited, among the peasantry. But among the Talookdars it was rare, though there was a curious instance of a Talookdar burning himself on the death of his wife. Three or four cases occurred in Wingfield's Division of Bareitch the year after annexation. Occasional cases are to be expected, as a custom cannot die out at once, and suttee is not unknown even in the older Provinces. Will write again on the railway project.

94. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Camp, Oonao, 4 Jan 1861. States that Mr Palmer has been over-optimistic and has exceeded his authority, in offering on the part of bankers and capitalists in the Doab and Lucknow to subscribe the funds for the construction of a railway without a guarantee. Peroo Mull, the great Allahabad banker, was supposed to be the mainstay of the scheme, but Wingfield, doubts if Peroo Mull will behave as Palmer thinks. Palmer owes money to several of the capitalists in the Doab and Lucknow, and it is thought that Peroo Mull thinks he will best recover his loans to Palmer by engaging in profitable railway contracts with Palmer. But the other bankers do not trust Palmer, and would not willingly be associated with him. The City Magistrate says that the principal capitalists of Lucknow wish for a railway, and will probably ask the Government to build the railway with capital provided by the Lucknow capitalists.They are afraid to undertake the project themselves because of the likelihood of their being swindled by unscrupulous Europeans, in Wingfield's view a very probable contingency. Wingfield has had to move very carefully in the matter, lest the natives imagine that they would be forced to pay for the railway.

95. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Oonao, 7 Jan 1861. With reference to an article in the 'Oudh Gazette' writes that he has forbidden his officers giving any information officially known to them and making any kind of communication to the press defending their conduct. Has no reason to believe the article was prompted by any officer of the Commission. Will not allow any of his officers to appeal to the public against the Government Endorsed: Governor General to Sir B Frere 12 Jan 1861.

96. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 22 Feb 1861. Reports that the Oudh Talookdars are preparing an address to Lord Canning, in gratitude for his policy. Wingfield has refused to have anything to deal with the address: but as the movement is spontaneous will unless he hears to the contrary, allow the Talookdars to proceed to Calcutta. Lord Canning's visit to Lucknow has produced a good effect.

97. Letter from Mr Yule, Purneah, 28 Feb 1861. Has received Lord Canning's letter of 24 Feb, but was too dismayed by the contents to reply by return. Has no doubt that the new system in Oudh of bringing the gentry into the Government is the only plan by which the British can ever justly govern India and hope to continue to govern it. Yule introduced the same principle into the Sontal districts in 1856. But for other reasons feels he is unsuitable as Chief Commissioner of Oudh. He has spent all his life in Bengal, and in Oudh all would be new and strange. He would be an outsider and the Commission would be against him. Would be quite at sea with Durbars and ceremonies and also with balls and suppers for Europeans. Does not think he is competent to govern Oudh, but if the Governor General still thinks so, he will go to Oudh and do his best. Thanks Lord Canning for the great and unexpected honour.

98. Letter from Mr Yule, Purneah, 5 Mar 1861. Hopes to be in Calcutta by the 16th to receive his instructions and see his brother. Hopes to be in Lucknow two or three days before the date suggested by the Governor General

99. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 7 Mar 1861. Is pleased with the selection of Mr Yule, describes him, is sure that the members of the Commission will be safe under him. Prefers a Bengal man because he must be presumed to be favourable to the existence of a class of large landed proprietors, whereas few North West Provinces men have not been bred in the school of Thomason and have abjured his heresies. The Punjab men on the other hand are conceited and have pushed their odious system of petty interference with the people quite as far if not further than it has been carried in the North West Provinces. Most of the Commission officers are uncovenanted and military, and do not mind from which part of India the Chief Commissioner comes. Mr Campbell may feel aggrieved that he has not been selected. Will be glad to see Yule in Lucknow for several days before he leaves, wishes to draw his attention to several matters, to caution him about members of the Commission. Has been unwell.

100. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 4 Mar 1861. Is glad Canning approves of what he has done about the Talookdars' address to Lord Canning. Lists those who will probably go to Calcutta with the address (13 names). The men are all rich landowners and mainly chiefs. They intend to assemble at Benares and arrive at Calcutta between 10 and 12 Apr. Wingfield has refused to see the address, as the movement must be quite clear of official interference. The Talookdars wish to put up a memorial to Wingfield; he has told them it is impossible so long as he is in India. However they propose to subscribe to build a bridge over the Goomtee, surmounted by a statue of Wingfield. Asks for Lord Canning's views. Believes that one of the mysterious Oonao stranglers has at last been caught, he may give some further clue.

100a. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 6 Mar 1861. Has sent up officially the resolutions of the Lucknow meeting on the railway to Cawnpore. When it is announced that the Government has granted the demands of the share-holders and the exact amount of aid to be expected, much money will be forthcoming; that is now withheld. This is what the natives say, and Wingfield thinks the Government might give them the opportunity to prove themselves as good as their word. Wingfield has avoided advising the natives to put their money into railways, as he himself thinks he can make better use of his own money. Mann Sing and the Maharajah of Bulrampore were persuaded by Mr Johannes to promise to take shares to the value of 40,000 rupees each, but Wingfield advised them to limit their subscription to 10,000 each, and they seemed glad at the advice. The Talookdars will subscribe some 50,000 Rupees to the Relief Fund.

101. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 15 Mar 1861. Reports further on the murder mentioned in his letter of 4 Mar. The strangling was a conspiracy to pin the deed on a petty Zemindar, Urgun, so that the conspirators could obtain Urgun's wife and the policeman could obtain reward and promotion. It is very possible that Urgun has been guilty of similar crimes. In the Oonao district most of the murders have taken place on the lands of petty village proprietors. The chief Talookdar is a banker who has only acquired his property during the last 20 years and has little influence on his tenantry. In one or two cases there is reason to believe that bodies of persons who had died naturally were exhumed in order to get the Rajah into trouble. Captain Chamberlain the Thuggee officer is helpless. Large numbers of extra Police have been quartered in the district, and the murders have ceased since Jan, but the murderers and those who shelter them are still unknown.

102. Letter from Mr Wingfield, Lucknow, 25 Mar 1861. Is sending a return on the criminal and revenue business disposed of by the Talookdars, the results are very satisfactory, comments. Is proceeding with a scheme for creating a bench of Magistrates for Lucknow. Mr Yule has arrived, his appointment has given much satisfaction, Mr Campbell has quite got over any disappointment he may have suffered, and is heartily glad no Punjab officer has been appointed. Thinks the deputation of Talookdars to Lord Canning will number 10, will send fuller details. Endorsed: Governor General to Secretary of State, 10 Apr 1861.

103. Letter from Mr Wingfield, 17 Apr 1861. Replies that it is difficult for him to give the acreages of the Talookdars' estates because the Province has not been surveyed. Lists the 5 wealthiest Talookdars who were present, and gives an estimate of the area of the estates and the estimated revenue of Mann Sing, the Maharajah of Bulrampoor, Rajah Kisha Dutt of Gonda, the Rajah Gowree Shunkur, Lal Shunkur Bux, also lists the four poorest of those who were present. Endorsed: Seen by Mr Aitchison 29 Apr 1861

104. Letter from Mr Wingfield, 19 Apr 1861. Sends a sketch of the careers of some of the Talookdars during the rebellion. Endorsed: Seen by Mr Aitchison, 29 Apr 1861. Paper annexed: description of the careers during the rebellion of the Rajah of Bulrampoor, Maharajah Mann Sing, the Rajah of Tiloi, Rajah Hunwunt Sing, Rajah Burhin Lal, Rajah Furgund Ally Khan, Rajah Gowree Shunkur, Rajah Kisha Dutt of Simla, Chundree Hurhmut Ally, Lal Shunkur Bux, Syud Bukur Hossen of Burpor, Baboo Ujeet Sing of Tirwe (?), Chundree… Ahmed, Chundree Unwul Ally Khan [the reading of many of these names is uncertain].

105. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 2 May 1861. Reports a successful tiger hunt at a place to which he wished to take Canning. Yule thinks his chief task in Oudh will be to arrange and methodise the working of the new systems which Wingfield introduced into almost every Department. The systems are great improvements, but the officers are confused. Praises Wingfield and the officers of the Commission. The visit of the Talookdars to Calcutta has stopped the work even of those who remained at home, they were all excited about it. Yule looks into all the returns of their work. The native subordinates of the British officers do not approve of the Talookdars having Magistrates powers, and will have to be watched. Even among Government officers the finality of the Talookdaree settlement in all but assessment is not yet thoroughly understood; it is believed that it is only sunnud holders that cannot be set aside. Believes a Commissioner for the Settlement only will be necessary, the Judicial Commissioner may have the time for the work, but Yule would not like to place it in Mr Campbell's hands. Nothing has yet been discovered about the Oonao murders. Canning's very favourable reception of the proposals of the intended Railway Company have given immense satisfaction, and a great meeting is to be held with Mr Campbell in the chair. Endorsed: Register number 8743 [Private Secretary's Correspondence no. 8743]

106. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 11 May 1861. Reports another murder at Oonao. The best Police officer in the Province Lieutenant Sharpe has been sent to Oonao. Will endeavour to find out the cause of death, whether the body had been previously buried or in water, and where the bodies were brought from. Has previously mentioned some treasonable correspondence found in a house in Seetapore (The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence no. 8633), at least one of the seals has turned out to be a forgery. Information was given by an untrustworthy woman. Yule distrusts the case, but it will not be easy to prove its falsehood. The Talookdars have nearly all returned, excited by Calcutta. Collection for the Wingfield memorial is going forward. Does not believe in the Sontal rebellion, it is a temporary excitement and will pass off. Hopes Mr Robinson has been ordered down, he possesses more influence than anyone else. Register number 8633 [Private Secretary's correspondence no. 8633]

107. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 27 May 1861. Reports that Ootum Sing left Calcutta but returned before reaching Benares. Yule suspects this return and is having inquiries made. Is glad there is not rebellion among the Sontals. Reports the festivities on the Queen's birthday. There is not yet any news of the Oonao murders. In other respects the police have done very well and are steadily improving.

108. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 28 May 1861. Reports another Oonao murder, gives details. There is no clue to the murderers.

109. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 1 Jun 1861. Reports another Oonao murder, no details are yet known. Colonel Barrow may go up himself.

110. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 4 Jun 1861. Reports that Ootum Singh has returned from Calcutta to Benares. The last case from Oonao is a clear case of murder and not the slightest trace of the murderers has been found. The victim is unrecognised as usual. Gives what little information has been deduced from the crimes.

111. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 3 Jul 1861. Reports heavy and prolonged rain. The crops should be tremendous. An indirect effect of the famine has been to make a great deal of salt from the North West come into Oudh, to pay for the grain exported to the North West. Yule does not believe that much illicit salt is manufactured in Oudh. The cultivation of opium is doing well. Cotton is being tried out everywhere, though Yule is not very hopeful about it. Mann Sing has led in the sowing of cotton seed. The roads are progressing well, Yule wishes to see a great trunk road from Byramghat via Seetapore to Shahjehanpore. This would help to transport the surplus grain of the trans-Gogra districts, and sugar, which is now sent to Shahjehanpore to be refined. If steamers would run regularly to Fyzabad there would soon be plenty of freight for them. The rumour of some large Talookdars having exercised their power of bequeathing their estates away from their own family has caused some excitement among the Rajpoots who did not understand the effect of the terms on which they were held. Some of them talk of applying to Canning to alter the rules, Yule has recommended them not to do so. Yule has sent a paper on the Income Tax; he has endeavoured to make the tax as light as possible and to take away the temptation to cheat by doing away with all returns except in a few cases. Will soon be ready to commence the assessment of Income or Trades Tax, or both. Endorsed: Governor General to Sir C Wood, 8 Jul 1861. Mr Yule to Governor General, 9 Jul 1861.

112. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 9 Jul 1861. Reports exceptionally heavy rains, in which many have died through falling buildings in Lucknow. Bridges and roads are damaged, and the compounds near the river are under water. Asks if Canning has read Mann Sing's remarkable 'Instructions to Talookdars' which was written in early Jul 1857. It shows great foresight as to the improbability of the mutineers succeeding, the evil results to himself and others in like position if they were successful, and his bitter hatred and contempt for the Mussulman Government. Thinks publication might remove the widespread suspicion of the Rajah. Gives further information about salt sales. Endorsed: Mr Yule to Governor General, 3 Jul 1860.

113. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 17 Jul 1861. Reports the arrest of a suspicious character who tried to poison himself when arrested. He eventually confessed to many murders by poison and strangulation. In one case the victim was strangled in circumstances similar to those of the Oonao murders. Further arrests have been made, and investigations are going on. Yule hopes the Oonao murders are about to be solved. The rains have begun again. The Amethee man Lall Madho has been to see Yule, and confirms that he intends to leave his estate to his sister's son, thus annoying his other relatives. Yule reports a night of illumination of buildings in Lucknow. Yule like several others in Lucknow has a small cotton plantation, and the plants are thriving very well. Suggests that the Cotton Commissioner Mr Saunders be sent through Oudh to draw public attention to the vast potentialities of the Province. Has written officially about the Steam Navigation of the Gogra, as the Marine Department will not give notice of the departure of their steamers from Calcutta, the experiment is not being fairly tried. Has heard that the India Steam Navigation Company intend to take up the line on trial. With better roads, Fyzabad will become the port of Oudh and Rohilcund and some of the surrounding country. Endorsed: Governor General to Secretary of State 22 Jul 1861; Register numbers 9065, 9066 [Private Secretary's Correspondence nos. 9065, 9066]

114. Letter from Mr Yule, 22 Jul 1861. Sends a copy of the translation of Man Sing's proclamation to the Talookdars (in margin Miscellaneous 948). There is circumstantial evidence that the proclamation was really written in Jul 1857, Yule will obtain proof. Praises Mr P Saunders, thinks he should be sent on a tour of Oudh. Saunders has already written to Manchester to form a Company to farm cotton on a large scale in Oudh. Yule thinks a small experimental farm would be more useful. Agrees with Canning that the low rate of interest is the real reason why the native will not take up the Lucknow and Cawnpore railway. Thinks that the lack of an experienced man on the Committee is another drawback. Will write again about the changes in the opium system, has often wondered why the pass system of Malwa has not been extended. Is very pleased with Sir Bartle Frere's Bill on the Income Tax, the use of last year's returns for another year is a great relief. Is now anxious to see the Licence Bill. Endorsed: Extract made by order 1 Aug 1861, Miscellaneous 948 [Mss Eur F699/1/2/6/107, item 948 Private Secretary: Miscellaneous Subjects].

115. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 26 Jul 1861. Has not yet found proof of the date of Man Sing's proclamation. Has recently heard that after Lucknow Residency was besieged, Man Sing wrote to Gubbins and offered him 50,000 men to rescue the Residency provided that the Talookdars were restored to their position before annexation. Yule's informant has seen Gubbins' reply. Had misunderstood Lieutenant Aitken, he did not see the proclamation whilst in the Residency. Is ready to begin the Income and Duty Tax Assessment; as no instructions to the contrary have been received, presumes the taxes are to be carried out according to law, not following the previous year's plan. This will please the people. Ram Dyal has been transferred to Fyzabad, Major Evans will do the work in Lucknow. Remarks that the Judicial Commissioner has given a lecture of two hours on the Eastern question, which would entitle him to a pension from Napoleon and a statue in Paris, though perhaps a different fate in London. 22 have been killed and 45 injured through falling buildings in the rains in Lucknow. The criminal caught by Chamberlain has confessed to 14 murders and dacoitees in all parts of the country. Endorsed: Extract made by order 1 May 1861

116. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 15 Aug 1861. Apologises for not having explained the difference in the number of cases decided by Talookdars as given by Mr Wingfield and Mr Campbell. The mistake seems to have arisen from an error in the District Office where a number of miscellaneous petitions disposed of by Mann Sing were reckoned as cases. An explanation will be sent up officially. Mr Campbell's st3tement that Mann Sing denied the existence of inferior proprietors' rights in his estate must have been a misconception. Will await Campbell's reply. Inferior rights are not denied by any Talookdar except by Madho Sing of Amethee who seems to have some grounds for ignoring them in his old estates; inquiries are being made. Mann Sing has given Yule an abstract translation of a diary he kept during the rebellion, Yule asks if Canning would like it. Has been making inquiries for some time about female infanticide in Oudh, it is very common among all Rajpoot tribes. Many of the Talookdars are against it, and try to prevent it on their estates. They say it would not be difficult to stop the practice, Yule has asked the Talookdars to arouse discussion of the subject and use their influence to discourage it. If Lord Canning would visit Lucknow about Oct, every Talookdar would give his promise to stop the practice. The effect of a great Durbar held for the purpose would be enormous. No future Governor General will ever be regarded so highly in Oudh as Lord Canning. The Talookdars have decided to build a Dhurmsala or Caravanserai as the Wingfield Memorial. The Committee for the Memorial also discusses other matters, infanticide and a Hindu paper. Describes the proposed paper. Asks if the Oudh Government may take 25 or 50 copies to help. Thinks the Committee might become a permanent and useful body. Asks how long the Land Settlement just beginning is to be continued (marked in margin Governor General 2104) Mr Wingfield and others look upon a temporary settlement of 20 or 30 years as so much a matter of course that Yule is afraid to say anything in favour of a permanent settlement. Comments on the advantages of a permanent settlement. Mr Saunders expects to be able to visit Oudh in Sep, Yule praises him. Endorsed: Copy made by order 20 Aug 1861.

117. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 14 Sep 1861. Was afraid that Lord Canning thought him against the Talookdaree system, but was reassured by the rest of the Governor General's letter, which he will answer in more detail shortly. Has read Mann Sing's diary, has sent it down to Canning but thinks it not worth reading. It seems to be his version of what he did during the Mutiny, prepared with a view to justification to the British. Still has no direct proof of the date of the proclamation. The infanticide movement among the Talookdars is progressing. Sends various papers (not annexed). It is agreed that the movement must be worked out by the people themselves, though Canning's interest will have a greater effect than anything else. Disagrees with the statement of Mr Seton Karr that the land tenures in Oudh are much the same as in Bengal. Even in Bengal Yule doubts if the ryots had any rights of occupancy at fixed rates until the British tried to give them, and the non-existence of these rights accounts for the vagueness of Government legislation. Even in the exceptional districts of Bengal where rights existed, there were no rights for cultivating ryots, but for priests, writers, and court employees. Mr Seton Karr's Tobacco Bill has astonished Yule. It will be considered a breach of the permanent settlement. No Government ever dared levy a direct tax of 30/- an acre on land under a popular crop, to be paid in advance by the cultivator. Endorsed: Miscellaneous number 733 [see Mss Eur F699/1/2/6/78, item 733 Private secretary: Miscellaneous Subjects].

118. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 20 Sep 1861. Sends papers on infanticide which he omitted from his letter of 14 Sep. Does not see what else can be done about infanticide, except what Canning suggests. The Governor General should address the Talookdars, calling upon each to aid its suppression. Some of the principal men might be brought up to promise in the name of the rest to do their utmost to fulfil Canning's wishes. Some Talookdars have asked for a prohibition of courts interfering in matters of caste connected with infanticide. The principal means by which Mann Sing and others hope to put their reform into effect is by refusing to eat, drink, or associate with those who practise the crime. Yule thinks all complaints regarding caste and religious matters should be confined to the Honorary Magistrates, with a High Court monthly or quarterly at Lucknow, of Talookdars. Most Talookdars consider that some rule for the reduction of marriage expenses is absolutely necessary, this is the usual preliminary to attempts to stop infanticide. Yule does not agree with this idea; it leads to the inference that the Government considers marriage expenses a palliation of infanticide, whereas the crime should be abolished solely as a crime, with reduction of marriage expenses following naturally. If the Governor General comes, Yule will have the Lal Bana Dana fitted up for a Durbar if Canning approves. Does not think that the temporary settlement in the North West causes any great difficulty in a permanent settlement in Oudh, because the system is different. Hopes that the report of Colonel Baird Smith will induce a permanent settlement in the North West. Comments on the two evils of Lord Cornwallis' settlement, firstly the nonprotection of subordinate rights, and secondly the sacrifice of Revenue; at length. Observes that Mr Paterson Saunders has recommended a permanent settlement. Papers annexed: copy of circular from the Officiating Chief Commissioner sending round to the Districts copies of a printed form of engagement drawn up by the Talookdars, to ensure the cessation of female infanticide. The District Officers are to encourage this reform, but unofficially and in private conversation only. Copy of engagement signed by various Talookdars. Endorsed: copy made by order 27 Nov 1861. Also what appears to be a vernacular copy of this engagement.

119. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 28 Sep 1861. Sends a short account of Furzand Ali's case (marked in margin Miscellaneous 949), with other papers (not annexed). Agrees that the case is a dangerous precedent, and asks for legislation. Believes that no other case will be brought until this is decided; will then if necessary warn officers against entertaining applications for certificates to representation of Talookdaree estates. Yule has decided that a person whose name was on the list of Talookdars to whom Sunnuds were to be given, must now be considered a Talookdar entitled to Sunnud and not a Zemindar whose rights were open to inquiry at the proper settlement. This decision was most unfairly interpreted by the Editor of the 'Oudh Gazette', but the Talookdars have interpreted the decision correctly, and are pleased. [see Mss Eur F699/1/2/6/107, item 949 Private secretary: Miscellaneous Subjects].

120. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 5 Oct 1861. Sends copies of Campbell's intermediate order on Furzund Ali's case and a memorandum (marked in margin Miscellaneous 950). Campbell seems to look more into possible rights than existing facts; but Furzund Ali is now reasonably safe. Campbell believes that the Talookdar may according to the Sunnuds, leave his landed property to whom he pleases under the Sunnud, but his personal property must be disposed of under Hindu or Mussulman law. If this is correct, asks that the anomaly be corrected. Does not know what to do about provision for the members of a Talookdar's family, comments. Asks for advice. Asks the terms on which gifts of lands to relations are to be held valid. Hopes that these questions will be settled before Canning leaves India. Asks if the Talookdars are to present nuzzurs, should Lord Canning come to Lucknow, and recommends that the gifts be merely tokens, and not accepted. Mr Palmer seems confident about the Railway, wants to obtain the services of the Engineers not at present employed on the Jubbulpore line. The rain is heavy and prolonged. Mr Saunders is staying with Yule. [see Mss Eur F699/1/2/6/107, item 950 Private secretary: Miscellaneous Subjects].

121. Letter from Mr Yule, Lucknow, 31 Oct 1861. Reports the first meeting of the Talookdars unrestrained by any Government officer being present. A number of resolutions were passed. Is delighted with Canning's orders on the sale of waste land, and the redemption of the land revenue; believes they are the most important steps in improvement the Government has ever taken.

122. Letter from Mr Yule, camp, Jouda, 22 Jan 1862. Reports that the Talookdars' resolutions on infanticide have been published without waiting for Canning's instructions. The movement is progressing, many people are giving in their agreements to refrain from infanticide. Asks if an Act is to be brought in regulating succession to Talookees and related matters. The Judicial Commissioner has claimed the right to try rights in land, Yule has disagreed over this, and the matter is being sent up officially. All the landowners are asking for a settlement, the delay keeps people uneasy and holds back cultivation. The settlement work has begun. The Revenue Survey is the slowest and most expensive of all the Oudh Departments, almost the sole cause of this is the details it has to obtain for the Surveyor General. Has supported the rights of landowners to raise their ryots' rents. Thinks that Tehsildars and the higher ministerial officers of the courts should now be replaced with natives of Oudh formerly men from the North West and the Punjab were appointed. Is not pleased with the work of the Punjabees. The temporary Extra Assistant Commissioners for demarcation and settlement work should be the best Tehsildars in each district. The Lucknow Choongee Tax has been farmed again, most successfully. There is no vacancy in the Commission for Colonel Barrow, who well deserves reward, praises him. Asks if he might have a personal allowance in his present post in the Police. Fears the Police in Bengal might fail. Reports reduction in the Trades Tax, which was too heavy in 1861. He has forbidden the Talookdars' practice of paying out of their own pockets the taxes they cannot raise from their estates, one Talookdar paid 25% of the assessment, Yule has ordered repayment where necessary. Is about to introduce the taxation of ganja and bhang in Oudh, describes his system. The weather has been unpleasantly wet and cold.