Mss Eur F699/1/1/2/1

Copies of letters from Governor General Charles Canning to members of the Government in England. Consists of copies of letters sent to the following: Sir Charles Wood; Lord Clarendon; Lord Granville; Lord Palmerston; HRH George, Duke of Cambridge; Lord Derby (including copy of letter to Cecil Beadon re: coded message to Lord Derby; Earl of Malmesbury; Sidney Herbert; Lord John Russell; Viscount Sydney; & Lord Elgin.

Numbered 1-33 with index.

1. Extract of a letter to Sir C Wood, First Lord of the Admiralty, Calcutta. 29 Mar 1856. Canning will be glad to hear that peace has been made; but would be much more glad if the peace had been accompanied by some new barrier or discouragement to Russia's creeping progress eastward. Has no fear that Russia will come to India for the present, if ever; but with too much influence east of the Black Sea and the Caspian, Russia will find it easy and agreeable to convert Persia and perhaps lands nearer India to make endless trouble. Canning does not believe the time is right to make any engagement with the chiefs of Kandahar. At present Dost Mahomed rules precariously at Kandahar. The Dost asked Dalhousie informally for arms, and for sanction to his marching upon Herat, but he was not given a direct answer. If the Dost supplants the Kandahar chiefs, he will be only too glad to apply his agreement with the British to every piece of territory upon which he can lay his hands. He asked if Kandahar could be inserted in the Treaty made with the British, but this was refused. If the Dost does not retain Kandahar, it will not be worth making any agreement with his supplanter. Murray's foolish reply to the advances of the Suddozye captor of Herat will have made the Amir suspicious. Wood will have heard of the proceedings of the Legislative Council in the matter of the Administrator General. The members of the Council are honestly convinced of their legal right to do as they have done, and nothing short of a Declaratory Act in Parliament will remove their conviction. The Chairman of the Court thinks such an Act may be introduced, Canning thinks the Council might be managed without taking so extreme a step.

2. Copy letter to Lord Clarendon. 20 Jun 1857. Canning had heard of Captain Delane's losses, but was not aware he wished to leave the Body Guard. He is an excellent officer, and Canning will bear his wishes in mind. India is far from being out of her troubles, there will be no decisive change until Delhi falls. There are symptoms of the tide turning, the steady stream of European troops has had its effect; Allahabad, the most important point in India has been made safe; the roads between Benares and Allahabad have been reopened, and the telegraph is working again. Elgin has replied favourably to Canning's request for troops, Canning hopes Clarendon will not be displeased with Elgin.

3. Copy letter to Lord Granville. 20 Jul 1857. Canning is deeply indebted to Granville for his defence of Canning, against the charge brought by Lord Ellenborough on 9 Jun that the Governor General subscribes largely to every society for the conversion of the natives of India. Canning lists those of his subscriptions which could by any possibility have been made the foundation of such a statement, with comments. Describes Lady Canning's support of the Bethune School. Matters in India have reached a state in which Lord Ellenborough's remarks could do little further damage.

4. Copy letter to Lord Palmerston. 23 Aug 1857. Canning thanks Lord Palmerston for the assurance that his policy is approved, by both houses, the news being brought by Sir Colin Campbell. Is glad that his use of the China troops is approved. Wood and Vernon Smith write as though the 1st detachment of troops for China must have passed on to Hong Kong. This is not the case, Hong Kong will be left with little more than its ordinary garrison. Elgin hopes to learn what is to be done in China. Affairs in Bengal look better. The Army before Delhi has been reinforced, and the Hindus and Mahomedans inside Delhi are said to be quarrelling. The Mahomedan butchers had taken to killing their beef before the Hindu Temple, and the Hindus retaliated by killing the butchers. Does not believe Delhi will be taken until a column moves up from the south. The most urgent matter is the relief of Lucknow. Havelock's small force has been obliged to retire to Cawnpore. He will be joined by Outram, but the combined force of all the disposable Europeans is not more than 2,200 and 12 or 14 guns. Meanwhile Lucknow may run short of provisions. Vernon Smith presses the institution of an inquiry into the causes of the Mutiny. Canning has the scheme of such an inquiry by a Commission ready, but it cannot be put into effect until a good deal of country has been recovered, especially those parts from which the sepoys are drawn. The Commission will also be a Commission for punishment and reward. Canning is greatly pleased with Sir Colin Campbell. In some respects which are important at the present time Sir Patrick Grant is superior to him, and this Campbell has acknowledged handsomely. Canning would have liked to keep Grant a few weeks longer, until the time came to take the field. Has no doubt that for field action, and to command Queen's troops, Campbell is the right man. Canning and Campbell agree very well. Hopes the Parliamentary Session is closed, barring Indian troubles.

5. Copy letter to His Royal Highness, the Duke of Cambridge. 25 Nov 1857. Canning doubts if letters from the Commander in Chief via Bombay have been reaching England, the road in parts of Central India being unsafe. Sends the latest information he has received. It is known that Campbell, Outram and Havelock are together in the Residency at Lucknow, but no details are known of the way in which Campbell entered the City. There is a long list of casualties among the officers. Canning sends the best map available (not annexed), there is no accurate survey of Lucknow. Sir James Outram wanted the Garrison to be rescued, and the City held. But Sir Colin was in favour of a strong moveable Division outside the City to hold the place down. Undoubtedly Sir Colin is correct. Troops are urgently required elsewhere, and a force outside Lucknow will sufficiently assert British possession of the City. Gives some details of troop movements. Hopes the Commander in Chief's wound is as slight as it is reported; asks the Duke of Cambridge to warn Campbell not to court danger.

6. Copy letter to Lord Granville. 24 Dec 1857. Canning sends a letter from Sir Colin Campbell, which is for Granville's eyes alone. It shows that Canning and Campbell are on most friendly terms, that their policies are in perfect sympathy, and that Sir Colin does not find any drag on his forwardness (the letter is not annexed). The infernal lie about the bad relations between Canning and Campbell is the lie which vexes Canning the most, in spite of it having been contradicted by the Duke of Cambridge, Palmerston and Granville. The whole story of Dinapore is told in a note to the petition of recall. Sends a very rough memorandum on disarming (not annexed). Urges Granville not to believe the lies about Grant freeing rebels. Sends separately the native addresses and the replies to them. The answer to the address which abuses the Europeans is a little short of what it should have been in the way of rebuke, but the address really spoke the truth. Thanks Granville warmly for all his support.

7. Copy letter to Lord Granville. 24 Dec 1857. Canning thanks Granville for all he has done. Believes that the Despatches from India of the last two mails will show the instructions of 31 Jul in a different light. In this matter Canning's case stands upon a rock. Asks if it is possible that the Cabinet thought of sending out a disapproval of those instructions at such a crisis. Such disapproval would be public in 24 hours, and would give new fury to those of the 'Saxon Domination' as they call themselves who are already infuriated with the natives and clamouring against the instructions. If the feeling now abroad spread among Europeans, and natives, how is India ever to have peace? Canning believes that the Government thinks it has now covered India with troops; urges Granville to look at the map, and see how all the reinforcements have been placed along 200 miles of Trunk Road. Bengal and Behar with a population of 40 millions do not possess a single European soldier more than they did when the troubles began. There are not much more than 3,000 Europeans to keep the peace in these two Provinces. In Orissa there are not 100 Europeans of any kind. It is the temper and the interest of the respect able classes which keep them quiet. The better feelings of such men must be kept on the side of Government and there would be little chance of this if the Queen's Government lends itself, intentionally or not, to the cry of the so-called British party. The Instructions, however much misrepresented in India and England, are rightly appreciated by the intelligent classes of the Lower Provinces. Believes the antagonism between white skin and dark skin must not be allowed to grow in India, where hitherto it has been unknown. Patrick Grant talked with regret of the habit, a new one he said, of young officers speaking of their men as 'niggers'. It is now a word in daily use by every newspaper. The British have had bloody enmities with every tribe and race in India, but have never yet treated their beaten enemies with contempt and hatred. Canning states that his case for the Instructions is even stronger than appears in the Despatches of the Commissioner appointed to try and punish rebels in the Allahabad Division there was one, Dr Irvine, who hanged every prisoner who came before him. Men were hanged for being in possession of European clothing by other Commissioners, though every field round Allahabad was strewn with such property. An officer commanding a regiment of Irregular Cavalry said he would hang every sepoy he found; but within a month of his announcement he was hacked to pieces by some of his own troopers, men who had assisted him in his 'execution of justice'. Canning agrees with Granville that the Instructions were too long.

8. Copy letter to His Royal Highness, the Duke of Cambridge. 9 Jan 1858 . Canning has sent separately a complete series of Gazettes, Notifications and Despatches relating to operations at Lucknow, which have been printed by the Government of India, with various plans. Describes Sir Colin's latest movements. Comments on the transport of troops. Thanks the Duke for contradicting publicly the false statements of disagreements between Canning and Campbell.

9. Copy letter to Lord Palmerston. 20 Jan 1858. Canning thanks Palmerston for his letters, and also for the generous way in which he spoke of Canning at the Mansion House on 9 Nov. In reply to Palmerston, there has been no explosion in Fort William; and there is no underground passage between the Fort and Government House. One native returned to Calcutta by the mail vessel of 10 Sep, but he is an innocent tailor. With regard to the Body Guard, agrees that as a rule it is unwise to trust people by halves; but in this case it was necessary to disarm the men. There are not enough Europeans in Calcutta to replace the native Body Guard. The servants in Government House are potentially just as dangerous, and cannot be replaced. Has sent one native regiment to Hong Kong and another will go. Cannot spare a European regiment for China; all Oudh remains to be retaken, and most of Rohilcund. Lucknow is to be dealt with before Rohilcund, as it is of greater political importance. Canning has not been able to calculate the whole number of casualties among Queen's troops, because they are scattered and subdivided; but it can be assumed that to keep the Queen's regiments up to their complements, about 22,000 men must be sent out before Jan l859. The consumption of men in Bengal, including the inactive regiments, is a little more than 20% per year. From Bombay and Madras [at this point the copy of the letter ceases, and there is a note that the concluding sheets of the letter, which dealt with mortality in the regiments and alluded to African regiments not coming to India, were not copied, to save the mail by the Governor General's order].

10. Copy letter to Lord Clarendon. 23 Jan 1858. Canning thanks Clarendon for defending the so-called 'Clemency' Orders. By staving off a disapproval of those Orders Clarendon has done a great service to India. The spirit of injustice and brutality among the Europeans is now subsiding, though it will leave marks which will endure for many a year. In Calcutta there are many Europeans who in their quiet way are as indiscriminate in their proscription and persecution of everything native as though every brown skin in India had been banded against the Europeans. Schools are losing support, subscriptions are withdrawn from charities, the demeanour of masters towards their servants is changed. Some of this, with the bloody vindictiveness which has prevailed elsewhere, was to be expected, but Canning is glad that none of it can be blamed on the Government, which could not have been said if the Orders of 31 Jul had been condemned. He is also glad that his authority has not been weakened at a time when he needed all of it. Describes an incident in the North West Provinces. A Magistrate found in the Palace of a rebel leader three women, two of them were wives of English officers. One of them was pregnant by the rebel, though her husband had been murdered by his orders almost within her sight. The Magistrate proposed to hang all three women, if he could obtain the sanction of the Commander in Chief. Canning warned Sir Colin Campbell to put a stop to this. The Magistrate is Power, and the rebel is the Nawab of Furruckabad. Congratulates Clarendon on the capture of Canton. Will send a second native regiment, but cannot spare the 'Shannon' and 'Pearl'. Canning has not forgotten about Captain Delane. He offered him the job of raising a new regiment of Irregulars, but he was unwilling. Has no other prospect of employment for him at present. Hopes that Parliament will not be allowed to legislate at will against the East India Company in the midst of the turmoil.

10a. Copy letter to Mr Beadon, Calcutta, 10am. 19 Jun 1858. A code message is to be sent to the Earl of Derby, London to this effect: Canning has received Derby's message of 12 May. His answer to the Despatch censuring the Governor General for the Proclamation is sent by Bombay. Canning cannot agree to fix a day after which confiscation will take effect, this would answer no good purpose.

11. Copy letter to Lord Derby. 23 Jun 1858. Derby will understand from Canning's Despatch of the 17th why it would have no good effect to declare a day, after which confiscation should be the penalty of those who had not surrendered. In the first place although confiscation is proclaimed it cannot take effect upon any Talookdar until the Government officer arrives to settle the estate, that is to decide who shall hold it, and what rent shall be paid for it. The Talookdar, knowing that confiscation is decreed, and that it only remains for the Executive Officer to enforce it, will be more eager to secure indulgence than if the Proclamation had merely threatened him. In either case he will remain in possession until the day of settlement arrives, which is a long way off for most of the Province. Many who would like to surrender, dare not do so because of danger from their ill-affected neighbours, even within 30 miles of Lucknow. Allowance will be made for this in granting indulgence to those in remoter Districts. Those who tender their allegiance to the Chief Commissioner will be judged by the rule, that if they have not been against the Government, they have been for it. Believes that Derby will not be able to complain of want of liberality, and leniency when he reads what has been done from the first issue of the Proclamation to date. The only place in which there has been any unusual commotion during the last 10 days is the northern part of Behar, where bands of sepoys have been plundering and murdering. A Battalion of Sikh Police has been sent. The news from Gwalior is satisfactory. On 1 Jun Scindia was expelled, and 15,000 mutineers and rebels seized Gwalior. Only a few hundred of Scindia's troops remained faithful, he took refuge in Agra; but before he could ask for aid, 3 columns were sent towards Gwalior. In 18 days the rebels were beaten, Gwalior retaken, more than 40 guns taken, and Scindia again on the throne. The Rani of Jhansi was killed before Gwalior. The Moulvee has also gone, his head was sent in by a Rajah of Northern Oudh. Canning sees that supreme had been expressed in a manner which implies blame, in the Houses of Parliament, at Derby's Government not having received letters from Canning on 14 May. This is not just. Canning heard of Derby's accession and Lord Ellenborough's by telegraph on 31 Mar, and without any further word from England, wrote to Ellenborough by the next mail, of 2 Apr, and by the mail of 7 Apr, before any word from Ellenborough reached India. Canning has sufficiently replied to the Despatch of 19 Apr in his official reply. Thanks Derby for his message of 12 May that confidence is felt in Canning's judgement.

12. Copy letter to Lord Derby. 10 Jul 1858. Canning thanks Derby for his letter of 22 May. He has heard with much pleasure that Lord Stanley has succeeded to the India Board. Canning cannot conceal from Derby his pain that the Government should give something more than tacit approval of a rebuke addressed in terms of extreme discourtesy, and, while condemning the publication of the Despatch upon totally different grounds, has not thought fit to say a word in condemnation of its tone. Lord Canning is sufficiently indifferent to Lord Ellenborough's impertinence not to allow his course to be swayed by it, but he feels that the Governor General has been to a great extent deserted by the Government which should have protected him against being addressed offensively. After a few words more on the Proclamation and Despatch, Canning will forget the whole thing. Derby's course of reversing the Proclamation, and allowing an amnesty to all, with certain specified exceptions, was not practicable because no-one knew enough of what had been going on in the interior of Oudh to allow exceptions to be made with justice. To name a day confiscating the estates of those who had not come in would lead people to expect that from that day active coercive measures would be taken; and if nothing had been done, an appearance of feebleness and hesitation would have been given to the Government's acts. The policy Derby describes would have been very good, if the Government had been able to send 3 or 4 strong columns through the Province after Oudh fell; but in that case Canning would have preferred to put out no Proclamation out all. Canning was well aware, as Sir James Outram was not, that there would be no such large force in Oudh, though eventually the force was reduce below even what Canning was prepared for. One of the questions which Canning had to consider was how the people of Oudh could be most effectively addressed, so as to induce them to submit, at the same time as leaving the Government free as to the time when the troops should enforce submission; and how to make the people feel that if they do not submit, punishment will be certain, though it may not be immediate. Does not know if the question has been solved in the best way; but the tenders of submission have been too many for the Commander in Chief to accept, owing to the impossibility of extending protection to all the persons submitting. Canning is glad Derby approves of dealing with Rohilcund at once. Sends regards to Lady Derby.

13. Copy letter to the Earl of Malmesbury. 21 Jul 1858. Canning thanks Malmesbury for his friendly letter. He was never in much doubt as to what he should do, except when the publication of the Despatch first became known for certain, and that staggered Canning for a time. When the Despatch first arrived, Canning was ill, and his impulse was to curse the writer's impudence and answer the Despatch with one still more insolent. But for a week or 10 days he was not able to work properly, owing to his health. Then he learnt the Despatch was published. The publication added thing to the personal offensiveness of the Despatch, but would discredit and weaken the Governor General's authority, and be politically mischievous in other ways. He had to consider whether a Governor General whom the Queen's Government had apparently eagerly sought to discredit could remain in India; and decided that the evils of a change would be greater than those of his staying. He decided that as the impertinences of the Despatch had become insignificant compared with the mischief contained in it, he would reply in his Despatch of 17 Jun almost exclusively to the question of his policy. The resignation of Ellenborough, and Lord Derby's assurance of support did not lead Canning to wish anything in the Despatch of 17 Jun unsaid. Canning does not see how the India Bill can be fitted into the remainder of the Session. Lord D made an excellent reply to Breadalbane's mischievous question about Canning and the Commander in Chief. Urges the importance of keeping peace in Europe, no troops should be withdrawn from India until they can be replaced with recruits raised for the new Indian European Army. Even when there is peace in India it will be very unwise to reduce the Europeans suddenly. The native Army has a change to undergo which will affect whole families and even whole villages, hitherto dependent upon military service. Private.

14. Copy letter to Lord Derby. 23 Mar 1859. Canning asks Lord Derby to thank the Queen for the award of Civil Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. He is deeply grateful for the terms in which it is granted, signifying approval of his administration in India.

15. Copy letter to Lord Derby. 23 Mar 1859. Canning is not sure that he has done right in writing privately of his thanks for the GCB. But he did not wish to miss the mail. He also thanks Derby for writing of his intention to advise the Queen to award Canning a step in the Peerage; he entirely approves of the justice of awaiting the pacification of the country, when he can send the Government a list of: those of the Civil Service who have deserved well. It is only in parts of Central India and about Bundelkund that there is still work to be done. Private.

16. Copy letter to Lord Palmerston. 11 Jul 1859. Canning has just heard of the completion of Palmerston's Cabinet. Has written to Stanley and Sir Charles Wood about the unhappy dissolution of a great part of the local Indian Army. The full story is told in the Despatches. The crisis has been difficult and dangerous. The difficulty has been increased by the disagreement between Canning and Lord Clyde upon the fundamental merits of the soldiers case., The danger was greatest at Allahabad, and less so at Meerut. On 9 and 10 May, Canning had scarcely a hope of avoiding bloodshed. The ill-judged wish to disarm without an overwhelming force, and without reliable artillery, was most dangerous. If fighting had broken out, there would have been incalculable effects in remoter parts of the country where rebellion was only sulkily subsiding. The possibility of a quarrel among the white men had never occurred before to the natives. Canning hopes Palmerston will not see anything disrespectful in the General Order of 20 Jun. Many of the troops were depending on the opinion expressed in the Commons by Palmerston. More men are taking their discharge in Bengal than expected, more than 4,000. Nothing certain is known from the other Presidencies. Begs Palmerston not to remove another Queen's Regiment from India at present. Congratulates Palmerston on his Government, it is very pleasant to write to him in office again. Private.

17. Copy letter to Lord Derby. 18 Jul 1859. Canning thanks Derby not only for the step in the Peerage, but for the terms in which Derby spoke of Canning's services. He has not thought of changing his title, and has no desire for a second title. The change of Government is as yet known only by telegraph. Congratulates Derby on the work of the first Secretary of State for India. Private.

18. Copy letter to Lord Granville. 22 Sep 1859. Canning is sending a Force to China to protect English interests in the south, while Granville decides what is to be done in the Peiho. There was a great blunder in calculating the force required. Makes some criticism of Bruce. A strong Force can be sent to China in 1860 if required. The European mutiny is over; Canning is much abused about it. Hopes the papers will be printed. Canning is to go into Camp at Cawnpore in Oct and then on Tour. Mr Wilson ('the Hatter') will not arrive in Calcutta before Canning leaves, but he will join Canning in Camp for a time. The paragraph about Wilson in 'The Times' was silly, but Canning is glad that no more was said about it than Wood's rectification in the Commons. Trevelyan's head is quite turned, he has done all sorts of absurdities, occasionally visiting his subjects in disguise. Tells a story against Trevelyan. He has been pulled up lately by Canning and by Sir C Wood for exceeding his powers. Indian finance is not quite as bad as is assumed in England. Believes that with the amount of help indicated in Wood's speech to meet immediate deficiencies, the future financially is quite safe. Private.

19. Copy letter to Mr Sidney Herbert. 20 Dec 1859. Canning replies about troops for China. The position is much as it was when he wrote in Nov officially. He does not think he can offer any more European infantry at present. Has promised seven regiments as well as the two already sent, and one or two more hereafter. Every man offered for China shall be sent to England, if the China affair turns out peacefully. Will send three or four Batteries, instead of the two asked for. There is little to choose between a Field Battery and a Troop of Horse Artillery for the service in hand. Hopes Herbert will support Lord Clyde's proposal to add two more guns and one Lieutenant. to each Battery and Troop in India. Both Wood and Herbert press for an earlier despatch of the Force. The expedition will be ready at the ports within 8 weeks; but Canning thinks the Home authorities do not understand the difficulties of transport. There are few steamers in the Indian waters, and the men cannot be packed on board, as they may have to use the ships as barracks for months. If the timing has been settled with the French, the troops will have to go. Herbert will have seen what Canning wrote to Wood about the command in China. Now Sir Hope Grant has been gazetted, and Canning supposes it is too late to change. He fears a repetition of Lord Raglan's case. Urges the importance of the Sikhs not being able to find anything in which the British camp are unfavourably with the French. French officers are still remembered in the Punjab, and until the last 7 or 8 years words of command among the Sikhs were given in French. It is important that when a European war does come the most restless and soldier like race in India should not have any reasons for remembering the French to the disadvantage of the British. Hopes for better news from Granville. Would like to have a day in the warren; it is 4 years and 1 month since Canning last fired off a gun. Private. Endorsed: Copy to Sir Outram, 28 Jan 1860.

20. Copy letter to Lord John Russell. 26 Dec 1859. Canning introduces Major Greathed, Bengal Engineers, who is travelling to Europe partly to study some of the chief works of Civil Engineering on the Continent. Canning asks Russell to aid him with letters of introduction. The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence, item 6954.

21. Copy letter to Mr Sidney Herbert. 30 Jan 1860. Canning regrets the decision about Mansfield. Mansfield has declined the Divisional Command in China. Canning has no doubt that Mansfield has many enemies, no man could have done the duties of a Chief of Staff in India during the past two years, with two Armies to deal with, without making many enemies. He is also supercilious. But his temper is not uncontrolled. Of the two Generals who have been appointed Lord Clyde thinks highly of Sir J Michel. Canning knows nothing of him except that his work in Central India was well done. Praises Sir R Napier. His only fault is inexperience of regimental discipline in European Regiments but this will not matter in his China post. Herbert's reasons for not allowing a greater increase of the troops for China are conclusive, and Canning is glad to hear that the French are so moderate in their intentions. Of the Regiments not now wanted for China, two will be sent home and two will be kept in reserve for China. Canning cannot possibly send home 20 Regiments The country seems quiet, but with new taxes pending, appearances must not be trusted too far. He may send six Regiments home in the summer, beside the China Force. Would like to send them home gradually unless they are urgently needed in England. Canning has no desire to keep the soldiers longer than necessary, the Regiments cost £60,000 and more a year each. Transport is the great difficulty for the China Force. All the Indian authorities are against the early passage up the China Sea because of the North East monsoon. Canning will send off the Infantry at the required date, but it is no use sending the Cavalry and Artillery against the monsoon. Describes a letter from Admiral Hope to Sir Hope Grant about the arrangements for moving the Force. Praises Admiral Hope's judgement. Sends a memorandum. All is well in Oudh. Private. Two papers annexed: Copy of memorandum showing the probable dates on which the various corps forming the China Expedition will be ready to leave India. Copy of numerical return of the Force proceeding from India to China.

22. Copy letter to Mr Sidney Herbert. 15 Mar 1860. Canning thanks Herbert for his letter and the French Instructions, which are well drawn up. Has received a letter from Bruce at Shanghai; Bruce does not believe that the Chinese will give in without fighting, the war party is in the ascendant, and they talk openly of withdrawing all the privileges previously given to foreigners. A letter has come for Sir Hope Grant from Lieutenant Colonel Haythorne, Chief of Staff in China. Haythorne is uneasy at the small number of European troops being sent to China, and suggests two additional Battalions. Canning will send more troops if the Force is not large enough for its work in Sir H Grant's opinion. Sends a telegram (in margin, Sir R Napier to Quartermaster General, 10 Mar) on the despatch of the rest of the troops (not annexed). More steamers have been collected than Canning expected, but some are very shaky. Hopes the Admiral will send some of greater power to Singapore. The Durbars are at last ended. The new measures in Oudh are very successful, Canning hopes for a similar success in the Punjab, though there the ground is not so clear for the introduction of the policy. Canning has just heard that Sir Henry Somerset is going home, and as Sir H Rose is not the senior Major General in Bombay, Canning will gazette Rose Lieutenant General in anticipation of the Queen's commands

23. Copy letter to Mr Sidney Herbert, 6 Jun 1860. Canning regrets that he cannot send home Infantry in preference to Cavalry Regiments. The use of the Cavalry in India is extremely limited. In the Mutiny the Cavalry were most useful, but since the Mutiny they are an extravagance, there is no enemy against whom English Cavalry in large masses are needed, except perhaps the Russians, and Canning thinks it most unlikely that they will come to India. Small numbers of European cavalry are useful to support the Irregulars - the English steel point to the Indian bamboo lance. Suggests that Queen's Cavalry might be stationed at some seven stations in India. Will send home one or perhaps two Cavalry Regiments. Comments on Infantry to be sent home. May not be able to send as many Regiments as he thought, owing to Trevelyan's mutiny. Endorsed: Copy made by order 4 Jul 1860.

24. Copy letter to Mr Sidney Herbert. 10 Jun 1860. Canning has received Herbert's letters of 25 Apr and 3 May. Thinks the second letter is unfair, sends separately papers on the numbers of the China Force in explanation. Defends his action in increasing the Force. A Force so far from its base should be as large and as self-sufficient as possible. Cannot believe that Herbert really meant to strike one blow and remove the Force. Hopes with Herbert that the capture of Pekin will not be attempted. A large Force will accomplish any objective more easily than a small struggling one. There are people who as usual, denounce the war as wicked; Canning does not think it is wicked, but wishes to see it finished as soon as possible, for India's sake as well as humanity's. The Force has been decreased by the halting of one Sikh Regiment at Singapore. The camp followers from India have been increased by about half at the special request of Herbert's officers in China. The coolies have been recruited in China. Not as many baggage animals were sent as were asked for; Herbert cannot blame Canning for loading the Force with camp followers and transport. It was by special request of Herbert that Canning sent Cavalry. Canning thinks that England is not being honest about the China affair; the Government seems to think that the Chinese will concede British demands, but Canning has never seen the least chance of this, except once in a report which was proved quite untrue. Only Lord Clyde seems to think the Chinese Government will be readily brought to terms. The Government wishes as usual to have a short sharp and decisive campaign for very little money. Fears there may be a stalemate. Herbert will have read Sir H Grant's Despatch to the Governor General of 12 May, he should also read a private letter of the same date (not enclosed, marked Governor General's Book 1625, copy made in Military Secretary's Office) which shows the Force is not so overgrown after all. Canning will be curious to see what Elgin does with the Regiment that was halted at Singapore. Canning fears that the sending back to India of the Bengal Commissariat Officers may lead to the men's usages getting little attention. Already he has heard of killed meat being given to the Mahommedans. Private. Copy made by order 4 Jul 1860.

25. Copy letter to Mr Sidney Herbert. 4 Jul 1860. Canning has heard from Elgin and Hope Grant. Elgin has ordered on to Hong Kong the Sikh Regiment at Singapore, by request of Hope Grant. The French approve. The Regiment was discontented as being halted at Singapore. The Sikhs in China have written some speaking of the good treatment they receive (in margin Sir R Montgomery to Governor General, dated 26 Jun 1860). Sir Hope Grant is satisfied with the condition of the Force. Everything else in China is more gloomy and uncertain than ever. Perhaps the ludicrous fact that whilst the British are preparing to attack the Emperor's cities and forts in the north the British are also defending them in the south may give Elgin an advantage. Colonel Haythorne thinks the Chinese will not fight, or at most after a first resistance they will vanish into the interior. This is the coolies view.

26. Copy letter to Mr Sidney Herbert. 12 Jul 1860. Canning knows little about the amalgamation plan, only what he reads in the newspapers. Begs Herbert to take care with the Local European Regiments. They are enlisted and attested to serve in Her Majesty's Indian Forces, and will protest if they are made Regiments of the Line. Canning has certain evidence of this. Unless the War Office gives bounty and option of discharge there will be the troubles of 1858 once more. Suggests that an Indian Artillery officer be added to the Woolwich Commission, names Sir Archdale Wilson, Major General Alexander, Colonel Smyth. There is no news from China. Canning was sorry to hear of Lord Heytesbury's death.

27. Copy letter to His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge. 4 Mar 1861. Sir Hugh Rose has not yet arrived in Calcutta, but ,Canning is sure he will be pleased with the General Order the Duke has sent, which is timely and graceful and an expression of sentiments which the Indian Army will appreciate. Will publish the General Order as soon as possible, with the earliest of the regulations which are issued. A Commission has been appointed to report on Amalgamation of the Armies. Sends a copy of the instructions issued to the Commission (not annexed). The Commission has been appointed to save time, and to allow the Presidencies to be consulted; it will have five members only.

28. Copy letter to Viscount Sydney, Lord Chamberlain's Office. 14 Aug 1861. Canning will settle the matter of the uniforms of the Indian Civil Service before the Levees and Drawing Rooms of 1862. Is not surprised that Willoughby Osborne's civil cum military costume attracted notice; it was quite unwarranted by Indian practice. Canning has not appointed the Secretary to the Order of the Star of India, but will do so before the end of Aug. Part of his duties will be to ensure the return of the Insignia upon the death of any Knight in India, to the Lord Chamberlain's Office. Canning does not see why the Insignia should need frequent repairs. The native chiefs are used to wearing elaborate jewels of their own, and they will be made to understand that they are not expected to gallop about the country in their Insignia. Private.

29. Copy letter to Lord Elgin. 9 Sep 1861. Canning hardly knows whether to congratulate Elgin or not. 14 years ago Canning met Dalhousie by the side of the Crinan Canal just after his nomination and congratulated him; he rejected the congratulations. It is almost too solemn an event to carry much cause for joy. Canning will do his best to make everything smooth for Elgin. Lady Canning has written to Lady Elgin, and Canning will send all the household information useful. Canning wishes to be relieved as soon after 1 Mar as possible, but not before. The 'Feroze' will meet Elgin at Suez. Will send some papers on Indian subjects by the next mail; it used to be very difficult to get papers out of the India Office. Private.

30. Copy letter to Lord Elgin. 23 Sep 1861. Canning sends two memorandums (not annexed) and adds some comments. It is not worth-while employing European cooks. It is not worth bringing carriage horses, but is worth bringing English hacks. A double springed open carriage should be brought, also a close carriage, a sort of full dress coach. All the harness should be made for India, if it is sewn with silk it will fall to pieces. No English stable servants are necessary. Elgin should establish relations with his wine merchants before leaving. Enormous quantities of claret, champagne and sherry are consumed. An English butler is useful, but a native valet is better than an English one. Sends separately papers on the salt tax; and will send papers on another subject, probably opium. Prospects of getting into Tibet look remoter than ever. Lord Stanley's Despatch on salt should return to India with Elgin.

31. Copy letter to Lord Elgin. 2 Oct 1861. Canning did not write before on the choice of a Private Secretary for it is like advising a friend how to choose a wife. Two courses are possible; to bring a man from England whom the Governor General knows well and likes and is fit for the post, and especially discreet, even if such a man knows nothing of India. If a stranger is to be employed, he should certainly be an Indian officer, chosen after careful inquiry. This second course is probably the most satisfactory. The Governor General has a Military Secretary and five Aide de Camps. Usually the Military Secretary is also the senior Aide de Camp and Master of the Household. This works well. The Military Secretary should have some knowledge of India. The Aide de Camps should not all come from either the Line or Indian service. One should be able to manage the stables. None should be married. The doctor must come from the Indian Medical Service, but should not be married. Lady Canning brought out two maids, and will probably advise Lady Elgin to do the same. Lady Elgin has a terrible choice to make; Canning advises that she should come to India and remain there. Lady Canning has set out to Darjeeling; she talks of going into Sikkim to see the highest mountain in the world, Deodunga, or Mount Everest as the Surveyors have barbarously christened it. Private.

32. Copy letter to Lord Elgin. 8 Oct 1861. Canning sends a Despatch of Apr 1859 on Customs (not annexed) with pencil notes of later developments. There are many duties which are much too high, which nothing short of sheer necessity could justify. Canning may not be able to reduce any of these himself, but hopes Elgin will be able to do so. It would be unwise to promise anything of the kind to the manufacturers. The prospect of having Elgin for a neighbour has killed the poor Emperor of China. Endorsed: Miscellaneous 773.

33. Copy letter to Lord Palmerston. 9 Dec 1861. Canning thanks Palmerston for his letter stating that the Queen will confer the Garter on him when he returns to England. Asks Palmerston to thank the Queen for this mark of approval of his efforts to do his duty in India. Endorsed: Copy made by order 9 Dec 1861.