Mss Eur F699/1/1/2/3

Copy letters from Governor General Charles Canning to Robert Vernon Smith, numbered 1-47 with index and summaries. Letters continue in following volume Mss Eur F699/1/1/2/4.

1. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Mar 1856. Lord Canning reports his accession to office, immediately upon landing Dalhousie sailed on 7 Mar, his leg is his only severe ailment; Canning is to place the 'Feroze' at the disposal of the Pasha of Egypt. Canning has not yet met the Legislative Council. He considers that the powers which the law gives the Legislative Council are far wider than most. The case which Vernon Smith put about the export of saltpetre is one which might occur, in which case the interference of Parliament would be necessary. Will consider the question of the position of the Legislative Council.. The Governor General will not forget economy. A deficit of £1,800,000 is more likely than one of £2,600,000 and by dropping Public Works there might even be a surplus. Hopes that Public Works, will be dealt with by annually recurring loans, raised for the one purpose. The Government of Bombay has asked for advice if Murray should apply for troops for Persia. The answer was decided in Council before Canning arrived, but he agrees with it. Murray has sent a message of congratulation to the captor of Herat, disclaiming at the same time any authority to congratulate, and expressing doubt as to the policy of doing so. This act will annoy the Dost, and make him doubt British good faith. All is quiet in Oudh, the King threatens to visit Calcutta. The pressure of business has been very great. Private.

2. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 22 Mar 1856. Lord Canning finds it a slow business picking up the threads of his work. He will not forget the injunction to economise, but believes that an increase, not a decrease of the gross cost of Government must be expected. Asks for recommendations as to where reductions should be made, does not see his way to any sweeping economies in the Civil Service. Mr Ricketts, the Provisional Member or Council, has been appointed to inquire into the Civil salaries, with a view to their more uniform adjustment. Canning waits with anxiety the financial Despatch promised, if it does not bring with it the sanction to carry on Public Works by means of annual loans the future will be very blank. There are rumours of an expedition to the Persian Gulf. Hopes that if orders for this come, there will be clear instructions as to the ends of the expedition, and the lengths to which the Government of India may go to attain them. The occupation of Karrack will be easy but not effective. For any internal activities far more men will be required. Affairs in Oudh are going quietly. The King is at Cawnpore waiting until his Minister can join him from Lucknow. The King has sent messages to the Secretary to Government in Calcutta, asking how much liberty he is to have. He has been told that he may go where he chooses in the Company's territories, but not with too large a retinue. He may come to Calcutta, but not as the guest of the Governor General. He will be saluted by the stations through which he may pass, and such facilities as the Government can supply in the way of dawk and accommodation will be provided. Hopes that peace will have been declared in England. If so the two Queen's Regiments deducted from the force for India at the beginning of the war should be sent, the European strength in India should not be reduced by a single man. Private.

3. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 25 Mar 1856. Lord Canning sends an additional letter by the express to Bombay. Oudh remains quiet, the King is at Cawnpore and General Outram does not think he will travel further towards Calcutta. The King is ill, but Canning thinks it is his councillors which are holding him back for their own ends. The King seem quite without will of his own. Canning warns Vernon Smith not to be surprised if he receives large claims for arrears in Oudh, for the payment of the Army, Police, Civil Service. Canning has told General Outram to be more economical, and several of his proposals have been rejected, but nevertheless the charges will be heavy, and it is important not to give ground for complaint of niggardly dealing. The revenue of the Province is about l20 lacs, according to Outram's estimate. The Mission from Ava to Paris, instigated by D'Orgoni, and of which he was to be a member, was to have set out early in Mar but Canning has not heard if it has started. Canning hopes Vernon Smith will find out what becomes of the Embassy. The Emperor seemed to realise that D'Orgoni was an adventurer and imposter, but the Empress was disposed in his favour because he promised her endless rubies from the King of Ava. D'Orgoni's real name is Girodon. The omission of General Cubbin's name from the KCBs has been a great disappointment. Private.

4. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Apr 1856. Lord Canning reports that Oudh is completely quiet, not only without symptom of disturbance, but without indication of anything but good will towards British authority. The temporary Settlement is going on in spite of some disagreements between Sir James Outram and the Financial Commissioner Mr Gubbins. General Outram seems reconciled to the refusal to sanction enlistment of many of the King's troops, and has no fear of a disturbance which could not be put down at once and effectually by the force at his command. It is not true that there has been an outbreak among the Nujeebs, an Oudh Irregular force, half soldier, half police. The Nujeebs were disbanded, but some were robbed by the camp followers of a Government Regiment on their way home. Most of the money as later recovered, the offenders arrested, and the Nujeebs given back their money. Apart from this, there has been no trouble at all, not even among the turbulent Zemindars and Rajahs. India is always unpredictable, but Canning has no fears for Oudh at present. The King is still at Cawnpore. If he does continue his journey he will be asked to bring 500 followers instead of the 2,000 proposed. Canning awaits instructions with anxiety upon finance, including Public Works, and upon Persia. Many financial matters cannot be decided until the Board's wishes are known. Asks for no delay in the increase of officers requested, the need is urgent, and many officers are being sent to Oudh, Nagpore, the Nizam's Districts and Pegu. Persia is making ready for war, Canning hopes the Government's Instructions will define the object and scope of the war, if the Government of India are to send an Expedition. Reports that on the appearance of two English steamers in the Persian Gulf the Persians who were fortifying the Gulf Coast at once abandoned Karrack, showing how little value is set upon it. Bunder Abbas would be a most effective point of attack. There may be other such places, though some are in the hands of tribes ill-affected to the Persians who will probably rise when the attack comes. Private.

5. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 9 Apr 1856. Lord Canning replies about the Patent Law, which received Lord Dalhousie's assent just before he left. Sends a copy of the Bill, and of the Report of the Council's Committee (not annexed). Comments on the differences between the Patent Laws of England and India. Private.

6. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 22 Apr 1856. Lord Canning replies that a Despatch of 21 Jan from India should have reached London before Vernon Smith's letter of 8 Mar, setting out what the Government of India can do to speed up the sending home of Government accounts. The promises made in this Despatch have been kept, except that the Financial Review including a sketch estimate for 1856-7 has not been sent, because no instructions have been received from England about the borrowing of money for Public Works. This question affects the whole of the estimate. Asks urgently for the Financial Despatch promised. Private.

7. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 22 Apr 1856. Lord Canning assures Vernon Smith that he will not hurry into war with Persia. Bombay is however under a distinct order of 8 Jan 1856 from the Secret Committee to comply with any request for troops Murray may make if he learns that Persia intends to seize Herat. Lord Canning has advised Lord Elphinstone not to act in the matter, but cannot order him to set aside the instructions of the Secret Committee. Canning might also go to war if the safety of any part of India made it necessary, or if the honour of the Government should require it; but neither of these situations is possible in the present case. Canning will not go to war for Afghanistan, without instructions from England. The latest news from Teheran is that the Shah has conceded Murray's demands and asked him to return. Private.

8. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 23 Apr 1856. Lord Canning will continue to report on Oudh, where all is quiet. The three year summary settlement is hindered only by Mr Gubbins, a very able man but conceited and opinionated. Sends a copy of a private letter from Mr Wingfield on the condition of Oudh (not annexed). Sir J Outram has applied for leave, he is completely crippled with rheumatism and in great pain. The selection of a substitute is difficult, there is not a suitable man available in Bengal. The King has gone to Benares, and is said to be awaiting a steamer for Calcutta. The King has chosen Captain Bird as Agent and adviser, describes him. Private.

9. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 23 Apr 1856. Lord Canning writes that General Outram's sufferings have been much worse than he realised, and he has often been quite unable to read or write, but has struggled on, being unwilling to leave his post. This accounts for much of that of which Canning complained in his letter by the earlier mail (the letter referred to is put in the bound volume), though Canning still thinks that Outram is not fitted for his present post, he has never been trained to Civil administration. As there has been no need of coercion, or of summary dealing with recalcitrant natives, Outram's peculiar merits and experience have not been needed. Private.

10. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 30 Apr 1856. Lord Canning fears that Vernon Smith was mistaken about the state of the Salt Report. Vernon Smith will have received parts of the Report, but the whole of the Bengal part and half of the Madras part are still unfinished. The question was one of the first which Canning examined, in part it was forced upon him by Mr Plowden, whose salary had been suspended by Lord Dalhousie as a punishment for his delays. Canning has sent the papers about Plowden, he has restored his current salary. Mr Plowden has been ill, so a private arrangement was made that Mr Grant his brother in law and Mr Beadon should complete the Report for him. This has been done, and Mr Plowden is now examining the Report, which he will send direct to England. Private.

11. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 2 May 1856. Lord Canning urges Vernon Smith not to believe all the stories about Mr Peacock. Canning finds him an able and useful colleague. His fault is his unmanageable conscientiousness, he will take nothing on trust, and so slows down business. Canning has not however discussed with him the Report of the Law Commission on Procedure, a matter on which his opinions may be troublesome. Complains of the way in which the Report and its successor reached India, insufficient copies were sent and too slowly. Canning has encouraged the Legislative Council to sit for long hours, instead of keeping the tight rein upon them suggested. He does not think it necessary to attend all the meetings himself, or to take the Chair. Supposes that before long the result of the reference to the Law officers on the powers of the Legislative Council will be known. If the pretensions of the Council be upheld asks that the steps which will follow be announced at once. As the law stands Canning believes the Council to be right, he will be very glad to find himself wrong. Private.

12. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 3 May 1856. Lord Canning sends a precis (not annexed) on the imprisonments at Nagpore, to show Mr Otway the correct way in which Mr Plowden acted. The papers have not been sent to England because they are needed in an action brought by Mr Ouseley against Mr Plowden before the Supreme Court. Oudh remains perfectly quiet. Some of the Zemindars holding armed Forts have taken advantage of the option given them by General Outram and have paid part of their arrears in guns. The ryots continue to show their confidence by flocking back to the country from which they were driven by oppression or the feuds of the Zemindars. Has no doubt that this confidence will spread and increase with the temporary settlement. General Outram is in Calcutta, worn and broken, Canning does not expect to see him back in India in the winter. Coverley Jackson has been appointed to Oudh, discusses him. His temper is uncertain, but Canning thinks it is not so bad as to stand in the way of his efficiency, especially as he will be Chief Commissioner and not co-ordinate with others. The King is coming to Calcutta by steamer. Hopes that the King will give up his idea of going to England, and return to the quiet retreat in Lucknow which he is kept out of by the adventurers and harpies who surround him. He carries with him about 25 lacs. Mr Bird is in Calcutta, he has already received 1 lac from the King and the promise of much more if he succeeds in recovering the throne for his client. Private.

13. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 3 May 1856. Lord Canning has sent off the Financial review promised in his letter of 23 Apr. But he still has not received an answer to the question about the loan for Public Works which was sent urgently in Sep 1855. No new Public Works will be started until this answer is received. Even this will not obviate the necessity for a loan in the autumn, unless some limit is put on the drawings of the Court. Hopes that Public Works will not have to be abandoned, political as well as professional interest should be considered. Urges Vernon Smith not to refuse the loan. Asks the Home Government to consider the uncertainty which surrounds the drawing of bills by the Court. Comments on the Financial Review, a new document and prototype. In future it will be shorter and more readable. Private.

14. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 15 May 1856. Lord Canning has considered the 1st Report of the Law Commissioners comments on the amalgamation of the Supreme and Sudder Courts, on the opening of the Governor General's Judgeships to men not in the service of the Company, on the appeal system, on juries, on assessors. It will be difficult to make the Supreme and Sudder Judges into one body of High Court Judges, as there is much feeling between the two sets of men. Canning suggests that some of the Judgeships be reserved to the Covenanted Service. He is in favour of a gradual lessening of the power of the Civil Service, but not in favour of its sudden overthrow. Canning would appoint a native Judge to the Sudder Bench if the law allowed; but does not believe that the character of the natives is as yet so surely or generally improved as to enable the Government to employ them for the highest offices except in rare instances; and the condition and accomplishments of the uncovenanted English have not inspired the Governor General with much respect. Wishes the chain of appeal could be shortened, and more cases finally decided by the Mofussil Bench. Doubts if the jury scheme and the assessors will work, but will experiment. Only one sentence of instruction was sent with the Report, and it is universally believed that the Government intends to make the recommendations law by a Bill in Parliament. Lord Canning has assured his colleagues that the Government would prefer the Report to be made law by the Government of India. Asks for confirmation of this. Suggests that the scheme be passed and then amended afterwards, in the same way that Americans deal with codes. The opinions of Madras and Bombay will not be awaited, the code will be first introduced into Bengal. The Penal Code has also been under consideration, and Canning hopes to bring both Procedural and Penal Codes to near completion by the opening of the Session of 1857. Hopes the measures will not have to be submitted to Parliament, such a reproof would be most unjust.

15. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 17 May 1856. Lord Canning writes that Vernon Smith should have received the Salt Report. Replies about saltpetre; when news of peace came merchants were allowed to ship saltpetre freely. As Canning still has not heard from the Board on finance, he has written to the Court about the inconvenience of their method of drawing Bills, comments. There is no news of Oudh, Coverley Jackson has just taken Office, a Chief Commissioner experienced in Revenue work will be useful to deal with current problems. The King is near Calcutta, nothing authentic is known of his future movements. Praises Vernon Smith's latest appointments. Praise Mr Peacock; he is now willing to pass the financial military, and other papers in which he has least concern, and to give his time to the Codes. Canning will remember Vernon Smith's recommendation of Lieutenant Fletcher and Mr Magniac. Private.

15a. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 17 May 1856. Lord Canning reports on the serious turn of affairs at Herat. Mahomed Yusuf has broken with Persia and asks for assistance from the Government of India and from his hereditary enemy Dost Mahomed. Mahomed Yusuf admits that he was formerly allied to the Persians, but broke with them when one of the Shah's officers tried to capture Herat by stratagem. A person calling himself a British Agent had arrived at Herat and had been honourably received, and Mahomed Yusuf had hoisted the English Flag over Herat. The letter from Mahomed Yusuf came by way of Scind, and Colonel Jacob most wrongly answered it, dismissing the messenger with the answer that the British Government had no present intention of interfering with the affairs of Herat. Colonel Jacob had no authority whatever to give any answer, and no means of knowing what the answer should be; he also lost to the Government of India the opportunity of expressing directly to Mahomed Yusuf its sense of his insolence in sheltering under the English Flag. Letters have also been received by Dost Mahomed, he mistrusts Mahomed Yusuf, and believes it was Mahomed Yusuf himself who intended to betray Herat to the Persians, and that he was prevented from doing so only by the opposition of the Heratees. The Amir asks for advice and assistance of the British Government. Sends a copy of the reply sent to the Dost (not annexed), it is based on the Instructions received from the Secret Committee dated 22 Mar. Vernon Smith must not be surprised or alarmed at Canning's assurance that the independence of Herat is an object of England, and that the English Government will not allow a systematic change of possession in the countries between Persia and India. This assurance has been made before and is well known. Canning believes that Herat will fall to the Persians, unless something is passing between Teheran and London to stay the Shah's hand. The Government of India knows nothing of the intentions of the British Government. Canning thinks that if Herat is occupied by Persia, the Government of India must go to war, either by sea, or more probably by sea and land. The occupation of Karrack will have no effect. Sends copies of letters from Sir J Lawrence and Colonel Edwardes (not annexed). Private.

16. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 3 Jun 1856. Lord Canning reports that the King of Oudh is living in a villa about 5 miles from Calcutta; he was given a royal salute, the thing he most desires, though not on his first arrival because Government was not officially notified of his coming. Comments on a Mr Menzies, who falsely claimed to have, powers from the King. The King knows he will not receive those honours offered, to invited and expected guests, because he was warned of this by General Outram. Captain Bird has left the King's service and gone to England, having been refused £17,000 expenses which he wanted to prosecute the King's claims in London. Private.

17. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 4 Jun 1856. Lord Canning reports some slight disturbances. A wandering body of Sonthals has been marauding near. Hazareebagh, and they were successful against the first force sent against them. Now however they have been scattered, and many of them will be given work on the roads. There has also been disquiet in the Kemmedy Districts, and the Government of Madras has sent an additional regiment there. The country lies on the confines of the jurisdictions of Madras and of the Government of India, a wild jungly hilly country with a deadly climate, and occupied by a race who cling to their superstitions, and especially to that of human sacrifice. The present disturbance seems to be due to a fanatic, who proclaims the descent of a new god. Probably in the cold weather some steps will be needed to bring the whole country under the jurisdiction of the Government of India to be dealt with as a Non-Regulation District. The Persians are close to Herat, if not already in it. Colonel Jacob believes the place has already fallen, but the letter which his information is based do not bear this out. Canning supposes that Vernon Smith is prepared to hear that the Shah is in possession, and that the contingency in which the Government of England has reserved the right to decide and direct measures has arrived. A large force has been sent to put down the followers of the Rajah of Tulsepore and reduce his forts, because the unpaid followers have been oppressing the peasantry. The Rajah will present himself to the Collector to answer all demands. There is one fort still to be dealt with. Postscript. A Despatch has come in from Peshawur, reporting nothing material except that the Dost is in difficulties and his country in confusion at the news of the Persians being already at Herat in force, and at the prospect of a march upon Candahar. From the Persian Gulf Captain Jones reports that the Persians have tried and failed to obtain from the Imam of Muscat permission to garrison the islands of Kishm and Ormuz, apparently about 20 Mar. Private.

18. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 15 Jun 1856. Lord Canning reports that there has been no further trouble with the Sonthals near Hazareebagh, though some troops will need to be kept within reach of the District. The Kemedy Country too has returned to order. The measures against the Tulsepore Rajah and his followers have been completely successful, and the last fort has surrendered. The Rajah was planning an escape into Nepal, though he had said he would appear before the Collector. He was therefore detained at Goruckpore by the Commissioner. His followers have received three months pay from the Government and are quite subdued and peaceable. No-one has helped them or shown sympathy for the Rajah or his men, and the whole business has bee well done. Highway robbery and violence has become frequent in Oudh and Canning is considering giving power to inflict capital punishment in such cases to the Chief Commissioner. He wishes to accompany it with a general disarming of the country, or with a prohibition of the carrying of arms, but he has not yet received the Chief Commissioner's opinion on this point. Mr Menzies, who claimed to act for the King of Oudh, has been imprisoned for debt in Calcutta. Private.

19. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 17 Jun 1856. Lord Canning replies that he is very strongly opposed to the Government of India taking the Foreign Legions into its service, the question greatly surprised him. The proposal is unsuited to the military requirements of India, to its present financial position, and to the conditions upon which along England can expect to retain its hold upon India. Suggests that the Foreign Legions are not well disciplined, and are unreliable in war. Doubts if the employment of the Foreign Legion would result in any financial saving. The cost of the Army should be reduced, diminishing its numbers, but increasing its efficiency. This will not be achieved by importing unreliable foreigners. The most important view is the political one. It is sometimes said that Britain holds India by the sword alone; sometimes that Britain can hope to do so effectually only by moral influence. Neither dictum is true separately, but both are so conjointly. The employment of the Foreign Legion would weaken India militarily, and also strike at the belief, of the native powers that the English Government in India has inexhaustible resources at its back, both of money and men. This estimate of British power should surely be encouraged at a time when it is suspected that the British did worse in the Crimean War than they care to own. Private.

20. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 17 Jun 1856. Lord Canning is sorry to hear that Vernon Smith wishes to have the comment of the Indian Government on the Salt Report during the present Session, because no progress has been made towards arriving at an opinion, and there is no chance of doing so in time for the Session. Mr Ricketts will be kept hard at work, and his task will not be measured by years. Canning is pleased to hear that the difficulties and opposition which have delayed the Financial Draft may be overcome. If matters settle down between Britain and the United States, and if the Admiralty have any suitable vessels to spare, one or two powerful boats of shallow draught and heavily armed would greatly aid the check of piracy in the Straits. Private.

21. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 17 Jun 1856. Lord Canning is not surprised to hear of the theme of the Commander in Chief's letters to Vernon Smith. There has been some difference of opinion between the Commander in Chief and the Governor General over Staff appointments, but it did not last long, the Commander in Chief's view was quite inadmissible. There has also been some difficulty over the size and expense of the Commander in Chief's Camp, but he has come to agree with the views of Government Canning agrees with the Commander in Chief that the post of Interpreter should not be abolished. but considers that the Commander in Chief put himself at an unnecessary disadvantage in having selected for all his Staff appointments none but officers of the Queen's Army. But Canning and the Commander in Chief get on very well. Canning knows Colonel Tait and his services; he has just asked to be given command of the Gwalior Contingent in the event of Colonel Ramsay's retirement, but though his claims are good, the Governor General is not sure that they are the best. Urges the claims of General Cubbon to honours equal to those of Outram and Sir John Lawrence. Private.

22. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 30 Jun 1856. Lord Canning reports that the principal members of the King of Oudh's family, excluding the King himself, have sailed secretly for England. Canning has promised the King that they will be well received and attended to in England, asks Vernon Smith to do what he can. Describes the guide and protector of the Mission, Mr Brandon, who came out to India as a gardener's boy. It is probable that when the Mission reaches England, Captain Bird will join them again, in spite of his former indignation. Does not think it will be necessary to make the law more severe in Oudh against crimes of violence, the Judicial Commissioner's Reports seems to have been exaggerated. A letter has come from the Chairman, but nothing about Outram, of whom Canning has not heard since he left Calcutta. Private.

23. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 3 Jul 1856. Lord Canning has given Vernon Smith's letter to Sir J Colvile, who has returned from the Straits still unwell. Colvile has discovered that if the Supreme Court in India is altered into the proposed High Court, the administration of Admiralty Law and of the Insolvency Laws will be brought to a deadlock. Mr Peacock admits the difficulty, but thinks it could be overcome by reserving to the former Supreme Court Judges some of their old character; this would last until Parliament made provision for the administering of all laws under a High Court. Mr Peacock thinks there will also be difficulty in the way of the Judges of the Supreme Court receiving their salaries. Sir Charles Jackson has sent in an indignant remonstrance against the scheme of a High Court, he is especially furious at the thought of a Queen's Judge being suspended by the Governor General The letter is an unwise one, and not likely to influence opinion. Canning wishes he knew what was happening in England about the Indian Police. Hopes that the schemes for Police for Bengal and Madras which he will send shortly will be considered in England, and not laid aside until the English scheme has been considered in India. The Police is a subject which assumes a very different aspect when viewed in different parts of India; as a general rule Canning agrees with Sir G Clerk's objection to a Military Police. Urges Vernon Smith to send out as suggested two batches of Writers. Will answer the question about the Uncovenanted Service by the next mail. Canning believes that Ricketts is working as quickly as possible, hopes there is no fear of his being called to do his work in Council.. Asks for information about General Low's intended return to India. Colonel Edwardes writes from Peshawur that a letter has come from Kandahar hinting at the Amir's death; it is not unlikely. Private.

24. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 3 Jul 1856. Lord Canning approves of the appointment of Ritchie as a Judge; comments on his character, compares him with Jackson. Private.

25. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 3 Jul 1856. Lord Canning writes that he was commanded to write to the Queen, he has delayed for too long in doing so, and now sends a letter to be forwarded. Vernon Smith need not be afraid of any unconstitutional correspondence, he writes only about the Kings of Oudh and Ava, Prince Gholam, the University and the Sonthals. Asks Vernon Smith to consider the case of the Commander in Chief's Tour, the first case in which Canning has disagreed with the Council. Private.

26. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 17 Jul 1856. Lord Canning will, bear in mind Vernon Smith's warning of 10 Jun on the results which will follow if the Shah does not evacuate Herat. Asks for a copy of a paper written two years before by Colonel Holland, Quartermaster General of the Bombay Army, on the routes in Southern Persia, there is no copy in India. Private.

27. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 17 Jul 1856. Lord Canning was glad to receive advance notice of the contents of the Financial Despatch. Understands that the Government of India may borrow money for general purposes, with a further sum of 1 million sterling for Public Works. Discusses how the money is to be apportioned. Matters might have been worse. Comments on some details, on the deficit of l854/5, on the decrease of revenue in 1853/4 and 1854/5, and on the increase of charges in the same years, on the increase of charges for the Indian Navy, on the small saving of interest from Loan operations, on the accountancy system of India, on the inaccuracy of the estimates. Private.

28. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Aug 1856. Lord Canning writes that by the last accounts Esan Khan still held Herat, having sent Mahommed Yusuf into the Persian camp. Esan Khan has asked the Dost for assistance, which the Dost would be glad to give, but he has no money to pay his troops. Canning has received the Dost's answer to the Governor General's letter of 16 May, it seems likely that he will not move against Persia until the Government aids him. Canning does not wish to encourage the Amir or the Imam of Muscat until it is certain that India is going to war. The Imam of Muscat would not be a useful ally, except as a supplier. The Persians have not been successful at Herat, but have shown themselves in force nearly 400 mi1es further south, near Jalk, and have levied contributions within the frontier of Kelat. Colonel Jacob has received authority to offer the Khan of Kelat arms and money. The Persians have also seized Laush and Jowaeen, two fortresses about midway between Herat and Jalk, but this cannot be used as an excuse for helping the Dost. Asks what is happening in the discussions at Constantinople; Canning has little hope of peace and contemplates with disgust the prospect of inglorious and expensive operations. Mistrusts the effectiveness of sitting down upon the coast of Persia and hoping that Persia will come to terms. Comments on the probable course of operations, beginning with the occupation of Bushire, Bunder Abbas and Karrack, and the force needed. There is no other point on the coast which is of value, and the nearest and least inaccessible place of importance is Shiraz. The roads to Shiraz are both very difficult. For the advance to Shiraz a large additional force must be sent from Bengal. The provision of horses and cattle will be difficult. The reserve might be kept at Karrack. Private.

29. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Aug 1856. Lord Canning expects the energetic old Queen Dowager of Oudh will be in London. The Governor General knew nothing of her intentions until she was on board the steamer, but he would not have prevented her leaving. The King shows no signs of wanting to follow his mother, it is reported that he has begun to make plans for returning to Oudh but Canning fears he will remain at Calcutta until the Dowager returns or sends him orders to move. In Oudh there is a wide breach between Coverley Jackson and Mr Gubbins, the two cannot serve together. Does not think it is true that Jackson is strongly prejudiced against un-covenanted men. Oudh is not. a place in which natives can be employed widely, owing to the universal corruption there. Canning will encourage the employment of natives in the settled Provinces; but in Oudh there are none trustworthy and it would not do to bring in natives from outside. Upon the whole Canning has no fault to find with Jackson except the tone of his correspondence with Gubbins. Comments on the remarkable decrease of crimes of violence in Oudh. Asks for information about Sir W Rawlinson's protest against the course taken in Oudh. Private

30. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 9 Aug 1856. Lord Canning has already made an official proposal to the Court upon the practice of drawing Bills, but does not expect much to come of it. A General Order has been published, ending the practice of enlisting the Native Army of Bengal for limited service only. It is marvellous that this embarrassing and senseless practice should have continued so long, and that the Government of India should have tolerated having to beg for volunteers when any other Government including Madras and Bombay would have ordered its soldiers on duty. No-one can account for this unreasonable immunity of the Bengal sepoy. The Bombay Army is recruited largely from the same classes and districts as that of Bengal. There seems to have been a remote fear of the risk in altering the bargain between the Army and the Government and there are some alarmists on the present occasion; but Canning has seen no reason to fear any bad feeling in the Bengal Army. As the General Order exists, it touches no existing Regiments, it could only alarm the sepoys if they feared that something more was to be done. This is probably true, for whenever Canning can propose a reduction in the Bengal Regiments he will try to give a preference for retaining those who are willing to accept general service. The Financial Despatch has arrived. Regrets that Dost Mahomed's letter cannot be sent by the present mail. Private.

31. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 22 Aug 1856. Lord Canning has received the Secret Committee's Despatch of 10 Jul. Arms and money have been sent to the Dost. The Governor General does not propose to send English officers to Herat, the situation there is too uncertain. Herat is hard pressed by the enemy and by famine, the English officers could not take, with them relief or even promise of it, and the difficulty of access is great. The authority of the Dost is so little respected that the Governor of Cabul has not dared return the British Envoy by the direct road through the Khyber Pass. The Governor General has not even sent an officer to the Dost himself as bearer of the money or arms, though he has been offered one. Hopes Dost Mahomed will now be better pleased. The Council, except Peacock, are impatient to help him. The arrangements for the 1st or Bombay portion of the Expedition to the Gulf will be put in hand, except for collecting transports and moving up Regiments. Private.

32. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 7 Sep 1856. Lord Canning reports that a Loan was opened at 4 ½ % on 1 Sep guaranteed for 10 years without a declared limit. Explains why the Loan was opened on the 1st, and why it was guaranteed and not limited. Private.

33. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Sep 1856. Lord Canning reports on the preparations at Bombay for the Force for the Gulf. Expects the Force to be ready soon after the end of Sept. Elphinstone will give better details, as it takes 11 days for a letter to reach Calcutta from Bombay. Transports are being taken up. The Force is fixed at about 5,000 men, too many to take and hold Bushire and Karrack, but Canning hopes to show the Persians the Government is prepared for more serious operations. A very small increase in the Force would enable them to take Bunder Abbas, but this is not to be proposed at present. Canning will not now send a Division from Bengal after the original Force as quickly as he originally contemplated, it would have caused great expense by the hire of large steamers, and he understands from the July Despatch that the effect of the first demonstration is to be tried. Sends an extract from a letter from Colonel Edwardes (not annexed) on the state of Herat, which confirms Canning's decision not to send officers to Herat. The best policy is to help the Amir at a distance, e will have to be given more money. A small subsidy in arms and money is being sent to the Khan of Khelat, more may have to be sent. The King of Bokhara's encroachments will only be mischievous if they distract the Amir from Herat. The greatest danger is the failure of the Amir in body or mind. Sends an extract from a letter from Sir John Lawrence (not annexed). Private.

34. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Sep 1856. Lord Canning sends part of a letter from the Resident at Nepal (not annexed) on the satisfactory view taken at Khatmandu of the British being in Oudh. Matters are in a strange condition in Nepal, clearly the Maharajah will soon be ousted by Jung Bahadoor. Private.

35. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Sep 1856. Lord Canning writes further about Ritchie; his practice in Calcutta is so large as to make it unlikely that he would accept a Madras Judgeship, he is said to earn between £10,000 and £12,000 a year. Canning writes on his own health, explains why he cannot take a morning ride. Asks if anything has happened to offend Dr O'Shaughnessy of the Telegraph, who is complaining of his treatment in London. Private.

36. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 22 Sep 1856. Lord Canning replies that he will try to push on the Law Commission measures. Favours removing the amalgamation scheme from the Code of Procedure. Objects to the pretensions of Jervis and Lowe to lay down a scheme of legal procedure to be accepted wholesale by the Government of India. Canning has not considered education as a whole yet, as not all the Reports are in. Fears that less has been accomplished than was expected. The Governor General has heard by telegraph that a Captain and a Lieutenant is to be added to each Regiment, hopes this will be confirmed, comments on the shortage of properly qualified officers. In speaking of reductions in the Army, Canning was thinking of the reduction of each Regiment of the Bengal Army from 1,000 to 900 or 800, but this cannot be done before Persia is dealt with. Doubts if there can be any reduction in the Commissariat, and the Stud must be maintained, and will be expensive. The Government should not let itself become dependent upon foreign supply of horses. The supply of horses, ponies and mules in India from chance sources is dwindling down to nothing. The Commander in Chief is going to look at the Studs. The decrease of crime in Oudh does not call for exceptionally severe measures, for disarming or even for prohibition of the carrying of arms, though the Commissioners are very anxious for this last measure. The forts in Oudh must be dismantled, and operations will begin in Oct, though nothing more than a summons should be needed. Education will begin in Oudh in 1857, it cannot be introduced until the temporary Settlement is finished, the people settled, and the Commissioners and their Assistants know their Districts. The only education attempted so far is the instruction of village accountants in the Hindu language in their accounting duties, and occasionally in field measurement. Colonel Sykes has sent a draft of the Police scheme, the question will be decided quickly. The scheme is much too military for Bengal, there are no natives suitable for the work. One Superintendent of Police in each Presidency will not do, it is too much for any one man. Hopes the scheme will be sent with permission for the Government of India to make its own amendments into law without further reference home. Private.

37. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 22 Sep 1856. Lord Canning has learnt that no action is to be taken against Persia until an answer from Teheran reaches London. Had he foreseen this he might have saved money on the transports which will now have a long spell of idleness, for the Government's orders cannot reach India until the end of Oct. Canning has followed Vernon Smith's wishes and aimed at being ready by the end of Sep, believing that he would receive authority to act as soon as the purport of the Sedr Azim's reply was known in India to be unsatisfactory. Canning is sending a Minute on the preparations of the Persian Force. Comments on the selection of Major General Stalker for the force. Draws Vernon Smith's attention to an account given to Sir John Lawrence by the native Envoy Futteh Khan Kuttuck of the state of things at Kandahar, the Governor General is sure it is important to keep aloof from all. entanglement in Afghanistan. Canning awaits the Reports of Captain Jones and Captain Kemball on the roads between Bushire and Shiraz. Private.

38. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 7 Oct 1856. Lord Canning has offered Ritchie the Judgeship at Madras, Ritchie refused, being assured by the Governor General that he was perfectly free to do so. Thanks Vernon Smith for his information about the Chairs; they are unreasonable to be annoyed that Canning wrote strongly in favour of the Queen of Oudh, explains. Comments on his dealings with the King. He has not refused to receive the King. It might be mischievous if the Queen was made much of and given sympathy and support in London, possibly Queen Victoria might do this. Canning is not surprised that there are rumours he does not on well with General Anson, they are founded on two points of disagreement over which the Governor General had to disallow the Commander in Chief's pretensions, but the two men get on perfectly well. Vernon Smith will have received the Council's Minutes on the further opening of Staff appointment to Queen's officers. Does not expect immediate benefit from the proposals made in the Minutes. Returns thanks for the Civil Servants sent out. Canning wishes he could answer Vernon Smith's appeal to consider some scheme of acting upon a principle, in employing men outside the Civil Service in Civil capacities. But Civilians must be raised from all possible sources, from the Army, and from the Un-covenanted Service. All the suitable un-covenanted men are already employed. Canning loses no opportunity of advancing natives in Government and even favours them at the expense of the Europeans, but suitable natives are rare, and there are none in the newly acquired Provinces of Nagpore and Oudh. Urges the necessity of continuing the Legislative Councillor's post; Canning was about to propose that Peacock should continue in office beyond April, when his term expires, because if he goes, the law reforms will cease to make headway. Vernon Smith will learn that Duleep Sing (with whom Vernon Smith has been staying) has been secretly corresponding with his mother in Nepal. Canning proposes that henceforward no check be kept on the Maharajah's correspondence it is unnecessary and ineffective. Private.

39. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Oct 1856. Lord Canning has received the telegraphic news of the arrival of the 1st Sep mail at Bombay, but Elphinstone does not announce that he has received definitive orders. Does not think there will be complaints of the slowness of the preparations at Bombay. There was one enormous blunder, the despatch of the Assaye to the Persian Gulf either without Canning's letters to Captain Jones, or with the letters wrongly addressed. Fortunately Jones has sent unasked an elaborate memorandum upon Bushire. It makes out the difficulties of the roads between Bushire and Shiraz much greater than Canning realised, as also the procuring of transport animals from the Turkish side of the Gulf. Commissariat Officers are on their way to investigate this last point. Canning will not issue the Instructions to the Bombay Government until the last possible moment. There is no news of importance of the Amir of or Herat. The Bombay Government estimate the cost of the Persian Expedition on its present scale at 52 lacs, for the time between Sep 1856 and Apr 1857. In other respects the sketch estimate of Indian finance has some redeeming features, Oudh may be reckoned upon for 140 lacs. Private.

40. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 23 Oct 1856. Lord Canning has detained the outgoing packet because the first September mail is telegraphed from the Sandheads. He hears that there may be further delay of the Expedition, and more negotiation with Persia. He cares less about this than he did before, because he has come to believe that undertaking of inland operations in Persia is beyond the present strength of the troops that can be spared for the Expedition. Canning cannot possibly spare more than six regiments of European Infantry from India, and for the advance upon Shiraz more European troops will be needed. Help must be sent from England. Murray is keen for an advance upon Shuster, which is easier to reach than Shiraz, but once at Shuster the army could do nothing and threaten nothing. Canning has received Vernon Smith's letter of 10 Sep; he has no doubt that Persia's motive is delay, not conciliation. The Governor General does not understand the policy of treating the Queen of Oudh cavalierly, a grievance would be useful ammunition for both the King and the Queen. Hopes the Government will not listen to any claim for restitution of empire. Canning has the disagreeable task of restoring to the King one of his Palaces wrongly taken from him by the Officiating Chief Commissioner. Anson is in very bad health; Elphinstone has telegraphed the arrival of the 2nd Sep mail with orders for the sailing of the Expedition

41. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Nov 1856. Lord Canning received orders for the sailing of the Expedition on 31 Oct and issued the Proclamation of War on 1 Nov, sending a copy to Bombay. Refers to details of embarking and transport of the troops. Canning hears favourable accounts of General Stalker. If the operations are extended, proposes that Anson should take the command; General Penny and General Wyndham are unsuitable, states reasons. Is glad to hear that the Expedition is at present restricted to Bushire, repeats his reasons for not wishing to campaign in the interior of Persia. Dost Mahomed has been given money to aid him in advancing upon Herat. His first answer is full of professions of service but stresses the difficulties of the road to Herat, the wants of his troops, and the need of more money. Sir J Lawrence thinks the Dost does not wish to move, and will see what effect the Expedition to the Gulf may have, and in the mean time extract as much as possible from the Government Colonel Edwardes thinks that the Amir hopes to demand back his Trans-Indus territory. If so, he will receive a short answer. The Trans-Indus territory is the real strength against Herat, and against those who may come from it whether Persians or Russians. Sir J Lawrence as been directed to arrange a meeting with the Dost; a subsidy of 25 lacs a year is authorised, though Canning does not expect any useful aid from the Dost. Private.

42. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Nov 1856. Lord Canning replies that there is no fear of feelings of caste being excited by the new enlistment Regulations in the Bengal Army. No-one will come under the Regulations except voluntarily, and the fact that many of the recruits to the Bombay Regiments come from the same country and caste as those who join the Bengal Army proves that the men do not, on first entering the service; hold very closely to caste privileges. Canning was at first afraid that the old sepoys of the Bengal Army might fear the new Regulations were a first step towards breaking faith with them, and that they might be compelled to cross the sea; but there has been no sign of any such false alarm. Although Canning has never been out of Calcutta, he does not think the seat of Government should be changed, gives his reasons. Hopes the Queen of Oudh will be conceded nothing more substantial than civilities, there is no report of the King's moving. Complains of the inconvenience of the shortage of steamers, and will probably ask for two to be bought in England. Private.

43. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 22 Nov 1856. Lord Canning has received Lord Clarendon's reply to the Sedr Azim, it arrived after the declaration of war was published. Canning does not regret this, it is much better not to publish so long a list of grievances to be redressed. The natives would believe that nothing less than taking over all Persia could satisfy the injuries, and any lesser result would be considered feeble. In addressing India Canning has thought it best to confine himself to the one sufficient reason for hostilities, the breach of Persia's engagement upon a point closely affecting India. There has been no admission on the part of the Government of India that the Amir has any rights over Herat, the subsidy, money and arms are given to enable the Amir to relieve Herat from Persia only. Canning has however no belief in the practicability of making and keeping Herat independent; believes that the Amir should be allowed (though not helped) to take Herat for himself. Sir J Lawrence has proposed a meeting on the border with the Amir, no answer has been received yet. Sir John distrusts he Amir's willingness to move against the Persian. Nothing has been heard of the 2 lacs of Rupees which have been sent to Herat. Canning does not regret his decision not to send officers to Herat. The last ship of the Expedition was to have left Bombay on the 12th. The Governor General continues to urge Peacock to deal quickly with both Penal and Procedural codes. The first is nearly printed, and should go through Legislative Council quickly. The Procedural code is being put into the form of a Bill, without the amalgamation part, and without the abolition of the stamps, which are worth not less than £200,000 to Government a year. It is probable that Canning will shortly propose an increase of stamp duties.

44. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 7 Dec 1856. Lord Canning states that Vernon Smith will probably have heard of the fall of Herat. Little more than the fact is known, the Amir told Colonel Edwardes of the fall, but with few details. The Persians entered the place on 25 Oct, as there is no mention, of fighting and Esan Khan is in favour in the Persian Camp and still Governor of the town it is clear that Herat fell by treachery. Canning does not regret that there were no British officers there. The Amir is to meet Sir John Lawrence on the plain of Jumrood, Canning does not know what the Amir will undertake, and what aid he will ask for, now that Herat has fallen. The Amir cannot retake Herat alone, and Canning hopes that it is out of the question that the Government should send an army to do so. But the Amir could be helped with money to keep an army to harass the Persians round Herat, drive them from Furrah and prevent any encroachment towards Kandahar. It would be excellent if Herat could be kept independent, but there is no chief strong enough to do this without leaning on Persia or Kabul. Canning does not agree that Herat is the key to India, an invading force would have great difficulty in crossing Afghanistan between Herat and the British-Frontier. It should be possible to defeat any enemy who had crossed Afghanistan on the plains west of the Indus. The country of Afghanistan rather than the fort of Herat is the first defence, and the passes of the Soliman Range the second. Hopes that an English army will never be sent across Afghanistan to defend or rescue Herat. Once taken, Herat would have to be given to the Amir, or kept by the British, no-one else could be trusted to hold it. If it was given to the Amir, a short time would see his heirs squabbling over the place, and only one of the Amir's heirs, and not the strongest, tolerates the English. In spite of the fall of Herat, Canning thinks the strategy of the war should remain unchanged, and if Persia refuses to give up Herat, the Government will refuse to give up Bushire. The Governor General has received the memoranda of Sir W Williams and Colonel Hennell. Canning does not wish to take Mohummerah for its own sake, because it would have to be abandoned quickly due to the climate. But if Shuster has to be attacked, it will be necessary to hold Mohummerah. General Stalker is to obtain information about the place. Canning has heard no news of the Expedition since it sailed. Private.

45. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 8 Dec 1856. Lord Canning sends two papers (marked in margin Miscellaneous Book number 84/6) on Mr Loftus Wigram's Draft Bill for conferring Admiralty Jurisdiction upon Indian Courts. Understands from the Draft Bill that the question of amalgamation is to be settled in India, would not object it the matter was dealt with in Parliament. The Bills for the codes or Civil and Criminal Procedures will be laid before the Legislative Council after Christmas. The Bill for the Penal Code will be read a first time on the 20th, Peacock has worked on it continually. There should be no delay beyond the three months interval between printing and second reading which applies to every Bill for all India. The Loan is not doing well, probably because of the war. But if the Court does not draw heavily Canning hopes to be able to carry on until spring without either increasing the interest or accepting part payment in paper. The Gaekwar is dead, after an orgy on gin. His brother has succeeded without incident. The last news from China is that Canton has been bombarded by the British: this may be an exaggeration, but whatever has happened smuggling will be at the bottom of it. Agrees with Vernon Smith about General Outram, there is no reason whatever for putting him over General Stalker's head, there is no chance of any political business coming into the hands of the General in command. Outram is needed in Oudh where Jackson has been quarrelling with everyone within reach. If Jackson's relief were not near at hand, Canning would have to replace him. If Outram should not return, he would have to be replaced at once, probably by Sir Henry Lawrence. Private.

46. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 22 Dec 1856. Lord Canning has nothing to report from the Gulf or from the Amir. Hopes Vernon Smith will not consider sending troops to Afghanistan. Sends a memorandum by Colonel Edwardes on the sending of troops to Kandahar, and Sir J Lawrence's reply (not annexed, marked in margin Miscellaneous Number 95); also a letter from Edwardes showing that the Amir is not alarmed about Kandahar (marked in margin Miscellaneous number 95). Lord Canning agrees with Colonel Edwardes that Herat cannot remain independent, and has told Lawrence to reply to the Amir that if Herat were in the Amir's hands, the British would not disturb his possession of it. Remarks on the dangers of becoming involved in Afghanistan. Describes a conversation with Colonel James Abbott, who said that the Afghans had never forgotten how the entry of a British officer into Scind was followed by annexation of Scind. Every Afghan considers every Englishman a future enemy. No co-operation, even if promised by the Afghans, could be depended upon. At least 20,000 men and a heavy siege train would have to be sent to take Herat, with all supplies. The Kabul war cost not less than 10 millions, and the Herat affair would cost as much. It is most unlikely that the British could reach Herat without quarrelling with the Afghans. The alteration of the North West Frontier makes Afghanistan easier to reach; it also makes operations less necessary, as any enemy advancing from the west can be met at the foot of the hills, whereas before the acquisition of the Punjab and Scind the enemy might have found support on the lands along the Indus. It is said that the fall of Herat to Persia will be looked upon in India as a sign of British weakness; but this should not influence the Government in so enormous a question as that of an advance into Afghanistan. Believes that the importance of Herat to India has been exaggerated, and this should be put right. Private.

47. Copy letter to Mr Vernon Smith, 22 Dec 1856. Lord Canning writes that the Penal Code has been read for the first time, and the Code of Procedure is making progress. Is sorry that the Chairman is annoyed at what Canning said about the Police scheme. The Chairman comes from Bombay, and the Bengal Police have quite different needs. Urges the importance of suiting the type of Police to the country. Canning is becoming more in favour of centralization and uniformity in India, but not in the Police. Does not complain of being given limited powers in the Police question, hopes to send the Bengal proposals by the next mail. Canning has again appealed to the Court about the uncertainty of the drawing of Bills. The terms of the Loan will have to be raised if Persian affairs remain as they are, but when depends mainly upon the drawings. Comments on Sir J Bowring's proceedings in China, he has asked Canning for a European Regiment which he cannot be sent. If Bowring should be in great straits the Resident at Singapore can send him 500 Madras troops. Mr Gubbins is wrong about the dismantling of the Oudh forts, there has been no resistance or discontent, but the measure would have been right anyway. Jackson is still quarrelling, Canning wishes he had time to visit Lucknow himself. The Newmarket Stud scheme does not sound a economical measure, whatever other merits it may have. Vernon Smith will have heard about Ritchie in Nov.