Mss Eur F699/1/1/2/16

Copy letter from Governor General Charles Canning to Lord Harris (nos.1-11), Sir Charles Trevelyan (nos. 12-17), Sir Henry Ward (nos. 18-20), Mr William Morehead (nos. 21-23 & 26) & Sir William Denison (nos. 24-25 & 27-30), in turn Governors or Acting Governors of Madras. Numbered 1-30 with index and detailed summaries.

1. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 23 Dec 1856. The Tanjore affair has taken a long time, but Canning has now sent the papers to Harris. The Advocate General's opinion and the answer to the Bill are the important papers. Canning has also sent two Minutes showing the animus with which he has viewed the matter. The Government wishes to claim no movables which have not been state property since before 1799: any articles acquired since 1799, were they the throne and sceptre and crown themselves, will be given up by Government. All movables which are not quite clearly state property will be given up. The Government takes the burden of proving this point upon themselves. Moreover the proceeds of such articles as the Government retains shall be allotted to the late Rajah's household hereafter. Canning would have liked to leave alone even the ancient state property, but thinks it might have set an inconvenient precedent. Hopes that the Government of India will be able to prove very little to have been state property before 1799. Canning does not suppose that legal proceedings by the widow will be stopped, because he sees that Mr Norton claims the Raj for her also. Canning says nothing about lands, fort as there will be no dispute about these. Mr Cowie will be sent to Harris as soon as he is asked for, though Ritchie can ill spare him. Private.

2. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 23 Feb 1857. Canning does not wish to do anything more in China affairs than to make Hong Kong safe. The demand for 5,000 men and steamers was quite an impossible one. The object was the subjugation of Canton, India cannot afford to subjugate or hold in subjugation Canton. No European Regiment can be spared from the east of India, unless it is the 29th from Pegu which might be moved to Bombay to be nearer to Persia and to ease the Bombay troops. Men and guns have gone from Singapore to Hong Kong, and this should secure the colony. Does not care if there is an outcry at home because more was not done for China. A Despatch and Draft Bill on Carnatic affairs will reach Harris, it is a nasty business at best. Tanjore too has not run as smoothly as Canning hoped. Regrets not having done what Harris asked about Travancore, but he has had no time at all. Canning is disappointed in the Godavery scheme, thinks Lieutenant Haig has overlooked some great difficulties and made his plan more hasty and crude than he should have done.

3. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 8 Mar 1857. Canning did not know why Harris wished to send a Brigadier to Hong Kong, certainly it was a good reason, but hardly one which Canning could repeat. Is glad that Madras can spare a European Regiment for Persia. The Governor General had one available in Pegu [Burma], but has been obliged to summon another more accessible one from Pegu for an affair even more urgent than Persia. A native Regiment, the 19th at Berhampore has mutinied, and a Court of Enquiry is being held. Canning has little doubt that the Regiment will have to be disbanded, and has sent for the 84th Queens from Rangoon to help in doing so without another Regiment of Europeans it could not safely be done. The disbandment will be at Barrackpore, before two Regiments which are known, though not yet proved, to have seduced the unfortunate 19th. A Battery at Dum Dum will assist the disbandment. Canning would be glad to escape the measure, but can see no hope of being able to do so. He only prays that it will pass off without blood. Harris should not talk of this, as many days must elapse before it can take place. Asks about the final arrangements for sending the Fusiliers to Bushire; fears the reliefs for Pegu must be much delayed, but has hopes of the steamer mentioned in Harris' telegraph. Asks if General Grant would be glad to send more troops to Persia; Canning may call on Madras for Cavalry when the Bengal Division is despatched. Canning sees that Harris has killed Sykes pet project of a Madras Pier, he is not sorry. The present is no time for sinking 10 lacs in the surf, Canning foresees a deficit of not less than 190 lacs from 1856-7, comments. Canning will try to follow Harris' wishes about the Committee for investigating establishments. Asks how telegraphic messages to Madras become immediately known to the Athenaeum. It is very inconvenient as well as being an offence. Canning would not have liked to telegraph Madras for a Regiment to put down the mutiny of the 19th. Many messages have passed between Canning and Elphinstone, and only one has reached the newspapers, the culprit being immediately detected and decamping with the telegraph cash box.

4. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 22 Mar 1857. Canning asks Harris to select a Madras Engineer Officer as additional Under Secretary in the Public Works Department in Calcutta, suggests Lieutenant Sankey. Asks Harris to telegraph his reply in a way unintelligible to the Athenaeum. Canning was nearly obliged to send a regiment to Bushire from Bombay and not Madras, but the situation altered and Harris had his way. But the grounds upon which Harris' remonstrance was founded were not tenable against the exigencies of the state. The objection should not have been made. Asks if Harris could spare two or three native regiments for Persia if necessary. The 19th are on the march from Berhampore, but will not reach the Presidency for another week or 9 days.

5. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 6 Jun 1857. The 'Assaye' will bring Sir Patrick Grant from Madras to Calcutta. The telegraph between Allahabad and Agra is interrupted, and has been so since the 3rd, but Canning hopes Harris has received the message about Grant (marked in margin: Telegraph Messages Sent 177), though the subsequent messages have probably not arrived (Marked in margin: Telegraph Messages Sent 178). Laments the death of General Anson at Kurnaul, and pities Lady Anson. At a disturbance at Lucknow on 30 May Sir P Grant's son, an officer of the 91st, was killed. Canning is sure that Grant will know this news, but if not, Harris will probably want to tell Grant before he embarks for Calcutta.

6. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 16 Jul 1857. Canning accepts the offer of Madras native regiments gladly. Grant is very confident of their loyalty, though Canning has doubts, especially of the Mahometans and the Cavalry. The column advancing on Lucknow is only 1400 European Infantrymen, 8 guns, some Sikhs, and scarcely 100 horseman, half of doubtful fidelity. Lucknow is hard-pressed, and the attempt must be made to relieve it. Poor Henry Lawrence died on the 4th, at present the greatest loss India could have suffered. Neill has been made a Brigadier General, as the Colonels of the 78th and 64th Queens are not fit to hold a candle to him, and if Neill had had more experience in the field Canning would have put him over Havelock, who is fussy, oldish, and began with delays and doubts. But Havelock is a good soldier and has performed his first march and battle excellently. The Governor General hopes things will remain quiet in the Nizam's country. If so, Nagpore should be kept straight, and the rebellion halted in its progress southwards. But as soon as Indore fell, and Holkar declared against the British, Canning sent the Coromandel to Rangoon to take a European Wing to Madras. Pegu will be left with regiment or two wings, and must do the best it can. Sir P Grant suggests abandoning Pegu, but this is impossible. Asks for the Madras troops to be sent fully equipped, and with ammunition. Asks for additional horses if possible. The 'Simoon' and one other ship will be sent to Madras for the troops. The nonappearance of the 'Himalaya' with the 90th makes Canning anxious. Ritchie will go to Madras by the next steamer on the 21st. Sends a message for Bombay (not annexed, marked in margin: Telegraph Messages Sent 204). A milder Press law would have been quite inoperative, even over the Friend of India. Canning is rather agreeably surprised by the tone of the Athenaeum.

7. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 26 Jul 1857. Asks Harris to return the ‘Simoon’ as quickly as possible, as she is to go to Mauritius. Madras has now all the steam transport available, any deficiency will have to be made up by sailing ships. Delhi is breaking Canning's heart. Barnard has a large force, but is doing nothing more than repelling the enemy. Contrary to all instructions he is still awaiting reinforcements. Cawnpore is recovered, and Havelock en route for Lucknow. The Madras Fusiliers are behaving admirably. Holkar is still honest, and probably Scindia, but the delay at Delhi hazards all. The news that Ritchie was not wanted arrived just too late, blames the Madras Secretaries for the delay.

8. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 14 Jul 1858. Canning sends a copy of his reply to the Secret Despatch of 19 Apr and related papers (not annexed). Lord Stanley's letter is very proper. Derby's telegram is not quite so vehement in promise of support as he gave the House of Lords to understand, and his letter is rather constrained, but evidently he means to be civil, and Canning after speaking his mind to him about the Despatch has made friends again. Thanks Harris for his kindness to Lady Canning. Canning writes that there is no objection to Mr Krene, though there is a better qualified candidate for the Account Department. Canning can find nothing about Lieutenant Gunning. Thanks Harris for his remarks on Canning's own affairs, they have worried the Governor General very little.

9. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 7 Oct 1858. Canning asks Harris to see that the Madras Regiments in Bengal are brought up to strength. He has written to Sir Patrick about this, but fears he will miss him.

10. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 21 Oct 1858. Lord Canning to Lord Harris. Canning sends the Queen's Proclamation and his own (not annexed) which are to be issued on 1 Nov. Elliot has been informed. There should be a Proclamation at Ootacamund, perhaps read by the senior Civilian. Canning will manage Arthur's affair.

11. Copy letter to Lord Harris, 24 Oct 1858. Canning assures Harris that his brother's affair shall be arranged, he will be allowed to stay with Harris. Asks what Harris thinks of the Proclamation. Marked in margin: Telegraph Messages Sent 539.

12. Copy letter to Sir C Trevelyan, 9 Apr 1859. Canning apologises for not having sent a letter to welcome Trevelyan on his arrival. He heard of the appointment with sincere pleasure. Harris has been in Calcutta and has told Canning of his conversations with Trevelyan. Trevelyan need not be alarmed about the Tobacco Tax, no conclusion has been reached as yet. Thinks that almost all forms of taxation would be somewhat dangerous, but the tobacco duty no more than any other. Asks for Trevelyan's views. Two years ago Canning condemned the Moturpha strongly, but does not think that at present it can be given up. The Police Bill will have every assistance; it seems to contain too little local authority, and too much reference to Madras.

13. Copy letter to Sir C Trevelyan, 18 May 1859. Canning has seen the Minute on the union of the Supreme and Sudder Courts and other matters of judicial reform. He expected some explanation of it, but as none has arrived, sends his comments (in a separate paper, not annexed) on a proceeding which he presumes he was not expected to pass over without notice. Regrets that his first communication on any matter of importance should have to be in such a tone. Canning does not intend to publish his Minute or letter to the Madras Government. Trevelyan would not have any just reason to complain were the papers published, out Canning does not wish to disparage the office of Governor of Madras. Endorsed: Circulated 30 May 1859.

14. Copy letter to Sir C Trevelyan, 3 Jun 1859. Canning thanks Trevelyan for his letter of the 24th, and though he does not understand the relevance of some part of it, accepts it in the spirit in which it was written. Canning does not wish to interfere with the necessary exercise of the authority of the Madras Government but rather to increase that authority. Asks Trevelyan to reply by telegraph when Canning may expect a reply to the letter on taxation of tobacco. The officer for the committee on Military Finance will not be required to go to Bombay immediately.

15. Copy letter to Sir C Trevelyan, 16 Jun 1859. Canning intends to fix a weekday for the Thanksgiving. It is a celebration for the restoration of peace and not a Te Deum for victory, and the date cannot be arranged whilst there are still lists of rebels routed and killed in every Gazette. The celebration in England was hastened for other reasons. The rains will now disperse the remains of the opposition. As soon as the Brigades in Eastern Oudh are called in, the day will be announced. Canning hopes to combine the Thanksgiving with the liberation of the King of Oudh and some other prisoners. Nothing should be done in Madras until further notice. There is no point in talking of peace where there is no peace.

16. Copy letter to Sir C Trevelyan, 8 Oct 1859. Canning is glad to know that the reduction of railway fares in Madras was so successful. Has not yet sufficient information to dispose of the recommendation that the salaries of the Deputy Chief Engineers in Madras be increased. An official letter goes to Madras about the Public Works accounts, to correct the misstatements of the Government of Madras. Canning cannot understand how such a Despatch as that of the Government of Madras could have been written by anyone with the former papers before him.

17. Copy letter to Sir C Trevelyan, 6 Nov 1859. Canning thanks Trevelyan for his telegram about troops for China. Sends a copy of a letter to the Commander in Chief (not annexed, marked in margin: not seen in office). Asks if Madras can spare a Battery of Royal Artillery. Lord Clyde agrees with the whole scheme of troops for China, except that he wants the Royal Engineers returned to England. The prospects of peace and contentment in Oudh, and other parts of the country beyond the Jumna far exceed Canning's hopes. Will shortly send papers on Oudh. Large reductions of Police and troops will soon be possible, partly owing to the restitution of Talookdaree rights and partly because of the assurance that the chiefs are to be treated as men of influence, and some of them used in the administration. Canning hopes this will convert them from wild beasts into loyal and useful subjects. The condition of Bundelcund is almost as good, and the Columns will soon be dispersed.

18. Copy letter to Sir H Ward, 24 Jun 1860. Canning has heard of Ward's appointment with the sincerest pleasure, there is no one he would rather have had at Madras. Ward will find himself in a critical and unpleasant position. Grant is the only Member of Council Canning knows personally. He has played an ill-judged part, for after standing aloof from the financial discussions he alone backed Trevelyan's crowning outrage of publishing the Minutes. But once this is overcome, he is an efficient active and safe military head. He was at Calcutta for nearly 3 months, and Canning does not remember a single mistake he made. He has his favourites, but his selection of officers was as good as his other arrangements. Unfortunately he takes no notice of expense in his recommendations. Canning knows nothing of the Civilian Members of Council. Probably they and other Government officers will be sore with the Government of India. It has never been otherwise, and never can be so until the present senseless and all but useless form of the Legislative Council is amended, and Madras has a Legislative Council of its own. This should come soon. There will still be jealousies of the Supreme Executive Government, but Canning and Ward together can mitigate this. The irritation has been increased in 1860, from the topics discussed, partly because of Wilson's inexperience of the susceptibilities of Madras and Bombay and partly because Canning's absence from Calcutta prevented him noticing until too late small Departmental irregularities. But there has always been soreness between the Governments long before new taxes were thought of, and its increase was certain under a Governor of Trevelyan's temper. A new system will immediately be adopted under which Madras and Bombay will be taken much more into the official confidence of the Government of India, and Despatches upon all subjects of general interest will be sent for information. Hopes the measure will be regarded as an olive branch. Asks to hear of Ward's impressions of his Council, and the opinions of the Madras Government on the provisions of the Income Tax Bill. Canning fears most the over-zealousness of Collectors of the Tax, and would prefer to see the Government cheated openly during the first year. The Home Government has recalled its orders about Mysore, Canning sends privately a copy of his Despatch to Wood (not annexed, marked in margin: The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence no. 7292. Private.

19. Copy letter to Sir H Ward, 23 Jul 1860. Canning quite understands that Ward needs time to understand his work. Every year the peculiar difficulties of Indian Government become more obvious. The Legislative Council has become involved in great difficulties, and is quite unlike what its originators intended. Canning hoped that Wood would bring in a Bill to give a Legislative Council to each Presidency, and to do away with the affectation of Parliamentary forms and set debates. Canning will send Ward papers on the Council. Ward will have read of the confusion about the Arms Bill and the Council, which has roused some bitterness in the Press. Sends some papers (not annexed, marked in margin: Home Department number 75, dated 18 Jul 1860; Home Secretary to Mr Berners, dated 15 Oct 1857), and also some papers on the salaaming of Europeans by natives (not annexed, marked in margin: dated 7 May in letter from Sir C Wood, 4 Jun 1860 and dated 16 Jul 1860). The kind of public orders suggested by Sir John Lawrence would be the worst way of dealing with the practice if it exists. Asks Ward to make quiet inquiries. The Income Tax Bill has been read three times and may come up for assent on 23 Jul. The drought up-country from Allahabad upwards is very serious, very like that which preceded the great famine of 1837. Asks about the prospects for Madras. The North West Provinces and the Punjab are in danger, and plans must be laid. Wilson is not well, Canning fears his break-down. Asks if Ward finds the climate trying, Canning found Madras in Feb 1856 worse than Calcutta. Endorsed: Governor General 1690. Private. 20. Copy letter to Sir H Ward, 2 Aug 1860. Canning has seen Ward's letter to Wilson. He will return Mr Robinson. Agrees with Ward about Tanjore, the money advanced for the marriage should not be repaid, though perhaps should not have been advanced. Canning will support Ward in his reduction of men rather than regiments. Understands how great the difference between the autocracy of Ceylon and the limited monarchy of Madras must seem. Sends a Resolution of the Government of India establishing a system of Extra-Official Communications (not annexed), to which he has referred in an earlier letter. Hopes Ward will have soothed down Sir Mark Cubbon a little, he is cross at the treatment of Mysore by Trevelyan and the Secretary of the State. He is an invaluable public servant, and Canning knows no-one else who could have kept Mysore and Coorg quiet in 1857 and 1858 with so small a force. Moreover he is a thorough gentleman, and has not been treated as such of late. Will write again about Legislative matters, does not agree that Local Legislative Councils are useless without taxation powers. Wilson will probably leave Calcutta in Sep or Oct and Canning will go to the Central Provinces in Nov. Private. Endorsed: Cancelled. Not sent, in consequence of a Telegram announcing Sir Henry Ward's death having been received on 3rd of Aug before this could be despatched.

21. Copy letter to the Honourable W Morehead, 23 Aug 1860. Canning has read with pleasure a letter from Morehead to Colonel Balfour. Canning himself was prepared to go to Madras on the death of Ward, but Wilson's death made this impossible, and clearly his presence is not necessary. Canning would be glad to hear occasionally from Morehead, as the tax operations develop. Asks for an estimate of the money from the tax. Urges Morehead not to take alarm too quickly at centralizing measures, the end of all of them will be to leave the Presidencies and Local Governments more control than they have had of late. Canning asks Morehead to let him know of anything in the proceedings of the Supreme Government to which he objects.

22. Copy letter to the Honourable W Morehead, 22 Sep 1860. Canning thanks Morehead for his letter. There are no bad reports of the Income Tax in India. Hopes the publication of the Licence Bill will satisfy Morehead's wish that other measures of taxation should be made known. Some Benares merchants have told the Commissioner of their approval of the Income Tax. Is dismayed by the estimate of not more than 30 lacs from Madras. All looks well in Rohilcund, the natives in Bareilly are taking kindly to the Punchayets. Canning has returned Mr Robinson though he would have liked to keep him. Asks for a good officer for the Head of Police in Pegu. Asks Morehead to cut down on the Military estimates. The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence no. 7687.

23. Copy letter to the Honourable W Morehead, 21 Nov 1860. Canning praises the appointment of Sir William Denison, whom he expects to be an efficient and popular Governor Canning hears from Denison's brother, the Speaker, that he is sure to accept, but he does not know when he will arrive. It would have been a great satisfaction to Canning if the carrying out of both Income and Licence Tax had been left to Morehead. Thanks Morehead for all his help. Canning has invited Denison to meet him, discusses arrangements for this. Canning is to go on a short Tour. The Governor General agrees with Morehead about the wanton extravagance of the new grant to the Mysore family. Hopes to hear more of the yield of the Income Tax. The collection is going quite smoothly. Sends a duplicate of a letter to Denison (not annexed, probably letter number 24 below). Canning does not think it would be possible to get the Nizam's consent to the substitution of Madras Regiments for the Contingent, and it cannot be done without his consent. Nagpore is different, but it can hardly be an economy to replace Irregulars there by Regular troops which might otherwise be dispensed with.

24. Copy letter to Sir W Denison, 21 Nov 1860. Canning greatly hopes that Denison will accept the Government of Madras. The Governor General is on his way to Central India, describes his movements, and hopes that Denison will meet him at Calcutta or elsewhere. Discusses arrangements for this. Canning does not fear any trouble in Madras, the Income Tax is working well and the Government of Madras have worked well. Endorsed: a copy sent to Madras. See Governor General to Mr Morehead, 21 Nov 1860. The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence no. 7993.

25. Copy letter to Sir W Denison, 1 Dec 1860. Canning sends an official invitation to visit him (not annexed, marked in margin: dated 1 Dec 1860, Miscellaneous 569). The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence no. 8029.

26. Copy letter to W Morehead, 15 Jan 1861. Canning asks for the name of a suitable officer to be Commissioner of Mysore. The Rajah is irritated at the late proposal to hand him over to Madras, and the new Commissioner will need great tact. The Rajah has hinted that his unofficial assurance that he will not adopt an heir is revocable. A military officer would be as good as a Civilian. Private.

27. Copy letter to Sir W Denison, 22 Feb 1861. Canning is glad to hear of Denison's safe arrival. Does not for Denison's sake hope that his term of office will be a long one, because if at the end of 5 years Denison is anxious for release as Canning is, he would not thank him. Canning has telegraphed that he would write about Denison's visit to Calcutta (marked in margin: Telegraph Messages Sent 896). So much has been done so well in Madras in the matter of reductions that Canning is less anxious than he was for an early visit. Perhaps he will come in 3 or 4 months to Calcutta, when the Legislative Councils can be discussed. Denison will soon receive a request to increase the Salt duties. The news from England, of the certainty of short payments from the Railway Companies, and the probability of the Indian Government being left with many major works to complete, makes it necessary to neglect no expedient for raising or saving money.

28. Copy letter to Sir W Denison, 8 Jun 1861. Canning is sending Temple to Hyderabad to look into finance there, and has asked Denison to send a Madras officer with him. Temple has nothing particular to do at Madras, and does not come as a spy or a critic, but Canning asks Denison to give Temple access to all Departments he may wish to see. The Madras Government sent up its financial statements in a more satisfactory form than any other Government. Temple should discuss the approaching Paper Currency Bill with the Madras financial officers.

29. Copy letter to Sir W Denison, 3 Jul 1861. Canning is uneasy at some papers on the Godavery which have just com from Madras. He has no objection to money being spent on roads to connect the navigable lengths of the river with each other, but objects to a stoppage of the Sintrala Barrier works. Agrees that there is uncertainty about the amount of traffic, but does not think the uncertainty justifies the stoppage, and the traffic is certain to be very heavy. The line of communication is really an Imperial one, Canning will give a separate grant willingly. He presumes that there is no engineering objection to the Sintrala scheme. Would like to hear of Denison's tour.

30. Copy letter to Sir W Denison, 10 Jan 1862. Canning was glad to receive the letter about cinchona (Marked in margin: dated 21 Dec 1861, number 70) and glad that Denison has investigated the matter. Canning has seen some private letters from Dr Anderson, understands that there is no chance that the plant will grow out of doors at Ootacamund (The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence no. 9878). Canning is not yet prepared to write about Mysore. The Rajah's claim has been before Canning for many months, but it has taken a long time to find out the proceedings of Lord Wellesley and Lord W Bentinck which make up the story. Canning finds the Rajah's pretensions less well founded than he expected, and the claim to have the administration in his own hands untenable. He may reasonably receive a large share of revenue perhaps. With regard to Hyderabad Canning thinks Denison forgets that the Nizam is in his own territory an independent sovereign. He holds this position much more really and thoroughly than any Indian Prince. From the days when George III so addressed him he has always been so treated, although sometimes improperly addressed by Governor Generals. A Treaty cannot be broken, whether it is made with a strong power or a weak one. Canning cannot understand upon what principles of policy or right Denison advocates cutting and carving Government relations with the Nizam in the way suggested. Canning can understand quarrelling with the Nizam, and taking his possessions from him, but so long as they are his possessions, and so long as the Government preaches and pretends good faith towards the Chiefs with whom Treaties have been made, Canning does not see how the Contingent can be replaced by a purely British force. Canning will send the reply to the proposals about the reduction of the Native Army. 8 Regiments are to be disbanded, Nagpore and the Districts newly added to Nagpore to be garrisoned by Madras Regiments. No Cavalry will be disbanded. Greater reductions could have been made if Madras could be relieved of Singapore, but the whole question seems to have ended in Downing Street talk.