Mss Eur F699/1/1/2/17

Copies of letters from Governor General Charles Canning to Lord Elphinstone (nos.1-55) and Sir George Clerk (nos. 56-70), in turn Governors of Bombay. Numbered 1-70 with index and detailed summaries. There is no letter no. 25 in the volume, the index notes 'wanting - supposed to be wrongly numbered'.

1. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 10 Apr 1856. Canning did not have time to reply to Elphinstone's letters by the last mail. Affairs in Persia look serious, and Canning's hopes of being able to stay clear are fast vanishing. But at present the necessity of immediate action on the part of the Indian Government is less probable than it was two months before. Murray, waiting at Tabreez for instructions, is not likely to call on Elphinstone for assistance. Orders for action if they come at all will come from London, but Canning does not expect them in the near future. The Cabinet has had second thoughts on 23 Jan. Granville wrote to Canning that the Cabinet had just decided to order the occupation of Karrack, but it was not a unanimous decision, and Vernon Smith has not mentioned the decision in his letters. The news from Persia will probably force the Government to move, but word may not come for two or three mails. Canning has urged the President to realise that it will not be sufficient to take Karrack, and that the objectives and scope of a much larger affair should be considered. Operations must either be spread along the coast, or pushed inland to reach a vital, vulnerable, and if possible a retainable place. There will be many difficulties either way. Bushire is not approachable by large ships, is in a barren country, and offers no facilities for inflicting serious pressure upon the Government of the Shah. The road from there to Shiraz has been pronounced by Colonel Sheil to be impracticable for an army, and the distance is 150 miles or more. Mohummera is better placed, but from May to Oct is untenable from fever. In the summer of 1854 200 out of a garrison of 350 Persians died there. As a base of operations its position on the frontier of neutral Turkey would be a disadvantage. Murray recommends a march on Shuster, or perhaps Shiraz, but without saying what would be gained by this. For either operation, Bushire or Mohummera would be the departure point. If nothing is attempted at a distance from the sea the work would be easier, but Canning is not sure that a serious impression would be made. Bunder Abbas should be one of the first points dealt with, but it is not enough in itself, and there is doubt whether much can be done at other ports. Asks who could give information about the coast of the Gulf, or the interior; suggests Colonel Holland, the Quartermaster General, or Colonel Melville. Wishes he believed that 10,000 men would be sufficient for the Expedition; but it will be easier to find the troops than the ships in a short time. The 'Assaye' and the 'Semiramis' should be ready, and the 'Punjaub' nearly so. The bulk of the work must be done by transports, steam or sail, chartered for the purpose, and it will be necessary to consider the supply of these. Lord Canning does not know how much the season affects the number of ships available, he is told that in Calcutta in a few weeks there will be hardly any ships to be seen. Private.

2. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 29 Apr 1856. Canning thanks Elphinstone for his letter of the 19th. The report of Colonel Cameron agrees with those of Anson and Edmonstone, Canning does not think Cameron will be useful. The Mail from England does not mention Persia or Murray. Canning wishes Vernon Smith had not given Parliament and the world such a feeble reply (when asked what was happening in Persia), that the Shah would change his course when he found that Britain was making peace with Russia. Nothing in the way of an expedition could now be launched before the monsoon. Canning is sorry to find that Mr Erskine's scheme for Normal schools is quite impracticable. He does not seem to have realised the difficulties. The besetting danger in all schemes of pupil teachers is over-education. If pupil teachers receive an education which will enable them to earn more money in other professions than they can obtain by teaching, they will refuse to teach, and the Government will have thrown its money away as far as securing a supply of school masters is concerned. It would be possible to pay school masters more than the market value of their services; but this would do nothing towards naturalizing education in the popular mind, and this Canning believes is the great object of state interference in education. Canning understands that the cost of a pupil teacher of Bombay to the Government up to the end of the second year at the Central Normal School would be 288 Rupees, and a pupil teacher in the North West Provinces would cost 108 Rupees. The Bombay product would be more highly finished, but not one better suited for the purposes of the state. One Normal School has already failed at Agra, so far as Canning can learn because the teachers, though excellent, would not teach when trained. However the Pupil Teacher scheme will be sanctioned, experimentally, but not the two Normal Schools on the grandiose and extravagant scale proposed. Reduction of their costs and pretensions can be better made at Bombay than Calcutta. Canning is not averse to spending money on education, but the money must be spent with some reasonable chance of a successful result. Canning suggests to Elphinstone that it was not necessary to send off the Normal School scheme to the Court without reference to the Government of India, as the scheme was not urgent. Canning will be obliged to remark upon this to the Court. Private.

3. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 12 May 1856. Canning thanks Elphinstone for the admirable form in which the Bombay Budget of Public Works has come before the Supreme Government, and asks who deserves the chief credit. Regrets that at present it is necessary to halt very nearly all Public Works, because of the financial straits of the Government. It is hardly credible that a Despatch written in Sep 1855, setting forth clearly and urgently that unless the Government had authority to open a Loan Public Works would be dropped, has remained unnoticed in spite of many reminders. The only objections Canning has to the Budget from Bombay are a distrust of Lieutenant Fyfe's plan for controlling the floods in the Nana Irrigation scheme by earthworks alone, and the bypassing of the Supreme Government in the matter of the new Dock. Private.

4. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 12 May 1856. The news from Herat has been confirmed. Papers are being sent separately on this, and the Instructions of the Secret Committee. At present the course of the Government of India is easy, but Canning fears a message from Dost Mahomed which may prove embarrassing. Some weeks before Dalhousie left India the Amir, then threatening Kandahar and coveting Herat, made application to the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab for muskets. The Amir was told that such requests must be addressed to the Governor General. This staved off the question for a time, but it is now likely that the Amir will repeat his request, under circumstances which will increase the difficulty of refusing. In the conference which preceded the signing of the Treaty of 1855 with the Dost, the nominee of the then ruler of Herat pressed for the extension to Herat of all the advantages of the agreement, and for an engagement on the part of the British Government to aid the Amir, in case of invasion, with men and money. Sir J Lawrence acting upon instructions, steadily refused to introduce into the Treaty any such provisions regarding Herat; but seeing that the security of Herat was of paramount importance in the eyes of the Afghans, he agreed to deliver to Hyder Khan on the conclusion of the Treaty, a translation of a passage in his instructions by which he was authorised to give assurances that the British Government desired the independence of Afghanistan, and would not view with indifference the attempts of a foreign Power to subvert it; and by which he was further authorised to inform the Amir that the British Government had made an agreement with the Shah of Persia which had for its object the maintenance of the independence of Herat from Persia, and protected the ownership of the countries lying between the Persian Gulf and British India. Sir J Lawrence's course was approved. If the Dost were now to be refused aid, when the independence of Herat is in danger, the good faith of the Government would be compromised, because of the assurance given before the 1855 Treaty. Canning has seen Rawlinson's paper of 1854 on Persia, but not Captain Kemball's. Canning wishes he felt sure that taking Bushire and Bunder Abbas would bring the Persian Government to its senses. It would be expensive and cumbersome to establish three bases at Bushire, Bunder Abbas, and on the Karoon. Canning believes that the expedition up the Karoon and to Kermanshah would influence the Shah. He has had no time yet to read the Persian book Elphinstone sent. Canning is very sorry that Elphinstone approved of Jacob's answer to Mahomed Yusuf's letter, Jacob should not have replied at all. The Despatch mentions this as little as Canning can bring himself to do, but he has said more in a private letter to Jacob, which he sends unsealed to Elphinstone, and asks him to read and send on sealed. Also sends an unsealed letter to Murray, to be read and forwarded. Asks Elphinstone to see that Jacob receive by the same Mail as Canning's letter a communication from the Military Department. Private.

5. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 27 May 1856. Canning sends a Minute upon Dost Mahomed's letter (not annexed). The Despatches giving the account of the fall of Herat have not yet reached the Governor General. Canning cannot give way to Elphinstone's further appeal for Erskine. Erskine's object, schoolmasters for the people of India, is excellent, but Erskine's plan is not right. The Despatch of Jul 1854 is based on the principle that the people should be brought to take a main part in their own education, and this principle should be kept in view from the very beginning. To make this possible, they should at first be offered schoolmasters at moderate rates, and not highly trained teachers at high rates, which the Government will have to pay. Once the course of educating the people by the Government, instead of inducing them to educate themselves has begun, it will be difficult to stop. Has telegraphed agreement to Le Geyt's plan to stay with Elphinstone until 3 Jul. Private.

6. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 12 Jun 1856. Canning sends his reply to Jacob's letter (not annexed), and asks Elphinstone to send it on, without mentioning that it came under flying seal. Jacob's defence of his self-sufficient message is futile and irrelevant. He has shown little reason for answering at all, and none for answering as he did. His tone is one of over-weening conceit. Nevertheless Canning has acted on Elphinstone's suggestion and promised Jacob information from time to time. He does not feel confident that Jacob will always use the information discreetly, but recognises the policy of Elphinstone's suggestion. It is very rarely that the cock of a small dunghill takes in a large view. Thanks Elphinstone for his other letter. Private.

7. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 7 Jul 1856. Asks Elphinstone to expedite the Report on the Report of the Law Commissioners in London on Civil Procedure, as the matter will soon be taken up. Returns thanks for the telegraphs from Granville. Private.

8. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 26 Jul 1856. Canning has received only one sentence from England on Persian affairs: Vernon Smith, believing that Herat had fallen, writes that unless Persia evacuates Herat, war is certain. Asks if the 6,000 men from the Bombay Presidency can be counted upon, and be ready to embark Bombay or Kurrachee by 1 Oct. Asks what type of Cavalry Sir H Somerset proposes to send, and if the number could be increased from 900 to 1200 or 1300. Asks if the 'Assaye', 'Punjab', 'Ajdahar' and 'Semiramis' can be counted upon for certain by the end of Sep and if each can take two transports. Asks if the Bombay Government would be able to charter transports for 12,000 troops to be collected at Kurrachee, and asks what number of small steamers could be supplied. Asks how much notice will be needed to collect troops, transports and steamers. Asks for the replies as quickly as possible, and for inquiries to be made quietly. Private.

9. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 26 Jul 1856. Canning asks if Sir H Somerset would, in Elphinstone's opinion, be glad to take command of the Persian Expedition if it were sent; and asks for Elphinstone's opinion of his ability. Doe not believe there is anyone else in Bombay suitable for the command; General Stalker is well thought of by some authorities, but Canning cannot learn of any good grounds for this. Most private.

10. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 27 Jul 1856. Elphinstone will know the instructions given to Colonel Jacob about the Khan of Khelat, and the news of the reported appearance of a Persian force near Jalk; and Elphinstone will see that if this report is true and an open attack is made on the Khan's territory the Government is prepared to help the Khan with arms and money. The arms will have to be supplied from Bombay, so Elphinstone should be prepared. Dost Mahomed has written querulously, asking what is to be done for him, and evidently expecting nothing in the way of help. In this he is quite wrong, as soon as Canning is assured that the Dost is alive and vigorous, and that a subsidy would be used against the Persians and not in the Dost's squabbles with his heirs, the Dost will receive aid. Canning had believed that the Dost was dying. Colonel Jacob has written a very satisfactory answer to Canning's last letter, and Jacob and Canning are new the best of friends. Sends a copy of Jacob's letter (not annexed) which contains same new suggestions about Persia, and asks Elphinstone for his views on Quetta. Private.

11. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 28 Jul 1856. Canning sends a letter to Captain Jones and a letter to Captain Kemball in the Gulf, and asks Elphinstone to forward them by a special ship if necessary. Kemball will probably be at Baghdad, the ship is not to wait for his reply. All information possible should be collected by the Captain of the ship on the preparations and movements of the Persians, affairs generally in the Gulf, and on the state of Mohummerah and the head of the Gulf unless this is already known to Captain Jones. Asks if Elphinstone has been able to find Colonel Holland's paper an the Routes of Southern Persia, and if he has not, wishes Holland to draw up a new paper with all the information he can provide. When Canning wrote to Elphinstone on the 26th, he spoke of a force of 12,000 or 14,000 men, he considers this to be a minimum, for even if nothing more than the occupation of Bushire and Bunder Abbas is contemplated as a beginning, it will be wise to exhibit the strength of arms to do more if necessary. Any advance inland will call for more troops. Asks Elphinstone to telegraph the arrangements made for sending the two letters to the Gulf. Canning may telegraph additions to the letters. No papers annexed. Private.

12. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 2 Aug 1856. The Mail has arrived from England, but there is no more comment about Persia; the President observes that the report of the fall of Herat is now known by the Government to be false, and that is all. Canning sends a letter for Captain Jones (not annexed) and asks for it to be forwarded with the previous letter to Jones. Private.

13. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 31 Aug 1856. Canning has had no time to write. Elphinstone knows officially what has been done about the Khan of Khelat, and about muskets for Dost Mahomed. Canning sends a copy of a letter to Sir J Lawrence (not annexed) for information. Canning knows nothing of the views of those in England besides what is contained in the Secret Despatches, except that Vernon Smith and even Sykes wish to send British officers to Herat. Ballard and Green are on their way to Bombay at the disposal of Government. Canning has not the slightest intention of sending them to Herat, where they would not be welcome if they came empty handed, even should they reach Herat alive. Colonel Jacob's Quetta scheme is preposterous, the isolating of a force above a difficult pass dependent on the precarious friendship of the Beloochees for passage is not to be thought of, to say nothing of the cost. As a temporary demonstration, in certain circumstances it might be a good move, but the Persians are not likely to make the move necessary, and it would provoke suspicion in Afghanistan. The 'Berenice' and 'Feroze' are being sent to Bombay, but the 'Zenobia' must remain attached to Madras until the 'Coramandel' [Coromandel] arrives, and the 'Tenasserim' is being repaired. Canning has telegraphed Elphinstone to make arrangements according to Sir H Somerset's memorandum of 8 Aug, but leaving out of the proposed force the 14th Light Dragoons and 1 Battery. Elphinstone should secure transports for the 1st Oct. Continuing his letter two days later because he has been ill, Canning has telegraphed Elphinstone that the Force has been reduced to 5,000. This is so large a force for the occupation of Bushire that the Persians will realise further operations are intended. Because of the unavoidable lack of complete Commissariat arrangements, the smaller the force the better, especially because it is still uncertain whether, if inland operations are undertaken, they will start from Bushire or Bunder Abbas or the Karoon. Because the Force occupying Bushire might have to remain there during the great heat, only one Regiment of Europeans will be sent. Shelter for the Regiment will have to be provided it seems. Captain Kemball's memorandum shows that a very small body of Cavalry will be sufficient, and Canning would rather send the Poona Horse than the Regulars. Asks if Elphinstone does not think that to send part of the Force in sailing vessels not towed by steam would risk greater delay than would arise from dividing the Force into two detachments sent by the steamers in two shifts. Asks if there are any Peninsular and Oriental company's steamers which could be chartered at Bombay. If the 'Victoria' and 'Ajdaha' have not already been recalled, they should be at once, possibly by the 'Feroze', she might sail to the Gulf and take two or three Commissariat officers to consult with the Resident, and look around. Asks where Elphinstone thinks the rendezvous for the Force should be fixed, favours Karrack, unless the 1st detachment is strong enough to take Bushire on its own. A coal depot will be needed on Karrack; there is already coal at Bassadore. Another necessity is a small steamer to fetch water constantly from Karrack or Hallilah for the Bushire garrison. This vessel should accompany the expedition, already equipped with tanks and casks.

14. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 2 Sep 1856. Canning has not solved the problem of the commander of the Persian Expedition, either for the first Division from Bombay, or the larger and united one from Bengal. The Bengal Division will not now follow as quickly as Canning thought, so the commander should be found in Bombay at present. Canning has heard nothing of Rawlinson coming, and does not believe it. He has consulted Colonel Havelock on Elphinstone's advice, and sends copy of Havelock's memorandum (not annexed). Canning considers General Waddington too old. Asks about General Wyllie Colonel. Hancock is very well spoken of, and the Governor General can make him a temporary Major General; asks if he would do. Colonel Stofford (Her Majesty's 64th) has a good name in Calcutta, he would also have to be given temporary rank. Canning believes that he can give temporary rank to a Queen's officer, with the co-operation of the Commander in Chief India. Most private.

15. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 3 Sep 1856. Canning continues his remarks on the command of the Persian Expedition. He has heard Colonel Green, 21st Native Infantry, spoken well of, but does not think he deserves selection over the heads of his seniors. Canning has no wish to shirk the responsibility of choice, but it is impossible for him to be the real chooser so far from Bombay, and Elphinstone must decide. Canning will if Elphinstone wishes choose between any two or three officers named or will accept any single name proposed by Elphinstone. There will be no need of political qualities for the Bushire Expedition, and if a larger one is undertaken there will be a new head. Captain Jones will remain at Headquarters and Canning has great confidence in him. Steadiness, patience, careful attention to the troops, and experience of rough countries are the necessary qualifications. Asks Elphinstone to send the commander's name by telegraph. Most private.

16. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 3 Sep 1856. Thanks Elphinstone for his letter of 23rd with enclosures. Canning has put into a Despatch part of the private letter Kemball wrote Elphinstone in 1854, it is so completely relevant to the Bushire operations, that Canning has ventured to anticipate Kemball's permission to do so. Believes some Cavalry should be sent to Bushire. Approves of the preparation of gun-boats and boats for disembarking the troops. Urges Elphinstone to take the first opportunity of sending Commissariat officers to the Gulf, and of recalling the 'Ajdaha' and 'Victoria'. Will write again on Sir H Rawlinson's letter. The President of the Board is no more explicit to Canning than he is to Elphinstone. Private.

17. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 19 Sep 1856. The President of the Board of Control in a letter dated 9 Aug reports that an answer from Teheran is to be awaited before any action is taken, and the answer will probably not arrive before the beginning of Sep. If this had been known before some waste in chartering ships might have been saved, but the Government of India is constantly told to prepare for the end of Sep. If the Shah's answer is despatched by Stevens on 17 Aug it will probably reach London just too late for anything to be written to India by the 1st Sep mail, in which case the word will not reach the Indian Government definitely till the end of Oct. This will not affect the first expedition, but it would make any movements into the interior, should they be necessary, take place very far on into the cold weather, and should Sir H Rawlinson's estimate of 3 months for Commissariat and carriage preparations be correct, would make inland operations very nearly impossible. At present opinion seems to favour permanent occupation of Bushire. Canning asks Elphinstone to obtain discreetly from traders and Naval men information about making improvements in the port of Bushire and the trade there. Supposes Jones' letter must have been delayed on the 'Assaye'. Thanks Elphinstone for giving the orders about waiting for a reply from Captain Kemball, Canning had forgotten he was the real expert on Gulf affairs. Hopes the reply about European infantry and additional cavalry will have satisfied Sir H Somerset. Somerset has written hoping for the command if a large force is sent, but Canning thinks Anson will probably be chosen. Agrees with Elphinstone's objections to the Quetta scheme, any move to provoke the Afghans would be very unwise at present.

18. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 12 Oct 1856. Canning thanks Elphinstone for the particulars of the Gulf trade. The offer of the Persian merchant to run a steamer to the Gulf is quite inadmissible on his terms, and at present. Thinks about a fortnight's hire of transports could have been saved, if more information had come from England. Elphinstone's estimate of the cost of the Expedition up to Apr 1857 of 52 lacs has taken Canning's breath away, he asks for details. Will send a copy of his reply to Somerset's offer of his services. Elphinstone's advice about Sir Henry Leeke has come just in time, Canning was about to reply to Leeke's offer of his services. He was inclined to refuse, because he was afraid Leeke would prove too scatterbrained for a complicated arrangement, but Canning is willing to put aside his objections in view of Elphinstone's belief that Leeke will be the best man. Now Canning has accepted Leeke's offer, on the understanding that he is not to remain at Bushire after the troops are landed. Asks if the small steamers which can be sent up the Karoon can be armed. The Governor General had not heard before of the hospital framework for Karrack, it is an excellent idea. Canning is glad to know that answers from Jones and Kemball on the Gulf are on their way, the miscarriage of Jones' letters was very annoying, Canning asks who is to blame. There is a great deal of useful information in Captain Jones and Dr Macalister's memoranda, but it is not encouraging. Names the worthlessness of Bushire as a shelter in the hot season, the scarcity and badness of the water, and the difficulties of the road to Shiraz. The doctor's opinion that in winter, and beyond the first range of hills or away from the Gulf, sepoys would be useless is most serious. Apparently there is no shortage of water on either of the mountain roads to Shiraz, so that only forage would have to be carried for the transport animals, if animals are obtainable. Supposes Major Green has been despatched, Canning does not wish him to be called a Political Agent, and his Mission must be temporary only. No officer should be sent to the Dost unless he asks for one, and then an officer should be sent from the Punjab, probably Lumsden. Canning will write to Colonel Jacob. Plans for taking the arms and the money to the Amir can be left to Jacob and Sir J Lawrence. From the telegraphed news from Teheran, it is evident that the Sedr Azim is playing for time, in the hope of taking Herat and being then able to make better terms the odds are in his favour. It is best to have nothing to do with Agha Khan, the Government has no excuse for taking up his cause for its own sake, and Canning does not think there is much to be gained. Asks if Elphinstone agrees with Rawlinson's estimate of 6,000 or 7,000 men, including 4,000 Europeans, for the march to Shiraz.

19. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 20 Oct 1856. Canning greatly regrets the events at Bushire described in Captain Jones' letter of 29 Sep but does not agree that Jones is entirely to blame. Two great mistakes were made, one in sending a mail by a vessel sent on such an errand as the 'Feroze', and the other in landing the Commissariat and Quartermaster General officers with all their luggage. The object of sending the officers to Bushire would have been attained by a very brief discussion with the Resident, who should have come to see them, and not vice versa. Captain Jones should have been consulted before any of the officers landed, it is not surprising that he was anxious. Canning blames Jones for not stopping the landing of the officers, if he had time to do so, which is not clear, and for sending the officers 300 or 400 miles back instead of forward on their business. This last looks as if Jones had lost his head. Canning agrees with Elphinstone that no officers should now be sent to Bushire, but considers it absolutely necessary that Captain Jones should have a steamer at his disposal to remove him from Bushire if necessary. Jones has given most of the information Canning required asks Elphinstone nevertheless to clear up the question of the miscarriage of the letters.

20. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 29 - 30 Oct 1856. Lord Canning has ready the Proclamation of War with the reasons for it, a notice to merchants and ship owners, a notice to Persian subjects and the Instructions of the Government of India, which will be despatched to Elphinstone if the Despatches from England contain nothing in disagreement with them. The Instructions do not deal with military plans, which are left to the General in command. They specify nothing more than at present Karrack and Bushire will be occupied perhaps for a long time. The chief authority, political, civil and military, is vested in General Stalker. Commander Jones is attached to Headquarters as Political Agent, subject to General Stalker's authority. There are instructions to deal with natives of all kinds encouragingly, to invite trade, and to relax customs. Canning has told Vernon Smith that he has given up all thoughts of sending a Force inland in the present winter, partly because of Commissariat and transport difficulties, but mainly because of the shortage of European troops. No more than three Regiments of Infantry can be spared from Bengal, Bombay can spare only one more Regiment than those already under orders, and Madras cannot spare any Regiments. Canning is convinced by Captain Jones' reports and other information that for inland operations many more Europeans would be required than was at first thought. Canning has told the Government in England that if more is to be done than taking Karrack and Bushire, extra troops will have to be sent from England, even the return of the two missing Regiments from India will be insufficient. This is secret; it must not leak out that there is a limit on the operations, and even in writing to General Stalker Canning has merely said that for marching upon the interior a very large European force will be needed, and asking Stalker for his views. The English Mail has just been telegraphed from Saugor.

21. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 1 Nov 1856. Because the Mail steamer only reached Calcutta just before post time on 31 Oct, the Proclamation was sent to Elphinstone on 1 Nov. Vernon Smith writes that because Palmerston and Clarendon were out of town, he cannot say how far it may be necessary to extend operations beyond Bushire and Karrack, but he hopes that Commissariat preparations will be made with a view to Shiraz. When Vernon Smith receives Canning's letter he will see that it is not so much Palmerston and Clarendon as Panmure and the Duke of Cambridge who will decide whether Shiraz is to be thought of, or not. In the meantime the Commissariat question in the Gulf must be investigated. The sending out of officers for employment at Herat begins to be troublesome, Canning supposes it is a cheap way of doing something civil to the Crimean heroes of India House. Canning has no work for Ballard or North, and if anything is to be done in Afghanistan, the officers on the Punjab Frontier would be more suitable. Asks for information on the following points: warm clothing for the sepoys, materials for hutting, steam vessels for exploring the Karoon. Asks if the prospect of near idleness at Bushire disappoints the officers and the General? The rendezvous at Bunder Abbas may require cautious handling, if the Imam objects the ships should be moved on to Bassadore as soon as possible. Although both places are owned by the Shah, Bunder Abbas is more under the Shah's eye, and the coal depot at Bassadore makes a reasonable pretext for assembling ships. Canning does not wish it to be appear that the Imam is to be dragged into the British quarrel with Persia. Private.

22. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 3 Nov 1856. Thanks Elphinstone for his letter of 24 Oct, the information about the transports is very satisfactory. From Elphinstone's information Major North may be of use. Canning has just authorized Sir John Lawrence to make an agreement with the Amir by which a continuous subsidy would be paid him for a certain amount of troops employed, if the agreement is made Major North may be attached to the Amir's army to see that the subsidy is spent to some effect. Does not see how Colonel Ballard can be employed, but Elphinstone should not dismiss him just yet. Asks why the Bombay General Orders of 20 Oct entirely pass over the Supreme Government. Bombay cannot prepare a force for war without consultation with the Supreme Government. Canning has another similar grievance, about which he will write in his next letter.

23. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 6 Nov 1856. Canning asks Elphinstone to forward some papers to Dunkellin (not annexed). Canning has answered Elphinstone's telegraphic message, Major North is to be retained, and Lieutenant Ballard released, he can go on the Persian Expedition.

24. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 30 Nov 1856. Lord Canning to Lord Elphinstone. Canning thanks Elphinstone for his letter, and for the unreserved confidence with which he has always written. He never thought the omission of the Supreme Government from the Proclamation was deliberate. Admits the justice of Elphinstone's counter accusation. The Amir is to be at Peshawur on the 10th for the conference, Lawrence hopes to learn what the old man can and will do, and to settle to what extent he should be aided. Canning is tired of correspondence on the subject, when the purpose of every letter is to be as ambiguous as possible. Asks if Elphinstone has ever considered the junction of Scind with the Punjab in one Lieutenant Governorship. Private.

26. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 18 Jan 1857. Canning has received the telegraphic message announcing Colonel Jacob's remonstrance against the withdrawal of the Scind Irregular Horse, and suggesting the substitution of a Regiment of Punjab Cavalry. The whole question will be disposed of by telegraph long before the present letter reaches Elphinstone, but Canning asks that in future similar recommendations be accompanied by reasons. As it is Canning must decide, without even knowing the nature of Jacob's objections. If he objected on military grounds, or because of the internal affairs of Scind, Canning would treat his objections with great respect. But if he objected because of the state of Afghanistan and especially Kandahar, Canning would take little or no notice, because he has better information upon this than Jacob. The negotiations with Dost Mahomed are nearly complete. The Amir described the state of his forces. He wishes to recover Herat, and talks big of his power to do so, but the least he requires for this is that his army should be raised from less than 30,000 to 50,000 men, of which 40,000 would move on Herat that his Artillery should be increased to 100 guns, at least 40 guns and a siege train coming from India and that the whole force should be paid for by the Indian Government. The bill would be at least 70 lacs a year, and more in the first year. Canning is convinced the Afghans would be unable to retake Herat from the Persians, because of the lack of experienced leaders, the dissensions, and the ignorance of siege warfare. So the Afghans are to be helped to defend themselves, and the Amir will be given money to raise an additional 8,000 men, another 4,000 muskets and a subsidy of 12 lacs a year, to last as long as England is at war with Persia. This will put the Amir and his chiefs entirely at their ease as regards further encroachments by Persia, expected at Furrah. The Afghans have no fears for Kandahar. Canning is very pleased the meeting with the Amir has taken place; Sir J Lawrence was against it from the beginning, fearing that he would not have authority to agree to all the Amir's demands, and that the Amir would leave annoyed. But this has not been so; Lawrence has conducted the negotiations admirably, and even if the Afghans were a little disappointed not to be aided to retake Herat, both sides now thoroughly understand each other, and the Amir has been taught that he must be explicit and plain-spoken himself, and that he may trust the British to be so. Everything that has come to light in the course of the negotiations has made Canning more determined to resist to the uttermost any move to Herat through Afghanistan, such a move will not take place as long as Canning is in India, and if Herat cannot be recovered without marching from India, it should be left alone. The Amir is the only friend of the Government in Afghanistan, and he himself within the past few days has admitted that before Dalhousie's treaty of 1855 he was on the point of joining Persia. The Dost's successor will be still more open to seduction from the Indian alliance, and possibly Russia may prevail. If so Herat will pass to Russia and it will then mean nothing that in 1857 or 1858 the Government wasted lives and money upon a siege of Herat to give it to the Afghans. Herat is not to be trusted as a safeguard to India in any hands but the British and if Herat is taken by the British all Afghanistan must be taken too, a country which by the Amir's admission produces less than 30 lacs, which would cost the British not less than 3 crores to govern. Discusses the dangers of sending an army across Afghanistan. Canning would support any Afghan chief who will accept British support and make an honest use of it, but he will not send an army to Herat trusting to Afghan moderation and good faith. Sends some copies of letters on this subject (not annexed, Marked in margin: To President, 7 Dec 1856, number 44; 22 Dec 1856, number 46; 8 Jan 1857, number 48; to Chairman 8 Jan 1857, number 20). Canning is curious to know whom Elphinstone will choose as Chief of Staff, the creation of the post is not popular in Calcutta, but Canning is very glad to make it. If Elphinstone needs a European Regiment the 29th Queen's Regiment can be sent from Pegu, the only difficulty being the transport, which must be provided from Bombay. Half the 12th Lancers will go to Bombay, transport being provided from Bombay. Two Regiments of Bengal Native Infantry will be moved to Nusseerabad if this suits Bombay, and also Artillery. Private.

27. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 26 Jan 1857. Canning asks Elphinstone to make inquiries into the insufficiency of boats for the landing of the troops in the Gulf on 7 Dec, and of the delay in landing the baggage. Sends a Minute on this subject (not annexed). Does not think inquiry should be made into the non-appearance of the gun-boats in the creek as this was a matter of tactics, and no great harm was done. It was impertinent of Major Hill to record on his plan that the gun-boats should have been sent. Is about to send a Despatch on the thanks of the Government of India to the Khan of Kelat, and the approval to the officers given by the Bombay Government for services rendered in carrying out the orders of the Government of India. The Court of Directors are much surprised at the appointment of Sir H Leeke, and send extracts showing that the Superintendent of the Indian Navy should not be employed afloat. Canning has promised not to repeat the error. Canning has just received the telegram about the raising of 500 Irregulars in place of those sent from Guzerat and the Deccan (Marked in margin: not received in office) and the telegram announcing that Jacob will give Outram the Scind Horse (Marked in margin: Telegraph Messages Received number 57). Private.

28. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 9 Feb 1857. Canning has sent to Rangoon to see if there are ships there which could take a European Regiment to Bombay. Asks Elphinstone to telegraph how many Bombay troops he wants returned from Neemuch. Approves of the scheme for raising supernumerary Irregulars.

29. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 14 Feb 1857. Canning send a letter to General Outram, who is to be transferred from Oudh to Rajpootana, changing places with Sir Henry Lawrence. The letter is urgent as part of the arrangement has appeared in the Bombay newspapers. Comments on the foolish manifesto put out by the Commander in Chief Bombay on the army at Bushire, hope it is not to be made public. Asks what the Commander in Chief means by talking of the caste objections of the sepoys to foreign service being insuperable, as this is not true or anything like true of Bombay, and may do serious mischief in Bengal; where with a foreign war on hand the Government may any day find itself at issue with native corps upon that very point, despite the encouragement of General Service Regiments and the prohibition since Sep 1856 of recruits except for General Service. Letters have come from China asking for 5,000 Queen's troops; Canning cannot give anything more than some sepoys to make Hong Kong safe. Elphinstone will be relieved of responsibility for garrisoning Neemuch.

30. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 6 May 1857. Canning writes that as soon as the news of the exchange of ratifications arrives he will send home a Despatch recommending certain officers of the Persian Force; he will also ask for a medal. Is relieved that the war is over, if the news is true, for the mutinous spirit is not quelled in Bengal, and Canning does not think it will be quickly eradicated, although the outbreaks may be repressed easily. The spirit of disaffection or mistrust has spread further than Canning thought 6 weeks ago, though it is wide rather than deep, and it requires very wary walking. It is not possible to say what the causes are; the common herd have a sincere fear for their caste, which is played upon from outside sources, to some degree with political objects. On the whole political animosity does not mean much in the present movement, and certainly does not actuate the sepoys in the mass. The disbanding of the 34th went off quietly; but it would not have suited Canning to spare Europeans had the Persian war gone on, and he has had to draw upon Pegu for one Regiment. Canning's chief fear that the Treaty may not be ratified is because of the article on Consuls. Russia is vehemently opposed to it, and determined to keep an English Consul out of Asterabad. The Herat articles are better than the Governor General expected, though there is some confusion as to whether or not Herat is part of Afghanistan. There will be difficulty in settling the succession to Herat, Canning will probably send Major Lumsden there to look after the evacuation and to watch subsequent arrangements. Names the part of Sir H Somerset's manifesto to which he objects.

31. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 7 May 1857. Asks Elphinstone how soon the 'Feroze' can be returned, if the ratifications take place.

32. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 7 May 1857. If the Home authorities reproach Elphinstone for lavish expenditure on the Persian war, Canning will come to his aid, for he has seen nothing to criticise on this score. There was extravagance over Outram's Staff, both military and personal, but for this Canning was responsible. Canning would not have been so liberal had Outram been his own choice, but as it was he was anxious that Outram should have all he needed to succeed. It seems that Vernon Smith is disposed to criticise the cost of the war. In England they imagine that Bushire is very close to India. Asks for information about Outram's movements.

33. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 22 Nov 1857. The Despatch on the movements to be made from Bombay is being sent to Elphinstone. The scheme has been altered since it was outlined to Elphinstone by Sir Robert Hamilton. Originally one column was to be collected at Mhow, and to be used in two directions, against Jhansi and Gwalior, and against Saugor. Now however Rajpootana has become seriously disturbed, and Elphinstone is being asked to send two smaller columns instead of one larger one, If however Elphinstone, cannot provide two columns, one must suffice, and in that case Rajpootana would be left alone until troops can be spared from the east, or perhaps part of the one column from Bombay, strengthened by Major Orr's force, might make a show in Rajpootana. The obligations in Rajpootana are almost all Treaty obligations, to defend Chiefs against their rebellious Thakoors. But Elphinstone must not run serious risks elsewhere for the sake of Rajpootana. Describes Sir Colin Campbell's achievements. He rescued the Lucknow Garrison after hard fighting. The strength of the rebels about Lucknow is much greater than Outram believed, and there is no sign of their resistance ceasing. They may leave Lucknow when they find that the British are not again going to commit the error of shutting themselves up in the City, for Lucknow will now be held in check by a moveable division posted in a strong position outside the City, but if they do so, it will be to take up a new rallying point, probably at Fyzabad. The Commander in Chief must now return to Cawnpore to dispose of the Gwalior men at Calpee. If the Gwalior rebels disperse into Jaloun, Jhansi or Oudh they will be very troublesome. They are said to be about 4,000 and they have thrown a line of posts across the Doab from Calpee on the Jumna to a place a little above Bithoor on the Ganges. Windham at Cawnpore is not strong enough to deal with them. The Dinapore mutineers and Koer Singh's followers nearly defeated Colonel Powell and William Peel, and are now at Banda. Saugor is in anarchy, Dumoh is in the rebels hands, and Jubbulpore in danger. In the south east of Oudh a force of 4,000 sepoys and Oudh Talookdars were beaten back with great difficulty by a small force of Gurkhas and Europeans. Further east Goruckpore is held by a rebel Nazim from Oudh. Taking Allahabad, or thereabouts as a centre there is at distances varying from 50 to 150 miles an almost continuous circle of active enemies; fighting in real earnest, and although Canning does not believe there is any system of co-operation amongst them, pressing upon the British at the same time. Partly owing to this, and partly because the arrangements on the Trunk Road enable the troops to move up so quickly, Canning has not sent over the 38th Regiment as he intended, to Bombay. A Regiment cannot be sent to Sir John Lawrence either. Troops move up-country so steadily that there are scarcely any in Calcutta. The importance of scattering the concentration of revolt is great in itself, but much increased by its proximity to Behar and Bengal. If rebellion were to burst upon Bengal from Oudh and the Central Province simultaneously, it would soon be beyond control. Thanks Elphinstone for all that he is doing.

34. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 9 Jul 1858. Canning has sent separately papers on the Oudh Despatch, as he wishes Elphinstone to know Canning's position regarding the politicians at home. Canning actions are very likely to be misrepresented, and he wishes Elphinstone to found his judgement upon the true facts. With regard to the general situation, Canning is sanguine. There should be 13 or 14 Battalions ready for service in Oudh before the end of Oct and by that time matters may have improved so that the military operations are little more than a promenade, enlivened by the destruction of the Forts. If Elphinstone continues to deal promptly and wisely with the Mahrattas there should be no troublesome distractions on a large scale elsewhere. Sir R Hamilton thinks that Tantia Topi and the rest will move on to the Deccan, but Canning thinks there is now less danger in the Deccan than at any previous time during the Mutiny. Progress in Oudh will depend very much upon the practicability of finding a loophole of pardon for the less guilty sepoys. It is difficult to devise any acceptable secondary punishment, for the sepoys find transportation as dreadful as hanging, and the recent actions of the mutineers in Behar make any act of grace untimely. Asks Elphinstone for his views on this. Canning is anxious to see Major Taylor. Sir George Clerk has suggested that his son report to Canning on Herat affairs, but Canning sees no reason to prefer the junior member of the Mission to the senior. Asks if a regular steam communication can be established with Bushire. Asks if the Mahratta Horse can be sent to the east side of India. Canning is suffering for the folly of having appointed Beatson to the command of the new Hyderabad Levies. Canning will send an express on the 10th, asks for the steamer to be detained for it if necessary.

35. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 8 Oct 1858. Canning is not surprised at the telegram from Bombay (Marked in margin: From Chief Secretary to Government of Bombay dated 6 Oct 1858) asking how the Despatches to England are to be addressed. In England they have solved the difficulty as to who should write to the Government of India in a moment of transition by not writing at all, neither publicly nor privately. The answer sent to Bombay was to direct Despatches as usual. The Proclamation of the Queen's Accession has been delayed in England, it is to be put out in India at a convenient time, accompanied by a Proclamation by the Governor General. It is difficult to know what should be said in the Governor General's Proclamation, without having read the Queen's Proclamation. Canning hopes to be able to have the Proclamation ceremony on the same day at Calcutta Madras, and Bombay, but this will be impossible if the Proclamation is made public in England as soon as it has been despatched. The ceremony should be as little exclusive as possible. There should be one solemn reading of the Proclamation, in a place to which all can have access. At Calcutta it will be read from the top of the Government House steps. If the Proclamation is in the third person it will suffice if it is read out by the Chief Secretary. After the reading, there should be a salute of 100 guns. In the evening, there might be illuminations and fireworks. At Calcutta there is to be a Ball, but Canning does not think this really necessary. He will write again officially on the ceremony in a few days. Has just received Elphinstone's message about Tantia Topi and the forces operating against him (Marked in margin: From Lord Elphinstone to Secretary to Government dated 5 Oct 1858). Napier has had instructions to put himself under General Michell, and the Jhansi Force is part of Napier's. Canning thinks there will be enough men to dispose of Tantia Topi. The great object is to keep him from crossing the Nerbudda. Within the last week Canning has received new proof that Tantia has had the Deccan as his object since the beginning. Asks if a Regiment can be sent up the Indus to John Lawrence.

36. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 17 Oct 1858. Canning sends a copy of the Proclamation (not annexed) which arrived in India by the mail of 17 Sep. 1st Nov may be the day of promulgation, but on this Canning will write again. The reading should be first in English, and then in one vernacular language, probably Mahratta in Bombay. Canning will send a translation into Oordoo, which should be published in Bombay. Asks Elphinstone to take every possible precaution to prevent any inkling of the words of the Proclamation becoming known before the day of promulgation.

37. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 22 Dec 1858. Lord Canning writes on the German Legion. The officers are the only serious difficulty he foresees, he has heard much of them from his Military Secretary who had experience of them at Aldershot, and from officers who knew the German officers at the Cape. It would lead to trouble to have both German and British officers in the Legion, yet there must he some officers in the Legion who have knowledge of India. It may be necessary to prepare a way to get rid of the German officers. Canning fears that it is impossible for a gentleman to consort with most of the Germans. Asks for Elphinstone views; if he shares Canning's fears some arrangement must be made whereby the Germans can be sent if necessary back to the Cape without a grievance. If the men for the Cavalry need training, every hour is precious, it is impossible to get Europeans safely through the Riding School in the hot months.

38. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 6 Feb 1859. Lord Canning writes that he might appoint Sir Richmond Shakespear to succeed Hamilton in Central India. If so, he would like a Bombay officer to succeed at Baroda, names Colonel Laing, Major Wallace and General Le Grand Jacob, and asks for Elphinstone's opinion of these men. The financial position of the Government is worse than Canning expected. In a few days Elphinstone will receive an official request to consider levying a succession duty. Asks for Elphinstone's views on new taxation in general. Laments Mrs Anson's death. Private.

39. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 6 Feb 1859. Canning thinks that if the Germans are not Cavalrymen, it would be better not to put them on horses, and not to ask for any old Cavalrymen from Sir George Grey. If it would have been possible to improvise a Cavalry Regiment Canning would have been glad but as it is he thinks it would be better to keep the men in a single manageable body, making as few changes as possible. They must have additional officers, who know German and are well qualified, from Bombay if there are such men available. Asks about their pay.

40. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 7 Mar 1859. Canning writes on the vacancy which will occur in the Council when J P Grant succeeds Halliday in Bengal. Montgomery is no longer available, and Canning has recommended Frere, and in doing so urged Lord Stanley to ignore the prescriptive right of Bengal to fill the Council. Private.

41. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 8 Mar 1859. Canning sends for Elphinstone only, copies of the Governor General's latest financial letters to Lord Stanley (Marked in margin: dated 29 Jan, 8 Feb, 16 Feb, 23 Feb 1859, not annexed). The Customs Duties are to be raised, although they will still be low compared to those of Australia, England and the United States. The Duty on Malwa opium is to be increased to 500 rupees a chest. The total of gain from these two increases should be about 124 lacs enough to pay the interest on money already borrowed on account of the Mutinies. Other funds must be provided to cover increased current expenditure, and for the interest of further loans. The extension of stamps is in hand. The Succession Duty is so full of practical difficulties that Canning is losing heart. The Tobacco Tax is likely to be vexatious, Canning hopes to hear from Elphinstone on this. The Governor General fears that a system of redemption of the Land Revenue may become necessary. Canning sees that Elphinstone favours this, though he himself looks upon it with great dislike and suspicion. The natives will have to be convinced that the Government is acting in good faith in offering them the fee-simple of their land, whilst reserving the liberty to tax them. The Permanent Settlement has already been held, and not by natives alone, to be a bar to the Chowkeedary Tax in Bengal. One impediment to the imposition of the Tobacco Tax is that the mode of levying it by licences to put a certain area of land under tobacco, is contrary to the spirit of the Permanent Settlement as understood by the natives. The mere existence of these objections, even if unsound or unreasonable is a warning that in commuting the Land Revenue the Government must not lose the right to draw from the purchasers taxes which can only be measurable by the land. If this right is reserved, the revenue payers might be afraid to redeem. All the proceeds would be used for paying off the principal of the Government debt; nevertheless Canning feels that to sell off a slice of Land Revenue to extricate the Government from debt is a dangerous precedent. Orders sent to Madras about the Enams seem opposed to Elphinstone's proposal, but need not form a fatal objection to it. Private.

42. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 11 Mar 1859. Canning asks for information about Lieutenant R G Watson, 2nd Bombay Europeans, who has applied for the appointment of 3rd paid Attaché at Teheran, and has been recommended by Sir J Outram.

43. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 28 Mar 1859. Canning writes that he has offered Indore to Sir R Shakespear, he thinks more satisfactory arrangements can be made for Rajpootana, when G Lawrence goes home. Canning is obliged to Elphinstone for his advice. Shakespear is to telegraph his reply to Elphinstone. If he accepts, Canning asks Elphinstone to send a letter to Colonel Lang (not enclosed, marked in margin: Miscellaneous Portfolio number 101) offering him Baroda. If Lang does not accept Baroda, Canning asks Elphinstone to send a letter to Brigadier General Le Grand Jacob (not enclosed, marked in margin: Miscellaneous Portfolio number 102; Telegraph Messages Received 991, 992, 994, 995). Canning would like to know the result in each case by telegraph. He has not written to Major Wallace, because he has not finally decided yet whether to offer him a post.

44. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 15 Jul 1859. The Inam scheme has been delayed because of the amount of work Canning has had to do. Approves of Elphinstone's proposals, sends a Minute (not annexed). The only material point on which Canning differs from Elphinstone is in the perpetuating of a provision of Regulation XVII of 1827. Outram and Harington, the only two Members of Council left, have not yet seen Canning's Minute, but will agree.

45. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 20 Jul 1859. Canning does not know if Elphinstone has written to England on rewards for Civil officers who distinguished themselves during the Mutiny. He himself does not know enough about the services of the Bombay officers to be able to choose them. Sends for Elphinstone only, a copy of a Minute on the subject which has gone to England, and a copy of a letter to Lord Stanley (neither annexed, marked in margin: dated 2 July 1859, dated 2 May 1859) Canning has not explicitly specified rewards, but has explained that he thinks those who are recommended for favourable consideration deserve the CB, and those who deserve notice have less strong claims, which could be met by addressing the thanks of the Queen's Government to each individually. Montgomery has received the KCB, Halliday is recommended for it, also Sir R Hamilton. Frere has got the KCB, Canning will probably recommend Colonel Ramsay for the KCB, Birch deserves it, but Canning is not sure that he will be thought eligible. Asks Elphinstone to send a Minute recommending rewards for Bombay. Private.

46. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 21 Jul 1859. Canning writes about the defences of Bombay. The Government of India has written to England in strong support of Elphinstone's recommendations. If sanction of expenditure on the defences comes from England, Canning may, in the event of the finances of India appearing more threatening than Louis Napoleon, ask Elphinstone to spend the money as slowly as possible. Canning is not much afraid of being drawn into the war with France, but agrees it is wise to take precautions. In the Hoogly strong earth works with platforms for large guns are being made. Now river is as unprotected as it was 100 years earlier. Calcutta and Rangoon are the two places in the east of India which are open to a raid. There is no danger of an expedition being landed from the Hooghly, but Rangoon is different. A land force of very moderate strength might take Pegu from the British. A successful stroke by the enemy would do infinite damage throughout India, and might lead to new internal difficulties. The Government of India cannot defend Singapore, which can only be defended by ships of the Royal Navy, for India cannot spare ships. Madras is improving its Fort, but it is indefensible against insult, capture and occupation. Trevelyan has asked for an armament of Armstrong's guns to fire red-hot shot this was suggested to him by Colonel Arthur Cotton, who might have known better.

47. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 2 Aug 1859. Canning asks for Elphinstone's opinion on Frere's proposal to establish a special school for the families of the Ex-Amirs of Scind. Believes that there is a great deal of force in Frere's argument, and Canning is not unwilling to set aside the restriction put upon educational expenditure. Asks if it is politic to make the Amirs and their families a class apart if they are at all like the sons and grandsons of Tippoo in their feelings and pretensions, it would be no kindness to the boys themselves to educate them separately. Canning has not seen many papers on the subject, but thinks that if the Amirs' families could be educated with other youths with whom they could reasonably associate, the scheme would be a very wise one.

48. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 18 Aug 1859. Canning has received Elphinstone's letter of the 7th. Agrees with Mr Ellis on the impolicy of allowing the compulsory sale of landed property in execution of decrees of Court, but doubts if laws to prevent or restrict such sales would be beneficial. Both the Government and the people are deeply interested in improving landed property. Comments on the difficulty of protecting the land of a poor man who wishes to mortgage his land to obtain money. The only real remedy would be in an entail but that would detract from the boon which it is intended to confer on the holders of Inam lands in allowing them to do what they please with their property so long as the Government revenue is punctually paid. Hitherto these lands have not been sold in execution of decrees of Court because the holders have only a life interest in them. Canning hopes to reach some agreement with Elphinstone about the whole question, but at present does not see his way to withdrawing the objection made. He does not undervalue the importance of conciliating and humouring the native classes, especially the traditionally influential ones. Asks if Elphinstone approves of Outram's addition to the Minute, suggesting that a part of the process should be made optional with the Inam holders, instead of compulsory.

49. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 20 Aug 1859. Canning has meant for some time to write on the subject of the Indian Councils. The question of abolishing the Governor General's Council has been under consideration in England. Lord Stanley was in favour of doing so, and Sir Charles Wood, inclining to the same view, has left vacancies in the Council unfilled. But the change can be made only by Act of Parliament, and in the meantime Canning is told to get on as best he can, in other words he is to continue working the most cumbrous system that ever man invented with crippled machinery. But as the cause is good he does not mind so much. Asks for Elphinstone's views on the Council of the Governor of Bombay, sends two letters of his own to Lord Stanley showing his views (Marked in margin: dated 13th and 24th Jun). The two letters together comprise nearly all that Canning has said upon the Council question. Asks Elphinstone to tell him to what extent, if at all, if the Council was done away with at Bombay, the status, establishment and salaries of the Secretaries should be raised, and how much money would be saved by the change. If the change is made, Canning hopes that it will be carried out by consultation with Elphinstone and London only but if the Governor General's opinion is asked for, he will give none except in concert with Elphinstone.

50. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 4 Sep 1859. Canning sends a copy of a letter to explain his message about Frere, for Elphinstone's information only (no letter annexed). Marked in the margin letter from Governor General to Sir H B Frere KCB, dated 3l Aug 1859; Telegraph Messages Sent number 646.

51. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 23 Sep 1859. Canning has heard that Wilson is to come to India as 4th ordinary Member of Council. The Council therefore is kept alive for the present, and there is no longer any reason why Frere's assumption of office should be delayed (Marked in margin: Telegraph Messages Sent 652). Canning's letter of 31 Aug no longer holds good and Elphinstone has been asked, officially, to relieve Frere. Canning has heard that Elphinstone proposes to appoint Mr Anderson, an excellent choice. Canning has no objection at all to a military man being chosen, he believes that those 'out of rule' appointments are generally best administered by military men. Hopes that Elphinstone's illness was not prolonged.

52. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 9 Oct 1859. Canning has just heard that Dr Ogilvie will soon return to Bombay. The cessation of Ogilvie's service in Oudh is not to be taken as any indication that he did not do well. He lost his appointment only because there was no longer any need of such an appointment. Canning disagrees with Ogilvie and is friends about the amount of notice to which his services before the Mutiny entitled him, but no slight was intended to be put upon his services during the few months he was in Oudh. Endorsed: One copy made by order 7 Dec 1859.

53. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 26 Nov 1859. Canning wishes if possible to avoid sending any Native Artillery to China, and has told Wood and Herbert that India can spare three Batteries of European Artillery. Has heard that the French are to send eight Batteries: it is important not to allow the land force to be inferior to that of the French. It is of vital importance that the Sikh and Punjabi Battalions should be contented, not only with their own treatment, but with the British, as compared with their traditional rivals. Each Queen's Battery will be given 8 guns, instead of 6. If when this is done, it should still be necessary to increase the Artillery, it may be necessary to send native Batteries. Discusses arrangements to enable this to be done. Thinks a Field Battery would be better than a Mountain Train. Describes the Force to be sent from India to China, and asks if Elphinstone has any amendments. Asks about steam transports for the Force. Hopes there is no difficulty about the Germans, asks how Rose defends his unwarranted offer to them. The Beyt business is very unfortunate Canning does not think Colonel Donovan's explanation should have been accepted as satisfactory, if it has been so. But he does not have much information on the matter. Asks how Mr Inverarity is doing.

54. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 22 Jan 1860. Elphinstone owes Canning no thanks for a simple act of justice, in transmitting the Bombay Report on the services of officers during the Mutiny with additional comments of his own. It was difficult to write such a Report avoiding mistakes. Canning has sent home a Supplementary Minute on the officers in Oudh and Nagpore, and a separate Minute on Brigadier Coghlan. Does not know if all the CBs will be granted. Canning is not surprised that Elphinstone wishes to be relieved, and envies him. Does not know who will succeed as Governor of Bombay or as Governor General Towards the end of 1857 Canning replied to Vernon Smith that Elphinstone was the fittest person to take the Governor Generalship should anything happen to Canning. Canning does not know if Elphinstone ever heard of this. There is trouble about the Commander in Chief Bombay. When Canning heard that the French intended to appear in great force in China, he urged the Government to substitute Mansfield for Hope Grant (Marked in margin: dated Cawnpore 2 Nov 1859, Sir C Wood). The Government has now taken all the inconvenience and mischief which belonged to the scheme, without the good they have named Mansfield as General of a Division under Hope Grant, an arrangement disagreeable to both. Michel and Napier have already been appointed Divisional Generals, and Mansfield asks to be allowed to decline the proposed Division, and to be allowed to take up his Bombay Command (Marked in margin: Governor General's book 1487). But as they will not expect Mansfield's refusal at home it is likely that they will have named some other General for Bombay, and intend to keep the reversion of Madras for Mansfield. Canning has recommended that Lord Clyde should be retained in command in India for some months longer, and Rose be given command in Bombay. Canning will be interested to see how the Government deal with Mansfield's request, he has been unfairly treated, but Canning cannot defend his method of meeting the problem. No papers annexed. Private.

55. Copy letter to Lord Elphinstone, 12 Mar 1860. Canning thanks Elphinstone for his answer to Lady Canning about the horses. He will be glad to have the grey, and the bay too, if he is not merely a lady's horse. Hopes they can be sent by steamer. Describes his movements. The last Durbar is happily over. Asks about Elphinstone's plans.

56. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 19 May 1860. Canning thanks Clerk for his letter of 10 Apr. Is confident of Clerk's support, whatever he may think of the measures of the Government of India. Has recently seen Elphinstone's Minute of 19 Apr on the new taxes he knew that Elphinstone did not like the new taxes, but he was not prepared for so sweeping and so ill-founded a condemnation of them. Clerk will receive a Despatch from the President in Council on Elphinstone's Minute as it is necessary that the points raised should be cleared up officially and immediately. Canning would like to know privately Clerk's opinion of the measures in progress and planned. Of late the 'Bombay Times' has written very much in the sense of the objections which have been urged by the Government of Bombay against the Government of India. Canning does not think this has been done under Government authority of any kind but believes that Bombay newspapers obtain access to the opinions, not only of their own Government, but of the Government of India, through inferior official channels. It is not easy to stop this kind of thing, but in an important matter like that under discussion, it is very desirable that it should be known that the Bombay Government, whatever its views, is determined to give its full force to carrying out orders. At present a reader of the Bombay Times would conclude the contrary.

57. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 8 Jun 1860. At Frere's suggestion Canning sends a copy of a Despatch upon Adoptions (Marked in margin: Simla 30 Apr 1860; Miscellaneous 500, not annexed). Asks for Clerk's comments. Is aware that the Despatch will find many opponents in the Indian Council. Will also send a copy of a letter to the Government North West Provinces on Police (Marked in margin: dated 30 Apr 1860; Miscellaneous 502, the original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence no. 7211. Not annexed). Private.

58. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 10 Jun 1860. Canning thanks Clerk for his letter, he will reply to some points at a future time. Asks if the Bombay Government could furnish an estimate of the cost and, revenue of Sattara, from the time it came under the Government

59. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 12 Jun 1860. Canning sends two papers which should have accompanied the Despatch on Adoptions. Papers not annexed, marked in margin: To Secretary of State dated 26 April 1860 regarding Bughat; to Secretary of State dated 10 May 1860 regarding the Hill states; Miscellaneous 500 [see Private Secretary’s Miscellaneous Papers, Mss Eur F699/1/2/6/42, item 500].

60. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 23 Jun 1860. Canning has just received Clerk's letter of the 14th, he had not realised that Clerk had more young Civilians than he needed. There is a great shortage of Civil Officers in Bengal and the North West Provinces. Before the Mutiny the Government of India asked to have the number raised to 600 the Court promised 550. The number is now 470, or less. For a time when all officers were ordered out in 1857 there was a glut, but now that furloughs have begun again the shortage is felt. Also for two years the retirements have been 15 per year, instead of 10, and this will happen for a third year. In Bengal the office of Joint Magistrate and Deputy Collector is filled by younger men than ever before held it, or ought to hold it. Canning will therefore take advantage of Clerk's offer. Strictly speaking the Governor General is debarred by law from using a Civilian of one Presidency in another Presidency, and a way round this must be found. If necessary, the Bengal Civilians will have to be called in from the Non-Regulation Provinces, and Bombay Civilians sent to replace them in the Non-Regulation Provinces. Unfortunately in the Non-Regulation Provinces young Civilians are not of much help. Asks how many men Bombay could spare and of what standing the seniors would be. Canning has long suspected what Clerk writes about the Red Sea Telegraph. Was pleased with Clerk's Despatch to the Home Government on the demand for food and protection for the signallers on the Kooria Mooria Islands. Someway or other they will try to make India pay wholly for the cable to Singapore. Canning is sorry to hear about the Bombay Post Office. He knows of no un-covenanted officer in Bengal qualified for the post of Post Master General Bombay, but if Clerk can find a suitable man Canning will be glad to make use of him. It is as difficult a place to fill well as any. An excellent un-covenanted Postmaster of Calcutta was promoted in 1859 contrary to the India House rule to be Postmaster General of Bengal. He is failing utterly. His authority over the Province is imperfectly maintained, and though unusually efficient in the smaller charge, he is good for very little in the larger. The union of the qualities which make a person good for organization and adaption of detail and good also for managing many subordinates is very rare. Rowland Hill, admirable as he is in conceiving and planning all the complicated arrangements of his Department is quite helpless in working it. The London General Post Office is all but in mutiny against him once every six months. Canning does not think, though he believes Frere holds different views than the Indian General Post Office is one which should be split up between the 3 Presidencies. There used to be great trouble between England, Ireland and Scotland, until the separate jurisdictions were curtailed and the whole consolidated. Discusses the Indian Navy. Agrees with Clerk about the fighting Navy, which should consist entirely of Queen's ships. The two greatest drawbacks to the change are the difficulty of making sure that a vote of the House of Commons shall not some day compel a dangerous reduction of naval protection, and the rooted objection of the Admiralty to giving any real authority to the Indian Governments over naval officers and their ships. Canning will send a copy of his letter written to Wood when he has finished it. The amount of work in Calcutta, in the present reduced state of the Council, is terrible, and there is as yet no signs of the Bill which is to reconstitute the Governor General's Council. Canning fears that Outram will not come back capable of work. Agrees with Clerk that it would be a mistake to transfer Loans for India to the London Market constantly, but thinks that it is permissible in the exceptional case as that of 1859.

61. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 10 Sep 1860. Canning has received Clerk's confidential letter of 26 Aug [The summary at the beginning of the volume notes that this was destroyed as requested]. Canning thinks that Clerk has done a very unselfish and patriotic thing. He can conceive no task more odious than that of taking up the management of affairs in China. Canning does not himself know whether he will go or stay in the spring, but believes it is more likely that he will stay. He does not know who his successor will be, on the whole does not think it will be Elgin. Canning did not misunderstand the motives of Clerk's letter, which he has destroyed without letting it out of his hands. Confidential.

62. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 29 Sep 1860. Canning generally reads the Bombay Gazette but missed the paragraph referred to in Clerk's letter of the 12th. The author deserves all that Clerk says of him, but Canning's Government is used to such aspersions from the newspapers. Canning was glad to get Clerk's letter (Marked in margin: dated 12 Sep 1860) but he would be untruthful if he did not say that since he had read Clerk's official letter on the Neriad petition it has been difficult for Canning to believe in any hearty assistance from Bombay over the Income Tax. Canning has read the letter inclosing the petition over and over again, and every time with a stronger impression that it was written in a spirit of decided hostility, and without being able to perceive that it gave any aid, or useful light whatever to the Government's financial measures. Canning feels that the letter is like an opposition speech delivered after the Bill has been passed, and when no practical good to the State could come of it. Nevertheless Clerk's private letters satisfy Canning that he (Canning) is wrong in his judgement. He hopes there will be no more official communications in the same contentious strain, and comments on the inside information which comes to the Bombay Gazette. Clerk has spoken of the tendency to centralize all chief departments. But apart from Financial Department and those Departments in which the whole expenditure of India has to be reviewed and estimated, the tendency has been to decentralize in all that concerns the application of the money each Government has to spend. The Supreme Government has had unwillingly to curb the local extravagancies and expensive anomalies, but would be very pleased if this would be done by the Local Governments. Every spender of public money has allowed expenditure to go on unnecessarily conscious that the Governor General; must pass the Bill and that whatever the momentary consequences, the real pinch will be felt in Calcutta alone. This cannot go on. It might have gone on for years if the Government had not been forced into the enormous expense of the Mutiny, and therefore compelled to look closely into immediate reduction and future expenditure. Canning agrees with Clerk that the seat of the Government of India should not be wholly at Calcutta. Allahabad is the proper place for the Government of the North West Provinces, now that the Delhi Division has passed to the Punjab, and Oudh is to join the North West Provinces. Allahabad is the junction of two great rivers, and will become a junction of three Railway lines. It is easily defended. These arguments are in favour of Allahabad as a local capital, and not as the seat of the Government of India. Calcutta will always be a place of immense trade, and the headquarters of banking and financial operations for the east of India. The Financial Department of the Government of India should never be far from the Bank of Bengal. Politically it is advisable for the Governor General not to be out of reach of the chief English non-official community of India. But it would be as well not to be tied to Lower Bengal, and Canning would give the Government a second seat at Agra, alternating between the two places. The Governor General would be within easier reach of the Chiefs of Central and Upper India without recourse to a cumbrous Camp. The transfer of clerks and archives from Calcutta to Agra and vice versa would be no great difficulty with the railway, especially when the functions of the Governor General were reduced within their proper bounds, and his Council placed upon a new and more efficient footing. Canning realised that Clerk thought little of Sir Richmond Shakespear. He is not brilliant or quick, but has good qualities. He obeys orders zealously, and his attitude towards natives is exactly right. He has the confidence of the Chiefs, and great influence over some of them. He has carried through some difficult negotiations with complete success and has made no serious blunders. Canning would not enlarge his charge, and knows that in military matters he has disagreed with Bombay. But for the important qualities of an Agent Shakespear is more to be trusted than many an abler man. Agrees with Clerk about the telegraph, the Government will never be able to forestall the business houses with news, and Canning sees no reason for trying to do so. Only Her Majesty's Ministers want quicker news, for they do not like to confess in the House that they know nothing of the report in the newspapers. Is not therefore disposed to accept Mr Corbett's terms, although they are reasonable enough. Asks for the names of the Chiefs to whom adoption is to be permanently granted, he wishes the alteration to be completed before news leaks out. Suggests that the boon be conferred in a Sunnud to each head of a family, bestowing the grace in the Queen's name and with the conditions of loyalty suggested in the Despatch.

63. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 8 Nov 1860. Canning thanks Clerk for his letter of 27 Oct. He has considered the papers about the transfer of the seat of the Bombay Government to Poona if the change costs nothing, two points only arise. Asks if the change would be convenient to the Government in its relation with commercial and financial matters which must still centre in Bombay, and if it would be unpalatable to the mercantile community. In Calcutta the Financial Secretary to Government and the Accountant General are ex officio Directors of the Bank of Bengal, if a similar arrangement exists at Bombay would it not be disturbed. Again, some financial matters, e.g. questions regarding Mint Certificates, have to be decided very rapidly, and the merchants would complain if they were debarred a hearing. Canning is glad that Clerk is going to Sheodashegur, and will be glad to know Clerk's opinion. Asks for information about the roads there, he is opposed to the proposal of a cheap rough Railway. Sends the latest papers on Sheodashegur (not annexed, marked in margin: Government of India to Government of Madras 5136 dated 30 Jul 1859 with map). Sees no reason why Bombay should not modify the Income Tax forms, though only the first edition of forms has the full force of law under the Act. The tax has been collected in Assam without any sign of discontent. Canning regrets the delay in the reply about the transformation of the Cavalry, the question of 30 Rupees pay is a serious one for Bengal, and the difference in the expenses of the Bengal Bowar and the Bombay Sowar is insufficient for a difference in pay. Canning has looked into General Court's case, and thinks he has been scurvily treated. He has recommended to Sir C Wood that the house, or its value, should be given to Court at once. Reverting to the question of Poona, Canning has not had an opportunity to talk to Frere on the subject. Thanks Clerk for Mr Spooner, whom he praises. Canning is very anxious for Clerk's reply about the adoption scheme. Describe his future movements.

64. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 13 Nov 1860. Canning sends an extract from a letter from the Commissioner of Nagpore, on the tenure of the estate of Deor (paper not annexed, marked in margin: dated 6 Nov 1860), and asks for information about the tenure of Deor as opposed to the other Bhonsla possessions, and asks if the resumption can be revoked, or the estate regranted without embarrassment. Canning has discussed the movement to Poona with Frere, and apart from the point raised in his last letter to Clerk, thinks the move reasonable. Asks for suggestions as to how the general confirmation of the right of adoption should be communicated to each Chief, favours a short Khureeta from the Governor General to each Chief. Endorsed: Governor General 1778.

65. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 22 Dec 1860. Canning thanks Clerk for his letter of the 11th, Mr Bellasis seems to have acted with good judgement. Shakespear has been asked to tell Clerk that the negotiation with Scindia has been closed. Scindia would not transfer the Jagheers of the Gwalior Sirdars, or his religious and charitable grants, from the Deccan to Gwalior except in exchange for the greater part of Koonch which Canning would not give. So there will be no need for Mr Tytler. Canning does not yet know anything certain about the arrangements with Holkar, when the Chief last mentioned the subject he was agreeable to exchange lands. Clerk will receive an official letter about the taking over of the Bombay and Baroda Line, Canning is glad that this should happen, his only criticism was that there was no proposal for an agency in England. Canning thinks Clerk will find it difficult to get on without contractors.

66. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 30 Jan 1861. Canning has just received Clerk's letters of the 20th and 21st, and hopes that his reply will reach Clerk before he embarks for Kurachee. Sir Charles Wood has always considered reducing the number of officers in the Native Infantry Regiments to perhaps 6, and although Canning does not think this scheme will be carried out as regards the 15 Native Infantry Regiments retained in Bengal, expects that no other Regiment shall ever be given the old number of officers. Canning gives his own views on the reduction of the numbers of officers, thinks that at present it would be a mistake. It is better to draw Irregular officers from Regular Regiments than from any other source. Officers are also needed for Civil duties. A letter from Clerk mentions that young Civilians complain they have nothing to do in Nagpore and Oudh. Canning cannot understand how this can be true, especially in Nagpore. Canning likes Clerk's proposal for the transfer of North Canara, but it must wait until Sir W Denison arrives. Asks if Captain Anderson could be kept in hand until the question is disposed of. Mr Laing has bad news of the Railway prospects, he expects the bankruptcy or suspension of expenditure, of most of the great lines. Canning describes his movements. Asks for news of Scind. Sir R Montgomery is pressing for steamers from Mittenkote to Kalabagh, but there is no money available. Clerk's report of the Gaekwar is very satisfactory, Canning is glad to know that he and his Ministers are reconciled to Canning's view of the guarantee question. Canning observed that the railway engine photographed in its distress is called after the Gaekwar, and hopes that he does not take this as a bad omen.

67. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 29 Mar 1861. Canning is grateful for Brigadier Coghlan, and has just disposed of his report on the Zanzibar and Muscat affairs. Canning agrees with Clerk's Resolution on all points except that of using the Zanzibar Consul for the supervision of Syud Bughash. Thinks also that the provision of an Arabic Chair in an English University would be a very slow and uncertain method of benefiting the Indian Service. It would be better to give liberal money prizes for proficiency in Arabic, a practice which has ceased in Calcutta. Canning was glad to have Clerk's note of the 17th about cotton. Canning could not write about Shedasheoghur at once, but now has heard that there is no objection to Bombay carrying on the roads eastward. Madras is bound to object to the transfer of North Canara, the papers have not yet reached Canning. The Governor General supported the making over of the Baroda line to Bombay officially as well as privately. Wood was inclined to it also, but has now decided that the loss of time and the injury to the works were too great. Wood assumes that the Company will dispute the transfer, so Canning has not argued the case any further. He must conclude his letter, although he has more to say.

68. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 30 Mar 1861. Canning refers to the Government Resolution upon facilities for the export of cotton, to which Bombay alone has as yet actively responded. A letter from Major Elliot at Nagpore (The original letter is endorsed with a reference to the Private Secretary's correspondence no. 8466) shows that the only two ports he can use to ship his cotton are Bombay and Mirzapore. Canning is giving him £5,000 to improve the Deccan road, especially between Jubbulpore and Jaulnah, and the aid of Bengal sappers. Asks if Clerk could lend a Company of Bombay sappers for the same purpose. Eventually the Godavery will be the exit for much of the Nagpore cotton, and Elliot will probably have Madras sappers to improve communications with the Godavery. He expects a native firm to establish a Cotton Press at Hingunghat, already a chief cotton market. The Government did intend to sell the Sydney and the Australian but the price obtainable is too low so they have been laid up. The cost of the inefficient navy and marine must be reduced before money can be spent on either. Canning will be bitterly disappointed if the year cannot be got through without a Loan. Both ships are expensive to maintain and unsuitable, even for transport. Transports between England and India are best found in the open market unless the Government consents to make a contract with Green or Wigram or some other great ship owner to build and keep at the disposal of Government a number of suitable ships. Sends an extract from a letter from the Consul, at Diarbekir (not annexed, marked in margin: Mr J Taylor to Captain Pelly, dated 22 Dec 1860) which is discouraging about the Telegraph, but may console Clerk for the cold water thrown on the scheme for using the Bombay Navigation Company between Bombay and Bushire. Canning has reconsidered Clerk's letter about the Arabian, Persian and African establishments. Canning is against making these over bodily to Downing Street. Would like to see the Royal Navy responsible for the naval defence of the places and the Government representatives. The Aden Garrison should be kept in the hands of India, because there must be native troops there. India should be relieved of everything to do with the slave trade. Thinks it unimportant as to whether India or England deals with Bushire, Muscat and Zanzibar, but Aden must be kept by India, for at the first symptom of even a coldness with France the Suez route would be closed to English troops, unless kept open by force, which would start a war. France has an undeniable right to object to Egypt being made a route for English troops.

69. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 14 Apr 1861. Canning sends a Minute on the Indian Navy, he does not know what Clerk will think of the extinction of the service. Canning is convinced that in India a good local Naval Force is an impossibility. Only the Americans have succeeded in having a good small Navy. Hopes Clerk will give his opinions. Official papers about the reductions will be sent to Clerk shortly. Minute not annexed, marked in margin: dated 7 Apr 1861.

70. Copy letter to Sir G Clerk, 8 Jun 1861. The Government has sent Colonel Bruce to Bombay not as a spy or a hostile critic, but because he can be useful. He knows the Police question through and through and has managed to economise under very unpromising circumstances. Even if the Bombay Government does not act on Bruce's suggestions, he will bring back to Calcutta a clearer understanding of the Bombay Police than anyone in the east of India possesses.