Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/91

Contains docketed sets of papers, numbered 2251 to 2300, consisting of correspondence, relating to applications for posts and other matters. These papers were originally included in one bundle of one hundred docketed sets of papers, labelled ‘No. 23 Private Secretary’s Correspondence, Nos. 2201 to 2300’. Each numbered set of papers usually consists of an original letter sent to the Private Secretary to the Governor General, or to the Governor General, a copy of the reply from the Private Secretary, Gerald Chetwynd Talbot, and any other papers. In addition, for each set of papers, either on the back of the original letter, or on a separate sheet of paper, is written the number of the set of papers, the year, the name of the writer of the original letter, the official position and location of the sender, the date the letter was despatched, the date it was received, the date it was answered, any cross references to other papers, and a brief summary of the letter. Numbers 2251, 2254, 2258, 2259, 2261, 2265, 2266, 2267, 2268, 2269, 2270, 2271, 2272, 2276, 2277, 2280, 2285, 2288, 2291, 2293, 2294, 2297, 2298, 2299 and 2300 have a red cross on them, to indicate that they ‘may be preserved’, whilst ‘the rest may be destroyed’.

2251. July 1857. Letter from Major J G Holmes, Commanding 12th Irregular Cavalry, Segowlee. Submits reasons for his having proclaimed Martial Law over certain districts, including from Goruckpore to Patna. He had received a letter from the Magistrate of Tirhoot stating that there was a plot to break open the jail. Also another letter from the Magistrate of Allygunge, that the opium factory at Selimpore was in great danger, and there was hardly a hope of saving the treasure there; also that on an expected rise of the sepoys at Dinapore, the civilians at Chupra were ready to fly. He had had a letter from the Magistrate of Motiharee (?) saying that he had just received a seditious and threatening letter. He had also had repeated letters from the Judge of Goruckpore, that he would probably abandon his post, and that at Azimgurh, and in the right bank of the Gogra, anarchy reigned. He had a letter from the Magistrates of Chupra asking for protection as they expected the revolted sepoys from Azimghur. He therefore declared Martial Law. At the same time he hanged two Brahmins of the 37th Native Infantry by an illegal court of 3 (instead of 5) officers. He believes this was justified. With reference to the strong passage to which the Governor General alludes, it was most improper, but will not admit that it was dishonourable. Copy of earlier letter, asking why he had proclaimed Martial Law; and quoting an offensive passage from an earlier letter about Dalhousie and the Company, demands an apology. Further letter about some recommendations and appointments he has made.

2252. July to August 1857. Letter from Captain A Elliot, 5th Bengal Cavalry, Assistant General Superintendent, Thuggee and Dacoity Department, Camp. Is about to visit England on sick certificate, and has arranged for Lieutenant W G Cumming, Deputy Bheel Agent at Maimpore, to act for him.

2255. August 1857. Letter from Mr A Speirs, son of the late Colonel Speirs, Allahabad. Asks for the return of a newspaper he sent. Hopes that the proclamation of Martial Law throughout Upper and Central India may afford him an opening as a Special Commissioner. Copy of reply, returning newspaper; the Private Secretary cannot obtain such an appointment for him. See also 1993, 2058, 2149.

2254. July 1857. Letter from Mr D J Money, Judge of Suddar Dewany Adawhut, Calcutta. To Sir James Outram asking for employment for his son under Outram.

2255. August 1857. Letter from Mr P Bonnaud, Accountant in the Calcutta Custom House. Sends a commercial annual, 1856 - 1857. Copy of reply, acknowledgement.

2255a. August 1857. Copy of reply to H Piddington Esquire, Calcutta. His application has been transferred to the Military Secretary to the Commander in Chief.

2256. August 1857. Copy of reply to Captain P R Innes, Invalid Establishment, Allahabad. His application has been transferred to the Military Secretary.

2257. August 1857. Letter from Major C Hasell, 48 Native Infantry, Calcutta. Asks for an appointment. His property (including his testimonials) has been destroyed by the rebels. Copy of reply, apply to Military Secretary.

2258. August 1857. Letter from Mr H Piddington, Calcutta. Submits a copy of a draft Act and Code for the organization of a tribunal of Commerce; also a memorandum of ships and steamers en route for China with troops. Copy of reply, acknowledgement.

2259. August 1857. Letter from Major W A A Thomson, Commanding the Governor General's Bodyguard, Calcutta. About the disarming of the Bodyguard; he hopes the order will not be published in General Orders, as the Bodyguard gave up their arms of their own accord.

2260. June to August 1857. Letter from Mr A F Elphinstone, Devonshire, England. Recommends his son Captain John Elphinstone, 20 Madras Native Infantry, for a staff appointment in Bengal. Two 4d stamps, one 1d stamp. Copy of reply, application noted.

2261. August 1857. Letter from Colonel R Napier, Engineer, Berhampore. In reply has decided not to go to Darjeeling as the journey takes 5 or 6 days each way; and asks for instructions. He is quite ready to join Sir John Outram. Suggests Colonel Macgregor for command at Berhampore. He has no doubt Dr Campbell will with the Executive Officer, choose the best site for the European barracks at Darjeeling. Copy of earlier letter to Napier, his services are required on the staff of General Outram, who will assume command of the Cawnpore and Dinapore divisions 1 Aug. Urgent.

2262. February 1857. Letter from Syed Obdool Mujeed, Deputy Magistrate 24th Pergunnahs, Alipore. Asks for a card of invitation to the forthcoming Durbar.

2263. August 1857. Letter from Mr J S A H Byrne, Calcutta. Complains of Captain Chapman's incivility to him, and refers to Chapman's inability for the post he holds of 2nd in Command of the Bengal Yeomanry Corps.

2264. July to August 1857. Letter from the Reverend F D Lord Gordon, Cochin. Writes on various subjects, 4 letters. Two 1/2 anna stamps.

2264a. August 1857. Copy of a letter to Captain Hoswell, Commander of HMS Himalaya. Sends instructions as to delivery of despatches to the Governor of Mauritius and Sir J Higginson, and that Hoswell must return to Calcutta direct.

2265. August 1857. Anonymous letter, Calcutta. Makes suggestions for the public safety of Calcutta; is of the opinion that in the event of an insurrection in the Presidency, the King of Oudh will be made a rallying point in the same manner as the King of Delhi has been made in Delhi; would recommend the removal of the King.

2266. August 1857. Letter from Mr S L Blanchard, 'Hurkaru office', Calcutta. Suggests that the Press withhold for the present news of General Havelock's retirement upon Cawnpore.

2267. October 1856 to December 1857. Letter from Colonel J S Brownrigg, Honourable Secretary to the Eton Memorial, Mayfair, London. Sends a circular about subscriptions to an Eton Memorial. Two 2d stamps, one 6d, one 1d stamp. Bill of exchange for Brownrigg. See also 1185, 1196, 1315, 1316, 1855, 1863, 2267, 2268, 2269. Miscellaneous Bundle number 14.

2268. June to August 1857. Letter from Colonel J S Brownrigg, Honourable Secretary to the Eton Memorial. Further to the fund. Copies of 2 replies about this. See also 1185, 1196, 1315, 1855, 1865, 2267, 2269. Miscellaneous Bundle number 14.

2269. July 1857. Letter from Mr Dudley R Smith, Messrs Jardin Skinner and Company, Calcutta. Sends a list of Bengal subscribers to the Eton Memorial. Copy of reply, acknowledgement. See also 1185, 1196, 1315, 1316, 1855, 1863, 2267, 2268. Miscellaneous Bundle number 14.

2270. August 1857. Letter from Mr T Sutherland, Sutherland and Company, Calcutta. Sends a Memorial to the Governor General asking to be allowed to raise an artillery corps for service in the North West Provinces. Copy of reply, declined.

2270a. August 1857. Copy of a letter to the Honourable J P Grant. Sending him a copy of a letter sent to him earlier. He hopes there will soon be news of Havelock; Eyre has defeated Kour Singh at Jugdeespore.

2271. July to August 1857. Letter from Major G Ramsay, Resident at Nepal. Has been carefully watching the ex-Maharanee of Lahore, and does not believe she has been visited by strangers since the outbreak of the Mutiny. She is a nonentity, and seldom leaves her house. As she is poor, he does not believe she has any influence over the Nepalese Army. He is sure that if any mutineers manage to smuggle into Nepal, they will be given a warm reception by Jung Bahadoor, and have not the slightest chance of returning. He sends an extract of a letter from Captain Wroughton about the good conduct of the officers and men of the Gurkhas on their way to Lucknow, written 12 Jul. Copy of earlier letter, Colonel J Abbott of Ishapoor has a report that the sepoys at Barrackpore believe that cash is received by the rebels from Nepal, and that if defeated, they will fall back upon Nepal. Colonel Abbott believes the Maharanee of Lahore is involved. Governor General's book number 513.

2272. July to August 1857. Letter from the Honourable E A Blundell, Governor of the Straits Settlements, Singapore. As Lord Elgin has unexpectedly arrived en route for Calcutta, he need send no detailed report about turning to Calcutta the troops for China. Lord Elgin has approved of the transmission to Calcutta in a private steamer a company of the 5th which was left behind at Mauritius by the Simoon. His Excellency leaves instructions for the sailing of the two steam transports for Calcutta direct from Angier if possible. See also 2217.

2273. August 1857. Letter from Mr W T Moore, Howrah. About his leave, owing to illness, through which he lost his appointment. Copy of memorandum about Moore by Mr Beadon; copy of reply to Moore, refusing to submit his letter to the Governor General.

2274. August 1857. Letter from Mr J W Roberts, General Agent, Calcutta. Sends an extract of a letter from Hislabat reporting the transit of boats laden with upcountrymen towards Calcutta. Letter from Mr Beadon, enquiries show that fewer upcountrymen than usual have come to Calcutta. Copy of reply to Mr Roberts.

2275. August 1857. Letter from Mr D C Mackey, merchant, Calcutta. Sends a plan of the passenger ship 'Lord Raglan'.

2276. August 1857. Letter from the Honourable J Colvin. Returns Major V Eyre's despatch, and suggests the publication of paragraphs 2 and 3. Extra edition of the 'Phoenix', giving Eyre's despatch, from Arrah, 3 Aug, with list of casualties etc.

2277. August 1857. Letter from Mr George Brown, Calcutta. Reports it is believed that the Lancefield will return to China about 25 Aug; the 'Alma' is going to China for troops.

2278. August 1857. Letter from Lieutenant B Wyld, 3rd Madras Europeans, Executive Engineer, Moulmein. Asks for his former application to be cancelled, as he hears Colonel Cunningham, Chief Engineer, Pegu, is to ask him to survey and report on an important military road from Thayet Myo to Tounghoo. Note about this.

2279. August 1857. Letter from Lieutenant H V Lillicrap, Bengal Yeomanry Cavalry, Alipore. Has enlisted as a volunteer in the North West but being without means to provide himself with necessities, asks for 100 Rupees. Copy of reply, declined. See also 2290.

2280. August 1857. Letter from Mr H Piddington, Calcutta. Forwards a note on the transport of troops to Benares, Dinapore or Patna, by elephant. Memorandum about river steamers. Copy of reply, acknowledgement.

2280a. August 1857. Copy of a letter to Lord Elphinstone, G C H Bombay. Asking him to forward letter to Captain Anson at Delhi. Reports Eyre's victory at Jugdeespor, and that Havelock has not been able to relieve Lucknow. Sir Colin Campbell has arrived and assumed the command of the Army, but has not taken his seat in Council. Sir P Grant leaves the Punjab for Madras. Private Secretary's brother is hopeful about his Shrewsbury title prospects.

2282. August 1857. Letter from Mrs J Horn, Calcutta. Returns thanks to Lady Canning for her donation of 50 Rupees. See also 1795, 1797, 1799, 2281.

2283. August 1857. Letter from Mr W P Palmer, Civil Auditor, Fort William. Forwards a list of the fixed establishments under the Government of Bengal on 1 May 1857 (no longer enclosed).

2285. August 1857. Letter from Mr H Wallace, Post Master, Benares. Encloses a receipt for the Governor General's despatches addressed to the late Sir Henry Barnard, of 21 Jun and reports that should Lord Canning desire to communicate with the Delhi Camp or with any other quarter, he can give despatches to a trusty Cossid.

2286. August 1857. Letter from Mr C Sharp. Reports on the state of Barrackpore Park. Copy of reply about this. See also 2138, 2157.

2287. August 1857. Copy of reply to Mr W Vincent. His application has been transferred to the Military Secretary.

2288. August 1857. Letter from Mr T Garrett, Officiating Deputy Post Master General, Calcutta. Mr T Garrett, Officiating Deputy Post Master General, Calcutta, 19 Aug having heard that General Havelock has reached Cawnpore, and proposes to send the letter mentioned to that station; and begs to know any news of Lucknow where he has a wife and 3 children.

2289. August 1857. Letter from Mr A Money, Civil Service, Calcutta. About his appointment as collector of Behar. Copy of reply, acknowledgement.

2290. August 1857. Letter from Lieutenant H V Lillicrap, Bengal Yeomanry Cavalry, Alipore. Asks for money. Copy of reply, refused. See also 2279.

2291. July 1857. Letter from Mr T Garrett, Deputy Post Master General, Bengal, Calcutta. Reports the substance of a letter from a native banker at Allahabad, about the detachment of 2,000 British troops from the Delhi Force towards Cawnpore, and that Nana Sahib was the instigator of the revolt at Cawnpore and near Bittour.

2292. August 1857. Letter from Mr G F Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department. Forwards the Durbar accounts for Jun and Jul (no longer enclosed).

2292a. August 1857. Copy of a letter to Dr T Leckie, Surgeon to the Governor General. About Dr Campbell's proposed application for an increase in salary.

2293. August 1857. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel J Hannyngton, Commanding at Berhampore. Reports that the native troops at Berhampore have been completely disarmed, and the horses of the Irregular Cavalry taken possession of, without any disturbance.

2294. August 1857. Letter from Mr W Cobb Hurry, Calcutta. Encloses two letters from the ladies of the Royal Family of Oudh, praying for the King's release at least during the Mohussum; they do not trust the man to whom they usually give their letters. Copy of reply, acknowledgement. Copy of later reply returning the letters, as the Governor General cannot accept the letters without admitting that the ladies distrust of the officer appointed to receive their communications is well-founded.

2295. August 1857. Letter from Major L H Hamilton, Alipore. Sends copies of Telegraph Messages, received by the Lieutenant Governor. Telegraph Message received number 320 a and b.

2296. August 1857. Letter from the Honourable F J Halliday, Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, Alipore. Sends a note from Captain A G Nedham, containing news of the Irregulars at Julpigoree.

2297. August 1857. Translation of a letter from an unknown, Lucknow. Sends correspondence showing the urgent need for European troops at Bancoorah. Copy of reply, regretting that the Governor General is unable to split up his forces to guard isolated stations; and asking the civil officers at Bancoorah to meet dangers, or to escape them, but not to believe reports of disasters on light grounds. A column of 1 Madras Native Infantry, a Field Battery of Madras Native Artillery, and an incomplete wing of Her Majesty's 53rd Regiment will be sent to Raneegunge, and up the Grand Trunk Road. Telegraph Message sent number 208. See also 2298.

2298. August 1857. Letter from Mr P G E Taylor, Civil and Sessions Judge, of West Burdwan, Bancoorah. Urgently requests a small body of European troops. Copy of reply, as to the preceding number 2297. Telegraph Message sent number 218. See also 2297.

2299. August 1857. Mr H C Wake, Civil Service, Camp Arrah. Encloses a letter to the Governor General and states that he is about to start for Jugdeespore where they hope to exterminate Koor Sing and the rebel troops. Copy of reply, acknowledgement. The Governor General has had news of the success at Jugdeespore from Dinapore, and anxiously awaits further details.

2300. June 1857. Major General G W A Lloyd, C B, Commanding the Dinapore Division, Dinapore. The despatch of 23 Jun was received and sent on without loss of time, though there had been a previous Telegraph Message from Colonel Birch. Sends extract from Major Holmes' letter, that he had received this message, (for the urgent despatch of Nepal troops, who cannot reach Goruckpore before 5 or 6 July).