Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/93

Contains docketed sets of papers, numbered 2351 to 2400, 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. 24 Private Secretary’s Correspondence, Nos. 2301 to 2400’. 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 2352, 2353, 2354, 2355, 2356, 2357, 2358, 2360, 2362a, 2363, 2365, 2366, 2367, 2368, 2369, 2370, 2374, 2374a, 2375, 2376, 2378, 2379, 2379a, 2384, 2385, 2386, 2396a, 2398 and 2400 have a red cross on them, to indicate that they ‘may be preserved’, whilst ‘the rest may be destroyed’.

2351. August 1857. Letter from Her Majesty's Consul at Marseilles. Encloses a copy of a Telegraph Message from the Earl of Clarendon, intimating that Mr Disraeli's motion for the production of papers respecting Indian affairs was negative, and that Lord John Russell's motion for an address to the Queen was unanimously agreed to, 'that the House of Commons will cordially support Her Majesty in any efforts that may be necessary for the suppression of disturbances in India, and in any measures that may be required for the permanent establishment of tranquillity and contentment in that important portion of Her Majesty's dominions'. Note about this.

2352. August 1857. Letter from Mr J W Roberts, Calcutta. Sends extract from a letter received from Raneegunge stating the receipt of news of the mutineers from Hazeerabagh being 50 or 60 miles from Raneegunge, and that about 12 refugees have just come in. Note by Private Secretary.

2353. August 1857. Letter from Mr H Stainforth, Calcutta. States that the information in Mr J G Pughe's letter about the Fyzabad fugitives appears to be erroneous, as Mr Cockburn has received from Patna news that the Fyzabad officers had arrived at Dinapore uninjured; with a list of officers. Letter from Mr Pughe. Part of ½ anna stamp.

2354. August 1857. Letter from Mr P W Le Geyt. Forwards 2 letters giving a further account of the state of things at Kolapore. (No longer enclosed) See also 2355.

2354a. August 1857. Copy of letter to Brigadier General G St P Lawrence. Sending him a letter received from the India Board to the address of the late Sir H Lawrence.

2355. August 1857. Letter from Mr P W Le Geyt, Calcutta. Forwards a note from Mr W Elliot about the bad symptoms in the Bombay Army, in Kolapore in particular (no longer enclosed). See also 2354.

2356. August 1857. Letter from the Honourable E A Blundell, Singapore. States his reasons for sending to Calcutta the 'Blervie Castle' with 250 men of the so-called 'Military Train'. He has put the state prisoner Khurruck Sing under restraint for communicating with the convicts and sent him to Penang. Copy of reply about this. See also 2366.

2357. August 1857. Letter from Colonel F P Haines, Military Secretary to Sir Patrick Grant, Calcutta.

Sends a list of losses at Arrah.

2358. August 1857. Letter from Major H L Thuillier, Deputy Surveyor General, Calcutta. Sends 6 copies of the Route Map. See also 2301.

2359. August 1857. Letter from Mr C W West, Cannanore. Asks for the restoration of his son R C West to his appointment in the Telegraph Department. 2 letters. 2 anna stamp. Copy of reply, declined. See also 2578, 2815.

2359a. September 1857. Copy of a letter to Lord Elphinstone, Bombay. Asking him to forward letters to Colonel Curson and Captain Anson, at Delhi.

2360. September 1857. Letter from Captain B D U Ramsay, Her Majesty's 75th Foot, Brigade Major Queens Troops, Fort William. In explanation of a remark made by the Governor General in a letter to the Commander-in-Chief regarding the disembarkation of, and arrangements connected with, troops arriving in Calcutta from England, that the authorities appear to be at cross purposes regarding the supply of necessaries such as sheets and socks to the troops; that the staff officer at Chinsurah makes contract of his own for supplying the troops, also the Brigade Major Queen's Troops at Calcutta. Copy of reply about this.

2361. July to August 1857. Letter from Lieutenant R Murray, Artillery, in charge of Ordnance Stores, Oudh Irregular Force, Mussooree. Asks to be Superintendent of Telegraphs in the North West Provinces and the Punjab. Letter about Murray from Mr Beadon.

2362. September 1857. Letter from Captain C C Drury, 34th Native Infantry, Barrackpore. Asks for permission to fish in the tanks at Barrackpore Park. Copy of reply, granted.

2362a. September 1857. Draft of letter from Lord Canning to the Editor of the 'Englishman'. In reply to a correspondent who complained that much information about the fate of the European residents in the North West Provinces and elsewhere in India was being withheld. Any enquiries addressed to the Private Secretary will elicit all the information that is available.

2363. September 1857. Letter from Mr John Jenkins, Bill and Stockbroker, Calcutta. Asks for information about Mr C J Jenkins, Bengal Civil Service. Copy of reply, nothing is known about Mr Jenkins.

2364. August to September 1857. Letter from Lieutenant H G Raverty, 3rd Bombay Native Infantry, Assistant Commissioner, Mooltan. Begs that his case may be decided, it has been before the Government for nearly 13 months.

2365. September 1857. Letter from Mr William Kelly, Calcutta. Asks for information about his brother, Mr James Kelly, of Dublin, who went to Allahabad and Meerut in Captain Moir's Company. Copy of reply, nothing is known by Private Secretary, but he should apply to Captain Johnson, Assistant Adjutant General at Meerut, sending his letter to Bombay and Lahore.

2366. August to September 1857. Letter from the Honourable A Blundell, Governor of the Straits Settlements, Singapore. Reports the arrival of 100 men of the Royal Engineers at Singapore shortly after the despatch of the 'Military Train' to Calcutta, and the receipt of orders directing all the China regiments to be turned to Calcutta excepting the 'Military Train'. He gives the cause of a false alarm among the Europeans and Anglo-Indian community at Singapore. The people of the 'Transit' have left Singapore, and the hull with everything in her is to be disposed of in September by public auction, and presumes that the Dutch Governor will be the purchaser. He has given a reception to the Ambassador from His Majesty the King of Siam to the Queen. Copy of reply, letter received by the 'Fiery Cross'. The reply is sent by the 'Ava' which is bringing Lord Elgin, who has earned the gratitude of all the Englishmen in India. Also note. See also 2356.

2367. August 1857. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel R Strachey, Secretary to the Government, Central Provinces, Rajmohul. Reports the arrival of Mr Grant and himself at Rajmohul, where there is no mail except an extra of the 'Phoenix' announcing the arrival of the 'Shannon' with Lord Elgin and the Marines.

2368. August 1857. Anonymous letter. Suggesting the withdrawal of all the British Forces from Delhi to the Punjab or Allahabad; all offensive operations should be postponed for the present.

2369. August 1857. Anonymous letter, Calcutta. The town is in danger and Martial Law should be introduced. The registration of arms should be made law, and the state prisoners in the Fort should be sent to the Straits, as the Mahomedans have resolved to rescue them.

2370. August 1857. Anonymous letter. Mentions among other causes of the Mutiny, the seduction of sepoys' women by officers, and bribe-taking.

2370a. September 1857. Copy of a letter to the Honourable J P Grant. Private Secretary expects he will find his letters and newspapers at Allahabad; there has been nothing of great importance since 7th Aug. Lord Elgin sails for China on 3rd September. 2 companies of Royal Artillery and 100 sapper and miners are to be sent. The anxiety about Lucknow is becoming very great. Sir Colin Campbell has been sworn into Council. The Mohurrum has passed off quietly.

2370b. August to September 1857. Letter from Mr H C Wake, Civil Service, Fort Buxar. Trusts that the Governor General has already received the news of the complete success of the British at Jugdeespore. He hopes for an appointment in the India Secretariat; in the meantime asks for 3 months leave, and permission to join General Outram's force. Copy of reply, his wishes for appointment noted, he will hear about his application for leave from the Government of Bengal. See also 2442. Governor General's book number 559 [Labelled as 2370A].

2371. September 1857. Letter from Mr F O 'B Hely, late Acting Cornet of the 1st Troop of Bengal Yeomanry Cavalry, Calcutta. Asks to be allowed to raise a large body of Europeans at 80 Rupees per month including horse and syce. Copy of reply, offer refused. See also 2439, 2478.

2372. September 1857. Letter from Sir A Buller, Calcutta. Encloses a letter from Mr Blechynden, Secretary to the Agri-Horticultural Society, to whom the Governor General's subscription may be sent. Copy of reply about this. See also 69, 2393, 4053, 4246, 5811, 5822. Governor General's Book number 29.

2374. September 1857. Letter from Captain C J Hodgson, Bengal Engineers, Fort William. Asks for any news of Mr T K Loyd, Magistrate and Collector of Humeerpore. Copy of reply, Mr Loyd is certainly dead. A letter has been received from Major Ellis of Nagod, enclosing one from the Rajah of Chickaree whose troops were sent to protect the Europeans at Humeerpore; the commander instead of obeying orders attacked the Europeans. Loyd with Grant got across the river in a boat, but they were followed and murdered.

2374a. September 1857. Copy of a letter to J Greenway Esquire, the Mint, Calcutta. The Private Secretary cannot discover any information about Greenway's son, but it is probable that he is safe.

2375. August 1857. Letter from Sir Henry Ward, Governor of Ceylon, Colombo. Returns thanks to the Private Secretary for a most interesting letter. Reinforcements cannot be expected before the end of September. The Troops arriving in the interim will assist in the British holding their own, if Madras and Bombay keep quiet. He has long felt certain that the attempt on Delhi could not succeed with so small a force; General Reed is unfitted for so arduous a duty. He regrets the death of Sir H Lawrence. The 37th has proceeded up country. He encloses a copy of his speech to the Legislative Council, and their reply. He remarks on the financial status of the Colony, is trying to put the civil service upon a more liberal footing, as regards pensions. He has settled the disputes amongst the Moorsmen about their Mosques. A subscription has been opened for Indian Relief. Mr Calthorpe has arrived from Java at last and will be sent home to recover his health. Some official acknowledgement might be made to the 37th, who have done good service.

2376. June 1857. Anonymous letter. Regretting the conduct of the Government in leaving the Europeans and other Christians to defend themselves; in gagging the Press; in first refusing volunteers from Englishmen and others and then in placing them under an incompetent officer; and in adding an insulting proclamation that if an Englishman was found with arms, they would be confiscated.

2377. September 1857. Letter from His Highness Prince Gholam Mohamud, Russapuglah. Hopes that it is not Lady Talbot's death which is reported. Sends his regards, together with those of Prince Feroze Shah.

2378. September 1857. Letter from the Honourable F J Halliday, Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, Alipore. Sends a letter from 'The Brigade' which contains a hint about bad management by the officers of the 53rd, with a view to its correction.

2379. September 1857. Letter from Mr H Dundas, Calcutta. Asks for information about Mr John Wedderburn, Civil Service, and his wife and child. Copy of reply, there is no reasonable doubt that the family was murdered; there is an account of the incident in the 'Lahore Chronicle'. Letter from Mr Edmonstone about this; copy of the 'Lahore Chronicle' for 25th July.

2379a. September 1857. Copy of a letter to H Maxwell Esquire, Calcutta. Private Secretary has been unable to find out any news about Mr P Maxwell at Cawnpore, or the Messrs Jones at Futteghur, but he regrets that there can be no doubt as to their fate.

2330. September 1857. Letter from Mr C A Cantor, Calcutta. Asks for information about his son Lieutenant C H Cantor, 2nd European Fusiliers. Copy of reply, Private Secretary regrets nothing known.

2331. September 1857. Letter from Messrs Turner, Cadogan and Company, Calcutta. Asks for information about Captain Athill Turner, 1st Bengal Native Infantry. Copy of reply, Captain Athill Turner was of the party from Futteghur landed at Cawnpore, and was killed there; Mrs Turner is said to have died from fever (6 letters altogether).

2331a. September 1857. Copy of a letter to J Green Esquire, Acting Agent and Consul General, Alexandria, Egypt. Sends a letter from the Honourable F Bruce from Kedgeree.

2382. September 1857. Letter from Mr C J Gray, Bank of Bengal, Calcutta. Asks for information about his father Brigadier J C C Gray at Lucknow. Copy of reply, the Government has no news about the garrison other than that published; as Brigadier Gray has not been mentioned among the casualties it is to be hoped that he is alive and well. See also 2549.

2383. September 1857. Letter from Mr T Callow, British Library, Calcutta. Asks for information about sub-conductor George Cannor at Delhi. Copy of reply, enquiries are being made.

2383a. September 1857. Copy of a letter to the Honourable J P Grant, Lieutenant Governor, Central Provinces. Sending the latest news from Delhi; Lucknow has been attacked again and the attack repulsed by the garrison who also made a sortie in which they captured some cattle. Lord Elgin has left; there are no signs of the Royal Artillerymen yet; the 'Sanspareil' is expected daily, a 70-gun ship.

2384. September 1857. Letter from Mr C M Smith, Calcutta. Asks for information about Mrs Nowlan of Agra. Copy of reply, there is no news of any deaths from Delhi, no lives were lost when the town was plundered. It is to be hoped that Mrs Nowlan is safe. Another letter about this, from Mr Beadon.

2384a. October 1857. Copy of reply to Dr J W Fleming, Her Majesty's 37th Regiment, Ghazeepore.

Acknowledging his letter. Private Secretary regrets to hear that the climate has ruined his health, but is not suprised, he considers the country the most detestable quarter of the globe he has ever set foot in.

2385. September 1857. Letter from Mr G F Edmonstone, Calcutta. Confirms the report of Mr T Loyd's death.

2386. September 1857. Letter from Mr J Clint, Calcutta. Asks to be told the date on which the attack on Lucknow was repulsed by the British with great loss to the Ghazees and insurgents; and to have the report confirmed that the garrison were well provided with provisions. Copy of reply, no official report has been received, and the date is unknown.

2387. September 1857. Letter from James Scott Esquire of Messrs Purrier and Company, Calcutta. Asks for information about Mr George Jephson, Simla, in charge of the Transport Train on the new Thibet road, and Mr J S Bell, Allahabad, innkeeper. Copy of reply, nothing known.

2388a. September 1857. Copy of a letter to R L Reid Esquire. Regretting that no information is known about Lieutenant Lambe.

2389. September 1857. Letter from Colonel M Carthew, Madras Army, Calcutta. Forwards a packet of letters received from Lord Harris.

2390. July to September 1857. Letter from Mr Henry Raven, Vice Consul, Trieste. In reply, the message for Lord Granville was transmitted immediately and the expenses incurred were £1. 8s. Copy of reply enclosing a draft for £1. 8s. See also 2315

2391. August to September 1857. Letter from Mr A R Young, Secretary to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta. States that no letters of any importance have been addressed to the Lieutenant Governor of the Central Provinces since 9th Aug from the Bengal Office.

2392. September 1857. Letter from Captain H P Lovell, Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, Calcutta. Wishes the departure of the 'Alma' postponed. Copy of reply, postpone for 24 hours.

2393. September 1857. Letter from Mr A H Blechynden, Secretary to the Agri-Horticultural Society, Calcutta. Acknowledges receipt of the Governor General's subscription. Copy of earlier letter sending subscription. See also 69, 2372, 4053, 4246, 5811, 5822. Governor General's Book number 29.

2393a. September 1857. Copy of a letter to Major General, the Honourable J Low, Companion of the Order of the Bath, Calcutta. Returning a letter from Mr Barrow, Cawnpore.

2394. September 1857. Letter from Lieutenant R Mignon Indian Navy, Honourable Company's Service frigate 'Semiramis', Calcutta. Asks for a recommendatory note to Lord Elphinstone for the appointment of Assistant Indian Naval Storekeeper at Bombay. Copy of reply, Private Secretary would not advise Lieutenant Mignon to make this request to the Governor General as it will be refused. Copy of another reply, Mignon will be able to find out the movements of the Honourable Company's Steam Ship 'Punjab' from the Secretary to the Government in the Home Department. See also 2118.

2395. September 1857. Letter from Mr D Mackinlay, Calcutta. Asks for information about Ensign Edmund Cadell Scott and Lieutenant Colin Robertson 28th Native Infantry, stationed at Shahjehanpore. Copy of reply, no information is known.

2395a. September 1857. Copy of a letter to the Honourable J P Grant, Benares. Reports that the 'Sanspareil' has arrived at Calcutta with 300 Artillerymen, the officers having been at Calcutta for some time. General Mansfield has arrived. Everyone is much shocked by the news of Mr Colvin's death. The 'Cleopatra' with troops from Singapore is announced; the 'Adventure' and 'Assistance' have not come. He sends a copy of the mysterious petition [note, probably about the recall of Lord Canning] which was talked of before Grant left.

2396. September 1857. Letter from Charles Jenkins, Joint Magistrate, Bancoorah. Asks for information about Arthur Jenkins, Civil Service, Deputy Commissioner of the Poorwa District in Oudh and Lucknow. Copy of reply, it is thought that all the Poorwa officers are in Lucknow. The news from Lucknow is good, and it is hoped that it will be relieved in a few days. Note from Mr Edmonstone.

2397. September 1857. Copy of reply to Colonel T D Carpenter, Commanding 1st Madras Native Infantry. His letter has been transferred to the Military Secretary.

2398. July to September 1857. Extract from a letter of Dr Bleeker, Director General Medical Service, Java. Has heard with surprise of the Mutiny in Bengal, and though he is not apprehensive of its affecting the Netherlands India, hopes to hear soon of the restoration of tranquillity. Copy of reply to Dr Cantor, thanking him for the extract.

2399. September 1857. Letter from Mr J Hodges, Calcutta. Asks for information about his brother, Mr A H Mitford, an Assistant in the East India Railway line at Murrowlee near Cawnpore. Copy of reply, nothing known.

2400. August to September 1857. Letter from Mr George Plowden, Commissioner of Nagpore. Asks whether any of the letters specified are missing. He cannot understand why the Nagpore and Bombay mails are now sent via Cuttack and Raipore, a very slow and irregular route, whilst the road between Jubbulpore and Bombay via Nagpore is open and uninterrupted.