Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/105

Contains docketed sets of papers, numbered 2952 to 3000 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. 30 Private Secretary’s Correspondence, Nos. 2901 to 3000’. 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 2953, 2956, 2957, 2960, 2964, 2966, 2967, 2968, 2970, 2972, 2973, 2974, 2976, 2977, 2980, 2983, 2984, 2987, 2989, 2990, 2991, 2992, 2993, and 2999 have a red cross on them, to indicate that they ‘may be preserved’, whilst ‘the rest may be destroyed’.

2952. December 1857. Letter from Mr F W Place, Benares. Asks for information about his application for relief, under the terms of the recent notification. Note from Mr Beadon about this. Copy of reply, he should apply through the Commissioner of the Delhi Division as soon as communication is open.

2953. November to December 1857. Letter from Colonel F A Reid CB, Quarter Master General of the Madras Army, Madras. Asks for information about Lieutenant Groom, who was at Lucknow. Note from Colonel Birch about this. Copy of reply, there is some uncertainly as to whether it was Graeme or Groome who died; but it is believed to be Graeme.

2954. December 1857. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Charles S Reid, 9th Battalion Foot Artillery, Dum Dum. Places his house at Dum Dum at the disposal of Lady Canning for the festivities on New Year's Day.

2955. December 1857. Letter from Mr W T Moore, Howrah. About his claim for a gratuity.

2956. December 1857. Letter from Mr W Tayler, Calcutta. Asks if the Supreme Government has expressed any opinion about his future employment; if his exclusion continues he will be bankrupt. Copy of reply, the Government, will not direct the Lieutenant Governor to re-employ him, though it is not against his re-employment. See also 2939.

2957. December 1857. Letter from Mr C Chester, Commissioner of Allahabad. Reports the names of three European women, and that of Mr Boilard, a merchant, murdered at Allahabad; and expresses his disbelief in atrocity stories current. A newspaper reported that the European steward of the mess of the 6th Native Infantry was made to witness the murder of his children and then to eat portions of their flesh; in point of fact no such persons as the steward or his children ever existed. He believes the stories were invented by Europeans or Eurasians. Copy of earlier letter asking for his opinion on the Governor General's belief that the Atrocity stories are either inventions of natives, or very exaggerated accounts. Copy of reply acknowledging Chester's letter, and asking if he believes the stories of the violation of Englishwomen are true, and if not, on what grounds he has formed this opinion. See also 2960, 3250.

2958. December 1857. Letter from Messrs Colvin, Cowie and Company, Calcutta. Forward a letter to support of Captain W D Dickson's application for employment. Copy of reply, acknowledgement.

2958a. December 1857. Copy of a letter to G Campbell Esquire. Acknowledging his second paper, sent up to the Governor General.

2959. November to December 1857. Letter from Captain W D Dickson, 3rd Bombay Native Infantry, Sholapur. Forwards a copy of a testimonial. See also 2344, 2537, 2958. [originally incorrectly filed after 3958].

2960. December 1857. Letter from Mr John Sherer, Magistrate, Cawnpore. In reply, expresses his entire disbelief in the newspaper report that any of the European women were violated during the recent disturbances; suggest a small chapel may be built on the site of the well in the Bibighar to the memory of the victims. Exaggerated accounts are given out without any foundation; the story of Miss Wheeler is quite unworthy of credit. In Dr Duff's account of events at Futtehpore there was not a word of truth; and the same applies to the melodramatic story of Captain Skene. Copy of this letter. Copy of earlier letter asking for Sherer's opinion on the atrocity stories. Copy of letter, 16 Dec, to Mr C B Saunders Esquire, Commissioner and Agent to the Lieutenant Governor, Delhi, asking for his opinion on the atrocity stories. See also 2957, 3250, 3338, 3273.

2961. December 1857. Letter from Mr Manackjee Rustomjee, Calcutta. Asks if soldiers are to be stationed again at his premises at Cossipore, which he places at the disposal of the Governor General. Copy of reply, apply to Military Secretary.

2962. December 1857. Copy of reply to Captain J W Boileau. His application has been transferred to the Military Secretary.

2963. December 1857. Letter from Lieutenant R G Rogers, 6th Native Infantry Arracan Battalion, Kyouk Phyoo. Asks to be appointed to the Arracan Commission. Copy of reply, the vacancy has been filled.

2964. December 1857. Letter from Dr D McPherson, Garrison Surgeon, Bangalore. Forwards abstract of his report on the introduction of ambulances to the Indian Army (no longer enclosed). Copy of earlier letter asking for more details about the ambulances. See also 2786.

2965. November 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel R Shortrede, Revenue Surveyor, Sind Saugor Doab, Muree. Applies to be Surveyor General of India. Encloses two other letters about his fitness for the post, and a plan of the triangles he observed in 1842-47, when he was removed on the grounds of having done no work. Copy of reply, there is no vacancy. See also 3191, 3567.

2966. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Major H Hopkinson, Rangoon. Encloses a letter from Mr Spears containing a more satisfactory account of affairs at Ava. He offers a few remarks in favour of the clemency order for treatment of the mutineers and sends a copy of a telegram containing particulars of the late disgraceful attack made on a part of the Pegu Pay Guard by the dacoits, and the measure adopted for the enquiry. He encloses a translation of a vernacular report from Captain Ardagh, at Prome, about the assemblage of armed men there, and notices the exaggerated account of some slight disturbances in the Martaban district. See also 2948.

2967. November 1857. Letter from Major General C A Windham CB, Commanding at Cawnpore. Reports the non-receipt of news from Lucknow since 19 Nov probably from the road between Alum Bagh and Burmee [?] being closed; Madrasees have been sent to open the roads. He regrets having lost an opportunity of punishing the Gwalior Contingent, and the necessity imposed upon him not to move. Suggests that a regiment of dismounted Dragoons be marched to Cawnpore and housed there, instead of Calcutta at the enormous price. Asks if it is true that troops are to be marched up and permanent camps established along the Trunk road. Reports that 2,000 men and 10 guns of the Gwalior force are at Akbarpoor, intending to advance upon Cawnpore and enumerates the force he has ready to oppose them. News from Lucknow is favourable, and preparations have been made at Cawnpore to receive the women, and gives assurance that General Garrett's niece will be duly cared for on arrival.

2968. October 1857. Letter from the Honourable Mr J P Grant, Benares. Encloses translation of a letter from a 'Correspondent' at Delhi about operations at Lucknow, and refers to the failure in an attack on the King's Palace. Reports that communication between Alum Bagh and Cawnpore is quite open, and between Alum Bagh and the Residency absolutely closed. He apprehends an invasion by the Oudh people and calls for some European troops to make the place secure.

2969. November to December 1857. Letter from Mr C T Le Bas, Officiating Civil and Sessions Judge of Benares, Kurnaul. Has submitted his application for leave to England, and asks for special permission to go, notwithstanding the prohibition of all leave. Letter and duplicate. See also 2970.

2970. December 1857. Letter from Mr C T Le Bas, Officiating Civil and Sessions Judge of Benares, Kurnaul. Directs attention to his former application for leave, and forwards a report of his proceedings at Kurnaul, which he believes he saved. Copy of reply, application for leave should properly be made through the usual official channel; but his Lordship is unable to grant leave at a time when the Court of Directors are sending to India every officer of the service who is in England. See also 2969.

2970a. December 1857. Copy of a letter to Lord Elphinstone, Bombay. Sending him three letters from the Chairman and President, and one letter for Brigadier Caghlan.

2971. December 1857. Letter from Mr James Hume, Secretary Calcutta, Races. The Governor General's Plate will be run for one the following Saturday; asks when the Governor General will be at the course; encloses a prospectus of Calcutta Races, 1857-58. Copy of reply, Governor General will attend, but cannot state precise hour.

2972. December 1857. Letter from Mr T E B Judge, Calcutta. Sends a letter from his brother with an account of Sir James Outram's engagement of the 22 December (no longer enclosed).

2973. December 1857. Letter from Mr G Blyth, Calcutta. Offers his services as a naturalist in any expedition to the Andamans; reports the departure of Dr Kelcart in the 'Shannon' to Ceylon to carry out his investigation of the pearl oyster. Copy of reply, acknowledgement.

2974. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Mr W Crozier, Calcutta. Sends a microscopic photograph of the Lord's Prayer, and recommends this as the best means of sending secret despatches of Government (photograph no longer enclosed). Copy of reply, grateful acknowledgement.

2975. December 1857. Letter from Dr J G Vos, Secretary, District Charitable Society, Calcutta. Submits a report on the case of Mrs C H E Thomson (no longer enclosed). Copy of earlier letter, asking for information. See also 2995.

2976. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Mr H A Murray, Private Secretary, Madras. In reply, submits an explanation about the transportation of mutineer convicts to Singapore, no more will be sent. Copy of earlier letter, reporting that Mr Blundell dreads the arrival of any mutineer convicts in Singapore, and asks what is being done.

2977. January 1858. Letter from Mr G S Fagan, Calcutta. Supplements his petition in favour of Gholam Hussain. Two notes from Mr Simson about this. Copy of earlier letter to Fagan asking him to communicate his business in writing. See also 3079.

2978. January 1858. Letter from Major B D W Ramsay, Fort William. Asks for information about Captain G Wardlaw, Lieutenant J Hudson and Lieutenant S Vyse; also encloses a letter from Lieutenant H A Cockburn 53rd Native Infantry (no longer enclosed) and asks for a cavalry appointment for him.

2979. January 1858. Letter from Mrs M D Tucker, Alipore. Wishes to return to her husband’s station at Monghyr. Memorandum about this. Copies of two replies, Lieutenant Governor of Bengal will be asked if the station is safe.

2980. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Mr G Couper, Camp Alum Bagh. Has despatched Lieutenant Mecham's sketches of incidents during the siege of Lucknow. The rebels are becoming disheartened, and the retaking of the city should be simple. Copy of reply, the drawings have not come yet. Goruckpore has been recovered. The 1st detachment from Lucknow has arrived in Calcutta, and were received with a royal salute and all honour. The sketches will be forwarded to Sir George Couper Bart, in England. See also 2908.

2981. January 1858. Copy of a letter to Lieutenant P Stewart. Asking for 5 copies of the Lucknow Gazettes.

2983. January 1858. Letter from the Venerable Archdeacon of Calcutta. Reports the death of the Bishop of Calcutta, and the day of his funeral. Copy of reply about this. See also 2984.

2984. January 1858. Letter from the Venerable Archdeacon of Calcutta. Reports the funeral arrangements of the late Bishop. See also 2983.

2985. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Lieutenant J Cockerell, 4th Light Cavalry, Camp, Tuttiah. Has telegraphed his wishes for an appointment at Futtehghur. Note to Mr Beadon and his reply. Copy of reply, regretting that he has not been granted the appointment. Telegraph Messages received number 560.

2986. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Mr P W Le Geyt, Calcutta. Forwards with his recommendation a letter from Lieutenant R Parrer, Madras Army, applying to be appointed agent to Government, for buying horses in Australia (letter from Parrer no longer enclosed). Copy of reply, Mr Parrer is too late. See also 2987.

2987. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Lieutenant R Ferrer, 21st Madras Native Infantry, Combatore. Offers his services to buy horses in Australia. Copy of reply, an officer has already been appointed. See also 2986.

2988. January 1858. Letter from Mr G Campbell, Civil Service, Calcutta. Offers to call to see any papers which the Governor General or the Private Secretary may leave out for his information.

2988a. January 1858. Copy of a letter to A Ross Esquire, Civil Service, Calcutta. The Governor General wishes to see him 2 January.

2989. January 1858. Letter from Major General R Garrett, Calcutta. In reply, considers that troops should be present at the Bishop's funeral. See also 2983, 2984.

2990. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Mr D J Money, Calcutta. Forwards a pamphlet written by his brother (no longer enclosed). Copy of reply, grateful acknowledgement.

2991. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Major General C A Windham, Cap, Chowbapore. Has received a copy of a letter from the Commander in Chief to His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge about the Court of Inquiry held on General Windham's proceedings at Cawnpore, is very satisfied with the view Commander in Chief takes of his conduct.

2992. November 1857 to January 1858. Letter from Mr H H Thomas, late Bengal Civil Service, London. Submits his views on the Mutiny and suggests that in the future native army Brahmins and Mohammedans be excluded. Copy of reply, acknowledgement, the Governor General does not believe the Hindus less guilty than the Mohammedans.

2993. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from the Honourable E A Blundell, Governor of the Straits Settlements, Singapore. Wishes to resign his appointment, after the receipt of the official despatches from the Supreme Government, on the subject of the representations made against him by Captain Man and encloses official resignation. Copy of letter to Blundell from the Home Department regretting that many of the subordinate offices in the Straits are held by his connections; the Governor General in Council wishes the sinecure of the Seutership [?] of the Court to be abolished; a report is requested on the perquisites of the Deputy Register of Exports and Imports. Note with this from Mr Beadon, this is the despatch which led to Blundell's resignation. Memorandum from Lord Canning for reply to Blundell. Copy of reply, regretting Blundell's resignation etc and the despatch which led to it, and refusing to accept resignation, in present state of affairs. See also 2599, 2994 3275, 4970.

2994. December 1857 to January 1858. Letter from the Honourable E A Blundell, Governor of the Straits Settlements, Singapore. Applies for two months leave to visit the Presidency to submit his resignation of his appointment and the service of the Honourable East India Company. See also 2599, 2993, 3275, 3374, 4970.

2999. January 1858. Letter from Mr D J Money, Calcutta. Returns thanks for the information sent to him about Captain Evans and wife. See also 2531, 2551, 3005.

3000. January 1858. Letter from Captain J Eliot, Executive Engineer, Barrackpore Division. Forwards certificate for annual repairs to the roads in the Barrackpore Park (no longer enclosed).