Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/118

Contains docketed sets of papers, numbered 3601 to 3650, 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. 37 Private Secretary’s Correspondence, Nos. 3601 to 3700’. 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 to 1 April 1858, then Lewin Bentham Bowring] 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 3601, 3603, 3604, 3605, 3606, 3606, 3607, 3608, 3612, 3615, 3617, 3619, 3620, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3627, 3634, 3635, 3640, 3641, 3645, 3646, 3647, 3648, and 3649 have a red cross on them, to indicate that they ‘may be preserved’, whilst ‘the rest may be destroyed’.

3601. April 1858. Letter from Sir R N C Hamilton, Agent for the Governor General Central India, Dhutteah. Reports his arrival at Dhutteah and purposes to deliver the Khureeta to the Rajah and look into his affairs. He is annoyed with the halt at Jhansi, but it was necessary to keep the Khotah rebels in check. On the arrival of the wing of the 71st intends to march into Calpee to settle that province as a termination of their campaign. Has received the letter from Sir G Clerk; in the present state of affairs an amnesty to all but proclaimed leaders and murderers would have a good effect. See also 3790.

3602. April 1858. Letter from Major H L Thuillier, Deputy Surveyor General, Calcutta. About appointments to the Nagpore Survey; recommends Lieutenant A Ratton of the Horse Artillery for the Sinde Sauror Doab Survey. Reports the despatch of two plans, another will follow. Enclosed is the application of Lieutenant Ratton. Copy of reply about the appointments; maps received. See also 3405, 3763, 4288.

3603. April 1858. Letter from Sir Robert Hamilton, Camp, Jhansi. States that the Ranee of Jhansi is at Calpee where Taee Baee [?] has also gone, and it is likely that instead of staying there they will try to get to the Nana's ladies. Hopes to march soon, but everyone is thinking of loot and prize money. Kooneh is vacated and Jaloun also. He has suggested that 1 Brigade move direct to Orai, looking up Jaloun, and another brigade from Jhansi to Mhow and Orai or Calpee, and General Whitlock from Banda to Jubbulpore and Calpee.

3604. April 1858. Letter from Mr C Le Bas, Judge of Delhi. States that in applying to be exempted for a time from employ, he was actuated by no want of zeal, but by a feeling of irritation and disappointment at Sir J Lawrence's treatment of him, besides being really unwell. The correspondence about the rewards is now before Sir John Lawrence, and he particularizes what he has recommended to be given to the Nawab of Kurnal, but for whose and Kamdar Khan's assistance and co-operation he and Captain Martineau could not have remained at Kurnal.

3605. April 1858. Letter from Dr G Paton, Post Master General, Cawnpore. Reports the despatch to Lucknow of the two packets from the Governor General to the Chief Commissioner of Lucknow. Suggests that in future letters for any station in the North West Provinces be posted at Allahabad at 6am in time for the rail leaving Allahabad at 7am. Exertions have been made to organize the mail cart establishment from Cawnpore to Lucknow, but without success owing to a great scarcity of horses. Has arranged for sending letters from Lucknow in the afternoon or evening after they are posted provided the rail start on Sundays. See also 3638 3639.

3606. April 1858. Letter from Mr G B Taylor, Benares. Acknowledges Private Secretary's letter and asks for a copy of Captain Yule's report on his scheme for endless railway. Copy of reply sending this. See also 3473, 3552, 3589.

3607. April 1858. Letter from Mr A Shakespear, Magistrate of Bijnore, Camp, Bhagoowala. Reports that the whole force under Brigadier General Jones crossed this morning into the Bijnore district, and had a skirmish with a large body of rebels, in which the enemy were driven back with heavy losses and 4 of their guns captured; they are now encamped within 7 miles of Nujeebabad, and 5 miles of Nugul, and that the latter post had been evacuated by the rebels (Cover only, letter no longer enclosed). Endorsed: Sent G F Edmonstone 3 May 1858.

3608. April 1858. Letter from Colonel F B Corfield, Commanding S P Shahabad, Sasseram. Anticipates the probable return of Koer Sing and asks for orders for the temporary establishment of a branch telegraph at Sasseram to enable him to receive and communicate news of the rebels' movements. Copy of reply, refused, as there are no spare signallers.

3609. April 1858. Letter from Mr F Cooper, Deputy Commissioner, Umritser. Mentions the price of the book published by him 'The Crisis in the Punjab'. Copy of reply sending him the money for 12 copies. See also 3458.

3610. April 1858. Letter from Mr P Egerton, Deputy Commissioner Delhi. Applies to be Deputy Commissioner at Simla. Copy of reply, there is no vacancy. See also 3624.

3611. April 1858. Letter from Lieutenant J S Gibb, Bengal Artillery, attached to the Nepalese Artillery, Camp, Nawabgunge, Oudh. Asks for civil employment.

3612. May 1858. Letter from Mr J D Bell, barrister at law, Calcutta. Returns thanks for the copy of Captain Skene's servant's deposition, and Sir R Hamilton's notification which he has sent to the Misses Skene. Copy of earlier letter sending these papers, about the Jhansi massacre.

3613. April 1858. Letter from Mr G F Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor General, Allahabad. Forwards a letter from the Under Secretary in the Home Department with its enclosure from the Secretary to the Bengal Government, asking for he services of 2 officers to fill 2 temporary vacancies in the Assam Commission. Memorandum about the Assam Commission, See also 3567, 3623, 3613.

3614. April 1858. Letter from Mr W Glynn, Deputy Collector, Camp, Futtehpore. Asks if he is to be appointed to Oudh as he expected. See also 3246, 3666.

3615. April 1858. Letter from Mr A Shakespear, Magistrate and Collector of Bijnore, Camp, Nujeebabad. Reports that General Jones had marched into Nujeebabad and taken possession of the Fort of Rutthurgur, which was evacuated on the previous evening by the Nabob and his relatives, who are believed to have gone towards Bareilly (Cover only, letter no longer enclosed). Endorsed: Sent to Mr Edmonstone, 3 May 1858.

3616. April 1858. Letter from Mr R C Tulloch, Officiating Secretary Uncovenanted Service Family Pension Fund, Calcutta. In reply, the enclosure alluded to was the annual report of the Fund, sent to the Private Secretary under separate cover. Copy of reply, the report has not been received. See also 3564,

3617. April 1858. Letter from Mr H R Madocks, Civil Service, Buxar, Reports the total defeat of the Arrah force in an attack on Kooer Sing's position near Jugdeespore.

3619. May 1858. Letter from Captain H Raban, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, Alipore. States that the Lieutenant Governor will reply to Basdeb Sing's letter to the Governor General immediately, and that the Lieutenant Governor has received a similar letter from him. Copy of earlier letter to the Lieutenant Governor.

3620. April 1858. Letter from Sir R N C Hamilton, Agent for the Governor General Central India, Camp, Jhansi. Will send reports on the death of Major Skene obtained from his servants. He also has the little boy of Mr Double. Remarks on the temper of Sir Hugh Rose, and his want of consideration for his men. Supplies are said to be coming in freely, and their difficulties would cease the moment they were out of Saugor. See also 2960, 3273, 3322, 3339, 3347, 3355, 3417, 3500, 3612.

3621. April 1858. Letter from Mrs E J Burton, Neemuch. Returns thanks to the Governor General for permission for her sons to continue at Neemuch, until suitable employment is found for them. See also WYL250/9/208/3516; Governor General's Book number 898.

3622. May 1858. Letter from Mr F Gubbins, Officiating Commissioner, Benares. In reply, the late Mr Venables had a family consisting of a wife and child, but both had died previously, and that he has left a younger brother who has gone to England; he does not know whether he has a mother and sisters in England, but is making enquiries at Mirzapore. Copy of earlier letter asking for information. See also 3707.

3623. May 1858. Letter from Captain H Raban, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, Alipore. In reply, about appointments in Assam. Copy of earlier letter asking for nominations. See also 3613, 3913, 4073, 4075, 4138.

3624. April 1858. Letter from Mr P Egerton, Deputy Commissioner, Delhi. Renews his application to be Deputy Commissioner at Simla, when Lord W Hay goes on leave next cold weather. 1/2 anna stamp.

3625. April 1858. Petition of Mahomed Raza Ustumbolee. Reports that during the late rebellion he was taken prisoner by the Nana Sahib; when released he was employed by Major Hodgson as a spy, for which he has a certificate. He has very important news for the Governor General and asks for an interview. See also 3551, 3631.

3626. April 1858. Letter from Mr H R Madocks, Civil Service, Buxar. Reports that Kooer Sing is wounded badly in the arm; has very little ammunition; and that the rebels are trying to entrench themselves at Jugdeespore. The road to Arrah is temporarily stopped; 120 commissariat carts have been looted by the rebels, and 3 men hanged by them. The Magistrate is said to have attacked Kooer Sing and been defeated. Brigadier Douglas has sent 500 men across; the officer commanding the 54th detachment is awaiting his orders. Copy of reply, acknowledgment and comments.

3627. April 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. Has no objection to Captain Brind's letter about General Walpole's mismanagement at Roodamow being privately used; he has just received a note from Captain Brind qualifying much of what he said about Captain Thurburn and Captain Cary. He hopes Rohilcund will be entirely retaken in a month; the flight of the Bytowlee rebels had done much good. See also 3597.

3628. April 1858. Letter from Dr J F Steuart MD, Field Assistant Surgeon, Lucknow. Applies for the Residency Surgeoncy at Indore, encloses testimonial.

3629. April 1858. Letter from Mr L Mendes, 'Indian Empire' Office, Calcutta. Wishes to repay the surplus of the Governor General's subscription to the late 'Morning Chronicle' by sending copies of the new paper 'Indian Empire'.

3630. April 1858. Letter from Dr J A Currie MD, Assistant Surgeon 8th Irregular Cavalry, Camp, Cawnpore. Applies for the Indore Residency Surgeoncy. Memorandum about Currie. Governor General's Book number 421.

3631. April 1858. Letter from Mahomed Raza of Constantinople, Allahabad. In continuation of his earlier letter, asks for a pension for his services, or for a rent-free estate. See also 3551, 3625.

3632. April 1858. Letter from Mr Sharp, Superintendent of Barrackpore Park. Urges the repair of the roads in the Park. The menagerie is in good order. See also 5642.

3633. April 1858. Letter from Sir M Cubbon, Commissioner of Mysore, Nundydroog. Would prefer Captain E B Ramsay to be made Acting Military Assistant in Mysore, rather than Captain Mainwaring, 2nd Madras Native Infantry. Copy of earlier letter asking for his nomination. See also 2843, 3384.

3634. April 1858. Letter from Mr A Shakespear, Camp, Nujeebabad. Reports the capture of the younger Nawab of Nujeebabad, Julalooddeen Khan his brother in law, and some armed followers with two elephants, by a party of the Mooltanee Regiment of Cavalry; the Nawab is being tried by Court Martial, and his brother in law also. The column leaves for Nugeena on 21 Apr. Asks for Mr G Palmer, Joint Magistrate, to be given extraordinary penal powers. He has spared the fort of Pattharagurh and the revenue and records will be kept safe when possession is obtained. The town has been burnt and pillaged, and he has issued a soothing proclamation on his own responsibility (Cover only, letter no longer enclosed). Endorsed: sent to Mr Edmonstone. 5 May 1858. Copy of reply, acknowledgment; would he please send a copy of his proclamation to Mr Muir.

3635. April 1858. Letter from Mr E de Latour, Alipore. Submits a copy of a seditious article from a Bengali paper sent to him by Mr Pearce, of the Baptist Mission; with a letter from Mr Pearce. See also 3676, 3696, 3764; Miscellaneous Bundle number 283.

3636. April 1858. Commissioner 5th Division. Sends copies of reply (2) by telegraph about Mr Box's appointment at Ghazeepoor. Telegraph Messages Sent number 437.

3637. April 1858. Letter from Dr T M Lownds MD, Professor of Anatomy, Bombay. Applies for the Officiating appointment of Surgeon to the Rajputana Agency, with testimonial. See also 1139, 3534, 3539, 3671, 3685, 4442.

3638. April 1858. Letter from Mr W B Forder, Post Master, Allahabad. In reply, names the Superintendent of Mails at Futtehpoor. Copy of earlier letter: memorandum. See also 3605, 3439.

3639. April 1858. Letter from Dr G Paton, Post Master General, North West Provinces, Cawnpore. Submits copy of a letter to the Deputy Post Master of Futtehpore, directing the prompt despatch of all letters received from the Governor General by the Rail. Copy of earlier letter asking for this. See also 3605, 3638.

3640. April 1858. Copy of letter to Mr F W Place, Editor, 'Delhi Gazette', Agra. Sending a correct copy of the Oudh Proclamation. Telegraph messages sent number 446.

3641. April 1858. Letter from Mr H Madocks, Civil Service, Buxar. Reports the receipt of a letter from Mr Davies of the 24th, Davies' force has received no communication either from the authorities at Arrah or from the Commanding Officer of troops there. He hopes that Davies is by this time crossing, he has sent him dispatches and a map of the Jungle made by some of the Railway men. Nishan Sing and Muhader Sing are said to have crossed, and Seeda Sing has estates near Bullia, and many rebels have crossed there between the two armies. He suspects that the Sowars, either Madras or Police, are in league with them. The road between Buxar and Arrah is stopped, and travellers are being robbed and murdered. States particulars of stores plundered and destroyed by the rebels.

3642. May 1858. Letter from Captain A Fraser, Executive Engineer, Barrackpore Division. About repairs to roads and bungalows in Barrackpore Park. Copy of earlier letter; copy of reply. See also 3632.

3643. April 1858. Letter from Mr G E Pool, Senior Apothecary, late attached to the Gwalior Contingent, Her Majesty's 38th Regiment, Lucknow. Applies for the medical charge of either the Police Corps now being raised at Agra, or the Simla Jail and Dispensary, with copies of testimonials. Copy of reply, he has been appointed to Simla.

3644. April 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. Wishes to have Colonel Abbott appointed permanently to the Oudh Commission, and Captain Barrow as an Officiating Commissioner as a reward for his valuable services.

3645. April 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. Sends a letter from Captain Plowden explaining why he has taken the Gurkhas via Fyzabad; reports a communication from Mann Sing, whom he will endeavour to persuade to visit Lucknow. Rebels detached from Poorwah had marched on some villages near Bunee without doing any harm; the General has sent troops. States the route the moveable column will take (Plowden's letter a copy).

3646. April 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. Asks for the Governor General's permission to recruit 1,000 sowars in the Punjab. A Regiment of 1,000 Punjabees (Infantry) has been enlisted at Amballa and is on its way down by double marches, and a 2nd will be ready in 10 days. See also 3586, 3591. Telegraph messages sent number 428, 429, 430. Telegraph messages received number 721, 722, 726.

3647. April 1858. Letter from Captain A Plowden, with the Gurkha Force, Camp, Sufdar Gunge. Reports on his march from Nawabgunj to Camp, Sufdar Gunge, he found the roads clear and the villages occupied owing, no doubt, to Sir Hope Grant's movements. The rebels at Saudut Gunj have fled leaving two of their guns, are supposed to have gone to Fyzabad. Reports particulars of an attack on Colonel Rowcroft's column at Amorha. A large body of rebels is said to be at Ajoodiah. General Grant has arrived at Nawabgunge; reports the result of Grant's visit to the Rajah of Jehangeerabad (copy).

3648. April to May 1858. Letter from Mr H Madocks, Civil Service, Buxar. Having heard that General Lugard intends to march via Bullia and cross at Sheopoor, which would be a mistake, intends to tell him the advantages of marching via Buxar to Jugdeespore and co-operating with Brigadier Douglas' column.

3649. February to June 1858. Letter from Mr C W West, Inspecting Post Master, Canara. Reports the belief among the natives of Mysore and Bombay that the King of Delhi is still holding out against the British; attributes the outbreaks at Nagpore and Bombay to this alone. Anticipates a general insurrection at the Madras and Bombay Presidencies, and urges, the employment of Christians as Tehsildars etc and hopes something will be done for him. He thinks a large body of Bengal sepoys are forming in the jungles of Madras and Bombay, and passing themselves off as fakirs and pilgrims. Copies of 3 reports, Apr - Jun 1858, about movements of rebels, the Nana Sahib. See also 35.

3650. April 1858. Letter from Mr F Gubbins, Officiating Commissioner, Benares. Submits his opinion of the offer made to Mr Box of Deputy Commissionership. Has sent to Mr Muir Mr Davies's official report on the pursuit of Kooer Sing. Ghazeepore is said to be infested with budmashes, and saddled with bad Magistrates, and needs reform. See also 3636.