Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/119

Contains docketed sets of papers, numbered 3651 to 3700, 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 3651, 3653, 3658, 3660, 3662, 3666, 3667, 3670, 3672, 3674, 3675, 3676, 3677, 3680, 3681, 3682, 3683, 3685, 3688, 3689, 3690, 3691, 3692, 3694, 3696, 3698, 3700 have a red cross on them, to indicate that they ‘may be preserved’, whilst ‘the rest may be destroyed’.

3651. April 1858. Letter from Mr A Shakespear, Camp, Nugeena. Reports the successful result of an action between the force under General Jones and the rebels at Nugeena. Lieutenant Gosling died of wounds (Cover only, letter no longer enclosed). Endorsed: sent to Mr G F Edmonstone, 3 May 1858.

3652. April 1858. Letter from Mr W B Forder, Post Master, Allahabad. In reply, is making inquiries about the two boxes addressed to the Governor General which have not yet arrived. Further letter about these. See also 3576.

3653. April 1858. Letter from Mr F Thompson, Officiating Magistrate and Collector, Allahabad. According to a letter from Pearee Molum, Deputy Magistrate of Munjunpoor, Veloyut Hossein has no intention of crossing, and sowars will be placed along the road to Munjunpoor to obtain early intelligence.

3654. April 1858. Copy of a letter to H H Thomas Esquire Bath. Acknowledging receipt of his letter.

3655. May 1858. Letter from Mr T D Forsyth, Secretary to Chief Commissioner, Lucknow. In reply, 'Mr Tyrwhitt' is an assumed name; a similar letter in a different hand complaining of other irregularities was sent to Mr Montgomery. Forsyth finds the clerks in his office inefficient. Copy of earlier letter; sending Mr Tyrwhitt's letter. Memorandum about Tyrwhitt's complaints.

3656. April to May 1858. Letter from Mr C R Coles, Camp, Myhere. Applies for an appointment in Major Erskine's Commission; states his services, particularly in Rewah, and sends testimonials. Copy of reply about this. See also 3484.

3657. April to May 1858. Letter from Mr T D Forsyth, Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, Lucknow. About the appointment of a Civil Surgeon at Lucknow, Dr Douglas is the officer for whom Montgomery asked.

3658. April to May 1858. Letter from Mr A Shakespear, Magistrate and Collector of Bijnore. Reports all well at Bijnore. The chief offenders have gone off to Bareilly or elsewhere. Acknowledges receipt of the printed instruction regarding the re-occupation of Rohilcund (cover only, letter no longer enclosed). Endorsed: sent to G F Edmonstone Esquire, 3 May 1858.

3659. March to May 1858. Letter from Lieutenant N Swanson, 37th Madras Native Infantry, Tonghoo, Burma. Asks for civil employment in Oudh. Copy of reply, application noted.

3660. April 1858. Letter from Mr A Shakespear, Magistrate and Collector, Bijnore. Reports his arrival at Bijnore on 25 Apr with the 15 guns captured at Nugeena, which he will send on to Meerut. Gives his reasons for separating from General Jones' column, which is to move towards Moradabad. A good effect has been produced by the two defeats of the rebels. The younger Nawab of Nugeebabad and his brother in law have been shot by order of Government. The force at Meeranpore with 200 of the mounted police, have crossed into Bijnore. Has issued a pacifying proclamation with good effect.

3661. May 1858. Letter from Mr A Bates, Allahabad. In reply, wished an interview with the Private Secretary to ask his aid in obtaining employment.

3662. April to May 1858. Letter from Mr H Madocks, Civil Service, Buxar. States that Sir E Lugard considers it unwise to cross from Buxar, as his force is barely sufficient to protect his convoy, and under the circumstances he will go to Arrah via Syna Ghat. He is anxious to send reinforcements to Gorruckpore, but something must be done to check the rebels near Jugdeespore. The rebels are said to have crossed by the Government oat boats. Brigadier Douglas had ordered 150 men to Arrah, but the order was countermanded, fortunately, as they would have been cut to pieces. Also letter of 27 Apr from Madocks, reporting the death of Kooer Sing, and the village people are deserting his successor.

3663. April to May 1858. Letter from Mr T D Forsyth, Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, Lucknow. States there is a scarcity of good Assistants. Webster has gone to England sick; suggests Mr W C Plowden, if he does not get the appointment of rebel-catcher. Asks for a list of Punjab officers for Mr Montgomery.

3664. May 1858. List of military officers for staff employ. Recommended by Colonel Fraser CB.

3665. May 1858. Copy of reply to Captain Thomas Hutton. His letter has been transferred to the Foreign Department. See also 1270.

3666. May 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. About his proposal for Extra Assistants in the Commission. The Gurkhas may be detained at Fyzabad. He has been warned by Mr Vansittart that rebels from Bareilly were collecting at Mohundee. Grant's column halted on 2 May at Poorwah.

3667. May 1858. Letter from Mr C C Jackson, Member of the Sudder Board, Benares. Reports the frequent incursions into Goruckpore from Oudh, in consequence of its being almost denuded of troops. Suggests measures to protect Goruckpore until the re-occupation of Fyzabad; a Joint Magistrate and an additional uncovenanted Deputy Collector are needed. Suggests that Azimgurh be added to the charge of the Goruckpore Commissioner. States why he has been prevented from personally visiting Goruckpore, and proposes to return to Allahabad, because of the recovery of Bundelcund, Jhansi and Jalun. He hopes his proposition for connecting them under a Commissioner distinct from Allahabad will be approved of. Remarks on the powers of Commissioners and suggests the appointment of Mr Wilson to one of the districts.

3668. May 1858. Letter from Dr Payne, 2nd Assistant Surgeon, Presidency General Hospital, Calcutta. Returns thanks for his appointment to the medical charge of the Mysore Princes. See also 3508, 3543.

3669. April to May 1858. Letter from Mr C Beadon, Secretary to the Government of India Home Department. The stationery has been despatched to the Private Secretary by bullock train. See also 3526.

3670. March 1858. Letter from Mr Beadon, Calcutta. Reports the arrest of Ali Mehndee Khan, with his two servants; memorandum about this man, who claimed to be the Nawob of Rampoor, by the Private Secretary. Another memorandum by Mr J C Wilson. Telegraph Messages Sent number 345a, 347; Telegraph Messages received number 353, 879. Governor General's Book number 309, 310.

3671. April 1858. Letter from Dr P M Lownds, Assistant Surgeon, Bombay. Returns thanks for his appointment to the medical charge of Rajputana. See also 1139, 3534, 3539, 3637, 3685, 4442.

3672. February 1858. Letter from Brevet Major W Lamb, Assistant Adjutant General, Lahore Division.

States that Captain Keatinge will command the escort with the ammunition, and be accompanied by the Duffadar's party. Sends an old letter from Mr Colvin (not enclosed). Reports the intended attack on Saugor by the Nana; and the purposed withdrawal of the Gwalior Vakeel from Sir R Hamilton's party.

3673. May 1858. Letter from Mr R Tulloch, Officiating Secretary Uncovenanted Service Family Pension Fund, Calcutta. Sends a copy of the Annual Report of the Fund, 1856-1857. Copy of reply, acknowledgment.

3674. April 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner Oudh, Lucknow. As the rebels have attacked a police station near Bunnee, and still threaten the communications with Cawnpore, a column under General Grant will move to the South East accompanied by Messrs Tucker and Elliot. Nirput Sing is in arms again. The Begum's party is much disheartened. The Moulvee is according to some at Mohundee, and according to others at Shahjehanpoor. He is very anxious about Brigadier Lugard's column at Fyzabad.

3675. March to May 1858. Letter from Captain W F Eden, Political Agent, Jeypore. Sends the latest news from Kotah. Brigadier Lawrence has issued a proclamation, and is to leave Ajmere to join the force at Nusserabad.

3676. April to May 1858. Letter from Mr E de Lautour, Judge of 24 Pergunnah, Calcutta. About the newspaper Poornoo Chundrodoy; sends Mr Pearce's letter about it. Copy of reply, acknowledgment, the Governor General will be glad to see the result of his researches. See also 3635, 3696, 3764.

3677. March 1858. Letter from Sir Robert Hamilton. States that the rebels had evacuated the fort at Morawar. Narbut is said to be vacated, and the Banpore Rajah on the move. Recommends the grant of marching allowance to his Assistants. Refers to Colonel Stockley's claim for compensation from the Dhar and Azimghur states for his losses caused by the sepoys; and to Colonel Durand's holding a Durbar, at which the young Rajah of Dhar and his ministers attended as friends, whilst their guns were battering the fort. Tehree is pressed by the rebels but he hopes soon to relieve it.

3679. May 1858. Letter from Mr R Laudor, Traffic Manager, Railway Company, Allahabad. Reports that on and after 5 May the train will leave Allahabad at 7am and Futtehpoor at 5:30am except on Sundays.

3680. 1858. Letter from Mr C B Thornhill, Commissioner. Submits views as to the good effect likely to ensue from the execution of Ahmed Yar Khan, Tehsildar of Jellalabad, and the death of Nizam Ali Khan in the action near Allahgunge in the advance into Rohilcund.

3681. May 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. Recommends that the rank of Captain be attached to the post of Military Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Oudh. Note from Colonel Birch; copy of reply, refused; neither the Military Secretary to the Governor General nor to the Commander in Chief have this official rank.

3682. May 1858. Letter from Sir Robert Hamilton, Camp, Poonah. Asks the Private Secretary to obtain a copy of Dr O'Brien's statement from Mr Edmonstone. Hopes soon to deal with the rebels at Kooneh and to effect an easy capture of Calpee. The Europeans should be housed immediately. Suggests Lieutenant Shakespear be made Secretary, instead of Assistant.

3683. May 1858. Letter from Mr F Gubbins, Officiating Commissioner, Benares. Explains why he sent matchlock men raised by the Rajah of Benares to Bijiygurh in place of Catania's levy.

3684. May 1858. Letter from Mr M Coles, Nagode. Explains why he would prefer the Civil Department to the Political Department and asks to be re-transferred to his former duties. 1/2 anna stamp. See also 56.

3685. April to May 1858. Letter from Brigadier General G St P Lawrence, Officiating Agent to the Governor General Rajputana, Camp. About various appointments. He wishes to have early orders about the Bheel Corps and the Corps of Meenas; he has left General Roberts on his way towards Neemuch, and he himself is making for Aboo to recover his health. Asks when he is likely to have the Governor General's decision on the Neembhera case. The Nawab of Tonk has behaved very well. He will write to Mr Montgomery about the young Burtons.

3686. May 1858. Letter from Mr W P Palmer, Civil Auditor, Calcutta. Forwards a list of covenanted civil servants as on 1 Nov 1857 (No longer enclosed). Copy of reply, acknowledgment.

3687. May 1858. Letter from Mr W B Forder, Post Master, Allahabad. About the mails for Bombay and Calcutta.

3688. May 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. Encloses a letter from Captain Steel about the Gurkhas; if they cross they are likely to lose a good deal of their luggage (letter no longer enclosed).

3689. May 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. Encloses another letter from Captain Steel about the Gurkhas, who may lose a good deal of their baggage before reaching the foot of the hills. He regrets the absence of a force at Fyzabad and the consequent loss of revenue (letter no longer enclosed).

3690. May 1858. Letter from Mr T D Forsyth, Secretary to Chief Commissioner Oudh, Lucknow. Replies that Major Lake has not yet replied to a letter asking him to settle definitely the terms on which the Aloowala Rajah's services were accepted. Copy of earlier letter asking for this information. See also 3591.

3691. May 1858. Letter from Mr H Madocks, Civil Service, Arrah. Reports that he has joined Sir E Lugard's force, and the expected movement of the combined forces of this force and Brigadier Douglas' on Jugdeespore, to attack with the aid of the Sasseram troops. Madocks will go to Patna with a letter from Lugard to Brigadier Christie. The wells round Jugdeespoor are blocked up. Colonel Cumberlege refused to attack the enemy while crossing as he had no orders. He attributes the disaster to the Arrah Force to the Commanding Officer ordering a premature retreat. Dr Clark and Lieutenant Massey are said to be prisoners in the hands of the rebels.

3692. May 1858. Letter from Mr C J Wingfield, Commissioner of Goruckpore, Camp, Nuggur. Has not received a reply to his letter asking to be allowed to decline the Oudh Commissionership.

3693. May 1858. Letter from Mr W Johnston, Joint Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Camp, Soram. Asks if there will be a vacancy for him in the financial Department. The Nazim has left the frontiers, and with the exception of small dacoities, the Pergunnahs are quite quiet. Copy of reply, he should apply to the Financial Department.

3694. May 1858. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. Forwards translations of two papers, one from Beni Madho to Kashi Pershad urging him to forsake the cause of the British and attach himself to his own Government and faith; and the other a proclamation said to have been issued by Beni Madho, purporting to be Sir James Outram's instructions to the local officers to convert all the natives to Christianity by good means or by force. Refers to the slow progress of General Grant's column and to the want of a dashing officer like Captain Hodson. Nirput Sing is giving great trouble; he is surprised the Commander in Chief did not remove Brigadier Walpole for that sad affair.

3695. May 1858. Letter from Lieutenant G F F Vincent, 30th Native Infantry, Fort Agra, Delhi Gate. Reports the termination of his trial by Court Martial, as there is little doubt of his honourable acquittal re-applies for an appointment in the Oudh Commission.

3696. May 1858. Letter from Mr E de Latour, Civil and Sessions Judge, 24 Pergunnahs, Alipore. About the newspaper Poornoo Chundrodoy; sends an extract, and a letter from Mr Pearce. Copy of reply, acknowledgment. See also 3635, 3676, 3764.

3697. May 1858. Copy of reply to Mr H G Paynter, Delhi. His letter has been transferred to Mr Edmonstone.

3698. May 1858. Letter from Sir Robert Hamilton, Governor General's Agent for Central India, Poonah. Reports a fight at Lahore of which details are not yet known. Encloses a note from Major Macpherson, Sir H Rose has been ill. Hamilton longs to be in England and will not be content until he is there.

3699. May 1858. Letter from Lieutenant E P Gurdon, 33rd Native Infantry, Jullundur. Renews his application for civil or political appointment. Copy of reply, refused.

3700. May 1858. Letter from Mr H Madocks, Civil Service, Arrah. Refers to Captain Le Grand's ill-fated expedition against the rebels at Jugdeespore. Reports the arrival of General Lugard and Brigadier Douglas; Commissioner Samuells and Brigadier Christie are expected. The march towards Jugdeespore will begin on 7 May. Reports the arrangements made by the British, and also by the rebels, who have dug pit-falls and drugged the wells. At Dinapore there are only 400 or 450 men with two small guns. The people though much alarmed before are said to be quiet now.