Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/133

Contains docketed sets of papers, numbered 4351 to 4400, 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. 44 Private Secretary’s Correspondence, Nos. 4301 to 4400’. 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, 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 4358, 4361, 4362, 4367, 4368, 4370, 4371, 4372, 4373, 4376, 4377, 4378, 4379, 4380, 4382, 4384, 4389, 4390, 4391, 4392, 4393, 4394, 4399, and 4400 have a red cross on them, to indicate that they ‘may be preserved’, whilst ‘the rest may be destroyed’.

4351. Letter from A A Sevestre Esquire Calcutta, Aug - Oct 1858. Has sent a book entitled the 'Fall of Delhi 1857' for the Governor General. Copy of reply, grateful acknowledgment.

4353. Anonymous letter, 1858. Owing to the abolition of section writing, many writers have been dismissed, and Mr Beadon has refused to grant the usual gratuity; asks for justice for the writers.

4356. Letter from Mr F B Norris, Allahabad, Oct 1858. Has been refused a contract for a section of the railway line North Westward, or from Delhi to Meerut, on the grounds that the East India Railway Company will do their own work in future, asks for employment under the Government suggesting several posts.

4357. Letter from Mr G F Edmonstone, Secretary to Government of India with the Governor General Allahabad, Oct 1858. Sends an extract from a letter urging the necessity of appointing another covenanted officer to the Nagpur Survey.

4358. Letter from Mr W Tayler, Officiating Judge of Mymensing, on leave, Patna, Oct 1858. Asks for extension of his sick leave, encloses certificate. Copy of reply, the Governor General has no objection, should the Lieutenant Governor think fit. Telegraphic Message received No 892; Telegraphic Message sent No 529, 531; See also Private secretary’s Correspondence nos.4384, 4392, 4393.

4359. Letter from Captain H Dixon, Executive Engineer, Cuttack Division, Cuttack, Oct 1858. Sends an extract from a letter from Sir W O'Shaughnessy of the Electric Telegraph Department, further to his desire for an appointment. Copy of letter to Captain Yule.

4360. Letter from Mr W T Moore, Kishnagur, Oct 1858. Forwards a Memorial, his letters to Mr Edmonstone asking for a Deputy Magistracy have not been answered. Copy of reply, he should apply to the Sudder Board of Revenue at Agra. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4491

4361. Letter from Sir R Hamilton, Governor General's Agent for Central India, Indore, Oct 1858. Sends a lithographed copy of news about the rebels, and offers to send news in this form in future. The rebels will continue to elude capture until a camel corps is used against them, and dry weather comes. The Bheels are being troublesome. All the wire and road from the Nerbudda to Julwana is in good order. He is disappointed that no Khureeta has come for Holkar yet. 4 papers

4362. Letter from Lieutenant General Sir M Cubbon, Commissioner of Mysore, Bangalore, Sep - Oct 1858. Suggests Lieutenant W Hill, 18th Madras Native Infantry for Officiating Senior Assistant in the Mysore Commission. Reports great agitation in Mysore, in consequence of the endless influx of Byraggees from the north, circulating dangerous lies. So great is the belief in the approaching end of British rule that there is nothing but treason thought of among the higher classes of Hindus and Mahommedans; an overwhelming force is expected to come south aided by the Mahratta States, and arrangements are already supposed to have been made for filling up all offices under the new Hindu Government to be established at Poona. There is no doubt that treasonable correspondence is being carried on between the Mahratta Brahmins and their brethren in the Mahratta Country, and that all the Mahrattas in Mysore are disaffected. Cubbon does not expect a disturbance unless some leader of note should really arrive with a large force, as the great mass of the people is on the side of the Government. 1 enclosure

4365. Letter from Major H L Thuillier, Deputy Surveyor General, Calcutta, Oct 1858. About appointments in the Sind Saugor Survey. Copy of reply about this; Artillery officers cannot be spared. Telegraphic Messages sent No 532, 537; Telegraphic Message received No 896.

4366. Letter from Captain H G Raverty, 3rd Bombay Native Infantry, Mooltan, Oct 1858. Renews his request for his case to be concluded, after 2 years and 4 months. Copy of reply, his case has been decided by the Governor General and he will hear from the Foreign Secretary.

4367. Copy of a letter to Mr G C Barnes, Commissioner and Superintendent Cis Sutlej States, Kussowlee, Oct 1858. Asks for information about the Putiala Rajah's proposed visit to England, does he really intend going? Lord Canning has many appointments of the highest class to fill up; Private Secretary does not think Muir has ambitions to be Foreign Secretary.

4368. Letter from Dr A Campbell, Superintendent of Darjeeling, Sep - Oct 1858. Forwards a copy of his letter to the Private Secretary of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, reporting that he has received information showing that all is well in Nepal, and Jung Bahadoor is anxious to join the British against the rebels in the plains next cold weather. The Officiating Resident of Nepal believes that rumours of Nepalese hostility to the British, and additional recruiting by Jung Bahadoor have been deliberately spread by the enemies of the Maharajah, and there is no truth in them; Persad Singh who reported these and similar rumours to Campbell is probably an imposter, and Campbell has imprisoned him, and awaits Government orders. Colonel Sherer and the Judge of Dinajepore will be requested to stop the despatch of sailors; Campbell will punish anyone who has knowingly spread the false report. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4296, 4320, 4377, 4383, 4390, 4434, 4481. Governor General' s Book No 1058.

4369. Copy of a letter to Lieutenant Colonel Drummond, Allahabad, Oct 1858. Asking him to send his Memorial to Mr Beadon.

4370. Letter from Mr P Carnegy, Deputy Commissioner 3rd class, Oudh, Camp, Pertabgurh, Sep 1858. Reports the dispositions and movements of Bene Madho's force, with a sketch map Suggests movements of British troops along to Salon. The Rajah of Amatie is said to have quarrelled with Bene Madho and is trying to induce the Nusserabad Brigade, which had gone north, to return and join him. If this is true, the Amatie Rajah may come in.

4371. Sir Robert Hamilton, Governor General's Agent for Central India, Indore, Oct 1858. Has been much startled by a letter from Mr Thornton and a telegram from General Napier; he hopes it is not all true but the occupation of Lullutpore is confirmed by Major Rickards. Lieutenant Fenton's proceedings against the widows of the late Rajah may have brought about this state of affairs. Nothing but great luck will save Tehree. He has not heard from Captain Pinkney. Copy of reply, the Governor General is glad to know that such harmony prevails among the British leaders. Instructions have been sent to Napier, Wheler, General Whitlock and all officers concerned, to cooperate with General Mitchell. There are unfortunately no camels to spare for Central India, only 425 at Agra. Copy of reply asking for further information about Lieutenant Fenton's alleged ill treatment if the Lullutpore Ranee. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4382, 4427.

4372. Sir R Hamilton, Indore, Oct 1858. Forwards two extracts about the harmony among British leaders. If Major Ross and his Camel Corps could join Brigadier Smith the saving of treasure and the capture of the rebels would be almost certain.

4373. Major General Sir William Mansfield KCB, Chief of Staff, Allahabad, Sep - Oct 1858. Sends a copy of 'The Bombay Standard' for 4 Sep 1858, and a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Pakenham about the inadvisability of putting 'Jacob's Rifles' into the hands of native regiments. Note from Colonel Birch.

4374. Lieutenant Colonel W B Smith CB, Superintendent, Ganges Canal, Roorkee, Jun 1858. About his claim for promotion.

4375. Brigadier General G St P Lawrence, Officiating Agent to the Governor General, Rajpootana, Aboo, Oct 1858. In reply, still has an unfavourable opinion of Lieutenant Pearce. Copy of earlier letter about Pearce. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence C3547. Endorsed: A R 308, 323, 325, 357.

4376. Sir R Hamilton, Governor General's Agent for Central India, Indore, Sep 1858. Reports troop movements. His great coup has failed. He has begged Brigadier Paske not to return within Rajpootana, but to join General Michel at Sarunghur pending orders from Poonah, about which Lord Elphinstone and Sir H Somerset have been telegraphed. Elphinstone is sending all the Lancers and some Goozerat Horse, hope the Governor General will send about 800 camels from Agra.

4377. Letter from Dr A Campbell, Superintendent of Darjeeling, Oct 1858. Submits 2 letters about Jung Bahadoor's fidelity to the British Government and a 3rd letter about the unprotected state of Darjeeling, where the public are uneasy. He believes Jung Bahadoor is loyal, but some of the Nepalese talk of a descent upon the Terai. The Officiating Resident in Nepal may be misinformed or mistaken about the state of affairs; nothing would escape Colonel Ramsay were he on the spot. Suggests measure in case of an attack. Copy of reply; acknowledgment. The Governor General still believes the rumours about the designs of Jung Bahadoor are untrue, but wishes Campbell to remain on guard. He should submit his suggestions for defences through the Lieutenant Governor. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4296, 4320, 4368, 4383, 4390, 4434, 4481. Governor General's Book No 1058.

4378. Letter from Mr C S Wingfield, Commissioner of Goruckpore, Sep 1858. Reports an encounter between the British and the sepoys, the sepoys fled. The rebels will probably attack Bunsee, where the British are strong; asks for reinforcements to drive out the rebels. 200 or 300 rebel sepoys of the Ludhiana Regiment have offered to come in, if pardoned, but Wingfield has refused their overtures. He does not like the communication between the 2 bodies of Sikhs. Jung Bahadoor now allows all soldiers discharged from his service to enter into the English service and no obstacle prevents recruits coming to Goruckpore to enlist. Note about this letter.

4379. Letter from His Excellency Sir Colin Campbell, Allahabad, Sep 1858. Asks for the Private Secretary's interest in favour of Mr W Boate, Deputy Magistrate and Collector of Tirhoot. 1 enclosure. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4559.

4380. Letter from Mr Cecil Beadon, Secretary to Government of India, Home Department Calcutta, Oct 1858. About the papers of Mr Schlagintweit. Copy of earlier letter about these. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4596, 4597; Governor General's Book No 1064.

4381. Letter from Mr C Sharp, Superintendent of Barrackpore Park, Oct 1858. Reports on the state of the Park and roads.

4382. Letter from Captain F Pinkney, Commissioner of Jhansi, Camp, Kesoghur, Oct 1858. In reply, has always sent all news of importance to Sir R Hamilton, and all his telegraphic messages to the Secretary. North West Provinces are sent through Major Macpherson. Copy of earlier letter, asking him to keep Sir R Hamilton informed of events in his division. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4371.

4384. Letter from Mr W Tayler, Officiating Judge of Mymensing, on leave, Patna, Oct 1858. Returns thanks for the grant of his leave. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4358, 4392, 4393. Telegraphic Message received No 892; Telegraphic Messages sent No 529, 531.

4385. Letter from Captain E P Lloyd, 2nd in command, Kamroop Regiment and Officiating Junior Assistant Commissioner Assam, Gowhatty, Oct 1858. Complains of his supercession in the Commission by a young uncovenanted officer. 2 enclosures. Copy of reply about this. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 3567, 3613, 3623, 4471, 4898; Governor General's Book No I065.

4386. Letter from Mr B P Singer, Extra Assistant, Nagpur, on leave, Calcutta, Oct 1858. Further to his claim for promotion, encloses copy of a testimonial. Copy of reply, he should apply to the President in Council. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 3908, 3971, 1019, 4l83, 4235, 4285.

4388. Letter from Lieutenant R J Grant, Adjutant, 1st Sikh Infantry, Brigadier Pinkney's Column, Camp, Bellah, Oct 1858. Asks to be allowed to serve in the Dera Jat Survey. Copy of reply, refused, as his regiment is on active service. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence 3763, 4288.

4389. Letter from Sir R Hamilton, Governor General's Agent for Central India, Indore, Oct 1858. Is applying for a pension, but it will be 6 months before he thinks of leaving. Asks if Sir Hugh Rose's despatches about Culpee and Gwalior have been received, for the sake of those who deserve reward for their services. The Bheel campaign under Captain Keatinge has been brilliant. Endorsed: answered privately.

4390. Copy of a letter to Captain H Raban, Oct 1858. Reporting the substance of a letter to Dr Campbell, Darjeeling. Campbell wrote to the Nepalese officer at Ilam asking if it was true that he had ordered the roads from Nepal to Darjeeling to be closed. The Governor General has ordered Dr Campbell not to address letters to the Nepalese officers as to the correctness of reports brought to Darjeeling, as not only has he no chance of learning anything which those officers may wish to conceal, but also he exposes himself to receiving an unbecoming answer. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4296, 4320, 4368, 4377, 4383, 4434, 4481. Governor General's Book No 1058.

4391. Letter from Mr C B Denison, Magistrate and Collector, Mirzapore, Oct 1858. Forwards carpet patterns for Lady Canning (No longer enclosed) Copy of earlier letter about these. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4408.

4392. Letter from Mr W Tayler, Officiating Judge of Mymensing, on leave, Patna, Oct 1858. About his leave. See also Private secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4358, 4384, 4393; Telegraphic Message received No 892; Telegraphic Messages sent No 529, 531.

4393. Letter from Mr W Tayler, Officiating Judge of Mymensing, on leave, Patna, Oct 1858. Asks to be protected against persecution by the Lieutenant Governor; for his case to be reviewed, in the face of new evidence. Copy of reply, the Governor General will not receive appeals and complaints against the public acts of the Bengal Government through the Private Secretary. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4358, 4384, 4392; Telegraphic Message received No 892; Telegraphic Messages sent No 529, 531.

4394. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow, Oct 1858. In reply, has no-one to propose as Assistant Commissioner 2nd class. There seems to be some delay in the advance of the Eastern columns, he hopes they will move into Bainswarh. Copy of earlier letter about the vacancy; note from Mr Edmonstone. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4440.

4396. Letter from Mr W F Westfield, Calcutta, Oct 1858. About his future prospects; he has just been appointed as temporary Assistant to Dr Walker, Superintendent of the convict settlement, Port Blair. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4350.

4397. Letter from Mr M Kealy, Electric Telegraph Department Bombay, Oct 1858. Regrets having troubled the Governor General; he now has a copy of the report made against him, from which it appears that letter writing is the only complaint against him, and the letters written by him to the Government were written at random etc. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4081, 4083, 4248, 4299, 4325, 2326, 4327, 4328, 4398.

4398. Letter from Mr M Kealy, Oct 1858. Is disappointed at the unfavourable reply he received to his request for redress. Humble as he is, he can still make his grievances known through the Press. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4081, 4083, 4248, 4299, 4325, 4326, 4327, 4328, 4397.

4399. Letter from Mr H B Harington, Officiating Deputy Superintendent Electric Telegraph Department North West Provinces & Punjab, Allahabad, Oct 1858. Reports that an Electric Telegraph Office has been opened within 3 miles of the camp at Pertabgurh.

4400. Letter from Sir R Hamilton, Governor General's Agent for Central India, Indore, Oct 1858. Sends 2 letters, one from General Michel on the absence of cavalry in the late engagement with the enemy at Esawghur, and the inferior British artillery; and the other from Lieutenant Cumming with news about the rebel commanders. Regrets that Captain Fenton could not hold his own at Lullutpore, and expresses surprise at the Jahloun and other Takoors rising.