Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/138

Contains docketed sets of papers, numbered 4601 to 4650, 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. 47 Private Secretary’s Correspondence, Nos. 4601 to 4700’. 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 4602, 4613, 4618, 4620, 4621, 4622, 4627, 4628, 4629, 4632, 4635, 4642, 4643, 4647 and 4648 have a red cross on them, to indicate that they ‘may be preserved’, whilst ‘the rest may be destroyed’.

4601. Letter from Captain M E Currie, Bengal Artillery and Commissary of Ordnance, Norfolk, Nov - Dec 1858. Asks for the Governor General's opinion of his services; sends a letter from the Honourable Mr Talbot. Copy of reply, the Governor General has written to Lord Stanley on the subject.

4602. Letter from Mr St George Tucker, Commissioner in Oudh, Camp, Dolamow, Dec 1858. Encloses a certificate about the late Captain Sneyd and hopes that the devotion to duty and gallantry of Sneyd and Tucker's brother Robert will not be forgotten. Copy of reply, the report on the Mutiny, now being prepared, will record an honourable mention of all those who fell in the discharge of their duty.

4603. Letter from Mr C E Denison, Magistrate and Collector, Mirzapore, Dec 1858. Acknowledgment of draft of 500 Rupees, he has sent off some rugs to the Private Secretary. 1/2 anna stamp. Copy of earlier letter.

4604. Copy of a letter to W Blowers Esquire, Deputy Post Master General, Bombay, Dec 1858. The Governor General's express for the Bombay Mail of 24th will not leave Allahabad till the 18th.

4605. Letter from Mr W Glynn, Deputy Magistrate and Collector, Futtehpore, Dec 1858. Returns thanks for his appointment as 2nd class Assistant Commissioner Oudh, and hopes to set out for Lucknow shortly. Copy of earlier letter asking him to go to Oudh quickly. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4594.

4606. Letter from Mr G F Edmonstone, Secretary to Government of India, Foreign Department with the Governor General Allahabad, Dec 1858. Forwards a letter from Mr C B Thornhill on behalf of Captain W Broome of the Madras Rifles. Also letter from Broome. Copy of reply to Thornhill, Broome's application is noted.

4607. Letter from Mr W E Mcney, Commissioner of Customs, Allahabad, Dec 1858. In reply, about Mr R J Spencer, son of the late Major Spencer, 36th Native Infantry. Copy of earlier letter asking for information. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4553, 4554, 4617, 5226.

4608. Letter from Mr E W Maclean, Shahjehanpore, Dec 1858. States that his father was massacred at Cawnpore, and all his property destroyed. He has no means to support himself and his younger brother, and asks for an appointment in the Revenue Department. Copy of reply, request refused.

4609. Letter from Mr E G Birch, Civil Service, Calcutta, Dec 1858. Asks to be transferred to the North West Provinces or Oudh; with copy of a medical certificate. Copy of reply, acknowledgment. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4616, 4664; Governor General's Book Number 1118.

4611. Letter from Captain W C Clifton, late 67th Native Infantry, Mirzapore, Dec 1858. Explains why he did not wait upon the Private Secretary and gives his address. Copy of reply, it is not likely that he will obtain staff employment. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4561

4612. Letter from Captain H Raban, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, Alipore, Dec 1858. Suggests Captain Sherer, Sylhet Light Infantry, as Assistant to the Superintendent of Cachar. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4666, 4679, 4913, 4932

4613. Letter from Mr G C Barnes, Commissioner Cis Sutlej States, Umballa, Dec 1858. Reports that if the Government suggests to Pattiala that he postpone his visit to England for a year, the Maharajah would agree. Barnes is glad to hear Sir John Lawrence is not to go home after all. Asks where Lord Canning will spend next hot weather. Copy of reply, Governor General would be glad if Pattiala postponed his visit. Is it really true that Sir John is not going home? It would be good news, as then Montgomery could stay in Oudh. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4660.

4615. Petition of Mahomed Hussein Ishk, Haupper, Dec 1858. Asks for employment. Encloses a poem in 3 languages to be sent to the Queen.

4616. Letter from Captain H Raban, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, Alipore, Dec 1858 - Jan 1859. In reply, Lieutenant Governor has no objection to the transfer of Mr E G Birch to the N W Provinces. Copy of earlier letter; copy of reply about Birch. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4609, 4664

4617. Letter from Mr Robert Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow, Dec 1858. In reply, has applied officially for the services of 2 natives for the 2 remaining vacancies as Extra Assistants. The Commission is weak in experienced natives. The rain has stopped operations to the north, but a little delay at Bahraitch is needed to allow General Grant and Brigadier Rowcroft to advance from the east. Copy of earlier letter suggesting Mr P Spencer be appointed 3rd class Extra Assistant. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence nos. 4553, 4554, 4607, 5226.

4618. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel C Davidson, Resident at Hyderabad, Dec 1858. In reply, about a vacancy as 2nd Assistant. Investigations are being made into the murder of Captain G Hare. Copy of earlier letter, about the vacancy as 2nd Assistant. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4556

4619. Copy of a letter to Major C V Bowie, Calcutta, Dec 1858. Asking him to prepare the Flag Staff Bungalow for Major Strachey.

4620. Letter from Syed Abdoolah, Dec 1858. Sends a printed copy of a Eulogy to the Maharajah of Putteala In 2 languages.

4621. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow, Dec 1858. Sends a letter from Major Barrow, about his efforts to bring in Bene Madho. Reports on the position and movements of the Commander-in-Chief, General Grant, Colonel Rowcroft and Brigadier Barker.

4622. Letter from Major H Bruce, Chief of Police of Oudh, Headquarters Kha near Naupara, Dec 1858. Reports that Golab Sing is quite unfit for the Police, and recommends that he be allowed to retire. Copy of earlier letter about complaints from Golab Sing. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4658.

4623. Copy of a letter to B Gower Esquire, Locomotive Superintendent, Kuchpoorwa, Dec 1858. Sending him on loan from the Governor General 'The Life of G Stephenson'. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 5637.

4624. Letter from Mr C B Denison, Magistrate and Collector, Mirzapore, Dec 1858. Sends an assortment of rugs.

4625. Letter from Messrs Thacker Spink and Company, Calcutta, Dec 1858. In reply, about the Governor General's order for Lieutenant Meecham's work on Lucknow. 1/2 anna stamp. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4569

4626. Letter from Dr C B Chalmer, Field Surgeon to the Goruckpore District Force, Camp, Bustee, Dec 1858. Applies for the medical charge of a Police, Cavalry, or Infantry Corps in Bareitch, with the duties of the civil station. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4627

4627. Letter from Mr C Wingfield, Commissioner of Goruckpore, Dec 1858. Recommends Dr Chalmers. Asks whether, if the Oudh Talukdars who rebelled are to have all the villages they lost at summary settlement restored, the Talukdars in the North West Provinces who remained loyal are to recover all the villages they lost at settlement? Has sent in a memorandum in favour of the introduction of the Punjab Civil Code into Goruckpore. Copy of reply about Chalmers; the Governor General objects to appointing a full Surgeon to an Assistant Civil Surgeoncy. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4626

4628. Letter from Sir P Hamilton, Governor General's Agent for Central India, Indore, Dec 1858. Sends a letter from Brigadier Parke. All arrangements have been made to oppose Feroze Shah on the Nerbudda side. The establishment of a cordon from Beora to Nerbudda is contemplated. Asks if the Shah is implicated in murder. The want of a decision in the Banda Nawab's case is unfortunate, the Proclamation will be read by the rebels in the light of the decision when made. Captain Keatinge is ill and may have to go to England. Trusts that Sir H Rose's despatches have reached the Government, those who served under him are disgusted with the delay. Copy of reply, Private Secretary supposes that the Nawab will be given his life and a small stipend, for though he protected Europeans in 1 or 2 instances, he allowed Cockerell to be cut down in his fort, and was a leading rebel. The Governor General will take the pair of pearls valued at 180 Rupees and returns the others. The Governor General has been to Cawnpore to confer with Montgomery. The news from Oudh is good. Hamilton will be a great loss to Central India. Copy of list of pearls returned to Hamilton.

4629. Letter from Mr W H Russell, Headquarters in Buraeeh (Bahraich?), Dec 1858. Has forwarded a packet for the Governor General's express. The camp is 20 miles from Nanparah where the Begum is reported to be with 10000 sepoys. Copy of reply about the express. News from Oudh is anxiously awaited.

4630. Letter from Mr P Egerton, Deputy Commissioner of Delhi, Camp, near Delhi, Dec 1858. Asks for leave. Copies of 2 letters. Copy of reply, request refused.

4631. Copy of a letter to C B Denison Esquire, Magistrate and Collector, Mirzapore, Dec 1858 - Jan 1859. About rugs for Lady Canning. Copy of further letter about these, 13 Jan.

4632. Letter from Captain J P Nixon, Officiating Political Agent at Bhurtpore, Dec 1858. Reports that Tantia Topi has reached Saloambhur, and may go to Guzerat or Oodeypoor where the Rana is said to be very wealthy. Brigadier Honner is on his way to Oodeypoor. Nixon does not believe the rumour that the people about Saloambhur have risen in favour of Tantia. Applies for the Political Agency of Jodhpur.

4633. Letter from Mr G F Edmonstone, Secretary to Government of India, Foreign Department with the Governor General, Allahabad, Dec 1858. Sends to the Private Secretary the application of Mr W Whittinbaker, for an appointment in the North West Provinces of Oudh. Testimonials. Copy of reply, application noted. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4659

4634. Letter from Mr J Crawford, late Conductor, Public Works Department, Ghazeepore, Dec 1858. Objects to the claim made against him by Colonel Goodwyn. Letter no longer enclosed. Copy of reply, acknowledgment. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4674

4635. Letter from Sir J Lawrence, Chief Commissioner of the Punjab, Lahore, Dec 1858. In reply, is dissatisfied with the Towana Horse, were it not that they were good for political purposes he would recommend their immediate disbandment, as also the contingents raised by petty chiefs. Asks when he is to be relieved, he wishes to be free by 1 Mar.

4638. Letter from Mr F Okeden, Eastern Bengal Railway Office, Calcutta, Dec 1858. Forwards a letter to the Governor General. Copy of reply, acknowledgment. Governor General's Book Number 1130

4639. Letter from Captain W D Dickson, 3rd Bombay Native Infantry Officiating Cantonment Magistrate, Camp, Sholapore, Dec 1858. Asks to be appointed to the Thuggee Department if there is a vacancy. Copy of reply, Major Edwards has been nominated to officiate for Colonel Sleeman, on leave, so there is no vacancy.

4640. Letter from Captain F A V Thurburn, Special Assistant to the Judicial Commissioner in Oudh, Lucknow, Dec 1858. Asks for a political appointment. Copy of reply, request refused.

4641. Copies of 7 letters to the Superintendent of the Government Bullock Train Department and to the Post Master, Allahabad, Dec 1858 - Jan 1859. Arranging the transfer of the luggage of the Private Secretary's office from Allahabad to Calcutta.

4642. Letter from Mr R Montgomery, Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow, Dec 1858. Forwards 2 letters about the movements of the rebels and the British troops. The Begum has asked how she will be treated on submission, as well as many other chiefs.

4643. Letter from Mr M Gubbins, Civil Service Financial Commissioner Oudh, on leave, Rome, Nov - Dec 1858. States that a memorandum of his claims for any honours that may be granted to civilians for services during the Mutiny, with a list of documents bearing testimony to his exertions, was submitted to Lord Stanley, is now being published and a copy will be sent to Lord Canning. Copy enclosed. Copy of reply, acknowledgment.

4644. Letter from Shah Kubbeer Coddeen Ahmed, Assistant Magistrate in Shahabad, Sasseram, Dec 1858. Asks whether the Governor General returns to Calcutta by land or by water. Copy of reply, the route has not yet been determined.

4647. Letter from Major C Kervey, Assistant General Superintendent, Thuggee Department, Belgaum, Dec 1858. Submits his claims to act for Major Sleeman, as he has better claims, and is senior to Major Edwardes. If Edwardes is appointed, asks to be transferred from the Thuggee Department. Copies of letters. See also Private Secretary’s Correspondence no. 4662

4648. Copy of a letter from Mr C R Coles to Lieutenant Osborne, Oct - Dec 1858. Giving news of the escape of 500 sepoys from between the Brigades of Brigadier Munsey and Major Ellis, and complaining of the manner in which Tantia Topi is allowed to evade pursuit. 1 enclosure

4649. Letter from Mr G F Edmonstone, Secretary to Government of India, Foreign Department with the Governor General, Allahabad, Dec 1858. Forwards a copy of an application from the Political Agent at Rewah for a 2nd Assistant to the Agency, and copy of reply sanctioning such an appointment. Office memoranda about this appointment

4650. Letter from Mr E M Potter, late Diarist in the office of the Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow, Dec 1858. Submits a petition, asks if his 2 Memorials have been received. Copy of reply, acknowledgment.