Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/191

Contains docketed sets of papers, numbered 7251 to 7300, 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. 73 Private Secretary’s Correspondence, Nos. 7201 to 7300’. 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 7251, 7254, 7257, 7261, 7262, 7265, 7273, 7279, 7280, 7281, 7282, 7283, 7288, 7289, 7290, 7291, 7295, 7296, 7297, 7299, 7300 have a red cross on them, to indicate that they ‘may be preserved’, whilst ‘the rest may be destroyed’.

7251. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr H Scott Smith, Registrar, Calcutta, University. Sends a copy of the address delivered by Mr Ritchie as Vice Chancellor, at a meeting of the Senate for conferring degrees. Printed address. Copy of reply, acknowledgement.

7252. Jun 1860 Copy of a letter to the Head Assistant, Electric Telegraph Office. Asking for copies of all Mail Telegrams on their receipt; they used to be sent always, but since His Excellency's return to Calcutta, none have reached the Private Secretary.

7253. Jun 1860 Letter from Baboo Trilochun Roy, Calcutta. Asks for an interview with the Private Secretary to submit a Memorandum of incomes. Copy of reply, request refused. Should the Baboo wish to have an interview with Mr Wilson, he should apply to his Private Secretary.

7254. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr G Loch, Officiating Judge of the Sudder Dewanry Adowlut, Alipore. Asks for the Governor General's patronage for the establishment of a boys' school for the children of poor Christian parents. Copy of printed appeal. Copy of reply, the Governor General will donate 200 Rupees. See also 7257

7255 Jun 1860 Letter from Baboo Trilochun Roy, Calcutta. Sends a memorandum on incomes. Copy of reply, acknowledgement.

7257. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr G Loch, Officiating Judge of the Sudder Dewanry Adawlut, Alipore. In reply, about the proposed establishment of a boys' school for poor children. Copy of earlier letter asking for further information. See also 7254

7258. Jun 1860 Copy of a letter to Major General R J H Birch. Asking him to find out from Madras if the services of Lieutenant Snow, 7th Madras Native Infantry at Nagpore, can be spared for employment at Rewah.

7259. Jun 1860 Letter from Serjeant W Marklew, Staff Serjeant, Governor General's Band, Calcutta. Applies for the post of Superintendent Barrackpore Park.

7260. Jun 1860 Letter from Lieutenant J S A H Byrne, Military Police, North West Provinces, Calcutta. Reports particulars of the death of Captain E Leslie by cholera for communication to Leslie's relatives in England, Captain Leslie had mentioned that he was a connection of Lord Canning.

7261. Jun 1860 Letter from Major A C Plowden, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Bengal, Alipore. Sends a letter from Dr Campbell, Superintendent of Darjeeling, dated 16 Jun 1860, reporting that nothing effective can be done to coerce the Rajah of Sikkim until the end of the rains; hopes the Government will not for the third time place itself in a false position by withdrawing from threatened coercion (Campbell's letter is a copy). Copy of reply, returning Campbell's letter to Plowden.

7262. Jun 1860 Letter from Sir R Shakespear, Governor General's Agent for Central India, Indore. Says that when he wrote to the Bombay Government, complaining of the injury done to Major Ashburner, and begging for the cancellation of the General Order removing him from the Judge Advocate General's Department he was not aware that he was accused by the Commander in Chief of practising a deception; as it is now impossible for Ashburner to continue in office, suggests Major Aitken as a fit officer to succeed him; states that he will pass the Interpreter's examination in 2 months. Copy of reply, the Governor General cannot assent to the appointment of any officer who has not passed the examination.

7263. Jun 1860 Copy of a letter to Mr R H Davies, Secretary to the Punjab Government, Murree. Asking for various copies of 'the Punjab Selections'; list enclosed (memoranda and reports on various topics. Also office memorandum)

7264. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr H Cope, Umritsur. Says he has been prevented hitherto by illness from submitting his final report on his silk operations. Sends an extract from the proceedings of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society, before whom Mr Turnbull laid a few skeins of raw silk sent by Cope. It may now be concluded that silk can be reared in the Punjab. Copy of reply, the Governor General has read his account with much satisfaction. He would be glad to know what steps Cope has taken to make known in England the value of the samples of silk produced, and if Government can be of use in this respect. See also 6932, 7309, 7369, 9275

7265. Jun - Jul 1860 Letter from Dr G Paton, Post Master General, North West Provinces, Simla. Sends correspondence about the loss of a parcel sent to Jagkurn Dass Benarsee Doss, Governor General's Camp. Six papers. Copy of reply, Office memorandum. Telegraph Messages Sent number 792: Telegraph Messages received number 1186; See also 7338, 8089, 8131

7266. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr Henry Pennitz, Calcutta. Sends a Memorial asking for employment, in the Foreign Department. Copy of reply, the Governor General cannot interfere with the disposal of appointments in the Foreign Office.

7267. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr H Sandeman, Officiating Civil Auditor, Calcutta. Forwards for the use of the Governor General an appendix to the books of civil establishments made up to 1 May 1859 (Not enclosed). See also 6796

7268. Jun 1860 Letter from Dr G N Cheek, in joint medical charge, Simla. Applies to succeed Dr Christeson as Superintendent of Vaccination in the Hill States. Copy of reply, his application will be considered; Private Secretary suspects an unmarried man would be more eligible for the post. Enclosed is docket number 7325, a Telegraph Message from Dr Cheek, and also a Telegraph Message from Dr Peskett, applying for the post. See also 7325, 7462, 7492

7269. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr E A F Mayer, Gya. States that before he received the Private Secretary's letter telling him of the Governor General's acceptance of a bear and a leopard, the bear strangled itself with its chain; but he has replaced the bear by a very tame hyena and a bujjerbhul, now on their way to Barrackpore. See also 6793, 6797, 7286

7270. Jun 1860 Letter from Serjeant G Toogood, Superintendent, Mahratta coffee plantation, near Hazareebaugh. Applies for the post of Superintendent of Barrackpore Park. Two letters

7271. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr H R Jackson, Kidderpore. Applies for the post of Superintendent of Barrackpore Park.

7272. Jun 1860 Letter from Serjeant A C Galbreath, Assistant Overseer, Barrackpore. Sends testimonials (no longer enclosed). Copy of earlier letter, asking for testimonials

7273. Jun 1860 Letter from Dr A Christieson, Simla. Sends a letter from Captain Pengree. States that he discovered on 17 Jun that he (Christieson) had been removed on account of his original letter of 1 May alone, and had his letter of explanation which appears to have been detained at Lahore been forwarded to the Supreme Government sooner, a more lenient view would have been taken of his case. Copy of reply, he should send any remarks he wishes to make on his case through the official channels.

7274. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr J Gore, Calcutta. Sends a copy of the 'Morning Companion' and asks for support for the new venture. To the Private Secretary. Copy of reply, sending 10 Rupees; the Governor General asks him not to send any further papers intended for sale, and not for presentation. See also 578, 699, 7275

7275. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr J Gore, Calcutta. Sends a copy of the 'Morning Companion', and asks for support for the new venture. To the Governor General. Copy of reply, accepting the work. See also 578, 699, 7274

7276. Jun 1860 Letter from Messrs Mansfield and Company, Proprietor of Our Paper, Kurrachee. Sends a bill for the Governor General's subscription. Copy of reply, asking for further information.

7277. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr C Piffard, barrister, Calcutta.Sends a petition from Mr H J Dodsworth, indigo planter, Azimgurh, asking for the grant to him of confiscated lands in Azimgurh in consideration of his services during the Mutiny. Petition no longer enclosed, nor letter. Copy of reply, the papers have been sent to the Home Department.

7278. Jun 1860 Letter from the Countess Canning, Agra. Asks the Private Secretary to obtain for her three shawls, See also 7284, 7565

7279. Jun 1860 Letter from Colonel G Balfour, Member of the Military Finance Commission, Calcutta. Sends a note from Major Simpson, being the first intimation Balfour has received of Government's intention as to Simpson joining the Military Finance Commission. Believes the appointment of a new member at this stage would only delay the report of the Commission. Perhaps the attention of any new member might be directed to specific points, for subsidiary reports. Copy of reply, the Governor General considers it essential that the Military Finance Commission should, so long as any work relating to Bengal remains, consist of more than a single member drawn from another Presidency. Further remarks, See also 7280, 7289, 7291

7280. Jun 1860 Letter from Colonel G Balfour, Member of the Military Finance Commission, Calcutta. Further to his earlier letter will work with such colleagues as the Governor General may name, and hopes to accomplish good work. Copy of reply, His Excellency considers this letter to be written in a tone of complaint and dissatisfaction; the Governor General is not aware that Balfour has any reason for assuming such a tone. Would he please state what explanation he requires of his future position, and what are his grounds for complaint. See also 7279, 7289, 7291

7281. Jun 1860 Letter from Baboo Issuree Pershud, Calcutta. Sends printed copies of correspondence and testimonials about his own and his late father's services during the Mutiny.

7282. Jun 1860 Letter from Major R Meade, Political Agent, Gwalior. Reports in detail his conversation with Scindia about the prevalence of bad feeling among native troops. Copy of reply, grateful acknowledgement. See also 7283, 7343, 7344a

7283. Jun 1860 Letter from Sir R Shakespear, Governor General's Agent for Central India, Indore. Forwards extracts from a letter from Major Meade giving in detail his conversation with Sindia about bad feeling among the native troops. His Highness inquired with some anxiety if the application which Colonel Macpherson had made for a medal for Sindia from the Queen had been favourably received. The notorious Naik (?) of Bheels Khwajeh has carried off treasure belonging to Sowcars from a place in Candeish; though Shakespear does not agree with Lieutenant Dysart that there is to be a Bheel rising, great caution is necessary. Will inform Major Mayne of Meade's objections to the location of a large body of troops at Goonah; but believes that the service is a very popular one, and the sowars will remain staunch. Four papers. See also 7282, 7343, 7344, 7344a

7284. Jun 1860 Copy of a letter to Misur Gyan Chund, Umritsur. Asking him to supply three shawls, types described, for Lady Canning. See also 7278, 7565

7285. Jun 1860 Copy of a reply to Lieutenant J Byrne. His application has been transferred to the Military Secretary.

7287. Jun 1860 Letter from Captain J Eliot, Executive Engineer, Barrackpore Division. Reports on the qualifications of Serjeant Galbreath for the post of Superintendent of Barrackpore Park; would prefer Serjeant Franley, whom he strongly recommends. Copy of earlier letter; copy of reply, asking Eliot to send Franley down to Calcutta. Copies of Franley's testimonials. See also 7167, 7272, 7380, 7430

7288. Jun 1860 Copy of a letter to Major General Sir R Birch. Asking for papers about Major A Strange, 7th Madras Cavalry. See also 7249, 7512, 7600

7289. Jun 1860 Letter from Colonel G Balfour, Member of the Military Finance Commission, Calcutta. Further to the appointment of new members to the Commission; wished to know how far he could act in accordance with the views and opinions already recorded; and how he would stand as a Madras officer carrying out the inquiry in Bengal. Copy of reply, His Excellency never contemplated placing another officer over Balfour, even if a new member were senior to Balfour in the Army. Balfour is now head of the Commission. See also 7279, 7280, 7291

7290. Jun 1860 Letter from the Honourable Sir R Montgomery, Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab, Murree. Regrets that Sir H Frere does not approve of the border policy, which has hitherto worked so well. As each tribe has felt the British power, it has become a decent neighbour, and the Muhsoods seem to be the hardest tribe to deal with. Is delighted to see Sir C Trevelyan's recall. The evidence given before the Indigo Commission bears out what he himself had seen, he believes that the Magistrates must be increased and the planter must pay higher for his indigo. The honours for the Civil Servants have been well conned over at home, and will be gratefully accepted even now. Reports that there will be no difficulty in carrying out the taxation measures in the Punjab. Is surprised that Sir J Outram remarked in his memorandum of 2 January on the Amalgamation question that the Punjab was ripe for revolt, which is not the case, and such statements are very improper in a public document, even when true. Office memorandum, Copy of reply, although the Governor General was obliged to send home Sir H Frere's opinions on the border policy, His Excellency was entirely opposed to them. The Governor General does not consider the case of Sindh to be at all analogous to that of the Punjab. Governor General to Sir C Wood dated 29 Jun 1860. See also 7312

7291. Jun 1860 Letter from Colonel G Balfour, Member of the Military Finance Commission, Calcutta. Returns thanks for the satisfactory explanation of the Governor General's intentions, and regrets that he has given so much trouble. See also 7279, 7280, 7289

7292. Jun 1860 Copy of a letter to the Private Secretary to the Governor of Madras. Sending a copy of a despatch about the transfer of Mysore to Madras (not enclosed)

7293. Jun 1860 Letter from Colonel C Davidson, Resident at Hyderabad. Returns thanks for his CB. Cover only. Part of the summary of Davidson's letter on the docket has been crossed out. Office memorandum, that the register entry is to be altered, and a note made 'Cancelled by Telegram received 30 Jun 60'.

7294. Jun 1860 Letter from Mr J Chopin, Calcutta. Sends two copies of The Christian Casket and a receipt for payment. Copy of reply, sending 5 Rupees.See also 5902

7295. May - Jun 1860 Letter from Mr G P Money, Civil Service, on leave, London. Further to his application for mention in the Governor General's despatch on the services of Civil Servants during the Mutiny, submits two letters. See also 7103

7296. May - Jun 1860 Letter from Sir R Hamilton, retired, Civil Service, London. Sends copy of a letter by which Lieutenant Shakespear's leave has been altered by Sir C Wood; hopes that it is sufficient to save his appointment. Sir C Trevelyan's proceedings about publicity are most unjustifiable, and properly condemned, but there is much in the Minute worth attention. Believes that the Governor General's Council will be done away with, and Secretaries of State installed; believes that the Legislative Council should either be enlarged, or shut up. Suggests that all military officers in civil employ should be turned into civilians, giving them pensions as military men, but not considering them as soldiers. There is a great deal of discussion as to whether the Governor General gave the right to adopt as a reward or as a fulfilment of the Queen's Proclamation. Repeats his dissatisfaction at the non-receipt of any honours owing to his name not having been mentioned in any order of the Governor General. Governor General's Book Number 1719

7297. Jun - Jul 1860 Letter from Lieutenant Colonel L Barrow, Officiating Chief Commissioner of Oudh, Lucknow. In reply, will address the superiors of Ramdujal to see if they knew of his action against the 'Oudh Gazette'; makes remarks on the case, the defendants will not criticise Government policy. If the Governor General wishes, Barrow could get the case withdrawn. Encloses letter from Mr Bayley, about the judge of the case. Copy of earlier letter, the Governor General has seen in the 'Oudh Gazette' that an action for libel is to be brought against the paper by Ramdujal, over charges made against him for the manner in which he executed his official duties. Such an action cannot be taken without the sanction of the Government, which the officer serves. Asks if Ramdujal's superiors knew the libel action was being brought. Governor General's Book Number 1663

7298. Jun 1860 Letter from Baboo Gopee Nauth Banoorjee, Assistant, Accountant General's Office, General Treasury. Asks for employment in the Private Secretary 's Office. Copy of reply, there are no vacancies.

7299. Jun 1860 Copy of a letter to Dr J Forsyth, Principal Inspector General, Medical Department. Private Secretary has told the Governor General all that Forsyth has said in favour of Dr Christeson, but His Excellency considers his conduct to have been so entirely wanting in discretion that he regrets being unable to view his case favourably. The Punjab Government in sending up the papers said that his proceedings were enough ''to drive the people into rebellion'. See also 7273

7300. Jun 1860 Letter from Messrs Percy Douglas and Company, Commission Agent, Calcutta. Report the existence of gold in Assam. Recommend an explorer, who would investigate the gold; if he fails to obtain employment under the Government, he intends to offer his services to some of the native powers. Printed enclosure about the firm. Copy of reply, acknowledgement.