Mss Eur F126/1, ff 39-44

Draft of a letter to Bartle Frere regarding Jacob's fears of a mutiny and rebellion in upper Sind if matters continue as they are and his ongoing fears of ruin for the whole empire under the current guidance of the British Government.

Enclosed with the letter is a letter from John Braithwaite Hardy, Bombay Artillery, who was accompanying the British Mission in Herat, 22 February 1858:

• Letter, regarding prior arrangements for his letters to be forwarded to Herat via Jacobabad and Kandahar, and his desire to stop the arrangement owing to Colonel Taylor's mission being recalled which has led to his immediate departure for India. The letter goes on to inform the recipient that the sudden departure from Herat was due to H M's Government having decided to give over the city to Russo-Persian influence and waive the terms of their treaty, including the clause to release all prisoners taken during the last war with Persia. Also discussed are Persia's response to this decision; Hardy's fears that a revolution may occur once the British Mission departs as the people are not happy with the recent actions of their ruler; their departure from Herat via Bushire; and their intention to take any troops stationed at Karrack [Bandar-e-Charak] with them. The letter concludes by enquiring after Colonel John Jacob and whether he has returned to Jacobabad; and promoting the need for a strong British force above Bolan (Afghanistan).