Mss Eur F126/69, ff 45-50

Letter regarding the Viceroy (Thomas George Baring, 2nd Baron Northbrook)'s decision to cancel the Durbar and asking whether this was due to the apprehended famine, the fear of disease in the camp or whether his Lordship simply considered the limited numbers and minor status of the Chief's attending to be unworthy of a Durbar.

The letter goes on to discuss Pelly's intention to continue with his own travel plans; relaying instructions from the Viceroy to the Political Agents; Kerowly [Karauli]'s request to be excused from attending which Pelly suspects may have been caused by jealousy over Kishengurh [Kishangarh]'s precedence.

Also discussed is the ongoing matter of defining boundaries and the difficulties in undertaking this work when on two of the four assistantships are available; the need to reform the police in Rajpootana [Rājasthān] in order to deal with the issue of feudal barons harbouring marauders; and the difficulties in imposing regulations and acts on native states and how to address them.

The final paragraph of the letter, which has been crossed through, related to personal matters including possible badminton and croquet matches between the two gentlemen.