Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/2/9

Writes that he was glad to hear the situation at Calcutta was improving. All that can be done in the way of reinforcements has been done. Troops from the Mediterranean may be sent, which will be better than the Regiment straight from England. Recruiting goes on well. 25,000 militia have been embodied to take the place of the troops sent abroad. News of Cawnpore, Lucknow and Delhi is anxiously awaited. Palmerston hopes that when Delhi is taken troops will not commit atrocities in revenge. No-one can find fault with summary justice upon every man with arms in his hands. Believes that every civil building connected with Mahommedan tradition should be levelled to the ground in Delhi. The Cabinet has not yet considered the new organization of Indian Government, but it will have to be thought of before the next meeting of Parliament. Palmerston believes that such a vast land can no longer be left under the nominal supremacy of a Company of Merchants, but must be placed under the direct authority of the British Crown. Asks for suggestions.