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Writes unofficially sending papers to Lord Canning. He has got himself into trouble. Sends the papers with a demi-official note, in case there are any corrections to be made in Sir John Lawrence's statements. Would like to keep Canning out of it if he can. Semi-official note from Granville to Canning, 5 Oct sending a letter with enclosures from Sir John Lawrence, with Granville's reply. Asks if there are any facts which are unknown to Lawrence and Granville. Letter from Sir John Lawrence to Lord Granville, 24 Jul 1858. Quotes a passage from a speech said to have been made by Granville in the House of Lords. Granville cited as an example of the strength of Canning's character that he refused to support the negotiations of Sir John Lawrence and the General with the insurgents inside Delhi, and insisted the siege be continued. Lawrence denies his part in these proceedings. No proposition to treat with the rebels came from Lawrence. The proposals came from the King and were sent to Lawrence by General Reid, early in Jul 1857. As Lawrence was cut off from higher authority he considered the proposals and believed it would be well to accede to them. Describes the condition of the force before Delhi at the time. Defends his decision at length. The overtures came to nothing. Lawrence reported his proceedings to Canning on 6 Jul 1857, but his letter was never replied to. In Sep Sir John received a letter from Mr Edmonstone informing him that Lord Canning wished no overtures to be received which were based upon the restoration of the King to the position he held before the Mutiny. Lord Canning's desire to proceed with the siege was never urged in opposition to Lawrence's views, which is what may be inferred from Granville's speech. Praises Canning.

Enclosed: Copies and extracts of various correspondence connected with the siege of Delhi. Copy of Lord Granville's reply, 5 Oct 1858. Regrets that he has given Lawrence trouble; never intended to depreciate Lawrence's exertions. Granville's speech was wrongly reported in the paper read by Lawrence. He heard of Lord Canning's objections to the negotiations from an impeccable source. Will make any explanation Lawrence considers necessary in Parliament. Lord Canning has always spoken of Lawrence in the highest terms.