Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/3/43

Thanks the Governor General for his letter of 20 Jul recapitulates the news received from India. For many places no information has been received. Describes at great length the reinforcements sent out. Explains why so many troops have been sent to Bombay and Kurrachee. Sends a paper from Mr J R Martin on the selection of sites for Cantonments, and a letter from Sir George Clerk on the enlistment of Sikhs, which must not be overdone. Has heard that Europeans in the Straits are grumbling at the extension of the Press Act to them, and at their Governor. Recommends Colonel Morris, 17th Lancers. Sends a paper to show the number of screw steamers with more than 3,000 men which have passed St Vincents. Agrees with the Governor General about Sir John Lawrence's Peshawur proposal. Disagrees with Sir George Clerk in his opinion of Mr Montgomery, he appears to have done excellent service in the Punjab. The War Department are anxious about light clothing for the troops, asks the Governor General to attend to this. Macaulay is to be made a Peer. Some new light river gun-boats are to be sent out.

Encloses three papers: 1. Copy of private letter from Sir George Clerk to Mr Mangles, urging him to check the paroxysm of 'Sikh fever'. Disbelieves Montgomery's optimistic. reports on the Punjab. Utters a warning against the Gurkhas, and against a possible combination of Sikhs and Gurkhas.

2. Copy of information in 'The Times' dated 5 Sep 1857, about steamers carrying troops.

3. 'Suggestions for promoting the health and efficiency of the British troops serving in the East Indies' by J R Martin, 12 Aug 1857.