Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/7/7

Writes on the difficulty of the army question. The problems of reforming a local European army are very great, and Lord Clyde, Sir William Mansfield and Sir P Grant are strongly opposed to such an army. The alternative would be expensive, and would not provide officers for detached employment. These objections might be overcome however, and a Staff Corps formed of officers either drawn from Queen's regiment, or sent from England. From this Corps the officers of all irregular regiments should be taken. Suggests that the whole European force might be troops of the line, and the whole native army formed on the Irregular system of selected officers. The Staff Corps would provide the officers for the Irregular regiment as well as for political, civil, and those appointments now called Staff employment. Asks for Canning's opinion, and suggests the scheme not as his own scheme, but as a possible one. Fears that there will never be good feeling between the officers of the Line and of the local force. Has just discovered a practice which will add to the difficulties: ensigns going out to India are posted to non-existing regiments and promoted to Lieutenants on a vacancy. This must be stopped. Asks how many existing native regiments there are, if Canning wishes to keep up a regular native army, and what he proposes to do with the disarmed regiments The Despatch on honours has come and is being considered. Trevelyan complains of the delay in passing the Police Bill through the Legislative Council, and Wood cannot see that any progress has been made in the amalgamation of the Sudder and Supreme Courts which was decided upon 6 years before. The delay in Indian matters at home as well as in India is very tiresome, asks Canning to urge people on. Mr Ellis has printed a disagreeable account of Nagpore and Mr Plowden's doings, Ellis was wrong not to send it to Canning, but there must be an inquiry. Asks to be told as soon as possible about the discharged soldiers. Everyone has left London, Granville is detained by Lady Granville's illness.