Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/7/22

Acknowledges various letters. Wishes to send the Germans to China because they are not reckoned in the equal numbers of English and French, and will give a greater superiority over the French. Agrees to Lord Clyde remaining. There is no chance of the Chinese giving in, the expense will have to be borne, and no one knows how long it may last or what the results may be. The soon the Sikhs can be reduced the better, they probably count on their strength. Jung Bahadoor probably has some foundation for what he says, and makes the most of it. Wood will speak to the Duke of Newcastle about Colonel Cavenagh, but he cannot act until he gets the Minutes of the Council. Cavenagh seems to be acting judiciously. Canning's reasons for going up the country are quite satisfactory, the Council were against it, and Wood thought Canning might have delayed. Canning's proceedings over the Sikhs are exactly right. He is authorised to withhold the bounty to the Co.'s troops, if not too late. Asks for information about Dhar. The revised Minute on honours has never arrived. Mr Prendergast has been dismissed. Sends the compliments of the season.

Enclosed: Telegram from Wood to Elphinstone, 24 Dec. 1859. The Germans are to go to China unless their efficiency is doubted, the 4th Dragoons can come through Egypt and two batteries will reach Suez late Jan. Note that Canning's telegram of 12 Dec. from Agra reached London 25 Dec. and was sent to Wood at Hickleton.