Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/13/18

Agrees that it would have been unnecessary to send a Brigadier to China with only 400 men. It is amazing how information reaches the newspapers, he does not think the telegraph people are to blame. News that the 1st Madras Native Infantry had refused to march from Nzianagrum was in the 'Athenaeum' a few hours after it had reached him. Laments the widespread lack of loyalty amongst Government servants, and the unscrupulousness of the Press, who will print anything. The Fusiliers are due at Madras on 14 or 15 Mar, it is unfortunate that their destination has been questioned, it gives an opportunity to those who are determined if possible to arouse and keep up a feeling of dissatisfaction. It is difficult to spare them, for there should be at least three European Regiments in the Presidency. In Madras there are 80,000 Mussulmen ready to rise at a moment's notice and cut the throats of the British, and the Fort will now have to be held with 80 veterans and the leavings of the Fusiliers. The feeling in the native Army must be watched, they are over-worked. A third of the Army is on duty every day and no man can stand that long. Two Cavalry Regiments and a troop of Horse Artillery can easily be spared, and two or three native regiments could be sent with difficulty. The steamer mentioned is a French one at Pondicherry, one of the Quartermaster General's people has been sent to inspect her. Wishes there to be more thought before the pier is decided upon. It is bad enough to see a Railway with a 5% guarantee and such primitive connections. Has not yet appointed his Committee to inquire into establishments, describes the kind of case he wishes to alter. Hopes that the business of the 19th Regiment will pass satisfactorily. He has heard that the Bentinck has been sent for the 84th. The 1st Madras Native Infantry refused to march one day, but it was chiefly because of the bungling of the Brigadier.