Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/13/26

Nothing much has altered in Madras, except that the delay of news of success at Delhi tends to shake the doubtful more and more and diminish confidence. The Resident, Hyderabad, seems to have done his best to make matters worse, and had his proposal of disarming the Madras troops been allowed the army would have been in a state of disaffection, if not mutiny. But Brigadier Coffin stood firm. Madras sends a proposal about allowing retrospective effect to the Carnatic protective law, at all events to Azim Jah. It would be a great mistake to arrest him in the present state of affairs in Madras. A plot has just been discovered amongst the Irregulars at Seetabuldee to mutiny and murder the Europeans, the plotters have been blown from guns. Canning will probably have a later account from Nagpore than that sent by Harris. The authorities did not feel strong enough to carry out death sentences. The reports of the last two days have made him more confident in the Madras troops, but the rash act of some timid fool may set them all wrong in a moment. The Rohillas are said to be plundering British districts from the Nizam's country. Some say that the panic and supposed disaffection at Hyderabad has been worked up by the Nizam's own people in order that they may make a display of staunchness, which may be useful on some future occasion when that nest of robbers will have to be cleared. Both Harris' children caught smallpox and were detained at Cairo, but it seems to be a slight attack. It is horrible to read the Calcutta papers now. Is glad the Fusiliers are behaving well. The Nagpore Moveable Column, formed to act against Jubbulpore, has been recalled by the authorities at Kamptee because of the conspiracy at Seetabuldee. Sends a copy of a letter to Vernon Smith. Does not know if Canning included Madras in his requisition for troops, Harris has asked for five regiments supposing two to be required for Burma, and that the 84th and the Fusiliers will be retained in the north.

Enclosed: Copy of a letter from Lord Harris to Vernon Smith, 22 Jun, describing the state of Madras and the Madras Army at length. Urges the importance of a great force of European troops, the expense not to be thought of.