Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/14/7

Writes appreciatively of Canning's frank and friendly letters. Elphinstone explains why he defended Mr Erskine's proposals. He believes that a man who is to teach and train schoolmasters, even for village schools and elementary classes, should be a man of very superior ability and attainments, and very carefully chosen. Further comments. Regrets that it appears the Government of India was by-passed because Mr Erskine' scheme was sent home direct to the Court, this was only done to save time. Asks Canning to consider a project to establish a school in Aden, the Reverend Mr Badger there has volunteered to go to Cairo and select an Arabic master. Elphinstone will obey Canning's telegraphic message directing the news from Peshawar to be sent to England; but except for Dost Mahomed's application for assistance the news is nearly the same as that which came from Colonel Jacob on 23 Apr which was sent to the Secret Committee on 28 Apr. The news brought by the 'Clive' corroborates these accounts, and shows that the Shah is bent upon taking Herat and if possible Kandahar. Reports some of the remarks of Colonel Holland on Persia. Colonel Holland fears that the occupation of Bushire and Bunder Abbas would not be much felt at Teheran, as the revenues of the Province of Fars are farmed out, and the renter would have to pay the same sum to the Government whether he received the sea customs or not. For any expedition beyond Bushire and Bunder Abbas the co-operation of the hill tribes will be necessary, to obtain this rupees would be more effective than bullets. Mr Taylor the Vice Consul at Bussora has reported fortifications being made at Mohumera, and also reports the visit of a Russian to Shuster; the Russian may be securing the services of the hill tribes for the Shah. Captain Kemball and Captain Jones might be able to deal with the hill tribes. Colonel Holland thinks at least 20,000 men, half being Europeans, should be sent if they are to advance beyond Bushire. Supplies must come from Baghdad at first. Holland suggested obtaining Turkish troops, but Elphinstone told him this would not do. Colonel Holland would act as Quarter Master General in advance of the Expedition to Persia, if desired. Elphinstone suggests Karrack be taken as a depot. 10,000 men should be sent out from England at once, to achieve anything decisive. These could replace regiments in India sent to Persia. The 'Feroog' is extensively' damaged. Mr Le Geyt has arrived. Mr Lumsden, Member of Bombay Council, is going home on sick leave. Mentions the absurd panic which was worked up by the people near the line of the railroad where it is to ascend the Ghats; the people believed that 191 human sacrifices would be required, and maltreated some Railway people and some travellers whom they took for kidnappers.