Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/14/16

Acknowledges receipt of a letter from Canning. He has heard from Vernon Smith, who wrote that Dost Mahomed and the de facto ruler of Herat were to be supplied with arms and officers, and if this assistance was not sufficient to drive out the Persians, Persia must be attacked in the south. Elphinstone has been collecting information. The object of the Expedition (either to occupy Bushire, or to move inland) will make a great difference in the extent of preparations, comments at length. Camels, mules and bullocks would be needed for interior operations, and as approximately one camel is needed for every man in the force, a considerable delay would occur in collecting animals. It would be much easier to embark the force in India by detachments than to assemble the whole force simultaneously. Replies to Canning's questions. The 6,000 men from Bombay can be safely counted upon. Describes the 900 Cavalry proposed for Persia by Sir Henry Somerset, the number might be increased by sending the whole of the 14th Light Dragoons. The 'Assaye', 'Punjab' and 'Semiramis' can be made ready by the end of Sep. The 'Ajdaha' and 'Victoria' are at Bushire and could be brought back if the 'Assaye' were sent for them; before the 'Assaye' sails, Elphinstone would like to know if he is to send Commissariat Agents to Muscat and Baghdad to buy camels. The 'Falkland' could be left at Bushire to protect the Resident and British interests. Names the ships which would be required to take 12,000 men including Cavalry and Artillery. Requests boats which might be used for river navigation, collection of supplies and despatch boats. Sir Henry Leeke's zeal is apt to outstrip his judgement, nevertheless Elphinstone thinks that the embarkation could begin one month after receiving definite orders. Food can be collected very quickly. There is plenty of camp equipment. If an advance into the interior is intended, pack-saddles will have to be sent, for camels and mules. Sir Henry Somerset included 300 Sind Horse in his 900 Cavalry, but Colonel Jacob has sent Elphinstone a copy of a letter written to Canning recommending the establishment of an advanced force at Quetta. If the project is entertained, Elphinstone does not think that any of the troops in Sind could be taken for the Expedition to Bushire. If any of the Sind Horse are to go to Persia, the sooner they receive orders to march to Kurrachee the better. Elphinstone has just heard from the Commissary General who thinks that more than a month will be required to prepare for embarkation of a force with horses.