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Sends a memorandum from Sir Henry Somerset. Elphinstone thinks it will be difficult to send the 3rd Light Cavalry from Rajkote and embark them at Poorbundee. It is perhaps well that Somerset does not propose to send any of the Sind Horse, if Jacob's plan is likely to be adopted. The 78th Highlanders, now at Poona, will have to be substituted for the 2nd Europeans, at Hyderabad, who will be wanted at Quetta. Colonel Jacob has a great dislike of the Belooch Battalions, and wishes to disband them at once, which would be very inadvisable. They could be sent to Persia, but they are not enlisted for general service, and would have to volunteer. Somerset has a very high opinion of the Battalions. Elphinstone has also received a long memorandum from Sir Henry Leeke, with calculations of numbers of vessels required; Elphinstone distrusts the calculations, and does not think it worthwhile to send the memorandum to Lord Canning. Replies to Canning's question, that each steamer can take two other vessels in tow, though they will make but slow progress. At least three more steamers will be required by the Bombay Government. Sir H Somerset has heard from the Horse Guards that the regiments under orders for India are not to be sent out until next year. Some months ago Elphinstone recommended that if there was any chance of an expedition to Persia the reliefs should be sent out straight from the Crimea via Egypt. The regiments which were to be relieved might have been sent home, or detained if needed in India. Elphinstone thinks that Canning would have been glad had this idea been adopted. The only objection was that the troops would have arrived at the beginning of the hot weather.

Enclosed: Memorandum by Sir Henry Somerset written at Poona 8 Aug 1856 on the force for the gulf. A force of between 6,000 and 7,000 men of all arms could be collected at four points within one month of orders being issued. But more time is desirable if possible. Describes the composition of the Force.