Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/14/23

Writes further to his letter of 23 Aug. The Expedition depends upon the Sedr Azim's answer to Lord Clarendon's Despatch of 11 Jul and this answer is not likely to reach London before 11 Sep. Final instructions will not therefore reach Bombay before 20 Oct. There seems little point in hiring transports immediately; Elphinstone will arrange for one cavalry transport to be hired, and will leave the question of the other transports for ten days. Wishes to know who will command the Expedition. Discusses Jacob's proposal to establish an advanced post at Quetta . This would be a good move if it was merely a temporary measure, as part of the demonstration against Persia. As a permanent measure it is open to some objections. It might revive the distrust of the Afghans, and involve the British in disputes. It would lessen the distance between the British advanced posts and those of the Russians, and might provoke the Russians to make a corresponding move in the direction of Khiva. However these objections might be overcome. The real question is whether British India requires such an outpost. Elphinstone regrets that Erskine, Director of Public Instruction, is leaving the Department, he is probably the best man in India on education. Mr Hart, one of the Secretaries of Government has also asked for a less arduous task. Elphinstone deplores the fact that some of the best men in the Presidencies have such delicate health that they are not able to hold the more laborious offices. Private.