Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/14/28

Answers Caning's most private letters of 2 and 3 Sept. Elphinstone has been ill and is still very weak. He has telegraphed the name of General Stalker, because he believes him to be the best man; Stalker would be selected by Somerset, and approved by Colonel Melville. Lord Elphinstone knows little of Stalker personally, but long before the present expedition was thought of, he made inquiries about the best officer for a command of the present kind, and Stalker was almost invariably named. The opinion of Stalker contained in Colonel Havelock's memorandum is almost exactly what Frederick FitzClarence thought of him, and this is perhaps the least favourable opinion Elphinstone has heard. Stalker is the senior officer, he has had experience in command, and he is very popular. Elphinstone would hesitate to propose Stalker to command a large army for the interior of Persia, but he will do well at Bushire, or as second in command of a larger force for the interior. Comments briefly upon other officers named in Canning's letter or memorandum. Colonel Havelock is the officer Elphinstone would have selected had he been obliged to name an officer who was equal to the command in Elphinstone's own estimation. But Havelock is in bad health, and has just resigned the Adjutant Generalship and gone home on sick leave. Even if Havelock were available, Elphinstone believes many people would prefer Stalker. General Waddinton is a very good officer, but has had no experience in the command of troops, and his appointment would have interfered with the Public Works Department, and not been so popular with the troops. General Wyllie is an excellent officer, but some years ago had a cerebral attack which might be brought on again by exposure to the sun. Colonel Stopford is one of the Brigadiers appointed by Somerset. Colonel Greene has just succeeded Colonel Hancock as Adjutant General, Colonel Lugard is Deputy adjutant General of the Queen's troops. All these officers are good men, but scarcely distinguished enough to be given the command. Elphinstone agrees with Canning that it would be very hazardous to send officers to Herat, but thinks they might be sent to Kelat or Kandahar, recommends Greene and Ballard. The 'Assaye' is expected hourly from Bushire. If there is no word from Captain Jones, Elphinstone will endeavour to send inquiries by the 'Feroog', which will also carry two Commissariat officers to Bushire, and an officer of the Quarter Master General's Department. These last will not make purchases, but will be able to collect information. Most private.