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Has read Canning's letter and enclosures with very great interest, he is greatly obliged for the information about the actual state of relations with Dost Mahomed, Canning's views on Herat, Outram's appointment. Outram's health is much better than it was three years ago, and if he spends the Persian hot weather at some cool and healthy place, Elphinstone thinks his health will stand up. Explains that his telegraphs to Canning have been brief, because Government orders have been given to that effect, and also because news sent by telegraph sometimes leaks into the Press; gives an example about the recognition of the Gaekwar of Baroda. Elphinstone would not like the papers to publish, on the authority of Jacob, that the Frontier was in a defenceless state, .and that the whole of Upper Sind was at the mercy of the Persians and Afghans. Sir Henry Somerset is writing to propose the appointment of a Chief of the Staff, naming Colonel Lugard. Elphinstone thinks the appointment should be made by the Government and not by the Commander in Chief. Elphinstone is grateful for the promise of troops. Hopes Canning will approve of the plan of raising supernumerary irregulars.