Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/15/15

Sends a copy of a letter from Sir James Outram. When the letter was written, Outram had not received the full discretionary power he now has, to send back any part of his European Force which he could spare. In transmitting this authority to him, the Bombay Government sent a list of stations to which it was intended that the regiments in Persia should be sent. Hopes Outram will not consider that under Lord Clarendon's instructions it is imperative to retain the whole of the European Force. Elphinstone thinks he will only anticipate Canning's wishes by ordering Outram to send the 78th back to India. Outram is naturally disappointed at the conclusion of a peace treaty. Jacob is said to express himself much more unreservedly on the subject. At last one of the hospitals has been completed, and two others were to be completed by the end of Apr, but none of the Barracks have yet been begun, owing to the great difficulty in landing the timber and in getting carpenters. Many of those who were first sent have disappeared. General Ashburnham has arrived. The preparations for the China Force are to be made at Madras.

Enclosed: Copy of a letter from Sir James Outram to Lord Elphinstone; Mohummerah, 23 Apr. The announcement of the peace has saved the entire Persian Forces in Southern Persia from capture and destruction. Havelock was to march to Ahwaz, and then to Shuster. The Persian Army was dispirited and many soldiers were deserting, and there was a great shortage of ammunition. The native tribes were ready to rise, and the Persian Army must have surrendered unconditionally or run the gauntlet of the tribes who would have massacred them in the passes. Outram and Jacob would have attacked the Army at Naneezak, and there can be little doubt of the result. Outram regrets that he must retain so many British troops in the country but his letter to Lord Clarendon will explain why he is debarred from returning the troops. Expecting discretionary powers about returning troops, Outram had assembled the transports.