Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/15/25

Sends a copy of a letter from John Russell Colvin. Elphinstone's confidence in the native troops of the Presidency has been considerably shaken by the reports reaching him in the last few days. There has been a partial mutiny in one regiment at Kolapore, and an officer of great energy has been sent to supersede those on the spot. Detachments of European troops have been sent to places where disaffection prevails, these are all in the Southern Division. Six companies of the 33rd Regiment have arrived from Mauritius, and the remainder will follow. A rising must be prevented in the Southern Division, for the Mussulman population in the Presidency appears to he disaffected. In Sattara the feeling for the Mahratta dynasty would ally the Hindoos with the Mussulmans, and all the plundering tribes would join in. Wishes for news of the recapture of Delhi, or the arrival of some large body of European troops. Elphinstone is anxious about the Mohurrum, especially at Hyderabad.

Enclosed: Copy of a letter from J R Colvin, Fort Agra, to Lord Elphinstone, 24 Jul, Colvin assumes that Elphinstone will have heard of the events at Agra. The bungalows and private houses have shared the fate of other stations; the town is now quiet, the bad characters having left after the departure of the Neemuch mutineers. Continued safety depends upon some advance at Delhi. The last news received from Brigadier Wilson at Delhi refers to the need for further reinforcements from the Punjab to maintain the present position. Havelock must be near Cawnpore, but no direct communication has come from him. The latest news from Lucknow of 29 Jun is that Sir Henry Lawrence was expecting an immediate attack. Elphinstone will know that Barnard is dead and General Reed has gone to the hills. Confidential.