The King’s brother—­a very excellent man, who was Commander-in-Chief during his father’s life-time, but is now nothing—­might also be consulted with the mother of the King in the nomination of the regency, and made a party with her to the new treaty.

These are all the points which appear to me at present to call for instructions.

The harvests promise to be abundant, but the collections come in slowly, and the establishments are all greatly in arrear.  I don’t like to write publicly on these subjects, because it is almost impossible here to prevent what is so written from getting to the Court; but the Governor-General’s instructions were sent to me in that form without the same risk.

(Signed) W. H. SLEEMAN.

To H. M. Elliot, Esq.,
     &c. &c.

___________________________________

Lucknow, 23rd March, 1849.

My Dear Elliot,

It will perhaps be well to add to the regency, in case of the King’s death, a controller of the household, making three members of equal grade, and to have no deputy for the Resident, or President of the Regency.  It may also be well to add the mother of the heir apparent to the persons to be consulted in the selection of the members of the regency, though she is a person of no mark or influence in either public or private affairs at present.

The mother of the present King, his brother, the mother of the heir-apparent, and the young heir-apparent himself will be enough to have a voice in the selection.

I conclude that it will be the Governor-General’s wish that the heir-apparent should be placed on the throne immediately after the death of his father, for the slightest hesitation or delay in this matter would be mischievous in such a place as Lucknow.  As soon as this is done, I can proceed to consult about the nomination of the regency.  The members will, of course, be chosen from among the highest and most able members of the aristocracy present at the capital, and they can be installed in office the day they are chosen.  I do not apprehend any confusion or disturbance; but measures must be adopted immediately to pay up arrears due to the establishments, and dismiss all that are useless.

The, King is not worse—­on the contrary, he is said to be better; but the hot season may be too much for him.  His present state, with a minister weak in body and not very strong in mind, is very unsatisfactory.  Fortunately the harvest is unusually fine.

             Yours sincerely,
          (Signed) W. H. SLEEMAN.

To H. M. Elliot, Esq.,
     &c. &c.

____________________________

Lucknow, 8th May, 1849. 
My Lord,

Dr. Bell, has relieved Dr. Leekie from his charge, and I am glad that so able and experienced a medical officer has been appointed to it by your Lordship, for he will have the means of doing much good here if he can secure the confidence and esteem of his native patients.  The way has been well paved for him by Dr. Leekie, who, in professional ability, large experience, and perfect frankness of character, is one of the first men I have met; and I regret exceedingly that the King has never manifested any wish to consult him or any other European physician.