and Captain Bird, the First Assistant, and his brother and guest.  After the ceremony, I took leave of the Prince, and reached the Resident at six o’clock.  My wife and children had left me at Peernuggur, to return, for medical advice, to the Residency, where I had the happiness to find them well, and glad to see me.  Having broken my left thigh hone, near the hip joint, in a fall from my horse, in April, 1849, I was unable to mount a horse during the tour, and went in a tonjohn the first half of the stage, and on an elephant the last half, that I might see as much as possible of the country over which we were passing.  The pace of a good elephant is about that of a good walker, and I had generally some of the landholders and cultivators riding or walking by my side to talk with.

END OF THE TOUR.

PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE

RELATING TO THE ANNEXATION OF THE KINGDOM OF OUDE TO BRITISH INDIA.

__________________________

Camp, Nawabgunge, 5th December, 1849.

My Dear Bird,

I had heard from Mahomed Khan what you mention regarding the imposition practised on the King by the singers; but from his having conferred a khilaut on the knaves, they supposed that he had, as usual, pardoned all.  If you have grounds to believe that the King is prepared to punish them, or to acquiesce in their punishment, pray ask an audience and ascertain his Majesty’s wishes.  When we last went, I was in hopes that he would tell me that he wished to be relieved of their presence, and did all I could to encourage him to do so.  If the King wishes to have them removed, encourage him to give immediate orders to the minister to confine them; and offer any assistance that may be required to take them across the Ganges, or put them into safe custody.  When it is done, it must be done promptly.

As to the Taj Mahal, I went on an order by Richmond, “that the King should put a Mahaldarnee upon her if he wished.”  I was told that such was Richmond’s order, and I give mine in consequence.  I will refer to the Dufter for his order.  But you must at once insist upon all sipahees being withdrawn from her house.  This order was given by me and should be enforced by you.  I said that the Mahaldarnee might remain, but it must be alone, without sipahees, &c.

On emergency, act of course on your own discretion I only wish that the King may be induced to consent to the removal of all the singers, and meddling eunuchs also.

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

To Captain Bird,
First Assistant.

Sadik Allee should be secured, and punished with the rest.

(Signed) W. H. SLEEMAN.

__________________________

Camp, Bahraetch, 10th December, 1849.

My Dear Bird,