And believe me, with great respect,
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) W. H. SLEEMAN.

To Sir James Weir Hogg, Bart.

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Lucknow, 20th September, 1850.

My Dear Sir Charles,

The papers give us reason to hope that it is your intention to visit Lucknow on your way down from the hills, and if you can make it convenient to come, I shall be rejoiced to have the opportunity of showing you all that is worth seeing, and be able to afford all who come with you, ladies and gentlemen, accommodation.

The only road to Lucknow for carriages is from Cawnpore, and if you come that way, I will have carriages sent for you.  If you come by any other road, I will have elephants sent to whatever place you may mention, and tents if required.  It has been usual, when the Commander-in-chief visits Lucknow, for Government to intimate the intention to the King through the Resident in Oude, that preparation may be made for his reception in due form.

I mention this that you may make known your wish or intention to the Governor-General, in time for me to prepare the King and his Court.

From Cawnpore to this is only a drive of six hours, the distance being fifty miles, and the road good.  All officers, &c., will be glad to have an opportunity of paying their respects to their distinguished Chief.

Believe me,
Yours very faithfully,
(Signed) W. H. SLEEMAN.

To his Excellency
Sir Charles Napier, G.C.B.,
     &c. &c. &c.

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Lucknow, 7th November, 1850.

My Dear Allan,

In the “Englishman” of the 28th, and the “Hurkara” of the 29th, there are some strictures on Oude affairs.  The editors of both papers are, I believe, sturdy, honest men; but their correspondents are not acquainted with the merits of the particular case referred to, or with Oude affairs generally.  I vouch for the truth of everything stated in the enclosed paper, and shall feel obliged if you will give it to the one most likely, in your opinion, to make a fair use of it.  There can be no harm in putting an editor in possession of the real truth in a question involving not only individual but national honour; for he must be anxious to make his paper the vehicle of truth on all such questions.

I do not like to address either of the editors, because Government expect all their servants will abstain from doing so in their own vindication, and will leave their honour in their keeping.  I have done so since 1843, and should now do so were I alone concerned in this affair.  You may mention my name as authority for what is stated, but pray let it be mentioned confidentially.  Government has been informed of the truth, and it is well that the public should be so.

Yours sincerely,
(Signed) W. H. SLEEMAN

To J. Allan, Esq.

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Lucknow, 17th November, 1850.