To Captain Harrington.

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Lucknow, 24th November 1851.

My Lord,

Lucknow affairs are now in a state to require the assumption of the entire management of the country; and the principal question for your Lordship’s consideration is, whether this shall be done by a new treaty or by simple proclamation.  Treaties not only justify but enjoin the measure; our pledges to the people demand it; and all India are, I believe, satisfied of its justice, provided we leave the revenues for the maintenance of the royal family in suitable dignity, and for the benefit of the people.

We may disencumber our Government of the pay of two regiments of Oude Local Infantry, and incorporate them with the Oude force to be raised, and of that of the officers of the residency, altogether about two lacs and a-half of rupees; and when things are settled down a little, the brigade now here—­of three infantry regiments and a company of artillery, costing some four lacs more—­may be dispensed with, perhaps.

If I may be permitted to give an opinion as to the best mode of the two, I should say proclamation, as the more dignified.

I have prepared all the information I believe your Lordship will require, and am ready to wait upon you with it when and where it may seem most convenient.

The treasury is exhausted, and fifty lacs are required to pay the stipendiaries of the royal family and establishments; and assuredly all the members of that family, save the King’s own household, are wishing for some great measure to place them under the guarantee of the British Government.  The people all now wish for it, at least all the well-disposed, for there is not a man of integrity or humanity left in any office.  The King’s understanding has become altogether emasculated; and though he would not willingly do harm to any one, he is unable to protect any one.  He would now, I believe, willingly get rid of his minister; and, having exhausted the treasury, the minister would not much dislike to get rid of him.  I shall do my best to prevent his being released from the responsibility of his misdoings till I meet your Lordship.  I should like, if possible, to meet your Lordship where there is likely to be the least crowd of expectants and parade to take up your time and distract your attention.  If at Cawnpore, I hope you will permit me to have my camp on the Oude side of the river, with a tent in your camp for business during the day.  With your Lordship’s commands to attend, it will be desirable to have an order to make over my treasury to the First Assistant, to prevent delay.  Should you desire any memoranda to be sent, they shall be forwarded as soon as ordered.  If any further public report upon the state of Oude affairs appears to be required, I must pray your Lordship to let me know as soon as convenient.  I shall not propose any native gentlemen for the higher offices; but it will be necessary to have a great many in the subordinate ones, to show that your Lordship wishes to open employment in all branches of the new administration to educated native gentlemen.