| Description | Copies of letters to Sir James Outram. Inserted at the front of the volume are copies of two letters by Lord Napier to Sir James Outram, dated 27 November [1857] and 3 April [1858]. In the former he thanks Outram for some kind remarks he has made and expresses his commitment to his duties; in the latter he again thanks him for his kind remarks and compliments Outram on his own abilities: 'Without you it is my firm belief that Havelock would never have reached Lucknow, and the garrison would never have been saved...'.
The volume itself contains copies of two letters, dated 22 June and 3 August [1860]. In the first he outlines the most suitable arrangements for transporting troops by sea, reports on sickness suffered by troops on certain ships who had not been given enough room, and criticises navy for failing to acknowledge this. He also discusses the current military situation and Bombay Regiments, the assembly of 'nearly all the English force' at Talien Whan bay and problems they face, and compares readiness of troops with that of the French. Also offers his opinions on China.
In the second letter, which is incomplete, he discusses a Dr. Rennie, the Commissariat, who were 'got rid of', 'Bruce' and presence of 'native troops', current duties at Pietang and current and potential military engagements, including attack by the 'Gartar' Cavalry, and weather conditions.
[Sir James Outram, 1st Baronet (1803-1863), army officer in the East India Company.] |