Extracts of official and Demi-Official letters from Lieutenant General Sir James Outram [‎1r] (1/12)

i
E xtract of a letter from Lieutenant General Sir J ames O utram , G. C. B , to
the Right Honorable Viscount C anning , Governor General of India,
&c. &c. &c.
Dated Bushire, Srd May 1857.
I am most sincerely gratified to be able to announce to your Lordship, that I
now find myself fully warranted in carrying out the arrangements which I informed
your Lordship on the 6th ultimo, I purposed effecting on the receipt of the instruc
tions I then looked for consequent on the expected immediate ratification of the Treaty,
which I had hoped would leave me full discretion as to the Troops and positions to
be retained in Persia, pending the fulfilment of the conditions. In this I was disap
pointed, three months were to be awaited for the Shah's ratification, and no discretion
was left to me to weaken the forces in Persia prior to that ratification, consequently
I had to take measures to accommodate all the Troops as best I could for that period
at least, though much indeed to my regret, and disappointment. The arrangements
accordingly resolved on, I reported to Lord Clarendon on the 22nd ultimo, as I in
formed your Lordship next day in forwarding copy of that dispatch.
On my arrival here, however, I received such positive assurances from the Per
sian Commander-in-Chief in this quarter, that the Shah had already ratified the Treaty,
as to warrant the confidence that a very few days must bring an Official announce
ment of the fact from Mr. Murray, this, coupled with the desire expressed by the
Bombay Government, in dispatches, received the night before last, for the return to
India of all the Europeans I could spare, decided me to assume the responsibility of
carrying out the arrangements I had originally contemplated, i. e. withdrawing the Troops
from Mohumra, and leaving its occupation to the Navy alone, and sending to India
what Troops are not required to maintain Bushire and Karak.
In consultution with General Jacob, I have decided on retaining at those positions
only Native Infantry (5 Regiments), all the Artillery now here (one Troop Horse Ar
tillery, and two Foot Batteries European, and one Company Golundauze,) and with the
exception of the Aden Detachment, all the Cavalry (Srd Light Cavalry, Jacob's' Horse,
and Poona Horse.) The Aden Detachment I purpose sending there direct from hence,
as at this season the winds are always favorable.
Had I had any misgivings, your Lordship has now most considerately relieved me
from anv dread of the responsibility I incur, by your Telegraphic message sent to mc,
through the Bombay Government, empowering me " to send back the European Troops
at my discretion." The dispatch containing this intimation, through some mistake was
not landed with the rest of the Mail, and did not reach me until after my official dis
patch to your Lordship, of yesterday's date, had been written. I need hardly add that
it is a satisfaction to me to know that I had anticipated your Lordship's wishes. Thus
three European Regiments (64th, 78th, and 2nd Europeans) one Troop Horse Artillery
and one Foot Battery (European), and one Native Regiment (Light Battalion) will re
turn to India. I send back the Light Battalion, because I am very sensible how very
detrimental it must be to the ten Regiments of the Bombay Army, from which it is
composed, each being deprived of an entire Company, and three European Officers; it is
right that I should state that I myself am responsible for the formation of this Batta An extra allowance of pay granted to soldiers involved in special field service or to public servants on special duty.
lion, it having been embodied at my own special request.