If Government wish to take Major Stevens from the Byza Bae, and give him some other employment, he might be sent to act for Captain Ross; but I know nothing of his fitness for such an office.
I believe you know Captain Ross, and I need say nothing more than what I have said in my public letter. If he be sent to Gwalior, I hope a good officer may be sent to act for him in Thalone, for the duties are very heavy and responsible. Blake will do very well, and so would his second in command, Captain Erskine, of the 73rd, who is an excellent civil officer. I must pray you to let me have the orders of Government on the subject as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) W. H. SLEEMAN.
P.S.—I should consider Major Stevens an able man for a civil charge, but have never seen him.
(Signed) W. H. S.
To H. M. Elliot, Esq.,
&c. &c.
Jhansee, 6th May, 1848.
My Dear Maddock,