Yours truly,
(Signed) W. H. SLEEMAN.
To Captain Harrington.
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.