From Brevet-Major J. Bontein to the Station Staff Officer concerning the rumor heard by Brevet-Captain J. A. Wright, 23 January 1857

From Brevet-Major J. BONTEIN, Commanding Depot of Musketry, to the Staff Officer at Dum-Dum,--dated Dum-Dum, 23rd January 1857.

        I have received the accompanying report from Brevet-Captain J. A. Wright, one of the officers attached to the depot of musketry under my command.

        2. A rumour of this nature had attracted my attention for days previously, but I was willing to believe it a mere idle prejudice which would not assume any form of consequence. Brevet-Captain Wright's statement, however, and my subsequent enquiry, has convinced me that the case is of sufficient importance to require a reference to higher authority.

        3. I last evening paraded all the native portion of the depot called for any complaints that the men might wish to prefer. At least two-thirds of the detachment immediately stepped to the front, including all the native commissioned officers. In a manner perfectly respectful they very distinctly stated their objection to the present method of preparing cartridges for the new rifled musket. The mixture employed for greasing cartridges was opposed to their religious feeling, and as a remedy they begged to suggest the employment of wax oil in such proportions as, in their opinion, would answer the purpose required.

        4. I have felt it my duty to bring this circumstance to the knowledge of the officer commanding the station, and I would further request that my report may be forwarded through the appointed channel for the consideration of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief.

From: Selections from the Letters Despatches and other State Papers preserved in the Military Department of the Government of India, 1857-58.  Edited by George W. Forrest.  Calcutta: Military Department Press 1893, 2-3.