From Major-General J. B. Hearsey to Major W. A. J. Mayhew on how to avoid a serious outbreak, 11 February 1857

From Major-General J. B. Hearsey, C.B., Commanding the Presidency Division, to Major W. A. J. Mayhew, Deputy Adjutant-General of the Army,--No. 47-D, dated Head-Quarters, Presidency Division, Barrackpore, 11th February 1857.

        I have the honor to enclose, for the information of Government, a voluntary deposition made yesterday before Brigadier Grant, Colonel Wheler, and Captain Drury, of the 34th regiment, Native Infantry.

        2. This mutinous spirit would seem to have taken deep root among the sepoys here.

        3. On the afternoon of the 9th instant I assembled the whole of the troops now present at the station, and addressed them on the parade, pointing out the absurdity of the dread of their religious prejudices being interfered with and other matters concerning the introduction of the new rifle greased cartridges and paper, and with good effect. I think from what I have since heard I do not consider it advisable to seize and confine the sepoys named by the jemadar until I can obtain further evidence, because his sole deposition will not convict.

        4. I am of opinion that as the force here consists of Native infantry only, without Europeans or either of the two other arms, artillery or cavalry, to fall back upon in case of a serious outbreak, this is sound policy.

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, 19-20.