I think it is clear that the invasion of India could not be attempted till the third year; but when should we begin to take precautions?  A Government wholly Asiatic would not be still if the Russians took possession of China; but ours, chained by European politics, would hardly move if they entered Cabul.

We ought to have full information as to Cabul, Bokhara, and China.

My letter of last year directed the attaining of information; but I dare say nothing has been done.

October 30.

Received a Memorial from Mr. Fullerton, asking some remuneration beyond his salary for past services.  He has a claim if we were rich.  I think he should have 10,000 dollars.  I dare say he thinks 20,000.  Thoughtless extravagance is the destruction of generosity and even of justice.

Upon the subject of the invasion of India my idea is that the thing is not only practicable, but easy, unless we determine to act as an Asiatic Power.  On the acquisition of Khiva by the Russians we should occupy Lahore and Cabul.[Footnote:  It may be remembered that Lord Ellenborough strongly disapproved of any occupation of Afghanistan, or interference with its internal affairs, in 1840-42.  At that time Russia had not advanced to Khiva.  It is clear that he would not have held the same opinion as to our policy towards Afghanistan after the events of 1873-74.] It is not on the Indus that an enemy is to be met.  If we do not meet him in Cabul, at the foot of the Hindoo Koosh, or in its passes, we had better remain in the Sutlege.  If the Russians once occupy Cabul they may remain there with the Indus in their front, till they have organised insurrection in our rear, and completely equipped their army.  I fear there are passes from Balkh upon Peshawur.  If these could be closed and the enemy poured upon Cabul we should know where to meet him.  Now we, being at Cabul, might be cut off from its resources by the descent of the enemy upon Peshawur.

There is some road from Roondorg through Cashmere, but I do not fear that.  The road an enemy would choose would be that by the Valley of the Cachgu.

We know nothing of these passes, nothing of the country beyond them, nothing of the course of the Indus—­but we should have full information so as to be able to crush an advancing enemy, by making the whole country hostile, which money would do.

To meet an invasion we must raise every regiment to 1,000 men.

    168 Regiments
    360 "
  -----
  1,008
  504
  ------
  60,480 Men, besides Artillery.
   4,000 King’s Inf. raised to 1,000 each Reg.
   1,000 Do. four Regiments of Cavalry.
   4,000 Four new Regiments.
   2,000 Two new Cavalry. 
         Besides King’s Artillery.
  ------
  71,480

Besides the increase which would take place in the Irregular Corps, particularly in Skinner’s.

A smaller increase than this would not be sufficient; for we should require 20,000 men at Delhi, 20,000 in Lahore, and 60,000 in Cabul.  I speak of enrolled, not effectives—­but with these augmentations the Regular Army would only be