The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

1855-9] INDIAN MUTINY. 293
were directed to one great end, and when the rapid
conveyance of intelligence was of the utmost import-
ance, the Post Office, so far from being left unconsulted,
was called on for every effort that could be made.
After careful examination of the packet service as it
stood, we discovered the means of doubling the number
of mails to Calcutta and Madras (then two per
month), with but moderate change of existing arrangements,
and at comparatively small additional expense.*
I wrote (Sept. I2th, 1857) to the chairman of the
Peninsular and Oriental Company, informing him of our
plan, and inviting him to a conference on the subject.
I also wrote (Sept. i6th) to Mr. Wilson, then Secretary
to the Treasury, to mention what we had done, and to
advise the postponement of all other negotiations for
the same purpose.
Little time was lost in the matter,
the company thankfully adopting our recommendation,
and the new arrangement being at once approved by
the Treasury ; and thus was obtained, at the annual
cost of ; 1 6,000, a duplication of service, which but
for the expedient employed would scarcely have been
procured at the rate of ,100,000. Every effort was
also made, even at considerable expense, to shorten
the journey between London and Paris. By the cordial
assistance of the French Post Office, and the zealous
co-operation of the directors of the English and
French railway companies, this was frequently brought
within nine hours ; t no easy matter, perhaps, even
now in 1868, but certainly very difficult in 1857.
The general result of our efforts during the Indian
troubles was briefly stated in a letter to Lord Can-
ning, which I give in the Appendix (L), as it may
now perhaps be considered to derive some historic
* "Fourth Report," p. 20. t "Fourth Report," p. 22.