'Extract of a letter of Dr. Atchison addressed to Colonel Sykes, dated Peshawar, 24 February 1850' in which he writes how he left Aurangabad to carry out Sykes' wishes for information about the Sulphur Range and the mineral hills around Peshawar. He has become well acquainted with the locality but cannot visit the range because of snow. He writes of the minerals that he has found and what would be necessary to mine and refine them. The letter describes also the geography and the inhabitants of the region.
Atchison T'Extract of a letter from Matthew Herring Esq, dated 4 Dec 1847' in which he writes of his discoveries in Assam of various types of clay useful in pottery. He has also found useful geology specimens and potential medicinal components.
'Extract of a letter from Lt. Pollock addressed to Colonel Sykes, dated Kohut, 30 March 1850' in which he writes about the salt mines of 'Malgeen'. These are one day's march from a place called Nakbund where sulphur ore can be obtained. Pollock describes his journey to the area and how the mine is not regularly worked. He has sent specimens to Peshawar for further analysis as his geological knowledge is not sufficient.
Pollock Frederick'Extract of a letter from Dr Atchison, addressed to Colonel Sykes, dated Peshawar, 26 February 1850' in which he supplements his previous letter (RAS GOV7/30) with information about the 'Koree' and Khyber passes, the Jhelum river, the area around Rawal Pindee, and other geographical features on his journey.
Atchison T'Extract of a letter from Captain R. Gill, addressed to Colonel Sykes, dated, Adjuntah (Ajanta), 2 March 1848' in which he writes of his season's work copying over 200 square feet of cave paintings which he has forwarded to the Government. He describes the paintings, their composition, condition and colouring. He also writes of his work in measurement and recording details.
Gill Robert 1804-1879'Extract of a Letter from Captain M. Kittoe, dated Benares (Varanasi) 8 Oct. 1847, addressed to Col. Sykes' in which he writes that James Prinseps has suggested that he support the Asiatic Society in Bengal, otherwise he would send his communications directly to the Royal Asiatic Society. He writes of the controversy as to whether Hindu or Buddhist archaeology in India has the greater antiquity and suggests both parties may be right, though he favours Buddhist as the more ancient. He writes that he is currently in Benares and of his explorations.
Kittoe Markham 1808-1853'Extract of a letter from Captain Kittoe, addressed to Colonel Sykes, dated Behar (Bihar), 31 March 1848' in which he writes of his difficulties in collecting inscriptions in the area. He has visited one which gives a long list of Guptas. He has found some Buddhist inscriptions in good condition which he describes.
Kittoe Markham 1808-1853'Extract of a letter from Capt. Kittoe, addressed to Colonel Sykes, dated Gya, 2 March 1848' in which he writes that he fears little will be done that year as the weather is too hot and the authorities need to give permission. He sends with the letter some copies of inscriptions he has already done. He gives some details of these inscriptions and their locations. He also writes that he has 'a beauty of a model of a Siva temple of the 8th or 9th century which I promised at Benares'. He will restore that and others before sending to Sykes. He writes that he is reading H.H. Wilson's 'Vishnu Purana' in which he finds many of his own opinions confirmed.
Kittoe Markham 1808-1853'Extract from a Letter addressed to Col. Sykes by William A. Fallon Esq. dated Elephanta, 16 February 1852' in which he writes of sending into the Government a large painting of the altar piece at Elephanta on a canvas nearly 7 feet long and 2 feet 2 inches high. He also sent other plans and elevations drawn to scale. He writes that Lord Falkland is pleased with the painting.
Fallon A'Extract of a letter addressed to Colonel Sykes by Capt. Kittoe, dated Benares (Varanasi), 21 January 1849' in which he apologises for not writing sooner but he had delayed in the hope of sending more discoveries. In this he is disappointed but goes to Raja Griha and hopes that will change. He has for several months been examining 'a fine collection of Inscriptions from Bundelkhand and Gwalior' sent by Captain Ellis but he is finding difficulties in interpreting them. He is also working on an inscription from Sarnath. He describes what he has discovered so far. Kittoe hopes to be able to go into Nepal to look at Buddhist temples. He writes some of what he's learnt about Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples. Kittoe also hopes that when he has finished work at the College he will be able to visit the Western Caves. He is not sending his report awaiting more illustrations. Finally, he writes of the work of Captain A. Cunningham and how Kittoe thinks he is in error.
Kittoe Markham 1808-1853